PBA 033

[3:37:11 PM] Canto: It is morning on Nation. You're still on the plane you were at last session -- the observation window is showing the same heavily forested area outside the ship.

[3:39:20 PM] Wynn: Wynn heads to the training room!

[3:41:22 PM] Canto: The training room is where you left it. Shol is in there -- the petitioner that you picked up in Arcadia, going at a training dummy with a pair of daggers.

[3:41:52 PM] Wynn: ....Shol, right?

[3:41:59 PM] Canto: Shol:  Right.

[3:42:06 PM] Wynn: Somehow I thought you'd be.. less material.

[3:42:27 PM] Canto: Shol:  I apologize if my coherence disappoints you.

[3:42:27 PM] Valerian: Valerian tags along.

[3:43:04 PM] Wynn: No, just... not what I had expected is all.

[3:43:19 PM] Valerian: Why would that disappoint anyone?

[3:43:58 PM] Canto: Shol:  Well, I find most people expect me to float about and say things like 'OoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooo. Avenge my deeeeeeaaaaath.'

[3:44:39 PM] Wynn: That's uh... not what I expected either.

[3:44:51 PM] Valerian: It wouldn't be very productive.

[3:44:51 PM] Wynn: I guess we just haven't really talked at all since you came on.

[3:45:27 PM] Canto: Shol:  I feel a bit more comfortable in the Forest.

[3:46:01 PM] Wynn: Wynn nods. "You're not the only one."

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:46:26 PM] Wynn: Also... good morning, Valerian. Didn't see you behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:47:19 PM] Valerian: Good morning to you, too. If it is good. I'm not sure yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:47:42 PM] Wynn: Headache stick around?

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:48:46 PM] Valerian: Not much, thankfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:49:50 PM] Wynn: Wynn smiles slightly. "Good. Wonder when the others'll be up to exploring a bit."

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:50:25 PM] Wynn: Getting a bit crowded on this ship.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:51:14 PM] Valerian: It doesn't bother me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:51:22 PM] Valerian: ... I've lived in a lot of cities, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:51:59 PM] Wynn: I've been in Oonseentia for a little while, but I rarely left the temple.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:53:22 PM] Valerian: How many people were there at the same time as you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:53:56 PM] Wynn: At the temple? Not a lot. A few priests and the people who would come in to worship now and then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:54:12 PM] Wynn: I could go days without seeing anyone but Father Markus sometimes when we were in heavy training.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:54:21 PM] Valerian: Sounds lonely.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:55:21 PM] Wynn: I never thought about it like that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:55:38 PM] Wynn: Even growing up, there weren't a lot of people around.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:56:29 PM] Valerian: Did you live on a farm?

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:57:08 PM] Wynn: Mining village.... only a few families still sticking it out.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:57:20 PM] Valerian: I never much liked the country. Everybody was always wanting to hunt or hiking. ... and hiking sometimes meant walking and sometimes meant climbing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:58:43 PM] Wynn: Wynn grins. "You don't like to *walk*?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:59:42 PM] Valerian: I like walking.

<p class="MsoNormal">[3:59:53 PM] Valerian: I don't like to walk 20 miles without knowing in advance, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:00:26 PM] Wynn: Wynn looks down. "Yeah, I suppose those aren't really the sort of boots you'd want to wear out in the mud."

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:01:10 PM] Valerian: And the right shoes make a *lot* of difference.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:02:47 PM] Wynn: So what did you like... besides becoming different people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:03:30 PM] Valerian: Dances are good. Plenty of opportunities for work there. Walks are all right too, if you know in advance and it isn't tick season.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:03:39 PM] Canto: Shol moves from the training dummy over to one of the lanes for ranged weapons, and begins flinging the daggers with accuracy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:04:40 PM] Valerian: That's pretty good, I don't think I could do that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:05:00 PM | Edited 4:05:12 PM] Canto: Shol:  I've had a lot of practice. I was eight hundred when I died.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:06:01 PM] Wynn: Hey, how much do you know about Arcadia?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:06:35 PM] Canto: Shol:  It's incredibly boring.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:06:44 PM] Wynn: ....is it possible that I saw a version of myself there, or was it just someone who looked similar?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:07:20 PM] Valerian: ... pretty sure I won't live to 800.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:07:43 PM] Canto: Shol:  Both are possibilities.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:07:56 PM] Canto: Shol looks at Val. "Why not?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:08:43 PM] Wynn: Wynn frowns in thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:09:18 PM] Valerian: I'm not that elfy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:10:19 PM] Canto: Shol:  Oh. Well. Keep in mind, as an elf, at least 400 years of that was sitting around doing things really slowly in the way elves like to do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:11:34 PM] Valerian: Elves can be horribly patient.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:12:03 PM] Canto: Shol:  Weirdly, I'm a lot less patient in death than I was in life.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:12:20 PM] Wynn: ...that is odd.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:13:26 PM] Wynn: I know I'm somewhat impatient, even for a human... but I tend to think it's because of my so-called expiration date.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:17:35 PM] Valerian: Maybe you're just not very patient.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:17:36 PM] Valerian: Valerian shrugs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:18:26 PM | Edited 4:18:37 PM] Wynn: Possible, but I can't say that the thought doesn't enter my mind that I don't have forever to get things done.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:18:40 PM] Canto: Shol:  Well, no one does, really.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:19:31 PM] Wynn: Not *literally* forever, no, but 25 or 30 is a lot fewer years than 800.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:20:00 PM] Valerian: Well, it's probably your duty to stick around  as long as possible to get as *much* done as possible, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:21:33 PM] Valerian: ... mostly I just patch things up as they occur. I don't really get to do a lot of forward planning here, though--I miss having intelligence.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:22:36 PM] Wynn: Wynn grins slightly with a narrowing of the eyes. "I do what I can to survive doing my job .......but you *know* what my duty is."

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:23:50 PM] Valerian: Valerian nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:23:52 PM] Valerian: I know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:24:03 PM] Canto: Shol:  I don't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:24:06 PM] Valerian: Why is Arcadia boring, anyway? Isn't there much to do?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:24:36 PM] Canto: Shol:  It's more... basic spiritual incombatibiilty.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:24:50 PM] Wynn: Can't walk in a straight line?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:25:21 PM] Wynn: I've heard even the trees grow in rows.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:25:30 PM] Canto: Shol:  Right.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:25:54 PM] Canto: It's all very ordered and disciplined. Great for people who enjoy that sort of thing. And the people were all very pleasant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:26:32 PM] Valerian: Not much of a challenge, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:27:09 PM] Canto: Shol:  I suppose not.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:27:14 PM] Canto: Shol:  Not a lot of surprises, either.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:27:55 PM] Wynn: I wish we'd been able to look around more.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:28:32 PM] Canto: Shol:  Well, you saw, they have a billion rules against that sort of thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:29:00 PM] Wynn: When you're there, do you choose how you look, or are you, more or less, how you were when you died?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:29:31 PM] Canto: Shol:  Oh, you can choose. I could change my appearance right now if I wished.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:29:56 PM] Wynn: ...huh. I'm... well, I'm not sure how to feel about that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:30:01 PM] Valerian: To anything? Or just versions of yourself?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:30:23 PM] Canto: Shol:  Anything, really. Arcadia has rules about it, of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:30:40 PM] Wynn: And what would those be?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:31:28 PM] Canto: Shol:  No shapes of evil things, no shapes to cause mischief, each new shape you take on has to be registered and logged.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:31:43 PM] Wynn: I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions. I'm just trying to figure out more about the other me we saw.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:32:18 PM] Canto: Shol: Oh, no worries. I can imagine it was disorienting.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:32:47 PM] Wynn: It was actually... reassuring.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:34:21 PM] Canto: Shol:  Oh. Well. Time and space have very little bearing on heavens.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:35:24 PM] Wynn: Well I think I'll just keep thinking of her as me... even if she might be older than I had thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:35:41 PM] Valerian: ... you have to *register* your shapes? Seriously? Bizarre.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:35:49 PM] Valerian: Doesn't that create more paperwork than it's worth?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:35:56 PM] Canto: Shol:  Exactly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:36:10 PM] Canto: Shol:  The archons there love their paperwork.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:38:12 PM] Wynn: Wynn sighs and leans back against one of the racks.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:38:32 PM] Valerian: ... that... sounds more like one of the hells than a heaven.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:39:12 PM] Canto: Shol:  I'm certain I'm coloring it with my own preconceptions, mind you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:39:31 PM] Valerian: Still. What about mimics? ... if there are any good mimics.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:40:03 PM] Canto: Shol:  Hmm. Good question.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:41:18 PM] Canto: Shol:  I didn't notice any mimics.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:41:59 PM] Valerian: Not noticing is kind of what mimics do, isn't it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:42:19 PM] Nilani: Nilani walks in carrying a hand crossbow.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:42:33 PM] Wynn: Nilani.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:42:37 PM] Nilani: Nilani waves at you chaps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:42:57 PM] Nilani: Yes?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:43:09 PM] Wynn: .....just saying hello.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:43:14 PM] Nilani: Ah.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:43:38 PM] Canto: Shol nods at Nilani.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:43:59 PM] Wynn: You get tired of Ven too?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:47:07 PM] Canto: Shol:  Who?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:47:41 PM] Wynn: New guy. Thinks he's a pirate.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:49:28 PM] Valerian: Why would anyone think they're a pirate unless they were one?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:49:41 PM] Wynn: Ok... *wants* to be a pirate.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:49:57 PM] Canto: Shol:  Huh.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:00 PM] Canto: Nation's Avatar appears. "Thought you guys should know that the pod room door just opened."

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:13 PM] Nilani: Thanks, Nation

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:16 PM] Valerian: Valerian cracks his knuckles.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:18 PM] Wynn: Wynn frowns and picks up her shield and mace.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:20 PM] Valerian: Let's go meet the new people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:34 PM] Valerian: ... try not to look threatening. I mean, unless it's another vampire. Then look very threatening.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:35 PM] Wynn: Wynn heads thataway!

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:46 PM] Wynn: ...do I look threatening?

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:49 PM] Valerian: Valerian follows Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:56 PM] Nilani: Nilani holds the hand crossbow under her cloak and follows

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:51:59 PM] Valerian: When you want to, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:53:17 PM] Wynn: Wynn smiles a little. "Good."

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:55:01 PM] Valerian: Absolutely. ... hopefully it won't be anyone we *need* to threaten.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:55:38 PM] Wynn: ....and hopefully Ven's indifference was an exception.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:57:20 PM] Valerian: A lot of holy knights are immune to that sort of thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:57:50 PM] Wynn: Wynn snorts. "Ven? A holy knight? And I'm a demon."

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:58:46 PM] Valerian: I'd assume not, then. Some people just react weirdly to intimidation, though, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:59:33 PM] Canto: You guys run into three individuals standing in front of the pod room doors.

<p class="MsoNormal">[4:59:49 PM] Canto: Everyone describe themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:01:06 PM | Edited 5:02:38 PM] Wynn: Wynn 's a young human female. Brown hair in a low ponytail with a mace in one hand and a shield with a large symbol on her other arm. She's currently dressed in regular clothes, no armor.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:01:58 PM] Nilani: Nilani is a slightly malnourished-looking elf girl with amber eyes, wearing darkish leather armor and a grey cloak. She smiles at the newcomers, but does not close her eyes when she does so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:03:00 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is actively studying the walls as you approach. A dark-skinned merchant in his early twenties, his only distinguishing physical features are the bright blue eyes peering out from a richly-tanned face. His outfit is opulently purple and well-tailored to his form, even despite the weight of the massive pack on hs back. Said pack jingles merrily as various glass vials of dyes and inks clink back-and-forth in meshwork pouches. A heavy roll of silk hangs beneath his pack; he is very obviously unarmed and unsuited to weaponry.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:03:02 PM | Edited 5:03:24 PM] Berin: Berin is wearing a steel breastplate, masterfully made. A heavy steel shield is thrown across his back, and he has a fine sword at his hip. He and his armor show a rather portly frame, but it's a tall one, almsot six feet. His rounded face is covered by a full beard, and shares the same brown as his hair. His eyes are blue, and his skin tone is the pale of someone who spends a lot of time indoors.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:03:30 PM] Valerian: Valerian is a half-elven guy, just barely an adult, with dark hair in a tidy ponytail and dark eyes. He's dressed entirely in black in fairly plain clothing of good enough quality to be worn at a king's court. He's got a rapier at his side and is smiling rather tentatively.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:03:58 PM] Wynn: Wake up in the pods?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:04:02 PM] Valerian: Hello. I suppose you're all wondering how you got here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:04:11 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You could say that, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:04:12 PM] Valerian: We're not responsible for it but we *can* explain it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:04:48 PM] Canto: Also with the two newcomers is a beardless dwarven man with dark skin and reddish brown hair, wearing a scowl and well-made leather armor.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:05:39 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I would appreciate that, certainly. Can we begin with "where are we?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:05:46 PM] Berin: Berin blinks at the troop that comes up to them. Nothing he can see is common to any of them. A random bunch. "Well, yes, I'd like to know what's going on here. Why were we taken? Why we we chosen for it?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:06:05 PM] Valerian: I'm Valerian d'Amici. You're on a void-crossing sentient ship called Nation. The ship is cursed and he didn't bring you here either.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:06:25 PM] Wynn: Wynn narrows her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:06:35 PM] Valerian: Unfortunately, you're all cursed too, as are we. We can't get off the ship for any length of time or we'll turn back up in the pods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:06:40 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Sentient... ship? You mean the entire vessel is some variety of artifact?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:06:59 PM] Valerian: Yes. Or... I'm honestly not sure he wasn't born. Is there a race of sentient ships out there? I don't know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:07:31 PM] Berin: "Cursed? Has there been no attempt to seek divine aid?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:07:37 PM] Valerian: Part of the curse also seems to involve meeting an early untimely death, so the way we've figured it, we've all got a few years to break it. We haven't found a way yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:08:05 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari peers askance at the walls of the passage, as if seeing them in a new light. "Mother always warned me to steer clear of this magic... said it would be my undoing."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:08:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I'm sorry for not listening, Mother.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:08:36 PM] Valerian: The ship has a strong personality but he's friendly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:09:06 PM] Berin: "Void crossing? Do you mean extra-planar?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:09:25 PM] Valerian: ... we're also being pursued by two separate groups. The Neogi, a race of bug... people, and people who wear white circle tunics, who are shapeshifters of the evil variety.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:09:26 PM] Valerian: Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:09:32 PM] Wynn: Wynn points her mace at the dwarf. "You. Who are you?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:09:49 PM] Canto: "They call me Hack.  Who are you?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:10:20 PM] Berin: Berin eyes the short human and her mace.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:10:22 PM] Valerian: ... you can probably put the mace down.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:10:50 PM] Berin: Do you regularly point weapons at people?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:10:54 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari visibly edges away from the mace, more than a little offput by the show of weaponry.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:11:25 PM] Canto: Hack's hand goes to the hilt of his sword slowly, making a show of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:11:33 PM] Wynn: Claim demonic heritage? Or some other genealogical evil?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:11:35 PM] Valerian: It's kind of her job.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:11:37 PM] Wynn: Don't think about it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:11:54 PM | Edited 5:12:09 PM] Valerian: ... and I think they prefer "negative energy."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:12:08 PM] Canto: Hack:  I have no idea what you're talking about.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:13:45 PM] Wynn: I'm sure. Ground rules: Nobody hurts any other member of this crew or you answer to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:14:04 PM] Wynn: Wynn glares at the dwarf. "And I'm watching you."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:14:12 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is now very confused

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:14:19 PM] Canto: Hack:  Have a problem with dwarves, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:14:45 PM] Wynn: No. With people who radiate negative energy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:15:04 PM] Canto: Hack:  That sounds like more of a personal problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:15:27 PM] Berin: Berin eyes the symbol on the girl's shield. "She's a follower of St Cuthbert. They're dedicated to the law and retribution. Strange for one to be willing to skip the law and jump straight to retribution."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:15:57 PM] Wynn: Wynn looks at Berin. "Did I swing?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:16:47 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Must we be jumping straight to argument, all of you? I'm sure this is just a miscommunication... one we can move right past as soon as the weapons are put away.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:16:57 PM] Valerian: Let's just *all* put them away.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:17:17 PM] Valerian: There are some hazards on the ship you should know about and I'd rather tell you over a cup of tea. ... I won't make it, of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:18:14 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari approaches Valerian with a relieved smile. "I would gladly accept... I'll even provide the--" he stops, hand traveling to a clearly empty pouch on his backpack. "...right. I don't have my things."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:18:25 PM] Canto: Hack takes his hand off the pommel of his sword. "Tea sounds good."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:18:29 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Either way, I will gladly accept your offer of information.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:18:54 PM] Berin: Berin eyes the bared weapon. "A bare weapon is a declaration of intent in itself." He looks back to Wynn. "You may find people are more willing to listen when they aren't feeling threatened."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:19:15 PM] Wynn: And you may find that aboard this ship, things aren't always as friendly as I am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:19:28 PM] Valerian: We've had vampires come aboard and kill people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:19:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn steps aside to let the group go toward the galley and will bring up the rear.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:20:49 PM] Berin: I didn't say throw your weapon away. I merely point out that greeting disoroiented newcomers with a bare weapon is hardly the most diplomatic method.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:07 PM] Valerian: I'm the diplomat.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:18 PM] Valerian: ... she's the sharp stick.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:26 PM] Valerian: Or in this case, blunt object.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:28 PM] Valerian: Follow me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:32 PM] Valerian: Valerian goes first.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:34 PM] Berin: Or having the diplomat's bodyguard threatening people, rather.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:21:59 PM] Wynn: I am not a bodyguard.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:22:06 PM] Canto: Hack also brings up the rear, eyeing Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:22:19 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari follows close behind Valerian, glad to leave the violence to the back of the group

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:22:38 PM] Nilani: Nilani sticks to the middly bit of the group.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:22:38 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: So tell me about this ship. You say it is sentient? How do you know, does it communicate with you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:23:01 PM] Berin: Berin walks along in the midst of the group.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:23:19 PM] Nilani: His voice occasionally emanates from the ceiling.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:23:30 PM] Valerian: He communicates with us, and generally takes the form of a male person.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:24:09 PM] Valerian: ... we don't really have a leader or any kind of formal structure, or rules really, apart from "be nice to others."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:25:02 PM] Berin: Berin eyes Wynn at that 'rule' but says nothing about it. Instead, he asks, "And is the ship aware of when or how people are abducted?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:25:07 PM] Canto: The galley is a largish room with a large kitchen, pantry, and dining area.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:25:29 PM] Valerian: Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:25:35 PM] Wynn: "Being nice" is just how he phrases it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:25:50 PM] Valerian: This is the galley, there's plenty of food here and you can take whatever you like.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:25:59 PM] Valerian: There are a couple people who cook, but don't worry, I'm not one of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:26:29 PM] Valerian: A lot of the food--all the fresh fruit and vegetables and meat--comes from a forested demiplane that's attached to the ship.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:26:52 PM] Berin: Berin opens his mouth to argue with Wynn, but stops and perks up at the mention of cooking.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:27:15 PM] Valerian: A dryad runs the forest, kind of. Her name is Talas and she's generally pretty sweet to people, but she... seems to have a lot of powers dryads don't normally have.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:27:16 PM] Berin: "Do you have a good chef? If I'm going to be stuck here, I'd like to learn a bit more, at the least."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:27:36 PM] Valerian: I think we mostly have bakers.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:27:39 PM] Valerian: And people who cook.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:28:16 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Forested... demiplane... attached to the ship.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:28:28 PM] Valerian: ... people get nervous when assassins cook so I usually stay out of it. I'm not big on poison anyway, but it's considered polite to avoid being around food much at the Academy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:28:31 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Is there also a library demiplane attached to the ship? I think I've got quite some reading to do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:28:44 PM] Wynn: A library, not a demiplane.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:28:47 PM] Valerian: Not a demiplane, but there *is* a library. It's pretty awesome, actually.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:29:11 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Might I request a brief respite at said, then? At some point in the near future?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:29:46 PM] Wynn: I can show you each to a room and you can do as you like.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:29:53 PM] Canto: Hack looks over the contents of the pantry.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:29:56 PM] Wynn: Just don't open any doors with blinking lights.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:30:11 PM] Valerian: Of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:30:12 PM] Berin: "Blinking lights?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:30:29 PM] Valerian: The kettle's there. The tea is there and there's actually running water, which is nice.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:30:32 PM] Valerian: Valerian points to each thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:31:04 PM] Nilani: The last blinking-light door we opened led to the negative energy plane.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:32:06 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Oh! Well! I think I'll pass on doors with blinking lights. I don't know much of that place, but the name alone says bad things.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:32:31 PM] Valerian: ... you should know, we have a friendly hellhound and a fri... er... a nonthreatening incubus here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:32:52 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...is that not their job? To be "nonthreatening"?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:33:11 PM] Valerian: ... well, "friendly" was definitely the wrong word.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:33:13 PM] Wynn: As in he doesn't want to kill anyone... but don't kiss him anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:33:23 PM] Canto: Hack finishes looking through the pantry and finds a place in the corner to sit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:33:49 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Probably a safe bet no matter who they are... I've only just arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:34:50 PM] Wynn: Wynn puts her mace and shield in the weapon racks and starts counting on her fingers. "Curse, hellhound, blinking lights, Talas...... what are we missing?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:35:06 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I assume Talas is the incubus?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:35:15 PM] Wynn: Talas is the dryad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:35:21 PM] Wynn: Fred is the incubus. Redhead.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:35:38 PM] Berin: Berin is still rather confused by all this, and just sits watching and listening.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:05 PM] Wynn: ....My name is Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:08 PM] Canto: As if on cue, a half-transparent middle-aged human male walks into the kitchen, oblvious to all of you. The most disturbing thing about him is the fact that half of his head is missing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:19 PM] Wynn: Oh. And we have ghosts.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:32 PM] Canto: He walks into the pantry.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:37 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You have -- oh my myriad and sundry gods you have the undead.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:49 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari nearly falls over the table scrabbling backwards from the apparition

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:49 PM] Nilani: They're mostly harmless, but disturbing at times.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:36:53 PM] Berin: Ghosts are powered by negative energy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:37:11 PM] Wynn: They are part of the curse, apparently.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:37:14 PM] Berin: Strange you'd tolerate it from one source, but not another.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:37:15 PM] Valerian: ... some of them just seem lonely.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:37:28 PM] Valerian: I think the girl in the library just wanted to talk, but she couldn't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:37:31 PM | Edited 5:37:35 PM] Wynn: And none have made any effort toward hostility.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:37:34 PM] Nilani: One tried to be helpful.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:38:28 PM] Berin: Neither did Hack, but you felt the need to threaten him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:39:03 PM] Wynn: I questioned him. Not threatened.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:39:19 PM] Berin: You pointed a mace at him. That's a threat.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:39:29 PM] Canto: Hack:  It's fine. I wasn't threatened.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:40:02 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: There was -- look, this is clearly getting us nowhere. Can we please move past the mace and address the fact that there is a ghost interrupting tea?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:40:02 PM] Canto: The apparition has, by now, disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:40:13 PM] Valerian: There's a lot of ghosts.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:40:16 PM] Valerian: The ship can't see them for some reason.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:40:55 PM] Berin: Since Hack doesn't seem to mind, I'll drop it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:42:29 PM] Wynn: Let's go with this: My name is Wynn and I am a Paladin of St. Cuthbert. Yourselves?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:43:03 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I am Aziz al-Awlari, merchant of magical means. Of... well, formerly of Meneluinin.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:44:09 PM] Berin: I am Berin Varn, priest of The Sovereign Host. I come from Maninaata.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:45:07 PM] Wynn: Wynn looks at the dwarf, prompting him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:45:28 PM] Canto: Hack:  I already said. I'm called Hack. Late of Solitaire.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:46:52 PM] Wynn: Wynn frowns at him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:47:03 PM] Nilani: Nilani Adjarin. Former alchemist's apprentice. Former trapmaker's apprentice. Former guildmember. Former dirty beggar. I'm from Melchior's Bastion, not originally, but immediately before being snatched.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:49:24 PM | Edited 5:49:31 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I... oh, that reminds me! My shop! Oh... the world goes on while we're not there, doesn't it..?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:49:50 PM] Valerian: I'm pretty sure my parents are worried.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:49:59 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari seems suddenly very subdued.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:50:00 PM] Canto: Hack:  Good question. When I was... snatched, things were a bit... up in the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:50:11 PM] Wynn: Juggler?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:50:39 PM] Canto: Hack:  I love entertaining the little children.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:50:44 PM] Canto: He gives a grin.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:50:48 PM] Nilani: Jorff might be a bit sad I'm gone. All five of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:50:49 PM] Berin: I was plodding along on my horse, half-asleep. Nothing exciting was happening, or had happened for weeks.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:51:13 PM] Valerian: Well, we haven't given up on getting back.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:51:32 PM] Berin: As for my parents... they might start to wonder, if they don't hear back from me in a year or two.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:51:43 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I'd just bought the place, too... I still have my... the title! I left it in the store!

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:51:52 PM] Wynn: Our primary mission right now, beyond living, is to find a way to navigate back to Solitaire to fix Nation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:51:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari nearly howls in anguish.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:51:57 PM] Berin: Berin frowns. "Actually, I'm more concerned something will happen to them without me knowing."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:53:22 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...navigate? So the sentient ship will let us steer?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:53:35 PM] Wynn: If we could, perhaps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:53:42 PM] Wynn: His bridge is malfunctioning.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:53:58 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari rolls up his sleeves, clambering to his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:54:09 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Well! If we're to get home anytime soon, that sounds like it needs fixing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:54:12 PM] Wynn: He is a *broken*, haunted, sentient, plane-hopping ship.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:55:13 PM] Wynn: ...and cursed. Can't forget that part.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:55:40 PM | Edited 5:55:49 PM] Canto: A figure appears in the room -- not another ghost, but a solid-seeming figure, that looks like a human, with black skin. Not dark, but black, and lined with moving lines of glowing cyan runes. "Fix the bridge.  Why did I never think of that?  My problems are solved."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:56:03 PM] Nilani: Hello, Nation. ^_^

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:57:05 PM] Valerian: ... he's also a little bit sarcastic.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:57:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari pouts at the strangely-attired humanesque apparition. "Forgive me, I've been here maybe an hour. We must all start somewhere."

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:57:42 PM] Wynn: You're blue, Nation. Damage not too severe?

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:58:00 PM] Berin: Berin watches, paying special attention to the manifestion of the ship's mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:58:23 PM] Canto: Nation:  It was mostly cosmetic. No vital systems were compromised.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:58:29 PM] Wynn: Good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:58:39 PM] Valerian: Very good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[5:58:46 PM] Valerian: ... and, um, you might want to remind Talas about clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:00:03 PM] Berin: I have a question for you, Nation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:00:13 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I imagine we all do. At least one.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:00:30 PM] Canto: Nation:  Go ahead. My task-load is currently light.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:02:08 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Do you have a rough schematic of your component facets?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:02:09 PM | Edited 6:03:50 PM] Berin: Do you know how each person is selected to be abducted by the curse? Looking at everyone present, there is nothing we have in common with each other, that I can tell.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:03:07 PM] Valerian: Two legs, two arms, humanoid posture. But there was a hellhound in there once.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:03:52 PM] Canto: Nation:  I don't know anything about the curse, beyond what I've observed over the past millenia. That room with the storage pods shows up and aligns with one of my portals. It starts spitting out people who don't seem able to leave. Within five years, all those people are dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:04:05 PM] Canto: Nation:  Some time will pass, and it all starts again.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:04:35 PM] Berin: How much time passes between each new group?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:05:45 PM] Wynn: Don't forget the drider. Or was that before you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:06:30 PM] Canto: Nation:  It varies. The shortest amount of time was eleven years, five months, three days, two hours. The longest was one hundred sixty-three years, two months, six days.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:07:03 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: What causes the deaths? And are you... opposed, to the idea of the schematic?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:07:18 PM] Canto: Nation:  I don't know you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:07:19 PM] Valerian: Oh, right, the drider.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:07:37 PM] Berin: How many people on average is abducted in a cycle?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:08:15 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I... you're right. I didn't even consider your... you /do/ have feelings, don't you. I'd been considering you like some sort of device.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:08:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I apologize.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:08:38 PM] Canto: Nation:  I accept your apology.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:09:05 PM] Canto: Nation:  100 is the average. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Never more than 150. NEver less than 75.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:09:43 PM] Canto: Nation:  The deaths are caused by various misadventures, illnesses, and injuries. The rate of attrition is too high for it to be a simple coincidence.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:09:45 PM] Wynn: I wonder why there's variation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:10:09 PM | Edited 6:10:34 PM] Berin: The two times you mentioned before, the shortest and longest times between cycles. Do they correlate with extreme numbers of abductions?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:10:31 PM] Canto: Nation:  Generally, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:11:29 PM] Berin: It could be something is using the deaths, or the souls released by the deaths, and needs to periodically replenish them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:11:33 PM] Canto: Nation:  Every crew but the first has reported seeing apparitions that are invisible to my sensors, as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:11:51 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Could they be... apparitions of the previous crews?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:11:58 PM] Wynn: Likely.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:12:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Do you keep records of your previous crews?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:12:26 PM] Wynn: We have had a couple people who have done divinations. They said the curse and the ghosts were related.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:13:01 PM] Berin: If the numbers between cycles, and the numbers of abuctions could be studied in detail, we might be able to tell how much time between cycles each death is worth to whoever or whatever is behind this.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:13:17 PM] Canto: Nation:  I remember them all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:13:43 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: If we were to provide you with sketches of the apparitions, could you confirm if they at least visually approximate your previous crews?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:14:03 PM] Canto: Nation:  Likely, yes, as long as the sketches were any good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:14:11 PM] Canto: Roll notice, people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:14:24 PM] Berin: Is there anyway you could give us a list, with the numbers of each crew and the length of the time before the abductions began again?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:14:26 PM] Wynn: ((9.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:14:41 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: [I AM BLIND AS A BAT HERP NURP NAT 1]

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:15:02 PM] Canto: Nation:  That would take a lot of time that I prefer to use making sure you people don't implode.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:15:05 PM] Berin: ((7. Woo.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:15:41 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: The sketches it is, then. I could attempt a sketch in my free time... or perhaps there's a spell that could do it for me. Can you perceive illusions?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:15:51 PM] Canto: Nation:  Of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:15:57 PM] Nilani: (( 28. Elven paranoia senses, ACTIVATE! ))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:16:20 PM] Wynn: As I said, one of the diviners told us that the curse bound us here, to become the ghosts and echoes that are still here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:16:25 PM] Valerian: ((Ugh, my skype wasn't moving! I wondered why everyone was so quiet!))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:16:26 PM] Berin: Well, it may prove helpful to finding out what is causing this. And, we have limited time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:17:08 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari pulls out a roll of parchment, a quill, and three vials of inks, and sets about etching a scroll. "This will take me a few minutes, forgive me."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:17:09 PM] Valerian: Valerian is a good listener, but only to people. ((6.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:17:32 PM] Canto: Nation:  An even shorter time if you implode because I'm not regulating the compression field properly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:18:15 PM | Edited 6:18:46 PM] Berin: It wouldn't be necessary to do it all at once.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:19:16 PM] Nilani: Unless he's standing behind me, our dwarven companion seems to be missing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:19:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn scowls. "Nation, can you tell where he is?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:19:51 PM] Wynn: Wynn pulls her shield and mace down.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:20:22 PM] Canto: Nation:  The dwarf? No. I don't see him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:20:39 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I'll remain here and do... magic things. I'm as useful in combat as my backpack.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:20:46 PM] Valerian: He's allowed to go wherever he wants, to be fair.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:20:59 PM] Berin: Berin blinks, and looks about himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:21:12 PM] Berin: Strange.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:21:30 PM] Nilani: Well, yes, but as you may know, I'm a paranoid little ball of nerves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:21:31 PM] Wynn: Wynn glances at Valerian with a look. "Right. And I'm sure he didn't need directions or anything."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:21:50 PM] Wynn: I'll just go make sure he's not feeding Talas to Flamey.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:21:59 PM] Wynn: Wynn walks out to look for him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:22:04 PM] Berin: Berin notes, "When he was awoken, he went very quickly for a blade."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:22:26 PM] Nilani: Nilani follows

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:22:59 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is pointedly not talking as he remains at the table, carefully etching a scroll. He makes no move to follow the party.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:23:17 PM | Edited 6:23:28 PM] Berin: Berin decides to tag along, and see what transpires. His blade remains sheathed, and his shield on his back.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:24:40 PM] Canto: So, Berin, Nilani, and Wynn leave?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:25:02 PM] Valerian: A lot of people do...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:25:18 PM] Valerian: Valerian hesitates, but sticks with Aziz.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:25:30 PM] Berin: Berin does leave if the others do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:25:57 PM] Valerian: Maybe we shouldn't split up.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:26:13 PM] Canto: Val and Aziz stay.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:26:58 PM] Berin: ((Berin was the last to leave, so he can hear Val's comment and stays.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:27:18 PM] Berin: ((If that's okay.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:27:19 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari casts the scroll, arcane light tracing the inkmarks on the page. The scroll crumbles to fire and dust as a shimmering image of the first ghost - the one missing half his face, that caused Aziz to fall over the table - coalesces in front of Nation's avatar.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:27:35 PM] Canto: ((It's fine. Just need to know who's doing what.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:27:40 PM] Valerian: Woah! ... nice.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:27:48 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: "Is this one of your former crewmen, Nation?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:27:59 PM] Canto: Nation: It is.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:28:29 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: [6:25 PM] Aziz al-Awlari:

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><<< "So the ghosts are previous crewmen... that's more than a little morbid. The curse that binds us here persists even after we die..."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:28:34 PM] Berin: Berin hears Valerian's comment, and decides it has merit. He stays behind.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:28:36 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: [And now we're all caught up!]

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:29:35 PM | Edited 6:29:45 PM] Canto: Nation:  He was killed with a mace to the head by another crew-member.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:29:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: In a manner much like his ghost now displays?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:30:39 PM] Canto: Nation:  That side of the head, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:31:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Just stronger evidence for my theory, then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:31:50 PM] Berin: Berin pays some attention to the conversation between Aziz and Nation, but proceeds to check the galley to see if Hack is, for some reason, hiding in the room with them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:32:00 PM] Canto: Roll search.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:32:22 PM] Berin: ((12))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:33:42 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: If you're not comfortable giving me a schematic, would you allow me to explore on my own once this calamity is over?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:33:44 PM] Canto: He doesn't seem to be in the room that you can see.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:33:58 PM] Canto: Nation:  Of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:34:00 PM] Valerian: Could be.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:34:26 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I promise to keep any schematics I draw up, confidential.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:36:52 PM] Canto: Nation:  Right now you only have access to my crew and bridge decks. I keep my inner workings secured.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:37:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: The bridge deck would be enough to start.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:37:27 PM] Valerian: You wouldn't leave your heart out for anyone to see, romance notwithstanding.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:37:57 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: No, I understand.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:38:25 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I can't expect to earn your trust within minutes of meeting you. This will be an ongoing process.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:39:11 PM] Canto: Nation:  My bridge has only recently been recovered. Plans are in place for a new user-interface, but for the moment repairs are underway to reintgrate the bridge into my systems.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:39:29 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...a foolish question. Do you know what you look like on the outside? Perhaps a portrait?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:40:09 PM] Canto: Nation:  .. of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:40:16 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: May I see?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:40:33 PM] Valerian: ... also, maybe you should explain you and Talas to them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:41:29 PM] Canto: Nation holds up a hand and an image appears. ((See the picture on the main campaign page. https://app.roll20.net/campaigns/details/248794/planes-brains-and-automatons  ))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:42:02 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari studies the image intently

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:42:28 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...are those sails? Do they function like traditional sails, or more like those of an airship, as energy collection points?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:43:01 PM] Valerian: Wow. ... it might be impolite, but you're beautiful. Handsome?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:43:45 PM] Canto: Nation:  Well, Talas always says that. And yes, they're used for energy collection. I can retract them when I need to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:44:55 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...forgive me my impertinence. I've done nothing but pepper you with questions since meeting you. Have you any questions for me? Any information I can offer to make this more of a fair exchange?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:45:35 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I feel like an insect gazing on the face of God and daring to shake notebooks at His nose.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:46:24 PM] Berin: Berin returns to the conversation, having finished his search and finding nothing. He does eye the image Nation provides. He does comment, to Aziz, "Aureon teaches us that seeking lore is always a boon."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:47:37 PM] Canto: Nation:  ... well. Thanks, I think. I don't have any questions for the moment. Just behave yourself, don't hack into my walls, and be nice to Talas or I'll put you in a room and lose the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:48:16 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: All this I can easily agree to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:49:19 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: May I attempt to assist in the bridge repairs? I have a few unique spells that may be of assistance there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:49:44 PM] Canto: Nation:  Not for the moment. I have it under control.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:50:10 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I don't intend to claim you do not. I simply... I just want to help.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:50:27 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: If I'm to be stuck here, and you to be stuck with me, I should at least endeavour to make it an amicable relationship, no?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:51:40 PM | Edited 6:52:52 PM] Canto: Nation:  I'm not brushing you off. There's literally nothing you can do to assist the repairs at the moment, unless you can shrink to a microscopic size and are immune to electricity.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:52:52 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: The former I am not, but temporarily I can be the latter if the need arises. And either way, I could at least... how are your repairs carried out? Do you have some manner of golem that does the work, some sort of autonomous physical subroutine that reattaches facets and restores the flow of etheric energy?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:53:19 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: If there are components that do the work, they might become damaged... I can at least repair them! Perhaps speed this along in some miniscule way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:54:34 PM | Edited 6:55:40 PM] Canto: Nation:  In this case,it is a matter of testing the new connections and making sure that the phlogistonic current has less that .08% loss.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:54:59 PM] Valerian: Valerian mostly just listens.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:56:40 PM] Canto: Nation:  ... perhaps if you can show me some examples of your work I'll be able to determine how best to use you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:58:43 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Most of my best work is in magical energies, sigilry, binding and conducting. It's how I've learned to construct standard magical appliances using much less conducting reagent than the industry standard, while still retaining equivalent magical capacitance.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:59:09 PM] Nilani: Nilani bursts into the galley, looking like she ran for a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:59:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Could I borrow some supplies, perhaps a mechanics lab? I'll build you something to show you what I'm capable of.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:59:20 PM] Nilani: Guys, we may have a problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6:59:30 PM] Berin: What is it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:00:23 PM | Edited 7:00:42 PM] Nilani: It seems Hack's skeleton... *shrugged* its skin off, and is out there somewhere, doing ambulatory skeletal things.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:00:35 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I... uhm,

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:00:41 PM] Berin: Berin blinks.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:00:46 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari locates a sink and promptly throws up therein.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:01:10 PM] Berin: His skeleton? What about his flesh, what did that do?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:01:35 PM] Nilani: It's currently cooling in the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:01:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn enters, looking pissed. "Any of you know how to track?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:02:06 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...there's scrolls for that... just...

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:02:08 PM] Berin: Berin stands up. "I can't, but I can summon things that can."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:02:26 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari attempts to activate the water supply on the sink. "Lemme... clean up... urp."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:02:44 PM] Wynn: Nation, do you know where Talas is?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:02:54 PM] Wynn: Is she normally able to hear if someone calls her?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:03:08 PM] Canto: Nation:  Not always.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:03:33 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari finishes washing his face and regaining his composure

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:03:39 PM] Wynn: She didn't answer, but it looked like the thing came back to the ship after it shed the dwarf.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:03:50 PM] Wynn: Berin, with me, please.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:03:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...what do we need to do? We need to find Talas, or just communicate with her?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:07 PM] Wynn: I just wanted to know if she was safe.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:19 PM] Wynn: Wynn turns around and heads back to the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:20 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Give me five minutes and I can make a scroll to talk with her.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:35 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You'll need to use it though! I don't know this girl from Adam!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:45 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari shouts after the retreating form of Wynn

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:48 PM] Berin: Berin shrugs his shield off his back, and puts it on his left arm. "I'm coming. Lead the way."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:04:50 PM] Canto: Nation:  She can take care of herself. She could just be in her tree.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:05:01 PM] Berin: Berin follows Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:05:23 PM | Edited 7:05:38 PM] Valerian: Valerian goes with Wynn too.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:05:33 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Gods above and dragons below...

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:05:37 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari sighs

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:05:47 PM] Nilani: Nilani also follows, unless anyone is staying behind.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:06:00 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...go with them, Nilani. I'm useless in a fight... I'll just get in the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:06:13 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari plops himself in a chair and gets some more paper and ink

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:07:55 PM] Nilani: The last time I left someone alone, I got lost in an illusion. Previously, my best friend died because we split up. I'm staying with you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:08:18 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...fine. We'll go track down your dryad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:08:36 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari hastily rolls the scroll and puts it back in its tube

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:08:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Lead the way... just don't expect me to throw rocks at whatever is holding her hostage.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:09:12 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari follows Nilani after Wynn and company

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:09:22 PM] Wynn: Wynn is already entering the forest, leading Berin to the body.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:09:51 PM] Canto: It's right where she left it, a dwarf, minus a skeleton, plus a melon-sized hole in its chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:10:05 PM] Berin: Berin promptly begins to cast a spell.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:10:15 PM] Valerian: ... that's awful.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:10:18 PM] Valerian: Valerian shudders.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:10:27 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari keeps his distance from the... leavings, as calling it a "corpse" would be insulting to the undead

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:10:51 PM] Wynn: Wynn looks at the others. "Look around. See if you see anything off."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:11:25 PM] Wynn: Talas and three of our crew are likely out here somewhere, and nobody's answering.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:12:12 PM] Canto: Just for the newbies -- you pass through a door into the Forest. It's a demiplane -- it has a sky, and no visible boundaries.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:13:45 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: [Well that's a nat 20]

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:13:45 PM] Valerian: Valerian nods, and does start looking around. It's just that he's not good at it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:14:08 PM | Edited 7:14:37 PM] Berin: Berin is focusing on the body, eyeing it very intently. "There's magic on that. The armor, specifically. Seems too weak, and of the wrong type, to be related to the flesh-shedding he, or it, did."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:14:52 PM] Canto: You see nothing amiss in the immediate vicinity. Besides the pulpy dwarf.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:15:33 PM] Wynn: ...there's a trail that sort of points back to the ship, but if you can track it, we'd have better luck.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:16:45 PM] Valerian: Once we're out of danger we should probably come back and bury that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:16:45 PM] Berin: Berin nods. "I'll call up a celestial dog, and have it track the skeleton for us." He looks over at Wynn, and adds, "But it won't last long. I'll have to cast it several times, probably, to track it down."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:17:08 PM] Wynn: If we just get a good direction, we should be fine.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:17:24 PM] Wynn: There's not many places to go inside the ship. It's just making sure it's inside that's the problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:18:28 PM] Berin: Berin begins to cast his spell. He uses his holy symbol, and beseeches Balinor to send them one of his dogs, to track down an undead creature.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:18:47 PM] Canto: A dog appears.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:19:46 PM] Valerian: ... is that a poodle?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:20:08 PM] Canto: Celestial poodle:  Arf!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:20:22 PM] Valerian: Good dog. Good dog.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:20:57 PM] Berin: Berin speaks to the divine poodle, pointing at the body, and explaining what is needed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:21:12 PM] Canto: The dog sniffs at the body.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:21:51 PM] Canto: Poodle:  Arf!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:22:05 PM] Canto: It heads back toward the door to the ship.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:22:17 PM] Wynn: Wynn follows.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:22:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Follow that dog, I suppose.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:22:22 PM] Berin: Berin draws his sword and follows the dog.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:22:24 PM | Edited 7:22:32 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari follows as well from the back of the pack

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:22:50 PM] Nilani: Nilani takes off after the group, looking around cautiously, as always.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:23:23 PM] Canto: It passes back to the ship, stopping and leaning down to sniff at the ground once it crosses the boundary between the ship and the demiplane.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:39:20 PM] Canto: The celestial poodle continues its dogged pursuit! It trots intot he hallway, and then takes a left toward the library and training room.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:40:08 PM] Wynn: Wynn is following as closely as possible without potentially disrupting the dog.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:40:48 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari tries not to hound the dog's steps too closely

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:41:33 PM] Canto: The dog stops in front of the door to the library and the training room before disappearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:41:45 PM] Berin: Berin follows along, puffing a little. All that fat.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:41:53 PM] Wynn: Wynn opens the door to the training room first.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:42:03 PM] Valerian: Valerian follows too, and keeps an eye out.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:42:28 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is last in, the whole useless at combat thing

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:42:55 PM] Berin: Berin enters behind Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:42:56 PM | Edited 7:43:44 PM] Nilani: Nilani looks down the hallway behind the party, just to be sure.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:43:20 PM] Wynn: ((not entering, just looking inside to see if anything's amiss before turning to the library.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:43:32 PM] Berin: ((Ah, oops.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:43:34 PM] Canto: Roll notice, Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:43:58 PM] Wynn: ((15))

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:44:48 PM] Canto: Movement at the end of one of the ranged weapon alleys!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:45:07 PM] Wynn: Wynn steps inside and starts walking towards the movement. "Show yourself!"

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:45:44 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Or don't, that's fine too, I'm not thrilled about talking to skeletons

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:45:52 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is decidedly last into the room

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:46:51 PM] Berin: Berin is silent, but watchful.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:47:15 PM] Valerian: ... hello?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:47:22 PM] Valerian: Valerian follows Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:48:29 PM] Nilani: Nilani keeps watch out in the hall

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:48:51 PM] Canto: THe alley is long, 60 ft, with a mannequin at the end of it for target practice.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:49:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I read horror novels! He's possessing the mannequin! Hit it with something blunt!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:50:03 PM | Edited 7:50:37 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is trying to be helpful but is mostly just nervous

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:51:56 PM | Edited 7:52:08 PM] Wynn: Wynn stalks towards the mannequin. "Last chance for mercy."

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:52:48 PM] Canto: Wynn! Roll a Fort save.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:52:52 PM] Berin: Berin prepares to back Wynn up, if necessary, and follows her closer to the mannequin.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:52:53 PM] Valerian: I always prefer to talk it out, but...

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:53:18 PM] Wynn: ((+10 mod and I roll a 1 because of course I do.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:53:19 PM] Berin: ((Want me to roll fort too?))

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:56:18 PM] Canto: *Something* rips out of the front of the mannequin and flies at Wynn, hitting her in the chest. It knocks her over, probably flying back into Berin with quite a bit of force.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:56:38 PM] Valerian: Wynn!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:56:48 PM] Valerian: Are you ... still you? Are you okay?

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:56:49 PM] Wynn: Wynn sort of half-screams/half-groans.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:56:52 PM] Valerian: Valerian draws his rapier.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:57:46 PM | Edited 7:58:46 PM] Nilani: Nilani darts into the training room and shuts the door, then yells "NATION! LOCK THE DOOR PLEASE THANK YOU!"

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:57:57 PM] Berin: Berin stumbles back as Wynn flies into him, but is strong enough to not fall over.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:58:44 PM] Canto: There's a thing on Wynn's chest, about two feet in diameter, if diameter is how you measure a flailing mass of red-colored flesh, with four long spindly legs and two flailing tentacles currently trying to cut its way into Wynn's chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:58:57 PM] Valerian: What the hell is that!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:59:09 PM] Valerian: Valerian tries for a good stabbing angle!

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:59:18 PM] Canto: Okay! Roll initiative, then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:59:37 PM] Wynn: ((6.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:59:49 PM] Canto: Except for Wynn. Wynn is busy being the battleground for the moment.

<p class="MsoNormal">[7:59:58 PM] Berin: ((10))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:00:23 PM] Valerian: ((16!))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:00:23 PM] Nilani: (( 19 ))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:00:37 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: [11]

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:01:03 PM] Nilani: ((as a side note, I don't believe I put my hand crossbow away.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:01:28 PM] Berin: ((if this thing dies to one crossbow bolt, i'll be very surprised))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:01:52 PM] Canto: Round 1:  Nilani, Val, WHATISTHAT, Aziz, Berin

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:01:57 PM] Canto: *Nilani*

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:02:09 PM] Berin: ((is in the mighty last spot))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:03:21 PM] Nilani: Nilani attempts to load a crossbow bolt and turn the thing into slightly-less-hostile jelly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:04:42 PM] Canto: Roll to hit! Keeping in mind that if you miss by a certain amount, you hit Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:04:59 PM] Nilani: ((12. ._.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:05:08 PM] Canto: Like that. You hit Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:05:16 PM] Nilani: D:

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:05:33 PM] Canto: Roll damage!

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:06:36 PM] Canto: *Val*

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:07:28 PM] Valerian: Valerian stabs at it. Carefully.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:08:44 PM] Valerian: ((21, natural 19, roll for crit was 22, natural 20! I is lucky!))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:11:07 PM] Canto: Val stabs at the thing! He manages to hit it right in one of the ugly pulsating sacks under one of its legs, and it makes an unholy 'skreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee' noise.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:11:23 PM] Berin: ((Does it die?))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:11:31 PM] Canto: *WHATISTHAT*

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:11:31 PM] Valerian: Valerian jabs... *selectively*.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:13:51 PM] Canto: The thing detaches from Wynn and leaps off of her, trying to skitter away back down the alley, leaving an ugly trail of yellowish ichor as it goes. Most of it on Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:14:15 PM] Valerian: Are you okay?!

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:14:23 PM] Canto: *Aziz*

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:14:44 PM] Valerian: ((I hate it when things are smart enough to fivestep back before running.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:15:53 PM] Canto: *Aziz*

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:16:01 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: [working on it]

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:17:17 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz darts over to where Wynn is, assessing the damage and starting to cast an infusion into one of his gloves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:18:08 PM] Canto: *Berin*

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:18:59 PM] Berin: Berin moves around Wynn, and over to whatever the hell that thing is. WHATISTHAT, meet adamatine longsword.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:19:29 PM] Berin: ((No more risk of hitting Wynn, right?))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:19:43 PM] Canto: ((Nope.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:19:50 PM] Berin: ((Bah. 11.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:20:22 PM] Canto: Yeah, that whiffs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:20:57 PM] Berin: ((Just a shitty roll. I have a decent modifier on it.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:21:11 PM] Valerian: ((Happens. >.<))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:21:29 PM] Canto: Round 2:  Nilani, Val, WHATISTHAT, Aziz, Berin

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:21:33 PM] Canto: **Nilani**

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:24:29 PM] Nilani: Nilani drops her crossbow and runs towards the horrible thing of horribleness, drawing her rapier as she runs. If she reaches the thing, she attempts to stab it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:24:34 PM] Nilani: SORRY! SWEET MERCIFUL SMILING SUN-CHILD I'M SO SORRY!

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:25:23 PM] Canto: You can get to it, no problem. And it's being flanked, so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:25:54 PM] Berin: ((Sneak attack!))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:26:43 PM] Canto: Roll to hit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:28:02 PM] Canto: Nilani?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:28:59 PM] Canto: That's a hit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:31:00 PM] Canto: Nilani stabs the thing, and it gives one last bloodcurdling screech before flopping over and twictching to death.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:32:31 PM | Edited 8:32:40 PM] Nilani: Nilani steps away from the monstrousity in case it explodes into a cloud of nastiness or something. She watches it warily.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:33:09 PM] Wynn: Wynn groans and yanks the bolt out before healing herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:33:19 PM] Nilani: ...Are we sure that was the only one?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:33:33 PM] Valerian: Wynn? Are you all right? ... and can someone torch that thing?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:34:21 PM] Berin: Berin inspects the critter, trying to find some idea of what it might be.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:35:52 PM] Canto: You're not sure. It definitely seems to be some kind of aberration.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:35:54 PM] Wynn: Wynn grimaces and holds a fist over the hole in her shirt.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:36:09 PM] Valerian: ... Wynn?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:36:31 PM] Berin: Berin turns about to regard Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:36:49 PM] Wynn: DAMMIT, TARAK!

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:37:07 PM] Canto: Nation's Avatar appears. "Everything under control, then?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:37:23 PM] Canto: Nation looks at Wynn. "Should I get Allys?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:37:25 PM] Wynn: Wynn tries to sit up against a wall of the alley, obviously still in pain.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:37:32 PM] Valerian: Valerian winces.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:37:57 PM] Berin: Do you need healing, Wynn? I still have several healing spells available.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:38:10 PM] Valerian: Hey, careful... do you want me to go get you a fresh shirt?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:38:10 PM | Edited 8:39:03 PM] Wynn: Healing didn't help. ((said through gritted teeth))

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:39:08 PM] Berin: Ah.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:39:27 PM] Canto: Nation points at the thing and disintegrates it and its leavings.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:39:36 PM] Berin: Berin grimaces. "About all I can tell about this creature is that it's an aberration."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:40:13 PM] Berin: But, that's all I know about it. How it works, or what it may have done to you, I do not know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:41:02 PM] Canto: Nation:  It was an Infiltrator. The Neogi created them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:41:55 PM] Berin: Berin turns to Nation. "And you couldn't have told us before, what it was? Before we went after it?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:42:02 PM] Valerian: Valerian peels his coat off and offers it to Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:42:09 PM] Valerian: Why would you assume he knew?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:42:18 PM] Canto: Nation:  I had no idea what it was. I didn't even see it until just now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:42:54 PM] Wynn: Wynn takes it with as much of a smile as she can manage (not much at all) and at least covers the hole.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:43:21 PM] Wynn: Wynn also slips her arm out of her shield and lets it fall the rest of the way to the ground with more grimacing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:43:33 PM | Edited 8:44:19 PM] Berin: I don't understand how you can know where people are in the ship, but not know where something hostile is like that aberration.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:44:18 PM] Canto: Nation:  I'm not omnsicient.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:44:21 PM] Valerian: Valerian picks up the shield.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:44:29 PM] Valerian: Do you know what's in your left kidney right now?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:45:19 PM] Canto: Nation:  I was designed to work *with* a crew. Right now I'm working *as* a crew.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:46:20 PM] Canto: Nation:  I can't keep tabs on everything and also do everything I need to do constantly to make my interior hospitable.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:46:38 PM] Valerian: We appreciate everything you do for us.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:46:59 PM] Canto: Nation:  If I could, maybe everyone wouldn't keep dying on me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:47:12 PM] Canto: Nation:  I'll get Allys.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:47:15 PM] Canto: He disappears.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:48:30 PM] Valerian: ... if he decided he didn't want us here he could pretty much kill us all with a thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:49:48 PM] Berin: Berin shrugs. "Just seems suspicious to me, that this keeps happening and he knows nothing about it. Perhaps he's not allowed to know anything about it. Entire sections of this ship are off limits to us, from what I understand."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:50:11 PM] Berin: Have you considered that it's not our deaths, but our manner of deaths that are important to whatever is happening?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:50:26 PM] Valerian: I don't think we've had an Infiltrator before.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:50:46 PM] Valerian: That's possible.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:50:48 PM] Berin: How did Nation know it's name, or who created it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:51:00 PM] Valerian: He's had encounters with Neogi before, I know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:52:07 PM] Berin: Yet, he knew this kind of thing existed, familiar enough with it to identify it on sight, and didn't immediately recognize the description from when Nilani explained it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:53:18 PM] Wynn: Wynn squeezes her eyes shut. "Does it matter?! None of us knew what it looked like."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:53:40 PM] Valerian: ... I trust the ship. I understand why you might not, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:54:29 PM | Edited 8:55:45 PM] Berin: Yes, it matters. If my suspicion is true, then Nation's purpose, whether he knows it or not, it to stonewall us, delay us, until whatever created him can kill us off for their own purposes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:55:20 PM] Canto: A woman walks in, a tall, blonde, human woman. She looks around the room and at WYnn, moving over to her. "I hear you got yourself wounded."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:55:55 PM] Berin: Berin eyes the new arrival.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:55:57 PM | Edited 8:56:05 PM] Wynn: Wynn inhales sharply through her teeth and tries to nod. "Hurts like hell."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:56:03 PM] Valerian: Allys, these are our new guests.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:56:30 PM] Valerian: Berin and Aziz.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:57:06 PM] Canto: Allys nods curty as the new arrivals while inspecting the damage to Wynn. "... it should go without saying that if you're not wearing your armor, you *don't* sit at the front lines of every fight."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:57:22 PM] Wynn: Not gonna happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:57:47 PM] Berin: Berin belatedly remembers to sheath the sword that's been in his hand this whole time. He pays more attention though, to what Allys does. It's always good to watch another healer, you can learn things that way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:58:11 PM] Canto: She glances at Berin. "He's wearing armor, let *him* go first."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:58:43 PM | Edited 8:58:48 PM] Wynn: Wynn tries to glare at her, but wnds up screwing her face up in a grimace again.

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:59:15 PM] Canto: "If you die, you destroy Tarak.  So stop being an idiot."

<p class="MsoNormal">[8:59:44 PM] Canto: She puts her hands on Wynn's chest-hole and murmurs a spell under her breath.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:00:02 PM] Berin: Whatever that thing was, it did more than just create a wound. Nation called it an Infiltrator, a creation of the Neogi. I could tell it was an aberration of some kind.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:00:17 PM] Valerian: Valerian offers his hand for her to take if she wants it, but doesn't insist.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:00:24 PM] Valerian: And?

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:00:43 PM] Berin: It always helps for the healer to know everything she can.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:00:45 PM] Wynn: Wynn 's eyes are so tightly shut right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:01:44 PM] Canto: Allys casts her spell, and the wound closes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:02:06 PM] Valerian: Valerian takes her hand before the spell is cast, then!

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:02:59 PM] Valerian: Oh. Well, yes, that's true.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:03:30 PM] Canto: Allys:  It will likely leave a scar. Might fade in time, might not.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:04:03 PM] Wynn: Thank you. Feels much better already. ....Father Markus never prepared me for *that*.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:04:20 PM] Valerian: .... I'm not sure you *can* be prepared for that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:04:20 PM] Canto: Allys:  Parasitic abberations? They rarely do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:04:59 PM] Wynn: Wynn squeezes Val's hand a little before letting go. "Thank you too."

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:06:15 PM] Wynn: You know... if I had been wearing my armor like I'd wanted, this wouldn't have happened.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:06:25 PM] Wynn: Wynn struggles to her feet.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:06:40 PM] Canto: Allys:  Maybe, maybe not.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:07:03 PM] Canto: Allys:  Aberrations aren't really known for following natural laws.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:07:29 PM] Wynn: Well at least I wouldn't be getting lectured about being in the front when you know damn well that's where I *should* be.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:08:17 PM] Canto: Allys:  I say you let the person with the armor be in the front. YOu know, like a smart person. But then, the Saint isn't exactly big on reason or forethought.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:08:43 PM] Canto: She stands, and turns to leave the training room.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:09:01 PM] Wynn: ...I'm sorry, Allys. Thank you for helping.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:09:16 PM] Wynn: ...just a little extra anger is all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:09:39 PM] Canto: Allys:  It's fine. Just be more careful.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:09:44 PM] Valerian: ... pretty understandable.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:09:51 PM] Canto: She leaves!

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:10:15 PM] Valerian: ... maybe we can all just wear breastplates, all the time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:11:00 PM] Wynn: Wynn grins a little and rolls her eyes. "Yeah. I'm sure that would work out real well."

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:11:23 PM] Wynn: Wynn reaches out for her shield. "Thanks for grabbing that too. Let's go show these guys a room and I'll grab a new shirt.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:13:05 PM] Berin: Perhaps you can show me a room later. Right now, I'm hungry and I want to try out this place's kitchen.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:13:42 PM] Wynn: Wynn shrugs, a little lop-sided. "Suit yourself. Maybe next time I pull my mace, you might understand why."

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:14:32 PM] Berin: Berin shrugs. "I stand by what I said."

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:14:53 PM] Berin: Berin wanders off, towards the kitchen.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:15:28 PM] Valerian: Valerian sticks with Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:15:29 PM] Wynn: Wynn takes her shield from Val and picks up her mace.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:16:17 PM] Wynn: Wynn heads to her room to change!

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:17:42 PM] Valerian: Valerian takes a deep breath, and heads for the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">[9:19:00 PM] Nilani: Nilani stands where she is for a moment, blinks, and heads off to the library.