North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-11-16 - A Lesson in Icy Conflict (log)

Eoantos 16-17, 5123

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Synopsis

Grand Magister Octaven's familiar is spotted flying over the forest and people go out to search for it. An arrow flies from the North Gate archery tower, but the falcon avoids it. Landing militia members and Darkstonian soldiers try to search it out, but in the meantime, adventurers encounter and battle ice elementals in the forest. A scream is heard and people look for the source, but eventually a militia member arrives and reports finding their wounded brother and taking him back to town.

Adventurers continue battling back elementals as mist forms along the ground. The battles becomes more dire as many adventurers get overwhelmed and killed, then the mist takes shape into arctic soldiers. Pukk calls on the other Rooks for help, so they quickly assemble to provide covering fire for town. The forest, however, is in trouble as the arctic soldiers start killing off lumberjacks.

Eventually the battle more concludes than is won, with it being unclear what Octaven was after and whether she achieved it.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.
• Rights are reserved to include anything that seems especially amusing, all of the above notwithstanding.

Log

Idle Chatter

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Murharzarm disk, a surly wasteland spirit that is flying around, a tiny blue-black teadragon with silver-green wings, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a seed-eyed knobbly greenheart mandrake wearing some grey ironwood bark armor, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a skeletal bone white serpent, an animated flayed gigas disciple, the Deyrok disk, the Emperia disk, the Linguist disk, a piece of pale pink stationary, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, the Wanheda disk, the Lillyrath disk, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin, a round silver-banded barrel and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Meishera, Geovekn who is kneeling, Xorus, Murharzarm, Zandie, Sareyna, Tikba, the body of Spitzfire who is lying down, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Town Councilor Kayse, Great Lady Ouidanna who is sitting, Perigourd, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Deyrok who is sitting, Emperia, Kalikak, Stormyrain, Lady Taedie, Sohlee, High Lord Linguist, Andromalius who is sitting, Lillyrath, Wanheda

Pukk says, "Owly said he was very hungry that time."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "There's actually one fellow who seems to keep falling dead in the Market of late."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "No particular cause either."

Speaking curiously to Perigourd, Kayse asks, "Oh?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Kayse speculates, "No lurk bites?"

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Kayse for fun and excitement and most likely a grueling death"

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "Perhaps, but if so, I couldn't discern them."

Murharzarm says, "Inspiring."

Kalikak says, "Whatever happened to cheerio he use to die more than me."

Meishera asks, "Would anyone like to hunt some vereri with me?"

Geovekn softly says, "And a sandswich for the new guy."

[General] Directed to Yardie, Pukk asks, "Hey Yardie. What do you think about somebody making an abacus for our amunet thought thingy?"

A stuffed scruffy brown raccoon suddenly appears out of thin air! It squeaks loudly and bites hungrily at Kayse's ankles before disappearing. You think you hear faint laughter in the distance.

Speaking to Geovekn, Ouidanna says, "I have a chocolate sammich."

A stuffed nacreous crow with a black beak suddenly appears out of thin air! It squawks loudly and bites hungrily at Kayse's ankles before disappearing. You think you hear faint laughter in the distance.

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain asks, "He has a raccoon now?"

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not mine."

Kalikak asks, "Veeri?"

Kayse mutters, "Damn dwarf."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Kayse asks, "And a crow?"

Stormyrain says, "A..crow."

Kayse adds, "And still the bear."

Stormyrain mutters, "Who keeps selling him these things."

The voice of Thrassus says, "It might be time to cull the local vermin."

[General] Pukk thinks, "I think it has him speechless."

Stormyrain says, "Avoid culling the teadragon thank you."

Stormyrain says, "Trill is well behaved and has not bitten anyone."

Meishera says, "Would anyone like to hunt some vereri with me please."

Speaking dryly to Stormyrain, Kayse says, "I can not keep track of his menagerie."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Stormyrain offers, "You are not vermin."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk says, "No, you can't eat the teadragon."

[General] Nalver thinks, "Just don't use the beads Gutstorm pulls out his back pocket."

[General] Meishera thinks, "Would anyone like to hunt some vereri with me."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Well it's the thought that counts."

Speaking to Meishera, Ouidanna says, "I can go with you but I am afraid I would only be able to heal you. Veri are a bit underlevel for me."

Meishera says, "Its okay but thanks for offering."

[General] Directed to Gutstorm, Nalver thinks, "Wash yoo goshts in yur pockesh."

Loamian exclaims, "Oh!"

Speaking to Meishera, Ouidanna says, "You be careful out there."

[General] Meishera thinks, "I am looking for someone around my skill level."

Falcon Scout

Briefly spotted admist the cascading curtain of ashen snow, a sleek white falcon swoops out across the flake-dusted treetops of Upper Trollfang.

Leafiara amiably says, "Ah, Octaven's spy."

Vaemyr says, "Hmmm."

Kalikak asks, "We going veri?"

The voice of Thrassus asks, "What's she up to now?"

Stormyrain slowly asks, "Where is the Magister?"

Kayse sighs, "I suppose we can try and find out."

Perigourd says, "Likely close."

Stormyrain says, "I would hope so."

[travel]

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Dat yoo Falcony?"

Pukk says, "Owly is coming too. This is serious."

Vaemyr says, "Maybe owlie doesn't like other birds swooping in on his territory."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Pukk says, "Oh yeah."

Speaking to a forest troll, Pukk exclaims, "Run troll run!"

Vaemyr says, "Oh that ones a bit new..."

Leafiara muses, "She hasn't been sloppy enough in seven years for anyone to find her in the open who wasn't her own associate, but I suppose hope springs eternal."

Kayse amusedly asks, "Stopping here?"

Pukk exclaims, "Owly in flight, the clash of the birds!"

Tikba mildly says, "She may not be in the mood for conversation."

Vaemyr says, "Be back, gonna just check over by the reach just in case."

A sleek white falcon swoops across the Lower Dragonsclaw, and an arrow flies out from the North Gate tower, zipping past the bird as it soars out of sight.

Pukk says, "Huh. Back to town."

Leafiara commends, "It was a nice try."

[General] Wonkus thinks, "There's this one lady, Councillor Opalina she said that if I voted for her she would get my horse allowed in the town middle but she DIDN'T so we can meet anywhere except the town middle."

[General] Meishera asks, "So she is buying votes?"

Kayse slowly says, "Seems we lost the trail then possibly."

Thrassus says, "Not that flight leaves much of a trail to begin with."

Vaemyr says, "Didn't find anything."

Kayse notes, "Not exactly easy to spot a bird in this snow either."

Tikba says, "Elidal told us that she was lurking within Darkstone."

Moving through the forest, several town militia can be seen, arrows and eyes to the tree canopies and sky. Not far from their position, a half dozen Darkstonian soldiers march through the woods.

[General] Wonkus thinks, "Yes, it's the best town out of all the towns! There was this one girl, she died here, and then her ghost asked if she could get some help "out in Icemule" before, and I don't like to talk down to ghosts or anything, but Icemule is the middle. All the other places are "out in" places."

Thrassus says, "Now that's not the usual sight."

Pukk asks, "What is the militia doing out here?"

Stormyrain says, "Patrols, tracking the falcon it would seem."

[General] Wonkus thinks, "If I ever die, which never would happen because I'm so mighty and also I never leave the forge, but if I did, I would say something like "Can I get a cleric out in Wehnimer's?". Because Icemule is the middle."

[General] Eiroc asks, "Has anyone else noticed the Darkstonian soldiers walking through the woods?"

[General] Meishera thinks, "Well its a very nice offer but the other guy already had a date with me I can't stand him up it would be rude."

[General] Udari thinks, "This is their land now. They should be able to marsh where ever they want."

[General] Directed to Eiroc, Stormyrain thinks, "Yes, that is not unusual since the Barony settlement is nearby, though they seem to be tracking something this night."

[General] Directed brightly to Meishera, Adelynn suggests, "Just negotiate for a date with whoever of them pays you more!"

The Symbol of Need begins to burn in your mind and an image appears before you of Perigourd...

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Forest]

You release the scents of the various herbs growing on the forest floor with your steps. They mingle with the breeze that courses through the trees to create an ever-changing, but always pleasant, aroma. You also see a seed-eyed knobbly greenheart mandrake wearing some grey ironwood bark armor, the web-draped Missoni disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, an amorphous ice elemental, a lazy wild dark grey dog, an amorphous ice elemental, the Aihan disk, a short-taloned grey and white goshawk that is flying around, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental, an amorphous ice elemental, a rolton that appears dead, a rolton that appears dead and a black truffle.

Also here: Bathcwyn Missoni, Goldstr, Perigourd, Aihan, Fehala

[the rest of the group goes to their location]

Kayse shouts, "That is not a falcon!"

Speaking in Sylvankind, Fehala simply says something you don't understand.

Kayse says, "Oh."

Vaemyr says, "Hmm."

[General] Meishera thinks, "Selling myself would make me..... less than lady like."

Pukk says, "Killing roltons is how the war started in the first place."

Vaemyr says, "Well they seem to of run into it."

Tikba mildly says, "Not in the mood for conversation."

Thrassus says, "Well now."

[General] Directed to Eiroc, Stormyrain thinks, "Feel free to join us, certainly."

[General] Adelynn offhandedly remarks, "I find it empowering."

[more travel]

A soldier's scream echoes from the wooded hills!

[General] Guennwhfar thinks, "Depend on the price."

Pukk says, "Uh oh."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hey dish ish freezin me hand."

[General] Meishera thinks, "Then people would say bad things about me and start rumors."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Pukk says, "You should lead for a bit."

[General] Adelynn impishly suggests, "Perhaps you don't think you can drive a particularly high price?"

Pukk says, "Oh good. Kayse listened to me."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "They're coming from toward Darkstone."

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "I'm not saying that selling yourself is a good thing. I'm just saying, if you're gonna sell yourself...there's a vote for Frost Queen afoot and maybe play the field and get the best bid!"

Pukk says, "That doesn't happen everyday you know."

Leafiara says, "These aren't the wooded hills..."

[General] Wonkus thinks, "I voted for Yairra personally."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wooded hill near maw yeah?"

Pukk says, "I see some hills and they have woods."

Vaemyr says, "I'm just doing a cryheart impression."

Leafiara sympathetically says, "Ah, understood."

Pukk says, "Woah."

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Wooded Hills]

Clumps of modwirs obscure your vision up the hill, but also act as a windbreak. The strong pine scent of the trees fills the area, making your eyes water. Strange chitterings and cracklings make you very aware that you're not alone here. You also see the Emperia disk, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, an insouciant mountain spirit that is flying around, a surly wasteland spirit that is flying around, an animated flayed gigas disciple that is lying down, a windy tempest, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, a gnarled arm, a decayed arm, a decayed arm, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, a seed-eyed knobbly greenheart mandrake wearing some grey ironwood bark armor, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, the web-draped Missoni disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, a kobold that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, a lazy wild dark grey dog, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, an amorphous ice elemental that appears dead, a crackling sickly-green fire, a black-whorled ashen bone pillar and obvious signs of someone hiding.

[combat]

[General] Meishera thinks, "I won't reveal who I voted for but no one gave me anything."

[General] Geovekn asks, "Speaking of voting. where do you go to vote for frost queen?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gonna make lotta shilver tonite."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kill shum more."

Speaking to Eiroc, Stormyrain says, "Vaemyr leads."

Vaemyr asks, "Hmm wonder what they are looking for, or if this is just an attack on the camp?"

Pukk exclaims, "Yay!"

[ongoing travel]

Eiroc says, "I wanted to come help if I could."

Perigourd says, "Hard to say."

[General] Tristtram thinks, "Yes, I'd like to know that as well."

Missoni says, "I do not see any more elementals, but..."

Vaemyr says, "Hmm."

Stormyrain says, "..bad kobold."

[General] Geovekn thinks, "Thank you."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You taught that kobold a lesson."

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "Vote Darphin/Wonkus!"

Speaking to an animated flayed gigas disciple, Vaemyr says, "Ok calm down for now."

[General] Xess thinks, "I thought of voting for myself but I haven't the foggiest of how to walk in heels so-"

Eiroc says, "Stupid axe."

[General] Stormyrain asks, "Any militia find the source of the scream? Anyone else found the soldier who let out that yell?"

Vaemyr says, "We could head toward darkstone."

Vaemyr says, "Seems like that is the direction it was heaind."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Anyone guardin Enisius?"

Vaemyr says, "There are plenty of soldiers in the outpost."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo funny."

Leafiara says, "That's a reasonable question, though, considering how many soldiers Octaven has gotten through in the past."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee know back way in dere, Octaven prolly know too."

Pukk asks, "Velnanlin invasion??"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Not like we'd probably be much different, could just put up an icewall."

Vaemyr says, "And we'd be stuck."

The voice of Raelee says, "Enisius has no interest in escaping. He can defend himself."

A town militia marches in and snaps to attention.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wot ish Octaven jective?"

Stormyrain asks, "Report?"

The town militia reports, "We found our wounded brother. We've taken him back to town. He was tracking Octaven's falcon in the hills, got another shot in real close. Then those elementals came at us."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "She wants to take away all the town's spirits and ales."

[combat]

Eiroc exclaims, "Teamwork!"

Stormyrain asks, "Thank you, are patrols still out looking or have you returned to town?"

Xorus says, "Octave is a noun, not an adjective."

[combat]

The militiaman says, "Our small party has returned to town."

Stormyrain says, "Thank you, go tend to whoever was hurt."

Elemental Clash

The voice of Raelee says, "... as they should."

Pukk says, "The town militia has good people."

Missoni asks, "Have you located the source of the screaming?"

Pukk says, "Was a wounded militia."

[combat]

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Elemental close."

Missoni asks, "Oh dear. Are they safe now?"

Speaking to Missoni, Stormyrain says, "Yes, the militia folk that was injured is back in town, with the rest of their patrol."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "He gonna die."

[combat]

Goldstr says, "Naw."

[combat]

Raelee asks, "... what would the militia have done if they encountered the Grand Magister?"

Missoni says, "Perigourd is looking in the castle."

Eiroc says, "Sorry."

Eiroc says, "I heard some."

Speaking simply to Raelee, Stormyrain says, "Died."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Raelee says, "A reasonable prediction."

[combat]

Vaemyr asks, "Who died?"

[combat]

Stormyrain says, "I am not sure that will not be the outcome if this group interrupts her."

[combat]

[General] Grorin asks, "Whats with all the ice elementals?"

[extended combat]

[General] Jehance asks, "What do you mean?"

[combat]

[General] Grorin thinks, "Around the north gate."

Goldstr says, "Whew."

Vaemyr says, "Stronger ones."

[combat]

[General] Jehance thinks, "In Landing or Icemule."

[very extended combat]

[General] Grorin thinks, "Landing."

[very extended combat]

[General] Enville exclaims, "' Whats the deal with the ice elementals ............ They say they're cool , but they not cool / They are hot . EXACTLY JERRY !"

[very extended combat]

Tikba irritatedly says, "Cold."

Xorus says, "On the other hand, flaxen is an adjective, so it is possible Octaven could be either noun or 'jective'."

[very extended combat]

[General] Jehance thinks, "Phew, that occultist wasn't too happy. He was like, I'm on the ground, so will you be too and cast grasp of the grave."

Vaemyr asks, "Is there a particular way to free people from ice?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yep."

Leafiara says, "Could dispel it."

Speaking helpfully to Vaemyr, Tikba suggests, "Fire."

[extended combat]

A pale, icy mist creeps along the ground.

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Elementals in town."

Vaemyr says, "Hmm."

Vaemyr says, "That's not great."

Thrassus says, "That mist..."

Tikba says, "Town."

Vaemyr says, "Going back to town."

[combat]

Thrassus says, "It's a distraction."

[combat]

[General] Udari asks, "What kind of elementals?"

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Kelfur says, "Good distraction."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "With this many out here, it doesn't matter if it's a distraction or not. We have to take them all out."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Rooks to the rooftops and help kill those elementals!"

[extended combat]

[General] Thrassus thinks, "The attack on the town is likely a distraction."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye know me sellin drake weppin in me shop, perfect for these."

[General] Hollybear thinks, "Amorphous ice elementals."

[very extended combat]

[General] Hollybear asks, "Amorphous ice elementals, how mean are they?"

[extended combat]

[General] Xess thinks, "Watch out for the Huge ones."

[extended combat]

The ghostly voice of Leafiara calmly suggests, "You might wish to pull back--ah, a tad too late."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Vaemyr says, "I couldn't move."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Goldstr says, "Sheesh."

[Leafi returns in relatively short order]

Ashes to Ashes

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Forest]

You release the scents of the various herbs growing on the forest floor with your steps. They mingle with the breeze that courses through the trees to create an ever-changing, but always pleasant, aroma. You also see a lazy wild dark grey dog, the web-draped Missoni disk, a scattering of smoldering chalky white ashes, a turquoise stone, a turquoise stone, an uncut ruby and a black truffle.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Bathcwyn Missoni, the body of Xorus who is lying down, the body of Lord Thrassus who is lying down, the body of Zandie who is lying down, the body of Sareyna who is lying down, the body of Stormyrain who is lying down, the body of Goldstr who is lying down, a stunned Town Councilor Vaemyr who is lying down

>l ash

A scattering of chalky white ashes spreads across the ground, forming a silhouette reminiscent of a humanoid body. Wisps of dusty smoke rise above the ashes, like many fingers reaching for the sky, while amongst them, still-smoldering embers glow fiery shades of deep orange and gold.

Leafiara says, "Hmm, what are those ashes..."

Vaemyr says, "Not sure."

Vaemyr says, "Came from something."

[General] Aihan thinks, "Maybe the town archers shouldn't be shooting at passing birds? I know if it was -my- goshawk getting shot at, I would be upset."

The ghostly voice of Xorus says, "But then, it would be fairly silly, being both noun and adjective. Octaven with her octaven octaves."

[people pull back to Voln]

The ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "I am unable to sense the ashes in my current..unalived state, but I can go back to do that."

Missoni worriedly asks, "Where did the ashes come from?"

The ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "Unknown."

[General] The ghost of Edenfae thinks, "'Stay away from the North Ring Road."

Vaemyr says, "Probably something we killed in that mess."

[General] Directed to Gutstorm, The ghost of Stormyrain thinks, "Now would be a great time to ring the alarm."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "I'm trying to at least shoot the ballista at the elementals to help as i can."

The ghostly voice of Goldstr says, "Was lot a fire."

The ghostly voice of Thrassus says, "We were likely getting to close for her comfort."

The ghostly voice of Goldstr says, "Aye."

[General] Directed approvingly to Murharzarm, The ghost of Stormyrain thinks, "Excellent, thank you."

Leafiara thoughtfully considers, "Maybe next time we should split up and send smaller strike forces..."

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "They dispel too."

The ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "We would die in smaller forces, that way."

The ghostly voice of Thrassus says, "She was expecting us to run off back to town."

The ghostly voice of Goldstr says, "Er maybe cold as me blade be a warmin up."

Leafiara says, "It depends how she would allocate her own resources in response. Now we know what she does to a single large group."

[varous triage efforts]

The icy mist creeping through the Lower Dragonsclaw suddenly slows and thickens, blanketing the forest ground in a pale fog. A single, misshapen form rises up from the sea of mist, then another, then another.

Leafiara says, "Hmm..."

Leafiara says, "That's... inopportune."

The ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "Yes it is."

The ghostly voice of Stormyrain asks, "Some of the gryphons still live, and we have...Gutstorm?"

Missoni murmurs, "Let me check on...that."

Leafiara says, "Pukk, Perigourd, Randsford, and some others are battling."

[General] Pukk asks, "Do we have Rooks on the rooftops?"

Vaemyr says, "Gonna go try and help clear out town..."

Dark hooded figures creep along the rooftops of town, shadows among the falling white snow.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Good job Rooks. Let's finish these guys."

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "We do now! Good call!"

Speaking in Sylvankind to Aihan, Fehala says something you don't understand.

The ghostly voice of Thrassus says, "How unusual..."

The ghostly voice of Thrassus says, "Normally I feel a pain in my neck when I see those folk skulking about."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, if I'm no use here yet anyway, I might as well join the battlefield for now. ...with magic this time." [OOC note: she was trying to raise, but her blades were taking so long to warm up that she couldn't get chrisms out]

Leafiara assures, "Will be back when I can be."

[combat]

[General] Jehance thinks, "I think I got some fire scrolls."

Large, malformed beings of ice and snow continue to rise from the fog of the forest, and march towards the log field, where cries of lumberjacks and workers soon echo in the night, along with the shouting and clashing of sword on ice.

[extended combat]

[General] Xess exclaims, "I'm losing an arm every time I swing on them, good times!"

[combat]

Leafiara admits, "Might not be the brightest engagement I've ever taken on."

[extended combat]

[Focused] Markx asks, "I was sleepin for a minute. Is there somethin interestin goin on?"

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see a persnickety luck spirit that is flying around, the Wrendale disk, a vacillating lake spirit that is flying around, a short-taloned grey and white goshawk that is flying around, the Aihan disk, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara who lying down, Mihorkan, the body of Mister Udari who is lying down, Lady Nyaria, Nikhiliam who is kneeling, the body of Goldstr who is lying down, the body of Stormyrain who is lying down, Sareyna, the body of Zandie who is lying down, Xorus who is sitting, the body of Lord Thrassus who is lying down, Wrendale who is kneeling, Lady Vaza, Great Lord Fauwkes, Aihan, Fehala who is kneeling

Leafiara admits, "All things considered, that could have gone better."

The ghostly voice of Thrassus says, "Odd that she's going after lumberjacks."

[General] Tikba evenly asks, "What do you *want*, Octaven?"

[General] Raelee thinks, "A question I have been posing for years, Tikba."

Leafiara says, "There's a huge mob of elementals just outside the trail."

[General] Murharzarm asks, "In regards to being immune to arrows does that also apply to their bigger cousins?"

Within the log field, a malformed arctic soldier hoists up a human lumberjack, slamming his body into the wide trunk of a tree, breaking him instantly and bending his body in reverse, before tossing the corpse to the side.

The ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "Ouch."

[General] Directed to Tikba, Leafiara states, "Seems that 'death' is the answer."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "Perhaps we can help her, then."

[General] Stormridden thinks, "It so often is."

Leafiara says, "Recovery process handled... now to reclaim ground."

[General] Eiroc thinks, "I took down a big ice elemental, but then I got taken down myself. Sadness."

[combat]

[General] Nyaria thinks, "Elemental inside north gate."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Working on clearing the path between Voln and town, but it could be a while."

[combat]

[General] Thrassus thinks, "This is all likely a distraction from whatever she's actually doing at the moment."

[combat]

[General] Chandrellia asks, "Are we under attack?"

[combat]

[General] Leafiara replies, "Yes."

[combat]

[General] Deyrok thinks, "Seems to be pretty working."

[combat]

[General] Thrassus thinks, "Octaven's sending ice elementals after folk."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Have to pull back."

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see the Wrendale disk, a vacillating lake spirit that is flying around, a short-taloned grey and white goshawk that is flying around, the Aihan disk, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Leafiara says, "We'll need a larger group to make headway."

Stormyrain dreamily asks, "Put a call out realm wide, see if those from Trace or beyond will come aid?"

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "If anyone would like to help defend the Landing, we're a bit strapped at the moment from a strong initial attack that put us on the back foot."

[combat]

[General] Miraalor thinks, "My skills are not quite to par, unless there is a weaker front."

[combat]

[General] Stormyrain adds, "Elementals have been the enemies we're facing, thus far. Strong ones made of ice, primarily."

[General] Pukk asks, "Anymore in town?"

Leafiara says, "Well, that was a bit rough..."

[General] Vynce thinks, "I picked this moment to be in OTF."

[combat]

[General] Miraalor thinks, "I have seen none within the gates. One is outside the western gate."

Leafiara says, "One more down."

[General] Stormyrain asks, "Where is the group, currently?"

[combat]

[General] Miraalor thinks, "Two, now."

[extended combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "The immediate vicinity of the Voln trail is finally clear. Working back toward the gates."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Chandrellia exclaims, "Well crap!"

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Leafiara admits, "Haven't seen those yet."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Leafiara concedes, "It might require more concerted work."

[General] The ghost of Chandrellia thinks, "May need bigger groups to hold the lines back."

[General] Deyrok thinks, "Still one on north ring."

[General] The ghost of Pukk thinks, "Watch out for the artic soldiers..."

[General] Directed to Pukk, Leafiara agrees, "They're the toughest combatants yet."

[General] The ghost of Chandrellia thinks, "Yeah the slodiers are definately a challenge."

[combat]

[General] Miraalor thinks, "It has been slain."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Warblades pass right through the soldiers. Seems she's learned a lot since her comparatively tame attacks in 5117."

[very, very extended combat and triage]

Cooling Down

[General] Adelynn observes, "Seems quiet."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Indeed, not seeing any concentrations beyond the gates anymore either."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "All dish lootin make me tired."

[General] Miraalor thinks, "All three gates look clear from the ballista tower."

[General] Irval thinks, "The soldiers were extremely...dense."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "She is experimenting on folk."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That is the natural progression of developing these techniques."

Raelee says, "... though it may not be an experiment at this juncture."

Missoni murmurs, "It is rather a tradition in Darkstone Castle, as well."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "She might have accomplished her goal for this night, whatever that may be."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee kin ye gimme mushkelsh? me got dishpelt."

Vaemyr says, "She knows we'll invade darkstone eventually, so she's preparing the best defenses."

Geijon says, "Well, I didn't like th' experiment battle there."

Perigourd says, "One doesn't like to fight their own."

Speaking to Perigourd, Geijon says, "Quick thinking."

Markx says, "Welp. Seems we got em."

Markx says, "For now."

Perigourd says, "Lets make one more pass of the environs, if clear, then back to the square."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me gotta lotta drake weppin fer shale in me shop."

Markx says, "So. Many. Rolton."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "They made me fetch Summer."

Speaking to Pukk, Chandrellia says, "The stars look a lil brighter from down here."

Speaking amusedly to Pukk, Tikba says, "I see your face all the time."

[General] Xess thinks, "The elementals cost me an arm everytime I'd deal with em in number and the soldiers may as well have had spare lives haha."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Iffin ye need drake weppin to fight back dish cold, visht me shop! plenny fer shale!"

Speaking to Tikba, Pukk asks, "Too much?"

Stormyrain says, "My cookie to eat that time."

Speaking lightly to Pukk, Tikba says, "A mask, perhaps, some nights."

Pukk removes a grey-beaked black mask from in his leather pouch.

Pukk carefully puts on a grey-beaked black mask, concealing his face.

Pukk asks, "Like this?"

Speaking to his vethinye warsword, Perigourd says, "You need to warm up a bit."

Tikba nods approvingly at Pukk.

Pukk nods.

Pukk says, "The only problem with this mask is you can't seem my wonderful smile."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I missed hugging you."

[General] Meishera asks, "Is it safe to travel back to the landing ?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Chandrellia says, "I must say, this was only a matter of when."

Speaking slowly to Gutstorm, Stormyrain says, "You are late."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk exclaims, "My savior!"

Vaemyr says, "Gonna take a last look around and get some rest."

Speaking drunkenly to Stormyrain, Gutstorm slurs, "Da town got attacked!"

Speaking mildly to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "When the emergency begins, Gutstorm."

[General] Golleas thinks, "I'd stay where you are at present."

[General] Xess thinks, "Seems so."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "Not when it ends."

Geijon says, "Well fought, hard victory."

Pukk says, "Wow. I almost got drunk there.."

Murharzarm says, "I need to exercise more. Firing a ballista is hard on my noodle arms."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Seems they are doing one last scout around town for any stragglers."

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Me meant well."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "This presumes she is using what the Wraith has in conjunction with her own abilities."

Speaking politely to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "I am sure we are all grateful."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Damned when me do, damned when me do."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "It is possible, yes."

Pukk says, "Raelee was firing so many fireballs at one point that it seemed as if the world itself was nothing but fireballs."

[General] Meishera thinks, "Give the all clear when it is so some of us wee ones can come home and go to bed."

Irval says, "Iwas dead and felt the heat."

Markx says, "Well. There was a moment in there where literally hundreds of things happened at ones I got dizzy."

Xorus asks, "What if the world really is nothing but fireballs?"

Xess says, "I supplied many an arm."

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk asks, "A great ball of fire?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Owlie wouldnt have fettersh den."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Reminds me of Frigid's magic a bit."

Vaemyr says, "That mist was dangerous though, it froze all of us in the room, when we all initially fell."

Speaking to Xess, Chandrellia says, "Goodness, grasious."

Murharzarm asks, "That's a world I don't want to live in. Where's the sorcery?"

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably the last time I put Summer to use."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Xess says, "An entire battalions worth of arms."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why?"

Pukk says, "That ice kept my weapons from being able to fit into my scabbard."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "You may have need of her again."

Speaking to Xess, Chandrellia says, "Guess ya didnt need a, hand, then."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Fire."

Speaking wryly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "It's still keeping mine from fitting in."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll keep her with me for the moment."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Xess says, "That joke may have been, a reach."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "It seems safe enough to return to town, now."

Pukk says, "Luckily I have a big cloak..but it was bothering me. I just had to have them in the scabbard..the scabbard was their home and would miss them."

Chandrellia says, "Well, it seems they didnt have a, leg to stand on."

[General] Delyorik thinks, "And I woke up for this? Stop rumbling my library."

Xess says, "They for sure left me, disarmed."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Sorry old man, we know you need sleep, wouldnt want ya breaking a hip or anything."

[General] Irval thinks, "They werent bandits, go back to sleep."

Pukk says, "I'm glad the rooks came out and defended too."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Rooks all is clear. Good job on the defense."

Xess asks, "Now we drink right?"

Leafiara says, "You and I were out there from the start, but I know what you mean."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dey ruined me vodka!"

Speaking to Raelee, Tikba says, "I am sorry that you went so long without answers from Octaven."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia exclaims, "Not my fault I couldnt escape the slave pens fast enough!"

Xess exclaims, "The curs!"

Pukk says, "We are two rooks. We needed our army of rooks."

[General] Delyorik thinks, "I'd say keep it up, but I can smell the death from here. Relax."

Speaking to Pukk, Chandrellia exclaims, "I tried!"

Speaking to Tikba, Raelee states, "I will have them."

Tikba wryly says, "I have only gone a few weeks and I am already tired of it."

Speaking to Pukk, Chandrellia says, "In my defence as soon as I knew we under attack I jumped right to Leafi to help out."

Meishera asks, "How is the battle going?"

Xess says, "Ah the waggling lady will be around, finally I can obtain a disk."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Pukk says, "You did good."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We winned."

Speaking to Meishera, Chandrellia says, "Its over."

Kalikak says, "Wow thatt was fast."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Do you think the Hall will send hunters for her at this point?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "As usual you did great yourself."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara exclaims, "Likewise!"

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "It would be logical."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "It certainly seems to warrant that sort of response."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "How would you like to be a rook?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee and Octaven not friend no more?"

Meishera says, "Good to here."

Chandrellia says, "Well done everyone."

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee asks, "You do recall who I work for, yes?"

Meishera says, "These things happen when I'm out of town and have a full backpack."

Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus says, "I'm actually somewhat surprised they haven't already."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "Oh yeah."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee why you fight you bosh."

Leafiara says, "Last time the Empire sent someone to investigate a Grand Magister, he came from the Red Brigade and got his mind destroyed by Dennet and Quinshon in under two weeks."

Xess says, "I shall not offer her redemption until she offers me no less than thirty eight of her arms in repentance."

Murharzarm asks, "I'm guessing with things go bad the best I can do is essentially fire ballistae and make sure to say something?"

Pukk says, "I forgot for a second...the whole drowning Solhaven made me forget for a second."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "Everyone wishes to fight their boss."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "Few have the opportunity."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "I suspect she has a mole near the Archmagister and is intercepting a great deal of communication."

Leafiara says, "On the bright side, though, before he fully declined, he did pass his kroderine gauntlet along to Thadston."

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Yoo wanna fight Marlu?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Witchhunters are less about investigating and more about.. enforcement."

Speaking to Perigourd, Leafiara says, "Ah."

Kalikak says, "We did our part protecting the halflings goat cheese frm witches."

Thrassus says, "That makes sense."

Meishera asks, "Is that what we were doing?"

Speaking calmly to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "Marlu and I understand each other well."

Chandrellia says, "Yes if you are too little to join in the front lines, helping at the ballistas is a great way to lend a hand."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Deez blue rocks werth much?"

Speaking amusedly to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Not especially."

Speaking to Sareyna, Pukk says, "Thank you for keeping me alive."

Markx whispers to the group, "We doin multiple rounds and that's just how it is."

The last remnants of the icy mist seep out of the forest, returning the still of night to the woodlands.