[2026/05/03 14:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me opens NCs
[2026/05/03 14:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... last time... you'd defeated the undead guardians of Sutton Hoo, a remarkably mannerly lot they were too, and the dropped Sonja y Ddraig Aurs' name and mentioned the Daikatana.
[2026/05/03 14:05] Jassie: I'm sick, so might be out of it, but will do my best
[2026/05/03 14:05] Jassie: Also heya all
[2026/05/03 14:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: And with that recap out of the way, GGGGGGGGRRRRREEEEEEEEETTTTTIIIINNNGGSSSS Adventurers! Other players get awesome DMs who create amazing, well thought out campaigns, you get me, with my dump-stat being INT.
[2026/05/03 14:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: so.... you're in the burial mound, with the various undead standing about
[2026/05/03 14:06] Sapphire: at least our DM has high STR
[2026/05/03 14:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: for that, Sapphire starts
[2026/05/03 14:08] Jassie: I wish I had better Con
[2026/05/03 14:09] Mecha: Talia looks around trying to get bearings of the next step.
[2026/05/03 14:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me throws a D20 at Sapphire
[2026/05/03 14:09] D20: Sapphire rolls 7
[2026/05/03 14:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: ....waiting for Sapphire to start us off....
[2026/05/03 14:10] Sapphire: Emily pulls out her notepad, "So, what does the Daikatana actually do? When someone is holding it."
[2026/05/03 14:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: Leading Undead: "It is der, how do you say, ultimate weapon."
[2026/05/03 14:12] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha
[2026/05/03 14:13] Jassie: So it's just a very powerful weapon? That cuts really well?
[2026/05/03 14:13] Mecha: Talia just watches at the moment in her own head about some things she said and did earlier.
[2026/05/03 14:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Leading Undead: "Ja, und thy aunty em ist this old frau, ja?"
[2026/05/03 14:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Joe!
[2026/05/03 14:15] Joe: I will Lay on Hands the most injured party member
[2026/05/03 14:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: ie., Mecha?
[2026/05/03 14:16] Joe: yes
[2026/05/03 14:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha: +16hp
[2026/05/03 14:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sapphire?
[2026/05/03 14:17] Sapphire: "We saw it in the hands of emberclaw. Any suggestions for how we stop them using it before we get it back?" she takes some notes down. "It was also very rusted when we saw them pull it out of a lake."
[2026/05/03 14:17] Mecha: I look at Joe."You do remember i have regeneration right. cast on one of the others, but thank you though."
[2026/05/03 14:18] Joe: "ok"
[2026/05/03 14:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: Lead Undead: "Maybe get better weapon or better fighter, ja? Maybe get the golden one to fight again."
[2026/05/03 14:18] Jassie: I should be fine for now I think
[2026/05/03 14:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha
[2026/05/03 14:20] Mecha: Talia narrows her eyes."Golden one can't fight again."
[2026/05/03 14:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: Lead Undead: "Denn, du are pretty screwed."
[2026/05/03 14:21] Mecha: Glad to know you believe in us."
[2026/05/03 14:21] Sonja Bikergrrl: seems you've reached the limit of what you're going to find out, unless you got other questions?
[2026/05/03 14:21] Jassie: There must be some other way, looks at the others
[2026/05/03 14:22] Sapphire: "Not unless we can... get her up from the bottom of the sea."
[2026/05/03 14:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... now what?
[2026/05/03 14:23] Jassie: Hmm, unless we can beseech an entity of the sea I guess
[2026/05/03 14:24] Mecha: I pause."Wait, wasn't there a deity or something in the middle of the sea where we had that battle?"
[2026/05/03 14:24] Joe: "Sir Joe, Paladin of WinterShard, thanks you ancient warriors for your hospitality and advice."
[2026/05/03 14:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: Umberlee? You were also told - don't!
[2026/05/03 14:25] Jassie: But might be our best shot either way
[2026/05/03 14:25] Sonja Bikergrrl: Undead bow to Joe, a little stiffly
[2026/05/03 14:25] Mecha: Talia sighs and shakes her head."We need to do something. I don't care. considering there are several deities of the sea."
[2026/05/03 14:26] Sapphire: Who was it told us not to bother Umberlee? Sonja herself, right?
[2026/05/03 14:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: Literally every sailor you've met so far
[2026/05/03 14:27] Jassie: Ah desperate times call for desperate measure right?
[2026/05/03 14:27] Jassie: Maybe
[2026/05/03 14:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: Maybe.
[2026/05/03 14:28] Joe: did anyone explain why not to ?
[2026/05/03 14:28] Mecha: Talia looks at the undead before we go."Hey where is the nearest big coastal city?"
[2026/05/03 14:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: well... she's called the Bitch Queen for a reason, which, usually involves smashing ships and drowning sailors and hurling huge storms landward
[2026/05/03 14:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: Undead: "Vy ask us? Ve died three hundert years ago."
[2026/05/03 14:29] Joe: yeah i wouldn't want to antagonise someone with that reputation
[2026/05/03 14:30] Sapphire: "Fair enoung. Do you have any questions for us before we leave?"
[2026/05/03 14:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: you get nothing but a dead silence.
[2026/05/03 14:31] Jassie: Thanks anyways, waves at the undead
[2026/05/03 14:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: exiting the mound, where you going next?
[2026/05/03 14:31] Jassie: Do we know any other entities of the sea
[2026/05/03 14:32] Jassie: Primordial?
[2026/05/03 14:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: you could go to a docks or coastly settlement and ask.
[2026/05/03 14:32] Mecha: then we head to the shoreline and follow it.
[2026/05/03 14:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: there's also at least two other routes....
[2026/05/03 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: well, first, if you go north/east, you'll probably never be seen ever again
[2026/05/03 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: so, you might want to go south and west
[2026/05/03 14:34] Jassie: Oh boy
[2026/05/03 14:35] Jassie: I guess south west then
[2026/05/03 14:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: just giving you knowledge your characters should know
[2026/05/03 14:35] Mecha: south and west it is. As we walk I speak up."So I got something I need to tell you two about."
[2026/05/03 14:35] Mecha: *er you three*
[2026/05/03 14:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: Brings you to Maldon, after about four hours, and, on the way....
[2026/05/03 14:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: You see something approaching at considerable speed
[2026/05/03 14:37] Jassie: Squints to try and get a look what it is
[2026/05/03 14:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: High above, a dragon streaks across the sky — black against the grey — its wings beating with furious purpose. Clinging to its flanks and harnesses are shapes you now recognise: kobolds, hunched and yipping excitedly, gripping rope and scale alike.
[2026/05/03 14:37] Joe: "Hide in the underbush!"
[2026/05/03 14:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: The dragon does not slow. It does not search. It flies straight and hard toward Sutton Hoo.
[2026/05/03 14:38] Joe: "Oh. I suppose we should follow it."
[2026/05/03 14:38] Jassie: Oh boy...
[2026/05/03 14:38] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me facepalms
[2026/05/03 14:38] Jassie: Have we seen that dragon before?
[2026/05/03 14:38] Mecha: I grab joe by the back of his shirt."We just came from there and they're gonna be coming to look for us, now move!"
[2026/05/03 14:38] Sapphire: back
[2026/05/03 14:38] Sapphire: sorry about the delay
[2026/05/03 14:38] D20: Sonja Bikergrrl rolls 13
[2026/05/03 14:39] Joe: Looks at Mecha. "You were about to say something..."
[2026/05/03 14:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me rolls INT for Jassie.... this is infact the dead dragon Obsidianis
[2026/05/03 14:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha seems to understand.
[2026/05/03 14:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: And you realise - with a grim, quiet satisfaction - that it is already too late. The gem is yours. For the first time... the enemy will come up empty-handed.
[2026/05/03 14:40] Sapphire: soryy again, the couple in the apartment next door are having a huge breakup argument
[2026/05/03 14:40] Mecha: *Sorry you're dealing with that Sapphire*
[2026/05/03 14:41] Mecha: I look at Joe."Oh it's nothing, don't worry about it."
[2026/05/03 14:41] Sapphire: ( well, on the upside I gained two furnitures before the girlfriend started breaking glass )
[2026/05/03 14:43] Jassie: Thanks for rolling for me
[2026/05/03 14:43] Mecha: *lol*
[2026/05/03 14:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me waits.
[2026/05/03 14:43] Sapphire: So we need to find a good place to... either hide this gem
[2026/05/03 14:43] Sapphire: or figure out how to make use of it
[2026/05/03 14:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: along with the two others you have?
[2026/05/03 14:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: joe?
[2026/05/03 14:44] Sapphire: if only there were some... understaffed border castles for us to hole up in a bit and get our situation sorted
[2026/05/03 14:44] Jassie: Hehe
[2026/05/03 14:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: if only you had the time while the realm wasn't being invaded
[2026/05/03 14:45] Joe: That would be useful indeed.
[2026/05/03 14:45] Joe: Alright... I guess we must move, and stay close to the underbush in case that Dragon returns
[2026/05/03 14:45] Jassie: Nods
[2026/05/03 14:46] Joe: "It is not because of cowardice, it is because if the gem falls into the wrong hands, the realm is doomed. Now is not the time for gallant foolhardiness. Now is the time for caution. This is my sage counsel."
[2026/05/03 14:47] Sapphire: "Agreed. Any of you know a better place to hide than the kingdom mage academy?"
[2026/05/03 14:47] Sapphire: The one where Emily orignally trained
[2026/05/03 14:49] Jassie: I guess could be the temple of the moon where I'm from
[2026/05/03 14:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: well, you can't agree on this, even. *GIGGLES*
[2026/05/03 14:49] Sapphire: so, our options?
[2026/05/03 14:49] Mecha: Which is closer? that's the one we pick and that's where we go."
[2026/05/03 14:50] Sapphire: maybe we put it to a vote
[2026/05/03 14:50] Sonja Bikergrrl: who you as.. Oh.
[2026/05/03 14:50] Joe: I'm with Talia. The closest place of safety is the best place of safety."
[2026/05/03 14:50] Sonja Bikergrrl: Where exactly is safe from a determined dragon?
[2026/05/03 14:51] Joe: The last place it would look?
[2026/05/03 14:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: where would that be?
[2026/05/03 14:52] Joe: Actually at this time that would be Sutton Hoo after the dragon has left it with no reason to return.
[2026/05/03 14:52] Jassie: That could be it
[2026/05/03 14:52] Sapphire: "Sonja's lair?"
[2026/05/03 14:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: ...you think a hole under a small hill will do it?
[2026/05/03 14:53] Jassie: But yea fair enough, when u put it that way
[2026/05/03 14:53] Joe: Why would it look for us there? It will go there, find no gem, and leave. Possibly the undead will cause it a mischief.
[2026/05/03 14:53] Sonja Bikergrrl: Even Sonjas' lair mightn't be secure (See the events of Scales of Fate), but, it is at least high on the list - and, you have a Word to keep, do you not?
[2026/05/03 14:55] Sapphire: We do have a Word to keep
[2026/05/03 14:55] Mecha: Talia growls."We do this all the time." we bicker and debate, in this case standing in the middle of the fucking road? City is that way? we go to the city but get off the damn road. we can resupply find out if there is a temple to a sea going deity who can help us, and go from there."
[2026/05/03 14:55] Sapphire: Sure, walking to the next city
[2026/05/03 14:55] Sapphire: "I thought we were debating, not bickering."
[2026/05/03 14:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: technically, the closest is Maldon
[2026/05/03 14:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: An hours' hike south
[2026/05/03 14:56] Mecha: Talia growls and moves towards the tree line so we can stop travelling out in the open. on our way to Maldon
[2026/05/03 14:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: you guys might want to follow Talia
[2026/05/03 14:56] Jassie: Gives Talia a massage as we travel lol
[2026/05/03 14:56] Sapphire: following Talia
[2026/05/03 14:57] Joe: "There may even be a healer in Maldon who can fix up my severed tendons." rubs my severed tendons, grimacing in pain.
[2026/05/03 14:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: time passes. You reach Maldon, a small port village.
[2026/05/03 14:58] Sapphire: they make wine there?
[2026/05/03 14:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me waits, curious to see wth you do next
[2026/05/03 14:59] Joe: Ask any locals if there is a healer in the village
[2026/05/03 14:59] Sapphire: there a keep or tower here for the local lord?
[2026/05/03 15:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: small shrine, docks, blacksmith (usually closed), market, tavern, cottages
[2026/05/03 15:00] Mecha: Talia looks at all of you. HEre is the plan. we get word to the town guard that we saw a Dragon an hour north, so they can prepare then we get what we need, supplies, spell components, what ever."
[2026/05/03 15:02] Jassie: Ok,at this point, I guess quick decisions would be good
[2026/05/03 15:02] Sonja Bikergrrl: they would...
[2026/05/03 15:03] Joe: Market then ?
[2026/05/03 15:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: that'd be a plan, if anyone was there... because there's a mass invasion going on, most have fled and few are bothering trading fruit and veg
[2026/05/03 15:04] Sapphire: market good, we can at the least restock on provisions
[2026/05/03 15:04] Jassie: Whatever we can get at least
[2026/05/03 15:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's a guy selling small loaves of bread, 5gp each
[2026/05/03 15:05] Jassie: And then down to the docks
[2026/05/03 15:05] Jassie: Oh town guard yes
[2026/05/03 15:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: Much like Pilton, the docks are surprisingly empty, as many are finding the sea perhaps safer than a land being invaded
[2026/05/03 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: town guard... there's two very scared looking old men with spears.
[2026/05/03 15:06] Mecha: "Gods damn it."You three ever get the feeling like the whole fucking world is against us?"
[2026/05/03 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: c'est la guerra, mon ami.
[2026/05/03 15:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... what are you doing, what's your plan?
[2026/05/03 15:10] Joe: i have 20 silver coins, not enough for bread. I'm going to the temple to pray.
[2026/05/03 15:10] Sapphire: we're up to 5 gp for loaves of bread now?
[2026/05/03 15:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: You pray at the temple.... roll D20
[2026/05/03 15:10] Jassie: I follow for now,
[2026/05/03 15:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: Give is a day or two, it'll be 10gp
[2026/05/03 15:10] Sapphire: Emily will check if they're at least decent loaves
[2026/05/03 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: Eh. Mediocre.
[2026/05/03 15:11] D20: Joe rolls 11
[2026/05/03 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: Joe: you get a sense of vague disapproval.
[2026/05/03 15:11] Joe: a homely comforting feeling
[2026/05/03 15:11] Sapphire: just like his mom
[2026/05/03 15:12] Jassie: Hehe
[2026/05/03 15:12] Mecha: As they go to the temple Talia is going to buy some bread. A few loaves, and then go the the guards.'Hey you old shits where's your commander?"
[2026/05/03 15:12] Sonja Bikergrrl: ...are we going down the route of a TPK to "reset"?
[2026/05/03 15:12] Jassie: Puts in some cash as well if needed
[2026/05/03 15:13] Sapphire: i think Talia isn't afraid of dying to two guys with spears
[2026/05/03 15:14] Sapphire: Emily is however, working on buying like four loaves of bread for the supply pack at the moment.
[2026/05/03 15:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: well.. Talia now faces two spear points
[2026/05/03 15:14] Mecha: Talia looks at the guards."there was a dragon about an hour North. find your boss and warn him."
[2026/05/03 15:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guards: "There's dragons everywhere, you idiot!" Other guard: "Yeah, and Astrid and Sonja y Ddraig Aur have been slain!"
[2026/05/03 15:16] Mecha: Talia glares."I know sonja has been slain.Wait did you say Astrid?"
[2026/05/03 15:16] Jassie: Comes up along after getting say, 3 loaves
[2026/05/03 15:17] Sapphire: Emily slowly ambles over. "Ah, you've heard about those by now?"
[2026/05/03 15:17] Jassie: I'll adjust my gold later
[2026/05/03 15:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guard: "Yeah, Queen Astrid!" Other guard: "And Sonja y Ddraig Aur was slain fighting the Black Wizard Thargon and the Great Troll Army!"
[2026/05/03 15:19] Sapphire: "There's a black wizard running around too now?" She considers this. "I assume Thargon has announced he's opposed to the kingdom."
[2026/05/03 15:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guard: "Well, duhh! Everywhere is under attack, in case you haven't noticed!"
[2026/05/03 15:22] Jassie: Well u might have a large undead one coming this way soon enough, possibly
[2026/05/03 15:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: They seem neither surprised nor impressed
[2026/05/03 15:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: Joe?
[2026/05/03 15:22] Sapphire: "Obsidion, the black one."
[2026/05/03 15:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sapphire has paid attention
[2026/05/03 15:23] Joe: I return to the others feeling sulky, hungry, injured, etc
[2026/05/03 15:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: At least Jassie has bread.
[2026/05/03 15:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha?
[2026/05/03 15:24] Jassie: Passes a loaf to joe
[2026/05/03 15:24] Jassie: Here ya go
[2026/05/03 15:24] Jassie: Your praying has borne fruit
[2026/05/03 15:24] Joe: "aw thank you!" cheers up at the comradeship
[2026/05/03 15:25] Sapphire: Emily got bread too!
[2026/05/03 15:25] Jassie: Can't have u being hungry after all right, we gotta be ready for action
[2026/05/03 15:25] Mecha: Talia stands there. "We four are going to fight Emberclaw. Mood I'm in, my memory is crap do we have our next location to go to?"
[2026/05/03 15:26] Jassie: I'll eat some, passes some to Talia too
[2026/05/03 15:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: You have a few. There was Keeping your Word, and, the other thing, and, no doubt, leads you can follow nearby.
[2026/05/03 15:27] Sapphire: Emily still in favor of keeping our word, and heading that way if it's not about to be dark
[2026/05/03 15:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: Best part of two weeks, if you want to avoid population centres and likely places of military interest
[2026/05/03 15:28] Jassie: 2 weeks? Damn
[2026/05/03 15:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: You are literally the other side of the country.
[2026/05/03 15:29] Mecha: I look at the guards."You know of any transport options to get to where we're going faster than 2 weeks?"
[2026/05/03 15:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: One of the guards has decided you're probably insane and not worth bothering with. "Fly one of the dragons."
[2026/05/03 15:30] Sapphire: Honestly Emily probably is insane for not finding somewhere safe to hunker down
[2026/05/03 15:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: Ah, the life of heroes.
[2026/05/03 15:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... what you going to do?
[2026/05/03 15:32] Mecha: Talia walks away."Don't feed them their spears.. DOn't feed them their spears..."
[2026/05/03 15:33] Jassie: Gives Talia more shoulder massages, keep calm my dear
[2026/05/03 15:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: in which direction are you walking away?
[2026/05/03 15:33] Sapphire: Emily prepares to go Keep Her Word
[2026/05/03 15:33] Joe: asking around the market if anyone knows any healers for my severed tendons
[2026/05/03 15:33] Jassie: I think 1 decision should be made and we stick with it
[2026/05/03 15:33] Mecha: Talia hands him back the ring of regeneration
[2026/05/03 15:33] Joe: grins
[2026/05/03 15:34] Joe: thank you again
[2026/05/03 15:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... the decision is...
[2026/05/03 15:34] Sapphire: anyone disagree with my plan?
[2026/05/03 15:35] Jassie: Let's just go with it
[2026/05/03 15:35] Mecha: No argument."Let's go."
[2026/05/03 15:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: it's a two week hike.
[2026/05/03 15:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: I'll be "nice" and let you get there sans asshattery
[2026/05/03 15:36] Jassie: Sureee
[2026/05/03 15:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: but, you come across many displaced refugees and cross paths with companies of soldiers on the march here, there, everywhere
[2026/05/03 15:37] Sapphire: soldiers on the kingdoms side?
[2026/05/03 15:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: Yep. If they was kobold armies, you'd be dead.
[2026/05/03 15:37] Jassie: It's all really going to the shitter isn't it
[2026/05/03 15:38] Joe: armies patrolling everywhere does make it safer, they will clear out wandering monsters from the realm. It might be a good thing.
[2026/05/03 15:38] Mecha: Since the beginning Jessie, since the beginning.
[2026/05/03 15:38] Sonja Bikergrrl: Yes. It is. After three, three and a half weeks of war.... yes.
[2026/05/03 15:38] Sonja Bikergrrl: If only someone could've done something....
[2026/05/03 15:39] Sapphire: what, like us?
[2026/05/03 15:39] Jassie: Whistles to the air lol
[2026/05/03 15:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: good point.
[2026/05/03 15:39] Sapphire: hard to imagine people like us being able to improve a situation
[2026/05/03 15:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: Finally... after what seems a lifetime... you make it to Aurora Peaks
[2026/05/03 15:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sonja y Ddraig Aurs' lair beckons. It's clear no one has been home in a while.
[2026/05/03 15:41] Sapphire: Trudging up the slopes to see what's happened in our absence.
[2026/05/03 15:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: Two minutes...
[2026/05/03 15:42] Sapphire: ????
[2026/05/03 15:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: gimme two minutes
[2026/05/03 15:43] Jassie: Goes up to check on the place
[2026/05/03 15:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: I seem to be missing a vital thing, sorry....
[2026/05/03 15:46] Jassie: All good
[2026/05/03 15:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: ...think I found it, sorry
[2026/05/03 15:47] Sonja Bikergrrl: The lair has clearly been... abandoned... for about a month, it seems
[2026/05/03 15:48] Jassie: Noone inside at all?
[2026/05/03 15:49] Sapphire: Emily heads up to look for signs of a struggle.
[2026/05/03 15:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: if anyone has been there, they left no sign. No one has been here, as far as you can tell.
[2026/05/03 15:50] Sonja Bikergrrl: There is of course an extensive library where you might find Clues
[2026/05/03 15:50] Sapphire: So no dragon blood on the floor or dead children or anything?
[2026/05/03 15:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: good gods... this isn't a Clive Barker book
[2026/05/03 15:51] Sapphire: /me will be quiet for a bit
[2026/05/03 15:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me pokes Sapphire in the direction of the library
[2026/05/03 15:52] Jassie: Where she finds the Hellbound Heart
[2026/05/03 15:53] Sapphire: right, to the library
[2026/05/03 15:53] Sonja Bikergrrl: dun dun-duuuhhnnnn
[2026/05/03 15:53] Sonja Bikergrrl: Actually, Sapphire finds a lecturn, with two pieces of parchment covered in handwriting
[2026/05/03 15:54] Joe: Any really good healing spells in the library?
[2026/05/03 15:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: plenty of treatises on magic
[2026/05/03 15:55] Sapphire: A lecturn.... she heads there first to see what is on display
[2026/05/03 15:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: rather esoteric stuff
[2026/05/03 15:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: a design for a mouse counter
[2026/05/03 15:56] Joe: Any kitchen cupboards with food ?
[2026/05/03 15:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: Two Notes, Sapphire... one seems to be rather old, and address to Sonja y Ddraig Aur, from her parents.
[2026/05/03 15:56] Jassie: Peers over
[2026/05/03 15:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: Our beloved daughter,

We received your letter, and our hearts ache that you must carry this burden so early in your long life. Know first and always that you have brought us no shame.

Merlin stood in a difficult place, bound by duty and balance, and such burdens often fall hardest on those closest to justice. Do not let bitterness take root there.

You have learned a lesson many dragons learn only after centuries: that law without compassion can wound as deeply as chaos, and that righteous intent does not free one from consequence. This is not failure — it is the rashness of youth, and youth is not a sin.

Bear your banishment with grace and dignity. One hundred years is but a brief season to our kind, and if you reflect and grow from this, it will temper you into a wiser, stronger dragon than you were before.

We love you, Sonja. We are proud of you — always.

Your Mother and Father
Aurelis & Aurelia y Ddraig Aur
[2026/05/03 15:58] Sapphire: Emily reads this, frowning and tearing up a bit.
[2026/05/03 15:58] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's... quite the letter.
[2026/05/03 15:58] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's another note, of course, much more recent, with no clear recipient
[2026/05/03 15:59] Sapphire: Also reading that one
[2026/05/03 16:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: Within a weathered but well-preserved tome are precise planar instructions, accompanied by a short handwritten note in a confident, familiar hand:

“Humans. If you are reading this, then I assume I fell fighting Evil.
You are the same adventurers who helped break Emberclaw’s corruption.
Whatever evil threatens Britannia now — you’ve got this. Good luck.

If, however, whoever reads this stands with Evil, know this:
Justice shall prevail. May your judge show you mercy.”

The tome details a ritual known as Aetherbound Passage.
[2026/05/03 16:01] Jassie: Looks at Emily, "ever heard of an Aetherbound passage?"
[2026/05/03 16:01] Sapphire: "I have now," she answers, looking for the tome in question.
[2026/05/03 16:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: I can give you the details on the page.
[2026/05/03 16:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: Accessing the Plane of Air: Ritual Name: Aetherbound Passage

Purpose: Opens a temporary planar gateway to a specific location within the Plane of Air, bound to a gold dragon’s sanctum.

Prerequisites

A small, crafted wind chime, made of gold and feathers

A vial of purified mountain air (sealed at high altitude)

One scale from a gold dragon

The dragon’s true name, sung aloud in a Language of Power

Casting Time

1 hour of uninterrupted, focused ritual casting

Ritual Steps

Preparation:
The wind chime is suspended at the center of a circle inscribed with runes of air, flight, and freedom.
The vial of mountain air and the gold dragon scale are placed within the circle.

Incantation:
The caster chants invocations to the Plane of Air in a Language of Power, weaving the dragon’s true name into the verse.

Channeling the Wind:
At the chant’s crescendo, the wind chime is gently rung.
Its tone resonates unnaturally, answered by unseen currents as golden wind and cloud begin to spiral inward.

Sealing
[2026/05/03 16:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: the Portal:
A few drops of mountain air are poured onto the wind chime while the dragon’s name is whispered one final time.
The vortex stabilizes into a shimmering, golden portal.

Result

A planar gateway opens, leading directly to the gold dragon’s domain within the Plane of Air.
The portal remains stable for approximately 10 minutes, after which it collapses harmlessly.
[2026/05/03 16:03] Mecha: Talia shakes her head."You all discuss. I have my word to keep." Talia walks away not letting anyone see her tears."Shoulda taken the deal." She mutters as she walks inside
[2026/05/03 16:03] Joe: Joe is still searching for food
[2026/05/03 16:03] Sapphire: After two weeks of walking?
[2026/05/03 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: should probably look for a chime and a scale...
[2026/05/03 16:04] Sapphire: Emily will gather up the tome, looking for the supplies needed to chil "drops of mountain air"
[2026/05/03 16:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: you're in the mountains...
[2026/05/03 16:04] Mecha: This is Sonjas place. Odds are good she has scales around. they sometimes flake off.
[2026/05/03 16:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: no doubt there's a windchime too!
[2026/05/03 16:05] Jassie: will help Emily if she asks I guess
[2026/05/03 16:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... you're attempting the ritual?
[2026/05/03 16:06] Sapphire: Collecting the needed tools, but attempting it is eventually planned
[2026/05/03 16:06] Sapphire: Should check of Sonja's dracolings are around to tell
[2026/05/03 16:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: After some searching, you do indeed find the required stuff
[2026/05/03 16:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: you may recall her hatchlings were "with their grandparents in the Plane of Air"
[2026/05/03 16:08] Jassie: Everyone ok?
[2026/05/03 16:09] Sapphire: depends on your definition of "ok"
[2026/05/03 16:09] Mecha: All right let's do this.
[2026/05/03 16:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: I hope so, just as I'm hoping you know the name to intone
[2026/05/03 16:09] Sapphire: surely we do so
[2026/05/03 16:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: who's leading the incantation?
[2026/05/03 16:10] Sapphire: though.... can tha passage go to other dragons?
[2026/05/03 16:10] Sapphire: Emily will lead it
[2026/05/03 16:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guess you'll find out.
[2026/05/03 16:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: Then, Emily: what's the true name of the dragon?
[2026/05/03 16:12] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me pokes Sap... wait, Mecha
[2026/05/03 16:13] Mecha: Sonja y Ddraig Aur
[2026/05/03 16:13] Sapphire: Sonja y Ddraig Aurs
[2026/05/03 16:13] Sapphire: sorry, was trawling notes
[2026/05/03 16:13] Jassie: All good, I might have to go get back to rest though
[2026/05/03 16:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's a moment as the world seems to stop, then there's a sudden -rushing- sound, and a glowing yellow portal opens up
[2026/05/03 16:14] Sapphire: Ah ha!
[2026/05/03 16:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aur. Gold. Not Golds.
[2026/05/03 16:14] Sapphire: Emily makes her way through
[2026/05/03 16:14] Jassie: Follows behind
[2026/05/03 16:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Everyone following (except Jassie)?
[2026/05/03 16:14] Joe: yes
[2026/05/03 16:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: You emerge into a vast stone chamber, its scale immediately disorienting. Massive portals line the walls, each sealed behind towering iron portcullises. Beyond them, you glimpse the lower landings of enormous staircases — every visible stairway climbing upward, as though this chamber lies beneath a colossal fortress. A faint, constant whistling echoes through the space, the sound of wind moving somewhere far beyond sight — steady, patient, eternal.
[2026/05/03 16:15] Mecha: Yep
[2026/05/03 16:15] Jassie: Oh u all still continuing right, I'll just be here,
[2026/05/03 16:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: Loud rumbling voice: "We got guests." Another loud, but unmistakeable elder female voice: "Bah! What do they want?" First voice, clearly elder and male: "How should I know?" Second voice, as if talking to an idiot: "Well, go and ask them!"
[2026/05/03 16:17] Mecha: Start looking for dragons but stopping as she hears that.
[2026/05/03 16:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: After a while, one of the portcullises rattles loudly and begins to rise. Aurelius Enters: A very elderly gold dragon steps through, his movements slow but deliberate, his scales dulled with age rather than weakness. Aurelius: “Ah... humans. You must be Sonja’s human friends. She spoke of you often.” (a pause, then a small bow of the head) “Where are my manners? I am Aurelius.”
[2026/05/03 16:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: A second equally elderly gold dragon enters, her eyes bright with curiosity. Aurelia: “Oh! Humans! We so rarely receive visitors! Are you Sonja’s friends? We have heard so much about you.” She smiles warmly.
[2026/05/03 16:18] Jassie: Gives bow
[2026/05/03 16:18] Sapphire: She bows. "I am known as Emily. We have indeed been working with Sonja."
[2026/05/03 16:19] Jassie: Jassie a pleasure
[2026/05/03 16:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelia: “The little ones will be heartbroken they missed you. They’re visiting the Plane of Water at the moment - they adore swimming, just like their mother.” (a pause, head tilting) “So... where is Sonja?”
[2026/05/03 16:19] Mecha: Talia bows."I am Talia and..."
[2026/05/03 16:19] Joe: "Greetings, great Dragon Aurelius. We are indeed Sonja's friends. I am Joe, Knight of WinterShard."
[2026/05/03 16:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelia: "Sonja has said so much about you!"
[2026/05/03 16:20] Mecha: Talia stands up and approaches."I'm afraid I have some... News."
[2026/05/03 16:21] Sonja Bikergrrl: The two dragons watch Talia, with great curiousity
[2026/05/03 16:22] Mecha: While we were out trying to stop Emberclaw... Sonja was ambushed and bound to a ship. the ship was detryed and despite attempts to change the outcome Sonja sank into the ocean unable to free herself... I failed her."
[2026/05/03 16:22] Mecha: *Destroyed not detryed*
[2026/05/03 16:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: The two dragons look at you, with an increasingly incredulous look.
[2026/05/03 16:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelis: "Bound... to a ship...?"
[2026/05/03 16:24] Sapphire: "Via cursed chains that the ghost of Emberclaw managed to acquire via means we are not privy to."
[2026/05/03 16:24] Mecha: Talia nods."Someone we though was on our side betrayed us and got Sonja captured by Emberclaw and his minions. Since she was injured and bound to the ships deck when it went down, so did she."
[2026/05/03 16:25] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelis stifles a laugh. "Is... this a joke...?"
[2026/05/03 16:25] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelia: "What happened then? Is she still .... bound to a ship...?"
[2026/05/03 16:25] Mecha: Tears streak Talias face."Not to sound rude, but does it look like I'm joking?"
[2026/05/03 16:26] Mecha: Talia nods."Bound to the ship at the bottom of the sea, I could not save her, I tried."
[2026/05/03 16:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelis: "Okay, okay.... but what you're saying.... she's under the sea, still chained to a ship? For what reason?"
[2026/05/03 16:26] Jassie: Basically war
[2026/05/03 16:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelia: "Well don't you think you could unchain her! How long she been down there?"
[2026/05/03 16:27] Sapphire: "None of us can breath under water and we were under assault by Emberclaw's forces at the time. our ship was reduced to planks. The crew was ready to stab us over the matter."
[2026/05/03 16:27] Sapphire: ".....are gold dragons able to breath underwater?"
[2026/05/03 16:28] Mecha: what do you mean? She was bound. tied and chained to the ship because Emberclaw is a bastard who wont stay dead. And it's been 3 weeks at this point?"
[2026/05/03 16:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: The two dragons look at Emily, with a degree of incredulity
[2026/05/03 16:28] Joe: "Alas, she speaks truth."
[2026/05/03 16:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelius: “Our kind can survive underwater, you know.” Aurelia: “Not merely survive - thrive. We breathe water as easily as air.”
[2026/05/03 16:28] Sapphire: "Because I can't. My body has been transformed into a more powerful form and I still can't breath underwater."
[2026/05/03 16:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelis (slightly proudly): "Ah, but you aren't a -gold dragon-."
[2026/05/03 16:29] Mecha: Talia looks at the two of you."So she might be alive down there? How do we get to her?"
[2026/05/03 16:30] Sapphire: Se blinks, memories flashing through what she might have instead said back when the oppurtunity presented itself.
[2026/05/03 16:30] Sapphire: "....after this many weeks she may have picked one of the locks on her own. Not that I expect her to be happy with us if she's freed herself."
[2026/05/03 16:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelis: "Might? Very probably. Quite likely, in fact."
[2026/05/03 16:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelia: "She's probably going to be hungry."
[2026/05/03 16:31] Mecha: Then again.. How do we get to her."Hope filling Talias voice."
[2026/05/03 16:31] Sapphire: "Should we get to her? If Emberclaw went to this whole production... they seem to have *expected* it to be worth doing."
[2026/05/03 16:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelis: "Find some way of breathing under water. You're rum creatures, humans. There's probably some device or spell."
[2026/05/03 16:32] Sapphire: *dumb?
[2026/05/03 16:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: Aurelius and Aurelia exchange a look - not of doubt, but of concern. Aurelius/Aurelia: “Before you go, you must rest. You look as though the wind itself could knock you over. Be well-rested before seeking Sonja. She may endure hardships that would kill others - but you are not dragons. We insist. A few hours will do no harm. Her bedchamber is not far. We will see that you are fed.”
[2026/05/03 16:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: (There you go, Joe!)
[2026/05/03 16:33] Jassie: Ok Im taking this chance to go rest, and probs change spells
[2026/05/03 16:33] Joe: "Rest and food will be gratefully received."
[2026/05/03 16:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: ok Jassie! Rest well.
[2026/05/03 16:33] Jassie: Ty all big hugs to you all
[2026/05/03 16:33] Sapphire: Emily nods slowly, too worn out to resist hospitality
[2026/05/03 16:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: The chamber you are led into is vast beyond any mortal scale - a cavern of smooth stone and gold-veined crystal. One entire wall opens onto the Plane of Air itself through an enormous crystalline window. Clouds stretch endlessly beyond it, rolling and reforming in slow, majestic tides. Far in the distance, lightning flickers silently, brief flashes of white against endless sky. The air is warm, clean, and alive.
[2026/05/03 16:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: Furnishings and Details: Gold ornaments and statues, artfully arranged rather than hoarded. An enormous mound of gold coins, clearly used as a bed by a truly colossal creature. Several human-sized bookcases, desks, chairs, and lecterns — carefully placed, well-used, and dust-free.
[2026/05/03 16:34] Jassie: Update me if anything
[2026/05/03 16:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: There are some Notes on a desk.... which probably comes as no surprise
[2026/05/03 16:36] Sapphire: "So much nicer a place than the Plane of Fire."
[2026/05/03 16:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: Indeed, of all the Planes, Plane of Air is the most ... safe.
[2026/05/03 16:36] Mecha: Gonna let Emily read those as Talia sits down on the floor.
[2026/05/03 16:37] Sapphire: She redirects from her bed-ward motion to check out the notes first.
[2026/05/03 16:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: First is a letter...
[2026/05/03 16:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: Beloved Mother and Father,

I write to you with a heavy heart and lowered wings. By decree of the Conclave, I have been banished from Britainnia for one hundred years. My actions, though taken in the name of law and justice, were judged excessive, and I accept that judgment.

I regret the shame this brings upon our name, and upon you both. Please know that I never sought to dishonour our line, only to uphold what I believed was right. Yet belief alone does not excuse consequence.

Merlin himself spoke in favour of the banishment. I do not resent him for it, though the knowledge weighs upon me. I will bear this sentence as I must, and seek wisdom in exile where I clearly lacked it in judgement.

I hope, in time, I may prove worthy of your pride again.

With love, and deepest remorse,
Sonja
[2026/05/03 16:38] Sapphire: "...this seems private."
[2026/05/03 16:38] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's one other.
[2026/05/03 16:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: Esteemed Aurelus and Aurelia,

I write to you not as Archmage, nor as arbiter of the Conclave, but simply as Merlin — an old friend who has lived long enough to know that some choices leave scars even when they are necessary.

I did not doubt Sonja’s reasons, nor the sincerity of her intent. Indeed, I still suspect that darker hands were at work — Emberclaw’s shadow has a habit of falling where proof is thinnest and consequences most severe. Yet suspicion is not evidence, and the Conclave is a thing of law, not instinct.

Faced with what was placed before us, I acted as I believed duty required. It is a decision I will carry, and one I do not take lightly.

Please know this: Sonja’s banishment is not exile from my regard, nor from the future. When her sentence ends, she will be welcomed back without hesitation, and with honour intact. Of this, I will personally see to it.

Until that day, she has my respect, my concern, and my friendship — as she always has.

With sincerity, and no small measure
[2026/05/03 16:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: of regret,
Merlin
[2026/05/03 16:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: It has a post script, in another hand: “When you’re back, remember Merlin is still your friend. Call on him if you need help.”
[2026/05/03 16:41] Sapphire: ....do we have any idea how to reach a druid of legend?
[2026/05/03 16:41] Sonja Bikergrrl: who....?
[2026/05/03 16:41] Mecha: Merlin
[2026/05/03 16:41] Sonja Bikergrrl: you were on his island three weeks or so ago.
[2026/05/03 16:43] Sapphire: *blinks*
[2026/05/03 16:43] Sapphire: I feel i must have missed a session
[2026/05/03 16:43] Joe: (before we went to the plane of fire)
[2026/05/03 16:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: I'm afraid you were most certainly there... you learnt spells.
[2026/05/03 16:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: Joe got his eye back, Jassie had restorative tea
[2026/05/03 16:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: yes... before Plane of Fire... puts it nearer a month in the past, game time.
[2026/05/03 16:45] Sapphire: somehow i never realized it was actual merlin
[2026/05/03 16:45] Mecha: Talia looks at the two of you."So I have a confession
[2026/05/03 16:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me facepalms
[2026/05/03 16:47] Mecha: Joe. I lied to you twice. Little lies. One when I told you a couple weeks ago that I wasn't going to do anything crazy and one when I started to tell you what I'm about to tell you and changed my mind.
[2026/05/03 16:48] Mecha: I did it because someone was offering me a deal to bring Sonja back. and I had to prove I was worthy of making the deal."
[2026/05/03 16:48] Mecha: Thus proving yeah i was ready to do something crazy."
[2026/05/03 16:49] Sapphire: ".....what was the deal?"
[2026/05/03 16:49] Mecha: if The being brought Sonja back I had to kill someone
[2026/05/03 16:49] Joe: "With whom did you make this deal? Who is it you intend to kill?"
[2026/05/03 16:49] Sapphire: "a... specific someone?"
[2026/05/03 16:51] Mecha: No clue gravelly voiced bint without a body, and it was open ended. She brings Sonja back then points me at the target and I kill them. I tried to make addendums like not kill anyone I know. I even offered myself instead of killing someone
[2026/05/03 16:51] Sapphire: "well... if *we* bring Sonja back, then the deal is off."
[2026/05/03 16:51] Mecha: The deal was never struck. She backed out of the deal
[2026/05/03 16:52] Mecha: but I lied to you Joe and I know the ends don't justify the means
[2026/05/03 16:53] Mecha: But it leads to one thing that might be a problem. Before I talked to gravel voice I spoke with Emberclaw. I think it was his spirit. It leads me to believe his spirit may be watching us."
[2026/05/03 16:53] Joe: "Then there is nothing to be concerned about. You gave me two truths in answer to my two questions. I have no beef with you. Your circumstance was stressful. But do try to be more honest in future. Also you should have told us about this long ago. We will help. That shadowy dealer sounds demonic. I swore an oath to rid the world of demons."
[2026/05/03 16:54] Joe: "Emberclaws spirit on the other hand is something we do need to concern ourselves about."
[2026/05/03 16:54] Mecha: IT would explain a bit how we seem to be two steps behind in almost everything."
[2026/05/03 16:54] Sonja Bikergrrl: the moral dilemnas and alignment drift as you go from fresh-faced neophytes to grizzled veterans.. :-)
[2026/05/03 16:55] Joe: "Emberclaw is the real threat here."
[2026/05/03 16:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: seems you have a very clear course of action now
[2026/05/03 16:55] Joe: OoC is there a way we can get exorcised to rid us of the watchful spirit? I can try Turn Undead, it does not seem strong enough.
[2026/05/03 16:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: Rescue Sonja y Ddraig Aur: and to do -that- you need to go under the sea.
[2026/05/03 16:56] Sapphire: and to do -that- we want to contact.... Merlin?
[2026/05/03 16:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: OoC? Yes, but, that won't necessarily work - and may not be necessary.
[2026/05/03 16:56] Joe: We will require a captain willing to hire us his ship. We possibly have something of a reputation with regard to that.
[2026/05/03 16:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: That's a good idea if you aren't sure where to go next
[2026/05/03 16:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: Indeed, a captain and a ship...
[2026/05/03 16:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: unless you plan swimming
[2026/05/03 16:57] Sapphire: maybe even a map and a crew to go with that ship
[2026/05/03 16:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: I'm sure a captain can be found with at least one of those things
[2026/05/03 16:58] Sonja Bikergrrl: but, I guess that is where we leave it tonight
[2026/05/03 16:58] Sonja Bikergrrl: us Brits need out beauty sleep
[2026/05/03 16:58] Sonja Bikergrrl: although
[2026/05/03 16:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: I'm surprised you haven't asked the >obvious< question
[2026/05/03 16:59] Sapphire: that big pile of coins looks comfy
[2026/05/03 16:59] Sapphire: where on Sonja's dracolings?
[2026/05/03 16:59] Sapphire: are
[2026/05/03 16:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: why Sonja y Ddraig Aur has not surfaced, despite her ability to thrive beneath the waves?
[2026/05/03 17:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: As advised on arrival: Aurelia: “The little ones will be heartbroken they missed you. They’re visiting the Plane of Water at the moment - they adore swimming, just like their mother.” (a pause, head tilting) “So... where is Sonja?”
[2026/05/03 17:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guess you'll find out ;-)
[2026/05/03 17:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: see you all tomorrow!