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I hate to say it but I think I will be dropping from this game. I've had troubles staying motivated to post in it, not for lack of effort on everyone's part, and am much busier now. Also it looks like this will be the next AP my local group tackles after Legacy of Fire is finished. I've enjoyed playing with all of you and wish you good luck in your efforts to thwart the machinations of the Abyss.
Go ahead. Sorry I haven't been posting much. Been highly distracted and this game seems to be one that really falls by the wayside when that happens.
Shaking her head Iolana said,"I don't think you can destroy it like that. There is some kind of magic on it that makes it durable and feels...unholy. Maybe holy water could hurt it?"
Looking at the hideous mounted head and seeing how her companions had thus far failed to harm it, Iolana cast a small spell and examined the head magically looking for any indication if it was protected from harm in some manner.
With the fighting over Iolana made her way down the rest of the stairs to check on Allen. She looked at the quiet paladin and asked, "Do you need any healing before we continue on?"
Bending down carefully Iolana picked up the darkness infused rock and did the only thing she could think of to do, popped it into her belt pouch and then closed it up.
"I think we'd better follow him." With her whip in hand Iolana waited for the more dueable members of their band to go ahead of her and kept herself in front of Ashnah who was in the rear. She looked abck at the other woman and said, "Stay close, I'll do what I can to distract anyone coming for you."
The sudden call of the captured thug for help was a rather aggravating occurance but she was saved acting when Heinrick executed him for his temerity. She looked at the spot where the darkness emanated and knew she couldn't do much just now so she prepared to dance and inspire their courage if the opposition coming from within was too much.
Seeing the nearest cultist downed by the spray of light Iolana drew her whip as she chased the other, getting just in range to crack the weapon at his heels in an effort to trip him up.
Realizing they'd been seen Iolana did the only thing she could since they didn't know the allegiance of the two men. She approached them openly, her hand near her whip but not touching it, as she looked for signs of their allegiance and said, "I am Io, and we've been told there may have been a safe house here at one time. We are to come, investigate the place, and determine what, if anything, might be salvageable from it." She looked at the two guards then and asked politely, "Now, since I've given you my name it's only fair that you return the favor sirs, after all, I should know who I'm addressing."
Iolana smiled and gave the priest a quick kiss on the cheek as she said "Thank you for your help, the possibility of it being something dangerous to possess was what I was worried about. I plan to keep it under careful wraps for now, maybe I'll find a use for it or some one who would like to buy it one day. It is a rather skillfully made piece of craftsmanship after all, it could end up being quite valuable. With that the bard went on her way to catch up to her companions. When she'd reached the others and they decided to stay the night before heading out once again Iolana nodded and made her way to the mess hall. While she was there she could tell the mood in the place was grim, to be expected after all that had happened the last few days, and she decided something should be done to help the people enjoy themselves. After she ate she pulled out the small sets of bells for her wrists and ankles and then proceeded to try and get some music going so she could dance for a while. She kept her performance on the more suitable side, not the more risque kind she would normally give, but she made sure to do her best to liven things up and make people forget about their troubles for a time.
Before they left the safehouse Iolana toouk out her spare belt pouch and put it over the marilith figurine before pulling the pouch right side up and scooping the figurine up into it. She wasn't sure if it was important but she figured it was worth taking with them to see. When they returned and were paid and Heinrick did his shopping she asked one of the priest for a moment and showed them the statue, "Does there seem to be anything dangerous about this figurine? Other than being of a marilith I mean?"
"Well, I'm glad that is over with. I'd rather not have to deal with one of those again, it wasn't very pleasant." When Heinrick asked about the holy symbols Iolana nodded and said, "Fine by me, I'm not a follower of the Inheritor so I have no real interest in them." She sighed then, it seemed obvious there was little else of interest, though the clockwork marillith did catch her eye as intriguing. Iolana moved closer to it so she could examine it, not trusting it enough to pick it up, and tried to figure out what it might do.
Round 1
Round 2
Finding the chest was interesting, the revelation that it bore the symbol of a demonlord was not. She was just getting a bad feeling about this whole thing when she was proven correct. The voice spoke, the bottle broke, and Iolana choaked.
Iolana was quite relieved that they let the looters go, her own clan had done such things when she was growing up and it didn't strike her as wrong. Still, she kept her silence on the subject and entered the shop with them to check for anything of use. She noticed the fake shelving unit at almost the same time as Heinrick and said, "Hey, we've got something over here, hidden doorway maybe." As Allen moved up to open it she pulled her whip free, ready in case she needed it.
Iolana laughed gently, "I don't think Hell is the problem around here." She reached out to lay a hand on Ashnah's arm as she continued, "I don't think it's personal, he hasn't said much to any of us so far." She stopped for a second to consider and continued, Actually, I don't think he's said anything to us so far. If I had to guess he's one of those quiet ones who aren't good at meeting new people. I'm sure he'll warm up to us eventually." She gave Allen a quirky smile, "Maybe we'll even get him to smile someday."
Smiling, Iolana stepped forward and leaned in close to speak quietly in Ashnah's ear, "Yes, I think that would be useful." She stepped back and asked the others, "Does anyone else have any questions for her?"
Iolana accepted the woman's offered hand and said, "Heinrich is right, we're trying to do something about all of this," she gestured around at the broken city, "We've been getting people to relative safety and are now tracking down groups that need to be...dealt with." She had released the hand by now and said, "I'm Iolana, a performer by trade." She eyed the woman thoughtfully and continued, "I take it, by your coming to us instead of following the other looters, that you may want a change of vocation? If that's the case what can you bring to our cause, Miss Ashna, besides repairing our clothing after a fight?"
Ah, also interesting.
I think my preferred one would be Ashnah Lialda (Viviana). She has a well detailed backstory and would bring a lot of utility to the group as a full arcane caster. I like the Paladin or the Inquisitor. Who is the inquisitor?
Iolana stood ready in case trouble ensued, she didn't like letting looters go free but she wasn't willing to start a fight over it either. If they would leave on their own she was willing to let them.
As they traveled to the first location they were to search the lovely bard Iolana found the city very depressing. It was quiet, ruined, and very much like traveling through the corpse of something dead. When they found the building she was earily reminded of just how bad things had become as the sign seemed to dangle like a man from a noose. It was then that she heard it, faintly but there, a sound of glass being broken and laughter. She reached out to Allen and placed a hand on his shoulder, holding one finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. She stretched up and pressed her body against his side so she could speak quietly into his ear. Her breath was warm as she breathed out, "Someone is in there breaking things."
Ohm you can help me with the pain handsome.
Iolana was relieved for the chance to rest and resupply, it was great timing and much needed. After she had finished with this task she got the message that Irabeth wanted to see them and reported in curiosity. When Tats said her goodbye's Iolana was a bit surprised and saddened, she'd grown to like the woman and knew she'd miss her. The bard gave the tiefling woman an impulsive and fierce hug before saying goodbye and watched as someone she'd grown accustomed to left her once again. At least this time the person in question left alive instead of dead. Her attentions were quickly caught by the sight of Allen, Lose a tiefling, gain a tiefling it seems, she thought to herself. She eyed the newcomer with interest and noted his physique and looks, he wasn't bad looking, especially for a tiefling. It seemed like those that were found around here had demon blood in them and it made them...attractive? Compelling? She wasn't sure which. She gave the man a smile and a graceful curtsy before she said, "Iolana Torlinni, a pleasure to meet you sir."
Iolana considered the request, she wasn't sure if she even wanted to stay in this gods forsaken city any longer. Her hand drifted, almost unconsciously, to the locket about her throat and found her choice really wasn't one at all. She nodded and said, "I'll go as well, I have an incubus to hunt and kill and I believe that I can do that better with your help than alone my friends. I'll stay and help you at least until I've found the demon and ended him once and for all."
Iolana giggled at the horse's playfulness and scratched at her ears as she said, "Let's not use the whip like that alright Scarlet?" She took the reigns and tugged them gently as she started to walk attempting to lead Scarlet for a bit so they could get used to each other. This was a bright spot for Iolana, over the last few days she realized that things could be much worse for her than they were. She thought that losing her twin sister was the worst that could have happened to her, the events of the last few days were very close to that dread even in horror. The only thing that kept her from saying this had been worse was the fact that at least this she could do something about, this time she could help, she couldn't say the same about Illinica's death.
Iolana moved in cautiously to the horses, she hadn't been close to any for a while now, not since her family was wiped out by that Chelish bastard. She somewhat remembered the animals used to pull their wagons, she would occasionally sneak a bit of sugar or some apples to them. She spotted one horse, a blood bay mare, she felt drawn to the animal. It's hair was almost as red as her own and Iolana decided that this was the horse she wanted. She did as instructed by Jens, keeping her eyes soft as she approached the mare slowly. When she reached the animal she cautiously held out her hand and waited for the horse to make the next move. The horse, for her part, watched Iolana approach with a lack of concern, her ears focused on the woman as she watched. When the hand was held out the horse nuzzled it gently and then took a step forward. After seeing that the horse remained calm and nuzzled her hand Iolana began to scratch the horses chin and eventually stepped closer to scratch at her ears. She was careful as she moved closer still and then gently put her arms around the mare's neck and gave a gentle hug as she nuzzled the fur and spoke quietly into the animal's ear, "I think I'll keep you Scarlet, if that's alright with you?" Whether the horse truly understood the bard or not it almost seemed she nodded her head in response. This delighted Iolana as she let go and turned to Jens asking, "I don't know much about caring for horses, it wasn't something I did in my caravan as a child. I was too young then to be tasked with those chores. what should I do now?"
Sorry it's been so long since I posted last on this one, the really slow speed makes it drop to the bottom of my list so I forget about it quickly. It also causes me to lose a lot of interest as well. Let's hope we can keep it moving.
Iolana nodded and said, "That seems like a good think to me. I admit though, I'm not much of a rider."
After I leave for work on August 3rd until August 7th in the evening my posting will be limited to non-existent due to gencon indy. Whether I get anything posted after I get back on the 7th or not I don't know. Bot me as needed during that time. If anyone will be going and wants to meet up let me know and we'll try and work something out.
Having stayed near the rear of the group with those who had the hardest time keeping up Iolana had been quite silent for a change. The attitude of the guards, while maddening, was understandable, particularly with all they'd seen on this trek through the ruins of the city. Having finally caught up she looked up at the guard's comment about there numbers and said, "Yes, there are, and a good thing we found out about this place. I was starting to worry where they could go that would be safe for them." She sighed in exhaustion, "Fortunately we made it here. Now, if you wouldn't mind letting us in, I'd prefer to be in there before anything that might have stumbled on our trail catches up to us." As the gate opened and she entered the fortress the young woman was delighted to be somewhere safe. She gave the guard a tired smile and said, "Thank you very much." Being the last one in she turned and stood at the opening to help protect it while the doors closed, whip in hand.
With the half-orc dead Iolana gave a sigh of relief. She listened as Anevia told the story of Vagorg. "It seems that he hadn't forgotten you, with good reason it seems. Still, he got what he had coming I believe." She followed Anevia as she went back into the house and then bedroom. She saw the hidden compartment opened and said, "Very sneaky, I approve." At the revelation that the woman's wife was alive and waiting Iolana threw her arms impulsively around Anevia in a hug and said, "I'm glad to hear she's alive." As they were preparing to leave again the bard realized something and said, "I think it might be wise to go collect everyone else and take them with us to Defender's Heart, I think it might be the safest place we can find in all of this chaos."
Iolana drew her whip as she moved and snapped it at the feet of Vagorg. She fully intended to drop the ass to the ground so that he could be more easily dealt with. Her whip snapped out but she failed to come even close to her target and fell horribly short of the mark.
Iolana gave a grin of amusement and said, "Why Horgus that's the nicest thing I think you've said to any of us and I'll take it as a compliment. I'd also suggest we might want to consider staying here for a while, we have our newly acquired survivors and I think all of them could use a rest."
Her interest peaked Iolana raised one eyebrow as she asked, "What made those then and do you have a better suggestion?"
The chasm was a serious problem and Iolana found herself disturbed by how badly the city was altered. She saw no way accross at this point and finally said, "I hate to say it but I think we need to either travel north between these chasms or travel west around the western chasm and look for a way through. I believe that traveling to the west and then north would be our best bet for now."
Iolana nodded and added the words into her tune, "Of course Jens." She took up her place on the side opposite Tat's with her bow in hand this time as the group set off, continuing to hum her tune.
While they waited for Jens to lead the way Iolana began to hum a tune to try and calm the crowds fears. She kept the tune light and low so that it wasn't too obvious what she was doing and was prepared to keep it up for a while if need be.
Iolana put as much conviction into her voice as she could and said, "We've dealt with everything we've come across so far and your chances are better with us than without. Don't let fear get the better of you."
Iolana nodded in agreement with Tats, "She's right, we hope that it'll be safe there and we will do what we can to get you there safely." She stowed her bow and picked up her whip in preparation for the continued journey to safety.
Iolana began to sing again as she added dance steps to the tune, her song and movements began to inspire greatness in her companions as they fought the tiny devils.
Iolana dropped her whip and drew her bow as she ceased singing. She pulled an arrow back and aimed at the flying creature.
These people seems off to Iolana, almost reluctant, and if that was the case they weren't enemies but victims. The young woman began to sing a hymn to Desna, one about freedom and the ability to travel as one was wont to travel. As she did her magic began to flow through the song, threading it's way through the control these quasits may have over the people in an attempt to break them free.
Iolana saw what was happening and realized that this just wasn't right, she had a suspicion that these people weren't willing participants but began to dig through the knowledge she had stored way in her mind for any clue as to the veracity of her suspicions. As she didn't want to hurt these people she pulled free and shook out her whip but otherwise held it at rest.
Iolana considered and finally said, "I suppose you're right, I guess we head to Defender's Heart."
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