Gambling: It's a Problem for Everyone

The Sixth day of Nightal, Year of the Bent Blade
After your rescue of Aaron, the town resumes its normal day-to-day activities... for the most part. Rumors still circulate regarding the mysterious footprints, but no other reliable sightings have been reported. As the weather turns more towards the white embrace of winter, the number of merchants arriving in town has shrunk to a slow trickle of dedicated, or desperate, travellers.
The Ruhlins keep you up to date on Aaron's health which, unfortunately, has wavered daily. Slipping in and out of sleep, even Lathander's healing spells have not been able to rouse him completely. At least he does not appear to be near death's door, and you hope that it will only be a matter of time before he returns to being his old self again.
You keep up with Sintilya as much as possible, hoping that she has perhaps come upon something that could be helpful for either Aaron or the town. She has begun to suggest that she may be onto something, though she has been hesitant to specify more until she is more sure of her findings. Whether it has to do with the mines, the "Black Hound," or any of several other possibilities, she has not said. Meanwhile, Garrett has been uncharacteristically unsocial, performing only the basic duties expected of him as the town's leader. Rumors suggest that he may be preparing for some sort of trip, but you haven't been able to corner him to get an answer for yourself.

Over the week...
Sonadora: Your wolf friend has found a mate now that she can hunt on her own. He seems to be a wolf male. Dominant, but loyal. You also make a little coin from acquiring herbs for Sintilya. Lastly, you've found several signs (and been told by the wolf) that there is an encampment to the north of hunters and trappers. (+2 to Survival checks).
Geyer: You haven't been able to find any specific information regarding available enterprises, but have built up a fairly respectable knowledge about the area. (Gather Info +2 for town activities/ rumors). You've also made some progress in your tutoring - consider yourself semi-proficient.
Ranja: You've read through the book of wildlife and learned a ton of good stuff... but, unfortunately, nothing leaped out at you regarding the creatures you've currently found. You have found that there were several tribes of goblins and kobolds in the area, and even a wartribe of hobgoblins in time past. (+2 Knowledge: Local when applied to creatures and local legends). You found information regarding mining camps along the mountain range to the south, including one salt mine that was closed down long ago for reasons that were left vague. It used to be considered haunted, but the residents had long ago forgotten about it.
Arphaxad: You made some money while hunting the creatures around your cabin by selling their pelts. In addition, you gained some knowledge of the creatures themselves (+2 Knowledge: Nature).

The 14th day of Nightal, Year of the Bent Blade
Auril's wintry veil has settled over the forest and the small town of Sundown, the snow falling overnight to cover the land. You dress warmly, wrapping an extra layer of clothing around yourself to fend off the cold before heading out, and the day passes much like all the others from the previous week.
As the sun begins to set, you receive a summons from Sintilya, requesting that you meet with her in Oghma's Temple. She also informs you that the invitation has gone out to the others as well, and you can only hope that she has come upon some information that pertains to the strange events that preceded this week. Looking to the sky, you make note of how long you have before having to go meet Sintilya and the others. As the new moon fills the sky (or doesn't, as the case may be) and snow begins to fall, you make the trip over to the Temple.

Chat log started at 17.10.2007 / 20:21:36
Upon entering the temple, you immediately spot Sintilya pacing the floor with a large tome in her hands. Her blue-black hair is arranged into a single braid that hangs down to the small of her back, just reaching the white sash she is using as a belt.
Arphaxad: Sintilya, I am here.
Geyer strides into the Temple's foyer, stomping snow off his boots.
Sonadora quietly comes in and nods to Sintilya, rest her hand on Vida's head as she leans against her staff.
Geyer: Colder than a frost giant's arsehole out there t'night. Best have good reason to summon me from those warm pints of mead Marcus had lined up for me, lady healer.
Arphaxad: Truly charming, Geyer.
Geyer: I try, wizard. I try. *grins*
Ranja grins and waves at Sintilya, and tries to see the title on the spine of the book in Sintilya's hands without being too obvious about it.
Sonadora waves to Ranja.
Sintilya Foxblood: Good! Everybody's here!
Sintilya Foxblood closes the book with a clap.
Sintilya Foxblood: I *did* have good reason, of course, good sir.
Sintilya Foxblood: Though I'm sure you'll be able to get back to the Bit of Shade soon afterward.
Sintilya Foxblood: I wanted to tell you all, I've finally found the poison that was used on Aaron.
Sintilya Foxblood: It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it does make sense now.
Arphaxad: And...is there an antidote?
Ranja: What was it?
Sintilya Foxblood: Any guesses?
Sintilya Foxblood grins with satisfaction.
Arphaxad: Spider venom.
Ranja: Some sort of herb?
Sintilya Foxblood: Some sort of herb indeed!
Sintilya Foxblood: But not one we'd find around here anymore.
Ranja blinks.
Sintilya Foxblood: Spider venom would be a good guess, too, except that one'll kill you. This poison was designed to do something entirely different.
Ranja: Then where would the poisoner get it, if not locally?
Sonadora ponders for a moment.
Ranja frowns.
Sonadora: So if it's an herb, that would mean an intelligent being had to administer it.
Sintilya Foxblood: Oh, the plants needed *used* to grow here. But they've since disappeared.
Arphaxad: What then, is this poison used for, regardless of where it is from?
Ranja: His poisoner is . . . a time traveller??
Arphaxad rolls his eyes.
Sonadora: What is time but a relative measurement?
Sintilya Foxblood points to Sonadora with a grin. Then quickly follows up with a second point towards Arphaxad... and a slight frown at Ranja.
Sintilya Foxblood: It was indeed someone who administered the poison - it was on the quills Geyer and I found in the pit trap.
Sintilya Foxblood: As for its use, as our dear mage pointed out, it is not death. But paralysis.
Sintilya Foxblood: It's a variant on a sleeping poison, but rather than simply causing slumber it slows down the body's functions.
Geyer: They wanted the boy alive. Why?
Sintilya Foxblood: Actually, the poison may be the only reason Aaron survived the loss of his leg - his blood flow was slow enough that he didn't die from the bleeding.
Sonadora: Sacrifice?
Sintilya Foxblood: As for time travel, Ranja, I believe you've been reading too many bard tales...
Sintilya Foxblood coughs politely.
Ranja blushes.
Ranja: Well, you never know . . .
Sintilya Foxblood: Well, I'm not entirely sure why they wanted Aaron.
Arphaxad: Is the boy going to be alright now though?
Sintilya Foxblood: I do believe he'll be okay. I think his demeanor right now is mostly from blood loss and shock... the poor boy has gone through quite a lot...
Sintilya Foxblood: We can only hope his family helps pull him through.
Sintilya Foxblood: As to why they wanted him... did you encounter any guards? Any bindings, perhaps, in the room where you found him?
Arphaxad: There were numerous creatures we encountered, whether there to guard him, or simply creatures of the dark, who can tell.
Geyer: Nay. He was'na bound.
Sintilya Foxblood: Well, I'm not sure what to make of it. It's certainly unusual.
Geyer: They may have expected the toxin to serve in stead of binding him.
Sintilya Foxblood: That's a good point.
Arphaxad: What were your thoughts, though?
Sintilya Foxblood: I don't have any more, I'm afraid.
Sintilya Foxblood: Oh! Actually, there is one more thing about the poison...
Sintilya Foxblood: Aside from requiring time travel to acquire, the poison requires a bit of shamanistic magic to become potent enough to serve as a toxin.
Geyer: Could be they simply like their meat fresh...but they could have been trying to capture an easy target to get intelligence on Sundown. The boy wouldn't know much, but what he knew he'd likely part with easily.
Arphaxad: Are you able to determine the skill of the magic used
Sintilya Foxblood: I'm afraid I couldn't check it myself, but according to the texts it requires a fair amount of power. Though, the magic is not supposed to linger on the poison once its been made. It merely transmutes the ingredients to the more potent form.
Arphaxad: But what of it, are we not at a stand still?
Arphaxad: We have seen no evidence of these creatures' return, and we have no leads as to what they want, only they have a shaman that probably commanded Aaron's capture.
Arphaxad steps back from the candle light and begins to ponder on recent events.
Geyer: Does this poison paralyze the voice or would the lad have been able to be questioned?
Sintilya Foxblood: No... he would've been unarousable without some kind of counter-toxin.
Geyer: Good, then perhaps these creatures still have no inside information about the town. That could be to our advantage if they attack here.
Sonadora: Do we have to go back to the cave?
Ranja shudders.
Sonadora shudders at the memory as well.
Arphaxad steps back towards the group.
Arphaxad: Why this boy?
Arphaxad: Wrong place wrong time?
Sonadora: I believe so. He fell into the pit first, correct?
Sintilya Foxblood: That's right.
Sintilya Foxblood nods.
Sintilya Foxblood rubs her chin.
Arphaxad: Then why the poison that so much energy was devoted into making for a simple sacrafice or meal or whatever
Sonadora: Perhaps he was just a test?
Geyer: Aye. I'd wager there's more trouble yet ta come.
Arphaxad stares at Sonadora with eyes wide.
Ranja: Oh, I don't like that idea at all....
Arphaxad: A successful test...?
From somewhere outside, you suddenly hear an incredible explosion - the temple floor shakes and a crack appears on the large window that overlooks the main altar. Yours ears are left momentarily ringing when you're suddenly overcome by another explosion from outside!
Ranja jumps.
Sintilya Foxblood leaps backwards, tripping to the floor.
Geyer: I need to stop gambling...
Arphaxad: What was that?
Sonadora: Whelp, that answered that question.
Geyer draws his blade and shield and dashes outside, looking for trouble.
Arphaxad runs towards the temple entrance.
Sintilya Foxblood: What in the Nine Hells...
Sonadora runs out the door to find out what happened.
Sintilya Foxblood runs with you.
Ranja grabs her sword and follows the others.
Snow falls over the Market plaza making it harder to make out exactly what's happening. You can just make out a small crowd of people centered around a small area near The Bit of Shade. As you try to make out more details, *KRAKAATHOOOM!* a bolt of lightning streaks down from the snow-filled sky and blows a small crater into the stone approximately 30 yards to the north!
Ranja squeals in alarm.
You blink away the after-images from the bolt and believe you can just make out several fading humanoid forms. By the time you clear your eyes, you can only just make out a vague white aura where you thought you'd seen the forms.
Ranja blinks several times.
Geyer: Wizard! I can't duel lightning! Find where it's coming from!
Arphaxad concentrates on detecting any magical auras in the area.
Arphaxad detects a permeating aura of conjuration.
Sintilya Foxblood: What's going on over there?
Sintilya Foxblood heads over to the small crowd of people.
Sonadora: Be careful!
Arphaxad follows.
Ranja hurries along after.
The sounds of thunder echo down from the clouds as the snow continues to fall.
The crowd of people is huddled around an unconscious man who lies on the floor, his eyebrows missing.
Geyer walks away to the side of the group, keeping his eyes peeled for movements in the shadows.
Arphaxad: Let the healer through!!
A middle-aged woman wearing a brown, rather plain dress: Oh! Blessed be! Talos is after us!
Sonadora scans the area.
Sonadora: Spot [1d20+8 = 26]
Geyer: Spot [1d20+5 = 9]
Ranja: Spot [1d20+3 = 17]
Arphaxad: Spot [1d20+1 = 18]
Lightning bolts are visible now through the snow, the horizon littered with bright blue-white streaks of jagged light. One particularly large bolt strikes to the west and you watch as the horizon in that direction takes on a reddish hue and smoke begins to trail up from the forest.

You've been Thunderstruck.

Ranja: Oh my....
You also notice a crater about 20 feet away, along with a pair of shoes. The man on the floor is currently barefoot.
Arphaxad: Geyer, should we search the area?
Sintilya Foxblood kneels next to the man.
Sintilya Foxblood: Healing [1d20+2 = 22]
Sonadora: I think we have a forest fire in the making. Thank the gods for the snow.
Sintilya Foxblood: He seems okay - he's just stunned from the explosion. It doesn't look like he was actually hit, just knocked back.
Geyer: Aye. Healer, find Garret and get the town watch on alert. The four of us will patrol the forest nearby.
Sintilya Foxblood glances at Geyer.
Sintilya Foxblood: Hadn't you heard?
Sintilya Foxblood: He's out of town.
Sintilya Foxblood: I don't know the exact nature of his trip, but it had to do with his duties as a cleric.
Arphaxad: When did he leave?
Geyer: Damn it all, find the watch captain then. This could be a distraction before an attack.
Ranja glances around nevrvously.
Sintilya Foxblood: Watch captain?
Geyer: Aye. Surely even a village such as this has some kind of town watch?
Sintilya Foxblood: Several of the townspeople take turns policing the walls.
Sintilya Foxblood: I believe Garret organizes it, though someone here must know who's on duty tonight.
Arphaxad: Just keep everyone together and have those with weapons have them available, we will go have a look around.
A middle-aged woman: My Walter! He's on the walls tonight!
Sonadora: There should be a bell somewhere in town square, though I don't think it's been used in years.
A middle-aged woman: Is he going to be okay? Who's attacking!?
-> Sonadora: (Spot) In the distance, you notice the amount of smoke from the fire increasing and the glow getting brighter.
Sonadora: We need to get to the forest, NOW.
Sonadora: We're going to need water, sand, and buckets. The fire is growing.
Geyer: Aye. You and the wizard, scout ahead. Contain the fire as best you can.
Geyer: Ranja, go to the walls. Inform this Walter he's been field promoted to captain.
Geyer: You keep watch, send him back here.
Ranja nods and scurries off to find Walter.
Arphaxad: Come on Sonadora, lets go!
Geyer: I'll organize a fire brigade and defensive perimeter.
Sonadora takes off towards the forest, following Arphaxad.
Arphax and Sonadora head west through the snow.
-> Ranja: You're gone from the group for a bit - I'll give you a heads-up when you come back. But you do find Walter, who's standing on top of a wall watching the lightning on the horizon, but otherwise fine. He doesn't seem thrilled at the increase in responsibility being captain comes with.
Geyer: Healer, if your patient is stable, I'll need able-bodied volunteers.
Sintilya Foxblood: I'm glad to help.
A middle-aged woman: I'll help, too! If Walter can help, so can I!
A middle-aged woman puffs up her chest.
A middle-aged woman: What do you need me to do?
Geyer: Aye, madam. Gather strong women and children too young to fight.
Geyer: Get buckets and bags.
Geyer: Meet by the river and organize a fire brigade.
A middle-aged woman performs a very sloppy salute and runs south to the river, collecting several people to follow her.
Approximately 10 minutes later, Ranja returns to Geyer and finds him setting up the fire squad.
Geyer: Good work, lass.
Geyer: Walter, I need ya to get all the watch volunteers and arm yourselves. Post a lookout in each direction on the walls. Close the gates and set four men to guard each gate.
Ranja: What can I do to help?
Geyer: Lady cleric, if ya could run to the Bit O' Shade. Have Markham saddle my horse. Then we will ride to the forest in case our companions need aid.
Ranja: Right!
Ranja runs off.
Ranja approaches Geyer, leading his horse and another she borrowed from the stables.
Geyer: Excellent! Healer, your apprentice and I ride to the forest to check on the patrol. If there is trouble, ring the alarm bell and we shall return!
Ranja climbs up onto her horse with some clumsiness and urges it to follow Golem.
Geyer swings onto Golem. "We ride! Hyah!"
Geyer urges Golem into a fast gallop towards the fire once they pass the town gate.
Geyer: Ride [1d20+6 = 10]
Ranja: Ride [1d20+1 = 15]
On to Sonadora and Arphax -
You press through a wall of smoke into an ash-filled clearing. In the center is a large tree with a jagged cut down its center. Fires rage around the tree, spreading into the surrounding plant-life and bright blue... things... seem to jump from one point to another in the clearing. Strangely, the fire doesn't seem capable of spreading on its own thanks to the falling snow, though that doesn't explain the fact that you *saw* it getting bigger from town... and just as that thought crosses your mind, you notice that whenever the glowing things get near any foliage, small lines of energy run across the plant's surface moments before it bursts into flame. Crap.

Ride the Lightning!

Arphaxad: Stop.
Arphaxad: Perhaps some frost will slow these creatures down.
Arphaxad casts ray of frost at the closest creature.
Arphaxad: Ray of Frost [1d20+4 = 10]
Arphaxad: [1d3 = 2]
A blue ray of frost collects at the end of Arphax's finger as he gestures at the nearest creature.
The ray passes harmlessly over the creature, freezing a nearby plant.
Sonadora: I wish now I could cast wind...
Sonadora cautiously steps closer to the flames.
Arphaxad: Initiative [1d12+3 = 14]
Sonadora: Initiative [1d20+3 = 5]
Ranja: Initiative [1d20+1 = 18]
Geyer: Initiative [1d20+2 = 5]
GM: Initiative [1d20+5 = 11]
GM: Initiative [1d20+5 = 23]
GM: Initiative [1d20+5 = 24]
The blue-white figure: Slam [1d20+3 = 15]
The blue-white figure hops from its spot to right next to Sonadora, and you see the plants around its feet crackle with sparks as it swings an appendage at her!
Sonadora screams!
Sonadora blocks the swing with an outraised staff, which crackles with sparks but is otherwise unharmed!
Suddenly, another figure appears in front of Arphax and strikes at him!
The blue-white figure: Slam [1d20+3 = 10]
Arphax deflects the blow with his staff, sparks crawling up it, but stopping before they reach him!
Arphaxad: Knowledge (Planes) [1d20+8 = 20]
The creatures before you appear to be elementals, probably one of the rare hybrids. A combination of the planes of air and water yield these unlikely lightning elementals, beings composed of pure lightning. They rarely appear in the Prime Material Plane, but you've heard it can happen in periods of instability or magical summoning. As elementals, they are probably immune to the element they are composed of. Also, their alien nature makes them nigh impossible to affect with spells that influence the mind.
Arphaxad casts burning hands on the creature before him.
Arphaxad: [2d4 = 5]
The blue-white figure: Reflex save [1d20+2 = 12]
A jet of flame fires forth from Arphax's outspread hands, engulfing the lightning elemental in front of him in bright red flames. (5 damage!)
Sonadora notices the fire works against the lightning.
Arphaxad: Be careful Sona, stay together as much as we can, they are surrounding us
Sonadora sweats from the heat.
Sonadora: Noticing!
The blue-white figure: Slam [1d20+3 = 15]
A lightning elemental crackles as it zips towards Sonadora, but she leaps out of the way of its approach, and it just catches something else on fire as sparks leap from its body.
Sonadora casts Produce Flame.
Arphaxad: Attack the same one as me!
Arphaxad: Try to finish them off one at a time!
Sonadora attacks the same one as the wizard.
Sonadora: Produce Flame, Thrown [1d20+6 = 21]
Sonadora: [1d6+2 = 3]
A ball of flame appears in Sonadora's hand as she concentrates on drawing forth the powers of nature, and then releases it at the lightning elemental! (3 damage!)
The flames at the edge of the clearing crackle and continue to spread.
Sonadora: Stay back, Vida! They'll burn you.
Vida stays near Sonadora and Arphax, ready to help defend them if the opportunity arises.
Sonadora: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 14]
Sonadora: Fortitude save [1d20+3 = 5]
Arphaxad: Reflex save [1d20+3 = 7]
Arphaxad: Fortitude save [1d20+2 = 17]
The fire has spread up Arphaxad and Sonadora's legs, catching them both on fire before they notice!
Fire, Sonadora: [1d6 = 3]
Fire, Sonadora: [1d6 = 2]
In addition, the smoke from the flames has begun to accumulate, and Sonadora finds herself in a coughing fit from the ash!
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 9]
A lightning elemental approaches Sonadora and sparks fly! But she ducks. Potential romance - avoided.
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 17]
A lightning elemental darts forward, colliding with Arphaxad as he's distracted by his burning pants!
A lightning elemental: [2d4 = 5]
Arphaxad: Reflex save [1d20+3 = 22]
Arphaxad reels back, preventing his clothes from catching fire! His skin still blisters from the electricity and the heat, and his arm spasms a bit at the pain! (5 damage!)
Arphaxad realizes his mortal danger and casts mage armor upon himself!
A shimmering field of energy surrounds Arphax! (+4 to AC)
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 20]
A lightning elemental blinks forward, faster than the eye can follow! Its arm reaches out and jabs Sonadora in the chest! Clear! *Bzzzt!*
A lightning elemental: [1d4 = 4]
Sonadora: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 10]
A lightning elemental: Fire [1d6 = 2]
Sonadora's chest catches on fire, along with a painful spasm! (6 damage!)
Arphaxad: Where are the others blast it!!!
Arphaxad: We are outnumbered and outmatched!
Sonadora runs five feet away and stops, drops, and rolls to put out the flames.
Sonadora: Reflex save [1d20+4+4 = 20]
Sonadora cries at the pain.
Vida leaps in front of Sonadora, ready to attack anyone that approaches her!
The flames crawl along the forest floor, reaching you yet again!
Sonadora: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 14]
Arphaxad: Reflex save [1d20+3 = 22]
Arphaxad: Reflex save [1d20+3 = 9]
Fire, Sonadora: [1d6 = 1]
Fire, Arphaxad: [1d6 = 5]
Arphaxad avoids the flames licking at his feet but cannot manage to put out the flames that still crawl up his leg! (5 damage!)
Arphaxad grasps at his scalded leg!
Sonadora, as you roll around, the flames catch your cloak once again! (1 damage!)
Suddenly, from the east, the sound of two approaching horses foretells the appearance of Geyer and Ranja riding into the fray!
Arphaxad: About time! Get to Sonadora!
A lightning elemental steps forward to strike at Sonadora, but meets a wolf instead!
Vida: Bite [1d20+3 = 13]
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 20]
A lightning elemental: Slam damage [2d4 = 8]
A lightning elemental chooses to electrify Vida instead! (8 damage!)
Vida: Reflex save [1d20+2 = 13]
A lightning elemental: [1d6 = 4]
Vida's fur catches fire at the elemental's touch! (4 more damage!)
Sonadora: Vida!
Sonadora: Roll in the snow, Vida! *cough cough* Roll!
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 19]
A lightning elemental: Slam damage [2d4 = 3]
Arphaxad: Reflex save [1d20+3 = 16]
A lightning elemental grabs Arphaxad by the arm, sending a jolt of pain into his system! (3 damage!)
Ranja brings her horse to a stop near the others.
Arphaxad screams in pain as he falls to the ground!
Within the ring, the fire's consumed most of the plant-life, just a ring of still burning ash in the center. The outer edge is still a raging wall of fire that continues to travel outward.
Sonadora: *cough* Cast *coughing fit completely with hacking* fire!
Ranja chants under her breath for a moment, then casts doom at the nearest creature.
A lightning elemental: Will save [1d20 = 14]
Ranja focuses her ire at the nearest elemental, but feels resistance as she tries to find a mind to affect! (No effect!)
Arphaxad lies unconscious.
Arphaxad: Stabilization [1d20 = 19]
Geyer: Lady Ranja, heal the wizard as soon as you are able!
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 23]
A lightning elemental: Slam, Crit Confirm [1d20+3 = 4]
A lightning elemental: [2d4 = 4]
Sonadora: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 7]
A lightning elemental: Fire [1d6 = 5]
The elemental grasps Sonadora's head in both hands and squeezes, sparks flying from her eyes as she passes out! (9 damage!)
Sonadora screams with pain and then... becomes silent...
Sonadora: Stabilization [1d20 = 5]
Vida: Bite [1d20+3 = 20]
Vida: Bite damage [1d6+1 = 7]
Vida leaps at the elemental that felled his master and rips into its leg before realizing the consequences! (7 damage!)
A lightning elemental: [1d4 = 4]
Vida passes out from the sudden electrical shock to the head! (4 damage!)
Suddenly, the elemental by Arphaxad dwindles away as the fire at its feet consumes its energy!
Geyer rides over the hill at full-tilt, lance leveled at the blue thing standing near Sonadora!
Geyer: Heavy Lance (Attack 1) [1d20+5+1 = 10]
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 21]
A lightning elemental: [2d4 = 8]
Geyer: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 19]
You avoid catching on fire, but the jolt of electricity nearly strikes you from your saddle! (8 damage!)
Geyer: 'Dora looks bad off over here, cleric!
Ranja hurries over to Sonadora!
Ranja closes her eyes and draws a deep breath before chanting, and casts cure light wounds.
Ranja: Cure Light Wounds [1d8+2 = 7]
Sonador's eyes suddenly open as Ranja touches her brow with one glowing hand! (7 healing!)
Sonadora coughs and moans.
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 13]
Geyer: Ride [1d20+6 = 15]
The elemental near Geyer grabs at his mount, but misses as Golem whinnies and rears up wildly!
Sonadora throws snow Vida to douse the flames, knowing the consequences of the action as the elemental next to her releases bright sparks.
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 17]
A lightning elemental: [2d4 = 6]
Sonadora: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 17]
A lightning elemental sees an opportunity and kicks Sonadora in the face with lightning! You catch a whiff of burning hair... (6 damage)!
Geyer attempts to regain control of his frightened horse.
Geyer: Ride [1d20+6 = 26]
Golem whinnies as Geyer imposes his will on the horse's cowardly ways!
Geyer reigns in his steed then bucks him forward, driving the lance at the blue monster before him!
Geyer: Heavy Lance (Attack 1) [1d20+5+1 = 20]
Geyer: [1d8+4 = 10]
The lance drives through the elemental completely, its form dissipating to the winds! (8 damage!)
As the flames reach forward to lick at your feet, you suddenly hear a commotion behind you!
The towns-people have set up a bucket-line, and you can make out a full bucket being passed down!
As the foremost person throws a bucket of water at Sonadora, the only person currently on fire, the last remaining elemental strikes at Geyer!
A lightning elemental: Slam [1d20+3 = 21]
A lightning elemental: [2d4 = 7]
Geyer: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 11]
A lightning elemental: Fire [1d6 = 1]
Geyer's tabard suddenly catches fire as a jolt of electricity travels through his shield! (8 damage!)
Ranja bends over Sonadora and casts cure light wounds at her AGAIN.
Ranja: [1d8+2 = 3]
Some of the more severe burns immediately smolder, the dead skin flaking off and revealing new skin below! (3 healing!)
The flames spread further into the brush, licking at Geyer and Ranja's clothing!
Ranja: Reflex save [1d20+1 = 13]
Geyer: Reflex save [1d20+4 = 16]
Fire, Ranja: [1d6 = 6]
Geyer avoids the licking flames from atop his mount! Ranja is not so lucky! (6 damage!)
Geyer: Fortitude save [1d20+4 = 13]
Ranja: Fortitude save [1d20+2 = 16]
Geyer takes a big breath of smoke and ash!
Geyer coughs and chokes as Golem's hooves kick up a cloud of noxious ash. (Lose a turn!)
Ranja backs away from the fire.
Vida whines piteously.
Suddenly, the final elemental fades away, his form drawing into the flames that lick at his feet!
Geyer: Victory....of sorts.
The townspeople continue to pass water down the line, extinguishing the flames as they can. Sintilya runs down and begins to assess the group's wounds.
Sintilya: I have salves that can help you! Please, stay in the temple tonight - you all have serious burns, and I don't like that cough you have Geyer.
Geyer lays the unconscious ones across Golem's back and walks them back to the Temple.
Upon reaching the temple, Sintilya and a small group of townspeople take Sonadora and Arphax to a set of cots in the back rooms and begin to clean the large burns that cover their skin.
Geyer: Lady Ranja, could I have a brief word with you while Sintilya is treating the others?
Ranja: Of course. What is it?
Geyer: Growing up as a slave, I didna have much chance to learn what others consider common knowledge.
Geyer: But my mentor in the Order, he's taught me that being a Knight means more than knowing fighting.
Geyer: It also means being noble, and learning things like history and letters.
Geyer: I never thought it'd be much use, but I've been trying to negotiate some matters with Garrett and I've found need of those skills I lack.
Geyer: I know ye love those sorts of things...and, well, when we have a chance - would ya be willing to teach me to read?
Geyer: I know my letters and some basic words, but I need more training.
Ranja: I'd be more than happy to.
Ranja smiles at Geyer.
Geyer: Thank you, milady. It is an honor to have you as a teacher.
Ranja blushes.
Ranja: I'm only happy to be of use.
Geyer: Perhaps your first lesson might be ta help me with this letter that arrived for me this morning?
Geyer: I've not had a chance to puzzle my way through it with all the commotion.
Ranja: Surely.
Ranja clears her throat once and reads the letter aloud to Geyer.

Dear PenPal, Killing Monsters is Great!

Ranja holds the letter out to Geyer as she comments, "This knight business certainly sounds exciting..."
Geyer: Aye, that it is. If ye'd like, I'd be happy to repay your teachings by sharing some stories of the Order I've learned.
Ranja beams at him!
Ranja: I would very much like that.
Geyer: There's some tales I've heard that make our adventures here seem like a walk through the market.
Ranja: Mercy. I'll certainly have to hear those.
Geyer: 'Tis a bargain then. Well struck, at that! We'll have much to learn from each other over the coming days.
Geyer smiles and offers his hand to shake on their deal.
Ranja grins back and shakes his hand.
Come morning, you're awoken by someone pounding at the door to the Temple! You can hear someone shouting outside, and you wonder to yourself why Sintilya isn't taking care of it.
END SESSION