Umgar the brooding troll approaches the man who is mutating.  Saberak's call seems to sober Varinton, who motions the people back.  Umgar swings his mace striking the man's head, then with a backhanded swing strikes the side of the man's body sending it toward on the fires.  He moves over and with his mace pushes the fire onto the man's body.

---

Inkarne motions for you to put Garik on the ground.  She pulls a small bronze disk from her satchel, and kneels beside Garik.
"When Stormbull defeated his brother Ragnaglar, Chalana Arroy stayed his hand and learned how to win without making the other loose.  In this way, she learned to heal the wounds inflicted by chaos."  As she speaks, a gentle golden glow surrounds her.

Touching her belt, "Dear Jera, who carries Ernalda's healing bag, who mixes the medicine that cures animals, plants, men, and even the Earth, by Ernalda's grace, help to pull the poison from this man." A bright healthy green comes up from the Earth to encircle Inkarne, whose face has become serene. She touches Garik's wound.  The Gold and Green light of Harmony and Fertility rush into Garik's body. At first, it appears that the poison is fighting the divine radiance, but Inkarne pushes her hand against the wound more firmly.  As she does, the healer's light replaces the toxic green of the poison.  Garik is still wounded, but the poison appears to be gone.

Inkarne looks into Garik's eyes, "I will return to tend to your wounds, but I must see if I can help the others."  She then pushes off toward the ravine.

She hear's Tamarkorda's call.  Bartien helps her down the ravine as quickly as she can.

She moves toward Tamarkorda.  "Do not dismiss your skill.  You have kept this man alive where others would have floundered."  She again recites the prayer she used with Garik.  In the growing firelight, it is obvious that it is taking a toll on her to cast out the corrupting poison.

[Private to Tamarkorda: You can see that Inkarne is powerful and that her belt is also powerful, possibly an allied spirit.  You can see her magic erase the poison from the body.
 The man's spirit quickly reasserts its self and purges the body of the chaos.  This spirit of primal chaos is very weak; it was the poison that made it strong.  You have never heard or seen anything like it.  There are no stories that talk about anything like this.  The closest thing would be the corrupting magic of Thed.]

---

Ullr, you continue to trace the trail of these creatures.
You are certain that the creature came up through the water, and that the ground around looks tainted.  As you move further along the river, you see fewer and fewer footprints, as if the humanoid creatures only started moving after the chaos creature came up the stream.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Wed 12 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 100):

While Bingling only knows Heal-1, he'll ask Varinton "Whom should I try to heal with my small magics?" in Tradetalk, and then attempt to cast it as directed.

His spirit magic for heal is a small two or three step dance, and when successful small 'flames' of soothing darkness spring up about the wound, mirroring Bingling's dance.

"Thank you Inkarne", Tamarkorda says, "we are lucky to have your magic. I can help heal the battle wounds, you should save your strength, who knows what has happened at the gate or at the Temple" He averts his eyes from the Redsmith and his wife until they have cleared again, quickly scanning what he can see of the ravine in the meantime.

Saberak continues to speak with Oligur as she heads back towards the Lunar garrison.  A pained look on her face shows that she wishes she was able to offer more assistance to the wounded.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I'll take the Uz over the Mostali or the Aldryami any day.  I feel I can at least understand most of what they are after, which is more than I can say for the others.  The enlo that arrived here with our detachment, Gulk, is certainly nothing like what I expected.  Perhaps she could teach you something?"]

Henetha again uses her magic to heal Garik.

Tamarkorda rubs his hands together and then places his left palm on the injured man's leg. Seemingly satisfied, he claps the Garlin on the shoulder "Lucky!" He says, getting up and clambering back up the ravine to collect his bow and shield from the Murval House before heading back to Sandien's hut.

In reply to Saberak (msg # 103):

[Private to Saberak: Perhaps... I admit there is much in the wide world that I have yet to learn. Like that Preceptor... he filled the commander with fear, that was plain enou... ARGH!]

ARGH! Oligur remembers his burning leg injury. Kicking off his right greave he attempts some healing magic.

OOC:  Well, since I am in the fourth hour of the plane being delayed, and now being moved to a different plane, I decided to progress the story.

---

Inkarne looks to Tamarkorda with a weary look, "thank you, but I think there are enough here to help once the poison is removed."

She calls up the hill to Henetha, "I am sorry Earth Daughter, but I do not remember your name.  You are new to our community, yet you have fought for us as if we are family.  Thank you.  I take it you know some of the healing arts?"

"Tamarakorda," Inkarne begins, "your skills, and the skills of our guest, may be put to better use at the gate.  I have heard that there is fighting there, but I have not gotten to them yet.  Desola is seeing to the people at the Temple."

---

Oligur, your armor looks eroded as if by acid.  The wound burns.  One of the Lunar soldiers will come and offer aid.[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Please feel free to continue the discussion.  It is good.]

---

Bingling, Varinton, upon hearing Inkarne talk of the gate indicates that you may be of help there.

[Private to Garik Johnton: Now that you are stable, a group of towns people with impromptu stretchers pick you up and move you to the Durten copound.  There is warm soup waiting for you.]

Garik thanked the peasants carrying him. He gratefully eats the offered soup. His stomach still aches from the poison. Then he slips blissfully off to sleep.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 107):

(OOP: Ack, just saw Umgar's direction, and the shovel for the fireline.)

Bingling pauses for three or four seconds, trilling in thought, ordering Umgar's advice, the shovel, and Varinton's direction about the gate in his mind, then attends to what he can that is nearest or most urgent.

He knows that he is less likely to fail at digging with a shovel than with magic...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 107):

Oligur thanks the soldier tending his leg and refastens his partially molten greaves, gesturing down the hill toward the town gate with his kopis.


[Private to Saberak: Saberak, I am not so certain we are finished with this fight. The town gate may still be unsecured. Shall we see what aid we can bring there?

OOC: Also would be good to keep the newly unified group together, if Henetha and Bingling are headed there! If you are game you can speak for us both when you post]

[Private to Saberak: What do you make of those creatures? The gorp is certainly a creature of Chaos... I hope these barbari- these residents of Jelmine- do not blame its presence on us. ]

Henetha walks up to Inkarne and presents herself.

"I am Henetha Hofaktsdottir of House Rharli. I am an initiate of Ernalda and have been assisting the temple at Boldhome. Can I be of service to your temple?"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 100):

Now let's see if we can determine their destination.....

"Ullr, you continue to trace the trail of these creatures.
You are certain that the creature came up through the water, and that the ground around looks tainted.  As you move further along the river, you see fewer and fewer footprints, as if the humanoid creatures only started moving after the chaos creature came up the stream."

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "We may be among the few who recognize that Chaos is as much a part of the world as any other, but that does not mean that it is incapable of leaving its proper place.  Our cognizance of this reality does not mean that we do not oppose Chaos when it threatens something whose time has not yet come.  The world moves in cycles, ebbing and flowing from one state to another before beginning the great circle again.  One does not blame the river's current for flowing toward the great whirlpool.  It would be best to think of what we do as building a dam to redirect Chaos towards its proper place.  We fight Chaos where it does not belong and welcome it where it does.  Those who don't understand this are free to cast blame at our feet in their ignorance.  It is our remit, our duty, to help them grow in the luminance of the Red Goddess."]

Saberak continues to speak to Oligur in New Pelorian, smiling wrily as she alters her path to move towards the gates that he has indicated with his weapon.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "It is a hard path to walk - each of us carries the weight of our entire religion on our shoulders.  To err is to prove in their minds that we are false, mere agents of their great Devil, hateful forces arrayed against their holy King of the Gods. We must remain indomitable and faultless, ready to assist at a moment's notice, providing a helping hand, a gentle correction, or a necessary punishment wherever it is called for."]

Inkarne calls back to Henetha as she descends the ravine, "yes daughter Henetha, you can be, but for now see to any wounded at the gates.  If any there are poisoned, send for me."

---

OOC:  I'm writing this next part with the assumption that the named characters went down the hill to the gate.

Heeding the words of Varinton and Inkarne, Bingling, Henetha, Oligur, Saerak, Sanuzi, and Tamarkorda start to move toward the gates.

As you approach, you see that the gates are closed, but it looks as if something has eroded away part of the gate.  There is still some fighting occurring. You suddenly see the blue troll appear an strike what looks to be a glistening deer.  The blow decapitates the abomination, and as it does, it begins to melt.  Some of the "liquid" of the beast hits three of the guards, who begin to scream.

As you approach, you can see that only one of the creatures remains.  It looks like a broo, but made out of some liquid.  Most weapons seem ineffective against the creature.  The flaming spears of Farin and the Murval weapon thanes have some effect, as does the blade of the blue troll.  Some of the townspeople who are holding back, seem to be casting disruption spells at the creature.  Others, obviously Murval, are shooting Fire Arrows at the creature.

With a final thrust, Farin's Flame Spear pierces the beast, which explodes.  Not all of those present are able to escape the caustic splash.

"Healers," cries Farin.

You can see that he has been burned by these caustic creatures, and his iron spear appears as if it had been dipped in acid.

The blue troll also appears, and it is obvious his lower left arm has been seriously burned.

---

Ullr, the path they seem to have made goes straight to the Shaman's house.

Sanuzi tries to get a closer look at the burns. Does the goo still appear to be on the skin/clothing/armor of those affected by the blast? He also looks around, kind of cross-eyed as he lets his third take over. Any sign of spirits?

Saberak cries out in Tradetalk, "Quickly, take off everything that it has touched, even your clothes!"  She mimes the action to go along with her less-than-perfectly clear speech.  "Does anyone have water? It may help clean the stuff off."

Saberak calls out to the winged troll in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: Come over here.  Is there anything I can do to help you with that arm?  The Orlanthi are like as not to leave you for last."]

Tamarkorda goes to heal the Muval casualties, first helping them out of their outer clothing and using any uncontaminated fabric to wipe down affected areas[Private to GM: using up to my Healing 3 with whatever MP I have left]

Henetha applies First Aid to the injured at the gate. She will use both her spirit magic heal and her divine Restore Health if there is any use for it.

In reply to Sanuzi Asar-Girru (msg # 115):

Bingling tries to Heal-1 anyone he can, continuing if effective.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 119):

Oligur visually scans the area for any ongoing dangers -
13:58, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 96 using 1d100.  scan--want 53 or less.
Perceiving absolutely nothing, he adds his meager healing skills to the skills of the rest of the gang, helping where it's needed
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Tue 18 Dec 2018.

Saberak asks the Orlanthi as they pass, "What can I do to help once I've helped my friend?"

"How long must I lie here before I can get back to work?" Asked of the nearby healers.

Bingling assists, if he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

Luckily snow is abundant, and people quickly use it to start washing away the acid.  People are helped out of clothing, and blankets are brought to keep people warm.

OOC:  I'm assuming that those with healing magic are using it to the fullest.  While the acid is bad, it is not as bad as the poison you witnessed earlier.
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: As you look around with spirit sight, you can see the remains of the corruption that tried to enter the town.  Sandein will need to remove some of the spiritual residue that has been left behind.
You see standing guard outside the gate a rather large spirit of darkness.  It stands over 8 feet and has a demonic visage (for reference: http://pixologic.com/interview...-age/6/img/img04.jpg).  It notices you, nods, and then returns to watching.  The spirit is manifest, but is invisible to those standing around; it is part of the darkness.]

The four-armed troll says something to Saberak as she is tending to his arm.

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: "Check the little mother.  Take her out of the harness to make sure she is alright."  Saberak, you realize that this is the first time since this journey began that you have actually seen her out of the harness.  Zuzorek usually makes sure that none see her outside of the harness.  You now know why, she has no legs.
Examining her, you see that she was hit by the acid, but the wound is starting to heal.  Her breathing is slow but regular.  She must still be in the Spirit World.]

You see men and women climbing the guard towers to keep watch, while others are starting make-shift repairs to the gates.  Those grievously wounded are taken to the closest family compound for treatment and recovery.

The Lunar Commander Jalmon speaks with Chieftain Danbal, then orders troops to form up outside of the gate to offer protection.  Danbal seems grateful for whatever aid can be offered.  [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Those healing and helping the people of Jelmine are exempt from this guard duty.]

Garik: "You need rest, but if you feel the need to help further you can."

Inkarne and Bartein arrive and approach Danbal.  Inkarne, looking drained and tired says "by the grace of the Lady of Mercy and the Earthmother, those that could be saved have been."  Bartein leads Inkarne over to a group of women who wrap Inkarne in a blanket and giver her something warm. [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Inkarne seems diminished from earlier.  She has expended a large amount of energy seeing to the wounded and fighting the poison.]

Bartein goes over to the gate and starts to help with the repairs.  His magic is enough to repair some of the damage, but it will take effort and work to make the gate strong again.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Since you have Spirit Sight up, you see a large figure approaching from the direction of the temple.  As it gets closer, you can make out more of the details.  The spirit is a female troll that stands at least twenty feet high.  It moves over toward the four-armed troll, and enters the body of the trollkin.  As it does, a spirit of darkness comes out of the body.]

Gulk opens her eyes.  She looks a little put off that she is not in the harness, but she is too tired to make a fuss. [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: "Please, I do not want everyone to know of my..."  she trails off.  "Get me back in the harness."]

A few minutes later, coming down the path is an older woman dressed in the robes of a priestess of Ernalda.  As she approaches, a sense of calm descends on those moving around the gate.  She stops to talk with people as she moves toward the gate.  Katreka, the initiate of Babester Gor that arrived with Henetha and Garik, stands close by this woman.  It is clear that Katreka is deeply wounded, but still she stands as a bodyguard.  Coming behind her are a few others, including the troll leader.
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You saw her aura as she descended.  The strength of the earth is with Desola.]

She approaches Henetha, "you must be daughter Henetha," she starts, a beatific smile coming to her face.  "I have heard of a foreign woman who has fought bravely on our behalf and healed those in need.  For all of this, you have my thanks.  When you have finished tending to the wounded, come to me and we will talk."  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You could feel her even before she spoke to you, but it was when you met her eyes that her power rolled over you, blanketing you in a warm embrace, akin to when you fell asleep in your mother's arms.  Her eyes are a deep green, the kind of green you see in wheat that is growing to ripeness. These eyes remind you of your own initiation, when you walked into Ernalda's loom house and was welcomed by the Goddess as one of her daughters.  Your connection to the Earth feels stronger as she speaks with you.  Even the eldest priestesses that you have known have not had such an effect on you before.]

As she moves to the next group of wounded, she looks to Oligur, Saberak, the four-armed troll, and trollkin.  "You had no reason to help, yet you did.  For this you have my thanks."  Looking to trollkin, "perhaps we may speak in the coming days."[Private to Saberak: A wave of calm passes over you as she speaks, and a sense of genuine pride as if your own mother had just congratulated you.]

"I do not see Sandein," she says to Sanuzi and Tamarkorda.  "I hope all is well with her, for I have heard that there was an attack on her home."  She pauses for a moment, "finish what you are doing here, then ask her to come speak with me."

She moves over to the trolls of Dagori Inkarth, "thank you for your aid this night, and be welcome to our town."  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You can feel the power of this woman roll over you, and as it does, you feel your connection to the Earth strengthen.  Her thanks is comforting and encouraging.]

Danbal approaches her, "Desola, all seems calm now, but this attack is nothing that I have seen before."

"Nor I Grandson.  Let us first see to the wounded and make sure our boarders are secure.  Then gather the elders in the Danbal Hall.  Ask those who visit to join us, for they may have answers we do not."

Desola then approaches Commander Jalmon.  "You have been true to your word Commander, you have come to our aid.  You have shown that you are a man of honor."  She turns to Danbal, "welcome Commander Jalmon to the discussion tonight."  Turning back to Jalmon, "you may bring two of your troops to be your guards and advisors."

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Commander Jalmon will approach you, "you two were here when this all began.  Come with me to this meeting."  Gulk nods, then says, "this may be your first step to deeper wisdom Commander."  She taps Zuzorek's shoulder, "as for us, we need rest."]

The four-armed troll stands, with the trollkin on his back.  He seems prepared to leave when the leader of the Dagori Inkarth trolls approaches and starts to speak.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "Not so fast spawn of Annilla, I would talk with that thing you carry."]

In trade tongue, the Enlo replies, "that is enough.  This night we have fought a devious foe with unknown motives.  With the aid of the Earth Wyrter, I drove off the demon that drew these creatures to this town. If that is not enough to put a civil tongue in your mouth, then nothing will."  The troll matron bristles at this.  The trolls form up around the matron. "Do you not think these people have seen enough fighting this night?  Do you really wish to match your spirit against mine, or the skill of one who can strike unseen?"

Desola clears her throat, and all turn.  "You are correct, there has been enough fighting this evening."  She looks at the trolls, "differences exist between you, but for now, there is a more pressing issue."  The troll matron stares at the enlo, then slowly nods her head.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You realize that Zelda, the troll leader, is afraid of the Enlo.  Desola gave Zelda a way out.]