2024.1.1 The Winter Curtain Falls

The Winter Curtain Falls
The finale comes swiftly, an ultimatum delivered by Vetur: come face me or suffer the consequences. Those there volunteer to meet this threat--fighting through the pain, suffering, and fear of Winter's Archon to strike down the Thallain and end his blight and binding once and for all.
IC Date	2024.1.1
IC Time	All Day
Players	Eirlys, Zeller, Miranda, Alicia, Graham, Kieran, Dasia, Oswald, Sark, Malcolm
Location	Barony of Divertimento Dithyramb Dance - Capricorn Glade - Gazebo, County of Lion's Reach - Great Eastern Wood
Spheres	Changeling, Bygone

It's already a chilly day by California terms, but in the Dreaming where the wishes for a snowy season fully manifest? Oh yes, there is a thin layer of snow out in the Barony of Divertimento Dithyramb Dance and the surrounding forests. The turn of the year always heralds new winds, and this one is no different. The shrill breeze carries a biting, merciless edge to it, a mirror of the uncertainty and fear hanging in the air. This is a time for the hair on the back of everyone's neck to stand, for the questioning of every shadow caught in the corner of everyone's vision, for a shiver nestled into everyone's bones. In the Barony, this reflects in the warnings now posted and passed through word of mouth. Everything is at a standstill, just waiting for that precipice. It's here, in the Gazebo of the Glade, that the Fae of this County are huddled together in shelter and readiness both. Though this is a time of strife, it has succeeded in one thing--dragging out many disparate Fae to share warmth and protection. Does anything embody the fighting against Winter better? But, breaking up whatever activities are going on, one of the Cupid Chimera rushes in from outside, fluttering along with a rolled piece of parchment in its grip. A letter, a message, brought straight to the audience of the Baroness in haste. "Baroness, Baroness! A letter has come in from bird... it is addressed to you and your vassals." The rolled paper is slightly cold to the touch, a rustic parchment stamped with black wax.

Miranda has made sure everyone here is taken care of, and getting prepared for the oncoming battle she has made sure the whole County, no Duchy knows what is possibly coming. The arrival of this letter, she takes it into her hands. "I expect this is from Veturotta, considering how cold this paper is." She unrolls it to read it, keeping from touching the black wax.

Sark heard about the threats and danger so he had a Talk with Stella about possibly being busy for a day or two and has chosen to Be Annoying and start hanging around Miranda, which might have resulted in her having a little dragon curled up in front of her fireplace while she slept, since Sark understands how Bad People do not really wait for formal invitations to come fuck your day up. At least he's being polite while essentially glued to her butt and not offering his usual smartass comments or (oy) singing. Just being mostly quiet and preening on his scales from time to time while watching every strange face that approaches her.

Oswald is a Frost Troll so he loves the cold but he knows its not for everyone so he came to see how this Barony is doing. He's out walking with his big dumb sword on his hip and his shiny coat of plates (brigandine) armor on. At the mention of a certain name he frowns but does not otherwise speak.

Kieran might have followed Sark here, strong and imposing in her brand new set of personal power armor that might make her look like something out of some super grimdarkdarkgrimubergrimdarkdarkdark sci-fi game from the UK, bristling with weapons and skulls to show off how darkgrimgrimdarkravynstorkdarknightshadowgrimdamnthisisgettingoutofhandisn'tit? the armor might be. But she didn't, and it doesn't exist, so it doesn't look like that at all. Instead, it's just her normal leather jerkin, sword slung across her back as she paces, muttering something to herself about how it's New Year's, and there's like four different parties she should be dragging Stella to, but noooooooooo she's gotta be dealing with *serious* stuff and also making sure the dragon doesn't get eaten or corrupted and end up some kind of icky ice dragon thing that breathes ice-fire at ice walls and somehow melts them with coldness before being totally useless in gigantic set piece battles and stuff.

"A note? How unoriginal. I am not impressed," Sealgaira says. Her armor has been darkened with soot, not reflecting anything. She wears no silks, no bases, no cloak. "If I was a dark lady, I would send my messages in a darker, more evil format. Maybe a fax, with the letters white and the background black, so as to use up their toner." She has some thorny vines that she is slowly weaving together. "Either that, or nail the message to a minion's forehead and then send them to deliver the message. I could make a game of it. Which minion doesn't want to be a messenger this week."

As an Elegbara, Dasia has a rather Serendipitous ability to just... wind up places that things are happening. Especially if that means she'll get a good story out of it. Sometimes, that's even if she doesn't want to be there. Often, especially if she doesn't want to be there. Not that she doesn't want to. She just totally isn't dressed for this sort of thing. There is a first time for everything. The Leanhaun is in her pseudo-safari outfit... it seems like whatever trod she was on before the Wyrd brought her back this-a-way was a tiny bit warmer than the local area, but not by much. She gives a glance around and sees the gathered kithain and purses her lips. "Mmm... well then." Ominous. Everyone is bulked up for fights. This will surely end well. Good thing Elegbara are notoriously Reckless, or she might be worried!

"That's a good way to convince minions to ask 'Are we the baddies?' and defect." Who said that? Oh, it's Malcolm, carrying a box full of scarlet robes with gold trim, and equally scarlet medallions with black flame logos. "I hope these will suit... most of you? Not sure I have one in your size," he adds, looking up at Oswald.

Zeller waits, the large horse Viridian beside him giving off a faint green sparkle, He watches everything going on carefully and finally hops up into V's saddle with a nod.

Graham shifts onto his feet and walks over, a small bite of food still in his hand as he looks around, mostly at the news that has arrived "well? who is gonna get ice on their fingers trying to read the ominous note?"

Oswald chuckles and nods at Malcom "Likely not, though I am a deft hand at adjusting so I can make do with what's left. You'd likely not be surprised how often a cantrip to adjust sizes of things comes in handy."

As the Baroness unfurls the curled parchment, she would notice semi fresh blood along its exterior. The Cupid hangs their head. "The bird chimera who brought it seems to have been forced to do so under duress, and was injured. But they are being taken care of. I will leave you to your duties, Baroness." They flitter off to their usual duties around the Gazebo, letting the Baroness read the thing aloud.

"-To Baroness Mererid Gwenent ni Dougal and her vassals:

I hope the dawn of the new cycle treats you well. I am enjoying the season as always, but I am afraid business is getting in the way. I will make this quick... so we will both be able to get this over with and enjoy our time. Hlustaðu vel. Bring the one known as Eirlys to me, to the woods between the Freeholds of your County. The Troll and the Satyr know where. Do this, and I will leave, there will be no hostilities from me or my companions. But, if you come without her... come ready to bargain... or come ready to pay for it. You have one hour or less from the time of reading to arrive or... well, I need not waste time spelling that out. I know you are a smart ruler.

Færðu mér verðlaunin mín. -Veturótta, Archon of Winter"

Sark grumbles a little as he listens to the discussion and tilts his head to rather blatantly read the message over Miranda's shoulder. There's a soft chuffing sound from the big golden retriever, but he continues to be a Good Boy and not let out the snarky ideas that come to mind. Instead he simply uses one wing to give a little rub up Kieran's side.

"In darkness, I shall be light. In times of doubt, I shall keep faith. In throes of rage, I shall hone my craft. In vengeance, I shall have no mercy. In the midst of battle, I shall have no fear. In the face of death, I shall have no remorse," Sealgaira says, each time looping one of the vines around to make a crown. She places it on her head, tight enough that the thorns prick into her skin, causing droplets of blood to spring up. Once she is crowned, the Knight puts her helm back on. She ignores Malcom and the robes for the moment. Having finished her bunk, she casts her cantrip. "Give me skin like the mighty oak, so that I may never fall."

Alicia loses one Willpower
Alicia loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Primal + Fae vs 2 for 6 successes.
1 +3 +3 +7 +8 +8 +8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Alicia: Gain 14 Temporary Health ->

Miranda reads it to herself and then reads it to the others. "Well, I do not know the what I think is a nordic language that he wrote some words in, but there is enough here I do know. We have one hour. Or less." She then proceeds to read it out to the rest, skipping the Icelandic. "I'm not willing to just hand her over."

Kieran pipes up toward Sealgaira, "Nail a fax to the minion's forehead!" Then she gestures over toward Malcolm, "That way they *know* they're the baddies. When you really want quality evil minions, you want guys who *want* to be evil overlords themselves but just don't have the balls. Otherwise..." Another gesture, toward the cupid, "you end up reduced to abusing random chimera just to get anything done, and let's face it, that's not a good look. Oh, sure, it might scream 'eeeeevil' to the newbs and rubes, but it's a sure sign you don't have anyone you trust as a solid choice to execute subtler, longer-term stuff." Then she looks over to the Baroness. "So... we going ready to 'bargain'?"

Malcolm nods to Oswald. " Good thinking. Pretty sure this one's closest", as he sets the box down and starts handing out the outfits to whoever wants one. "Anyone have ethical objections to being firebenders today? I mean, if your uncle owns a cabbage cart, I understand."

Malcolm loses one Magical Essence
Malcolm loses one Willpower
Malcolm loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Malcolm rolls Tale Craft + Fae vs 7 for 1 successes.
1 2 3 4 +7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Miranda will take the offered robes from Malcolm, and nods toward Kieran, "We are not turning her over. This is tantamount to negotiating with terrorists. We need to approach with caution, prepare yourselves for battle. I am not a martial person, but I am the Baronness, and he is attacking my Barony, and one of my protected. Between all of us here, we can do this. I know it. But this will be dangerous so you are all free to leave if you wish, I am not ordering anyone to join." She looks from person to person, "I appreciate you being here and I do hope you will consider as we defend this fledgling."

Oswald takes the robe that Malcom offers and grins as he shakes it out and measures it against himself before he rummages and pulls a jar of brownish grey face paint out of one of his pockets and starts applying camouflage to make himself less present.

At the statement, Sark takes in a deep breath and rumbles at Miranda, "Im going. If only to make sure they dont take a cheap shot and try to take YOU out when they dont get what they want. Not that I dont love the rest of you, but, you know..."

Sealgaira eyes the Baroness. She raises the visor of her helm. "My lady, I can handle this. If you stay here, with everyone guarding your freehold, I will drag this Thallain back, incapacitated and then Eiryls can stab him. Done by lunch."

Oswald loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Fae + Metamorphosis vs 4 for 9 successes.
3 +4 +6 +6 +6 +7 +8 +8 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Kieran actually rolls her eyes a little, "Because brute force worked so well for you last time... look, *obviously* we're not handing her over... we haven't had nearly enough time *or* cleverness to set her up a several megatons of Summer boom, which I *think* would still count as her doing it. But even so, we should try to be using this to continue learning everything we can about this thing. Like what it /would/ consider a fair exchange for freeing her. Even if we don't intend to pay it, the more we know, the better our chances of finding a weakness or way to trick or manipulate it."

Zeller loses one Magical Essence
Zeller twists in the saddle to look grimly over at Graham. "Glad to hear no one is giving up the goat." he chuckles dryly. "Back to the scene of the crime I guess." He lifts his sword and salutes the other man with it, and then, as he lowers it, the handle starts to lengthen, a lot. Soon the short eighteen inch sword blade rest on the end of a nine foot long handle, creating a perfectly capable lance. "I'm a grow-er, not a show-er." The satyr winks and waits to lead the others with Graham.

Graham chuckles and takes his walking stick in one hand "well, no time like the the present! It is a gift after all." He then starts over to the side of Zeller and grins "well now that you have grown lets see what you can do, yes?" He points to the door with his cane "after you" and winks.

"My only problem with Fire Nation is how much these colors are going to clash with my outfit," Dasia grumbles. "But I suppose I can make it work. Better to ruin one of these than anything of mine..." There she is. "I have a few ideas, but they are a little tricksy..." she admits. "And will rely on coordination to make sure it goes off. Well... one of them, at least."

Oswald finishes applying his camouflage and rather than stretching the robe to fit his bulk he shrinks down to fit into it. At the mention of the Fire Nation "I can call fire if there is need to pretend, sometimes a good cantrip to burn a fucker to the ground is needed."

Miranda shakes her head, "No, Knight Sealgaira. I have Sark to stay by my side. I trust you to do as you say, but I do not trust Venturotta to not pull other shenanigans. The whole county is at risk, and I'll call the Market Guards to the freehold in case of further incursion." She is glad for everyone that is taking part. "Thank you all for putting yourself at risk. A Thallain needs to meet his end. Period."

Sark gives Zeller a slightly amused look at his comment but doesn't say anything to the point - he's said his piece so will just listen and go with what Miranda decides. He does, however, rumble at Malcolm, "Thank you for the offer but I dont THINK Im going to be able to fit into one of those."

The knight kneels down into the dirt, rubbing her gauntlets in it. "As you wish then, my lady." The leather picks up the grit. And then she beings to sing Colors of the Wind. Is it more or less problematic for her to sing it as a Brit? Or does the whole `demigoddess of madness from beyond recorded history` change how it comes across? Still, Sealgaira stands and spreads her arms wide and really belts out the song. Green energy comes out from her hands, cartoon butterflies and leaves swirl around her.

Alicia loses one Magical Essence
Alicia loses one Magical Essence
Alicia loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Primal vs 6 for 5 successes.
2 3 5 +6 +6 +7 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Everyone but Sark: Gain 7 Temporary Health ->

Kieran looks over Malcolm's offerings, but shakes her head, "I honestly have no idea what a 'firebender' is, but..." She turns around toward everyone else, pulls a flask out of her belt-pouch, takes a long drink and belches, then intones, "Let's go alreadyyyyyyyyyyy!"

"I just hope I don't get eaten this time. You guys look much tastier than me, I'm kinda gamey." Zeller grins. "Whenever you all are ready."

Graham nods "yes, the spot the note speeks of is not far from here." He looks over the others for a moment and smiles, turning back out.

Dasia bends over and gets some of the snowy dirt from the ground, going around to everyone to draw a pair of arrows on the back of one of their hands (Kithain's choice which one)... a pair of arrows that looks *suspiciously* like a fast-forward button on a TV remote. "I'll take suggestions on when to trigger this cantrip when we're there," she says, looking to the more combat-centric faeries. "No sense in everyone getting the zoomies when only one person is positioned to attack."

Dasia loses one Magical Essence
Dasia loses one Magical Essence
Dasia loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Fae + Wayfare vs 6 for 5 successes.
2 3 3 4 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- THE GROUP HEADS OUT ->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 0 successes.
1 -1 -1 3 5 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 4 successes.
4 5 7 +8 +9 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 3 successes.
1 2 4 7 +8 +8 +10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls 2 vs 6 for 0 successes.
1 6
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 0 successes.
1 -1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Malcolm rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 0 successes.
4 5 5 6
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Miranda rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 3 successes.
3 4 5 +8 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 1 successes.
2 3 4 5 5 6 6 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Perception + Kenning vs 8 for 0 successes.
1 -1 5 6 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

And, with the group prepared as much as they can in the short time they've been alotted, the citizens of the County depart from the warmth of the Gazebo into the biting chill of the outside air. The silence remains deafening, save for the crunch of their snowy steps and the shifting plates of those wearing armor. It only grows much worse when they leave the guarded perimeter of the Freehold and pass into the woods beyond, the persistent feeling of being watched so tangible one would have to have their head stuck in the ground to not feel it. It's both an eternity and no time at all before they reach the winding trails where Zeller and Graham made their first stand against a scouting minion of the Thallain. And... just like that, he's there. No fanfare, simply a figure standing at the crossroads. Not trying to hide, perfectly visible and still as the group approaches. Standing amongst the fresh morning snow, cloaked in a layered mixture of red and black cloth. The layers of crimson blow in the wind, silver embroidery shining along the hems. Two great pairs of feathery wings flock out from inbetween the fabric's folds, the top pair resting just below his shoulders and the smaller bottom pair just above his hips. Their plumage as large and black as a raven's feathers, the bottom of each wing is cut with stark white in contrast. The figure's visage stares underneath the cobbled hood, shrouded in shadow. 'Týndu börn draumsins... við hittumst í endann. So nice to finally meet...' a voice, gravely and dark as a damp cave, speaks out as two hands come up to pull the hood down. A practical -mane- of black hair flows back as it's freed, beard and head-flanking braids bound in silver jewelry towards their ends. Gnarled horns stick up from sides of the man's forehead, eyes two red dots in a black inky sea. When he smiles, his fangs shine with a perfect gleaming white. He is more beast than man, exuding the pride of a lion and the allure of a predator--but his clothes are fine, and a the gleaming white jewel sparkling like glitter in a foggy snowstorm resting over his chest exudes sharp elegance. This is a refined monster. But, to the eyes of Kieran, Alicia, Miranda, and Dasia, they manage to pick up something else. He is not alone, not truly--all around are lurking, hiding minions. The smallest ones are no bigger than a medium sized dog, black-furred and vicious looking quadrapeds with fur matted with blood and exposed bone in places. The large ones are tall, bipedal monsters--also covered in a hide of black fur, standing on hooves, arms tipped with wicked claws. Their heads are like the skull of a deer but with fangs, only the connective muscle of their jaws still in place for them to -bite-. The largest ones stand next to the figure himself... almost looking like giant krampus, similar in build to the deer ones but with a goat-like skull instead--and bearing nasty icy spears dripping with unknown black fluids.

Miranda walks alongside sark, keeping that red cloak given from Malcolm around her. She's not afraid on the outside, but when she sees what she is able to she whispers, "They are all around us." She leans toward Sark and gives him a rundown very quietly.

Sark lumbers along with Miranda, occassionally rubbing a wing against her as he moves. He narrows his eyes a bit when she mentions they are all around, but seems to focus on the language being spoken, like he's trying to piece a puzzle together, and stays quiet while he's doing that. Instead he finally murmurs to her, "If they focus on you, just try to keep enough space between you and asshole that I can step in."

Malcolm is the 90 pound weakling in this fight, and knows it. Now the question is, who's his counterpart on Team Jerkface? He can at least try to keep that guy tied up.

Oswald looks around as the posturing begins and he rumbles before replying to the enemy in the same strange language "Þú átt hana kannski ekki, þessi staður er þér bannaður. This bridge may not be of rainbows like my old one but I will still hold it."

Zeller's eyes are focused solely on Veturotta. He hangs back though and lets the Baroness take the lead on ant discussion with the thallain. He glances back at the others and looks curious at their wariness, but he doesn't expect that they're alone.

Kieran spends basically the entire journey folding little pieces of paper and stuffing them in her bag. They're labelled with instructions, so it's clear she got them from some gift shop someplace, and isn't some kind of weird Origami-nerd. When they draw near to the crossroads, and the figure appears, she sets one of the papers down... like a little eiffel tower... and smiles brightly as she *skips* forward through the group. "Veturótta geist an Gheimhridh, shíl mé i ndáiríre go mbeifeá níos airde! How are you today? I see you brought..." she starts to wave a finger like she's counting, "One, two, fifty, sixty... lots... yeah, *lots* of 'companions' along... gotta say, the exposed bone look... it's a statement, that's for sure... carnivorous deer, were they? and the Krampus Triplets! My god, I haven't seen them since that orgy where we desecrated Paddy's grave. So, Dormamu, I've come to bargain..."

Graham clutches at his club as he looks around at the forces stacked aginst them, he grins slightly as he watches for the others to make their move.

Dasia keeps her own (dreadfully) red cloak pulled tight, making a mental note to learn one of them warming arts. Which seeing the sudden appearance of an army makes her wish she knew the burning arts. "Huh. Alright..." She bends over to idly rummage in the snow for a moment, seeing if she can't find any plant matter to pull up real quick. Things maaaay be about to get tricksy...

<- Vetur: Hanging Cantrip Roll and Combat Start Treasure Activation ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 3 for 6 successes.
1 2 2 +4 +5 +7 +8 +8 +9 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Bracers of Lightning Reflexes lose one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 6 for 7 successes.
2 2 5 +7 +7 +7 +7 +8 +8 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Eirlys -ST- has started combat
<---======##===========[ Initiative order for turn 1 ]============##======--->

   19 Vetur

   18 Sark

   17 Alicia

   17 Krampuses

   16 Kieran

   15 Hounds

   14 Oswald

   14 Cryptids

   12 Malcolm

   10 Graham

    9 Miranda

    7 Dasia

    7 Zeller

• Characters declare low to high (unless ST chooses high to low)
  
• Characters act high to low
  

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Vetur: Dragon's Ire 3 (Dragonscales) ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 3 3 3 3 +5 +5 +5 +8 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Everyone is primed and ready, only a few short words able to be spoken before the scene inevitably devolves into a lightning-flash of tension being released like a violent springlock. There's a silver glow from the hands and feet region under Vetur's loose clothing before his voice booms out, arm sweeing forwards with his shout. 'Svo það sé. Þetta verður snævi gröfin þín. Ráðist á þá, dýrin mín!'

Sark loses one Willpower
Sark growls a little as he sees the bad guys bulking up and hunkers down a little on all fours with his wings lifted out just a bit. For someone standing close by like Miranda or Kee, they might pick up a small waver as the big dragon actually vibrates from the speed acceleration he's calling on

Sealgaira had a thing to say. But then she saw they were surrounded. Obviously, if you're waking into an ambush, the first thing is to attack hard, attack first, and strike with no mercy. Everyone here is already dead. The Baroness is dead, and was from the moment they got here. If anyone is to live, they will have to earn it, through battle. Sealgiara flourishes her sword as ruby lightning emits from the tip, stretching outwards to all Thallain in the clearing. A lioness is heard roaring, that echoes off the trees and then the ruby lightning flashes again.

Alicia loses one Magical Essence
Alicia loses one Magical Essence
Alicia loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Dragon's Ire vs 7 for 5 successes.
1 3 4 +7 +7 +7 +9 +10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls 22 vs 8 for 1 successes.
1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 +8 9 9 10 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls 17 vs 8 for 4 successes.
1 2 2 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 +8 +8 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Vetur: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 6 (6 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
2 5 +8 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 6 (6 dice) vs 6 for 2 successes.
3 3 5 5 +7 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Vetur: 2 Lethal ->

<- Krampi: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 12 (12 dice) vs 6 for 5 successes.
2 3 3 4 4 5 5 +7 +8 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 12 (12 dice) vs 6 for 6 successes.
3 3 4 5 5 5 +6 +6 +6 +8 +9 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Cryptids: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 7 (7 dice) vs 6 for 1 successes.
2 2 3 3 4 5 +6
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 7 (7 dice) vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 2 3 +7 +8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Cryptids: 2 Lethal ->

<- Hounds: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 3 (3 dice) vs 6 for 1 successes.
4 5 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 3 (3 dice) vs 6 for 0 successes.
1 3 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Hounds: 4 Lethal ->

Krampus loses one Magical Essence
The trio of krampus-like abominations around Vetur all roar in readiness, the prime of his guard. One stays close to him, shielding him with their body, one goes straight for the troll on the other side, recognizing his strength, and one steps forwards to exude primal fear to cow Dasia.

<- Krampus: Attack and Damage ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 9 (9 dice) vs 7 for 1 successes.
1 1 2 3 4 4 +7 7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 8 (8 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
2 4 5 5 +6 +7 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls 8 vs 4 for 4 successes.
1 3 3 +4 +5 +7 +7 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Willpower vs 6 for 0 successes.
1 1 2 6 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sealgaira might have been intending to jump bad. She might even have been trying to. But it was *Vetur* who offered written and signed assurances that neither he *nor his companions* would attempt to harm anyone, and it was he *and his companions* who took the first actual hostile action with his Dragon's Ire cantrip. And the Clurichaun is not pleased. Not in the least. "Well.. if that's the way you're going to break your bond..." She pivots to glare at each and every one of the Thallain present, "Then faithless and accursed I name you, and by the Dreaming, let your bones and sinew, muscle and flesh wither like the drying sap of Autumn and your strength fall from you like the leaves from shrivelled branches..."

Kieran loses one Magical Essence
Kieran loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Glamour + Nightmare Dice vs 7 for 1 successes.
1 1 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 +7 8 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

The hounds, so low to the ground, are the worst victims of that Unleashed command to ROT! While the minions and thallain seem to not be weakened, perhaps due to them already being used to being half-decayed looking, the extra flesh drops into a sickly, gurgling goop that mucks up the battlefield! The hounds go to attack, but their paws get stuck in the stuff--rendering them immobile for now!

<- Hounds: Attack ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 6 (6 dice) vs 6 for 0 successes.
1 3 3 4 5 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Oswald snarls as he catches a blow on his concealed armor and then explodes from the robes and wrappings to his full proper height and Glory. Leveling his sword at the one who struck him he calls out "In time of gathering Dark and shivering Cold. Come warriors Bright and heroes Bold. With wrath and ruin o'er hill and field. 'Gainst Storm and Snow they will not Yeild. Now to strike down the wandering dark let the old magic curse them with an Oathbreaker's mark."

Oswald loses one Willpower
Oswald loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Fae + Winter vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 2 2 2 3 4 +6 +8 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

The monstrous not-deer nightmares grit their fangs, pushing through the winter magic turned against them trudge through the muck with sickly splashes, unleashing their claws upon the Changelings with feral fury and screeches not unlike a dying elk mixed with a human scream of terror.

Cryptids lose one Willpower
<- Cryptids: Attack and Damage ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 2 3 5 5 5 +7 +9 +9 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 8 (8 dice) vs 6 for 6 successes.
2 3 +7 +8 +10 +10 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Stamina vs 6 for 1 successes.
2 5 +6
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Zeller loses one Temporary Health
Zeller loses one Temporary Health
Zeller loses one Temporary Health
Zeller loses one Temporary Health
Zeller loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Stamina + 3 vs 6 for 3 successes.
2 4 4 4 +6 +8 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Graham loses one Temporary Health
Graham loses one Temporary Health
Graham loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Stamina + 2 vs 6 for 3 successes.
2 3 +6 +8 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Kieran loses one Temporary Health
Kieran loses one Temporary Health
Kieran loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Stamina vs 6 for 2 successes.
+8 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Dasia loses one Temporary Health
Dasia loses one Temporary Health
Dasia loses one Temporary Health
Dasia loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Stamina + 5 vs 6 for 1 successes.
1 1 2 3 3 5 +6 8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Malcolm rolls Stamina vs 6 for 2 successes.
+6 +7
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Malcom loses one Temporary Health
Malcom loses one Temporary Health
Malcom loses one Temporary Health
Malcom loses one Temporary Health

Unleashing tends to be felt as well as seen. Will Malcolm join in the fray? No, at least not yet. Maybe if the situation grows more desperate. For now, he just runs out, then off to one side, meanwhile gesturing toward some of the chimera with his hands. "One of these days, you're going to melt yourself to death!" Is he really laying a curse on them? Should they chase him down before he has a chance to finish?

Graham side steps one of the larger chimera to see a whole gaggle of the smaller ones, he gives a bellowing cry as he plows into the mass with his club, the first swing sending two of the diminutive creatures in an arc with his swing, readying for the next round of blows to be had he grins.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Dexterity + Melee vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 5 +6 +7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Hounds: 2 die ->

Miranda keeps herself behind Sark, but using that lovely voice of hers to call out to everyone else. "Protect the Dreaming! Get them!"

Dasia let's out a blood curdling scream, turns, and begins to high-tail it out of there! Disgusting red cloak billowing out behind her, the muck of the autumnal Unleashing something to be cleaned off later. For the moment, there is only RUN. Not even tactical fly away faster thinking. Only RUN.

Zeller clicks his tongue at Viridian and the animal charges in response aiming for Veturota. At the last moment the krampus blocks the attempt and Z and V veer off.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Dexterity + Melee vs 8 for 0 successes.
1 -1 4 5 6 6 6 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Eirlys -ST- has started the next turn of combat
<---======##===========[ Initiative order for turn 2 ]============##======--->

   20 Cryptids

   19 Vetur

   14 Sark

   13 Oswald

   12 Kieran

   12 Krampuses

   11 Alicia

   10 Dasia

   10 Miranda

    8 Malcolm

    8 Zeller

    8 Graham

    8 Hounds

• Characters declare low to high (unless ST chooses high to low)
  
• Characters act high to low
  

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

The Cryptids, bodies already oozing black with their wounds, let out more unholy screeches as they unleash another flurry of claws and fangs.

Cryptids lose one Willpower
<- Cryptids: Attack and Damage ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 6 for 6 successes.
3 5 5 5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 2 (2 dice) vs 6 for -1 successes.
-1 2
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
1 2 3 3 4 +6 +8 +8 +10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Stamina + 3 vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 1 +7 +9 +10 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Graham loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Stamina vs 6 for 0 successes.
2 4 5
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Zeller loses one Temporary Health
Zeller loses one Health
Zeller loses one Health
Zeller loses one Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Stamina + 5 vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 1 2 3 +6 +7 +7 9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Stamina + 2 vs 6 for 1 successes.
1 3 4 +6 8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Kieran loses one Temporary Health
Kieran loses one Temporary Health
Kieran loses one Temporary Health
Kieran loses one Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Stamina + 8 vs 4 for 3 successes.
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 +4 +4 +5 5 8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Oswald loses one Temporary Health

Flashing a wicked smile, the beastly Thallain pulls a black shape from the inside of his garb--a statuette of some dark, waxy material carved into a wicked idol of a deadly beast. Feathers, no doubt from his own unholy coat, dot along its back, but there is not much time to examine it further before it's thrown to the ground and SMASHED open with a resounding -crrrzch-. Black vapor rises up from th thing, Vetur's smile only growing wider before... -RIIIP-, -CRACK-. Steaming blood splatters over the snow as the man's skull and body EXPLODES in size, a great skeletal maw opening up as the excess clothing soon becomes barely enough to cover the back of Vetur's fully, beastly form. The utter manifestation of nightmares and cautionary tales told to children, the thing rises as large as a full van in body alone. A thick coat of fur swathes over its form, black as a starless night sky and spiky as evergreen needles. Its quadrapedal stance rests on four paws, each bearing wicked claws, a tail almost as thick as its midsection rolling out behind it, doubling its length. His two sets of wicked wings have only grown larger to match, plumage shrouded in a spiky silhouette enough to shadow over multiple individuals. The beast's neck, girthy as a tree trunk and lengthy in of itself, rises up to a visage sharper than the rest of it combined. Stark white in contrast to the fur, the broad-muzzled face stark white and bony--as if it was stripped of all its flesh. The skeletal visage bears its fangs on perpetual show in a toothy smile, eyesockets of pure black each bearing a glowing crimson dot. Its sets of horns stretch, bend, and snap as gnarled blackened winter tree branches, finalizing everything in a sinister crown. 'Endirinn kemur. You have not brought me what is mine... it is unfortunate, but no matter--have no fear, for this will all be over soon enough.'

Vetur loses one Willpower
Vetur loses one Glamour
<- Vetur: Metamorphosis 5 (Chimeric Exultation) ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 3 for 4 successes.
1 1 1 +3 +3 +5 +5 6 7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Vetur: Names Fantastic Strength (+2), Fantastic Stamina (+2), Extraordinary Speed (+2 actions), Armored Hide (4 armor), and Extraordinary Constitution (2 extra health levels) ->

Sark has apparently gotten irritated with the numerous bad guys beating on his friends, as the dragon suddenly rears up and looks like he's going to scream at the puppers, but instead belches out a fantastic stream of bright, molten yellow and orange flame that splashes into the ground around them and sticks and spreads like liquid napalm, engulfing several in the flames.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sark rolls Dexterity + Brawl vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 1 3 5 5 5 +6 +6 7 8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Hounds: 4 die ->

Oswald having cast his spell Oz will snarl at the monster that's up in his grill, the enchanted broadsword bursts into flames and he starts swinging.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Dexterity + Melee vs 5 for 6 successes.
1 2 4 +5 +6 +6 +8 +8 +9 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Strength + 6 + 5 vs 8 for 4 successes.
1 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 +8 +8 +8 +8 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Krampus: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 5 (5 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
3 +6 +7 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Kieran snarls angrily as her spell seems to more or less roll off of... everything... with really, very little effect. Drawing the dragon-winged sword Caoránach, she inscribes a swift circle in the air around herself before shouting, "Blood to blood! As mine spills, may yours be as foul and deathly as your hearts!" And with that, plunges the blade right through her left hand.

Kieran loses one Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Autumn + Fae vs 5 for 9 successes.
+5 +5 +5 +6 +7 +9 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Hounds: All die ->

<- Cryptids: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 6 (6 dice) vs 7 for -1 successes.
-1 2 2 4 6 6
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Cryptids: All die ->

<- Krampi: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 7 (7 dice) vs 7 for 3 successes.
2 3 6 6 +7 +8 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Krampi: 6 Lethal ->

<- Vetur: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 7 (7 dice) vs 7 for 2 successes.
3 3 3 5 6 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<- Vetur: 7 lethal ->

As Kee gives her ALL in that casting of Autumn, the power of the season still ready in the air, all over the ground, just WAITING to be used--it all comes to a head. Her stabbing brings all the nightmares COUGHING up more of their insides, black fluid joining with the rest on the ground as they drop like flies! Even the not-deer cryptids fall, leaving only Vetur, coughing up as well, and his personal guard of Krampi up! Those guards spring into action, too, one going and grabbing Alicia into its crushing grip, one guarding Vetur, one smacking Oswald with its icy polearm!

Krampi lose one Willpower
<- Krampus: Grapple Alicia ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 8 (8 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes.
2 3 4 4 4 +6 +8 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Krampus: Attack and Damage ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 9 (9 dice) vs 7 for 2 successes.
1 2 3 5 5 6 +8 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 10 (10 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
1 2 3 4 5 +6 +7 +8 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls 8 vs 4 for 7 successes.
3 +5 +5 +5 +6 +9 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

This much sure is hard to run through, but Dasia perseveres and keeps on running awaaaaay!

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Willpower vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 4 +7 +8 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sealgaira does her best to fight back, but is, alas, held tightly.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Strength vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 5 +6 +7
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Krampus: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 12 (12 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 +6 +6 +6 7
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Miranda is staying safe herself at least, because Dragon's are AWESOME like that. She continues to attempt to motivate, "Knight Sealgaira! Lady Dasia! I know you can do this! You can defeat them! Steel yourselves and Carry On!!"

Miranda loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Miranda rolls Charisma + Leadership vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 2 2 +6 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Zeller and Viridian charge through the landscape once more to no avail. Perhaps they make a good distraction at least.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Dexterity + Melee vs 8 for 0 successes.
1 -1 -1 3 3 4 6 8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Graham sees Zeller rush into combat with one of the larger beasts, he bellows and rushes up to join him at his side, he smashes his club into the beast's head on the charge, although it seems unfazed.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Dexterity + Melee vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 4 5 5 +6 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Krampus: Block ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 5 + 3 (8 dice) vs 6 for 1 successes.
1 1 3 3 4 +6 6 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Strength + 2 vs 8 for 1 successes.
2 4 5 7 7 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Krampus: Soak ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 12 (12 dice) vs 6 for 6 successes.
1 2 3 3 4 +6 +7 +8 +8 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Vetur coughs up his own insides, black blood leaking in great splashing pools from his maw and the places in his fur coat eaten away but the earlier Autumn magic. The Knight knows exactly how this feels... it's exactly what he did to her. How his insides break away, raked by Fall's claws. And, in this horrific state, he gives one last ROAR! 'ÞETTA VERÐUR GRÖF ÞIN! DEYJU, FAE! DEYJA VETRARKLÓM' He screams, the snow beneath the muck suddenly ERUPTING in a shower of icy shards that shoot towards each of the fae like wicked spears! With a -fwck- -fwck- -fwck- they stick into the flesh of the fighters, many gravely injured--Zeller even falling off his horse. Then... his amulet glows. The sky darkens, the sound of howling wind filling everything as sunlight vanishes. A thick, blizzardy shroud centers around the battlefield, reducing visibility down and locking them into place as extra snow seems to fill the ground, audibly crunching under each step. What's worse, Vetur and his two remaining allies take on a visage of even more nightmarish proportions--teeth, eyes, claws standing out starkly against a backdrop of indescrete blackness as if in a perpetual silhouette. They look like holes in the world, scratchy like a bled sketchbook. 'VETURINN ER KOMIÐ Á ÞÉR! ÞAÐ ER ENGINN FLJÓÐI!'

Vetur loses one Willpower
<- Vetur: Dragon's Ire 4 (Holly Strike) ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 5 (5 dice) vs 5 for 3 successes.
2 3 +6 +6 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sark rolls Dexterity + Brawl vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 3 4 4 4 5 +6 +7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Vetur: Damage for Everyone and Sark ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 22 (22 dice) vs 6 for 7 successes.
1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 +6 +6 +7 +7 +7 +7 +8 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 20 (20 dice) vs 6 for 10 successes.
1 1 2 2 4 4 4 5 +6 +6 +6 +7 +8 +8 +8 +9 +9 +9 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Stamina + 8 vs 4 for 10 successes.
2 2 3 +4 +4 +6 +7 +7 +7 +8 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Stamina + 3 vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 2 3 4 4 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Graham loses one Health
Graham loses one Health
Graham loses one Health
Graham loses one Health
Graham loses one Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sark rolls Stamina + 4 vs 4 for 5 successes.
1 1 1 3 3 +5 +5 +7 +7 +9 9 9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Sark loses one Health
Sark loses one Health
Sark loses one Health
Sark loses one Health
Sark loses one Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Stamina vs 6 for 1 successes.
5 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Dasia loses one Health
Dasia loses one Health
Dasia loses one Health
Dasia loses one Health
Dasia loses one Health
Kieran loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Stamina + 2 vs 6 for 3 successes.
2 4 +6 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Kieran loses one Health
Kieran loses one Health
Kieran loses one Health
Kieran loses one Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Stamina + 5 vs 6 for 4 successes.
1 3 3 4 +6 +7 +8 +8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
Alicia loses one Temporary Health
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Stamina vs 6 for 2 successes.
3 +6 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Zeller loses one Health
Zeller loses one Health
Zeller loses one Health
Zeller loses one Health
Zeller loses one Health

Eirlys -ST- has started the next turn of combat
<---======##===========[ Initiative order for turn 3 ]============##======--->

   23 Vetur

   17 Krampuses

   15 Dasia

   15 Malcolm

   14 Zeller

   13 Oswald

   12 Alicia

   12 Miranda

   11 Graham

   10 Kieran

• Characters declare low to high (unless ST chooses high to low)
  
• Characters act high to low
  

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

With the Jewel of Winter activated and all plunged into a Nightmare of its landscape personified, Vetur backs away from the group as his wounds slowly knit back together!

With one of the Krampi chased away by Oswald, there's only two left--one still "hugging" Alicia. Seeing the only other Troll, they decide to restrain him, too, to make sure he doesn't stab Vetur while he's down.

Krampi lose one Willpower
<- Krampus: Grapple Damage ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 5 (5 dice) vs 6 for 1 successes.
3 4 5 5 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Stamina + 5 vs 6 for 5 successes.
2 4 5 5 +7 +8 +8 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<- Krampus: Grapple Graham ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 9 (9 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes.
3 3 4 5 5 5 +7 +7 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Miranda's words of encouragement snap Dasia out of EXISTING ONLY TO RUN AWAY. She stops, gives a blink-blink... turns back to the chaos, and runs back into it. If this were an 80s action movie, there would be triumphant music and someone shouting about Dasia re-engaging, or something. "SPEEDY-SPEED FAE!" She shouts it just as she sliiiides the last couple of yards down to end up kneeling next to Zeller, perfectly manicured nails digging into the snow and goop... she scoops up a snowballs worth of thr stuff and fills it with the glamour of healing spring... ... and promptly opens Zeller's mouth, shoves the goopy snow in, plugs his nose, closes his mouth, and forces him to swallow. "Wake the fuck back up!"

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Willpower vs 6 for 3 successes.
3 4 +6 +7 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Dasia loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Fae + Spring vs 7 for 3 successes.
2 3 4 6 6 +8 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Zeller gains full Health

With hostile chimera dropping like flies stuck in a Roach Motel... er, stuck to a flytrap... er, sprayed with bug spray? Yes, close enough. Malcplm takes a moment to pick up some dead leaves and scatter them into the air. "All this sound and fury, signifying nothing. It must suck to suck."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Malcolm rolls Tale Craft + Fae vs 7 for 1 successes.
1 2 4 5 +9 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Zeller blinks. "Lady Nasrin?" and pushes himself up using the lance which promptly turns back into a short sword once he's back on his feet. "Thank you." he nods grimly, and than hops over to try and help Graham. Try being the operative word.

Zeller loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Dexterity + Melee vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 2 2 +5 +5 +8 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Zeller rolls Strength + 2 + 3 vs 8 for 0 successes.
1 2 3 3 4 5 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Miranda will take out her tiara, placing it perfectly on her head and letting it shine, tossing her hair back behind her, after making sure her voile is just perfect - since she's been hiding. Makingherself the center of attention, she puts her focus on the Krampi on Alicia, "LET HER GO NOW, YOU BASTARD!" She is firm with her words, as she attempts to Dictum the beast to release her.

Miranda loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Miranda rolls Sovereign + Fae vs 5 for 1 successes.
1 1 2 3 3 3 4 +5 8 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

"STRIKE. THESE. THALLAIN. DOWN!" Sealgaira, free from the grasp of the Thallain, is tired of this shit. Really tired of this shit.

Alicia loses one Magical Essence
Alicia loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Glamour + Nightmare Dice vs 7 for 6 successes.
3 3 3 4 5 6 +7 +8 +8 +8 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

As those words escape free from the Knight's lips like the roar of the dragon's of old, the Glmaour flows up around her in a flurry of force, an emotional crescendo builing up to BEYOND a fever pitch--and, before she even knows it, the weight of everything, the thought of Eirlys, the image of the source of all her pain before her... it causes her magic to slip. The force pulls away from her, the blizzard howling around them as that Glamour instead builds up at the edge of the circle of the storm. The snow itself seems to pick up, combining with the Glamour until a sparkling, ethereal shape begins to appear--one that quickly materializes into a familiar form. A giant ICE DRAGON of gleamign white scales and blue visage, sotring all of Sealgaira's ANGER and then some as it takes a breath in and BLOWS! Oh yes, the avalanche of snow of that Dragon's Ire does indeed strike that Thallain and bring them down--as it does everyone else. The Whole battlefiled is covered in a 3-meter-deep layer of snow, trapping everyone, friend and foe alike, down in it!

<- Vetur: Knocked down ->
<- Krampi: Suffocated ->

Kieran Wobbles as the onslaught of the Winter Thallain strikes her, then another sudden impact as the Unleashed Dragon brings down an avalanche of snow. The sword is slowly, painfully drawn forth from her hand, and on unsteady feet, she manages to turn a slow circle... not enough to get anywhere, but the blood dripping freely from her ruined palm spatters around her in the freshly-falling snow, even as she collapses into the deepening white to curl in around her pain, hand coming to her mouth.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls 4 vs 5 for 3 successes.
2 +6 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls 1 vs 6 for 1 successes.
+8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Kieran gains full Health

Graham lays under the snow for a moment, before he bellows in rage and pain, taking both arms he rakes himself out of the snow with fury, he busts out into the surfice with a puff of snow powder, jaw locked in anger.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Graham rolls Strength + Athletics vs 7 for 3 successes.
3 5 6 +8 +8 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Vetur, more than 3 meters tall standing on his paws, is easily enough able to push himself up and rise like the great black beast he is from the layer of snow. His wounds are greivous, black blood painting the fresh powder under the howling blizzard above in a splatter Jackson Pollock would be jealous of. He pants, dark eyes gazing over the battlefield to see not even his most trusted minions are still standing. The words from Malcolm ring true--it does indeed suck to suck. 'Það er engin undankomuleið....' he pants, tongue dripping. 'You... you may kill me yet... but my legacy will live on... ARFIÐ MÍN mun lifa áfram!' With that shout, he manages the last of his strength, the residual Glamour of the surroundings swirling around like the storm above as he calls upon the strength of his Contract and the Dreaming itself to utter one last command: 'Let her NEVER be free of the echoes of our past.' The glamour expands, leaving him, and then... nothing. No change. For anyone else bursting out of the snow, he's now a sitting duck. And by the looks of his head hanging low--the weight of defeat seems to be holding him down just as much as his wounds.

Vetur loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys -ST- rolls 17 (17 dice) vs 7 for 2 successes.
1 1 1 1 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 +7 +7 8 9 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sealgaira climbs out of the snow. She heard what the Thallain said. The knight walks over to him, holds her sword at his neck. "That was a mistake. She was the only thing you could have bargained to save your life. Now I have to kill her." With that, she swings the sword at him with a yell of rage.

Alicia loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Strength + Athletics vs 7 for 3 successes.
2 5 5 +7 +7 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Vetur, Archon of Winter, Beast of the Frigid Wastes, Defiler of Wills--all of that crumbles in this moment. That careful trudging through the multitudes of snow merely brings his eyes to follow as he pants and bleeds out into the snow.b 'Þú ert sterkur. Your love is... strong. This is goodbye. Arfleifð mín lifir óháð því. I lived well... and I will die well, too.' Those words are all he musters between panting breaths, voice sounding more and more like rocks scraping up against wet slop. He practically pushes his neck into that sword... and when it's swung? -PWWWSSHHHHH!- More of that black sludge splatters over the Sidhe, drenching her. Then he falls into the snow. Only one thing left to do... the killing blow. Eirlys -ST- has ended combat

Kieran pushes out of the snow, "NOOOOOOOO!" Struggling to get closer, she swears darkly, "For fuck's sake, he can release it! Back the fuck off, let me fix this so you don't have to do something stupid... I swear, fucking /knights/...."

Kieran loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Strength + Athletics vs 7 for 5 successes.
+8 +8 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls 2 vs 7 for 1 successes.
3 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls 1 vs 7 for 0 successes.
4
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Graham wonders around helping the others out of the snow, returning to the side of the other fae once he is done.

Miranda blinks as she sees what happens. "Sealgaira. What.. what is happening." She's climbing out of the snow because DRAGON was protecting her and all he has to do is barely move and she can get up. "Did you.. Did you kill him?" She sees Kieran getting out and she quickly agrees, "Listen to Kieran! Back up. You are tainted too. Don't kill him!"

Zeller takes Graham's hand and finally works his way out with the troll's assistance. He comes out with a confused expression on his face to the bleeding Veturotta and glances around at the others, not having heard anything while beneath the snow.

For better or for worse, it sems like the fallen Vetur's wounds are slowly closing. But still, if a Knight with a sword keeps on attacking....

Dasia was *just* kneeling next to where Zeller was revived from, and has just started to stand back up herself when there was that avalanche of snow. And here she is, an Elegbara without FLICKER-FLASH to get her back to somewhere warm with haste. So instead, she just... levitate her slowly-freezing ass back out out of the snow. She doesn't *land* back on the snow when she gets unburried, either. Nope, she is just floating there. Spookily. "We can compel him to tell us what he wanted the wyrd to do," she points out. It's not like they can't find out what the specifics. Dude is right there.

Dasia loses one Magical Essence
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Fae + Wayfare + -4 vs 6 for 4 successes.
2 +6 +6 +7 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls 4 vs 6 for 4 successes.
+7 +8 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

"Didn't you hear? Didn't you feel it? He unleashed contract. There's nothing to do now. She's lost, forever," Sealgaira says, falling back down on her ass. The sword falls beside her, clattering to the ground. "Eirlys is lost to him. And now I have to kill her."

Malcolm is struggling just to clamber out of the fresh thick snowbank, never mind keep up with what else is going on around him. "You don't know that. It did /something/, but maybe not what he intended."

"You have to... what?" Zeller asks, swinging his horned head over at the lady knight while the eshu flies past. "What exactly was said? Because I must have missed something while... I was... yeah."

Miranda shakes her head, "No, we do not know that. Not until we see her. Let's secure Veturotta in case he isn't dead. Considering all he threw at us? It is very possible that was a ruse. Do not give up Hope yet!"

Graham nods "more beside he was fairly vague with his request, 'Never leting her be free of the echoes of their past' could pan out into a great many thing.." Graham tries to smile to her reassuringly.

Kieran is clearly getting irritable now, "What you /have/ to do is stop fucking /reacting/ and let people deal with this shit /carefully/." That said, she moves past Sealgaira over to the stricken Thallain—whom, yes, she herself was trying to kill moments ago, but that was different. That was before this new wrinkle. Crouching down, she frowns a bit. "He's healing. We'll need someplace to secure him for a bit.. but we'll need him awake and, you know, probably at least /able/ to talk..."

Sealgaira stands up. She goes over to one of the dead hounds and slices open it's belly, spilling out its entrails. Looking at them, the knight looks into Dan, in an augury. "Tell me how to get my happily ever after ending," she says.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Soothsay vs 5 for 3 successes.
1 1 4 4 +5 +7 +8 9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls 1 vs 5 for 1 successes.
+5
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Alicia sees four scenes before her for her success in reaching into the Dan: Vetur's beastly form bound, mouth stuffed with foliage. Eirlys plunging an icy spear into a blackened heart. Sealgaira facing Eirlys, who appears as a black silhouette, something strange around her... and dropping her sword before she strikes her. Then, lastly, them snuggling together on the couch while Eirlys cries into Alicia's bosom.

Miranda stands up tall, as tall as she can for her size and the snow. "Here is what I order. Restrain him. Make him not able to speak - as permanent as you can before he heals or wakes up. I can see him healing. Get Eirlys here. Now. Let her finish him off - period. THEN we see how she is, what happens to her then. Let's hope that fixes this as we planned."

"Cut out his tongue! And stuff his mouth with leaves. All the leaves, every leaf you can find," Sealgaira says, her gaze still focused on something far away, looking into Dan. Sealgaira continues. "And bind him. Tightly. Make it out of the vines if you have to, Or rend your silks. I care not."

Graham nods and gets to work, gathering up enough leaves from a nearby tree and comes back, he hefts the head open and holds the tongue out, looking to Zeller "this feels too familir to the last time, but you are the one with the blade after all......"

Kieran nods to Miranda, and then, at Sealgaira's outburst, frowns and opens her mouth to say something, then stops, and looks back to the Baroness to see what she thinks about all this shit.

The storm rages fiercely overhead, the cold of the avalanched snow still biting into everyone's bodies. The frozen-looking mist is still there, locking them into their little world of this melted body and nightmarish blood dripping snowscape. It's difficult gathering, for sure... even if the blizzard, strangely, never seems to reach anyone--always seeming like there's a bubble of stormlessness around where one stands.

Sealgaira kneels down in the mud, she draws a basic figure with some horns with a twig from the ground, then draws lines going through him. Obviously the Thallain.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Primal vs 5 for 0 successes.
1 1 -1 3 3 3 9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls 1 vs 5 for 1 successes.
+10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls 1 vs 5 for 1 successes.
+5
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

As Sealgaira finishes her magic, the GLamour does take root within the ground, some plants ever-so-slowly growing out of it. There's not very thick, especially not compared to Vetur's size, but they still wrap around him like thin rope staked to the ground. Perhaps the cold is reducing their effectiveness... or she's just burned out. Still, when supplemented with other tying, it could work.

Zeller shakes his head at Graham. "Too familiar," and slices the beast's tongue away cleanly, wiping his blade clean on his cloak.

Dasia nods and takes over the task of binding the monstrous creature (because of course she does). "Hey, we have a use for these Fire Nation costumes after all," she teases, removing hers and staring to tear it into strips. Vines would be welcome, as well, for... future Dan reasons. Maybe. "We might want to cover all our bases and compel him to not try and communicate in any way, either. If we're not doing ant interrogation." She seems put off, but only a little. Right now things are in other people's court.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Dexterity + Crafts + -2 vs 6 for 0 successes.
1 -1 2 3 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Graham chuckles "first I hold a dead beast's head for you to chop off here..." as he says this he shoves the better part of an tree's worth of leaves and shoving them into the now empty mouth "....and now I hold a tongue for it to be cut off, I swear if I have to hold any more extremities to be cut off I think I give this place a wide berth...." He grumbles, but he winks to Zeller.

Miranda sees Kieran and says, "Look, this is a cluster to say the least. Help heal anyone you can, while the others get Veturotta incapacitated I hope." She sees Daisa working, "If help is needed, I can try to grow some vines too."

Dasia does what she does best! Well... kind of. She's using those perfectly manicured claws of hers to rip at the seams of the Fire Nation costumes and tearing at the bloody holes left in it by the ice spikes that are still so rudely sticking out of her back. "Defensive treasures are back at the top of the list," she grumbles, ripping... ripping... trying to tie them together... MAYBE it's the cold, or maybe the wounds are getting to her... ot maybe it just isn't the right kind of fabric. Whatever the case, every time she tries to wrap it around the Thallain's limbs, it just sort of... doesn't work.

Kieran nods to Miranda, and takes a look over the assembled fae, before making a bit of a face and going over to *hug* Dasia from behind. "That's a good idea. For now, though, I'm just gonna keep a hand on your back for a bit, ok?" And with that, she more or less release the Eshu, instead just, as advertised, keeping one hand on the center of the Arabian fae's back. Sure, it's not incredibly quick, but Dasia's wounds *are* closing...

Miranda moves over closer to Veturotta where he is being held. She lifts up her voile, and then begins to dance around him in a circle as she sings, "Ring around the Rosies, a pocket full of poseys. Ashes, ashes, and you fall down!" She repeats it as she continues the dance, which includes her skipping, making turns around in circles as she continues around Veturotta, enticing the vines to come up and out and around him.

Miranda loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Miranda rolls Spring + Fae vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 4 4 +5 +5 +6 +8 8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

As Miranda draws out her power, the dragon keeping her in tip-top shape despite the chaos around, her Glamour blooms forth in some much needed brightness and greenery to the surrounding environment. More than the petty vines of before, the earth and snow gives way to huge, spiky roots and stalks of green thicker than a human arm wrap all around Vetur. Only a bit of spiky fur sticks free as even his stuffed muzzle is tied down by the foliage. He won't be going anywhere or doing much of anything without much effort.

Dasia instinctively leans back against Kieran's hand as the warm spring energy heals her wounds while melting the ice shards sticking out of her back. Wait, how does that work? Shut up, it's the Dreaming. After a few moments, she gives up on the attempts to bind the creature, especially seeing the vines grow to overtake the unmoving form.

Graham sits down a little ways away, his wounds catching up to him, he pulls his robe close around him, shivering slightly but keeping a close eye of the goings on around him.

Zeller eyes Sealgaira warily, but moves to sit next to Graham and watch the events unfold. He takes his own cloak and passes it the big man. "I've got fur... and... I like the cold." he mutters distractedly as he watches the others.

In a flash, Sealgaira is gone. Then in two shakes of a lamb's tail, she is back with Eirlys. "Okay, you still need to stab him with the ice spear. And hurry, love. Time is running out."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Wayfare vs 5 for 6 successes.
1 3 4 +6 +7 +7 +8 +8 +8 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Wayfare vs 6 for 7 successes.
1 3 +6 +6 +7 +8 +9 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Wayfare vs 5 for 6 successes.
1 4 4 +5 +8 +9 +9 +10 +10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Just like that. She's here. In this godforsaken landscape of meters and meters of snow indented only by the paths the fae have created, stained with blood and goop that sticks to the boots with stringy reside. A perpetual blizzard going on overhead as misty fog blots out the sun. What. The. Hell. Eil blinks... then blinks again. `Okay EXCUSE me what the FUCK? You... is that... I...`

Miranda will stop her dance and singing as she sees teh vines grow up and take over Veturotta. When Alicia disappears and the reappears with Eirlys she moves back away from Veturotta and gestures toward him. "It's time, Eirlys. You can end this - NOW. Kill him. It is the ONLY WAY."

Ice spear? Where did they stash that? "Someone get her a weapon!" Malcolm calls out, to no one in particular.

"Think later, ice spear now, Eirlys." Sealgaira says, walking with the Fawn towards the Thallain.

The dark eyes of the Faun trace over the place more as she walks, looking between the people being tended to--shards of ice melting from their wounds as they close up--armor stained, disheveled. Her Knight covered in copious splatters of black blood. But more than that... her eyes fixate on the bound beast. Even through the vines, that form is distinctive. `It's him... that thing... it's so familiar. Like a dream I've forgotten. Fuck... this is real, okay Eirlys, okay. You. Can. Do. This.` She gulps, stepping forwards from the Knight and unflinchingly up to the source of everything. The winter nightmare. `Ice spear...` she mutters to herself, glancing around before reaching a hand out into the wall of still fresh, powdery snow. With a practiced breath of freezing air, the Glamour wicks down her arm, into the snow--and, soon, that oh-so-familiar icy polearm is pulled free from it. She grips it tightly, walking around to the side of the beast. She slowly holds it aloft, point fixated down to a break in the roots. `I... I thought I'd have more time to process this. This isn't an illusion, is it? Well... I suppose this is it, you goddamn ruiner of my life. -Lives-.`

You lose one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Eirlys rolls Prop(2) + Winter(5) (7 dice) vs 5 for 3 successes.
2 3 4 4 +5 +6 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
You gain one Willpower

Miranda offers her words further to Eirlys, "While taking a life is not easy to ever do, this is truly the only way. The only way break this contract. To get your future on your terms. He nearly killed all of us. He cannot live."

Kieran watches quietly, continuing to basically work as a health battery for the battered Eshu.

"Only useless cunts, wankers, and fucking B-tier villains monologue. Stab this fucker and we can go home," the knight yells out. Sealgaira crosses her arms, waiting.

There's only a few seconds, there, that spear hangs in waiting. `The only way...` she repeats, her red-purple eyes flicking around as their lids narrow ever so slightly. There must be a lot running through her head. `You're right, Angel... GO TO HELL!` The spear thrusts down between the vines, the thick hide catching it at first--bringing Eil to grunt and growl as she wiggles it, pressing onto it with all her weight and strength until it finally breaks flesh with a wet squelch. The great beast under the vines twitches, only sickening, low gargles escaping the mouth of the now barely conscious beast. She doesn't stop, fire flaring in her eyes as she screams `GRRAAAAHHHHH!` and drives the thing true, deep, into the monster's insides. With one last sickly churn, whatever light reawakened within those sockets fades, body going still. With one last tug, the icy spear comes lose, falling to ths snow... along with Eirlys, panting as she lands in the snow. `It... I... haahah. I did-it-itCH-GH-GHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!` Her exapsterated cries morph quickly into a scream. Not the scream of someone scared, or someone in pain, no... it is more pure. One of someone so overwhelmed by uknowable things that a shrill cry to the heavens is all they can muster. She writhes, and writhes, and writhes... as the great beastly form of Vetur beginning to shrink, the wicked magic of his transformation finally fading along with him as he's reduced to a main in stained, scattered cloth laying in the muck of snow, blood, and melted flesh. Yet... as he fades, something else grows. One source of Eirlys' writhing becomes all too clear as she flips over forwards into the snow. Four spots on her back... two next to her shoulderblades, two right baove her hips, bluge for but a moment before -FWOOOOSH-... -SPLAT-. Two pairs of black feathery wings--a larger upper and a smaller lower--burst from her flesh and unfurl in chaotic, twitching fashion. It seems to bring some catharsis to her, the screams turning to "mere" cries and groans after this event, wings stretching as her fingers claw into the powdery whiteness.

Miranda watches all that happens here and blink blinks as Eirlys... changes. "Oh my. The Dreaming gives, and yet... this .. We need to check her out and see what this is."

Dasia is probably mostly healed by the time the sudden transformation occurs. Or she better be, because she doesn't just take a step back from Eirlys when the wings unfurl from her back - the Elegbara still has her Goku flight/hover mode activated, so she sort of floats back into Kieran, possibly quickly enough to push the Clurichaun back a step or two!

Graham stand back up and draws closer to Eirlys, looking over her, but is a bit at a loss as to how to help, waving the others over to her side "What can we do to help her?"

Sealgaira drops her sword to the ground. "In times of doubt, I shall keep faith," she recites. The knight walks over to Eirlys and takes off her helm. Rivulets of blood have fallen down her face and matted her hair from where the crown of thorns pricked her. "In the face of death, I shall have no remorse." The knight holds out her hands to her side, after letting her helm fall to the earth. "Are you going to kill me, love?"

Zeller rises and walks towards Eirlys alongside Graham, "I'm not sure we do... I think she's... okay..."

Malcolm furrows his brow. "This is what fortune said would work, right?" he asks Sealgaira, keeping his distance in case the answer turns out to be no.

Kieran's sword is back in her hand again when Eirlys starts writhing and screaming. And sure, the wings are feathery, but... well, what was that Contract that got Unleashed? She nods a bit at the Baroness' words, "This is what fortune said would give Dame Sealgaira 'her happy ending'... Augury is fickle and often tricky... if she's experiencing pure joy just at the moment Eirlys takes her head off? That'd qualify... the Baroness is right, this needs to be checked out, and we need to move carefully. At the very least... we need to bring her back to Sapphiris. She should be aware of everything with her fledge."

"The Dn is not always clear," Dasia points out to Malcolm's question. "Sometimes by looking to see what needs to be done... changes what will occur." Soothsaying is tricksy.

`GOODDSSSS... GRRAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAHHHhhaaAahhaahhhhhh...` Eil cries, tapering off into sobs as she flips over onto her back, wincing as she crushes a wing before managing to push them out on either side of her. Large black feathers, bottom edges tipped with stark white... just like his were. One way to make someone never forget. The new limbs remain twitching, Eil's own red blood from the violent eruption further staining the white around her. Her hands, meanwhile, come up to her eyes, wiping away tears. Only when Sealgaira's voice comes from oh-so-nearby does she pull them down, the dark things staring wide. Oh so wide. Puppy dog eyes. `A-angel? I... no no no no no no... no no nononononono... I don't want to, I dont want to... not anymore, I...` she shakes her head, wings making shapely snow angels around her. `Too much. Too much. It hurts....`

Miranda nods and nods, "Yes, Sapphiris needs to be here. Eirlys? What hurts. Do you remember anything more? Any word from Fryse?" They need some answers. She asks, "Who is Angel? Does she mean Sealgaira?"

"This wasn't the final vision I had. This was only the third. It's not over. I hope, I think," Sealgaira says. "There's more to come." The Fiona rushes to the side of her lover and takes her hand. "It's okay, my love. I am here, I am with you."

"You notice Sealgaira only asked how to get her happy ending. Not Eirlys's," Zeller mutters to Graham pursing his lips. He shrugs and shakes his head. "She's going to be ok. She has to be ok."

`Too much... too much... I remember... too much. It can't be, I can't have... I wouldn't have... he made me... I...` Her words are choppy, like new thoughts are coming to immediately cut off the previous. `Fryse isn't... they're... no no no... I'm not... not that. I'm NOT!` She winces again, pulling together composure enough to do one simple thing: take the hang and use it to pull herself up to hug the Knight in front of her. Those wings curl around Sealgaira the same way her arms do. `Please... I want to go home....`

Malcolm nods to Zeller. "I think the two are pretty well connected. She didn't ask for the way there to be an easy one, though..."

Graham pats Zellers arm and nods, although he looks Eirlys and does not say anything to agree or disagree, simply watching and observing.

Miranda mmms, "I think that Eirlys needs to go home. Sapphiris needs to watch over. Sealgaira, of course, can be there as well. But she needs to sleep. It will take time for the integration, and let thing settle. This is a huge shock to the system - much like the Dream Dance is."

Kieran's eyes narrow a bit, until finally she says, "She needs to sleep. Now. As soon as can be. She needs to have dreams, nightmares... the mind needs time to integrate itself..." She nods to Miranda's words, "Exactly. We need to move, now."

"It will be fine, my love. Just sleep. Sleep." Sealgaira says, putting her sovereign power behind it. But the dreaming says no to her Dictum. Because of course it fucking does. The dreaming has been fucking her all night long. No lube, no warning, just right up her ass.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Fae + Sovereign vs 7 for 0 successes.
1 -1 2 4 4 5 5 5 6 7
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

"Should we leave and come back to try to deal with..." Dasia waves a hand at the chaotic snow globe of doom they may or may not all still be inside of... "or do some of us stay back to try to take care of it while the rest escort Eir back to the Barony?"

Miranda approaches Eirlys and Sealgaira, nodding to the Sidhe as she does. She places a hand on Eirlys cheek, and then kisses her on the forehead while signalling Sealgaira to prepare to catch.
~ Goodnight sweetheart, well, it's time to go,
Goodnight sweetheart, well, it's time to go to sleep
I hate to leave you, but I really must say
Oh, goodnight sweetheart, goodnight. ~
She continues to sing the sweet song and hopefully will get her to sleep.

Miranda loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Miranda rolls Sovereign + Fae vs 5 for 5 successes.
1 2 4 4 +5 +8 +8 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

As those words wash over Eirlys, the horror fo the scene seems to, for but a moment, be lost in the melody. The sobs quiet, Eil's dark eyes drifting shut as her new wings drift closer to her body. She rests.

Kieran looks around, then back to Dasia, "This will sort itself out in time... and if it doesn't, we can come back when half of us aren't just about drained. For now, let's get her out of here while nothing *else* dark and hungry is investigating the smell of thallain magic, yeah?"

Zeller sighs, shakes his head, claps Graham on the back and heads to the gazebo with the others.

Dasia glances at Kieran and gives her a nod. "Sure. Just to be on the safe side, I'm going to go try to rope the area off," she says vaguely. "Best geta move on, I'll catch up as long as we're not teleporting out." With that, she levitates a few inches above the snow, and zips off to draw a big ol' circle around the area. Hopefully setting up a proper Guest List to keep out anything but adventurers from the barony to come back and clean up the mess.

<- THE GROUP LEAVES BACK TO THE BARONY AND GLADE ->

<- Alicia blesses the Gazebo for the night ->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Alicia rolls Summer + Fae vs 2 for 9 successes.
+2 +3 +5 +6 +8 +8 +9 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->