Difference between revisions of "Holes/Session 45"

A fragment of the Garden of Remembering
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<pre>
{{holes nav
Apheori (GM): Is this everyone? Shall we go?
|top=true
Ganelon: You've got me.
|previous=Holes/Session 44
Frezak (GM): Sure.
|next=Holes/Session 46
Gaurav: Let's go!
}}
Apheori (GM): Everyone is magically fine and you go to the cabin in the woods.
 
...after the Gravedigger buries the dragon, of course.
<screenplay>
Overall you're headed for the crashed airship, but this is on the way (mostly), so yeah.
EXT. Cabin in the woods - morning
Is Amadi still awake?
 
Does she still disappear when she isn't?
The party detours on the way back south to the crashed airship in order to investigate the mysterious cabin Greibel had discovered out in the woods.
Or did we break her core functionality?
 
Apheori (GM): ...which was admittedly pretty arbitrary to begin with.
It turns out to be a nice enough cabin, rustic but well-maintained, out in the middle of the woods with no apparent trails to or from, foothills towering up behind it. It has a small porch out front, with rabbits hanging from the rafters, a pair of shovels against the wall, and a rocking chair by the door.
Rhu somewhat reluctantly invokes Hazz's blessings upon the dragon's soul as Gravy lowers it into the grave.
Ellemerr: I think she's awake.
I remember no reason for her not to be.
And she was glitching. I don't know how often she disappears anymore.
Gaurav: Amadi was asleep but still with us in Arah.
http://wiki.zaori.org/wiki/Holes/Session_21
Apheori (GM): That must have been when you broke her.
YOU BROKE HER.
Ellemerr: They did.
Apheori (GM): SHE WAS RUNNING SO WELL AND YOU BROKE HER. INTRODUCED ERRONEOUS VARIABLES.
Gaurav: Also, just 'cos I wanted to see where we were going: http://wiki.zaori.org/w/images/4/44/Holes_dorgin_area_map.jpg
Man, having all the session logs in one place is amazing.
Ganelon: Makes me wish every campaign I was in had these.
Frezak (GM): Shhhh.
Apheori (GM): I wish I had maps too.
Okay, so y'all get to the cabin (it takes a few hours, I suppose).
(To Greibel): FERRETS
Ellemerr: Mag could do with a log-cleaning.
Apheori (GM): It's a nice enough cabin, rustic but well-maintained, out in the middle of the woods with no apparent trails to or from, foothills towering up behind it. It has a small porch out front, with rabbits hanging from the rafters, a pair of shovels against the wall, and a rocking chair by the door.
There's nobody visible, but someone clearly lives here.
There's nobody visible, but someone clearly lives here.
(To Greibel): Spoiler: It's ferrets.
 
Frezak (GM): Are they good shovels?
The Gravedigger looks over the shovels. They look decent. Some clearly have very different purposes (snow, roots, ???) and are more or less beat up as a result. The snow shovel looks particularly (ab)used.
Gaurav: We're still level 6, right?
 
Apheori (GM): Decent. Some clearly have very different purposes (snow, roots, ???) and are more or less beat up as a result.
Rhu looks around for anything in front of the cabin - he finds that there seem to be signs of people using the door. Tracks and stuff. ''(rolled 16 perception)''
The snow one looks particularly (ab)used.
 
For now.
'''''Ganelon''' (Radek): Hmm. I think we need Gravy.
YOU'LL LEVEL SOON.
 
Like as soon as you rest.
'''''Frezak''' (Gravy): You always need Gravy. He's a rock in this ocean of chaos and uncertainty.
If you remember.
 
Apheori (GM): Because I won't.
'''''Apheori (GM)''': Which is why Amadi is sitting on him.
Rhu:
 
rolling d20+15 Perception check to look for clues in front of the cabin: footprints, some sign of which direction people head towards, dropped stuff.
(
1
)
+15
=
16
Gaurav: Hmm.
Ganelon: Hmm.
I think we need Gravy.
Apheori (GM): People probably went in the door. Or out.
Frezak (GM): You always need Gravy.
Apheori (GM): What's Gravy's max perception?
Frezak (GM): He's a rock in this ocean of chaos and uncertainty.
With or without the gravyvision power?
Apheori (GM): Which is why Amadi is sitting on him.
With.
Frezak (GM): Lots.
Apheori (GM): Exactly?
Rhu makes eye contact with Greibel, gestures towards the door, and nods confidently.
Rhu makes eye contact with Greibel, gestures towards the door, and nods confidently.
Apheori (GM): As much as I don't want this to be a DC of 40, if he can potentially handle a DC of 40... >.>
 
Greibel looks to the door wondering what's going on
Greibel looks to the door wondering what's going on.
Frezak (GM): Max modifier is 24. SO a crit would hit 44.
 
Apheori (GM): Oh bugger.
Greibel blinks at Rhu.
Frezak (GM): Gravy twiddles a horn.
 
Apheori (GM): FINE.
RHU
Greibel blinks at Rhu
(whispering to Greibel)
Frezak (GM):
It's the door. People use the door when they go in or out.
rolling 1D20+14+10
 
(
Greibel looks back at the door.
11
 
)
GREIBEL
+14+10
That's a... that's a very useful observation Rhu.
=
 
35
Greibel pats Rhu on the back and goes and tries the door. It's unlocked, so he opens it.
And whatever I get for Rhu being a very elfy elf.
 
Apheori (GM): So you get the impression that only one person actually lives here, no sign of visitors, apparently some pets. Possibly ferrets.
Gravy twiddles a horn and looks about properly. ''(rolled 35 perception)'' He gest the impression that only one person actually lives here, no sign of visitors, apparently some pets. Possibly ferrets.
Rhu: (whispers to Greibel) It's the door. People use the door when they go in or out.
 
The Gravedigger: Keep an eye out for ferrets, guys.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Greibel looks back at the door
Keep an eye out for ferrets, guys.
Greibel: That's a...that's a very useful observation Rhu.
 
Greibel pats Rhu on the back and walks in the door
RADEK
Apheori (GM): Ahahahah.
...Wild ferrets?
Oh, man, there is a question later that Rhu will just need to ask.
 
I mean...
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Gaurav: There is?
Pets, I think. Wild ones have bigger feet.
Apheori (GM): Are you guys just loitering, or do you approach?
 
Gaurav: I think Greibel has advanced to breaking and entering.
As they discuss the ferrets, a woman comes around the corner of the cabin, having apparently been working around the back. She is old and wizened, and she smiles welcomingly.
Apheori (GM): Mill around the porch? Knock? Sit in the rocking chair?
 
Radek: ...Wild ferrets?
GRENITY
Bear Soup Guy: For some reason I thought we'd already opened the door, but Greibel will totally just barge in if it's unlocked
Welcome, welcome! What can old Grenity do for you?
Apheori (GM): You're outside still.
 
The Gravedigger: Pets, I think.
From atop the Gravedigger, Amadi smiles welcomingly back.
WIld ones have bigger feet.
 
Apheori (GM): Oh, whatever. As you discuss the ferrets, a woman comes around the corner of the cabin, having apparently been working around the back. She is old and wizened, and she smiles welcomingly.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi smiles welcomingly back.
HELLO. I'M THE GRAVEDIGGER. DO YOU HAVE FERRETS?
Grenity: Welcome, welcome! What can old Grenity do for you?
THOSE ARE UNRELATED FACTS.
The Gravedigger: HELLO
 
I'M THE GRAVEDIGGER
GRENITY
DO YOU HAVE FERRETS?
Oh, I wouldn't say I have the buggers. More they have me.
Apheori (GM): Perception from all of you.
 
The Gravedigger:
DAWN
rolling 1D20+14
Like cats. Cats have your dreams.
(
 
9
GREIBEL
)
(To Rhu)
+14
Pssst! Hey. It's the house. People use it when they want to not be outside.
=
 
23
Greibel winks. Then, having exhausted his joke, he looks around and absentmindedly heads inside to the kitchen looking for tea.
Gaurav:
 
rolling d20+15 perception
Rhu glances after him, then stays outside by the door in order to keep an eye on the suspicious old lady.
(
 
4
)
+15
=
19
Grenity looks a bit surprised at the question, then laughs.
The Gravedigger: THOSE ARE UNRELATED FACTS
Grenity: Oh, I wouldn't say I have the buggers. More they have me.
Dawn: Like cats.
Cats have your dreams.
Gaurav: Can Greibel already be inside the house at this point? Or did he not have time before this obviously evil witch showed up?
Ganelon:
rolling 1d20+10 Perception
(
5
)
+10
=
15
Bear Soup Guy:
rolling 1d20+12
(
6
)
+12
=
18
Apheori (GM): Would Greibel have any reason to have actively barged in at this point?
Ganelon: Sorry, I had to explain to someone that base 10 is the one he's spent his entire life learning.
Apheori (GM): Snrk.
Gaurav: Hee.
Amadi:
rolling 1d20 + 7
(
7
)
+7
=
14
Apheori (GM): I believe I first covered bases in... 5th grade?
Bear Soup Guy: Greibel tried using the door so that Rhu would think he was giving him really good advice
Apheori (GM): Everyone but the Gravedigger and Greibel: She looks pretty normal.
Ganelon: This is programming stuff he's doing.
Apheori (GM): Gravy: She seems to be a bit older than she looks. For reasons.
Aye.
Greibel: You open the door. It's unlocked.
Inside is... house stuff. Furniture and lamps and all the usual trappings.
Ellemerr: Heh. "Pretty normal" for Amadi...
(To Amadi): Actually she's ferrets, but I assume for you that IS pretty normal. >.>
Greibel: (To Rhu) Pssst! Hey.
It's the house. People use it when they want to not be outside.
Greibel winks
Apheori (GM): ...sometimes I underestimate how weird this party can be.
Radek facepalms.
Radek facepalms.
Gaurav: Hee.
 
Apheori (GM): ...I prepared NOTHING for this particular situation.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Which is unfortunate because this is the stuff that usually trips me up in general.
YOU WERE KIDNAPPED BY FERRETS?
The Gravedigger: YOU WERE KIDNAPPED BY FERRETS?
 
The Gravedigger hefts his shovel and scrutinises the area.
The Gravedigger hefts his shovel and scrutinises the area.
Grenity goes to look at what Greibel and Rhu are doing.
 
Rhu will stay outside the house to keep an eye on this suspicious old lady, unless Greibel waves me in or something.
GRENITY
Amadi: Why are you yelling?
Not hardly. They just run over everything.
Is he yelling? Gravy, are you yelling?
 
The Gravedigger: Don't worry.
Grenity goes to look at what Greibel and Rhu were doing by the door, hands on her hips.
I'm a professional.
 
She's old.
AMADI
Old people don't hear well.
Why are you yelling? Is he yelling? Gravy, are you yelling?
Grenity: (to Gravy) Not hardly. They just run over everything.
 
And I hear just fine, thank you.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
The Gravedigger: ARE YOU SURE?
Don't worry. I'm a professional. She's old. Old people don't hear well.
Grenity: Well, if you keep yelling, I may not be.
 
The Gravedigger: OKA- okay.
GRENITY
Apheori (GM): What, exactly, is Greibel doing at this point?
(over her shoulder)
Amadi: Well, it's nice to meet you.
I hear just fine, thank you.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
ARE YOU SURE?
 
GRENITY
Well, if you keep yelling, I may not be.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
OKA- okay.
 
AMADI
Well, it's nice to meet you.
 
Amadi nods several times to the old woman.
Amadi nods several times to the old woman.
Grenity: And you, young lady!
 
The Gravedigger whispers to Amadi.
GRENITY
The Gravedigger: Sheeee's maaaagic.
And you, young lady!
 
AMADI
...I might have met you before. I don't remember. I'm old; it's allowed.
 
GRENITY
(to Amadi)
Old? Older than dirt? Old as Dream, perhaps?
 
Grenity switches to a completely different language which doesn't even seem to be a language at all, and then adds in a whisper:
 
GRENITY
''You don't look like dirt.
 
Grenity nods several times as well.
Grenity nods several times as well.
Bear Soup Guy: Having exhausted his joke, he looks around and absentmindedly heads to the kitchen looking for tea
 
Rhu: Some hearing loss can be very slight. You don't even know it's there unless you have sophiscated technology. Which we do.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi: ... I might have met you before. I don't remember. I'm old; it's allowed.
(whispering very loudly to Amadi)
Grenity: Come on in, let's get you some tea. It's obviously been a long journey, and you must be exhausted.
Sheeee's maaaagic.
Grenity waves everyone inside and follows Greibel.
 
Frezak (GM): No you're not! You're not old!
AMADI
Amadi whispers back at Gravy, perplexed. "She?"
(whispering back, perplexed)
Radek: Hmph.
She?
 
The Gravedigger points theatrically at the old woman.
The Gravedigger points theatrically at the old woman.
The Gravedigger: Heeeeeer
 
Frezak (GM): Pretty sure Gravy doesn't know how to whisper.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Grenity: (to Amadi) Old? Older than dirt? Old as Dream, perhaps?
Heeeeeer.
Frezak (GM): Are you still talking from your perch, incidentally?
 
Grenity switches to a completely different language which doesn't even seem to be a language at all, and then adds in a whisper, "You don't look like dirt."
'''''Frezak''' (Gravy): Pretty sure Gravy doesn't know how to whisper.
Amadi whispers back,
 
Amadi: Oh, HER. I thought you meant THEM.
RHU
Some hearing loss can be very slight. You don't even know it's there unless you have sophiscated technology. Which we do.
 
GRENITY
Well, come on in, let's get you some tea. It's obviously been a long journey, and you must be exhausted.
 
Grenity waves everyone inside and follows inside after Greibel.
 
RHU
No tea for me, thanks.
 
He follows Grenity inside.
 
RADEK
Hmph.
 
AMADI
(whispering back to Gravy)
Oh, HER. I thought you meant THEM.
 
Amadi points at the old woman.
Amadi points at the old woman.
The Gravedigger: WHo them?
 
Amadi: Them.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Who them?
 
AMADI
Them.
 
Amadi points at the old lady again.
Amadi points at the old lady again.
Apheori (GM): Do you all follow her inside?
 
The Gravedigger: Oh.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Oh.
Oh. Oh. OOOOOH. Riiiiight. Yes. I knew that.
OOOOOH.
That she's a them. I totally knew that. Yes.
Riiiiight.
 
Yes.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I knew that.
YES LET US GO INSIDE WITH THIS OLD WOMAN WHO IS NOT SEVERAL PEOPLE.
The Gravedigger: That she's a them.
 
I totally knew that.
Yes.
Rhu: No tea for me, thanks.
The Gravedigger: YES LET US GO INSIDE WITH THIS OLD WOMAN WHO IS NOT SEVERAL PEOPLE
The Gravedigger winks theatrically at Amadi.
The Gravedigger winks theatrically at Amadi.
Rhu follows Grenity inside.
 
Frezak (GM): And heads inside.
Radek grumbles.
Radek grumbles.
Radek: Be quiet.
 
Rhu: (to Gravy) Several people?
RADEK
The Gravedigger: SHHHHHHH
Be quiet.
Ganelon: He'll also head inside.
 
Amadi blinks again, looking even more confused.
The Gravedigger heads inside with Amadi. Radek follows.
Amadi: People=
 
?*
 
Apheori (GM): Aiight, y'all wind up in the kitchen around now, and only barely fit.
INT. Grenity's house - day
Greibel is making tea.
 
Frezak (GM): That's fast.
Inside is... house stuff. Furniture and lamps and all the usual trappings. A living room full of sofas - very, very comfy-looking ones, at that - gives way to to a small kitchen. A short wall divides the two rooms.
Apheori (GM): There's a huge pot of stew on the stove, and the smell that drifts out is lovely, a savoury mix of herbs and vegetables. You didn't even realise how hungry you were.
 
Greibel turns around to see everybody in the room
In the kitchen, Greibel is making tea. A huge pot of stew is boiling on the stove next to him, and the smell that drifts out is lovely, a savoury mix of herbs and vegetables.
Apheori (GM): Well, I figure in practice you were following and walking.
 
Greibel blinks
The others all pile in as well, crowding around Greibel and the stove. They all only barely fit.  
Frezak (GM): Gravy waves at Greibel.
 
Radek scowls at Greibel.
Greibel turns around to see everybody in the room and blinks.
Frezak (GM): From the other side of the tiny room.
 
Greibel: This is cozy.
The Gravedigger waves at Greibel from the other side of the tiny room.
Ganelon: No, you didn't do anything wrong, don't worry.
 
He's just in a scowling mood.
Radek scowls at Greibel from right next to him.
Apheori (GM): There's also a bit of a living room a bit off the to the side, which only a low wall between it and the kitchen. If you'd like to spread out.
 
It has sofas.
GREIBEL
Very, very comfy-looking sofas.
This is cozy.
Frezak (GM): Gravy is cool with standing.
 
He has experience.
GRENITY
Ganelon: You cannot tempt me with this house!
You could do with soup, I expect. Bowls are in the cupboard, go ahead and grab some. Got plenty for everyone these days.
Frezak (GM): At standing.
 
Grenity: You could do with soup, I expect.
She attempts to bustle and fails miserably on account of a lack of space.
Bowls are in the cupboard, go ahead and grab some. Got plenty for everyone these days.
 
Bear Soup Guy: inb4 they're the sofa version of the Wizard Of Oz poppies
Amadi sits on Gravy to take up less space.
Amadi sits on Gravy to take up less space.
The Gravedigger: Gosh, this is a lot of soup.
 
Were you expecting us?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(To Greibel): As soon as you actually look at her, you realise the old woman is, in fact, ferrets.
(opening the lid)
(To Greibel): Six of them.
Gosh, this is a lot of soup. Were you expecting us?
The Gravedigger: Do you want some soup, Radek?
 
Greibel giggles at seemingly nothing
GRENITY
Radek: ...I don't eat.
To a point. Sometimes the trees give warning, and so few visitors come by these days.
The Gravedigger: You do!
 
Grenity: To a point. Sometimes the trees give warning, and so few visitors come by these days.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
The Gravedigger: I saw you suck the juice out that deerthing.
You talk to trees? Hey, Greibel does that too! Man.
Back in soemthingplace.
 
you talk to trees?
As soon as Greibel actually looks at the woman, he realises she is, in fact, ferrets. Six of them.
Hey, Greibel does that too!
 
Man.
Greibel giggles at seemingly nothing.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Do you want some soup, Radek?
 
RADEK
...I don't eat.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
You do! I saw you suck the juice out that deerthing. Back in soemthingplace.
 
The Gravedigger will wave a bowl in front of Amadi.
The Gravedigger will wave a bowl in front of Amadi.
The Gravedigger: Soup?
 
Greibel hovers around Grenity inspecting her hair curiously
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi eats soup.
Soup?
Grenity: It's old magic, very important out here. Got all sorts of herbs, too, if you need.
 
Frezak (GM): For some reason I always see Radek as being really short.
Amadi takes some soup and digs in.
Greibel mumbles things excitedly
 
Frezak (GM): Crushed by time.
Greibel hovers around Grenity inspecting her hair curiously. It's very interesting, defying several very important laws of physics. It's a ctually a very good illusion, considering.
Grenity: (this is mostly directed at Greibel.)
 
Radek: I'll thank you not to disgrace my methods by placing them in the same category as eating, Gravy.
Greibel mumbles things excitedly.
Frezak (GM): And grumpiness.
 
The Gravedigger: Okay.
GRENITY
Do you want some soup?
(to Greibel)
Radek: No.
It's old magic, very important out here. Got all sorts of herbs, too, if you need.
(To Greibel): Her hair is very interesting, defying several very important laws of physics. It's a ctually a very good illusion, considering.
 
Ganelon: I was tempted to add "thank you".
RADEK
The Gravedigger: Suuuure?
I'll thank you not to disgrace my methods by placing them in the same category as eating, Gravy.
Ganelon: But then realized, that would be polite.
 
Radek: Completely.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
The Gravedigger: Okay.
Okay. Do you want some soup?
Greibel mouths "Fascinating"
 
The Gravedigger: Sorry about Radek, old lady, he's a grump.
RADEK
Frezak (GM): HOW IS THE SOUP?
No.
Grenity: Is that a yes?
 
(still to Greibel)
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Ellemerr: hOW IS THE SOUP?
Suuuure?
Apheori (GM): The soup is lovely and filling.
 
Greibel: ...Oh. Did you say....heeeeerrrbssss?
RADEK
Apheori (GM): Perception, everyone.
Completely.
The Gravedigger: This is some lovely and filling soup.
 
Amadi:
THE GRAVEDIGGER
rolling 1d20 + 7
Okay.
(
 
13
Greibel mouths "Fascinating".
)
 
+7
THE GRAVEDIGGER
=
Sorry about Radek, old lady, he's a grump.
20
 
Apheori (GM): And tell me if you ate soup.
GRENITY
The Gravedigger:
(to Greibel)
rolling 1D20+14
Is that a yes?
(
 
20
GREIBEL
)
...Oh. Did you say... heeeeerrrbssss?
+14
 
=
THE GRAVEDIGGER
34
This is some lovely and filling soup.
Greibel:
 
rolling 1d20+12
GRENITY
(
Herbs, yes.
10
 
)
GREIBEL
+12
Well... I would be very grateful if you would so choose to show me to these herbs.
=
 
22
Grenity shows Greibel her herbs. There are a lot of them. A lot. This takes awhile. Some are hallucinogens, some seasoning, some medicinal. One looks like a very powerful antipsychotic, which could have interesting effects if tried on, say, Amadi or Dawn...
Frezak (GM): I did.
 
Ellemerr: did
Greibel looks in Rhu's direction and taps his nose reassuringly.
Rhu:
 
rolling d20+15 perception check no soup
Amadi starts singing "Beautiful soup".
(
 
19
The Gravedigger and Rhu notice there don't seem to actually be any ferrets around. ''(both rolled 34 perception)''
)
 
+15
THE GRAVEDIGGER
=
Amadi? Is she... them magic? Like a lot?
34
Because ''there are no ferrets''.
Bear Soup Guy: Greibel was too busy to eat
 
Radek:
RADEK
rolling 1d20+10 Perception
You're asking ''her''?
(
 
5
AMADI
)
(singing)
+10
Sooooooooooooouuuuup of the eeeeeeeeeeeevening~!
=
 
15
Radek checks Grenity for magic. ''(rolled 28 arcana)'' It appears she has some sort of illusion up, possibly to conceal just how old and decrepit she really is, but he can't tell for sure.
Ganelon: Another 5.
 
Gaurav: Although I guess just the smell made Rhu's senses keener or something.
Rhu gets the distinct impression that the woman is indeed deceiving them. ''(rolled 28 insight (natural 20))'' But she also seems as though she doesn't actually mean them any harm and is genuinely very happy to actually have visitors for a change.
Grenity: Herbs, yes.
 
Ganelon: How consistent. And unfortunate.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Frezak (GM): If only I'd crit earlier.
Also she's old. Like... more old.
Apheori (GM): Alas.
 
It's every five minutes you can use that?
AMADI
Frezak (GM): yeah.
(singing)
I think I get a +1 from Rhu, if that helps.
Buuuuuu-yessheis-uuuuuuuutifuuuuuul soooooouuuuup...
Apheori (GM): Gravy and Rhu: You realise there don't seem to actually be any ferrets here.
 
Gravy: Also, there's something vaguely magical about the woman. You see a bit of a shimmer on her. Perhaps an illution?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi starts singing "Beautiful soup"
Psssssst. Raaaadek. Heeeeey.
The Gravedigger: Amadi?
Pssssst.
(To Greibel): All the ferrets are still her.
 
The Gravedigger: Is she/them magic?
RADEK
Like a lot?
What?
Because /there are no ferrets/
 
Radek: You're asking /her/?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi: Sooooooooooooouuuuup of the eeeeeeeeeeeevening~!
Can you turn off her illusion? Because you see, there are no ferrets. She might be a bunch of really old ferrets. A ferret legion.
(To Amadi): She's using magic to look like not ferrets.
 
Ganelon: Can, uh...
GRENITY
Can I check?
(turning on the Gravedigger)
Apheori (GM): Since he actually mentioned, certainly.
I am NOT ferrets.
Ganelon:
 
rolling 1d20+16 Arcana
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(
Prove it! Where are the ferrets?
9
 
)
GRENITY
+16
You prove it! Prove you... aren't a squid!
=
 
25
AMADI
The Gravedigger: Also she's old.
I think you're really nice.
Apheori (GM): Meanwhile Grenity shows Greibel her herbs.
 
The Gravedigger: Like... more old.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Apheori (GM): There are a lot of them.
I have hands. Squids don't have hands. Or, you know, breathe air.
Like a LOT.
 
Gaurav: What does an insight check actually do?
GRENITY
Apheori (GM): Sense motive.
Greibel: Well... I would be very grateful if you would so choose to show me to these herbs
Amadi: Buuuuuu-yessheis-uuuuuuuutifuuuuuul soooooouuuuup...
Greibel looks in Rhu's direction and taps his nose reassuringly
Apheori (GM): Greibel: Some of the herbs are hallucinogens, some seasoning, some medicinal. One looks like a very powerful antipsychotic, which could have interesting effects if tried on, say, Amadi or Dawn...
The Gravedigger: Psssssst
Raaaadek
Heeeeey
Apheori (GM): Some you have no idea what they are.
The Gravedigger: Pssssst
Apheori (GM): One looks like a magical cure-all for common ailments.
Radek: What?
Rhu:
rolling d20+8 insight against the old woman
(
20
)
+8
=
28
The Gravedigger: Can you turn off her illusion?
Apheori (GM): Radek: She's got some sort of illusion up, possibly to conceal just how old and decrepit she really is, but you can't tell for sure.
Frezak (GM): Jeebus, man.
Gaurav: Oo.
The Gravedigger: Because you see, there are no ferrets.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: She is deceiving you about something, but you get the impression she doesn't actually mean you any harm and is genuinely very happy to actually have visitors for a change.
The Gravedigger: She might be a bunch of really old ferrets.
A ferret legion.
Gaurav: Huh.
Grenity: I am NOT ferrets.
The Gravedigger: Prove it!
Where are the ferrets?
Grenity: You prove it! Prove you... aren't a squid.
Ganelon: I suppose I shall attempt it.
Amadi: I think you're really nice.
The Gravedigger: I have hands.
Grenity: They're outside, probably sleeping.
The Gravedigger: Squids don't have hands.
Or, you know, breathe air.
Grenity: I dunno, I only really see them for dinner, usually.
They can if you magic them.
They can if you magic them.
The Gravedigger: AHA
(calming down a bit)
Radek clears his throat and tries to ignore the fact that there is in fact a cephalopod resting upon his head.
The ferrets are outside, probably sleeping. I dunno, I only really see them for dinner, usually.
The Gravedigger: SO YOU ARE A MAGIC FERRET!
 
Amadi: All of you. Very nice.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
The Gravedigger: I see!
AHA. SO YOU ARE A MAGIC FERRET!
Grenity: ...no.
 
Radek:
Radek clears his throat and tries to ignore the fact that there is in fact a cephalopod resting upon his head. Gibbering.
rolling 1d20+16 Arcana (dispelling)
 
(
AMADI
13
All of you. Very nice.
)
 
+16
THE GRAVEDIGGER
=
I see!
29
 
Rhu: I don't think she means us any harm, Gravy.
GRENITY
Frezak (GM): I forgot you had one.
...no.
Why do you have one?
 
On your head, even?
Radek attempts to dispell whatever illusion it is Grenity is using. ''(rolled 29 arcana)'' This has no effect beyond messing up her hair a bit and earning Radek an annoyed look.
Ganelon: Because it gibbers.
 
Greibel blinks
Frezak (GM): Riiiight
That.
Apheori (GM): Radek: Nothing really happens. The woman's hair gets a bit messed up.
Amadi: ... I want hot chocolate.
Ellemerr: And so do I.
Radek blinks in surprise.
Radek blinks in surprise.
The Gravedigger: Do you have some hot chocolate for the magical midget, old lady that isn't ferrets?
 
Grenity: Oh, I wish I had chocolate. Haven't even seen a chunk since I left Ord.
Greibel blinks as well.
The Gravedigger: Of course maybe she says hot chocolate and means obsidian bees.
 
Frezak (GM): Do we know what Ord is?
RHU
I think someone mentioned it last time.
I don't think she means us any harm, Gravy.
Amadi: ... I have some... not hot chocolate? Could you make it hot? Pleeeease?
 
Amadi digs out a very modern plate of chocolate.
AMADI
Apheori (GM): Greibel: Do you trade for herbs, or do anything to indicate an interest?
...I want hot chocolate.
Amadi - from her pocket. Not from her hair. Though she did consider it.
 
Apheori (GM): Also, I'll be right back.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Ellemerr: I might have to make hot chocolate. Maybe. We'll see.
Do you have some hot chocolate for the magical midget, old lady that isn't ferrets?
Frezak (GM): 'have to' ?
 
Now that you have invoked the thought, the urge follows?
GRENITY
Ellemerr: Yes. >.>
Oh, I wish I had chocolate. Haven't even seen a chunk since I left Ord.
Bear Soup Guy: I had a phone call
 
Gaurav: From last week's log: "Apheori (GM): OH. RADEK. I completely forgot to mention this at the time, partly because I didn't know it myself, but there's another planet folks been mentioning called Ord. Or something. At least you think it might be a planet. Nobody would give you a straight answer."
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Ellemerr: Also: "Ellemerr (GM): Why do I always want hot chocolate when we play? >.>" From the BL log I'm working on.
Of course maybe she says hot chocolate and means obsidian bees.
Bear Soup Guy: Greibel is interested in the herbs but he's holding his tongue because the ferret lady is being bombarded with lots of questions right now
 
Ganelon: Right. It was a planet?
AMADI
Gaurav: George is apparently also from Ord.
...I have some... not hot chocolate? Could you make it hot? Pleeeease?
Radek: Ord again...
 
What is Ord?
Amadi digs out a very modern plate of chocolate. From her pocket. Not from her hair. Though she did consider it.
Ganelon: Might as well get a new maybe-oblique answer about this.
 
Rhu will try one of those comfy sofas.
Grenity nods and takes the plate of chocolate, and gets out a pot and stuff and starts mixing and boiling it with milk and stuff.
Grenity: It's the... other. The mirror universe where they have shiny hats and buoys and chocolate and all things good and nice.
 
Grenity nods and takes the plate of chocolate.
Rhu plops down on one of the sofas. It's quite comfy.
Grenity gets out a pot and stuff and starts mixing and boiling it with milk and stuff.
 
Amadi: Oh... I think I have Ord in my pocket!
RADEK
Ord again... What is Ord?
 
GRENITY
It's the... other. The mirror universe where they have shiny hats and buoys and chocolate and all things good and nice.
 
AMADI
Oh... I think I have Ord in my pocket!
 
Amadi fishes out a shiny hat. It's small and full of christmas lights.
Amadi fishes out a shiny hat. It's small and full of christmas lights.
Grenity: Nobody here knows it because they don't want to know it.
 
Rhu: Don't they have boys here, too?
RHU
Grenity: They don't care for the opportunity they gave up, so they pretend this is the best they have.
Don't they have boys here, too?
Except what they left was very much like Ord, back in the day. They've all just... forgot.
 
Radek: So why are /you/ here?
Grenity: I was here before, and I will be here 'til the world falls.
Grenity gives Rhu a weird look.
Grenity gives Rhu a weird look.
Ganelon: I'm surprised he doesn't get those more often, really.
 
Greibel: Unlikely
GRENITY
Gaurav: Weird how?
Nobody here knows it because they don't want to know it. They don't care for the opportunity they gave up, so they pretend this is the best they have. Except what they left was very much like Ord, back in the day. They've all just... forgot.
Greibel: Ferrets only have a lifespan of seven to ten years
 
Gaurav: Gan: yes.
RADEK
Greibel looks through the herbs
So why are ''you'' here?
Apheori (GM): Weird like she thinks you're a complete weirdo and/or idiot.
 
Gaurav: Oh psh.
GRENITY
Frezak (GM): That's mundane.
I was here before, and I will be here 'til the world falls.
Gaurav: That's just how everybody looks at Rhu. He does not notice.
 
GREIBEL
(still looking through the herbs)
Unlikely. Ferrets only have a lifespan of seven to ten years.
 
Rhu gives Greibel a weird look.
Rhu gives Greibel a weird look.
Apheori (GM): Hers stands out more because of her nose.
 
Grenity offers to trade and asks Greibel if he has anything for that.
Grenity gives Amadi, Greibl, and the Gravedigger hot chocolate, keeping a mug for herself, and pushes her way back over to Greibel and the herbs.
Rhu:
 
rolling d20+15 perception check Grenity's nose
AMADI
(
Thank you! All of you, this is so nice!
16
 
)
Amadi drinks hot chocolate with much happiness. It's a bit thick and very dark, but good.
+15
 
=
31
Gaurav: I don't suppose a nose can have motive, right?
Grenity gives Amadi, Greibl, and the Gravedigger hot chocolate, keeping a mug for herself.
Apheori (GM): >.>
Amadi: Thank you! All of you, this is so nice!
Apheori (GM): Perception: It is a very large nose, and it wiggles sometimes.
Amadi drinks hot chocolate with much happiness.
Apheori (GM): Amadi The hot chocolate is a bit thick and very dark, but good.
Rhu casts admiring glances at Grenity's nose when he thinks nobody's looking.
Rhu casts admiring glances at Grenity's nose when he thinks nobody's looking.
Greibel shows Grenity the ring he took off of that skeleton in that tomb that one time when we found Mr. Mousey
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: Nature.
Rhu:
rolling d20+10 nature check
(
19
)
+10
=
29
Apheori (GM): Okay.
Bear Soup Guy: Oh and it wasn't a tomb and it was actually when we found Dave too, now that I think about it
Grenity offers some of her best hallucinogens and an antipsychotic in exchange.
Greibel: Ahhhhh, yeeeesssss...
Grenity puts a little of the antipsychotic in her chocolate.
Grenity puts a little of the antipsychotic in her chocolate.
Greibel: Excellent. This will do nicely.
 
Greibel makes the trade
GRENITY
(to Greibel)
So what do you think? Have anything to trade?
 
GREIBEL
Ahhhhh, yeeeesssss...
 
Greibel shows Grenity the ring he took off of that skeleton in the underground complex.
 
Grenity takes the ring and nods at it admiringly.
Grenity takes the ring and nods at it admiringly.
Grenity: So many stories. So much history, lost to the worlds.
 
Gaurav: (to Greibel) If you need more herbs, I'd be happy to trade her a partially digested light fixture.
GRENITY
Greibel: Yeah, and it's not even +1 or anything.
So many stories. So much history, lost to the worlds.
Gaurav: Sorry, that was IC.
 
Greibel: Well, what are you waiting for?
GREIBEL
Greibel gestures for Rhu to do that
Yeah, and it's not even +1 or anything.
 
Grenity offers some of her best hallucinogens and an antipsychotic in exchange.
 
GREIBEL
Excellent. This will do nicely.
 
They make the trade.
 
RHU
(to Greibel)
If you need more herbs, I'd be happy to trade her a partially digested light fixture.
 
GREIBEL
Well, what are you waiting for?
 
Greibel gestures for Rhu to do that.
 
Rhu offers Grenity a half digested light fixture.
Rhu offers Grenity a half digested light fixture.
RHU
I also have a bunch of mushrooms from that stoned, jailed philosopher back in Coffle, if any of you want a bit. That was powerful stuff.
Grenity looks it over, then looks quite surprised.
Grenity looks it over, then looks quite surprised.
Grenity: I... do not recognise this. Where did you get it?
 
Apheori (GM): Entirely out of character, I think I just realised who Grenity is and I really hope I'm wrong.
GRENITY
Radek: Are you referring to the technology?
I... do not recognise this. Where did you get it?
Ganelon: Doubtful, but it's worth asking.
 
Grenity: The history. The stories. They're not...
RADEK
Rhu: I also have a bunch of mushrooms from that stoned, jailed philosopher back in Coffle, if any of you want a bit. That was powerful stuff.
Are you referring to the technology?
 
GRENITY
The history. The stories. They're not...
 
Grenity stops and actually gives you all a proper look.
Grenity stops and actually gives you all a proper look.
Grenity: You're it. You're the answer.
 
GRENITY
You're it. You're the answer.
 
Amadi hums a little more of the soup-song.
Amadi hums a little more of the soup-song.
Rhu: We found it in a pile of splatter in Sarathi.
 
Apheori (GM): I had cookies for lunch.
RHU
The Gravedigger: That sort of thing happens a lot.
We found it in a pile of splatter in Sarathi.
Apheori (GM): She startles at the name as though she'd been struck.
 
Gaurav: You should get a proper lunch later.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Apheori (GM): Perception, everyone (and use your thingy, Gravy).
That sort of thing happens a lot.
Ganelon:
 
rolling 1d20+10
Grenity startles at the name as though she'd been struck. Those who see the ferrets realise they almost just fell over.
(
 
16
Amadi looks worriedly at Grenity.
)
 
+10
AMADI
=
... Are you lot okay?
26
 
Greibel:
GRENITY
rolling 1d20+12
I... yes.
(
 
16
THE GRAVEDIGGER
)
No-one poke the old lady. She may explode.
+12
 
=
GRENITY
28
I'm sorry, I'm old and some names... some names you just do not expect to hear again. I'm fine.
Rhu:
 
rolling d20+15 perception
RADEK
(
So you recognize Sarathi.
12
 
)
GRENITY
+15
It's... I... don't know.
=
27
Amadi:
rolling 1d20 + 7
(
14
)
+7
=
21
Ganelon: Hey, it's not 5!
Dawn: Ferrets.
The Gravedigger:
rolling 1D20+24
(
13
)
+24
=
37
Apheori (GM): So close.
(To Amadi): The ferrets almost just fell over.
(To Greibel): The ferrets almost just fell over.
Gaurav: Everybody gets a +1 from Rhu.
Apheori (GM): Gravy: She looked quite wobbly. As though about to fall apart.
Amadi: ... Are you lot okay?
Amadi looks worryingly at Grenity.
Grenity: I... yes.
The Gravedigger: No-one poke the old lady.
Grenity: I'm sorry, I'm old and some names... some names you just do not expect to hear again.
The Gravedigger: She may explode.
Grenity: I'm fine.
Radek: So you recognize Sarathi.
Grenity: It's... I... don't know.
Yes.
Yes.
Radek: Considering how it's likely nothing more than scattered fragments of reality by now...
 
Grenity looks genuinely confused.
Grenity looks genuinely confused.
Radek: I demand an explanation.
 
Grenity: It's not one. It's like...
RADEK
Considering how it's likely nothing more than scattered fragments of reality by now... I demand an explanation.
 
GRENITY
It's not one. It's like...
A hole. When you take a stack of papers and punch a hole through all of them. Hundreds at once. Bits get torn of and scattered down the line, one way as the punch goes through, another back. Sometimes the hole isn't even a hole, just a rip, but it gets stuck to the others.
A hole. When you take a stack of papers and punch a hole through all of them. Hundreds at once. Bits get torn of and scattered down the line, one way as the punch goes through, another back. Sometimes the hole isn't even a hole, just a rip, but it gets stuck to the others.
Grenity is visibly shaking now.
Grenity is visibly shaking now.
Grenity: We almost tried it. Once.
 
GRENITY
We almost tried it. Once.
And then... it was destroyed. So destroyed it didn't even have a name anymore, and we were destroyed with it, and now we're... we're...
And then... it was destroyed. So destroyed it didn't even have a name anymore, and we were destroyed with it, and now we're... we're...
Greibel: The Ferret Lady?
 
Greibel sips his tea non-chalantly
GREIBEL
The Ferret Lady?
 
Greibel sips his tea non-chalantly.
 
Grenity is too shaken up at this point to even respond.
Grenity is too shaken up at this point to even respond.
Amadi narrows her eyes at Grenity.
Amadi narrows her eyes at Grenity.
Amadi: Did you... know me...? When I was someone else?
 
Gaurav: Look at all of us sitting around quietly learning things and having a polite conversation with a strange old lady. Does that mean it's time to ruin everything by invoking Hazz?
AMADI
Amadi: ... Did I ever know you?
Did you... know me...? When I was someone else?
Grenity: (whispering) You were always you. You still are.
 
Radek: You don't need to explain, I've witnessed the phenomenon personally.
'''''Gaurav''' (Rhu): Look at all of us sitting around quietly learning things and having a polite conversation with a strange old lady. Does that mean it's time to ruin everything by invoking Hazz?
 
AMADI
...Did I ever know you?
 
GRENITY
(whispering)
You were always you. You still are.
 
RADEK
You don't need to explain, I've witnessed the phenomenon personally.
 
GRENITY
You knew us all, dear dreamer. You were the one who saved us.
 
Amadi shakes her head violently.
Amadi shakes her head violently.
Grenity: You knew us all, dear dreamer. You were the one who saved us.
 
Amadi: NOT!
AMADI
Not her!
NOT! Not her!
 
Grenity calms, and smiles at Amadi.
Grenity calms, and smiles at Amadi.
Grenity: You're you.
 
You and nobody else.
GRENITY
Dawn: All of us?
You're you. You and nobody else.
 
DAWN
All of us?
 
Amadi keeps shaking her head and hides a little behind Gravy (without climbing off him).
Amadi keeps shaking her head and hides a little behind Gravy (without climbing off him).
Amadi: Don't wanna.
 
The Gravedigger: I'd appreciate it if you'd stop upsetting my hat.
AMADI
Dawn: It's all right. She means we're us. We're always ourselves no matter who we are.
Don't wanna.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I'd appreciate it if you'd stop upsetting my hat.
 
DAWN
It's all right. She means we're us. We're always ourselves no matter who we are.
I don't even know who I am.
I don't even know who I am.
Dawn laughs suddenly.
Dawn laughs suddenly.
Greibel: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ARE YOU
 
Amadi: You're not Dave.
GREIBEL
Greibel: WHO WHO
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ARE YOU?
Amadi: I'm not Amadi.
 
Greibel: WHO WHO
AMADI
Dawn: I'm not, no. And you're not. It's very interesting.
You're not Dave.
Gaurav: Greibel turns into an owl and starts hooting at everybody.
 
Bear Soup Guy: XD
GREIBEL
Grenity: But all of you are. You always were, waiting.
WHO WHO?
Apheori (GM): A swarm of owls.
 
On every surface.
AMADI
Gaurav: I wonder how many distinct beings were in that conversation just now.
I'm not Amadi.
Apheori (GM): Approximately nine.
 
Wait, no, 11.
GREIBEL
Gaurav: The answer is certainly not integral and might be imaginary.
WHO WHO?
+ the upcoming owl swarm
 
Apheori (GM): Actually I don't even know.
DAWN
Ellemerr: *giggles*
I'm not, no. And you're not. It's very interesting.
 
GRENITY
But all of you are. You always were, waiting.
 
Amadi giggles hysterically for a little bit and then starts brading Gravy's hair.
Amadi giggles hysterically for a little bit and then starts brading Gravy's hair.
Apheori (GM): Rhu was on the sofas, right?
 
Gaurav: Still is! He's really comfy now.
Dawn guides Grenity over to the other sofa and lies her down. Dawn sits down next to her and strokes her hair/ferrets. They talk in hushed voices.
Dawn guides Grenity over to the other sofa and lies her down.
 
Apheori (GM): Does Rhu still have his mask of furry truesight?
The Gravedigger sits down on the remaining sofa.
Gaurav: ...
 
Apheori (GM): ...nevermind.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Radek tries to remain composed. To find the eye in the storm of owls.
WHAT A DAY, EH?
Apheori (GM): Wait, did Greibel actually go owls?
 
Bear Soup Guy: Nah
GRENITY
Ganelon: If he didn't... just ignore that.
Getting too old for this.
Apheori (GM): Ah, foo.
 
Gaurav: Okay, I think I just lost track of the mask when Rhu regained his sight.
DAWN
Is the mask really light? He might have just left it on.
Oh, don't worry. It's only as old as the worlds.
Apheori (GM): It made everything look insanely hairy.
 
Gaurav: Oh. Then he'd've put it away with his things.
Amadi falls off Gravy, landing next to him on the sofa, almost as though it were intentional, but only almost: she's upside down.
So it's in his backpack now.
 
Apheori (GM): Okay.
Rhu gets up wanders around examining the house. The walls have various paintings and drawings, including a whole lot of what look like they might be family. They're all very old, and elves.
Gravy: You feel a bit tired, perhaps from the soup. It was very filling and relaxing.
 
Grenity is lying on the sofa with Dawn, who's stroking her... hair. They're talking in hushed voices.
Bored, he then wanders out of the house entirely.
(To Amadi): Actually she's stroking ferrets.
 
(To Greibel): Actually she's stroking ferrets.
The Gravedigger sits into the nearest sofa.
The Gravedigger: WHAT A DAY, EH?
(From Bear Soup Guy): Of course!
Amadi falls off Gravy.
Frezak (GM): Gravy assumes she will be unharmed.
Apheori (GM): Amadi lands on the sofa next to him, almost as though it were intentional, but only almost: she's upside down.
Gaurav gets up off the sofa and walks around the living room, looking at anything on the walls.
Gaurav: urk sorry that was IC
Grenity: Getting too old for this.
Dawn: Oh, don't worry. It's only as old as the worlds.
Radek remains seated in the kitchen.
Apheori (GM): The walls have various paintings and drawing, including a whole lot of what look like they might be family.
They're all very old, and elves.
I guess Grenity is an elf too.
Though you wouldn't have noticed from looking at her.
Gaurav: That's unusual here, right? I think we've mostly seen humans so far.
Apheori (GM): Aye.
Mostly.
Ganelon: Ah, I know what Radek will do.
He'll mess with that contraption.
The one which uses rocks.
Gaurav: Is there a door from the living room to outside the house, say into the back yard?
Apheori (GM): The front door was probably by the living room, the back by the kitchen.
Gan: Describe what you do, what you want to try, or what you need to know.
Ganelon: I... hrm.
Rhu starts getting bored, and wanders outside through the front door to look around the house.
Rhu:
rolling d20+15 perception check on the house: how old is it, is it well-made, etc.
(
3
)
+15
=
18
Apheori (GM): Even if it's just poking it or sticking random things together or zapping it with small lightning bolts.
Does Rhu know anything about construction, especially oldfangled?
Gaurav: Nope!
But he's bored.
So he's just poking around.
The Gravedigger hums.
The Gravedigger hums.
Apheori (GM): It doesn't look all that old, fairly well-made, and everything seems hand-made. Slightly uneven, but only very slightly. Every nail slightly different, that sort of thing.
 
Maaan, those cookies.
Radek remains seated in the kitchen and messes with the puzzle box contraption with the rocks. He begins with magical scrutiny. ''(rolled 29 arcana)''
I could just take a nap.
 
Gan: You can also just give me random rolls and say he's literally just trying random things.
There are two levels to its magic. One is fairly normal, a bit like a trick lock, but it's too broken to see how it's actually supposed to go together (the entire top being missing). And under that is another layer - a layer unlike any magic he's ever seen as magic, exactly, but in general it feels just like the holes.
But it'll be easier for me if you actually specify what the random things are, or ask questions about specific whatevers. >.>
 
Frezak (GM): Smear it with various kitchen products.
Radek attempts to jury-rig a functioning top out of... anything at all. ''(rolled 19 reality)'' He winds up grabbing some foil off the counter and bending that into shape. He puts it on, and the magic takes it, but it's not going to stay on very well if bumped at this point. ''(rolled 18 arcana)''
Ganelon: Sure.
 
We can start with magical scrutiny.
Even so, the device seems mostly fixed now, at least at the upper level.
Apheori (GM): Arcana.
 
Ganelon:
RADEK
rolling 1d20+16
Aha!
(
 
13
Meanwhile Greibel samples his newly acquired herbs.
)
 
+16
=
29
Gaurav: Is there any sort of basement in this house?
Apheori (GM): There are two levels to its magic. One is fairly normal, a bit like a trick lock, but it's too broken to see how it's actually supposed to go together. And under that, is another layer - a layer unlike any magic you've ever seen as magic, exactly, but in general it feels just like the holes.
The stones definitely tied to the lock level.
Gaurav: Not that you can tell.
Other rooms are just bedrooms and storage and a remarkably modern-looking bathroom that doesn't even look used.
Ganelon: Aah, so it is broken.
I recall that it's actually missing a piece. The uh... top?
Apheori (GM): Aye.
Ganelon: Alright.
Rhu walks around the house, looking out at the landscape around the house and vaguely looking for entrances and exits from the house.
Ganelon: I will attempt to jury-rig a functioning top out of... anything at all.
If Radek gets the notion that he can make one out of expertly carved potatoes, he goes for it.
Apheori (GM): d20.
Ganelon:
rolling 1d20
(
19
)
=
19
Apheori (GM): There's some foil on the counter, which makes the needed shape reasonably well.
Arcana?
Ganelon:
rolling 1d20+16
(
2
)
+16
=
18
Aaaaargh
Apheori (GM): He gets it on, and the magic takes it, but it's not going to stay on if he moves it or anything.
Even so, the device seems mostly fixed now, at least at the top level.
Fortunately Radek's arcana is high enough that the only way to outright fail is to roll a 1. >.>
...so far.
Gaurav: What's Greibel doing?
Ganelon: Haha!
I love my rampant overspecialization.
Bear Soup Guy: Greibel's sampling his newly acquired herbs, of course
Gaurav: Hee. Nice.
Amadi stands on her head for a bit.
Amadi stands on her head for a bit.
Radek: Aha!
 
Ganelon: Did we actually get the old lady's name?
RADEK
Gaurav: I don't think so. Greibel referred to her as Ferret Lady earlier.
Houseowner! I require your attention for a moment.
Radek: Houseowner!
 
I require your attention for a moment.
GRENITY
Apheori (GM): Grenity.
(from the sofa)
She introduced herself at the start.
Hnnnnh?
Ganelon: Oh.
 
Apheori (GM): The Gravedigger introduced himself.
RADEK
Nobody else noticed.
I have a device. Perhaps you will recognize it.
Ganelon: Well whatever, Radek can just be rude.
 
Grenity: (from the sofa) Hnnnnh?
Grenity starts to get up, but then Dawn motions for her to stay put.
Apheori (GM): Greibel: These are some really good hallucinogens and make Grenity almost not look like ferrets.
 
In fact everyone might be bees.
DAWN
Radek: I have a device. Perhaps you will recognize it.
No, no, I got this.
Apheori (GM): Greibel: Also, you can see Midnight and it's watching you, but you doubt it can actually reach you from here.
 
The woman starts to get up, but then Dawn motions for her to stay put ("No, no, I got this") and comes over instead.
Dawn comes over to Radek instead. He frowns at her.
Radek frowns at Dawn.
 
Radek: You've already seen this.
RADEK
Dawn: You fixed it?
You've already seen this.
Frezak (GM): Gravy will stand around and look helpful without doing anything.
 
Radek: Temporarily.
The Gravedigger comes over as well and stands around looking helpful without doing anything.
The Gravedigger: Hmmm.
 
Frezak (GM): I WILL ROLL ARCANA
DAWN
Dawn: Have you turned it on?
You fixed it?
The Gravedigger:
 
rolling 1D20+4
RADEK
(
Temporarily.
6
 
)
THE GRAVEDIGGER
+4
Hmmm.
=
 
10
To the Gravedigger, it looks like foil. ''(rolled 10 arcana)'' Dawn gets a little further. ''(rolled 29 arcana)''
Apheori (GM): Wait, does dawn have arcana too?
 
Frezak (GM): That looks like foil.
DAWN
Everyone HAS arcana.
You need to put in a proper combination to turn it on, but then... I think the stones are just building blocks. Use them to represent the missing reality, and you can reshape... stuff?
Apheori (GM): Gravy: It looks like foil.
 
And I mean as something she's trained in.
Dawn gives the thing another look over, but finds nothing. ''(rolled 12 arcana)''
Oh gods she does.
 
Ganelon: She did make a floating disk.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Dawn gives the thing a look over.
Hmmm.
Dawn: You need to put in a proper combination to turn it on, but then... I think the stones are just building blocks. Use them to represent the missing reality, and you can reshape...stuff?
 
The Gravedigger: Hmmm.
Amadi comes over, walking on her hands, and then takes the thing from them and fiddles with it. Upside down. ''(rolled 23 arcana)''
Ganelon: Hmmm is right.
 
Dawn:
THE GRAVEDIGGER
rolling 1d20 + 10
Hmmm.
(
 
2
RADEK
)
Don't move it-!
+10
 
=
The foil falls off as a result. Amadi looks like a guilty child who did something she shouldn't and quickly fixes it so it actually stays on and keeps working and puts it back, looking anxiously at Radek.
12
 
Hmm.
Greibel hasn't been paying proper attention to all the conversation and is laughing so hard at everyone right now. They all look like bees.
Ganelon: Another 2!
 
This thing defies scrutiny.
Apheori (GM): I like my physical dice better.
Ellemerr: Allow me to try.
rolling 1d20 + 10
(
13
)
+10
=
23
Apheori (GM): She got a 29 on her first roll with those.
Amadi looks at the thingy.
Apheori (GM): Much better. sort of.
Amadi: Do you actually go over to them, or do it across the room?
Amadi walks over on her hands. Then takes the thing from them and fiddles with it. Upside down.
The Gravedigger: Hmmm.
Radek: Don't move it-!
Apheori (GM): Amadi: You cause the foil to fall off, but see a way to fix the foil so it'll actually stay on and keep working in doing so.
Ganelon: NNOOOO MY PRIDE
Apheori (GM): XD
Greibel hasn't been paying proper attention to all the conversation and is laughing so hard at everyone right now
Amadi looks like a guilty child who did something she shouldn't and quickly fixes the thing and puts it back, looking anxiously at Radek.
Apheori (GM): Does Radek have the stones?
Amadi falls off her hands/head and ends up on her back.
Amadi falls off her hands/head and ends up on her back.
Amadi: Ow.
 
Ganelon: Yeah, I think so.
AMADI
We kept them all in the same box.
Ow.
Apheori (GM): Excellent.
 
Ganelon: Or should have.
RADEK
Dawn fiddles with the stones.
(To Amadi, begrudgingly)
Dawn:
...Thank you.
rolling 1d20 +10
 
(
Dawn fiddles with the stones. ''(rolled 27 arcana)'' She selects seven and pushes them across the counter to Radek.
17
 
)
DAWN
+10
These.
=
 
27
Radek raises an eyebrow at Dawn, but takes the stones and inserts them in an arbitrary order. ''(rolled 7 reality)''
Radek: (To Amadi, begrudgingly) ...Thank you.
 
Apheori (GM): How many slots did I say the thing had? Seven?
Nothing happens.
Ganelon: Seven, ye.
 
Yes*
The Gravedigger notices one of the stones isn't entirely seated and pushes it in. ''(rolled 20 arcana)'' The contrapture turns on, humming very faintly, emitting light in a way that totally makes sense for a contrapture of its nature.
Gaurav: "The box contains a circular contraption with spaces for seven stones, three more of the stones themselves, and a few chunks of something that looks like it shattered."
 
Apheori (GM): Yeah.
He hands the device back to Radek and beams.
Dawn selects seven stones and pushes them across the counter to Radek.
 
Dawn: These.
RADEK
Apheori (GM): If you use them or whatever, I don't care about actual order. Just roll or something. >.>
Oh.
Radek raises an eyebrow at Dawn, but takes the stones and inserts them in an arbitrary order.
 
Ganelon: If it matters at all, let's say one he is personally biased towards.
RADEK
rolling 1d20
Well, that's... progress.
(
 
7
DAWN
)
You should be able to turn it, now. Change the stones. Whatever that means.
=
 
7
And if simply putting them in does nothing, he turns it on.
Apheori (GM): Arcana?
Putting them in doesn't explicitly do anything, but...
Ganelon: Oh.
Apheori (GM): ARCANA.
Ganelon:
rolling 1d20+16 ARCANAAAAA
(
1
)
+16
=
17
NO
Apheori (GM): ...it seems to still be broken.
The Gravedigger:
rolling 1D20+4
(
16
)
+4
=
20
Frezak (GM): Because Gravy sees that Radek is sad.
Apheori (GM): Gravy: It's not broken. You just need to get one of them entirely seated.
Jiggle it or something.
The Gravedigger jiggles the device.
Ganelon: Radek /is/ pretty sad right now.
Apheori (GM): The not seated one falls out.
Ganelon: He's getting upstaged in his own field.
By the /midgets/.
Apheori (GM): >.<
Frezak (GM): I'll put the unseated stone in properly.
Apheori (GM): Well, to be fair, before they were split, they were an engineer.
Ganelon: I did not know that!
Apheori (GM): ...they were also a god of madness.
>.>
Radek: Oh.
Radek mumbles absently as he replaces the unseated stone.
Apheori (GM): Frezak: When you do, it turns on, humming very faintly, and emitting light in a way that totally makes sense.
Well, whichever of you does it.
Ganelon: Sorry, I didn't see him actually mention operating it.
Frezak (GM): Gravy will hand the device back to teh Radek.
And beam.
Apheori (GM): Heh.
Dawn:
rolling 1d20 + 10
(
4
)
+10
=
14
Apheori (GM): Amadi: You should roll too.
Amadi:
rolling 1d20 + 10
(
9
)
+10
=
19
Radek: Well, that's... progress.
Apheori (GM): Amadi: It has something in it. A message.
Dawn: You should be able to turn it, now. Change the stones.
Whatever that means.
Radek squints at the thing with one eye.
Radek squints at the thing with one eye.
Amadi leans towards the device and whispers,
 
Amadi: Tell me.
Amadi sense some sort of message in it and leans towards the device. ''(rolled 19 arcana, 4 reality)''
Apheori (GM): Amadi: d20
 
Amadi:
AMADI
rolling 1d20
(whispering)
(
Tell me.
4
 
)
It doesn't tell her. But something is watching. Something huge and sizeless. Everywhere. Watching. Focussed, from infinite angles.
=
 
4
Ellemerr: Uh oh >.>
Apheori (GM): Do it again. >.>
Ellemerr:
rolling 1d20
(
4
)
=
4
:D
Apheori (GM): Well, huh.
Ganelon: Sometimes you just can't escape it, DM.
Apheori (GM): It doesn't tell you.
But something is watching.
Something huge and sizeless. Everywhere. Watching. Focussed.
Amadi sticks out her tongue at it, offended.
Amadi sticks out her tongue at it, offended.
Apheori (GM): On you.
 
Ganelon: Also sometimes this happens:
Radek swaps the positions of the stones representing "fire" and "bird". Greibel suddenly looks like he's on fire.
http://imgur.com/flAgDgX
 
Apheori (GM): o.O
Ganelon: Actual character of mine, by the way.
Gaurav: Wow!
Frezak (GM) rolls eyes
Ganelon: Frezak hates her because she's a literal mouse.
And also a Pathfinder character.
Don't mind him.
Apheori (GM): >.<
Well, MY pathfinder character wears a badger on his head.
Ellemerr: Is it too late to make hot chocolate? Would you people be upset if I went and did that?
I wouldn't be -completely- gone, but I would be less present. >.>
Apheori (GM): First say if Amadi noticed the huge sizeless thing everywhere watching her.
Ganelon: Now I believe the purpose of this puzzle, as Dawn reminded us (but I kept notes, we already sorta knew this), is to reorder the stones placed in it already.
Apheori (GM): Scrutinising her.
Gaurav: I need to leave in the next half hour. Work work work.
Apheori (GM): Focussing on her, and her alone, from infinite angles.
Ganelon: So...
Ellemerr: She totally stuck out her tongue at it.
Offended.
Gaurav: But Rhu can stay outside the house as long as needed, and I can be back an hour after I leave if we're still going then.
Apheori (GM): Oh, I thought that was at the box.
Okay.
Ellemerr: It was both.
Apheori (GM): It doesn't do anything to that.
Rhu wasn't doing anything already, so...
What'll it be?
Can everyone do the same time next week?
Ganelon: Radek swaps the positions of the stones representing... let's say "fire" and "bird".
Totally.
Apheori (GM): Radek: Greibel looks like he's on fire.
Gaurav: Same time next week works for me!
Ganelon: ...Someone turn the stove on and see if doves come out.
Greibel waves casually at Radek
Greibel with one leg bent over the other
Bear Soup Guy: Same time next week is probably good for me
Radek strokes his beard and gives Greibel a good, fascinated staring.
Radek strokes his beard and gives Greibel a good, fascinated staring.
Radek: Do any of you see that?
 
Apheori (GM): To Amadi, Greibel usually looks like he's on fire.
Greibel waves casually at Radek, with one leg bent over the other.
But nobody else did.
 
Amadi: I see everything.
RADEK
Dawn: Not you. You don't see you.
Do any of you see that?
Amadi: I could if I wanted to!
 
Dawn: But you don't.
Apparently nobody else did.
Amadi: Not even a bit.
 
Apheori (GM): Radek: Arcana.
AMADI
Gravy: Perception.
I see everything.
Radek:
 
rolling 1d20+16
DAWN
(
Not you. You don't see you.
6
 
)
AMADI
+16
I could if I wanted to!
=
 
22
DAWN
Frezak (GM):
But you don't.
rolling 1D20+14
 
(
AMADI
17
Not even a bit.
)
 
+14
Radek fiddles with the device some more. ''(rolled 22 arcana)'' Something about changing perception with the order, reality with the choice of stones themselves.
=
 
31
RADEK
Ganelon: Geez, apparently I need to spend all this dust on getting some runic armor.
Fascinating.
Get another +2 to Arcana.
 
Apheori (GM): Clearly.
Radek returns the stones to their original positions.
Ganelon: After that I might legitimately have /run out/ of ways to make it higher.
 
Apheori (GM): Radek: Messing with the order can change what the object reveals. But changing the stones as well, using new ones, might even change reality.
The Gravedigger finally spots the ferrets on the sofa. The woman. Grenity. Is ferrets. Six of them. ''(rolled 41 percaption)''
Ellemerr: You need a double-roll.
 
Ganelon: I do.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Apheori (GM): Gravy: You notice that the woman on the sofa, who has now dozed off, is ferrets.
I KNEW IT.
Six of them.
 
The Gravedigger: I KNEW IT
Greibel starts laughing uncontrollably again.
Greibel starts laughing uncontrollably again
 
Greibel: YOU know what's up man!
GREIBEL
The Gravedigger: I am upset that you'd lie about it!
YOU know what's up man!
Its really rude!
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I am upset that you'd lie about it! Its really rude!
 
Grenity snores in tandem.
Grenity snores in tandem.
Radek: Fascinating.
 
Radek returns the stones to their original positions.
Greibel looks like bees, now.
Ganelon: I'll experiment more with this next time, I suppose.
 
Apheori (GM): Greibel looks like bees, now.
'''''Bear Soup Guy''' (Greibel): BEES ON FIRE?!
Bear Soup Guy: BEES ON FIRE?!
 
Apheori (GM): ALWAYS.
'''''Apheori (GM)''': ALWAYS.
Gaurav: o.0
 
Bear Soup Guy: OH GOD I AM TERRIFYING
'''''Bear Soup Guy''' (Greibel): OH GOD I AM TERRIFYING.
Gaurav: Is the Greibel-fire giving off any smoke?
 
Apheori (GM): Nope.
The Gravedigger stomps outside.
It's like HOLY FIRE.
 
Except druggy.
The others glance around and, having basically finished everything they were doing, wind up following, leaving Grenity asleep on the sofa.
Instead of holy.
 
You guys want to do anything else here, wake the woman/ferrets, steal some soup for the road, try reshaping all of reality in a go?
Amadi pats Grenity and leaves her/them some extra chocolate.
Or should we just have you move out so we can start the next with a new place?
 
Rhu returns to the rest of the party after his walk.
 
Frezak (GM): If she's really asleep...
EXT. Grenity's cabin outside - afternoon
I want to write I AM FERRETS on her house.
 
Bear Soup Guy: XD
The Gravedigger starts writing 'I AM FERRETS' on the outside of the house.
Ganelon: ...Separate a ferret from the rest.
 
Apheori (GM): Inside or outside?
Then he stops.
Ganelon: There's your evil notion for the week.
 
Frezak (GM): Outside.
Then he gets out a shovel and instead starts digging the words into the ground.
Apheori (GM): Okay.
 
Does anyone separate a ferret?
Rhu wanders back around this point and watches with the others.
Of those who see the ferrets.
 
Ellemerr: Not me. In fact, I will glare viciously at anyone attempting such a thing.
'''''Frezak''' (Gravy): I want the ground to remember. That this lady is ferrets. And was untrue.  
Ganelon: Radek won't.
'''''Frezak''' (Gravy): I want to bury this truth right beneath the surface. I want it to be there, in every step taken.
He's got his restored puzzle (now with tinfoil)
 
Gaurav: Rhu sees nothing.
The Gravedigger puts the words down, and they are there, dug into the ground, deep and precise, for all to see.
Frezak (GM): Gravy is performing graffiti.
 
Actually.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I want to...
Hrmph.
Dig the words into the ground.
</screenplay>
And I want the ground to remember.
 
That this lady is ferrets.
{{holes nav
Gaurav: Ha!
|previous=Holes/Session 44
Frezak (GM): And was untrue.
|next=Holes/Session 46
I want to bury this truth right beneath the sruface.
}}
*surface.
Gaurav: If you do that, I'm going to ask that this be added to the map.
Frezak (GM): I want it to be there, in every step taken.
Apheori (GM): Roll arcana.
Frezak (GM):
rolling 1D20+4
(
9
)
+4
=
13
BLuh
Apheori (GM): Okay.
Just checking.
You still put the words down and they're there, dug into the ground.
Anyone flying overhead will surely see.
Ellemerr: I accidentally had some curry in my cocoa. It's fine, though. Could need some cream, but I'm out.
Apheori (GM): o.O
The Gravedigger: Hrmph.
Frezak (GM): How did you do that?
Ellemerr: I thought it was cinnamon.
Frezak (GM): Right.
Apheori (GM): >.<
Ellemerr: I do that frequently. Never before with the cocoa, though.
Apheori (GM): Okay, Gravy does that, and you all leave sleeping ferrets lying and head out?
Ellemerr: I pat the ferrets and leave them some extra chocolate.
Gaurav: Are they just a pile of ferrets snuggling against each other in a vaguely human-shaped lump to anyone who can see?
Frezak (GM): Gravy is grumpy.
Apheori (GM): You still see old lady.
Ganelon: He can grump next to Radek.
Frezak (GM): Do they have a sort of stick framework to stand on?
Apheori (GM): It was apparently magic.
Ganelon: Radek won't support him but he won't push him away either.
Gaurav: Aw. Well. Rhu waves vaguely at her as we leave.
Frezak (GM): Floating ferrets?
Apheori (GM): In a dress.
Frezak (GM): Sure.
Apheori (GM): Magic.
Part of the magic was apparently just that nobody in their right mind would even WANT to see it.
Gaurav: A somebody-else's-ferret field?
Frezak (GM): I don't know of anybody that would fit that description.
Ellemerr: I don't think anyone in the party is in their right mind.
Frezak (GM): Or we are.
Apheori (GM): Well, there is that.
But anyhoo.
More will happen later.
NEXT WEEEEEEEEK.
Apheori (GM) runs away.
Bear Soup Guy: BYE
Gaurav: Bye everybody!
Ellemerr: Sweet nightmares. And hot chocolate.
Apheori (GM): Dream well.
</pre>

Latest revision as of 04:56, 1 March 2015

≪ PreviousNext ≫
Session 45 (raw log) (Overview)
EXT. Cabin in the woods - morning
The party detours on the way back south to the crashed airship in order to investigate the mysterious cabin Greibel had discovered out in the woods.
It turns out to be a nice enough cabin, rustic but well-maintained, out in the middle of the woods with no apparent trails to or from, foothills towering up behind it. It has a small porch out front, with rabbits hanging from the rafters, a pair of shovels against the wall, and a rocking chair by the door. There's nobody visible, but someone clearly lives here.
The Gravedigger looks over the shovels. They look decent. Some clearly have very different purposes (snow, roots, ???) and are more or less beat up as a result. The snow shovel looks particularly (ab)used.
Rhu looks around for anything in front of the cabin - he finds that there seem to be signs of people using the door. Tracks and stuff. (rolled 16 perception)
Ganelon (Radek): Hmm. I think we need Gravy.
Frezak (Gravy): You always need Gravy. He's a rock in this ocean of chaos and uncertainty.
Apheori (GM): Which is why Amadi is sitting on him.
Rhu makes eye contact with Greibel, gestures towards the door, and nods confidently.
Greibel looks to the door wondering what's going on.
Greibel blinks at Rhu.
RHU
(whispering to Greibel)
It's the door. People use the door when they go in or out.
Greibel looks back at the door.
GREIBEL
That's a... that's a very useful observation Rhu.
Greibel pats Rhu on the back and goes and tries the door. It's unlocked, so he opens it.
Gravy twiddles a horn and looks about properly. (rolled 35 perception) He gest the impression that only one person actually lives here, no sign of visitors, apparently some pets. Possibly ferrets.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Keep an eye out for ferrets, guys.
RADEK
...Wild ferrets?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Pets, I think. Wild ones have bigger feet.
As they discuss the ferrets, a woman comes around the corner of the cabin, having apparently been working around the back. She is old and wizened, and she smiles welcomingly.
GRENITY
Welcome, welcome! What can old Grenity do for you?
From atop the Gravedigger, Amadi smiles welcomingly back.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
HELLO. I'M THE GRAVEDIGGER. DO YOU HAVE FERRETS?
THOSE ARE UNRELATED FACTS.
GRENITY
Oh, I wouldn't say I have the buggers. More they have me.
DAWN
Like cats. Cats have your dreams.
GREIBEL
(To Rhu)
Pssst! Hey. It's the house. People use it when they want to not be outside.
Greibel winks. Then, having exhausted his joke, he looks around and absentmindedly heads inside to the kitchen looking for tea.
Rhu glances after him, then stays outside by the door in order to keep an eye on the suspicious old lady.
Radek facepalms.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
YOU WERE KIDNAPPED BY FERRETS?
The Gravedigger hefts his shovel and scrutinises the area.
GRENITY
Not hardly. They just run over everything.
Grenity goes to look at what Greibel and Rhu were doing by the door, hands on her hips.
AMADI
Why are you yelling? Is he yelling? Gravy, are you yelling?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Don't worry. I'm a professional. She's old. Old people don't hear well.
GRENITY
(over her shoulder)
I hear just fine, thank you.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
ARE YOU SURE?
GRENITY
Well, if you keep yelling, I may not be.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
OKA- okay.
AMADI
Well, it's nice to meet you.
Amadi nods several times to the old woman.
GRENITY
And you, young lady!
AMADI
...I might have met you before. I don't remember. I'm old; it's allowed.
GRENITY
(to Amadi)
Old? Older than dirt? Old as Dream, perhaps?
Grenity switches to a completely different language which doesn't even seem to be a language at all, and then adds in a whisper:
GRENITY
You don't look like dirt.
Grenity nods several times as well.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(whispering very loudly to Amadi)
Sheeee's maaaagic.
AMADI
(whispering back, perplexed)
She?
The Gravedigger points theatrically at the old woman.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Heeeeeer.
Frezak (Gravy): Pretty sure Gravy doesn't know how to whisper.
RHU
Some hearing loss can be very slight. You don't even know it's there unless you have sophiscated technology. Which we do.
GRENITY
Well, come on in, let's get you some tea. It's obviously been a long journey, and you must be exhausted.
Grenity waves everyone inside and follows inside after Greibel.
RHU
No tea for me, thanks.
He follows Grenity inside.
RADEK
Hmph.
AMADI
(whispering back to Gravy)
Oh, HER. I thought you meant THEM.
Amadi points at the old woman.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Who them?
AMADI
Them.
Amadi points at the old lady again.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Oh. Oh. OOOOOH. Riiiiight. Yes. I knew that.
That she's a them. I totally knew that. Yes.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
YES LET US GO INSIDE WITH THIS OLD WOMAN WHO IS NOT SEVERAL PEOPLE.
The Gravedigger winks theatrically at Amadi.
Radek grumbles.
RADEK
Be quiet.
The Gravedigger heads inside with Amadi. Radek follows.


INT. Grenity's house - day
Inside is... house stuff. Furniture and lamps and all the usual trappings. A living room full of sofas - very, very comfy-looking ones, at that - gives way to to a small kitchen. A short wall divides the two rooms.
In the kitchen, Greibel is making tea. A huge pot of stew is boiling on the stove next to him, and the smell that drifts out is lovely, a savoury mix of herbs and vegetables.
The others all pile in as well, crowding around Greibel and the stove. They all only barely fit.
Greibel turns around to see everybody in the room and blinks.
The Gravedigger waves at Greibel from the other side of the tiny room.
Radek scowls at Greibel from right next to him.
GREIBEL
This is cozy.
GRENITY
You could do with soup, I expect. Bowls are in the cupboard, go ahead and grab some. Got plenty for everyone these days.
She attempts to bustle and fails miserably on account of a lack of space.
Amadi sits on Gravy to take up less space.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(opening the lid)
Gosh, this is a lot of soup. Were you expecting us?
GRENITY
To a point. Sometimes the trees give warning, and so few visitors come by these days.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
You talk to trees? Hey, Greibel does that too! Man.
As soon as Greibel actually looks at the woman, he realises she is, in fact, ferrets. Six of them.
Greibel giggles at seemingly nothing.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Do you want some soup, Radek?
RADEK
...I don't eat.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
You do! I saw you suck the juice out that deerthing. Back in soemthingplace.
The Gravedigger will wave a bowl in front of Amadi.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Soup?
Amadi takes some soup and digs in.
Greibel hovers around Grenity inspecting her hair curiously. It's very interesting, defying several very important laws of physics. It's a ctually a very good illusion, considering.
Greibel mumbles things excitedly.
GRENITY
(to Greibel)
It's old magic, very important out here. Got all sorts of herbs, too, if you need.
RADEK
I'll thank you not to disgrace my methods by placing them in the same category as eating, Gravy.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Okay. Do you want some soup?
RADEK
No.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Suuuure?
RADEK
Completely.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Okay.
Greibel mouths "Fascinating".
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Sorry about Radek, old lady, he's a grump.
GRENITY
(to Greibel)
Is that a yes?
GREIBEL
...Oh. Did you say... heeeeerrrbssss?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
This is some lovely and filling soup.
GRENITY
Herbs, yes.
GREIBEL
Well... I would be very grateful if you would so choose to show me to these herbs.
Grenity shows Greibel her herbs. There are a lot of them. A lot. This takes awhile. Some are hallucinogens, some seasoning, some medicinal. One looks like a very powerful antipsychotic, which could have interesting effects if tried on, say, Amadi or Dawn...
Greibel looks in Rhu's direction and taps his nose reassuringly.
Amadi starts singing "Beautiful soup".
The Gravedigger and Rhu notice there don't seem to actually be any ferrets around. (both rolled 34 perception)
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi? Is she... them magic? Like a lot?
Because there are no ferrets.
RADEK
You're asking her?
AMADI
(singing)
Sooooooooooooouuuuup of the eeeeeeeeeeeevening~!
Radek checks Grenity for magic. (rolled 28 arcana) It appears she has some sort of illusion up, possibly to conceal just how old and decrepit she really is, but he can't tell for sure.
Rhu gets the distinct impression that the woman is indeed deceiving them. (rolled 28 insight (natural 20)) But she also seems as though she doesn't actually mean them any harm and is genuinely very happy to actually have visitors for a change.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Also she's old. Like... more old.
AMADI
(singing)
Buuuuuu-yessheis-uuuuuuuutifuuuuuul soooooouuuuup...
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Psssssst. Raaaadek. Heeeeey.
Pssssst.
RADEK
What?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Can you turn off her illusion? Because you see, there are no ferrets. She might be a bunch of really old ferrets. A ferret legion.
GRENITY
(turning on the Gravedigger)
I am NOT ferrets.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Prove it! Where are the ferrets?
GRENITY
You prove it! Prove you... aren't a squid!
AMADI
I think you're really nice.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I have hands. Squids don't have hands. Or, you know, breathe air.
GRENITY
They can if you magic them.
(calming down a bit)
The ferrets are outside, probably sleeping. I dunno, I only really see them for dinner, usually.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
AHA. SO YOU ARE A MAGIC FERRET!
Radek clears his throat and tries to ignore the fact that there is in fact a cephalopod resting upon his head. Gibbering.
AMADI
All of you. Very nice.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I see!
GRENITY
...no.
Radek attempts to dispell whatever illusion it is Grenity is using. (rolled 29 arcana) This has no effect beyond messing up her hair a bit and earning Radek an annoyed look.
Radek blinks in surprise.
Greibel blinks as well.
RHU
I don't think she means us any harm, Gravy.
AMADI
...I want hot chocolate.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Do you have some hot chocolate for the magical midget, old lady that isn't ferrets?
GRENITY
Oh, I wish I had chocolate. Haven't even seen a chunk since I left Ord.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Of course maybe she says hot chocolate and means obsidian bees.
AMADI
...I have some... not hot chocolate? Could you make it hot? Pleeeease?
Amadi digs out a very modern plate of chocolate. From her pocket. Not from her hair. Though she did consider it.
Grenity nods and takes the plate of chocolate, and gets out a pot and stuff and starts mixing and boiling it with milk and stuff.
Rhu plops down on one of the sofas. It's quite comfy.
RADEK
Ord again... What is Ord?
GRENITY
It's the... other. The mirror universe where they have shiny hats and buoys and chocolate and all things good and nice.
AMADI
Oh... I think I have Ord in my pocket!
Amadi fishes out a shiny hat. It's small and full of christmas lights.
RHU
Don't they have boys here, too?
Grenity gives Rhu a weird look.
GRENITY
Nobody here knows it because they don't want to know it. They don't care for the opportunity they gave up, so they pretend this is the best they have. Except what they left was very much like Ord, back in the day. They've all just... forgot.
RADEK
So why are you here?
GRENITY
I was here before, and I will be here 'til the world falls.
GREIBEL
(still looking through the herbs)
Unlikely. Ferrets only have a lifespan of seven to ten years.
Rhu gives Greibel a weird look.
Grenity gives Amadi, Greibl, and the Gravedigger hot chocolate, keeping a mug for herself, and pushes her way back over to Greibel and the herbs.
AMADI
Thank you! All of you, this is so nice!
Amadi drinks hot chocolate with much happiness. It's a bit thick and very dark, but good.
Rhu casts admiring glances at Grenity's nose when he thinks nobody's looking.
Grenity puts a little of the antipsychotic in her chocolate.
GRENITY
(to Greibel)
So what do you think? Have anything to trade?
GREIBEL
Ahhhhh, yeeeesssss...
Greibel shows Grenity the ring he took off of that skeleton in the underground complex.
Grenity takes the ring and nods at it admiringly.
GRENITY
So many stories. So much history, lost to the worlds.
GREIBEL
Yeah, and it's not even +1 or anything.
Grenity offers some of her best hallucinogens and an antipsychotic in exchange.
GREIBEL
Excellent. This will do nicely.
They make the trade.
RHU
(to Greibel)
If you need more herbs, I'd be happy to trade her a partially digested light fixture.
GREIBEL
Well, what are you waiting for?
Greibel gestures for Rhu to do that.
Rhu offers Grenity a half digested light fixture.
RHU
I also have a bunch of mushrooms from that stoned, jailed philosopher back in Coffle, if any of you want a bit. That was powerful stuff.
Grenity looks it over, then looks quite surprised.
GRENITY
I... do not recognise this. Where did you get it?
RADEK
Are you referring to the technology?
GRENITY
The history. The stories. They're not...
Grenity stops and actually gives you all a proper look.
GRENITY
You're it. You're the answer.
Amadi hums a little more of the soup-song.
RHU
We found it in a pile of splatter in Sarathi.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
That sort of thing happens a lot.
Grenity startles at the name as though she'd been struck. Those who see the ferrets realise they almost just fell over.
Amadi looks worriedly at Grenity.
AMADI
... Are you lot okay?
GRENITY
I... yes.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
No-one poke the old lady. She may explode.
GRENITY
I'm sorry, I'm old and some names... some names you just do not expect to hear again. I'm fine.
RADEK
So you recognize Sarathi.
GRENITY
It's... I... don't know.
Yes.
Grenity looks genuinely confused.
RADEK
Considering how it's likely nothing more than scattered fragments of reality by now... I demand an explanation.
GRENITY
It's not one. It's like...
A hole. When you take a stack of papers and punch a hole through all of them. Hundreds at once. Bits get torn of and scattered down the line, one way as the punch goes through, another back. Sometimes the hole isn't even a hole, just a rip, but it gets stuck to the others.
Grenity is visibly shaking now.
GRENITY
We almost tried it. Once.
And then... it was destroyed. So destroyed it didn't even have a name anymore, and we were destroyed with it, and now we're... we're...
GREIBEL
The Ferret Lady?
Greibel sips his tea non-chalantly.
Grenity is too shaken up at this point to even respond.
Amadi narrows her eyes at Grenity.
AMADI
Did you... know me...? When I was someone else?
Gaurav (Rhu): Look at all of us sitting around quietly learning things and having a polite conversation with a strange old lady. Does that mean it's time to ruin everything by invoking Hazz?
AMADI
...Did I ever know you?
GRENITY
(whispering)
You were always you. You still are.
RADEK
You don't need to explain, I've witnessed the phenomenon personally.
GRENITY
You knew us all, dear dreamer. You were the one who saved us.
Amadi shakes her head violently.
AMADI
NOT! Not her!
Grenity calms, and smiles at Amadi.
GRENITY
You're you. You and nobody else.
DAWN
All of us?
Amadi keeps shaking her head and hides a little behind Gravy (without climbing off him).
AMADI
Don't wanna.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I'd appreciate it if you'd stop upsetting my hat.
DAWN
It's all right. She means we're us. We're always ourselves no matter who we are.
I don't even know who I am.
Dawn laughs suddenly.
GREIBEL
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ARE YOU?
AMADI
You're not Dave.
GREIBEL
WHO WHO?
AMADI
I'm not Amadi.
GREIBEL
WHO WHO?
DAWN
I'm not, no. And you're not. It's very interesting.
GRENITY
But all of you are. You always were, waiting.
Amadi giggles hysterically for a little bit and then starts brading Gravy's hair.
Dawn guides Grenity over to the other sofa and lies her down. Dawn sits down next to her and strokes her hair/ferrets. They talk in hushed voices.
The Gravedigger sits down on the remaining sofa.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
WHAT A DAY, EH?
GRENITY
Getting too old for this.
DAWN
Oh, don't worry. It's only as old as the worlds.
Amadi falls off Gravy, landing next to him on the sofa, almost as though it were intentional, but only almost: she's upside down.
Rhu gets up wanders around examining the house. The walls have various paintings and drawings, including a whole lot of what look like they might be family. They're all very old, and elves.
Bored, he then wanders out of the house entirely.
The Gravedigger hums.
Radek remains seated in the kitchen and messes with the puzzle box contraption with the rocks. He begins with magical scrutiny. (rolled 29 arcana)
There are two levels to its magic. One is fairly normal, a bit like a trick lock, but it's too broken to see how it's actually supposed to go together (the entire top being missing). And under that is another layer - a layer unlike any magic he's ever seen as magic, exactly, but in general it feels just like the holes.
Radek attempts to jury-rig a functioning top out of... anything at all. (rolled 19 reality) He winds up grabbing some foil off the counter and bending that into shape. He puts it on, and the magic takes it, but it's not going to stay on very well if bumped at this point. (rolled 18 arcana)
Even so, the device seems mostly fixed now, at least at the upper level.
RADEK
Aha!
Meanwhile Greibel samples his newly acquired herbs.
Amadi stands on her head for a bit.
RADEK
Houseowner! I require your attention for a moment.
GRENITY
(from the sofa)
Hnnnnh?
RADEK
I have a device. Perhaps you will recognize it.
Grenity starts to get up, but then Dawn motions for her to stay put.
DAWN
No, no, I got this.
Dawn comes over to Radek instead. He frowns at her.
RADEK
You've already seen this.
The Gravedigger comes over as well and stands around looking helpful without doing anything.
DAWN
You fixed it?
RADEK
Temporarily.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Hmmm.
To the Gravedigger, it looks like foil. (rolled 10 arcana) Dawn gets a little further. (rolled 29 arcana)
DAWN
You need to put in a proper combination to turn it on, but then... I think the stones are just building blocks. Use them to represent the missing reality, and you can reshape... stuff?
Dawn gives the thing another look over, but finds nothing. (rolled 12 arcana)
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Hmmm.
Amadi comes over, walking on her hands, and then takes the thing from them and fiddles with it. Upside down. (rolled 23 arcana)
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Hmmm.
RADEK
Don't move it-!
The foil falls off as a result. Amadi looks like a guilty child who did something she shouldn't and quickly fixes it so it actually stays on and keeps working and puts it back, looking anxiously at Radek.
Greibel hasn't been paying proper attention to all the conversation and is laughing so hard at everyone right now. They all look like bees.
Amadi falls off her hands/head and ends up on her back.
AMADI
Ow.
RADEK
(To Amadi, begrudgingly)
...Thank you.
Dawn fiddles with the stones. (rolled 27 arcana) She selects seven and pushes them across the counter to Radek.
DAWN
These.
Radek raises an eyebrow at Dawn, but takes the stones and inserts them in an arbitrary order. (rolled 7 reality)
Nothing happens.
The Gravedigger notices one of the stones isn't entirely seated and pushes it in. (rolled 20 arcana) The contrapture turns on, humming very faintly, emitting light in a way that totally makes sense for a contrapture of its nature.
He hands the device back to Radek and beams.
RADEK
Oh.
RADEK
Well, that's... progress.
DAWN
You should be able to turn it, now. Change the stones. Whatever that means.
Radek squints at the thing with one eye.
Amadi sense some sort of message in it and leans towards the device. (rolled 19 arcana, 4 reality)
AMADI
(whispering)
Tell me.
It doesn't tell her. But something is watching. Something huge and sizeless. Everywhere. Watching. Focussed, from infinite angles.
Amadi sticks out her tongue at it, offended.
Radek swaps the positions of the stones representing "fire" and "bird". Greibel suddenly looks like he's on fire.
Radek strokes his beard and gives Greibel a good, fascinated staring.
Greibel waves casually at Radek, with one leg bent over the other.
RADEK
Do any of you see that?
Apparently nobody else did.
AMADI
I see everything.
DAWN
Not you. You don't see you.
AMADI
I could if I wanted to!
DAWN
But you don't.
AMADI
Not even a bit.
Radek fiddles with the device some more. (rolled 22 arcana) Something about changing perception with the order, reality with the choice of stones themselves.
RADEK
Fascinating.
Radek returns the stones to their original positions.
The Gravedigger finally spots the ferrets on the sofa. The woman. Grenity. Is ferrets. Six of them. (rolled 41 percaption)
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I KNEW IT.
Greibel starts laughing uncontrollably again.
GREIBEL
YOU know what's up man!
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I am upset that you'd lie about it! Its really rude!
Grenity snores in tandem.
Greibel looks like bees, now.
Bear Soup Guy (Greibel): BEES ON FIRE?!
Apheori (GM): ALWAYS.
Bear Soup Guy (Greibel): OH GOD I AM TERRIFYING.
The Gravedigger stomps outside.
The others glance around and, having basically finished everything they were doing, wind up following, leaving Grenity asleep on the sofa.
Amadi pats Grenity and leaves her/them some extra chocolate.


EXT. Grenity's cabin outside - afternoon
The Gravedigger starts writing 'I AM FERRETS' on the outside of the house.
Then he stops.
Then he gets out a shovel and instead starts digging the words into the ground.
Rhu wanders back around this point and watches with the others.
Frezak (Gravy): I want the ground to remember. That this lady is ferrets. And was untrue. Frezak (Gravy): I want to bury this truth right beneath the surface. I want it to be there, in every step taken.
The Gravedigger puts the words down, and they are there, dug into the ground, deep and precise, for all to see.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Hrmph.


≪ PreviousNext ≫
Session 45 (Overview)
Retrieved from ‘https://wiki.zaori.org/w/index.php?title=Holes/Session_45&oldid=2951’

You're playing chess with a pigeon. Even if you win it will just shit all over the board and never concede defeat. The left is not only wrong and wrong-headed, but a clear majority of them simply are not dealing in good faith.