034.1 "It's said her memories and skill reside within, awaiting a heir."

[Corwin]

[19:50] <Kotono> Another day dawns on Aurora, prophecies read. It is then that both Jaela and Afina find themselves at the infirmary, Hanna overlooking the blessedly empty recovery beds. "Hm?" Turning to look over her shoulder, "Looking for me?"
[19:51] <Jaela> "Oh yeah," Jaela says with a wave, glancing at Afina curiously. "I am, at least. Got a sec?"
[19:51] <Afina> "Oh, you go ahead, I don't have anything urgent," Afina looks quite willing to back off if it's some sort of mother daughter bonding thing.
[19:52] <Kotono> "Do you see any patients?" Hanna says with a morning's bright smile, "What is it?"
[19:52] <Jaela> "Two things." Jaela shrugs, offering her note to her mother. "First is I'm gonna die again, same old, really."
[19:53] <Kotono> Hanna reads the note, smile evaporating into a piqued scowl. "So the second part is that we're all going to make sure that doesn't happen. At the end of an axe blade, preferably."
[19:54] <Afina> "A note from 27?" Afina asks, peering over since it doesn't seem like anything to do with bonding.
[19:54] <Jaela> "Yeah." Jaela makes room, having read it already. "I'd kinda rather die than beg blondie for help again, so here's to hoping I can just dodge Annalise if it comes to that."
[19:57] <Kotono> "Jaela." Hanna slowly passes the paper to Afina, "Hold this," she murmurs to the fairy, "Do you have any plan beyond dodging her and hoping for the best?"
[19:57] <Afina> "I know, asking help from someone you dislike is far worse than dying," Afina agrees deadpan before looking up at Jaela, "Or not so much dying as becoming undead..." she accepts the paper dutifully nonetheless.
[19:57] <Jaela> "Well yeah? I'm asking you for help, ain't I?"
[19:59] <Kotono> Nodding slightly, then looking Jaela right in the eye, "Can you kill her?" she asks, "Will you?"
[19:59] <Jaela> "She's too strong."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Okay, rephrase," Hanna goes on, "Are you going to try and reach out to her again or what?"
[20:00] <Jaela> "I kinda hoped I'd go about my life instead of moping around, get strong enough to matter and then try reaching out again at some neutral ground," Jaela admits, rubbing the back of her head. "Dumb plan?"
[20:02] <Kotono> Hanna takes a long breath, "Jaela, listen to me. I know you mean well, and I know you care for her, and I know saving her would be wonderful. Still, do you thinks he wants to be saved after all of this? After everything, she nearly manipulated you into giving into her desires, without a hint of accepting what you wanted for her."
[20:03] <Jaela> "No one really wants to be saved, do they?" Jaela wonders. "I mean, if they actually had a change of heart, they wouldn't need anyone's help from that point."
[20:04] * Afina flutters off to keep some distance while this goes on, since it's nothing to do with her but she doesn't want to let Hanna out of her sight.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Mmm." Hanna pauses at that, before shaking her head. "No, they never do. Are you committed to this course now?"
[20:06] <Jaela> "Uh, kinda? It-- look-- it's kinda horrible if I try to kill her, innit? Because it won't be over her crimes in the past, but because she fell for me. She's going about it pretty badly, but I don't think it's something you should die over. But not like I'm gonna be pining for her and keep at it above all else. I'm not, like, gonna let her kill off our allies if she attacks the Aurora and just stand there like an idiot."
[20:10] <Kotono> Cocking her head to the side, "She wants to turn you into a vampire. It's not horrible at all to defend yourself from that fate. It's self defense." After listening to that Hanna goes on, "At least you aren't going to be a lovestruck puppy. You know she'll manipulate that part of you without hesitation like last time."
[20:10] * Jaela shrugs. "I won't be a total idiot, and you'll help me out. Deal?"
[20:11] * Jaela shakes her head. "Anyway, there were two things, I said. Afina, got a sec yourself? I might as well ask you first, before seeing the others."
[20:13] <Afina> "Yes?" Afina asks, swiftly drifting right back over!
[20:13] <Kotono> "Deal," Hanna says, "You're not dying, so don't even start thinking like that."
[20:15] <Jaela> "Sylica's got this program," Jaela says. "It's about reprogramming devils, pretty much. You know how I think that's the key to defeating Hell, alongside fighting it directly. They're not really doing it in a way I like, but it's a pretty decent, honest attempt. And they've had actual success, too. I want to try it myself with that group of erinyes, or ship them over and have the specialists give it a try. It sounds kinda farfetched, but can you guys give me enough rope to succeed or hang myself there?"
[20:18] <Afina> Afina's cute little face scrunches up into an unhappy frown as she hears Jaela's story, but in the end she sighs in acceptance. "Those erinyes haven't ever given us any good information and they weren't involved with Lifasa. I don't want to see any devils walking free in Aurora, so ship them over to be someone else's problem if you must."
[20:19] * Jaela nods. "I'll catch Adrian next. And if it works, they won't be devils anymore, so they're as good as dead!"
[20:20] * Afina nods but doesn't dignify the prospect with a response.
[20:21] <Kotono> As the two of you talk, the portal behind you flares to life. As if summoned, Adrian steps out. He's whistling to himself, "Afina, Jaela," he calls.
[20:21] <Jaela> "Uh, yeah. Anyway, I'll be leaving for Elysium after-- huh, speak of the devil!"
[20:22] <Kotono> "Eh?" Blinking a moment, "Aside, I need to ask the two of you something. You two helped negotiate the rest of the Graceful Blow's freedom. What were the exact terms of the agreement?"
[20:23] <Jaela> "I doubt it'd matter unless some of them were going back to their world at all," Jaela responds. "Is anyone?"
[20:25] <Afina> "Hello, Adrian," Afina greets him. "Yes, they were forbidden to return to their world," she confirms.
[20:26] <Kotono> "What about the rest of the Graceful Blow that wasn't imprisoned?" Adrian asks, "Like Misalea."
[20:27] <Afina> "Has nothing to do with them," Afina shakes her head. "The terms only applied to those who were released."
[20:27] <Jaela> "To be pedantic," Jaela muses, unhappy at the prospect, "we made a promise that they would be kept out of interfering in the issues related to the world. The agreement was one of ransoming prisoners, however, and would only apply on any actual prisoners of war."
[20:27] * Jaela blinks, then. "Oh, tell me she doesn't want something like having her wedding there."
[20:28] <Kotono> "Good," Adrian grins, before shaking his head, "No, no. Sit down, I have a bit of a story to tell, and why I've been busy since I got back. Well, besides the obvious."
[20:28] <Jaela> Devil prisoners will keep, and Jaela hops onto one of the bed. "Sure thing, go for it."
[20:29] * Afina sits down as well, legs dangling off a bedside as she regards Adrian.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Okay. The dwarves didn't really mistreat the Graceful Blow prisoners. They took good care of them by dwarven standards. Of course, they aren't dwarves. Being locked in an underground prison didn't do them any favors. In short, it was not a particularly unified Graceful Blow that came out to Aurora. Lots of individiual rivalries and greviances simmered, and once freedom lost its appeal, internal
[20:32] <Kotono> fighting began. The students who were never captured were drawn in, and the entire thing was turning into a private drama. When Misalea and I got back, we got plunged into it and were stuck playing peacemaker. The upshot of the entire thing is that we did help settle things down eventually. A lot of bygones being bygones. Anyway, a whole lot of things came to light during this, including a
[20:32] <Kotono> disagreement during the war and one that could be to our advantage now."
[20:33] <Afina> "Go on?" Afina invites, partly glad these arguments didn't spill over but also dismayed that she never heard anything of it.
[20:33] <Jaela> "Yeah, I just couldn't believe the things that went on in that prison," Jaela mutters, although she's just as curious as Afina as to what Adrian is driving at.
[20:36] <Kotono> "You heard?" Adrian glances over at Jaela, "Yeah. It was that bad. Miserable business." Going on after that, "When the war was raging, some of the Graceful Blow wanted to open up a sacred tomb of one of the greatest anscestors of the art. It's said her memories and skill reside within, awaiting a heir. Two factions came of it, one opposed and one for. Before they could hash that out, the war
[20:36] <Kotono> went sour and they never had a chance to go into it. Now?" Here he goes on, "They don't have much left, and Misalea and Mirima are within their rights to choose to try and reclaim those legendary skills. The thing is, it's on their world and Mirima can't go because of the agreement. But since it didn't involve Misalea?" Here he stops, "Of course, there's supposed to be treasure as well, treasure that can finance us. According to the legends, the starry heavens reside within."
[20:37] <Jaela> "Just as I got back, yeah," Jaela responds with a curt nod. "Huh. Yeah, it works. Of course, we could just appeal for the King to let Mirima back in for this explicit purpose, too."
[20:38] <Afina> "That sounds like the treasure's probably a portal to the Court of Stars or something like that," Afina points out with a glance at Hanna.
[20:38] <Kotono> "Possible," she glances back with an honest shrug.
[20:38] <Jaela> "But first, memories? Are we sure about that?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "It may be," Adrian admits, "That came up too. I want to go investigate this anyway, preferably in a way that doesn't cause an incident if we're found out somehow."
[20:41] <Afina> "We're still in a bit of a lull, so I'll approve it," Afina nods. "Like Jaela said, we should do it openly and talk to the dwarves beforehand so there's no incidents outside of this tomb."
[20:42] <Kotono> "I'll leave the politics to you," Adrian says, "I want to come and so does Misalea. Mirima's not counting on going, but if you can change that she'd like to come. I'd like at least a few others, you or Jaela at the least."
[20:43] <Jaela> "Exploiting loopholes never goes well for future negotiations, and you never know when we might need that," Jaela agrees. "Frame it as asking permission for religious pilgrimage and a renewed promise not to spark any conflict and we should be golden. But again, are we talking about going somewhere where a person will get another's memories?"
[20:43] * Jaela coughs. "Would be a shame if the wife got overwritten by some great ancestor, right?"
[20:43] <Afina> "With my style of fighting being close to theirs, I'd like to come along," Afina nods, before looking at Hanna, "Could you come as well, Hanna?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "Me? I don't see why not," Hanna says, "Need a healer or a strong axe?"
[20:46] <Kotono> Adrian shrugs, "I don't think it's meant like that, but memories in more of the metaphysical sense. You know, like memories of battle."
[20:47] <Afina> "Those, plus you can plane shift, and then there's the starry heavens part... you're a complete package!" she smiles briefly before looking at Adrian. "Shall we go seek permission today and see from there?"
[20:47] <Jaela> "Oh!" Jaela snaps her fingers. "Yeah, that'll work. Anyway, my own travel plans involved Misalea and Mirima, so they'll be on hold for now. Let's find Tepen for a pre-travel spell and try to see His Majesty for an audience?"
[21:30] <Kotono> You find Tepen resting quietly in the library, looking a little bit drained. "Hm?" he looks up from his reverie.
[21:30] <Jaela> "Can you spare that spell that wards against teleports?" Jaela asks, getting straight to business. "I'll pick you up with Heal afterwards, same as always."
[21:31] <Kotono> "I can," he says, taking a breath, "I just got back from opening a Gate a few minutes ago." Picking himself up, "Busy travel day."
[21:32] <Jaela> "Just means things are picking up again," Jaela tells him with a grin.
[21:34] <Kotono> Tepen rises and chants, touching Jaela and bestowing on her what she desires.
[21:35] <Jaela> A Heal helps him recover instantly from that cursed wound upon his soul, and then Jaela salutes him. "Thanks a bunch, Old Man. Well, we're off, then, guys? I'll aim a short distance outside the palace this time."
[21:35] <Afina> "Hopefully this will just be a formality," Afina nods, starting to head out.
[21:36] <Jaela> "Better safe than sorry. Both in defensive magic and diplomacy," Jaela muses with a shrug, ready to transport the four of them as soon as they are past the gates.
[21:37] <Kotono> OOC: Where precisely are the four of you teleporting to?
[21:39] <Jaela> OOC: I will be aiming say half a mile away from the palace we visited last time
[21:40] <Kotono> In an instant you are in the dwarven city, appearing in a quiet alley. Adrian looks about a moment, "Lead on."
[21:41] <Jaela> "Sure thing." Her armor might be different from last time, but she herself should still be easily recognizeable. And so Jaela heads on towards the palace!
[21:48] <Kotono> By the time you reach the outer palace gates, a familiar face awaits you. Pal Thronas nods to the party, "You have returned," he observes, "To what do we owe the visit to?"
[21:49] <Jaela> "Hello," Jaela greets him, reigning herself in. "Did you have any luck with that mage so far?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "It's an ongoing effort," he says, face the picture of stern, dwarven diplomacy. "But what do we owe your visit to?"
[21:50] <Afina> Since Jaela's best with all the diplomacy and talking, Afina wisely keeps quiet.
[21:51] <Jaela> "We wanted to ask permission for some of the Graceful Blow students to pay their respects to their ancestors," Jaela responds, since Pal isn't interested in smalltalk.
[21:54] <Kotono> "You'll need to talk to His Majesty," Pal Thronas steps aside, taking point, "With me."
[21:54] <Jaela> Having expected that much, Jaela inclines her head and follows him.
[21:55] <Kotono> Again into the forest of statues. Images of dwarves are all around you as you are escorted to Rihet III. You find him awaiting patiently, observing a particular dwarven statue. "Greetings," He uses Common to greet all of you.
[21:59] <Jaela> "Thank you for seeing us, Your Majesty," Jaela responds, following the protocol strictly even as her curiousity about the other nobles and the statues increases with this visit. "You may be pleased to hear that the Graceful Blow practicioners have settled well into their roles in our Crusade, and consider the Aurora their new home. At the same time, however, some of them wish to pay their respects to the tombs of their ancestors, located here on this world. While it would not be a violation of the agreement, as such, rather than play on such technicalities we came to petition you for permission over this matter."
[22:07] <Kotono> "I see. This pilgrimage," He goes on from that, turning ot face the group, "It may be possible."
[22:09] <Jaela> "Thank you, Majesty." Jaela inclines her head in appreciation. "Is there a service we may perform for the Crown to display our gratitude properly?"
[22:13] <Kotono> He considers a time, "Not at this moment, but a service to be able to call in when needed could be extremely valuable."
[22:16] <Jaela> "Certainly," Jaela responds, needing a moment to decide as well. But if it's like last time, there shouldn't be any objections. "If it is within our means to do, Majesty, consider it a promise."
[22:23] <Kotono> "Very well then," He agrees, "We have an understanding."
[22:26] <Jaela> Success! Jaela inclines her head again, awaiting their dismissal.
[22:26] <Kotono> After a moment he nods, "You can go," he says.

[Corwin]

#d

[20:01] <Kotono> So assembled, the group of heroes and golems prepares. Crystal rides Hope and is at the ready, as Elder Magi Tepen prepares the circle and the spell. "Be ready," he announces, "If this works, do not allow her any chance to do anything. Devils are never any good."
[20:01] <Afina> "If she's to talk, it will be in the dungeon. Show no restraint or hesitation," she affirms the others, the five combatants spaced equally around the circle.
[20:04] <Kotono> With that, Elder Magi Tepen chants! He calls on the names and the power, the ground glowing red as...
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 33." [1d20=15]
[20:06] <Kotono> After several moments nothing happens. Elder Magi Tepen shakes his head, "It seems she resisted, or is warded." He announces, "I can try again, if restorative magic is brought into play."
[20:09] <Afina> In her own attempts she always stops after the first failure since she has such a large list to work through, but this one's personal. "Hanna. could you?" she asks, willing to try one more time.
[20:11] <Kotono> Hanna comes forth, "In the name of the Stars of Heaven and all that is free, be healed!" she intones, Tepen's fatigue and weakness gone. With that he looks to the circle, once again chanting!
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 26." [1d20=8]
[20:15] <Kotono> There is a horrible whiff of brimstone as the air around you rips asunder! In the circle appears a figure - of pure alabaster skin and pitch black angel's wings. Her body is clad in spiked bands of leather, not covering anything important at all, but rather holding it up or drawing attention to it. Blood seeps from where each band is, spikes semi-visible, dug into her skin. "NOW!" Crystal roars,
[20:15] <Kotono> "For Lifasa!" OOC: You wanna go first on the attack, Afina?
[20:15] <Afina> OOC: sure
[20:16] <Afina> Afina hastes everyone concerned and surges over the binding circle, her holy blade pummelling the erinyes and inflicting debilitating but nonlethal wounds!
[20:17] <Afina> roll 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike and gets 48." [1d20=1]
[20:17] <Afina> roll 1d20+42 7th level arcane strike
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+42 7th level arcane strike and gets 54." [1d20=12]
[20:20] <Afina> OOC: +2 so 56 on the second at least
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
[20:21] <Afina> roll 1d4+19+5d6+2d6+2d6+2d6+7d4
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d4+19+5d6+2d6+2d6+2d6+7d4 and gets 71." [1d4=2][5d6=4, 3, 1, 4, 5][2d6=4, 1][2d6=4, 1][2d6=3, 1][7d4=3, 1, 4, 2, 4, 2, 3]
[20:21] <Kotono> The erinyes is battered before she can react, pure black hair touseled and sent flying as she's staggered! A moment later Crystal charges with a high pitched battle cry, lance seeking out the devil before her!
[20:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 (+2 charge, +9 smite evil, -4 nonlethal, holy surge, -10 PA)
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 (+2 charge, +9 smite evil, -4 nonlethal, holy surge, -10 PA) and gets 28." [1d20=4]
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 3d6+144+2d6+3d6
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6+144+2d6+3d6 and gets 174." [3d6=2, 5, 6][2d6=6, 1][3d6=3, 2, 5]
[20:25] <Kotono> With a massive charge, Crystal brings up her lance like a blade! She swings it, smacking the erinyes upside the head with it like a club! She goes flying back, lying still and utterly beaten on the ground, beaten down before any but Afina and Crystal can act! OOC: Free act. Ow.
[20:26] * Afina grins briefly at Crystal in approval before she conjures a floating disc under the erinyes. "Hanna, can you heal Tepen again? Thank you both, lets get this thing down to the dungeons." Then to the golems she instructs, "Return to the entrance and resume guarding."
[20:28] <Kotono> As everyone breaks up, Crystal returns that grin.  She flies along atop hope, keeping her voice down as she falls in step with Afina, "I can think of no better afternoon excursion, can you?"
[20:30] <Afina> "Today was already good when I heard Ithea had brought in one of the traitors. This is just the cherry on top," Afina returns brightly. "The only problem is we'll have to listen to it rant about what good broodmares we'd be when we interrogate it."
[20:35] <Kotono> That gets a grunt and a shake of her head, "What is it with them wanting to use Lifasa's fey as mothers or worse? First those damned yugoloths, then Ilsenine and now this. Is it just the Child of Lifasa and a repeat of that, or is there something darker to it?"
[20:37] <Afina> "It's just torture that provides them extra soldiers," Afina replies, unwilling to think more on it. "Hard to get darker than the Child of Lifasa, isn't it?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Hard, but not impossible." Crystal lingers on that thought as you go through the Courtyard. It is busy and full of life - so many soldiers - some of Seira's, some of Chan's, the lycanthropes, the Graceful Blow, oozes of magma. "All I'm saying is that I'd like to find out why. I'd bet good money it traces back to someone high in infernal reckoning. Someone who I'm going to kill. Unless you beat me to it."
[20:41] <Afina> "Ask it when it wakes up, then you'll know," Afina suggests, dragging the sado-masichistic devil along before her troops. "Better yet, get Vul'lath to ask when he probes its mind. I'll go find him when it's locked up," she glances over at Hanna, still anxious to keep her nearby, "Want to come along with me?"
[20:44] <Kotono> Hanna is catching up after dealing with Tepen, "Sorry about that, got talking," she adds.
[20:44] <Kotono> Crystal smiles, "I'd love to," she answers.
[20:46] <Afina> "Don't worry about it," she reassures Hanna. "Crystal was wondering about these devil breeding programs," she gestures vaguely at the indecent figure sprawled on her disc, "Have you ever heard of the like?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "It happens." Clearing her throat, "Put simply, fiends seduce if you're 'lucky'," Scorn in her voice, "Or simply take advantage of women. The Abyss is the worst about it, but all of them do when they desire or it advances their goals. An actual program for it sounds just like Baator. Some enterprising devil wants to spread evil and make a pool of loyal servants, so he violates a heap of mortal
[20:48] <Kotono> women and has them bear his young. They give it a proper name and record everything, acting like it's some grand strategy to triumph over everything."
[20:50] <Afina> "About what I thought," Afina nods in resignation. "There's no understanding or dealing with them. All we can do is kill them to the last."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Yeah." Here Hanna sighs, "That's often the best and only choice you can make. No matter how it hurts your heart. The exceptions exist, but..." For some reason Hanna's mood plummets, lapsing into silence.
[20:53] <Afina> Sensing the direction Hanna's thoughts are taking, Afina points out, "Annalise isn't a fiend."
[20:54] <Kotono> "She's worse," Hanna replies immediately, "A fiend at least has no choice. They're connected to evil. Annalise?" With a grim smile, "She's made every choice of her own free will, completely unclouded. Worse yet, she broke Jaela's heart."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Is that why you hate her so much?" Crystal asks, "Aside from the obvious points."
[20:57] <Afina> "Neither of them can be called innocent there, but that's how love goes," Afina shrugs philosophically. "None can deny that Annalise was a steadfast ally, and I think would have remained so if love hadn't clouded matters."
[20:58] <Kotono> "A steadfast ally that would have set up breedi-oh, excuse me, vampirization programs," Hanna retorts, "She'd turn all of Aurora into the walking dead and relish every moment, just as much as a devil would with his program."
[21:01] <Afina> "And yet she left alone, with no vampires to be seen in all of Aurora," Afina frowns at the comparison as they head into Aurora proper and then the dungeons. "She evangelised often for her state, but that was all."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Aurora's exceptional," Hanna retorts quickly, "So many here," Gesturing about as you head into Aurora, as the golems walk past you and return to position, "Have seen past the illusion of evil or are dedicated to opposing it. Even then, look how close she came to Jaela or a few others. Imagine a few begin to turn, then a few more. There's pressure, there's allure. They act like the same as
[21:04] <Kotono> before, only perhaps stronger, or at least they appear that way. With that she works away the stigma, blinding Aurora to what she's doing and leading it down a dark path."
[21:08] <Afina> "That's a what if. The reality is the devils have done far worse to our home, and she helped a great deal in reversing those fortunes," Afina reasons as she heads towards a portal. "I suppose it doesn't matter now. She's gone, and if 27 is to be believed she won't come back with a smile. But I won't forget the good she's done for us."
[21:09] <Kotono> "If you care about her, make sure 21 puts her to rest then," Hanna says, "It's the only kindness she deserves."
[21:11] <Afina> "We'll see," is all Afina says to that, falling silent now as she goes to the business of incarcarating their newest catch.

[Corwin]

#d

[21:17] <Kotono> Ilsenine is found in her quarters. Several pixies look to be going about, working away. Queen Ilsenine nods once as you enter and go through the normal motions, "You have captured this devil?" she asks, on hearing the request.
[21:20] <Afina> "Yes. It was in charge of the plan to capture Crystal and I for breeding stock," Afina confirms curtly. "While we handle most interrogations through divinations of the subject's thoughts, my interest in this one compels me to ask directly. Would you be willing to employ your magic to control the creature's mind and ensure honesty, Majesty?"
[21:23] <Kotono> "That," Queen Ilsenine says with a hint of achill smile in her voice, "Would be a pleasure." Raising her voice, "Continue my preparations for travel," she says, alightning up, "It is in the d ungeons?"
[21:25] <Afina> "Yes, we will escort you there," Afina rises from her bow, pleased.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Thank you, Majesty," Crystal rises as well.
[21:27] <Kotono> From there it's a short trip. Ilsenine looks over the downed creature, locked away behind a field of force. "That...thing is it?"
[21:29] * Afina nods. "Apparently it possesses powerful magic of its own, but it shares the weakness of all fiends, Majesty."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Then let us do this," Ilsenine chants, ensorcelling the creature! "Wake it," she commands.
[21:45] <Afina> "Crystal or Hanna, can either of you two heal it?" Afina asks the pair. She's an assassin, of course she can't!
[21:49] <Kotono> Crystal steps forward and kneels, murmuring a few healing words. The erinyes opens its eyes, blinking dully.
[21:51] <Afina> "Welcome to Aurora, Melisa," Afina greets it with a thin smile. "Did we interrupt anything important?"
[21:53] <Kotono> Melisa blinks slowly, then smiles, "Afina Petalwisp," Her voice is a cat's rustling purr, sounding exactly like it. "Couldn't wait for me to find you, could you?"
[21:54] <Afina> "How were you going to find me, anyway?" Afina asks, not dignifying the rest with a response.
[21:55] <Kotono> She merely smirks at Afina. At this Ilsenine's voice is sharp, "Obey Afina," she demands, as the fiend's face slackens. She replies, "Scrying or capture. I was to be in charge of your torment and compensation to Hell for damages and offenses commited against it. 9 children would be a sufficient compensation."
[21:57] * Afina rolls her eyes at the compensation bit, but gives Ilsenine a grateful look. "Assuming a successful scrying upon myself or Crystal, what actions would you take to prosecute a capture in either case afterwards?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "I am to ring the Blackmark Bell. They will come." Her voice drops to a whisper, "The Exalted Ones."
[22:00] <Afina> "Who are the Exalted Ones? How many would be dispatched? What tactics would they employ?" Afina asks since Melisa seems to be just an administrator she'll just have to go with her guesses, but it's better than nothing.
[22:02] <Kotono> "Speak not of the Exalted Ones," The erinyes intones, "Speak not of the Exalted Ones.  Speak not of the Exalted Ones." Staring at Afina with unseeing eyes, "The Exalted Ones, the ultimate cast of the pit fiends. They who come from the lowest depth." Her voice becomes breathless, "Three. Three shall emerge. Three shall emerge and render all of you apart."
[22:03] <Kotono> Crystal watches impassively, and in a soft whisper to Afina, "Exalted Ones?"
[22:04] <Afina> "Oh, you're worthless," Afina sighs. "Other than scrying, did you have any other ideas for baits or traps to lure us into your grasp?"
[22:04] <Kotono> "Excuse me?" Crystal's eyes narrow, glaring at Afina.
[22:05] <Afina> "Not you!" she tells Crystal, "I was meaning it," she gestures at the devil. "It's worthless not even knowing about the things she'd dispatch to capture us!"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Oh." Crystal reddens quite a bit, coughing into her hand, "Sorry."
[22:07] <Kotono> "The Exalted Ones will kill you," The erinyes repeats. Crystal glances to Afina, "I wonder if this is intentional? They may have caught on to what we're doing."
[22:09] <Afina> "You think?" Afina frowns. "I could understand keeping information away from those at the sharp end, but this one's supposed to be in charge of organising the entire operation to make us broodmares. If all her involvement is just ringing a bell and then sitting back while these unknowable exalted things butcher us, it doesn't speak well for their planning capacity."
[22:11] <Kotono> "That or it's a segmented plan," Ilsenine speaks up, "Every part only knows just enough to function." With a moment's pause, "Some courtiers have used i twhen they want to try being especially discreet. The tormentor here would no nothing else except her own role. The brutes to capture would know nothing of her role, except to achieve their own. It's mostly a way of stalling, since magic and
[22:11] <Kotono> determination usually ferret things out in the end."
[22:12] <Afina> "Perhaps you're right, majesty," Afina nods, considering another tack, "Once captured, what precautions would be taken to ensure we remained prisoner?" she asks. Surely it'd know that much?
[22:13] <Kotono> "The Chamber of Sealed Dreams. Only devils can leave it by any means," she answers, "The Burning Rope Cult assigned to Governor Mala created it."
[22:14] <Afina> "What method ensures that only devils can leave?" Afina presses.
[22:20] <Kotono> "The seals on the walls. They are wardings and barriers," she explains, "They can only be destroyed from the outside, so the person inside is forever trapped and helpless."
[22:23] <Afina> "What weaknesses exist in these wardings?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "None," she answers, "From the inside. From the outsider, dispeling the magic will suffice, as will tearing down the walls."
[22:26] <Afina> "What external defences exist in the event of such an assault?" They may as well have a plan in case someone gets captured and sent there, even if the devils are likely to promote someone to invent a new plan for her and Crystal specifically after this.
[22:29] <Kotono> "The Chamber is deep in the Burning Aeropolis. Those who seek it must fight through the Initiates of the Draconic Mysteries and all the forces that Governor Yian commands."
[22:31] <Afina> "In the... event of Yian's capture, who would take over in governing the Aeropolis?" Afina asks, guessing the gossip hasn't filtered down.
[22:32] <Kotono> That draws a blink, "I don't know," she confesses, "No one has ever spoken of Governor Yian being defeated. I suppose the High Monk of the Initiaties, Gramath."
[22:34] <Afina> "He's actually your neighbour," Afina says, "He went down embarrassingly quickly, so I hear. Anyway, who's your superior and who ordered your work on Operation Renewal?"
[22:36] <Kotono> The eyes of Melisa widen hugely, but she answers without thinking, "My superior is Valindaros of the Hellfires. He ordered me there as my next assignment."
[22:37] <Afina> "Oh, I'm actually curious, now," Afina confesses with a guilty look at Ilsenine and Crystal. "What do you think about Yian being humbled and imprisoned here, Melisa?"
[22:40] <Kotono> "Impossible," she replies immediately, "You're merely a deviant little breeding fey who resists the truth. You could never hope to defeat a powerful devil."
[22:41] <Kotono> Crystal chuckles at that, cold as ice. "Yet, you barely survived a single charge, and only because Afina and I both held back."
[22:43] <Afina> "And the ones who beat Yian held back as well, but he still died," Afina smiles, "Tiamat turned him into some sort of horrible zombie thing. Anyway, back to the topic, do you know about any plans similar to yours for other figures in Aurora?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "Yes." She answers, "I have heard from a...colleague about Operation Gravity."
[22:45] <Afina> "Who was this colleague?" Afina asks, zipping over to get an interrogation sheet and writing on the back of it so the name won't be lost, "And what are the particulars of Operation Gravity?"
[22:47] <Kotono> "Zazzaz." The answer comes, "The engineered fall of celestials in Aurora. Primary targets are Hanna of the Court of Stars, Jaela and Morniel. Jaela is considered the prime target."
[22:48] <Afina> "Who is in charge of this operation?" Afina asks.
[22:50] <Kotono> "I don't know. He did not say," Is the answer, "We traded information."
[22:51] <Afina> "What sort of devil is Zazzaz?" Afina asks to gauge the likelihood of capturing him the same way.
[22:53] <Kotono> "An erinyes," Is the answer.
[22:54] <Afina> "What information did you trade?"
[22:59] <Kotono> "Information on this task," She replies, "Operation Renewal."
[23:02] * Afina turns to the others. "I think I'm done. We can do the normal interrogation now and then see about telling Jaela the good news and summoning this Zazzaz?"
[23:03] <Kotono> "Go find her," Queen Ilsenine says, "Crystal, scribe this one. I'd like to talk to this devil afterwards, privately," she says.
[23:04] <Afina> "Hanna, want to come along since they want you to fall as well?" Afina asks Jaela's mother.
[23:06] <Kotono> "I'd want to come even if not," she speaks up, having settled into leaning against the wall and watching. "Piteous thing, isn't she?" Glancing back at the dominated devil.
[23:07] <Afina> "That they are," Afina agrees. "Something to remember when one comes to try and make you like them?"
[23:08] <Kotono> OOC: Let me move you along to #terror in a moment.

[Corwin]

#t

[19:57] <Kotono> Ebony is found at Creasea's shop. As the elemental works in the kitchens, she sits on a table in the eating area, sipping a glass of what looks to be tea or cocoa. Sitting opposite her is Canderella, enjoying the same. They talk quietly to each other, lost in the general noise of the restaurant.
[19:57] <Jaela> "Hey there," Jaela says upon approaching, giving the pair a wave.
[19:59] <Kotono> "Hello," Ebony greets, "Do you want to join us?"
[20:00] <Kotono> Canderella smiles slightly over her drink, steam obscuring her face a moment. "You're looking well enough, all considered."
[20:00] <Jaela> "Sure, for a bit." Jaela takes a seat between them. "Yeah, well. No point in whining when life brings you down, right?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Canderella murmurs, "One can only take such things in stride and reflect on them. Easy come, easy go." Sipping her drink, "Still, being with a vampire of that rank is an immense honor, should you care of such things. Yet that seldom soothes the heart, does it?"
[20:04] <Kotono> Ebony murmurs something indistinct, and then, "Evil ultimately turns on itself and everything good," Ebony murmurs, "But let's not linger on your personal pains, unless you came here to do that?"
[20:06] <Jaela> "Err, no. So let's not." She grins at Canderella. "We'll see who had the bigger honor some day. But Ebony's right, so I'll cut right to the chase. There's a group of erinyes that I picked up in Hell and pretty much made them follow me. I was gonna go over to the dungeons and see if they felt like doing this switching sides things a try, or if they'd like to get shipped to Sylica." She looks back at Ebony. "I arranged for that part with Antenora, so it should be fine. I just don't wanna have them treated like the rest of our prisoners."
[20:10] <Kotono> "It's probably for the best," Ebony murmurs, "Fiends are hard to trust, even when they say one thing." Putting down her drink, "They'll be in good hands there - Antenora and others pour their heart and soul into trying to reach them. And if they are truly irreedemable evil, they'll never be in a position to harm anyone else again."
[20:10] <Kotono> "Oh, what is this now?" Canderella asks, "Antenora, Antenora, Antenora...I've heard that name somewhere before, too."
[20:11] <Jaela> "Ex erinyes, now a bigshot angel over at Sylica," Jaela reminds her. "There was a huge fuss about it, apparently, a few years before I was born."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Oh yes, I remember now," Canderella goes on, "So do the cycles turn and turn." Her smiles is devastating, bringing a jelly like weakness to Jaela's legs and a racing to her heart.
[20:16] <Jaela> "So anyway, I've been hoping to have your help there," Jaela tells Ebony. Only her continued exposure from impossibly beautiful smiles from an impossibly beautiful woman allow her to pretend as if it were business as usual and give no outwards signs to what's she's feeling inside. "You'd know how to properly bind them if one of them feels like sticking around, and I'm sure I could trust you to help with their transport to Sylica as well." Only then, after calming her racing heart a bit, Jaela turns back to Canderella. "Want to come?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "I'd love to come with you," Canderella's voice is light and musical, "I'm honored you'd like me to come with you, too."
[20:18] <Kotono> Ebony finishes her drink and dabs her lips with a napkin, before rising. "Let us attend to this business, for the hope of a better tomorrow."
[20:19] <Jaela> "You'll catch on if they try to trick me, won't you?" Jaela reasons, standing up herself. "And it would be nice to spend some time with you. I already feel bad about not taking you to see my brother so far. I'll probably manage it within a month, though!"
[20:27] <Kotono> "I will," Ebony agrees, as Canderella merely chuckles, "Oh yes, the two of us will go and see him, I'm sure. We'll all come and have a wonderful time together."
[20:27] <Jaela> Three of them, probably, since only her mother knows where he lives. Shrugging, Jaela leads the way to the portion of the dungeons where her erinyes are sequestered.
[20:29] <Kotono> As you walk along to the portals, "Ah yes, are you familiar with the Graceful Blow, Jaela?"
[20:30] <Jaela> "Yeah. We're pretty tight, actually. Why?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "They're trying to bring me into that group," Canderella replies, "Mirima and Misalea both told me I'd be a natural at it. What exactly is the art they practice, all the enthuiasm stripped away?"
[20:34] <Jaela> "You know how you're unbelievably hot?" Jaela tells her honestly, with a glance at Canderella. "Their school's all about using that as a weapon. More to the point, you beguile your opponents and add a smidgen of illusion to escape from all sorts of attacks and strike back in a pretty crazy way."
[20:36] <Kotono> Ebony coughs at that, but continues her walk without commenting.
[20:36] <Jaela> "It sounds farfetched, but you know, magic." Jaela shrugs. "I saw the perfect defense myself, and I'm pretty sure I know how the counters work, too."
[20:37] <Kotono> Canderella smiles at that, "Mmm yes, I can see how that would be effective. I've known succubi who take training like that." Tapping her fingers, "The particularly slatternly ones who think running around in a few overstressed bits of cloth is the perfect defense."
[20:39] * Jaela grins herself. "Yeah, except their style works even if you're not your opponent's type. It's really indisginguishable from magic. I'd say... yeah, if you want an extra bit in protection in case you end up involved in a fight, you could study it a bit. But don't stick all the way through to mastery unless you really want to have an ultimate technique for taking down foes in melee."
[20:40] <Kotono> "There are succubi that are particularly slatternly," Ebony's voice is arch, "I was not aware there was that degree of distinction between them."
[20:41] * Jaela snorts at that. "Understimating your opponents?"
[20:42] <Kotono> "It may be worth investigating. Neither of them looked like trollops," Canderella considers, then smiles ever so warmly to Ebony. She doesn't say anything, but just smiles. Ebony returns that look coolly, and then, "I've not seen an example of a succubus that is anything but filth," she admits, "Though I suppose present company is excluded."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Oh, we are filth." Canderella puts it aside, "That's why it was such fun." Sighing a moment, "You really wouldn't understand it. You're imposing your opinions and morality onto creatures that operate on an entirely different frame of reference."
[20:43] <Jaela> "Speaking of present company, I met a few others like you a while back on Ysgard," Jaela muses. "There was some sort of temple where they danced and flew through the storm. Don't suppose you know of it?"
[20:46] <Kotono> "Not personally," Canderella goes on, "But I've heard of Stormdancers or Stormsisters or other variants who do that. I haven't heard on any in Ysgard, they must be new." Pausing to hum lightly to herself, "Really, the core tenents are there and we interpret the rest into our storms. The central dogma isn't strong, so it's hard to identify every little variant sect."
[20:46] <Jaela> "Worth revisiting them and asking the girls if they feel like joining us?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Probably not. I'm unusual in that I'm on an enforced study sabbatical. Most of them are too wrapped up in their storms to do much," Canderella explains, "It's like trying to yell at a storm to follow your lead. It doesn't work. Especially since many sisters have turned to pure chaos to fill the void evil left behind."
[20:50] <Jaela> "Huh. Yeah, I can see it, even if it's a shame." With a shrug, Jaela proceeds onwards to a portal.
[20:55] <Kotono> With that you reach the portals and the d ungeons. Finding where the nine erinyes are held is without incident, and you arrive...OOC: Go ahead.
[21:01] <Jaela> "Did you have time to hear about our Crusade and reflect?" Jaela asks, coming to a stop before the cell. Her armor is impeccable, and her bearing calm and assured. A slightly lingering weakness exists, but none of the fiends should be able to spot it as she speaks to them. "Those gathered here hate the devils with every fiber of their being, and you've seen the sort that gets dragged into the holding cells. If that embarrassingly easy takedown of your old boss wasn't any indication, we're pretty strong and we'll overtake Gathgorian and Abigor and the rest of them in good tme. And then, the devils held here will die for good." Her gaze falls upon them. "It can be your fate alongside the rest of them, but you did choose to follow me. So I'm going to give you all a choice. Stay here with the rest and await your final death, or try and see if we can't shatter that infernal truth you've been fed all your lives."
[21:06] <Kotono> One of them approaches, "We've thought about it," he says, "We'll accept - we have no other choice, after all."
[21:13] <Jaela> There is another choice, but Jaela doesn't dwell on it. They are prepared to accept this option, and it would likely be better than the open antagonism they would be exposed to on the Aurora. "Good. You will be transported to Sylica with due haste. I will visit when I am able, but I won't be in charge of you after your transfer. All I can do is wish you luck, and that you'll be able to experience a truly free choice in the future."
[21:15] <Kotono> "We will do our best for you," Ebony steps forward, "Of that I vow."
[21:16] <Kotono> The nine erinyes nod as one, as Ebony continues. "If any of you know of Antenora, she will be there. She is proof that there is a better way than what you've followed."
[21:18] <Kotono> Canderella watches and stays back, mostly.
[21:19] <Kotono> A few exchange looks, and one nods, "She is to be captured on sight. Bringing her in is an immediate promotion of at least two castes," One replies.
[21:20] <Jaela> "If an incentive is needed, there is a certain way to look at it," Jaela adds. "The Fallen are universally seen as weak. But can anyone call a risen fiend that without self-deception? To those that honor strength, the conclusion is painfully obvious." She snorts at those words. "Yes, it is the standing order, isn't it? And how many decades has it stood unfulfilled?"
[21:23] * Jaela considers it further, before adding, "And if you want true strength, and have what it takes within you to renounce Hell one day, seek me out. I'll bring it out of you."
[21:31] <Kotono> Nods come to that, as Ebony looks to Jaela, "When will we transpor tthem?"
[21:32] <Jaela> "Can you handle the preparations?" Jaela asks.
[21:44] <Kotono> "As you wish," Ebony replies.
[21:50] <Jaela> "Thanks," Jaela tells her. "Whatever you need, it's yours. Every precaution... well, you name it."
[21:54] <Kotono> With that Ebony leads them off, taking care of business. Canderella lingers behind a little bit, watching them go.
[21:55] <Jaela> "So color me curious," Jaela voices. "Was it a friendly talk I interrupted? It seemed that way, but then all the needling started and I just don't know anymore."
[21:56] <Kotono> "It was a lot of everything. Hmm," Tapping a long finger on her lips, smiling behind it, "I think we were feeling each other out. Ah, the uncertainty of two guarded souls. It makes you think, doesn't it?"
[21:58] <Jaela> "Makes me hope it'll turn out for the best," Jaela muses. "Wanna relocate to the roof? I figure it'd be the spot you like the most here, short of the bath."
[22:00] <Kotono> With a nod as she heads to the portal, "Oh, I know enough about atonement to know she'll be making up for her past life until she dies, and beyond it if I read her fate right. She'll never accept that part of her that was gloriously wicked." Tsk-tsking, "I'm not sure she's dealing with it in a healthy way."
[22:02] <Jaela> "That's why she's among friends, don't you think?" Jaela asks, walking by her side. "But yeah. I think there should be this clear divide between knowing what's right and following that, and beating yourself up over all the shit you ended up causing before."
[22:06] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm." As you step through you reach the main portalway, Canderella heading towards outside. Lief is back, darting and dancing amid the statues with a big, cocky grin on his face. He's whistling a merry tune. "Oh, there's a few succubi who took it too far and act all mopey like her. Really, it's tiresome after awhile. Vows of chastity? That's just overcompensation."
[22:07] * Jaela snorts. "That's a good one. Can we recruit them?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "We could, but they're really too boring." Canderella shakes her head, "I'd be doing you a disservice to help you find them. Just because the magic's gone doesn't mean you have to go the other way."
[22:12] <Jaela> "I guess we'll see if we do come across them some day. A succubus that went the other way's bound to be interesting to me, even if it's all boring for you." Rather than dwell on the subject, however, Jaela asks, "So there's something I've been wondering on and off about, and I figure our points of view are different enough you might help me with some fresh insight. We've got all these elementals, yeah? And once we made an outdoors bath, the water ones really liked that. I figure we can always make some huge furnace thing for the fire ones, or a lava moat. But what would make air elementals happy?"
[22:16] <Kotono> "Wind," Canderella answers immediately, "Mmmm, I'd get the biggest wind generator you can and let them play in it."
[22:16] * Jaela rubs the back of her head in embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm not all that into wind magic and artifacts. Is that something you can craft?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "I can guide someone to it," Canderella answers, "Talos follower, storms? Uh, yes. Yes I can." With a pleasant smile despite that, leaning in a bit as an absolutely intoxicating scent hits Jaela's nose, "Oh yes, I forgot. You know Mirima of the Graceful Blow, yes?"
[22:21] <Jaela> "That's why I asked," Jaela responds, her smile widening a fraction as Canderella leans in. Then she closes her visible eye and shakes her head. "Are you doing this on purpose? I kinda want to know. And yeah, I got to know Mirima pretty well when we trained in Sylica and Ysgard."
[22:24] <Kotono> "Of course I am. I still remember how to hunt," Canderella lightly laughs, a sound as carefree and innocent as a child's joy. "I have little difficulty ascertaining attractions. A little bit of a crush will get you over Annalise easier than anything else." Reaching out to pat Jaela's cheeks, "But I'm not serious about it. I do really rather prefer men. Still, there is another who is very
[22:24] <Kotono> fond of you. It's easy for me to tell that Mirima thinks of you as much more than a battle friend."
[22:27] <Jaela> "It was kind of a shock at the time, but yeah. Since Dana knows, I'm surprised it's still any sort of secret, honestly."
[22:29] <Kotono> "I haven't heard anyone mention it..." Tapping a finger on Jaela's cheek before removing her hand, "But ah, they're usually thinking of something else around me. It does make you think. Regardless, she is really rather fond of you and shares your particular preferences. I had thought to tell you to as a favor, but it seems you already know."
[22:32] <Jaela> Complaining that it's not really her preference would be pointless, and Jaela just ignores that part. "Thanks for thinking about me. But it's one thing to think you're pretty or to like Mirima, and another to jump into another relationship."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Yes. I was thinking more a torrid fling or several passionate encounters in locked closets, dusky rooms or just out of sight of others. A pleasant affair to cleanse the palate," Canderella replies.
[22:37] * Jaela gapes at Canderella in surprise, before laughing. "I might really be tempted if you keep at it," she admits, once her mirth retreats sufficiently. "Mirima, though? She seems to genuinely like me. I'd feel bad about doing that sorta thing with her."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Why? That's silly! If she likes you, it means she wants to do that with you," Canderella points out, "Or if you're that hung up about it, I'll find someone else to have a fling with."
[22:38] <Kotono> *else for you to have a fling with.
[22:41] <Jaela> "It's all about expectations. I think if I were in her position-- yeah, definitely. It'd be kinda cruel. Anyway, I'll figure it out, so you don't have to look for people that are interested in me." Jaela shrugs. "I was happy enough that someone like that actually existed, so there's no need to force it."
[22:43] <Kotono> "As you wish," As you sit on the roof, looking out at the sky, "Perhaps Afina? You were traveling alone with her," A twinkle comes to Canderella's eyes, a smile struggling not to take her face and failing.
[22:45] <Jaela> "I like people my size," Jaela responds with a shrug. "It's just one of those preferences. In fact, I don't even get the thing with mom and dad." She shudders. "Whatever. Seriously, you think someone here aside from Mirima could see me like that? Is that your special succubus senses tingling, or just cheerful optimism?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Oh, I know who else likes you," Canderella replies without missing a beat.
[22:50] <Jaela> "You're bluffing."
[22:52] <Kotono> "Not at all," Canderella doesn't even miss a beat, "Unless you're hoping I say myself?" Leaning in, that scent absolutely dazzling Jaela's mind, "Hm?" She smirks a moment before retreating, "Morniel is rather fond of you. He hides it extremely, extremely well. I didn't get a trace of a tell on him. He's entirely too good at his diplomacy, I'm afraid, that you'd ever get an idea without
[22:52] <Kotono> an edge in."
[22:54] <Jaela> "That... that's not too far-fetched," Jaela admits, once she's had time to adjust to the idea. "I always felt like he was distant and staying away. Huh. I guess you're for real after all. Hey, think you could help Elena? I like the girl, but the one she's into is uptight as they come. He'd probably outdo those vow of chastity succubi you mentioned if you gave him a chance."
[22:55] <Kotono> "I can try. I've met both of them," Canderella considers, "I can't sense anything from them - they're not quite material. Or they are." Shaking her head, "But that just means I need to work at it a little harder. Or you could seduce Elena yourself?" she banters back, "Kill two birds with one stone?"
[22:56] <Jaela> "I'll get right on that."
[22:57] <Kotono> "Aaah." Looking up at the sky again, wind blowing her hair, "Are you interested in him, then?"
[22:58] <Jaela> "Him who?" Jaela asks, leaning against the battlements and glancing at the sky herself.
[22:59] <Kotono> "Morniel," Canderella says, "I can't tell you how he'd act, he's much too controlled to read. But are yo uinterested?"
[23:00] <Jaela> "Dunno. I mean, he's definitely hot. But we never really talked much, either."
[23:01] <Kotono> "If you want some advice," Canderella goes on, "Whatever you've dealt with so far is just his outer shell. All business, probably no real hints to who he is on the inside. I doubt you'll ever see inside of it unless you work at it. He strikes me a man that will do his job to the best of his ability, and keep himself removed from it otherwise."
[23:05] <Jaela> "That's probably a reason why I shouldn't, if anything," Jaela muses. "I can't cause any trouble to the others. More than I have, anyway." She grins at Canderella. "So let's not talk about seducing important ambassadors or sentient beings that control the fortress, because we all know how badly it'll end. How about we talk about that wind generator instead?"
[23:07] <Kotono> "I was going to suggest that or torrid sex," Canderella banters, "So yes, let's talk about the generator. How big zone of wind do you want?"
[23:09] <Jaela> "Bath-sized, I figure? Let's not discriminate between the elementals. Unless there's a way we can use it in the Aurora's defense somehow?"
[23:09] <Kotono> As Jaela says that, two figures make themselves known, flying up. Afina and Hanna come to join you, approaching.

[Corwin]

[23:10] * Jaela waves in greeting.
[23:11] <Afina> "Hello Canderella," Afina gives the succubus a brief greeting before focusing on Jaela. "Good news. The devils like your idea for reforming those erinyes so much they want to try it on you."
[23:11] <Kotono> Canderella nods slightly, but goes silent at this.
[23:11] <Jaela> "No shit?"
[23:13] <Afina> "The devil in charge of the operation to make me a mother nine times over told me about it, she heard the gossip from another devil. I think if we get that one we'll have a name for the one in charge of the plan to make you fall. They're after other celestials as well, but you're the favourite."
[23:14] * Jaela raises a hand. "Let me savor this moment. The first time when Hell actually made some sort of token effort to remember me." She glances at her mother. "Mom, am I tearing up? It feels like I should be."

[Corwin]

[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 attempt 1
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 attempt 1 and gets 32." [1d20=11]
[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 attempt 2
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 attempt 2 and gets 26." [1d20=5]
[20:03] <Kotono> ---
[20:06] <Kotono> Around the circle the four wait! The first casting fails, but the second one works! The creature that appears within is mirror-glossy. Its angelic-styled body reflects everything back, both sides perfectly symmetrical. It has no eyes - instead there are only tiny mirrors in its eye sockets. It is both male and female, wearing nothing and showing both sets of genitals. It carries no weapon, nor
[20:06] <Kotono> does it speak. For a moment, it simply hovers within the circle, each of your images reflected in the erinyes' body. Yet in your minds, you hear an inevitable whispering, perfectly symmetrical sounds such as hah or sis or tot. OOC: Go ahead and act, you have a surprise round on him/it.
[20:08] <Jaela> "What the fuck are you?!" Jaela exclaims, taking Gae Bolg in both hands like a club and beating the freakish thing with it.
[20:08] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23 devotion planes
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23 devotion planes and gets 38." [1d20=15]
[20:09] <Jaela> roll 1d20+33 nonlethal
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+33 nonlethal and gets 38." [1d20=5]
[20:09] <Jaela> roll 1d20+28 nonlethal
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+28 nonlethal and gets 45." [1d20=17]
[20:09] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23 nonlethal
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23 nonlethal and gets 39." [1d20=16]
[20:09] <Jaela> roll 1d20+18 nonlethal
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+18 nonlethal and gets 26." [1d20=8]
[20:09] <Kotono> OOC: All hit.
[20:09] <Jaela> roll 4#1d8+26+5+4+8d6
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 4#1d8+26+5+4+8d6 and gets 301." [4#1d8+26+5+4+8d6 = 77, 70, 76, 78]
[20:10] <Kotono> Jaela plummels the creature - but each time she strikes, an image of her appears just wher she strikes! The enrinyes is only partially wounded, but Jaela's body is ripped terrifically with bruises, thrashing harsh before she goes down in a heap! OOC: 150 nonlethal to Jaela. Afina, go.
[20:13] <Kotono> "What in Gywnharwyf's name...?" Hanna stares a moment, then wretches her gaze to Jaela! Her eyes narrow and her face hardens, "IT's like that, eh?"
[20:14] <Jaela> "Put it the fuck down!"
[20:15] <Kotono> "Jaela! Don't swear in front of the abomination of a devil!" Hanna snaps, "It's bad form for a celestial to do that!"
[20:15] <Afina> Seeing the dire straits Jaela's attack put her in, Afina reconsiders her usual method... which is actually her only method. Well, Jaela survived and there are plenty of healers nearby... she dashes by for a pair of quick strikes, bracing herself for the inevitable pain to follow.
[20:15] <Afina> roll 1d20+38 haste, too
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+38 haste, too and gets 43." [1d20=5]
[20:15] <Afina> roll 1d20+33 haste, too
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+33 haste, too and gets 42." [1d20=9]
[20:15] <Kotono> OOC: Hits.
[20:15] <Afina> roll 1d4+19+5d6+2d6+2d6+2d6 may miss chance save me
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d4+19+5d6+2d6+2d6+2d6 may miss chance save me and gets 64." [1d4=2][5d6=6, 5, 5, 1, 6][2d6=4, 3][2d6=3, 3][2d6=2, 5]
[20:15] <Afina> roll 1d4+19+5d6+2d6+2d6+2d6 may miss chance save me
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d4+19+5d6+2d6+2d6+2d6 may miss chance save me and gets 53." [1d4=2][5d6=1, 2, 2, 1, 2][2d6=6, 5][2d6=1, 5][2d6=1, 6]
[20:16] <Kotono> Afina strikes - and the same thing happens! As she strikes the creature, wounds open up on her! They strike her true even with her speed, appearing just as her blows land! At the same time she manages some cuts on the thign, which is unmoving and unperterbed! OOC: 58 nonlethal damage. Hanna's up.
[20:18] <Jaela> "Fine! Do you know how to beat this thing? Or you, Old Man?"
[20:21] <Kotono> In response, Hanna utters a word of pure arcane might...but nothing happens! Hanna snaps off a swear, "Stunning it didn't work! It's either still not wounded enough or immune!" Meanwhile Tepen frowns, "Not offhand, I'ma fraid," he says, stepping back for the moment! Meanwhile the whispers in your mind become louder, more insistent! Symmetrical words, a sea of them starting to lash against your
[20:21] <Kotono> awareness! OOC: Init here.
[20:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Tepen
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Tepen and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[20:22] <Jaela> roll 1d20+11
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+11 and gets 28." [1d20=17]
[20:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Hanna
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 Hanna and gets 28." [1d20=18]
[20:23] <Afina> roll 1d20+20
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34." [1d20=14]
[20:23] <Afina> OOC: +23 sorry
[20:23] <Kotono> As Afina begins to move, the creature shimmers in time with her, images of her face all over its body!
[20:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Afina=Mirror Erinyes(34)>Jaela=Hanna(28)>Tepen(13)'
[20:23] <Kotono> OOC: Go Afina.
[20:26] <Afina> "We need disabling spells for it if injury doesn't work," Afina says, throwing out a confusion more as a stalling measure than anything better.
[20:26] <Afina> OOC: DC 24 will
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC: CL check for SR, assuming Confusion allows it.
[20:26] <Afina> roll 1d20+17 sorry forgot
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+17 sorry forgot and gets 31." [1d20=14]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 23." [1d20=2]
[20:27] <Kotono> At this, the mirror erinyes grows stiller. As this happens...
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 34." [1d100=34]
[20:28] <Kotono> The mental voices rise in volume! They babble incoherently, a torrent of symmetrical insanity! This lashes into your minds like a whip, eroding at them! OOC: 1 wis damage and make will saves, all. +6 bonus since it can't coordinate its ability like usual, as much as it's jus tspewing it out uncontrolled.
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+35
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+35 and gets 43." [1d20=8]
[20:29] <Jaela> roll 1d20+35
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+35 and gets 45." [1d20=10]
[20:29] <Afina> roll 1d20+30
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+30 and gets 38." [1d20=8]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 Tepen
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 Tepen and gets 39." [1d20=18]
[20:29] <Kotono> The torrent assails each of you, but you resist being overwhelmed by the tides in your mind! OOC: Jaela'n'Hanna, go.
[20:31] <Jaela> "Hang on a sec, Mom," Jaela says, giving her boots a try. As time stops around her, she uses one of the components Muirfinn had given her to try and gaze upon the fiend's true form....
[20:32] <Kotono> The fiend's true form is as you see it, at least. Nothing changes with true seeing.
[20:33] * Jaela grimaces and erases the wounds delivered to her, before stepping to the side. "Let's try and hit this freak together," she tells her mother, ready to strike at it in tandem with her.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Right!" AS time slows back down Hanna hefts her axe and lets out a battle cry, looking to cut it in twain!
[20:34] <Jaela> roll 1d20+32+5+2-2-4 nonlethal
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+32+5+2-2-4 nonlethal and gets 45." [1d20=12]
[20:34] <Jaela> roll 1d20+32+5+2-2-4 nonlethal
20:34] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+32+5+2-2-4 nonlethal and gets 38." [1d20=5]
[20:34] <Jaela> roll 1d20+28+5+2-2-4 nonlethal
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+28+5+2-2-4 nonlethal and gets 43." [1d20=14]
[20:34] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23+5+2-2-4 nonlethal
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23+5+2-2-4 nonlethal and gets 37." [1d20=13]
[20:34] <Jaela> roll 1d20+18+5+2-2-4 nonlethal
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+18+5+2-2-4 nonlethal and gets 35." [1d20=16]
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+37 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal) and gets 47." [1d20=10]
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+37 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal) and gets 46." [1d20=9]
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+32 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal) and gets 50." [1d20=18]
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal) and gets 41." [1d20=14]
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 (+1 haste +3 rage, +6 smite evil, -4 nonlethal) and gets 30." [1d20=8]
[20:35] <Kotono> OOC: All hits.
[20:36] <Jaela> roll 5#1d8+26+5+4+8d6
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 5#1d8+26+5+4+8d6 and gets 335." [5#1d8+26+5+4+8d6 = 67, 69, 57, 74, 68]
[20:37] <Kotono> roll 3d6+36+3d6+36+3d6+36+3d6+36+3d6+36
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6+36+3d6+36+3d6+36+3d6+36+3d6+36 and gets 231." [3d6=5, 5, 1][3d6=4, 4, 3][3d6=6, 1, 3][3d6=2, 3, 1][3d6=6, 3, 4]
[20:37] <Kotono> roll 335/2
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 335/2 and gets 167.5."
[20:37] <Kotono> roll 231/2
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 231/2 and gets 115.5."
[20:39] <Kotono> The blows come down like the wrath of the heavens! Oh, they tear into the erinyes and each other! Bloody bruises appear ove rall three as they strike! Jaela falls back, dazed and stunned! Hanna drops her axe and coughs up blood, falling to her knees and then face down! The erinyes finally staggers, and then simply collapses! OOC: Free act. Bulled your way through. 167 nonlethal ot Jaela and 115 to Hanna.

[20:39] <Jaela> "There... had to be a better way," Jaela gasps, lying on her back to recover a bit.
[20:40] * Afina swiftly conjures a floating disc under the mirror-fiend, better to have it locked up before it can cause more trouble. "Ask it for weaknesses in its method when it's under control. Can you walk?"
[20:40] <Jaela> "Yeah, yeah. Just gimme a sec, the armor will heal me."
[20:40] <Kotono> Hanna's wings twitch, "Has to be," she coughs, slowly managing to utter a few words. Her injuries are gone, and then slowly she rises. "That was a gamble, but I couldn't think of much else adn I was worried about that murmuring."
[20:41] * Jaela climbs to her feet herself. "Afina's right, we'll just ask it. Let's go do that?" But not before Tepen is Healed by her, of course.

[Corwin]

[20:48] <Kotono> On request, Queen Ilsenine comes down. Her face is a composed mask as she comes down, "I already have it cast on me, every morning," she comments as you go to the creature's cell. "I will brook no risks."
[20:49] * Jaela nods slightly. "Good call. This one... it's really weird. Never seen anything like it."
[20:49] * Afina nods. "It did seem vulnerable to compulsions, but still better not to take risks with such a thing."
[20:51] <Kotono> Thus the group goes in, ensorcelling the creature. Once done it stirs, staring out sightlessly. "Obey any questions asked of you and answer them," she says, "Go ahead."
[20:52] <Jaela> "We can alternate?" Jaela suggests to Afina and her mother, before asking, "How does your defense work? How can it be beaten?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Strangely, the words begin to speak to Jaela once more! It is a perfect defense, combined with extrodinary toughness. There is no way to bypass it.
[20:54] <Jaela> "Did you hear that?" Jaela asks the others, creeped out a bit.
[20:55] <Afina> "Very strange," Afina agrees. "How did it learn such a technique?"
[20:55] * Jaela awaits an answer expectantly.
[21:01] <Kotono> It did not learn. It was given.
[21:02] <Kotono> Queen Ilsenine blink-blinks, "Disturbing," she opines, "It's like I know what it wants me to know."
[21:02] <Jaela> "By whom?" Jaela asks the obvious question. "And just how perfect is it? Would it deflect a Holy Word, or would that bring you down?"
[21:04] <Kotono> It was given by the Faceless Stranger. Holy Word is untested against it.
[21:05] <Jaela> "I guess we can test out stuff later, in case more freaks like that exist. But let's leave it for later?" Jaela muses. "What ongoing projects do you know of?"
[21:09] <Kotono> Operation Gravity. Jaela is to fall and to be given to Prince Lixer for her necrophiliac tendencies.  Hanna is to fall and be given to Duke Abigor. Morniel is to fall and be brought to Governor Harkin.
[21:10] * Jaela raises an eyebrow at that last. "Nice of Hell to consider my tendencies," she mutters. "So, uh, how is Hell gonna be tripping us all?"
[21:32] <Kotono> Temptation. Torture. Reprogramming.
[21:33] <Jaela> "I don't think you realize how this thing works," Jaela says, quite piqued. "Are the brain in charge of this farce?"
[21:37] <Kotono> It was commanded by the Faceless Stranger.
[21:38] <Afina> "So what was your role?" Afina asks, curious how he came by the information to start with.
[21:42] <Kotono> To break and erase the goodnessf rom the angels, to make them a mirror reflection of itself.
[21:43] <Afina> "How?" Afina asks pertinently, glancing at said angels.
[21:47] <Kotono> With its mind. By consuming them until they are no different than it.
[21:47] <Jaela> "Did Hell actually consider using spies or traitors?" Jaela simply has to ask. "Something simple instead of all this convoluted bullshit?"
[21:48] <Kotono> It does not know. It only obeys what it is told.
[21:49] * Jaela stretches, and then rolls her head to and fro to get the kinks out of it. "Any other plans you know of? Something that might hurt them or Hell's agenda? Allies we might recruit? Potential allies Hell really doesn't want us to make?"
[21:50] <Kotono> It does not. It only does what it is told.
[21:51] <Jaela> "I guess if we learned anything, is that Hell doesn't get us?" Jaela shrugs. "Morons. I think we're done here, except for the standard questions?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "I'm not sure this creature is sane," Ilsenine speaks up, "Or at least thinks so differently that we're wasting our time."
[21:53] <Afina> "May as well do the standard interrogation just in case it brings up anything useful," Afina offers, "I'm not expecting much but the usual party line, really."
[21:53] <Jaela> "Betrayal's the worst sort of disgrace, and it thinks a little torture will make it happen?" Jaela snorts. "I guess we might as well find out who the faceless weirdo is, or how many others like it serve him?"
[22:04] <Kotono> The Faceless Stranger is the Faceless Stranger. He is a pit fiend without a face. His commands are absolute to Zazzaz.
[22:05] <Jaela> "Think we can summon him?"
[22:06] <Afina> "Doubtful. Anything above the most fresh and simple pit fiend is too powerful for the binding spell to catch," Afina shakes her head.
[22:08] <Jaela> "Yeah, I guess--" Jaela blinks. "Hey, mirror freak, is there anyone you know about that we can actually summon? Devils like Melisa who are in charge of weird operations that deal with Lifasa or Lifasans? Or someone who was involved in the attack on the Throne back in Lifasa's invasion?"

[Corwin]

[22:19] <Kotono> Jaela kneels and prays, Hanna and Afina hanging back to watch. As she settles into her prayer, "You know, you're normally not around one person this long, are you?" Hanna murmurs to Afina, "Always flying about doing this or that."
[22:21] <Afina> "Really, do I seem that way?" Afina asks innocently. "I suppose I'm often needed..."
[22:23] <Kotono> "Flighty as a typical pixie," Hanna retorts lightly, smiling a little bit.
[22:25] <Jaela> The first time she tried it, her goal was clear enough. But with Annalise gone, most likely for good, Jaela seeks a new direction from her patron goddess. In the end, her goals remain unchanged, so all that remains to be seen is how her goddess thinks she should act in their pursuit and she focuses her mind on that as she prays.
[22:26] <Afina> "Be grateful I haven't sat on your head, then?" Afina giggles.
[22:27] <Kotono> "You know," Hanna hums, "I've heard stories about that and Saint Alicia. Apparently pixies love her head, according to the Court of the Stars gossip. In fact, her head is so amazing that she got a courre instead of a lantern archon for a familiar." Humming a moment, "Apropos of nothing, but that reminded me of that."
[22:30] <Afina> "Really? I've seen lots of pixies perching on the heads of nymphs and dryads, but it's more a way to relax the wings and bypass the height difference. Never went for it myself since I prefer to keep moving by myself... still, now I wonder what her head is like..." Afina hums in consideration of that.
[22:31] <Kotono> "According to a courre that saw her, heavenly," Retorting with a pleasant smile, "Perfect. Magnetic. I don't get it." Hanna murmurs, watching Jaela.
[22:32] <Jaela> "No!" Jaela grabs the ring and tosses it as far away from her as she can.
[22:33] <Afina> "What is it?" Afina asks, looking over at Jaela now.
[22:33] <Kotono> "Jaela?" Stepping forward, Hanna reaches out and puts a shoulder on her shoulder. "What's going on?"
[22:33] <Jaela> "It's people! Our people!" Clasping her hands in prayer, Jaela asks, "How can I destroy it, My Lady? How?"
[22:35] <Afina> "Oh, how revolting," Afina flutters over where the ring landed and looks down at it. "Yes, we should destroy it. They deserve better than to be interred so."
[22:41] <Jaela> "How can it be?" Jaela asks quietly, before raising her head to look at her mother and Afina. "The Lady Angharradh doesn't believe we can destroy it, not without taking similar rings from the other traitors first and retaking Lifasa."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Well," Hefting her axe, "Guess that means we have eight other traitors to get to killing. I'm in."
[22:43] * Afina nods. "We will. Speaking of, with Yian's disappearance the Burning Aeropolis is likely in disarray - this could be the perfect time for an attack, even if just a raid," she suggests.
[22:45] <Jaela> Refusing to just leave it like that, Jaela focuses her mind on the Blade of Endings. Would even that fail to free the trapped souls?
[22:49] * Jaela nods slightly, and slowly stands back up. "We can. It could double for a rescue mission, too, and we could establish contact with the resistance."
[22:50] <Afina> "Lets go get more information out of Yian on prisoners and defences or contingencies and then gather a team?" Afina offers, starting to flutter away from the temple.