Call of Stone

[Dracos]

OOC: Beginning


Oct 20 19:28:08 <Kotono>   A solemn mood hangs amid the party in the wake of Eva's demise. Thus they all gather at the inn, to share a meal and talk...OOC: Balls in all of your courts at the moment.
Oct 20 19:29:27 *   Mari picks sullenly at her food.
Oct 20 19:31:32 *   Adail cracks his knuckles yet again, tail twitching back and forth in irritation, though his voice is surprisingly low and gentle, "We must at least attempt to have her raised, of course. Though having spent the past few years in Arborea, it will surprise me little if she choses not to leave. The place truely is a paradise for her kind."
Oct 20 19:32:23 <Knight>   Knight doesn't seem to have any compunction against consuming her meal in the normal fashion. "Shall we make enquiries with the local leadership?"
Oct 20 19:33:31 *   Adail nods, "And with any true celestials who may be in residence here. They may be willing to help with the costs."
Oct 20 19:33:46 *   Mari looks up. "There's got to be a temple here somewhere that'd oblige. We *did* just rid the city of a major problem. Somebody owes Eva."
Oct 20 19:35:35 *   Nikkolai shrugs. "Who says they owe her anything? Never understimate the power of greed."
Oct 20 19:36:04 *   Nikkolai absentmindedly twirls a fork in his hand, studiously ignoring the still form of what was once a lively Bard.
Oct 20 19:36:15 *   Mari kicks Nikkolai under the table.
Oct 20 19:36:34 <Knight>   "If necessary, I can raise the money the hard way," replies Knight. "Is there no way to determine her wishes on the matter?"
Oct 20 19:37:01 <Mari>   "Not unless someone here can talk with the dead."
Oct 20 19:37:03 *   Nikkolai responded dryly, "Not that I know of, unless you can speak to the dead."
Oct 20 19:37:18 <Adail>   "I believe there is a spell that allows just such a thing. Not that I can cast it, of course."
Oct 20 19:37:49 <Knight>   "I am no expert on magic, but speaking with the dead seems an intuitively simpler matetr than raising them. Perhaps a cleric can determine whether we must follow this course or not."
Oct 20 19:38:04 <Adail>   "Though, finding someone who can do that may be easier then finding someone who can raise her, yes."
Oct 20 19:38:49 <Nikkolai>   "I'm sure our overly knowledgeable barkeep would know of someone who can achieve such a feat. Mayhap we should simply ask him?
Oct 20 19:38:51 <Nikkolai>   "
Oct 20 19:39:18 <Mari>   "Yeah. Yeah, let's do that."
Oct 20 19:40:06 *   Adail nods, "I will let you handle that end, while I seek out another Celestial to speak with, about this and other matters."
Oct 20 19:40:07 <Kotono>   The innkeep is found sitting at the front of the inn, patting his stomach. He smothers a yawn with one hand, "Many a gloomy face, eh? What can I do for you?"
Oct 20 19:40:42 <Knight>   "We're seeking out clerics who can contact the deceased," states Knight. "For a fair sum."
Oct 20 19:43:29 <Kotono>   "There's a cleric of a god named Mishakal in town who can help," He shrugs, "They'd do the work, if you have good coin to give 'em."
Oct 20 19:44:19 <Mari>   "I don't suppose there are any civic authorities that, you know, might be thankful that someone's removed a major obstacle to local trading?" Mari wonders, sounding tired.
Oct 20 19:44:55 <Kotono>   Scratching at his gut, "You took care of something?" Eyeing Mari, "What'cha do?"
Oct 20 19:45:01 <Nikkolai>   "Don't forget, girl, that the golden skinned one says she might have something for us. I thought she mentioned something slightly more tangible than respect..."
Oct 20 19:45:27 *   Nikkolai states calmly, "Why, we slew the astral deva that was blocking the portal."
Oct 20 19:45:31 <Mari>   "The deva," is all Mari says.
Oct 20 19:47:25 <Kotono>   "You slew a deva?" Raising an eyebrow now, "Okaaay..." The dwarf gets up, giving the party space. "Yeah, go visit Roaman in the biggest building with the gold guilding."
Oct 20 19:48:05 *   Adail walks over, shaking his head, "Do not take this the wrong way, sir. She was a false Deva, and you have my word on that."
Oct 20 19:49:05 *   Adail then eyes Nikkolai, "And when relating this story to anyone else, you would do well to remember to add that part in. Unless you would like to invite trouble with more Celestials and those who think like them missunderstanding you."
Oct 20 19:49:24 *   Mari raps her knuckles on the desk and turns towards the door. "Right, let's do that."
Oct 20 19:49:39 <Knight>   "I will make the enquiries with the temple," states Knight, starting to head for the door. "Perhaps the rest of you can claim the reward, if there is one."
Oct 20 19:49:39 <Kotono>   "Ah, I'll take your word for it," The dwarf says, "That I will."
Oct 20 19:50:29 *   Nikkolai nods his head in acquiescence. "I'll seek out Roaman, if no one else wishes to."
Oct 20 19:50:57 <Mari>   "I'll go," Mari says. "I'm not going to have our fortunes riding on your gilded tongue, thanks."
Oct 20 19:51:44 <Adail>   "Perhaps I'll try to get in touch with an old freind or two in Arborea while seeking out Celestials here. They may simply be able to ask her spirit themselves, if they're in the right place."
Oct 20 19:51:57 <Adail>   Suddenly Adail stops moving and his eyes widen, "An old freind in Arborea..."
Oct 20 19:52:08 *   Nikkolai shrugs. "As you wish. I've gotten used to your presence, at any rate." He gestures to the door as he gives the rest of the party a nod. "Shall we?"
Oct 20 19:52:29 *   Adail bursts into a wide grin, "Hah! Lady Knight, would you object to my inviting one more upon this quest of yours?"
Oct 20 19:52:36 <Mari>   "That'd help, Adail. Thanks." She heads out to look for the ostentatious gold building spoken off by the innkeep.
Oct 20 19:53:19 *   Nikkolai follows behind Mari.
Oct 20 19:55:10 <Knight>   "I don't mind," replies Knight, uncertainly. "Any aid would be welcome, although I can't expect it to be given without recompense."
Oct 20 19:56:29 <Adail>   "Though mortal, he is much like myself. The only reward I expect he will desire is the journey itself and an even share of whatever we stumble across, good or ill."
Oct 20 19:57:02 <Kotono>   OOC: #evildunes, Adail.
Oct 20 19:57:54 <Kotono>   Finding Roaman isn't too hard. He's a barrel-chested man with a shock of blonde-blue hair, staring up at the sky through a hole in the roof. He sits in a pleasant, formal room, head cocking towards the two as they enter.
Oct 20 19:58:47 <Nikkolai>   "Good day, Master Roaman." Nikkolai nods briefly.
Oct 20 19:59:52 <Kotono>   Fluttering up into the air, "So you want my attention? Why? Got something important for Stratusberg?"
Oct 20 20:00:13 *   Mari makes an attempt to stand ever-so-slightly ahead of Nik and take the initiative here. "I'm sorry to interrupt your official duties. We come with news of sorts about the deva that's been blockading the portal outside the city."
Oct 20 20:00:37 *   Nikkolai eyes Mari in slight surprise and decides to let her talk, for once.
Oct 20 20:01:23 <Kotono>   "Oh, that pest. Go on," Waving one of his hands like a rippling breeze, "So much energy, so much disruption. Celestia's making them feisty these days."|
Oct 20 20:03:13 <Mari>   "It wasn't Celestia that made her so. It was a kind of madness, I think, but that's it's own story. What we've actually come to tell you is that she won't trouble you any more."
Oct 20 20:03:58 <Kotono>   "Ah, good, good. She was a bit too much excitement," Rolling onto his stomach in midair, lying down while facing the two, "She upset some good bards and actors, don't you know."
Oct 20 20:04:34 <Nikkolai>   "She did more than upset them. She killed one."
Oct 20 20:04:39 <Mari>   "Yes. Yes, she did."
Oct 20 20:06:02 <Kotono>   "Did she? Was it a fiendish one? I could see it, she was aggressive." Tapping at his chin now, "Well, at least she's gone. Who chased her off?"
Oct 20 20:06:35 <Nikkolai>   "Myself and my party. It was an equal effort. Truly, it took our combined might to defeat her."
Oct 20 20:07:09 <Mari>   "The bard was an elf, and she was our friend."
Oct 20 20:07:38 <Kotono>   "Ooooh, that's too bad." Straightening up in midair and 'standing' in the air now, "My condolences on your loss."
Oct 20 20:10:33 <Mari>   "Thank you. I was hoping, since we've done a service for Stratusberg, that we could find aid in returning our friend to us since she died while helping to solve this problem of yours. Even if it's only speaking to a local temple and asking them to provide us with a resurrection, we would appreciate anything you could do."
Oct 20 20:11:35 <Kotono>   OOC: Make a diplo check, Mari? Nikkolai, you can aid her if you like.
Oct 20 20:11:53 <Mari>   roll 1d20+10
Oct 20 20:11:54 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19." [1d20=9]
Oct 20 20:12:47 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+17
Oct 20 20:12:48 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+17 and gets 21." [1d20=4]
Oct 20 20:16:08 <Kotono>   "Eh." Scratching his chin now, "Alright. You know Markham, priest of Mishakal? Tell him that I said I'd underwrite the cost of this."
Oct 20 20:16:39 *   Mari bows respectfully. "Thank you, sir. This means a lot to us."
Oct 20 20:16:57 *   Nikkolai nods in silent agreement.
Oct 20 20:17:41 <Kotono>   "So you're travelers? What do you think of Stratusberg, by the way?"
Oct 20 20:18:13 *   Nikkolai lets a small grin cross his face. "It's very...picturesque."
Oct 20 20:19:06 <Mari>   "It is, and pleasant. Flying suits me, somehow, so I get along just fine here."
Oct 20 20:19:31 <Kotono>   "Good, good, good. That means I'm doing my job," Settling bakc into his chair, "Then we'll stay the course for now."
Oct 20 20:21:03 *   Mari nods and makes her way out of the building after exchanging a few final pleasantries. Time to go to the temple.
Oct 20 20:21:51 *   Nikkolai silently follows Mari, mostly quiet for now.
Oct 20 20:23:09 <Kotono>   You find the temple to be a small but pleasant building of polished stone. It's wind eroded, yet this seems to give it a gleam. Outside of the building, a pedestool with stone disks are set, engraved with writing. The doors are wide open for any to enter.
Oct 20 20:23:49 <Knight>   Knight loiters outside, scaring away penitents with her grim and dissatisfied expression.
Oct 20 20:24:28 *   Mari glides into the temple and looks for someone to direct her to Markham--or she would, except for running into Knight first. "You look...a little scary right now, really," Mari says.
Oct 20 20:24:53 *   Nikkolai strides up behind Mari.
Oct 20 20:25:08 <Nikkolai>   "Really, anyone in armor should look a *little* scary."
Oct 20 20:26:33 <Knight>   "I'm frustrated," replies Knight, shrugging. "Eva didn't deserve what happened to her, and neither did Star. The latter, I know to be in a better place. The former..."
Oct 20 20:27:33 <Mari>   "Will be here again shortly. A city official is covering the resurrection fee, so let's go," Mari says, heading inside.
Oct 20 20:28:08 <Knight>   "Ah. Well, then." Knight pulls herself up and steps into the building after Mari.
Oct 20 20:28:10 <Nikkolai>   "People die, Knight. The manner in which they do so differ, but the end result is the same." Nikkolai eyes the temple idly. "In any case, death is not something to be overly concerned with if one has enough coin."
Oct 20 20:30:04 <Kotono>   Inside you find the interior airy and warm. A bonfire takes up one wall, a large statue of a woman with open arms in the back. She is hauntingly beautiful, face pure. Long wooden benches surround the statue. Several pedestools with stone disks with writing on them are littered about. Amid all this, a man with a shock of gray hair and a weathered face kneels before the statue, lost in prayer.
Oct 20 20:30:07 <Knight>   "That much is true enough," replies Knight. "And for some, death means going to a place they will adore."
Oct 20 20:30:18 <Mari>   "Right. The lesson here? Don't get killed if you're poor," Mari says with a heavy dose of disdain.
Oct 20 20:31:32 *   Mari has never been terribly reassured by gods in general, but this place seems pleasant enough. "Excuse me, sir?" she says, approaching the kneeling figure.
Oct 20 20:32:33 <Kotono>   The man stands, drifting upwards into the air, "Welcome to the House of the Healing Hand, Cathedral to Ka-Mel-Sha, known as Mishakal." He bows low, "How may I bless you?"
Oct 20 20:33:22 *   Nikkolai nods in Mari's direction to Knight. "That girl has the truth of it, you know. The rich grow richer off the toils of the poor, and the poor have nothing to show for it, not even a second chance at life."
Oct 20 20:33:47 <Mari>   "A friend of ours has departed. We'd like her returned to us, if possible. Roaman sent me here. He said he would cover any costs involved."
Oct 20 20:34:07 *   Nikkolai is generally neutral towards gods in general, having an idea that they have nothing to do with him, therefore, he has nothing to do with them in turn.
Oct 20 20:34:43 <Kotono>   "Ah, a fair matter. In that case, do you have the body of the deceased? What Gods did she revere?" He asks, as from the back of the temple, a door opens. A little fluttering, tiny fair comes in, just ahead of Adail.
Oct 20 20:35:13 <Knight>   "The poor should cultivate strength, then, and find a way to take what they want," replies Knight. "One can't seize what they desire without risking something."
Oct 20 20:35:14 <Kotono>   *fairy
Oct 20 20:35:40 <Kotono>   "No," Markham murmurs, "The poor should be aided by the richer and more fortunate. Strength is not the answer; strength leads to strife and bloodshed."
Oct 20 20:36:04 <Kotono>   "Yoo-hoo! Markham!" The little fairy calls, "I have a guest to see you!"
Oct 20 20:36:14 *   Mari looks uncomfortable. "I...don't know," she says. "We have her body elsewhere in the town. For obvious reasons, I didn't have it in me to bring her around the city with me if there wasn't a chance of raising her."
Oct 20 20:36:34 *   Adail blinks, seeing his companions already here and snorts, "Ah, Sulana? Those would actually be the companions I mentioned earlier."
Oct 20 20:37:08 <Knight>   "I won't argue with a priest in his domain," replies Knight, after a moment of contemplation.
Oct 20 20:37:16 <Kotono>   "Then could you bring the body here?" Markham asks, "The sacred rites should be performed here."
Oct 20 20:37:39 <Kotono>   "Ah," Turning back, "Excuse me a moment," He nods to the party, then to Adail and his guide, "Welcome to the House of the Healing Hand, Cathedral to Ka-Mel-Sha, known as Mishakal."
Oct 20 20:38:37 *   Mari nods. "Yes, I'll do that immediately." She turns to head back to the inn. If anyone wants to help her haul the body back, they're welcome to do so.
Oct 20 20:40:01 <Knight>   Being the strongest around, Knight falls into step behind Mari. Bodies don't bother her overmuch, and neither does weight.
Oct 20 20:40:43 *   Adail bows to the priest, "Greetings, I am Adail Levif, warrior musteval. I see my companions were already speaking to you of one of the matters at hand, so I'll go right to the more pleasant one. I would like to requests your aid in Sending to a freind of mine, to ask him to join me on a quest that may interest him."
Oct 20 20:42:37 <Kotono>   "It can be done so. IN lieu, I ask that you make a donation to the Healing Hand so that her teachings and mercies may spread far and wide," The priest smiles.
Oct 20 20:45:02 *   Nikkolai eyes the priest warily. "How much of a donation, precisely?"
Oct 20 20:45:07 *   Adail smiles, "Of course. Donating to a cause such as yours is hardly an imposition in any case. My freind's name is Kamvakua Niomel, called Heavenly Trail. He is a golaith and a Knight of Stars. Need you any more information then that to contact him?"
Oct 20 20:45:44 <Kotono>   "200 gold coins will do." He answers, "Place them at the Goddess' feet, if you would. And that information should be sufficient."
Oct 20 20:46:26 *   Nikkolai grimaces and the corners of his mouth twitch ever so slightly.
Oct 20 20:47:47 *   Adail eyes Nikkolai and his voice gains a bit of sharpness, "I have not asked for your aid in this donation, though it may do your soul good to leave one of your own regardless. And two hundered gold is a pittance compared to his worth on this journey."
Oct 20 20:48:43 *   Nikkolai merely says, "The rich aiding the poor, indeed." And holds his silence. He gives the priest an amused glance.
Oct 20 20:49:45 *   Nikkolai leans against the nearest pillar to watch the proceedings.
Oct 20 20:50:12 *   Adail pulls two hundered gold from his haversack and lays it at the goddess's feet. Then ignores Nik for a moment to detail his sendining to the priest, "Simply tell him that Adail has found a quest he will be interested in and to meet me in Stratusburg as soon as he can manage."
Oct 20 20:50:42 <Kotono>   "You have such bitterness in your words," Markham floats towards Nikkolai, "What has hardened your heart so...but if you are willing to listen, Mishakal will offer words of tenderness and love to free you from your chains."
Oct 20 20:51:38 *   Adail then turns towards Nikkolai, about to deliver a small lecture...but then sees the preist speaking to him and backs off.
Oct 20 20:53:16 <Nikkolai>   "Your pardon, good priest. Perhaps it is my naturally...prickly...persona that has me speak so." Nikkolai glances around the temple once more. "I simply hold no truck with relgion. And to be pefectly honest, I find the sum of 200 gold for a mere message to be far too high a 'price' for a 'donation'."
Oct 20 20:53:34 *   Nikkolai is careful to be respectful, but also completely honest.
Oct 20 20:53:43 <Kotono>   OOC: Make a diplo check here, Nikko?
Oct 20 20:54:46 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+17
Oct 20 20:54:47 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+17 and gets 37." [1d20=20]
Oct 20 20:56:01 <Kotono>   "It is a high price," He agrees, "The normal fee is 280 gold...but I see no reason to take as much. The Goddess can do much with little. If you wish to see why, read the disks about," He says, "Wisdom may come to you." From there he smiles to Nikkolai and turns back to Adail, "Then I shall cast the Sending."
Oct 20 20:57:41 *   Nikkolai is slightly interested and decides to read the walls, just for the heck of it.
Oct 20 20:58:10 <Kotono>   As Nikkolai reads, Markham spends some time casting Sending. Then...(More)
Oct 20 21:00:18 <Kotono>   Once the sending is finished, as the others return just before it does with Eva, "The apply is in the affirmitive. He is in the Court of Stars, but says he shall take portals hre as fast as he is able."
Oct 20 21:01:19 <Nikkolai>   "Ah. Well, shall we be off, then?"
Oct 20 21:01:23 *   Nikkolai inquires politely.
Oct 20 21:01:42 *   Adail nods his thanks to the priest, "Excellent. My thanks for your aid, Brother."
Oct 20 21:02:18 <Mari>   "I guess it's our turn now?" Mari says, sounding more hopeful than she has for most of the afternoon.
Oct 20 21:02:30 <Kotono>   "You are welcome." He agrees, "But I see your friends have returned with the deceased. If you would, lay her before the statue of the Goddess."
Oct 20 21:02:53 <Knight>   Knight gently lays the body before the statue, and steps back with the proper degree of reverence.
Oct 20 21:03:29 *   Adail nods and grabs the hem of Nik's robe, "Let's speak outside for a moment, hmm?"
Oct 20 21:03:46 *   Adail begins walking for the door, prepared to litterally drag Nik along if need be.
Oct 20 21:04:04 <Nikkolai>   "One moment, Sir Mouse. I wish to speak to the priest further."
Oct 20 21:04:29 *   Nikkolai snatches his robe from Adail's grip. "You may scold me afterwards."
Oct 20 21:04:30 *   Adail stops and nods, that being one of the few things Nik could have said to actually make him pause there.
Oct 20 21:04:31 <Knight>   "Save it for later," intones Knight, glancing over her shoulder. "He's busy."
Oct 20 21:05:08 <Kotono>   Markham goes to the body, laying diamonds around Eva's head as he chants! He whispers words of reverant prayer, calling to the Heavens to restore the fallen elf! A beam of light comes from above, piercing Eva's body...but it fades away. Markham shakes his head, standing up. "Her spirit has found it's eternal rest in Arborea. Her time in this mortal shell has come to an end. I am sorry."
Oct 20 21:06:00 <Adail>   "If that is her wish then that is her wish."
Oct 20 21:07:09 *   Nikkolai strides up to the priest, somehow disappointed in the Bard's refusal to return. "A word, priest, if I may?"
Oct 20 21:07:46 *   Mari nods slowly. She doesn't look at all reassured by this verdict, but thanks the priest anyway and drifts outside in desultory fashion.
Oct 20 21:08:21 <Knight>   Knight awkardly trails after Mari, silent save for her heavy footfalls.
Oct 20 21:08:53 *   Adail floats over to Mari and puts a paw on her shoulder, "She is in a place that will never cease to fascinate and intrigue her. Trust me, I've physically been there."
Oct 20 21:09:08 <Kotono>   "Certainly." As the rest of the party filters out, Nikkolai and Markham drift to the side. "Yes?"
Oct 20 21:09:47 <Mari>   "Hrm," Mari says noncomittally, staring off into space.
Oct 20 21:11:05 *   Nikkolai digs into one of his many pouches and draws out the exact sum of 100 gold. "The remainder of the price, good sir. And an apology for my rudeness." He leans in closer. "Do what you can to arrange a fit burial with the extra gold."
Oct 20 21:11:20 <Knight>   "I suppose that would mean she can be visited at some point in the future," remarks Knight, glancing at Adail for confirmation.
Oct 20 21:17:30 <Kotono>   With a gentle smile, "I apologize for my sermon, then." He says, "There is a good heart beating your chest. She will be laid to rest well."
Oct 20 21:19:06 *   Adail nods, "Yes...though she will not entirely be as she was when mortal. She will become a petitioner of Arborea now, essentially becoming one with all that she believes most precious."
Oct 20 21:19:36 <Nikkolai>   "Hmm. See that she is." A thought seems to occur to him. "One last thing, priest. I don't suppose you have a way of..." He makes an odd gesture in the air. "...scrying for evil presences or the undead?"
Oct 20 21:19:55 *   Mari just nods. Her expression's still pretty blank, but at least she's not obviously distraught?
Oct 20 21:20:35 <Kotono>   "There's a simple spell that can detect close undead. For the latter..." He considers, "A spell like Divination can be useful, as can Commune. But Commune is not a spell to be cast lightly."
Oct 20 21:22:23 <Knight>   After shuffling uselessly on her feet for a moment, Knight starts to walk away. "I take it your friend will take some time to arrive here. In the interim, I will be continuing to train Bell and seek funds. If you need me for anything..."
Oct 20 21:22:46 <Nikkolai>   "I see. My thanks." He turns to leave, adding, "And keep my donation to yourself, if you would."
Oct 20 21:23:18 <Kotono>   "If that is your wish." A nod from Markham.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OOC: Adail split

Oct 20 20:00:42 <Kotono>   OOC: Go ahea dand make a quick gather info check, Adail, since I figure you'll be asking around/looking for celestials.
Oct 20 20:01:20 <Adail>   roll 1d20+1 mouse social prowess
Oct 20 20:01:21 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+1 mouse social prowess and gets 12." [1d20=11]
Oct 20 20:02:48 <Kotono>   After a little looking, Adail finds a little pixie-like celestial, a courre eladrin. She's sitting atop one building, sing-songing to herself. "Androlynne, androlynne, the fallen and the forgotten..." Her green hair blows in the breeze, her body no bigger than Adail's.
Oct 20 20:04:29 *   Adail smiles and floats up to her, taking a small bow as he approaches, "Ah, excuse me m'lady, but might I have a moment of your time?"
Oct 20 20:05:09 <Kotono>   "Oh hi!" With a fluttering smile as she looks over Adail, "A Musteval! You're always so cute and warm and fuzzy!" With a giggle, "Certainly!"
Oct 20 20:07:10 <Adail>   Setting down on the roof next to her, he sits and the expression on his face becomes a bit grave, "I'm afraid I have some simultaneously good and ill news to relate, and need to have it spread to as many of our kind as possible. I am actually quite glad to run across a Courre, as you're far more likely to know who to speak to then I."(more)
Oct 20 20:09:46 <Adail>   "I assume you are familiar with the...Astral Deva...who has been making an irritant of herself in this city? I have met her, and she is apparently a false Deva. An entity created from whole cloth in the shape of a Deva by an Artifact acting up."
Oct 20 20:10:40 <Kotono>   "Oh, you see, I thought she was fun." The courre frowns, "But when I met her she was more like a slaad than an eladrin, very off balance." She kicks at the air, "That makes sense. You want me to pass this information around?"
Oct 20 20:12:51 *   Adail nods, "If you could, yes. Also the good news along with it, is that she will not be troubling anyone any longer. Another entity created by the same Artifact, defeated her in battle and returned her to the Artifact."
Oct 20 20:13:24 <Adail>   "This is also important information, since she did so with my aid, and the aid of other mortals. Who may soon be known for defeating something that looked like a Deva."
Oct 20 20:14:34 <Adail>   "I'm sure you can understand why I need the truth of this matter spread so badly. We have enough legitimate battles to wage that we don't need missunderstandings like this to cause paladins and Celestials to begin hunting us down." He half-smiles in a rather sad fashion.
Oct 20 20:15:22 <Kotono>   "Sure!" The courre eladrin bobs up in the air, "It sounds like a lot of fun, well, telling people, that is! For good and for you, since you asked so nicely and you're so warm..." Hugging Adail, "I wish I were a Musteval. So soft..."
Oct 20 20:16:06 <Adail>   Blinking he returns the hug then steps back and offers her a small paw, "It would seem that despite my time in the Court of Stars, proper grace has yet to sink in. My name is Adail Levif, a White Rook in the Knights of Arbor."
Oct 20 20:16:41 <Kotono>   "Sulana of Arborea!" Taking the paw and shaking it, "I'll get right on spreading it, Adail!"
Oct 20 20:17:21 <Adail>   "And thank you." Pausing just a moment, he looks around and then folds his ears back sheepishly, "Uh, I hate to ask another favor already, but might you know where I can find someone capable of casting the Sending spell? I need to contact a freind of mine on another plane."
Oct 20 20:18:18 <Kotono>   "Oh yes! I'm here visiting a friend! He's a cleric of Mishakal, a goddess of healing! He's pretty good at it, I bet he could cast that." Nodding along now, "Want me to take you to him?"
Oct 20 20:21:47 *   Adail nods, "Please do."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OOC: Arrival of Kamvakua -> Team Arena of Awesome

Oct 20 21:24:06 <Kotono>   A day or two passes. It's quiet for most, keeping busy this way or that. Over breakfast one 'morning', the four eat and drink. As they do...(More)
Oct 20 21:25:37 <Kamvakua>   Kamvakua ducked into the inn, a figure that drew notice particularly among the airy denizens of Stratusberg as he stood more than a towering eight feet tall and seemed almost entirely carved of living rock, his stony visage marked with slight streaks of red, as a thick wolf skin cloak flowed behind him as he held a strangely crafted pike in his hand, half large walking stick though definitely with a very sharp tip.  His sharp blue eyes
Oct 20 21:25:37 <Kamvakua>    looked quite dangerous as he quietly looked around the inn, though they softened as they fell upon little Adail.  Folks realized they were holding their breath for some reason as he smiled, marching toward him with swift strides, dressed in a brown and almost leathery breastplate with long red leggings, his dark boots clicking across the stone floor.  "Little Rook Adail, it is good that you are well, but what finds you here?  I though
Oct 20 21:25:37 <Kamvakua>   t you were training toward your life's road upon the fields of Valhalla?"  he asked in fluent celestial, strange to see out of such a big fellow.
Oct 20 21:28:29 <Adail>   Adail's face splits into a wide smile as he floats up and slaps the big man on the shoulder, "There you are, you old boulder! And I'll explain in a moment, but let me introduce you to everyone first."
Oct 20 21:29:16 *   Mari looks badly hungover, having spent a bit too much of the past couple days in local bars. She looks up--and up--at the newcomer as he marches in to greet Adail. "Oh wow. I figured you were calling another mouse or something."
Oct 20 21:29:45 *   Nikkolai eyes the large man with a raised eyebrow. "There's a joke in here somewhere, I'm sure, but for the life of me I can't think of it."
Oct 20 21:30:07 <Adail>   Turning towards the group, he does the introductions, gesturing to each in turn, "Lady Knight, Nikkolai, Mari, this is Kamvakua. He's a freind of mine from Arborea, and every bit as strong as he looks, I assure you."
Oct 20 21:30:26 <Mari>   "I don't doubt it."
Oct 20 21:30:43 <Knight>   Knight seems similarily drained, as though she's been undergoing some seriously heavy exertion lately. "I guess if you put the two together, it averages out. Tactically speaking, though, diversity is.. ah, yes. Apologies." She manages a stiff bow. "I am Knight," she adds, uncessarily.
Oct 20 21:31:20 *   Nikkolai stands up and offers his hand in an attempt at being courteous. "I suppose that a friend of Sir Mouse is welcome among us. Your strength will do doubt be a great boon."
Oct 20 21:31:24 <Adail>   "As for the quest...well, it's the Lady Knight's quest, perhaps it would be best coming from her?" Adail nods to Knight if she wishes to do the explaining.
Oct 20 21:33:02 *   Mari is clearly more than glad to let other people do the talking right now, and waits for Knight to speak.
Oct 20 21:33:27 <Kamvakua>   "Quite a number of lines crossing here, it must be a truly epic journey that you all are crossing along," He pondered, looking over them and giving a quick hammer across his chest, switching from celestial to common. "Pardon, I was recently of the Court of Stars and forgot where I was.  I am Kamvakua Niomel the Heavenly Trail," He intoned  in greeting.  "May this be a fortunate meeting, Knight, Nikkolai, and Mari," He bowed slightly.
Oct 20 21:34:26 <Knight>   Knight seems a little pertubed. "It's a simple matter, really. My family was forcibly scattered throughout the planes, and I'm seeking to reunite all my siblings." After a moment of silence, she grimaces. "I- we are, collectively, the artifact known as the Deck of Many Things, both benign and baneful. The game that makes peasants kings and can send even a god into ruin."
Oct 20 21:35:42 *   Kamvakua glances down briefly at the smaller man's hand, taking it gently and shaking it...though it perhaps did not seem quite so to Nikkolai.
Oct 20 21:36:34 *   Adail chimes in, "The one we encountered here, the incarnation of the Star card, was using the form of an Astral Deva, with all the power that entails. And we had to fight her.
Oct 20 21:36:56 <Adail>   "This quest may take us anywhere and we may have to face anything." He grins, "You can see why I thought of you."
Oct 20 21:36:56 *   Mari nods. "Heavenly Tall you mean, surely?" says, more in jest than she feels right now.
Oct 20 21:36:57 <Kamvakua>   "An artifact that crushes gods is has been broken across the planes?  And what do you seek to do once you reunite?  Once again be as such?" He wondered, listening and seeking to gather his own take upon the situation, nodding to Adail's addition.
Oct 20 21:37:25 *   Nikkolai winces slightly at the strong grip, but manages a pained smile. He moves further down the bench in case the man wishes to sit at their admittedly small table. He keeps silent at Knight's tale.
Oct 20 21:38:05 *   Kamvakua shakes his head to Mari as he sits down, taking a fair bit of the bench.  "No, it is Heavenly Trail, for that is what I journey, though the road leads across many planes and is not clear to see."
Oct 20 21:39:34 <Mari>   "Right, right, my mistake," Mari says, mentally marking Kamvakua down as one not apt to appreciate wordplay and therefore looking forward to taking advantage of such.
Oct 20 21:39:49 <Knight>   "Of course. My family is not meant to be seperated so," replies Knight, harshly. "I, perhaps, can endure it. But the others are unused to enduring alone. Star had gone half-mad by the time we found one another..." She spreads her arms. "Until we come together, none of us can feel whole."
Oct 20 21:40:20 <Nikkolai>   "That reminds me...."
Oct 20 21:40:35 *   Nikkolai points a fork in Knight's direction.
Oct 20 21:41:16 <Nikkolai>   "If we should encounter any more of your family members, will they all be so violent? I can't say that I care to pay the same price as we did this last time for your becoming whole."
Oct 20 21:43:14 *   Kamvakua rubs his rigid chin considering Knight's words and Adail's.  "It is clear from that my friend chose to aid you that your quest has purpose.  It is clear from the looks of sorrow that cross each of your faces that it has already cost you dearly.  It is crystal that separate, each of your kinsfolk potentially pose great danger to the world around them."  He smiled simply at that.  "I can hardly hear such and walk on by...  My trail will be joined to yours for some while, until your family is reunited."
Oct 20 21:44:06 <Knight>   "I cannot say," replies Knight, readily. "I do not believe all of them will have adopted a physical body, such as Star did. Some may exist in the form of items, and others as mystical phenomena. But I believe the risks will always be high." (More.)
Oct 20 21:44:13 <Kamvakua>    "I can hardly hear such and walk on by...  My trail will be joined to yours for some while, until your family is reunited."
Oct 20 21:45:02 *   Mari nods amiably, at least insofar as she is inclined to do so right now. "Welcome to the party, pal."
Oct 20 21:45:47 <Knight>   "That is why I do not expect to be aided out of charity. I can offer my services as a warrior in any cause you hold." She pauses. "If that is insufficient, then when the deck is completed, my siblings and I would be eternally grateful to any who help us. We would normally show no favour to those who draw from the deck, whether good or evil... but exceptions could be made."
Oct 20 21:47:15 *   Nikkolai muses at that. To have such a powerful ally should he need it. Yes...it was most certainly worth the risk. He nods. "You have my companionship...for now. And for so long as you are true to your word."
Oct 20 21:47:47 <Adail>   "I am rather notorious for wandering do-gooding, so lending your own lance and blade to tasks that I cannot help but take up will be more then enough, I assure you."
Oct 20 21:48:37 <Mari>   "I've been meaning to ask, Knight: How many of you are out there? If you all of you go by the names of the deck, I'd say it makes them easier to find, at least once we're in the right area."
Oct 20 21:49:24 <Knight>   "Twenty-two, altogether. With Star and myself accounted for, that leaves twenty."
Oct 20 21:50:47 *   Kamvakua offered a toothy grin, "We shall bicker prices and all become merchants in Calimshan.  At the end we can bicker if need be, and be thankful for our lives."
Oct 20 21:51:17 <Mari>   "Helluva family," Mari says.
Oct 20 21:52:24 <Knight>   "It may take a great many years for my task to be completed," acknowledges Knight.
Oct 20 21:53:16 *   Mari remains silent on this.
Oct 20 21:53:54 <Adail>   "And it will take longer if you have to do it alone."
Oct 20 21:53:55 <Nikkolai>   "Then we shall see what we shall see. No more, no less." Nikkolai shrugs.
Oct 20 21:55:49 <Knight>   "Tautology," replies Knight, with a faint quirk. "Well, Kamvakua, I'm glad for any aid. As it would happen, I have no particular destination in mind, save that we travel to a plane other than this one. Once I have completed my work with Bell, we can go anywhere you care to name."
Oct 20 21:56:45 <Kamvakua>   "To those who've reached the end of their road, they need only look up to see it carries on.  It is not the speed or the destination," Kamvakua clearly did not see years as being a great hardship.
Oct 20 21:57:16 <Adail>   "We did earlier have reason to travel to the Plane of Earth, did we not?"
Oct 20 21:58:38 <Knight>   "Then there is where we shall go."
Oct 20 21:58:53 *   Mari coughs. "Well, I think the reason was mostly just 'Getting out of Ysgard,' but I'm a little curious about something we could find there, yes."
Oct 20 21:59:29 *   Adail shrugs, "It's as good a destination as any."
Oct 20 22:00:05 <Kamvakua>   "A dangerous realm for the unprepared... it is easy to find oneself facing the Dao or crushed under rock in there," He spoke somewhat from personal experience.  "If we ready to go there, make sure your prepared in case and through a known portal."
Oct 20 22:01:22 <Nikkolai>   "I'm sure you'll keep us safe, big guy."
Oct 20 22:01:29 *   Nikkolai grins wryly.
Oct 20 22:05:14 <Kotono>   OOC: Mari and Nikkolai into #EVIL.
Oct 20 22:07:56 <Kotono>   Thus Adail, Kamvakua andKnight head to the arena! It's a grand, airy building, statues of warriors and air elementals outside. Near the entrance, there is a sign. To the right go spectators, to the left go competitors. A stream of people float laong, heading to the right.
Oct 20 22:08:48 <Knight>   Knight's blood starts to get up, and she swoops towards the competitors entrance with a surpressed excitement. "This is where it happens. Anyone can risk their life to gain everything here," she remarks.
Oct 20 22:11:26 <Kamvakua>   "Life is not cheap, but aren't you here for the challenge?" He wondered a bit surprised as he followed, Adail on his shoulder.
Oct 20 22:12:44 <Knight>   "I'm here for the gold," replies Knight, shaking her head. "I do enjoy fighting, but to risk it frivolously may mean my quest is over."
Oct 20 22:12:58 <Kotono>   You go down a large hall, carved with statues of various champions. At the end are a few doors, as well as a heavy being of pure air. It's impassive face stares ahead, bigger than Kamvakua, yet as whispy as the winds.
Oct 20 22:13:46 <Knight>   "Do you run this arena?" asks Knight, squinting at the nigh-imperceptible being before her. "What are the terms offered to combatants?"
Oct 20 22:14:05 *   Adail does not add anything, meditating as he rides along on his freind's shoulder.
Oct 20 22:16:22 <Kotono>   "You may fight until defeat or you surrender. Victors take gold, losers pay gold to us. You may only fight alone, calling others with magic is forbidden. Teleporting out of the arena is a forfeit."
Oct 20 22:17:06 <Knight>   "How much gold is at stake?"
Oct 20 22:17:09 <Adail>   Opening one eye, he looks at the being, "Are there any opportunities for group combat?"
Oct 20 22:18:22 <Adail>   "I understand the rule against summoning, but are there truely nothing but one on one fights offered here?"
Oct 20 22:26:43 <Kotono>   "The first match is for 500 gold. Sums can be altered after. A group fight can be arrainged."
Oct 20 22:27:57 <Kamvakua>   "Care to see how we fair together, White Rook?" He grinned simply, surprisingly quiet during much of the journey here.
Oct 20 22:29:49 <Adail>   "I think I'll have too. I'm out of money after paying for the sending to call you here." Looking to Knight, he asks, "Should we look to make it a team of three? It would give us good practice on learning to fight together."
Oct 20 22:32:10 <Knight>   "It might be best, but I wish to get this done with quickly," remarks Knight. "Is another team of three avaliable at short notice?"
Oct 20 22:34:24 <Kotono>   "Yes." The giant being of wind answers, "Go in the left door and prepare."
Oct 20 22:35:41 *   Adail nods sharply and cracks his tiny knuckles in anticipation, "Excellent."
Oct 20 22:36:04 <Knight>   Knight doesn't make a show of bravado, but steps confidently through the door nonetheless.
Oct 20 22:36:12 *   Kamvakua strides on, his pike doubling as walking staff as he moved to the left door and through it, ready simply by virtue of being there.
Oct 20 22:38:51 <Kotono>   The party find themselves in a locker room of sorts. Several people are about, some bathing in a pool of steaming water, others in a metal tub full of ice and water. Others lounge on benches, bandaged and bloodied, but alive.
Oct 20 22:39:41 <Kamvakua>   "Good to see no that they don't appear to take it to the death," Not squemish, but speaking simply as if it seems a poor thing to die doing.
Oct 20 22:40:59 <Knight>   "There's always a chance. A lucky blow can kill, even when the attacker does not have lethal intent," murmurs Knight.
Oct 20 22:42:16 <Kamvakua>   "It is true.  But such is always a shame when it occurs.  I wonder how long until we are called," He showed no signs of seeking to sit, standing easily along the wall side.
Oct 20 22:42:42 *   Adail returns to his meditative state, simply nodding his agreement with his freind's words.
Oct 20 22:42:54 <Knight>   "You said you were a traveller," remarks Knight, after a moment. "Why do you wander?"
Oct 20 22:46:36 <Kamvakua>   "To seek past the horizon," He said simply, almost enigmatically.  "With each new dawn, my awareness is expanded.  "There was a time something as simple as this city would've been entirely beyond my ken.  To journey is to expand one's vision of the world."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OOC: Nikki and Mari split

Oct 20 22:08:38 <Kotono>   ---
Oct 20 22:09:06 <Kotono>   Thus Mari and Nikkolai go to the bar again! They find drinks there, as well as their celestial blooded friend sitting alone in a corner, thoughtfully sipping a shot glass of some liquid or another.
Oct 20 22:12:34 *   Nikkolai makes his way quietly over to the corner, stopping in front of her table. "Good evening. May my friend and I join you once more? It pains me to think that I should visit this tavern and not speak to you once more."
Oct 20 22:13:21 *   Nikkolai grins a small grin, trying to put some sort of amiability behind it.
Oct 20 22:14:04 *   Mari orders something at random, not really caring what it is as long as it's strong enough to knock out a fiend in short order (anything that visibly bubbles or smokes is likely a safe bet here) before trailing after Nik.
Oct 20 22:18:02 <Kotono>   "Why not?" Gesturing at a pair of open chairs as Mari gets something red and smoking with a foul stench, "I heard something happened to that Deva."
Oct 20 22:18:46 *   Nikkolai slides into the nearest seat. "Word travels fast, I see. And yes, you heard right."
Oct 20 22:19:14 *   Mari looks around for a bit of tableware or something to dip into the mug experimentally. If it melts a spoon, it's probably a bit *too* strong. She sits down across from the woman, anyway.
Oct 20 22:19:29 *   Nikkolai signals a barmaid for service. "I killed her. Or more appropriately speaking, my companions and I killed her."
Oct 20 22:20:33 <Mari>   "It's worth noting at this point that she wasn't really a deva," Mari interjects before Nik can  get himself completely buried.
Oct 20 22:21:36 *   Nikkolai glances aside at Mari. "Whether or not she was truly a deva is not the point. She was as strong as one."
Oct 20 22:21:51 <Nikkolai>   "And she troubles Stratusburg no more."
Oct 20 22:22:37 *   Mari can only sigh as Nikkolai once again completely fails to understand the danger of bragging about killing a celestial.
Oct 20 22:27:11 <Kotono>   Raising both eyebrows, "You...killed...the Deva?" She says quietly. "Even if she was misguided, you killed her?"
Oct 20 22:27:18 *   Laggy (~Laggy@adsl-68-126-190-238.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has joined #evildunes
Oct 20 22:27:18 *   ChanServ gives channel operator status to Laggy
Oct 20 22:29:01 *   Mari glares at Nikkolai. "She attacked us, and killed our elven companion," she explains. "And she was *not* in reality a deva, but something masquerading as such."
Oct 20 22:29:06 <Nikkolai>   "It's a long story. If you're under the assumption that we killed her in cold blood, you're mistaken. She challenged us to a fight to the death." Nikkolai shrugged. "Well, true Deva or not, that's not something you can simply walk away from."
Oct 20 22:30:51 <Kotono>   Mari finds that the spoon comes out smoldering but not melted. Meanwhile, "I suppose, but..."
Oct 20 22:32:17 <Nikkolai>   "I believe that if we could have simply disabled her, we would have. We had no choice, unfortunately. I don't like killing but when it's down to me or the other person..." Nikkolai trails off.
Oct 20 22:32:25 <Nikkolai>   "Would you not do the same?"
Oct 20 22:33:12 <Mari>   "I'm sorry if my thickheaded friend here alarmed you. I can only assure you that we had no alternative," Mari says. "And I trust you understand that the loss of our friend makes the whole affair a hollow play."
Oct 20 22:34:52 <Kotono>   Shrugging, "I suppose." Drinking down most of her drink in one gulp, "Sorry. Which one of your friends...?"
Oct 20 22:35:31 <Mari>   "Eva. She was here with me when we met you last time." she hazards a sip of her drink.
Oct 20 22:35:44 <Nikkolai>   "The Bard. Eva Silvertongues. She was fond of laughing and telling stories." Nikkolai falls silent for a moment, not exactly sad...but something, at least.
Oct 20 22:36:25 <Kotono>   "Damn, she told a good song," Sighing deeply, "She didn't deserve that. I'm really sorry."
Oct 20 22:37:22 <Mari>   "No. No, she didn't. I'm told she's in Arborea now and quite happy about it. Not much of a comfort for me." She shrugs and downs a mouthful of her drink. It doesn't *seem* to have killed her yet...
Oct 20 22:38:12 <Nikkolai>   "My thanks. If you should happen to drop in at the temple of Mishakal, I'm sure you can pay your respects. We left her body there in the care of the priests."
Oct 20 22:38:24 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7 fort
Oct 20 22:38:25 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7 fort and gets 8." [1d20=1]
Oct 20 22:40:20 <Kotono>   "I will." Finising her drink, "Thanks for letting me know. Too many of the good, the beautiful, the caring, the lovely all die young. It's tough out ther eand all it takes is one bad fight or a lucky sword through the chest and it's all over."
Oct 20 22:44:05 *   Mari looks...far away...for a moment, and vaguely stunned. A blink, then she mutters a little "oh," and shakes her head. "Yeah, you're right...it shoulda been Nikki here."
Oct 20 22:44:25 <Mari>   "He doesn't fit any of those!"
Oct 20 22:45:49 *   Nikkolai turns and gives Mari a long look. "Do you truly mean that? Would you be happier if I was gone and the elf was here instead?"
Oct 20 22:48:00 *   Mari takes another swallow of the the whatever-it-is drink, which is vaguely horrid but puts in her in a warm, happy place where everyone else is a lower life form. "Yeah..." she says, apparently warming to the idea. "Yeah, I think I would!"
Oct 20 22:48:28 <Kotono>   "That's...a terrible thing to say, even if he is..." Your friend eyes the both of you, "Taking it that rough?"
Oct 20 22:50:21 <Mari>   "Yeah, well, I don't travel with other people very often...I think this is sort of why." She could be answering one or both comments. She sounds pretty down either way.
Oct 20 22:51:46 *   Nikkolai does not react in any overt manner to Mari's words. His eyes harden and his back stiffens. When next he speaks, his voice is cold and entirely devoid of feeling. "Very well. If that is your wish. Do give the others my regards."
Oct 20 22:52:47 *   Nikkolai gives the golden skinned woman a tight and polite nod. He rises from his seat and leaves the tavern, intent on the Inn.
Oct 20 22:53:41 <Mari>   "I will! I'll tell them, uh, I'll tell them...hey, you can't run off before I tell you off! That's not fair." Mari eyes her mug. When did that get empty? Did someone steal a sip when she wasn't looking?
Oct 20 22:54:31 <Kotono>   Watching Nikkolai go, "So...yeah, he's something else, but are you going to let him go off like that? He is your friend, isn't he?" Looking to Mari coolly, "Looking to lose another friend to make a pair with Eva?"
Oct 20 22:56:13 *   Mari bangs her mug on the table. "Maybe he's not my friend! He just pisses people off everywhere we go. Just 'cause he grew up in a closet he thinks everybody owes him something..."
Oct 20 22:57:14 <Kotono>   "It's your choice," Shrugging, "Look, all of you seem like sort of decent people, but...at the same time, danger and death and fighting." Standing up, "I think I'll excuse myself now."
Oct 20 22:59:19 <Mari>   "Oh, fine. Fine! I guess I'm not good enough to chat with someone who slid out of a high and mighty celestial. I'll just sit here and drink alone."
Oct 20 23:02:20 <Kotono>   "Alone, I think you're onto where you're going," With that, Mari is indeed left alone. OOC: Nikkolai, are you serious about going and burning the inn, by the by?
Oct 20 23:02:51 <Nikkolai>   OOC:....now that you mention it, I'm somewhat thinking of it.
Oct 20 23:03:58 <Kotono>   Nikkolai returns to the inn. The innkeep is just inside, drinking a flagon of something or another. The inn is otherwise quiet at the moment...
Oct 20 23:07:06 *   Nikkolai strides forward and stops in the lobby. His fingers are twitching madly, though they are the only testament to the war that is raging underneath his cold, emotionless mask of a face.
Oct 20 23:08:04 <Kotono>   As Nikkolai twitches, the innkeep turns to him and burps. Thumping his chest, he eyes Nikkolai for a few moments as he struggles.
Oct 20 23:09:44 <Nikkolai>   The innocent gesture seems to cue something in Nikkolai and suddenly, all of the rage bled away. What was the use? He was not a boy any longer, unable to control his own power. He was a man and should act accordingly.
Oct 20 23:10:45 <Nikkolai>   He knew that he was clumsy. That he was caustic and sometimes cruel.
Oct 20 23:11:16 <Nikkolai>   He knew that every time he opened his mouth, it was almost certainly the wrong thing of him to say.
Oct 20 23:11:23 <Kotono>   "Something the matter?" The innkeep eyes Nikkolai further, waddling up and stroking his beard.
Oct 20 23:12:20 *   Nikkolai sighs softly. "No, good sir. Not at all. I think perhaps that I've very nearly overstayed my welcome here."
Oct 20 23:12:25 <Nikkolai>   "That is all."
Oct 20 23:14:02 <Nikkolai>   With that icy mask still in place, he gave a polite nod to the Innkeeper, something that he seemed skilled at doing lately, and made his way to his room. Very quietly, he shut his door. If he had cared to listen further, perhaps he would have heard the dull slam of a door seal away his heart.