The Charming Fat Man

[Dracos]

Dec 29 22:29:12 <Kotono>   Thus the party advances on! Past the gassy way, you follow the path. It leads to an opening after a few minutes of walking. It looks to be a plain of streaky black rock. It stretches on and ahead in all directions. Cut into the ground is a dark black road, magma hissing at the edges. It goes in both directions.
Dec 29 22:31:14 <Knight>   "Which way?" asks Knight, not quite recalling if directions were provided.
Dec 29 22:32:25 *   Mari stands at the crossroads and looks each way in turn. "Anyone have a preference here?"
Dec 29 22:33:30 *   Nikkolai sighs. "Of course, nothing is ever easy."
Dec 29 22:33:32 <Kotono>   On the far horizon, one can see a phantom-heat mirage. In it's wavy lines you can see tall, dark spires of roiling magma...
Dec 29 22:34:20 <Knight>   "That way," decides Knight, indicating the threatening haze and starting off in that direction.
Dec 29 22:34:24 *   Kamvakua eyes carefully at the horizon, holding his hand over his eyes a bit. "I think it may be that way.
Dec 29 22:34:29 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Dec 29 22:34:30 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 60." [1d100=60]
Dec 29 22:34:58 <Mari>   "Do we want to head straight to the city--oh, I guess we do," Mari cuts off as Knight starts walking. "Hey, does anyone have some kind of cover story prepared, in case we run into someone?"
Dec 29 22:35:27 *   Nikkolai glibly replies, "Why, we'll hit them on the head. That strategy seems to be working so far."
Dec 29 22:35:52 <Knight>   "We'll just tell the truth, and say that we're thugs for hire."
Dec 29 22:35:59 <Mari>   "You know what? Let's not go around assaulting devils right outside a stronghold of evil. Netx plan, please."
Dec 29 22:37:37 <Kamvakua>   "Nikkolai could be a traveling sorcerer searching for exotic spell components with us his hired guards," Kamvakua quietly suggested amidst the acrid smog.
Dec 29 22:38:16 <Nikkolai>   "I like the sound of that. Mari got her time in the spotlight. I think I'd enjoy a bit of time under it as well."
Dec 29 22:38:21 <Mari>   "Well, since he had to play the meek slave boy last time we headed to a den of iniquity, I guess that's only fair."
Dec 29 22:38:32 <Knight>   "You'd want the spotlight on you in a place like that?"
Dec 29 22:38:59 <Kamvakua>   "Does...anyone else feel that?" Kamvakua wondered, nothing showing clearly on his face, and his words perhaps not the most clear as of what he was asking.
Dec 29 22:39:14 <Nikkolai>   "I've not encountered any obstacle that I can't talk my way out of yet. I seem to shine when I'm under the spotlight."
Dec 29 22:39:23 <Kotono>   "Something is wrong..." Adail shrinks back.
Dec 29 22:39:27 *   Nikkolai smirks slightly. "Nope, I'm afraid I don't."
Dec 29 22:39:35 *   Mari frowns. "You mean that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as we hand our fates over to Nikki? Yeah. Otherwise, I dunno what you mean, Kam."
Dec 29 22:40:11 <Knight>   "No, nothing," replies Knight, squinting. "Perhaps the fumes got to you earlier? This place could sicken anyone."
Dec 29 22:40:46 <Kamvakua>   "Well, while Nikkolai isn't the most sturdy of companions, I do not think this is at all his fault.  It seems  more...primal," He eyed Adail. "Perhaps a devil approaches...Or ....a protection against good?"  He shook his head to clear it.
Dec 29 22:41:49 *   Nikkolai cracks his neck in preparation. "If it can talk, it can be reasoned with. Well, unless it's from the Chaos plane. We'll know soon enough, I suspect."
Dec 29 22:42:29 *   Mari shivers. "Whufgl. Alright, there it is. I was gonna say maybe the celestial just has it rough here because of what he is, but I'm not feeling right here myself."
Dec 29 22:42:31 *   Nikkolai shudders slightly, brushing his arms in a subconcious manner. "I think....maybe not."
Dec 29 22:42:33 <Knight>   Knight winces. "No, I can feel something too, now," she states, with a grimace. "I've never felt this before."
Dec 29 22:43:29 <Nikkolai>   "No sudden moves. We stick to our story as much as possible." Nikkolai's face is set in a grim line.
Dec 29 22:44:04 *   Kamvakua nods simply, staying even more quiet than usual.
Dec 29 22:44:05 <Mari>   "Yessir, boss."
Dec 29 22:46:56 <Kotono>   As yo ustare ahead, you begin to see something! Coming from the shimmering heat is a vanguard of nine nightmares, each one rode by an armored warrior. The warriors are full helmeted and masked. From each horse a banner flies - a small red pentagram within a large, inverted black triangle surrounded by a red circle. Behind them, a vast, vast, vast litter is carried on the back of a horde of black, winged, scaly creatures the size of Kamvakua.
Dec 29 22:47:00 <Kotono>   carried on the back of a horde of black, winged, scaly creatures the size of Kamvakua.
Dec 29 22:48:59 <Mari>   "Just keep walking, we totally belong here and there's no reason anyone should stop to take an interest in us. Right? Right. If we get stopped, show them that pass we took from the salamanders."
Dec 29 22:49:33 *   Nikkolai nods his head. "An excellent idea."
Dec 29 22:49:54 *   Kamvakua clinches his pike a bit more firmly, but does indeed keep following in the rear, having quietly stuffed Adail into a satchel a moment ago for his own good.
Dec 29 22:50:08 <Knight>   Knight cleverly manages to keep walking, intending to pass straight by the evil-looking squad.
Dec 29 22:51:01 *   Nikkolai walks with confidence, staring straight ahead and ignoring the party coming down the road.
Dec 29 22:51:55 <Kotono>   As they come closer and closer, you can hear...things. Things from within the vast litter. Cries of agony and moans of bliss, often at the same time. One of the armored riders calls, "Kneel as his Thrice Honored Voice of Asmodeus passes!"
Dec 29 22:52:52 <Knight>   It seems like a good idea to kneel before the heavily-armed riders when they demand it, so Knight bends to one knee and drops into a courtly bow.
Dec 29 22:53:04 *   Mari doesn't need to be told twice. Whatever makes His/Her Evilness happy and oblivious she's glad to provide. She kneels on the ground.
Dec 29 22:53:40 *   Nikkolai kneels instantly, intent on not being noticed.
Dec 29 22:55:11 *   Kamvakua crouches to one knee, having passed before powerful beings before, and while he urged to try his strength against theirs, now was not the time nor place for such.  Humility would make the journey further.
Dec 29 22:56:08 <Kotono>   Thus the riders pass, then the litter! As it does, the litter goes silent within, passing. Behind it are nine more riders, bearing the same banner. Thus the pass by, leaving the party behind without comment.
Dec 29 22:56:46 *   Nikkolai rises slowly and silently.
Dec 29 22:57:31 <Knight>   Knight rises a tad more quickly, and glances over her shoulder with a wary eye. "We can't outpace Nightmares, should we breach the laws of where we travel," she notes. "An escape wouldn't be possible, in other words. More reason to travel lightly."
Dec 29 22:57:44 *   Mari waits til the train is long gone before rising. "Maybe we're real lucky and the cat's away."
Dec 29 22:58:54 *   Knight starts to head off. "Then we're better off doing our job now."
Dec 29 22:59:09 <Nikkolai>   "Perhaps I was mistaken. Maybe I should concentrate on keeping my mouth shut." Nikkolai shakes his head and follow Knight.
Dec 29 22:59:11 <Mari>   "Exactly," Mari says, continuing on towards the city.
Dec 29 23:00:15 *   Kamvakua is slow a bit in standing after that, glancing back behind him as if seeing something more than the others, before walking onward, catching up in a few long strides.
Dec 29 23:00:25 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Dec 29 23:00:25 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 57." [1d100=57]
Dec 29 23:01:21 <Kotono>   Thus the party moves along towards the shimmering city! The hours pass as the city becoms closer and closer! Towers of black boiling rock rise up, topped with minarets of liquid gold.  Great pyres are lit atop them, leaping into the burning horizon.
Dec 29 23:03:34 <Kotono>   Thus you reach the gates of the city after several hours of riding. These are crafted of solid rock. At the gates are two squat, terrifically muscled creatures. Each one has green skin and a wicked serrated glaive, as well as having a strange, filthy beard.
Dec 29 23:05:11 *   Knight walks towards the creatures, checking to see if the gate is, in fact, open!
Dec 29 23:06:27 *   Mari merely eyes them up with professional interest, one guard appraising another. Her boss can do the talking here if there needs to be any.
Dec 29 23:06:28 *   Nikkolai puts on an arrogant, almost haughty look on his face as he strides confidently behind his servant.
Dec 29 23:07:32 <Kotono>   The figures cross glaives, preventing any from passing through the open gate! "Whoa re you! Identify yourselves!"
Dec 29 23:09:07 <Nikkolai>   "I'm Granor, a wandering apothecary, and these are my servants. Who are you to bar our way into the city?" Nikkolai says in a firm tone of voice.
Dec 29 23:10:57 <Kotono>   OOC: Make a bluff check, nikko?
Dec 29 23:11:47 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+21 You can't see through mah LIES
Dec 29 23:11:47 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+21 You can't see through mah LIES and gets 40." [1d20=19]
Dec 29 23:12:48 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+9
Dec 29 23:12:48 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25." [1d20=16]
Dec 29 23:13:38 <Kotono>   "Hellscream, 9th soldier of the Zystran Brigade." With a savage grunt as it eyes Nikkolai, "Papers, Granor?"
Dec 29 23:14:13 *   Nikkolai snaps his fingers in the direction of Kamvakuva, making an impatient gesture.
Dec 29 23:14:45 *   Kamvakua fishes in his satchel, handing it over silently, not meeting the two creatures eyes.
Dec 29 23:15:01 <Kotono>   The paper is snatched away, the grotesque creature reading it!
Dec 29 23:15:03 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+9
Dec 29 23:15:03 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26." [1d20=17]
Dec 29 23:15:34 <Kotono>   "Hmph." The paper is handed back several seconds later, the two creatures lowering their glaives. With a slight bow, "You may pass, Master Granor."
Dec 29 23:16:38 *   Nikkolai nods in slight thanks. He gestures forward, ushering the party inwards.
Dec 29 23:16:57 *   Mari dutifully follows behind her employer.
Dec 29 23:17:07 *   Knight takes the lead again, and glances around the entrance with a suspicious eye. A hand rests on her rapier, ready to lash out at any would-be pickpockets!
Dec 29 23:18:01 *   Kamvakua follows as well, silence hiding his own sickness at the foul stench of the city.
Dec 29 23:19:35 <Kotono>   The streets are clean. Not a scrap of dust or waste at all. Sauntering down them are towering beings of fire, walking step in step with black winged, scaly creatures. Most of the buildings are of stone and closed, with signs in rigid infernal letters and ignan both. 
Dec 29 23:19:36 *   Nikkolai eyes his surroundings, looking for a soldier, or perhaps even some street signs to get directions from. He doesn't stop moving, not willing to draw attention to the small party by appearing unsure.
Dec 29 23:20:28 <Kotono>   As you walk, a band of 'soldiers' pass. It is nine of the bearded creatures, each one on attention, the ninth one leading and wearing well kept chain mail.
Dec 29 23:21:29 *   Mari also keeps an eye out for any convenient signs, or even just for anyone who looks like far enough away from an authority figure to be worth asking for directions.
Dec 29 23:22:10 *   Knight looks around for a likely-looking fellow, preferably someone who looks, conceivably, as though they could be amongst the lower castes of this society.
Dec 29 23:25:06 <Kotono>   The streets are clean and empty, save for those who confidently stride through them. The alleys are all well clean and kept.
Dec 29 23:26:28 *   Mari frowns. "This place is way to orderly," she says under her breath. "It makes my skin itch. Look, maybe we should find a shop of some sort and gently prod for directions there?"
Dec 29 23:27:13 *   Nikkolai nods. "My thoughts exactly." He looks around for a likely looking shop to head into.
Dec 29 23:27:29 <Knight>   "This shouldn't be that hard," mutters Knight, looking around and directly approaching the nearest looking shop, or general store.
Dec 29 23:28:57 <Kotono>   Heading along, you find a building that may be a shop. Inside you can see goods stacked up - all sorts of mundane enough things.
Dec 29 23:29:35 *   Knight wanders inside and seeks out the shopkeeper! "Can you direct us to Blackcinder Street?" she asks, without preamble.
Dec 29 23:30:10 *   Mari follows Knight in and idly scans the shelves. What might be common for an infernal city could be downright strange by someone else's standards.
Dec 29 23:30:42 *   Nikkolai stand behind Knight, looking appropriately arrogant and bored.
Dec 29 23:31:44 <Kotono>   The shopkeeper is a fat thing in blue robes trimmed with gold. HE sits on a massive chair that creaks under his weight. Tiny horns are atop his head, a smooth smirk set onto his face. "Ah good day, good day!" With a warm clap of his hands, "You seek Blackcinder street! A worthy place to go, if I do say so myself." AS he does, he stands, his chair groaning, a great complaint of wood.
Dec 29 23:32:13 <Knight>   roll 1d20+10 what
Dec 29 23:32:14 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Knight rolls 1d20+10 what and gets 21." [1d20=11]
Dec 29 23:33:03 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+8 K:P
Dec 29 23:33:04 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+8 K:P and gets 26." [1d20=18]
Dec 29 23:34:29 <Knight>   "That would be correct. Please tell us where it is," replies Knight. "My master is an impatient man."
Dec 29 23:35:16 <Kotono>   "Ah, my good woman," It's fat hands rub together, "Who is your master?"
Dec 29 23:35:26 *   Kamvakua stands nearby and behind Nikkolai, his face stony.
Dec 29 23:36:58 <Knight>   "That is not relevant, is it?" replies Knight, starting to sound frustrated.
Dec 29 23:37:30 <Knight>   roll 1d20+10
Dec 29 23:37:30 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Knight rolls 1d20+10 and gets 15." [1d20=5]
Dec 29 23:38:31 <Kotono>   "Ah, I believe it is. One who is the master of a woman of such charm and graces is a man I would call friend!" With another clap of his hands, "So if you pray tell?"
Dec 29 23:39:39 <Knight>   "Ah, well..." replies Knight, managing to stumble over her words for a minute. "It's that man over there," she says, gesturing towards Nikkolai. "Excuse me, but, um..."
Dec 29 23:40:46 <Kotono>   "My name is Shaddon." He goes to Knight, taking her hand and kissing it. "Ah, sir, if I may enquire your name?"
Dec 29 23:41:23 *   Nikkolai sighs in obvious annoyance. "I hired you for your brawn, not your wit. Since you cannot speak, I suggest you remain silent." He eyes the shopkeeper. "You have the pleasure of addressing Granor the Apothecary. It is...a pleasure, Master Shaddon."
Dec 29 23:42:31 <Mari>   roll 1d20+6 uh-oh?
Dec 29 23:42:32 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+6 uh-oh? and gets 11." [1d20=5]
Dec 29 23:42:37 *   Nikkolai looks meaningfully at Knight's hand, still ensared by the blue demon.
Dec 29 23:43:02 <Kotono>   Waddling to Nikkolai, the fat devil offers his hand out to Nikkolai. "Granor the Apothecary. I am honored, for I have heard your name before! A man of skill and refined talent!"
Dec 29 23:43:36 *   Knight withdraws her hand, lightly cradling it within her opposite palm.
Dec 29 23:44:06 *   Nikkolai takes the hand without hesitation. "I am glad that this is so. I have also heard your name upon the lips of your former patrons. It is joy without measure to meet you in the flesh."
Dec 29 23:45:12 <Kotono>   "Ah, it is good that my compatriots and friends speak so well of me!" With a broad smile now, "Outstanding, this is a fated meeting of great prosperity to both of us!" With a look at Kamvakua, "A Goliath...you have excellent taste in protection."
Dec 29 23:46:13 *   Mari perks up a little, taking more interest in the shopkeep and beaming a little at his obvious good intentions. Such a helpful creature!
Dec 29 23:47:44 <Nikkolai>   "He speaks little but is strong of arm. He was well worth the damage my purse suffered." He glances at his two companions. "We shall not be long here. You two," and here he points at Mari and Knight, "wait outside. I've no wish to be disturbed while Master Shaddon and I speak."
Dec 29 23:48:44 <Knight>   "I won't be trouble," replies Knight, giving Nikkolai a petulant glance.
Dec 29 23:49:07 *   Kamvakua eyes the merchant simply, but plays along with Nikkolai's words, his blade clearly quite sharp as he held it, staying nearby Nikkolai at all times.
Dec 29 23:49:49 *   Nikkolai turns slowly and gives Knight a flate stare. "I said...*now*, woman. Or shall I forget about your contract? *Out*."
Dec 29 23:50:12 <Mari>   "If you say so, boss," Mari says with a respectful bow. "You don't need protection in such good company anyway." She turns and exits the store, standing in the street outside.
Dec 29 23:51:01 <Knight>   "Don't give me orders with that tone," replies Knight, glaring at Nikkolai. "You'll find you need my protection here more than necessary, *Granor*. Don't. Test. Me."
Dec 29 23:51:30 <Kotono>   "Ah. Calmness." Shaddon steps forward, "Let us enjoy this in peace, my friends."
Dec 29 23:52:42 *   Nikkolai turns from Knight with a snort. "She's lost a week of her salary for her cheek. My pardon, Shaddon. Forgive me for disturbing the peace of your shop."
Dec 29 23:53:01 *   Nikkolai pauses and seems to ponder for a moment. "I wonder..."
Dec 29 23:53:37 <Nikkolai>   "I am here in the city in search of some particularly rare ingredients that I'm in need of. Perhaps you could aid me, Shaddon?"
Dec 29 23:54:20 <Kotono>   "Ah, words are but free." Shaddon wobbles as his jowls shake, "What are you searching for?"
Dec 29 23:54:27 <Knight>   It's hard to be offended when threatened with withdrawls you won't actually feel.
Dec 29 23:56:40 <Nikkolai>   "I was told that there were some proprietors on Blackcinder Street that sell what I'm looking for, but I'm afraid I'm a little lost in your illustrious city."
Dec 29 23:58:37 <Knight>   roll 1d20+3
Dec 29 23:58:37 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Knight rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16." [1d20=13]
Dec 29 23:58:54 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+6
Dec 29 23:58:55 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
Dec 29 23:59:57 <Kotono>   "Ah, of course." A nod, "Six blocks ahead and then three to the side. Go up Rotmore, past Cinders, and then along to Blackcinder street." A nod.
Dec 30 00:01:34 <Mari>   roll 1d20+2 uh-oh part 2
Dec 30 00:01:34 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+2 uh-oh part 2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
Dec 30 00:01:36 *   Knight raises her fist to her mouth, studying the floor for a moment.
Dec 30 00:01:37 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+6
Dec 30 00:01:37 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22." [1d20=16]
Dec 30 00:02:10 <Nikkolai>   "My thanks, good Shaddor. While information is free," Nikkolai withdraws two gold from his purse, "I am indebted to you for your aid." He holds the two gold coins out.
Dec 30 00:02:36 <Kotono>   "Ah, it is free. There is another matter I must discuss with you. An enriching one...if you would step back with me for a brief time?"
Dec 30 00:03:31 *   Mari reenters the store, quite contradictory to her "master's" wishes, and stares raptly at the shopkeep, waiting for him to lead the way.
Dec 30 00:09:40 *   Nikkolai shrugs and pockets the gold. He eyes Mari suspiciously, casting Detect Magic as he speaks. "You are too kind, Master Shaddor, but I'm afraid I must be going. Business, you see."
Dec 30 00:10:11 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+8
Dec 30 00:10:12 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19." [1d20=11]
Dec 30 00:10:33 <Knight>   "Well, I'm staying for a bit," states Knight, directly. "I'll catch up with you later."
Dec 30 00:10:44 <Knight>   "Seeing as you aren't paying me for a week, I think that warrants an holiday, after all."
Dec 30 00:11:31 <Mari>   "Yeah, I think I'll hang around here for a bit too," Mari says. "See if I can pick up some extra scratch while we're here."
Dec 30 00:11:48 <Kotono>   "Ah," Clapping his hands together, "Such open suspicions! You wound me with your arcane words, sir!" Shaddon says.
Dec 30 00:14:06 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+6 opposed charisma check Drac, see PM.
Dec 30 00:14:07 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 opposed charisma check Drac, see PM. and gets 25." [1d20=19]
Dec 30 00:14:46 <Nikkolai>   Nikkolai's eyes narrow and shift immediately to Shaddon. "Shopkeep Shaddon, I hope that you do not consider all of your patrons such fools. If you will kindly cease your meddling with my guard, I won't feel disposed to deprive you of the antidote for the poison I slipped you earlier."
Dec 30 00:15:15 <Kotono>   OOC: Bluff check, Nikkolai.
Dec 30 00:15:55 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+21 I do hope you take the bait, my good demon
Dec 30 00:15:55 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+21 I do hope you take the bait, my good demon and gets 22." [1d20=1]
Dec 30 00:17:09 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+7 sense motive
Dec 30 00:17:10 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 sense motive and gets 21." [1d20=14]
Dec 30 00:17:14 *   Adail (~strikerul@c-98-210-201-139.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
Dec 30 00:17:52 <Kamvakua>   "Master Nikkolai, it seems we are being rude...And poisoning Merchant Shaddon is ...unsporting."  he said simply.  "We should all leave rather than continue such rudeness," He eyed the others.
Dec 30 00:18:33 <Kotono>   "Ah, poison!" Clapping his hands together, "I thought I smelled almonds." With an easy smile, "Good sir, I would refer you to your basic texts on planology. Fiends enjoy poison as much as you enjoy wine or women. I do thank you for your attention to detail! It is quite commendable of your ruthlessness. Now then." With a wave of his hand, "I wish to buy out the contracts of these two women. Is 500 GP each acceptable?"
Dec 30 00:18:38 <Kotono>   two women. Is 500 GP each acceptable?"
Dec 30 00:19:56 <Knight>   "I believe I should be priceless, really," murmurs Knight, inspecting her palms.
Dec 30 00:20:14 <Kotono>   "Of course, but such things as contracts require money," With a beaming smile to Knight, "Such is the way of this world."
Dec 30 00:21:30 <Nikkolai>   "No." Nikkolai states in a flat tone. "What is acceptable is that you release your hold on my guard. I paid 3,000 for the combined contracts of these two for the duration of my travels. There is no sum that you can offer that will convince me to simply hand them over."
Dec 30 00:22:17 <Kotono>   "Ah. In that case...1500 for the both." Smiling now, "Perhaps even 2000. I like you, so I'll go to 2000 gold."
Dec 30 00:22:44 <Mari>   "Hey, I'm a free agent. I can go where I like and he's nicer than you are, Nik."
Dec 30 00:23:33 <Knight>   "I don't plan to retain any one contract for long, and I've no desire for an employer who must micromanage my every move," notes Knight, flatly. "Time spent here could be fruitful."
Dec 30 00:24:19 <Knight>   She pauses for a moment. "Granor, let me speak with you in private for a moment."
Dec 30 00:25:17 <Nikkolai>   "Very well." He steps aside with Knight.
Dec 30 00:25:53 <Knight>   Just outside, Knight seems to shuffle back and forth on her feet for a moment. "Um. Nikkolai..." she mumbles, glancing aside. "Do you think I'm... pretty?"
Dec 30 00:28:00 <Mari>   "So Shaddon, what kinda job do you want us for, anyway?" Mari asks while her current employer hangs about outside.
Dec 30 00:29:39 <Kotono>   As the two step out, "Ah. A profitable one. Allow me to wait a moment for the negotiations to resolve first," With a smooth, oily smile, "It is crass to put one's plans in front of practicality while practicality is still being done."
Dec 30 00:30:39 *   Nikkolai blinks. He looks at Knight closely. Then he glances back at Shaddon. A thoughtful look steals over his face. "Why yes, I do. You're very pretty. You shame the sun with your bright smile and the stars pale in comparison to your eyes." Nikkolai murmurs in a low voice. "I don't want you to leave me..." Nikkolai subtly casts Charm Person on Knight, to try to counteract Shaddon's influence.
Dec 30 00:30:49 *   Mari nods. "Sure, alright." Of course she can wait for such an obviously honorable and trustworthy individual. She goes back to perusing the shelves in the meantime.
Dec 30 00:30:57 <Kotono>   OOC: Will save, Knight.
Dec 30 00:31:06 <Knight>   roll 1d20+10 good god!
Dec 30 00:31:07 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Knight rolls 1d20+10 good god! and gets 11." [1d20=1]
Dec 30 00:32:47 <Kotono>   In the meantime, "My good Goliath," Smoothly going on, "Can I interest you in a business venture?"
Dec 30 00:32:59 <Knight>   "Hey, what are you doing-" replies Knight, glaring at Nikkolai a moment before her eyebrows droop, and her face creases with anxiety. "You don't? But... I'm a warrior, you know," she says, raising her arms. "My body is covered in scars, and those like me often meet terrible ends. It's.. the way of the Knight." (more)
Dec 30 00:34:12 <Knight>   "But there are other ways to acquire things important to us, and maybe- maybe it's a mistake to be tied too closely to the battlefield." She flushes, and glances away; she starts twirling a finger through her hair. "So, you know.. if I'm really pleasant to look at- well, I- you know, there are ways to use that to our advantage..."
Dec 30 00:36:34 <Kamvakua>   "No, good Merchant," He said simply, explaining no more.  Not entirely his fault as the entire city was sickening, even this greasy creature, as much as he seemed far more pleasant than the norm.
Dec 30 00:37:05 *   Nikkolai reaches out a strokes her cheek with a single finger, hooking her by the chin and gently forcing Knight to look at him. "Your strength only accentuates your beauty. You have the kind of beauty found on the edge of a sword and I admire you even more for it, dear one."
Dec 30 00:38:11 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+19 O radiant maiden, open your heart to me...
Dec 30 00:38:12 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+19 O radiant maiden, open your heart to me... and gets 22." [1d20=3]
Dec 30 00:40:15 <Kotono>   "Ah." Shaddon considers Kamvakua a time, "Where did you  learn to fight with that glaive?"
Dec 30 00:40:57 <Knight>   "Ah, really? That's what I used to think, too!" replies Knight, suddenly leaning back and drawing her sword. "There's elegance in battle, after all! People staking everything on their lives and their skill! Where passions run deepest, and blood burns hot!" She fliips the sword through a few flashy manuevers, and raises it to the sky! "I knew I couldn't be alone to think so! Maybe, yes-
Dec 30 00:42:14 <Knight>   "-maybe the dresses and golden thrones and the pampering can be left to others, whilst I can try to shine in combat- Nikkolai, I will never lose, so as not to dissapoint your expectations!" Twirling the blade once more, she sets in back in her sheath.
Dec 30 00:42:39 <Knight>   "As victory is everything, but defeat is the end of everything... so victory is beautiful, and defeat is empty."
Dec 30 00:43:36 *   Nikkolai smiles and nods. "That is your path of the warrior, my radiant Knight. Awe them all with your beauty and conquer them with your strength!"
Dec 30 00:44:41 <Knight>   "Very well!" Knight turns abruptly, and barges back into the shop. "And thank you! Thank you both! I'm strong, and I'm beautiful, and they complement one another! I can't be one without the other!"
Dec 30 00:46:09 <Kotono>   "Ah?" Shaddon raises his fat eyebrows, "You are certainly most beautiful, without doubt." His gaze is on Nikkolai now, a start of a smirk.
Dec 30 00:47:05 *   Nikkolai smirks in triumph as he follows Knight back in. "Ah, but she cannot truly be beautiful so long as she is cooped up here with you. She is a warrior and her beauty is in the art of her blade as well as her person."
Dec 30 00:47:33 <Mari>   "Hey, are you guys done yet? What were you yammering about, anyway? I've just been waiting here!"
Dec 30 00:48:33 <Knight>   "I wanted to know if a warrior could also be appealing," replies Knight, looking quite proud of herself.
Dec 30 00:49:01 <Kotono>   "Oh yes, you are." Shaddon replies.
Dec 30 00:49:08 *   Mari can only shrug. "Well, of course. What, you weren't sure?"
Dec 30 00:49:10 *   Kamvakua blinks, a little...surprised by the normally taciturn knight's behavior, somewhat...disturbed really by how smiley everyone was being.  Certainly the shopkeeper was quite friendly and a kind being, but this was a dangerous city, and there was little room for such...relaxing frivolity.
Dec 30 00:49:55 <Knight>   "I wasn't," replies Knight. "I never thought looks mattered much, you see, they didn't mean anything on the battlefield. But what if I was wrong?"
Dec 30 00:55:31 *   Nikkolai smiles pleasantly, "Ah, lovely Knight, there is beauty in everything, even battle. Perhaps, especially battle. If you stay here, you cannot be truly complete, for how can you be beautiful if you stay in one place, your sword at rest? Come with me, and I will show you how beautiful you are through the mettle of your blade."
Dec 30 00:55:46 <Kotono>   At the same time, "Come to me, you belong here, Knight." Shaddon barks at Knight! OOC: Opposed charisma checks, Nikkolai. Don't do anything quite yet, Knight. Nikkolai, you get a +3 modifier since you worked over Knight pretty well.
Dec 30 00:57:57 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+12 Come hither, girl
Dec 30 00:57:57 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+12 Come hither, girl and gets 27." [1d20=15]
Dec 30 00:57:59 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+6
Dec 30 00:58:00 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
Dec 30 01:00:29 <Knight>   "I can't. Maybe it's different for other girls, but he's right. I'm a being born to war- it's only in battle that I can shine." Knight sketches a bow to Shaddon, but still looks at him gratefully. "But I have to thank you. I never considered things like this before. It's probably because I'm incomplete as a woman... so, you have my gratitude."
Dec 30 01:01:34 <Kotono>   Shaddon's face is dead stone. He stares at Knight. He stares at Knight. HE stares at Knight. His lip twitches downward. "So be it." With a single moment, the minds of Kam, Mari and Knight return to normal. "Get out before I call the guards to have you put in stocks."
Dec 30 01:02:35 *   Knight staggers for a moment, cupping a hand to her head.
Dec 30 01:02:51 *   Nikkolai smirks and bows. "Remember, no shame at all. I shall recommend your shop with the highest of praise."
Dec 30 01:02:52 *   Adail , having heard all of this from the inside of Kam's bag, does his best not to breathe an audible sigh of relief.
Dec 30 01:03:05 *   Kamvakua rubs his head and eyes the creature, half considering slaying it on the spot.
Dec 30 01:03:26 *   Nikkolai calls out sharply, not giving his comrades much time to recover. "Come. We leave."
Dec 30 01:03:45 *   Nikkolai sweeps out the door quickly.
Dec 30 01:04:13 *   Knight manages to wander outside, with a dewy-eyed and cheery face.
Dec 30 01:04:35 *   Mari blinks. Shakes her head. Stares at Shaddon with narrowing eyes. "You--he...URGH." She seems ready to reach for her blades at first but turns to stalk outside after Nik instead. One devil isn't worth starting a fight with the whole city, no matter how infuriating he might be.
Dec 30 01:05:23 *   Nikkolai mutters and twitches a finger, dispelling his compulsion over Knight.
Dec 30 01:05:28 *   Kamvakua follows nikkolai at least, eying the others. "Are you alright?" He asked simply, assuming they bore a far more devious effect.
Dec 30 01:05:41 *   Mari looks around in the street outside, visibly on edge and thrumming with nervous energy. "Why doesn't this city have stray dogs for me to kick right now?" she barks. "It'd make me feel a lot better."
Dec 30 01:06:25 <Nikkolai>   "Calm, Mari. The fiend played us all for a fool. Be glad he was greedy and not half as devious as he thought himself." Nikkolai said grimly.
Dec 30 01:06:25 <Kamvakua>   "Because that would be too easy.  It's a game to them.  To break the mind and dirty the soul."
Dec 30 01:07:27 <Mari>   "I'm already dirty, tll them to look elsewhere. Can we just get moving already?"
Dec 30 01:07:42 <Knight>   Knight stops in her tracks for a moments, and then covers her face with her hands. "So," she says, after a long moment of silence. "It was all lies, then?"
Dec 30 01:09:25 *   Nikkolai halts as well and tentatively places a hand on Knight's shoulder. "The fiend may have told you what you wanted to hear, but I spoke nothing but truth. You are a beautiful woman, Knight, both in battle and out. I can't imagine you being beautiful without being a warrior."
Dec 30 01:09:43 <Nikkolai>   "You are who you are, and that is a beautiful thing in of itself."
Dec 30 01:10:14 <Knight>   "
Dec 30 01:12:06 <Knight>   "If such words still seem true to me, then my mind must still be muddled," replies Knight, shrugging off Nikkolai's hand, and reaching for her helmet. "It must be this place. No more angst. We have a mission. Let's go."
Dec 30 01:13:03 <Kamvakua>   "It is best to leave fragile discussions for elsewhere," Kamvakua agreed simply, not interfering, his stony presence overshadowing them.  "Adail, do you have any charms that can protect our minds?"
Dec 30 01:13:17 *   Mari starts off down the street. "Six blocks down, three over...let's go and get done with this place before another goon on the street almost recruits us into the Blood War, alirght?"
Dec 30 01:13:40 <Kotono>   Thus the party heads to Blackcinder street. It is much the same as the others - no flaws, no dirtiness, nothing out of sort at all.
Dec 30 01:14:23 *   Mari looks around. "Do we have any idea which building we're here for?" she wonders.
Dec 30 01:14:58 *   Nikkolai notes wryly, "I somehow don't think that entering a random shop is a good idea."
Dec 30 01:15:07 *   Nikkolai scans the street for passerby.
Dec 30 01:15:10 *   Adail whispers back, "Only for myself, I'm afraid."
Dec 30 01:16:11 <Kotono>   A man is walking down the street. He has a trimmed red goatee, walking with a metal cane. His pace is quick, face distant and scornful.
Dec 30 01:21:02 <Kotono>   The man goes to one of the shops, opening the door and going in.
Dec 30 01:23:00 *   Nikkolai follows the man inside the shop.
Dec 30 01:23:11 *   Knight follows Nikkolai into the shop.
Dec 30 01:23:16 *   Mari scowls. "I guess we keep asking the locals. I haven't any better ideas for how to find what we need." She goes inside with Nik, hoping desperately to avoid a repeat of the last shop.
Dec 30 01:23:41 <Kotono>   The man turns as everyone follows him in. Inside is a dark shop full of dark shelves, shadows all over. His gaze is cold, "Customers?"
Dec 30 01:24:51 *   Nikkolai returns the stare with impunity. "Perhaps, if you are Yol'la."
Dec 30 01:25:14 <Kotono>   "I am." He returns it as he looks Nikkolai up and down, "Out with it."
Dec 30 01:25:20 *   Mari glances over the shelves to get an idea of what kind of shop this actually is.
Dec 30 01:26:06 *   Nikkolai turns to Kamvakuva. "The satchel." He turns back to Yol'la. "Tam of the Earth plane sends her regards. And this package."
Dec 30 01:26:08 <Kotono>   Getting closer, Mari can see: A blue eyeball, several broken teeth, a bar of wha tlooks to be gold, 7 bloody smiles, a mug of ale, and othe rsuch strange things.
Dec 30 01:26:23 <Kotono>   Immediately Yol'la stepsin, "Come in. Close the door behind you.:"
Dec 30 01:27:06 *   Nikkolai steps forward, gesturing for whoever is closest to close the door behind them.
Dec 30 01:27:19 *   Knight shuts the door and steps to one side.
Dec 30 01:27:41 *   Mari remembers her last encounter with infernal ale and gives the mug a wide berth, just in case even the fumes could be toxic. "Hey, what's with the eye here?"
Dec 30 01:28:21 <Kotono>   Once the party is inside, "Thank you." He smiles widely, "Granny Tam came through!" With a sigh of deepness that echos, "You shouldn't stay long. I can feed and water you if you need it, but hurry. For the last few days, a powerful devil has been in town. Something big is happening...don't get tangled in it. Martinet serves th eLord of the Ninth directly. The only thing you'll get by becoming involved is a ticket to eternity."
Dec 30 01:28:44 <Kotono>   "Dont' touch it!" A quick snap, "If you don't know what it is, leave it be!"
Dec 30 01:28:53 <Knight>   "We planned to leave once we were done," states Knight, with a grimace. "This place isn't good for us."
Dec 30 01:29:01 <Mari>   "Hey, I'm not touching anything!" Mari says, hands in the air.
Dec 30 01:29:06 *   Kamvakua nods simply, finding that more true than he'd like.
Dec 30 01:29:33 <Kamvakua>   "We can depart now.  Hopefully without further encounters."
Dec 30 01:29:34 <Kotono>   "Godspeed. There's food bakc there," Jerking  his thumb towards a door in the rear. "If you need that or water, go back. Otherwise go as fast as you can."
Dec 30 01:29:39 <Nikkolai>   "Our thanks, Yol'la. We simply wish to leave as quickly as possible." Nikkolai eyes the others. "Unless any of you wish to stay?
Dec 30 01:29:50 *   Kamvakua opens the door, "Poor joke."
Dec 30 01:29:52 <Knight>   "Most certainly not!"
Dec 30 01:30:04 *   Adail very nearly audibly snorts from inside Kam's bag at that question.
Dec 30 01:30:16 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Dec 30 01:30:17 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 77." [1d100=77]
Dec 30 01:30:17 <Nikkolai>   As he speaks, Nikkolai walks to the back and drinks what water is available.
Dec 30 01:30:29 <Mari>   "I want out of this hole as soon as possible," Mari agrees. "Nothing against your hospitality, of course."
Dec 30 01:30:33 <Kotono>   In the back are several casks full of water. There's lenty to drink and then some.
Dec 30 01:30:47 <Kotono>   "I understand. Go." Yol'la urges, andthen with a grin, "Say hi to Granny for me."
Dec 30 01:31:06 <Knight>   "Understood," replies Knight, turning to the door and starting out.
Dec 30 01:31:09 *   Nikkolai just takes a quick sip and then heads for the door.
Dec 30 01:31:25 <Nikkolai>   "We shall. Our thanks. And stay safe."
Dec 30 01:31:52 *   Mari joins her companions in getting the hell out of dodge (metaphorically speaking; literally, it's more like the other way around).
Dec 30 01:31:58 <Kotono>   Thus the party hurries out through the streets! They race back to the gate at a walk, the bearded devils watching them as they hurry out. The city has not changed a bit since they entered, everything still sterile...quiet...perfect. "You are leaving?" One of the bearded creatures asks.
Dec 30 01:32:15 <Knight>   "Correct."
Dec 30 01:32:31 *   Mari lets her boss respond, like the good thug she is!
Dec 30 01:32:52 <Kotono>   The bearded creatures stand aside, not blocking the way out.
Dec 30 01:33:13 *   Nikkolai gestures to Knight to lead the way.
Dec 30 01:33:32 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Dec 30 01:33:33 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 2." [1d100=2]
Dec 30 01:33:35 *   Knight leads the way out, although with not quite the same confident stride as with which she entered. Probably nobody will notice.
Dec 30 01:34:13 *   Nikkolai follows in an unhurried manner.
Dec 30 01:34:21 *   Kamvakua continues at the rear, following nikkolai in formation... eying their back carefully as they proceeded outward.
Dec 30 01:34:25 <Kotono>   It is a logn walk back. A hot walk back, a tiring walk back. Your legs ache and your body protests the long walking by the time you reach the crevasse, leading back to the portal to Earth. Almost there...OOC: All of you make fort saves?
Dec 30 01:34:45 <Knight>   roll 1d20+12 I'm a tough old girl, I think
Dec 30 01:34:47 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Knight rolls 1d20+12 I'm a tough old girl, I think and gets 31." [1d20=19]
Dec 30 01:34:53 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+8 Soooo close
Dec 30 01:34:53 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+8 Soooo close and gets 20." [1d20=12]
Dec 30 01:34:59 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7 let's see if I can pass a roll today
Dec 30 01:35:00 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7 let's see if I can pass a roll today and gets 20." [1d20=13]
Dec 30 01:35:24 <Adail>   roll 1d20+16
Dec 30 01:35:25 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+16 and gets 23." [1d20=7]
Dec 30 01:35:40 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+18 what fort
Dec 30 01:35:41 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+18 what fort and gets 36." [1d20=18]
Dec 30 01:35:47 <Kotono>   OOC: Carry on.
Dec 30 01:36:12 <Kamvakua>   we go to the portal back to the non-horrible fiery plane.
Dec 30 01:36:54 <Nikkolai>   "Don't stop for anything. Back to the portal!" Nikkolai tries to walk quickly, conserving his energy.
Dec 30 01:37:07 <Kotono>   Thus the party reaches the vortex without incident, your bodies exhausted! But wth a step more, you can return to Earth!
Dec 30 01:37:47 <Knight>   There's something Knight thinks she's forgetting, but she steps through the portal to go back.
Dec 30 01:38:12 <Mari>   "We rest on the other side, right? Because it's sure not happening here," Mari pants, stepping through the portal.
Dec 30 01:38:25 <Kotono>   Thus the party appears in Earth! Gravity weighs at them, heaviness setting into their bodies! But it's Earth, even if it's hot Earth!
Dec 30 01:38:25 *   Nikkolai follows behind Knight, eager to get back to relative safety.
Dec 30 01:38:31 *   Kamvakua encourages the party through the portal.
Dec 30 01:38:50 <Kamvakua>   "We have a long way still to walk, there is no reason to relax yet, even if the worst has passed."
Dec 30 01:38:55 *   Kamvakua lets Adail out though.
Dec 30 01:39:33 <Nikkolai>   "The sooner we start, the sooner we get there."
Dec 30 01:39:53 <Knight>   "You say such flippant things," mutters Knight, grimacing.
Dec 30 01:39:57 *   Mari sighs. "You're a slavedriver, Kam. How long have we been walking now? I guess we can stand to put a little distance between us and the portal, but..."
Dec 30 01:40:04 *   Nikkolai starts out briskly. As he passes Knight, he says, "Shall I help carry your armor?"
Dec 30 01:40:30 *   Adail wiggles out of the bag and takes a deep breath, "Good greif it's hot and stuffy in there. Still..." he looks back at the portal, "better then the alternative I suppose."
Dec 30 01:40:50 <Mari>   "You were better off in the bag than out in that city, trust me."
Dec 30 01:41:24 <Adail>   "Yes, that would be the alternative I had in mind."
Dec 30 01:41:40 <Kamvakua>   "I'm sorry Mari, but...do you really want to risk crossing another like those so soon?" He eyed, rubbing his head.  "Disgusting creatures."
Dec 30 01:41:43 <Knight>   "It's good training. Although it isn't my body that needs training, I feel."
Dec 30 01:42:18 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Dec 30 01:42:18 *   Mari shakes her head. "No Kam. Just promise me that wherever I collapse is the point where we step to set up camp."
Dec 30 01:42:19 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 35." [1d100=35]
Dec 30 01:42:42 <Kotono>   Thus the party moves along! They set up camp a few hours from the portal, sleeping deeply! The night passes, the rest of the journey to Hardsoil looming! (More)
Dec 30 01:42:49 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Dec 30 01:42:50 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 71." [1d100=71]
Dec 30 01:43:24 <Kotono>   It is a peaceful enough trip back. Despite the fatigue that clings to you, Hardsoil is ahead! The city is as you left it, save that you return in victory and not in retreat!
Dec 30 01:43:40 *   Nikkolai heads straight to Granny Tam's.
Dec 30 01:43:46 *   Knight heads straight to the hot springs.
Dec 30 01:44:23 <Kamvakua>   "Perhaps you two," he steadied Nikkolai before he ran off, "Might want to stay back this time, rather than tempt fate?"
Dec 30 01:44:51 <Kamvakua>   "A good rest would do ye well, regardless." He added, not looking tired at least really.
Dec 30 01:45:45 *   Adail chuckles, "Yes, I do wonder what Granny has in store for Mari this time."
Dec 30 01:45:51 <Mari>   "Yeah, well...if I don't go, she also can't pay me," Mari says, looking uneasy regardless. "And I won't be asking for much this time; I'm sure it won't be too much on top of the cost of that bracelet if she's all snipper about that."
Dec 30 01:45:55 <Nikkolai>   "I would much rather get it over with. Tam is a trickster, nothing more. I don't think she'd play a joke on someone if they weren't receptive of it."
Dec 30 01:46:07 <Kamvakua>   "Ah, true...I would not want to try and communicate that," He nodded.
Dec 30 01:46:18 *   Mari looks at Adail. "Hey, it's not just me! If Nik suffers too, it's a lot easier to bear."
Dec 30 01:46:51 <Nikkolai>   "We shall suffer together, Mari." Nikkolai grins slightly.
Dec 30 01:46:52 <Adail>   "True, but she does seem to particularly enjoy picking on you."
Dec 30 01:47:15 <Knight>   "I'm not really in a mood for jokes, I have to admit," adds Knight.
Dec 30 01:47:16 *   Nikkolai sets off once more to Tam's walking slowly as to give Knight time to catch up.
Dec 30 01:47:31 <Kotono>   So chatting, the party drops of Knight's armor and heads to Granny Tam's. As you enter in, you hear her cackling. "Back again? What an interesting look...did you succeed, Missy?"
Dec 30 01:47:56 *   Nikkolai lets Mari do the talking.
Dec 30 01:49:04 <Mari>   "Yeah. We got in and out without anyone in the city getting an idea what we were really there for. They didn't even notice Adail! And, uh, yeah, I lost your bracelet along the way...but so did Nikkolai!" Mari points to Nik.
Dec 30 01:49:34 *   Adail nods, "The package was delivered, yes. And he bids us say hi to you for him."
Dec 30 01:49:55 *   Nikkolai shrugs. "Unfortunately, Granny Tam, the bracelets were a hindrance to our mission."
Dec 30 01:49:57 <Kotono>   "Reaaallly?" Granny Tam cackles even more, "Getting a bit tricky, Missy? Did you charm your friend into learing how to break my magic? You wouldn't do that to Granny, would you?"
Dec 30 01:50:25 <Mari>   "A xorn stole them from us. We were powerless to stop him!"
Dec 30 01:51:25 *   Adail half bites his tongue to keep from laughing.
Dec 30 01:51:28 <Kotono>   Yet more cackles. "You've done well for Granny, even without the bracelets, and I have more. Many more. Now now, Missy, are all of you trustworthy?"
Dec 30 01:51:40 *   Kamvakua snickers at that openly, not so disciplined as Adail.
Dec 30 01:51:59 *   Kamvakua blinks. "What a strange thing to ask."
Dec 30 01:52:00 <Mari>   "Oh. Uh. That's great." Mari doesn't try very hard to conceal her lack of enthusiasm.
Dec 30 01:52:27 *   Nikkolai looks a bit alarmed at the mentions of more bracelets. "We are trustworthy enough, I should think. Why do you ask?"
Dec 30 01:53:13 <Kotono>   "Granny likes all of you...maybe you should come back and meet Granny." Granny Tam's cackles are gone, voice soothing now. "But can you keep a secret?"
Dec 30 01:53:56 <Mari>   "Sure," Mari says. As long as there's not alcohol in the vicinity.
Dec 30 01:53:57 <Kamvakua>   "What is not mine to give, is not given by mine."
Dec 30 01:54:40 <Nikkolai>   "Secrets that aren't given are the best keep secrets of all." Still, Nikkolai is intrigued.
Dec 30 01:54:49 *   Adail simply nods.
Dec 30 01:55:03 <Kotono>   "Come back then...come meet Granny Tam." There's more giggles to all of that.
Dec 30 01:55:19 *   Knight tries not to look wary, and steps towards the darkness.
Dec 30 01:55:34 *   Adail scurries along beside Knight.
Dec 30 01:55:35 *   Mari walks to the back of the store, wary as always for any trickery on Granny's part.
Dec 30 01:55:46 *   Nikkolai is glad that someone else is going first. He follows silently.
Dec 30 01:56:34 *   Kamvakua walks toward the darkness, curious as to yet another strange creature along his journey through life.
Dec 30 01:56:45 <Kotono>   You step deeper in. The store stretches back and wraps around and around and around. But eventually you come to a dead end. Here someone comes walking out from an angle, from a hall. It's...one of the bearded creatures your saw guarding the gates of the diabolical city? But there is a female cut to it's body, a bosom there as well. Granny Tam smiles full of sharp yellow teeth, "Surprised?"
Dec 30 01:57:49 <Nikkolai>   Nikkolai merely raises an eyebrow.
Dec 30 01:58:19 <Kamvakua>   "It...is not what I would have guessed," Kamvakua acknowledged, having hardly expected a devil to be so well thought of, and so attentive of the suffering of others.
Dec 30 01:58:22 <Knight>   "Is that truly your own form?" asks Knight, after a moment.
Dec 30 01:59:17 <Mari>   "I guess 'surprised' isn't the worst word to use," Mari admits.
Dec 30 01:59:29 *   Nikkolai nods in agreement with Knight. "I find it hard to believe that someone fond of shapeshifting magic would show us her true form so easily."
Dec 30 01:59:34 <Kotono>   Jewerly flies around Granny Tam, like a field. "Ah, such a suspicious girl!" Cackcling, throwing it's head back to laugh, "Does it matter?" A bit of jewelry flies out, hitting KNight lightly on the head. "Pay attention! Apperances don't mean anything out here. Maybe you need some time as a drow?"
Dec 30 02:00:51 *   Adail just snickers, "A female bearded devil. And one who is a powerful mage no less. Amusing."
Dec 30 02:00:59 *   Mari ducks out of sheer reflex, even though it apparently isn't her turn this time. "Hey, Knight's confused enough just being what she is, she doesn't need help with that."
Dec 30 02:01:41 *   Nikkolai smiles. "Shapeshifting is useful indeed. I'd dearly love to learn it."
Dec 30 02:01:49 <Knight>   "True!" Knight breaks into a smile. "It doesn't matter, Mari. What's important isn't constrained to my form. Why, the Knight card manifests as the race of all who draw it. My memory isn't good, but in the past, I must have been an elf, an orc, a dragon, an illithid, a kraken..."
Dec 30 02:03:04 <Kamvakua>   "...a kraken?  What manner of creature is that?" Kamvakua wondered, having not crossed or heard of such in his travels.
Dec 30 02:03:10 <Kotono>   Granny Tam spins around! In a storm of jewelry, she is different! A gorgeous thing is before you. It's body is clad only in a few bits of jewerly over her ample bosom and between her legs. Her body is flawless, bat wings arching back as she runs hands up her hips. Her voice is like liquid sex as she purrs, "Does this form help you concentrate better?"
Dec 30 02:03:51 <Knight>   "A kind of giant, intelligent squid," replies Knight. "As I said, it makes no difference to me."
Dec 30 02:04:12 *   Adail snickers again and carefully watches Nikkolai's expression.
Dec 30 02:04:21 <Mari>   "It's all the same to me, really. I dunno about Nik, though..." Mari eyes the sorcerer curiously.
Dec 30 02:04:23 <Kamvakua>   "Likely not, but it is as different as day is from night," Kamvakua answered, his attention at least firmly on the gorgeous devil in front for a bit.
Dec 30 02:09:36 *   Nikkolai raises both eyebrows and gapes for a few moments. He considers Tam's form for a few, long moments. "I'm afraid that this form would distract me a bit *too* much." He admits regretfully.
Dec 30 02:10:31 <Kotono>   "Aaaw." With another spin, Tam changes. This time she's an old lady in a tattered red dress, leaning on a cane.
Dec 30 02:11:08 <Mari>   "Yeah, maybe something a little less flashy," Mari agrees, noting the new form with approval.
Dec 30 02:11:31 <Nikkolai>   "That image fits the persona you've crafted, at least."
Dec 30 02:13:30 *   Adail nods and deadpans, "I do admit I've been picturing you as the classic 'crazy old cat lady', so this is close enough I suppose."
Dec 30 02:15:28 <Kamvakua>   "Honest as ever, Adail," Kamvakua noted. "Well, in either case, you did not just call us back here to demonstrate your mastery of form?"
Dec 30 02:23:41 <Kotono>   "No." With a long look, "You've proven yourselves well. I want to talk to all of you tomorrow. Go rest and take some time to recover, then we'll talk. You'll get your payment then too. Think about this: How far down the rabbit hole do you care to go?"
Dec 30 02:25:10 *   Kamvakua nods. "We shall consider, Granny Tam, though," He eyed Knight. "we mayst not stay here forever.  We will speak on the morrow."
Dec 30 02:25:36 *   Adail nods, "Tomorrow, then."