Bureaucracy *and* the Cavern of No Return

[Dracos]

Feb 23 19:32:05 <Diseased_Ko>   Gilgeam's Eye isn't quite an eye. No, no, that just seems to be a name. It's a respectable pile of stone, an archway door with well finished silver-work inlaid in. Just outside the door are a pair of the stone bat-men, gargoyles. They watch the party unblinkingly as they approach down the street.
Feb 23 19:33:37 *   Diseased_Ko sets mode -m #dunes
Feb 23 19:33:42 <Knight>   It's hard to escape the feeling that eyes are always upon them in this city, and the gargoyles only serve to reinforce this suspicion. Nonetheless, Knight strides confidently towards the entrance.
Feb 23 19:33:47 *   Mari walks right in, assuming the guards don't stop her. It's a shop, right? Why would they?
Feb 23 19:34:41 *   Kamvakua follows indeed, looking around the shop with a curious eye.
Feb 23 19:37:04 <Diseased_Ko>   Knight and Mari pass inside without incident. As Kamvakua approaches, one of the gargoyles holds the door open for him. Inside are rows of glass cases, tastefully lit by myriad candles about. The scent of wax and smoke mixes with the scent of metal and polish. A few Elementals walk the aisles, as does a single dwarf with a sour expression. Going amid them is a vivacious, lively face. An elf, blonde as the sunshine and deft as the wind. As
Feb 23 19:37:10 <Diseased_Ko>   An elf, blonde as the sunshine and deft as the wind. As you come in, she approaches. "Good day!" she says in perfect Common. "Welcome! What do you seek in Gilgeam's Eye?"
Feb 23 19:38:56 <Knight>   "We were seeking the one named Cysalis," replies Knight, granting the elf a courteous nod. "Would he happen to be avaliable today?"
Feb 23 19:39:12 <Mari>   "Information, mostly," Mari says, scanning the display cases. "Though I could be persuaded to buy a little something as part of the transaction if needed. We're sorting of looking into a rumor and heard Cysalis might be able to help."
Feb 23 19:42:05 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh," Smiling as she looks Knight over, "Master Cysalis is meeting with a client. In the meantime...oh." She takes Knight's hand, "You have strong hands. You need something lively and fiery to bring out your eyes. How about some Irridian Emeralds? Miss," Without blinking in her smile to Mari, "Ah, our cousins prefer black gemstones. We have a superb selection of oynx, too."
Feb 23 19:43:27 <Mari>   "Oh, sure. Point me to the earrings."
Feb 23 19:44:10 <Kamvakua>   "Have you ever worn such things, Knight?" He gruffly wondered, amused briefly at the look on the maiden's face.
Feb 23 19:45:22 <Diseased_Ko>   "Right this way," Still holding Knight's hands, she leads you to a glass display case a few rows back. Here are earrings of gold and onyx, of various designs.
Feb 23 19:46:10 *   Mari follows along and takes a look at the wares displayed. Nothing wrong in prettying herself up a little while they wait, right?
Feb 23 19:46:19 <Knight>   "Er, no, never. Excuse me, but I- such things aren't really necessary for me, I'm just here to..." Her voice trails off, and her expression seems close to a hapless deer.
Feb 23 19:47:14 <Kamvakua>   "Take a look anyway, it expands your horizons," Kamvakua teased the card.
Feb 23 19:47:19 <Mari>   "Oh, come on, Knight. Life would be boring if everyone just did things that are necessary."
Feb 23 19:47:32 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh!" Taking Knight's hands to her own, "I understand completely. I'll help you shop." With a radiant smile that reaches ear to ear, "It's okay, dear. It's just like riding a horse: Once you know how to shop for jewelry you'll always know how. Besides, it'll look amazing on you."
Feb 23 19:48:29 <Diseased_Ko>   "In the meantime, call if you need help with anything, Dark One." With an utterly pleasant smile, "But I would ask you to restrain from praising or doing honor to Lolth while in this store."
Feb 23 19:49:11 <Knight>   "But I won't have time for jewels whilst I'm seeking out Gem!"
Feb 23 19:49:26 *   Adail eyes the various trinkets, finding them pretty enough to admire even if they aren't even remotely his style.
Feb 23 19:49:31 *   Mari shrugs. "Hey, it's not my store." Probably that was a slight. Probably Mari should be offended! But as she's not a real drow, it's just funny.
Feb 23 19:49:47 *   Kamvakua finds the store apparently of great amusement as his stony face shows, Knight dragged along for fashion?  Mari confused for a serious and dour drow?
Feb 23 19:50:04 <Kamvakua>   "Well, perhaps a bit of time with jewels will help you understand Gem."
Feb 23 19:50:21 <Diseased_Ko>   "M'lady!" With a gasp, "There is ALWAYS time for jewelry!" The elf looks right into Knight's eyes, stirring, slanted elven gaze into hers. "Come, come, come. I'll show you some good rings."
Feb 23 19:51:28 <Knight>   "I completely understand my- look, uh, are they magic rings?"
Feb 23 19:52:02 <Mari>   "Go on, Knight. It'll be educational. I mean, what happens if you meet Gem and he wants to talk about precious stones? You'd have nothing to say!"
Feb 23 19:52:26 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh, the right emerald will be like magic!" WIth a sing-song in her voice, "You'll get the attention of any and all! The magic of your feminine wiles! Men will be spellbound! The Earth itself will slow down to admire you!"
Feb 23 19:53:46 <Knight>   "Really? Mari, is that true?" asks Knight, glancing over her shoulder.
Feb 23 19:54:16 *   Mari nods. "What she said!"
Feb 23 19:54:18 <Kamvakua>   "She's a bit of the...practical sort.  An adventurer, you see." Kamvakua chimed in to the shopkeeper.  "Perhaps something good for both?"
Feb 23 19:54:53 <Diseased_Ko>   The elf gives Kamvakua a long look, "Oh, of course! In this case..." She takes Knight's hand, "I have something special just for you!"
Feb 23 19:57:14 <Knight>   "Well, I'm always on the lookout for boons," replies Knight, with a curt nod. "Let's have a look!"
Feb 23 19:58:58 <Diseased_Ko>   Thus Knight is whisked away!  Whiskeda way to a row in the back. Here a ring is taken out. It is of four green gemstones in a clover pattern, each one with a flickering inner light. Brilliant green is attached to a slender golden band, the elf taking the time to slide it onto Knight's finger. "How do you like it?"
Feb 23 19:59:39 <Diseased_Ko>   Meanwhile, "Excuse me." The dwarf comes up to Adail, clearing his throat.
Feb 23 20:00:13 *   Mari looks for anything with onyx and silver rather than gold. It'd set off her hair better! She's not looking for anything specific in regards to design, just anything intricate or exotic would do.
Feb 23 20:01:42 <Knight>   "It seems to fit," replies Knight, twisting around her hand to get a better look. "It probably won't be seen under my gloves, so I can't buy things like this just because they look good, though..."
Feb 23 20:01:50 <Diseased_Ko>   There's a piece of wavy silver dotted with bits of polished onyx, a pair of earrings. They look to be about 300 gold in all.
Feb 23 20:02:21 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh, then just don't wear gloves." Lowering her voice, "Are you paying for it yourself, or is the big man there paying for it?"
Feb 23 20:03:09 *   Adail nods a greeting to the dwarf, "Yes?"
Feb 23 20:03:49 <Knight>   "I'd be buying it myself, of course. But I can hardly go without my gloves and gauntlets! What if something was to strike at my fingers? Then I wouldn't be able to fight, much less wear a ring!"
Feb 23 20:03:49 <Mari>   Nice. Mari ponders just swiping them for that casual insult against her (entirely fictitious) heritage, but eh. Why risk making trouble in a store they came to for help? She'll point them out to the elf girl when she's free.
Feb 23 20:04:26 <Mari>   "Knight," Mari says, approaching, "we're not *always* in a fight. Come on, live a little!"
Feb 23 20:04:35 <Kamvakua>   "Found something you liked, Mari?" Kamvakua waited, glancing around between the two as he wondered when Cysalis would show, not yet noticing the dwarf.
Feb 23 20:04:37 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh, I'm sure you'll find chances to wear it." WIth an easy smile, "Hm...the listed price is 1,000 gold, but..." She looks to Kamvakua again, "I'll let you have it for 400. House special."
Feb 23 20:05:16 <Diseased_Ko>   "Can we talk?" he says, a gruff grunt after. "Appreciate it if you do."
Feb 23 20:05:21 <Diseased_Ko>   "Can we talk?" he says, a gruff grunt after. "Appreciate it if you do." The dwarf says to ADail.
Feb 23 20:05:42 <Mari>   "Oh, yeah, Kam. Why do you ask? Going to be a gentleman and buy the girls something sparkly?"
Feb 23 20:05:58 *   Adail nods to the dwarf, then heads over to tap Kam on the leg, "I'll be outside for a moment."

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OOC: Adail side-story 1

<Diseased_Ko> The dwarf and Adail head out, outside and into the shadows. Into the alley, as it were. The dwarf sits down, patting his knee. "You're a long way from home, Musteval."
* Adail does not sit, since him standing while the dwarf sits puts them nearly at eye level to eachother! He chuckles at the dwarf's comment, "Trust me, I've noticed. Earth has it's charms, but it's rather difficult to mistake for the Blessed Feilds."
<Diseased_Ko> "Yes." For a moment, Adail feels it. Absolute love and compassion, absolute rightness washing over him like a balm. A faint golden light shimmers around the edges of the dwarf for a mere moment. "You're a bold one walking about as you are here, but Ogremoch's followers seem to be tolerant if you pay good coin and don't raise trouble."
* Adail closes his eyes a moment to let the feeling wash over him, then opens them back and nods, "Not all fights are mine to pick. I assure you that I have no intention of making trouble with Ogremoch, so long as he and his cause none for me."
<Diseased_Ko> "It's best here. It's a stronghold of his followers." The man's eyes twinkle, "Aloriel. I'm here because I don't have a choice, but seeing one of my kin walking around openly here..."
<Adail> "Adail. And...I'm here effectively as part of an adventuring group." He grins, "It's an interesting group, to be sure. Right now I'm the only one of us who is exactly what he looks like."
<Diseased_Ko> "Haha." Letting a laugh take over him, his sourness all gone with a toothy smile, "I wanted to introduce myself and give you some advice about how Nixale works."
* Adail nods, "That would be appriciated. I'd rather not inadvertently start an incident.'
<Diseased_Ko> "It's like Dis. Ogremoch keeps a tight leash on things through his followers. As long as you don't go stirring the status quo or breaking the law, you'll be alright. If not..." His expression is grave, "I come for the soul of a fallen friend. He's held in ransom, and the clergy demands that the fines for his offenses be paid for before his soul is freed."
* Adail winces, "What were his offenses? And what are the fines?"
Feb 23 20:27:46 <Diseased_Ko>   "He serves the Platinum Dragon, Paladine." Voice kept very low, "He wished to challenge the order of Ogremoch, for his friends had lost much and suffered greatly in Nixale." With a long, long shake of his head. "A brave, righteous soul, but a foolish one."
Feb 23 20:29:14 <Adail>   "A direct challenge?" Adail whistles very softly, "The earth lord would want a high price for that, I'm guessing."
Feb 23 20:30:02 <Diseased_Ko>   "100,000 gold." WIth a somber words, "I'm looking to gather the money to free his soul, but it's hard going. So many of the chances to make money here are difficult, but I've been asked not to leave the city, or he'll never reach his afterlife."
Feb 23 20:30:29 <Diseased_Ko>   A pause, "By difficult, I mean morally difficult."
Feb 23 20:31:37 *   Adail nods, "I can imagine. The only thing I gather Ogremoch and his followers would pay well for are things that aid them far more then the worth of the coin. But any task which would aid them that much..."
Feb 23 20:32:29 <Diseased_Ko>   "Exactly." With another chuckle, "So I warn you - keep your whiskers clean here, whatever you're doing here, Adail."
Feb 23 20:34:00 <Adail>   "We're searching for the family of one of my companions. Her brother isn't IN Nixale, at least. Though I don't know exactly where he is. That's what we're looking for now, information that will help us find him."
Feb 23 20:35:13 *   Knight (~carthrat@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #evildunes
Feb 23 20:35:24 <Diseased_Ko>   "A cause close to my own. If I can help..." He leaves the question in the air.
Feb 23 20:36:45 <Adail>   "So far the most I know is that he's with someone who is seeking out the Gruesome Ruby. We're hoping that if we seek the thing out as well, we'll run into him along the way. If you know anything about the Ruby, it may be helpful."
Feb 23 20:38:55 <Diseased_Ko>   "The Gruesome Ruby...I've heard of it. A cursed thing, with a trickle of treasure hunters going to find it and none coming back. The odds are high your friend is dead or worse."
Feb 23 20:40:22 <Adail>   "I sincerely doubt that, as from what I understand he's not exactly mortal." Adail laughs, "It's...complicated. And a bit hard to explain."
Feb 23 20:41:14 <Diseased_Ko>   "Good luck," The dwarf says, "Adventurers have a lot of those hard to explain things, anyway."
Feb 23 20:44:36 *   Adail nods, "To you as well. I'm sorry there's little I can do to help with your quest, though if we pass back through after finding Gem then I might be able to chip in a bit."
Feb 23 20:47:03 <Diseased_Ko>   "Light's fortune on you," The dwarf rises, "As long as you succeed and escape in one piece, my reward is overflowing."
Feb 23 20:51:41 *   Adail twitches his whiskers and grins, "Don't worry, I'm harder to kill then you'd think. May the Lion have your back, Aloriel.'
Feb 23 20:52:03 *   Adail nods a farewell and heads back inside to meet back up with his companions.

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OOC: Back to the pretties

Feb 23 20:06:00 <Mari>   "We did haul you all the way to town, remember!"
Feb 23 20:06:57 <Diseased_Ko>   Clasping Knight's hand sand staring into her eyes, "Trust me that you'll understand once you wear it and you'll see how practical it is." The elf replies back.
Feb 23 20:08:26 <Knight>   "Well, uh, if you say so," replies Knight, twirling it about on her finger. "It does seem to shine."
Feb 23 20:08:58 <Diseased_Ko>   Smiling, "See? I'll box it up for you and bag it. What about you, Dark One?"
Feb 23 20:10:00 <Kamvakua>   "Mmm," He pondered.  "I suppose it would be fair..within reason," He nodded to Mari's request.
Feb 23 20:10:24 <Mari>   "Oh, these'll do," Mari says, pointing to the earrings.
Feb 23 20:11:13 <Diseased_Ko>   "A wonderful choice!" Taking the earrings as well, "That's a total of 700 gold. WIll the two of you be paying together?"
Feb 23 20:12:09 *   Kamvakua slips out his satchel, "I'll pay for it."  He placed 700 gp on the counter for her.
Feb 23 20:12:42 <Mari>   "Aww, thanks, Kam." Mari gives her generous teammate a friendly hug as a reward!
Feb 23 20:14:10 *   Kamvakua smiles down at Mari.  "It'll look lovely in your hair."  He glanced around a bit.  "Is Cysalis coming?"
Feb 23 20:14:36 <Knight>   "It wasn't necssary, I could have afforded it," mumbles Knight, pressing her hand against her shoulder.
Feb 23 20:14:36 <Diseased_Ko>   Coins are taken up, payment given and jewelery passed over. "Thank you," Bowing to Knight first, she leans in tow hisper to her. Then she bows to MAri as well, whispering to her next. "Cysalis will be ready to see you momentarily."
Feb 23 20:16:27 *   Kamvakua shrugged, "Enjoy gifts.  It's not like there's much opportunity digging through the dirt."
Feb 23 20:18:30 <Knight>   "Alright. I'll try to do that, then," replies Knight, as if promising to undertake some holy quest.
Feb 23 20:21:57 <Mari>   "Again, Kam, thanks," Mari says a little stiffly, looking closely at the elf as if memorizing her features. Just in case, you know?
Feb 23 20:22:24 <Diseased_Ko>   "Ah yes, this way," Nodding, the female elf starts to lead the party back and away from the various display cases.
Feb 23 20:23:13 *   Mari follows along, wishing she could will the woman into tripping or something.
Feb 23 20:23:14 *   Kamvakua follows.
Feb 23 20:26:42 <Diseased_Ko>   The woman glances back at Mari, a large smile. She says nothing as you are lead back. The back is fairly mundane, to a small room with a table and a few hard wood chairs. A humanoid with slow, rocky features is here, his entire forehead one slab of granite. He gestures, "Sitdown," he says, "Sitdownandtellmewhatyouwant." His words blend together in slow but precise Common, not a single breath between any of them.
Feb 23 20:26:47 <Diseased_Ko>   Common, not a single breath between any of them.
Feb 23 20:28:00 <Knight>   "Ah, yes," replies Knight, absently slipping the ring back on her finger. "The Gruesome Ruby, do you know if it?"
Feb 23 20:28:43 *   Kamvakua takes a seat, carefully with the wooden chairs, well made or not.
Feb 23 20:28:43 <Diseased_Ko>   "Sitdown," He repeats, "Whyyouasking?" He sits upright in his chair, looking over all of them now. He eyes Kamvakua for a little bit, rubbing his chin.
Feb 23 20:29:06 *   Mari sits down, letting Knight take the lead here.
Feb 23 20:31:03 <Knight>   "I'm hoping to meet someone," offers Knight. "I heard he was seeking out the Ruby, so I thought if I did the same..."
Feb 23 20:33:13 <Diseased_Ko>   "Hmph." He makes an incoherent grunt, pausing at it. His eyes are little slits of brown, "Heardthestoryofit?"
Feb 23 20:33:47 <Kamvakua>   "Everyone who goes after it meets a gruesome end," Kamvakua offhandedly replied.
Feb 23 20:33:51 <Knight>   "I'm aware of the risks and danger. But seizing the stone isn't really my intention."
Feb 23 20:34:41 <Diseased_Ko>   "Mmmmmmmmthenyouneedtofollowbleakrootdepths." He nods along to them, "Northeastexitofoftownkeeptakingthedownpaths."
Feb 23 20:36:16 <Knight>   "Are the patrols through that area frequent?" replies Knight, cupping her chin. "The tunnels, I've heard, are locked down tight."
Feb 23 20:36:30 <Mari>   "Thanks. Know anything about what kind of wildlife we'll run into on the way? We hit some harpies on our way into town, rather not run into the like again."
Feb 23 20:39:39 <Diseased_Ko>   "SomewhatgetpapersfromtheHallofLucre," His voice continues to drone, each word feeding into the next. "Dunnopeopledontcomebackfromgoing."
Feb 23 20:40:48 <Mari>   "This sounds more fun by the minute. Bureaucracy *and* the cavern of no return."
Feb 23 20:42:00 <Knight>   "Can I ask if you know whether or not any have recently set out there?"
Feb 23 20:42:33 <Diseased_Ko>   "Notwithinkaweek." The answer comes.
Feb 23 20:44:13 <Knight>   "What kind of person? An ogre? With a club?" asks Knight, picking up speed and leaning forward.
Feb 23 20:45:20 <Diseased_Ko>   "Yes." So the answer comes.
Feb 23 20:47:14 <Kamvakua>   "is that Gem?" Kamvakua wondered at Knight, having not heard the desc before.
Feb 23 20:48:28 <Knight>   "No, it is the one who holds him," replies Knight, standing up and giving the humanoid a short nod. "Thank you for your time. Do you know anything else that might assist us? Unfortunately, we must go in this direction."
Feb 23 20:49:23 <Diseased_Ko>   "Notravelsafe." Cysalis stands up, the elf opening the door for you. She smiles and picks up, "Thank you for coming! Please come again!" she calls. "Repeat visitors are blessed by good fortune!"
Feb 23 20:51:04 *   Mari stands up. "Oh, and let me just say that your assistant here was extremely helpful in picking out suitable wares for us. She--what was her name?"
Feb 23 20:51:35 *   Kamvakua nods, rising "Thank you for your time."
Feb 23 20:52:00 <Knight>   "Oh, yes! I can't say I had a mind of what to search for," gushes Knight, and she clasps her hand. "She was a tremendous aid."
Feb 23 20:52:00 <Diseased_Ko>   "I'm Sunyale." With a brilliant smile, "It means the Sun in the holy elven words." She smoothly answers, interjecting.
Feb 23 20:53:36 <Diseased_Ko>   Cysalis nods, "Sheisveryusefulandveryvaluable."
Feb 23 20:53:48 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh, you're welcome. Please come again!" Sunyale beams at Knight.
Feb 23 20:54:45 <Knight>   With her purchases done and the necessary information in her hands, Knight soon departs the store.
Feb 23 20:55:19 <Mari>   "Well, let me just say that Sunyale should be commended for her commitment to good customer service," Mari says in saccharine tones. "And I'm sure we all hope she remains useful for a good long time." Mari returns the elf's smile, wholly artificial and unfriendly, before leaving the store.
Feb 23 20:55:40 <Diseased_Ko>   Outside, the party meets back up with Adail, finding him just returning back. No sign of the dwarf. OOC: Ball's in your court if you guys wanna go chat/rest/do something else/whatever.
Feb 23 20:56:38 *   Adail is looking thoughtful, but nods to the others as he sees them, "Ah. How'd it go?"
Feb 23 20:56:44 <Knight>   "We should head to the Delve and inquire about travel permits," speaks up Knight, rapidly getting to the point. "Oh, Adail! What do you think of this?" she adds, flashing her new accessory at him.
Feb 23 20:56:58 <Mari>   "Oh, you know, bought some jewerly, they threw in some death threats. It was alright."
Feb 23 20:58:08 <Kamvakua>   "We have directions now," Kamvakua glanced back, looking a little uncomfortable.  "I have a few things to clear up before we go.  I'm going to talk with Ogremoch."
Feb 23 20:58:38 *   Adail eyes the ring, "Green and gold, a favorite combination in Arborea. And very pretty. I think the Eladrin would admire it greatly."
Feb 23 20:59:50 *   Adail looks up at Kam, "What on Earth, or should I say in Earth, for?"
Feb 23 21:00:04 <Adail>   "I'd rather avoid his notice, myself."
Feb 23 21:02:10 <Kamvakua>   "I owe him thanks for resurrecting me from the dead," Kamvakua said simply.  "I am aware of his nature, but while he could have denied you all, he did not and in my eyes, restoring my life is a great boon."
Feb 23 21:03:43 <Mari>   "Yeah, well, I think the fact that we paid him had something to do with you being alive again. It's not like his priests did that out of charity. I mean, I'm not going to stop you. Just don't go thinking you owe him more than thanks, or I bet you'll find yourself actually owing him something."
Feb 23 21:05:08 *   Adail frowns, "Mari is speaking wisdom here, large one. Ogremoch has been compared to Dispater in his dealings, I'd rather not get any further involved with him then we absolutely must."
Feb 23 21:06:45 <Kamvakua>   "This is true, but still, I will offer within reason.  A debt repaid is done for the one owing, not for the one given.  I understand though if you do not want to come, for this is unnecessarily exposing you to the gaze of one who could simply decide to betray."
Feb 23 21:07:37 <Knight>   "
Feb 23 21:08:02 <Knight>   "I'd rather not deal with such a creature, but if it is important to you, then you must do as you must," replies Knight, with a shrug. "Give thanks to your heart's content."
Feb 23 21:08:23 <Mari>   "Oh, sure, let's just let our friend walk in there alone. Actually no, let's not do that. If you insist on seeing him, I'll go with you. I don't plan on offering him anything myself, though."
Feb 23 21:09:55 <Kamvakua>   "I would hope not," Kamvakua grinned grimly.  "Thanks, Mari."
Feb 23 21:11:46 *   Kamvakua leads over with those who want to come toward where they met Ogremoch the first time, joining patiently the line.
Feb 23 21:12:49 *   Adail sighs and shakes his head, "I don't want to leave anyone alone here, so I'll stay with Knight."
Feb 23 21:13:07 <Mari>   "And I guess we can see about getting those papers to travel to the cave of no return while we're at it," Mari muses aloud.
Feb 23 21:13:34 <Kamvakua>   "That would be a wise use of time," Kamvakua nodded.  "We can get them while we're there."

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OOC: The Iron Mouse

Feb 23 21:16:35 <Diseased_Ko>   Adail and Knight head back to the inn to rest. Knight is unexpectedly tired, going to lie in her bed. This gives Adail some time to kill. Feeling a bit thirsty, Adail travels downstairs. The bar's quiet right now, the barkeep polishing a shot glass and smiling. "Ah, Adail," he says cheerfully, "Care for something?"
Feb 23 21:19:42 *   Adail nods, "I would, yes. Something light please, easier on the alchohol then whatever it was you gave me last night."
Feb 23 21:20:34 <Diseased_Ko>   The shot glass is filled with a little bit of a brown sludge, passed over to Adail. "So Lady Knight's resting in her quarters? Is she feeling unwell?"
Feb 23 21:25:45 *   Adail shakes his head, "Just a bit tired. The heavy gravity of Earth wears on her a bit harder then the rest of us."
Feb 23 21:26:02 *   Adail then takes an experimental sip of the sludge before putting down a couple of coins to pay for it.
Feb 23 21:27:51 <Diseased_Ko>   It's a bit salty and has no bite of alcohol, nor no rush. "Of course. Women struggle with so much, and women who take this path struggle with yet more. It's admirable of her, no? Being a woman and being a knight..."
Feb 23 21:29:27 *   Adail grins slightly as if he finds that amusing, "She is a Knight first and foremost, always. It's simply the way she is."
Feb 23 21:31:00 <Diseased_Ko>   "What is it to be something before yourself?" The barkeep is smiling as he watches Adail, "Tough, isn't it? But you'd know; isn't that how your kind is? I heard from an Inevitable once that outsiders all come from one template. That's why there's types of you and not individuals."
Feb 23 21:34:04 *   Adail snickers, "That is how an Inevitable would see things, I'm sure. We are...well, it's true that we are, as a rule, less individual then mortals. We all share traits that are more obvious and powerful then those shared by humans or dwarves, and included in this is a firm knowledge, a surity about moral truths."
Feb 23 21:34:30 <Adail>   "But even then, we have our individuals and our differences from eachother."
Feb 23 21:37:14 <Adail>   "I can give you some fair examples simply from my own family. My father, for example, served for years as a messenger and scout for more powerful Guardinals. Not an uncommon job for us. My older sister? Became a good natured wizard's familiar. Her wizard is retired these days, so she's living the good life with her on a Prime, helping raise her freind's children."
Feb 23 21:37:59 <Adail>   "Most of my sibings, though," he continues with his story, "Are content to simply live in Elysium and BE Good. Not all of us are cut out for travel and battle."
Feb 23 21:38:32 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh yes, yes. You get to see the differences in elementals too if you spend enough time around them. IT's fascinating." Working away, "What's it like for you if your personality and your moral truths come into conflict?" He listens alond and stops there, "Oh, that sounds quite nice. See, I wonder sometimes. One time, this human came in here and got drunk. Really drunk, like he wanted to forget." (More)
Feb 23 21:38:36 <Diseased_Ko>   like he wanted to forget." (More)
Feb 23 21:41:02 <Diseased_Ko>   He puts down his glass then, going to refill Adail's tiny little drink. "He said he couldn't piss in Celestia or Arborea without running into a spirit of good, but go back to the Prime where people are suffering? Nothing. Lucky if you see one in your lifetime." Finishing that and holding the shot glass he was polishing, "He said, 'That's why I like glass. You can see right through it. No lies, not like all of them up there.' Then he t
Feb 23 21:41:07 <Diseased_Ko>   No lies, not like all of them up there.' Then he threw it against the wall, made a dreadful racket." With a lighthearted chuckle, "Not a happy man."
Feb 23 21:46:52 *   Adail shrugs, "Even we can't be everywhere. As I said, we have what are effectively our 'civillians' as well. Not all of us know how to help in any given situation, though we generally want to. And many of us who do travel find themselves overwhelmed, trying to fix every problem, help every person suffering. Until they run themselves out."
Feb 23 21:47:37 <Diseased_Ko>   "Strange how that one works." He keeps going, this time going to resort some bottles below as he talks. "I've never met a fiend that's burned out on damning souls or spreading trouble."
Feb 23 21:50:15 <Adail>   "What's easier? Breaking something or building it?" Adail takes another sip of the brown stuff, "It's an old saying, but it's true. Evil is easier. You can trick someone into doing evil, into falling into the dark and damning themselves. But you can't trick or coerce someone into being good. It has to come from the heart or it doesn't mean anything at all."
Feb 23 21:52:08 <Adail>   "Well," he amends, "good deeds done for false reasons still result in people being helped. But from what I gather, it won't help the soul of the person doing them. I'm not sure why that is, why evil done for good reasons is still evil, but good done for evil reasons isn't quite good."
Feb 23 21:52:33 <Diseased_Ko>   "Hm." Nodding along to that, "Heard a story about that once. Heard about a devil that got out-lied by an Archon. Last I heard of it, the devil was cursed to do good in the Archon's place for eternity, or some such." He thinks on that a time, "Ever heard of a Fallen? An angel, perhaps? It seems impossible for evil to be good, but good can be evil. Just like that, yes."
Feb 23 21:54:30 <Adail>   "I've heard of fallen angels, but I've also heard of risen fiends and redeemed dark dragons. It's not impossible, just harder."
Feb 23 21:55:30 <Diseased_Ko>   "Ah, the dream of many a young paladin-squire. Bringing light and love to the lonely heart of a forsaken succubus or perhaps an erinyes." With a knowing laugh, "It makes you think, doesn't it? Are you a thinker, Adail?"
Feb 23 21:58:03 *   Adail snorts, "From time to time, I've been known to indulge in it, yes."
Feb 23 21:59:42 <Diseased_Ko>   Finishing with the bottles, the barkeep freshens Adail's drink and taps the bottle down. "If evil is easy and good is hard, and if people are naturally lazy and attracted to the easy path...won't evil triumph over good one day through numbers and force?"
Feb 23 22:04:29 <Adail>   
ACTION shakes his head, "No, because true evil is also quite repulsive to most. Also...it's a bit of a trade. Evil, with a captial E, as sewn by fiends and blackguards is certainly easier then Celestial Good. But simple good is very easy. Hope, freindship, love, these are all so easy for most. Simple and good. It may be easier to be a villian then a hero, but it's easier still to be a normal man or woman who lives a decent, if not
Feb 23 22:05:13 <Adail>   a decent, if not inspiring, life."
Feb 23 22:07:30 <Diseased_Ko>   "It's also easy for them to forsake them." Observing that, "I see it every day as I serve bar. Oh, this and that, drunken mutterings and harsh words. Poison the well, and down they plunge."
Feb 23 22:14:18 <Adail>   "A barkeep seeing more of those who are dissatisfied with life and wish to drown thier sorrows in alcohol then those who are content? Imagine that." Adail half smiles at the man to soften his sarcastic comment.
Feb 23 22:17:03 <Diseased_Ko>   The man's smile broadens ever so slightly, "Imagine that," He seconds, and the conversation lapses for a few moments. "Have you ever heard of a world called Krynn?"
Feb 23 22:18:37 <Adail>   roll 1d20+8
Feb 23 22:18:38 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
Feb 23 22:19:11 <Adail>   "I've heard the name, but I know little to nothing of it."
Feb 23 22:23:38 <Diseased_Ko>   "Too bad.  Interesting place, Krynn." The barkeep clears his throat, "Where knights carry lances that are bane to dragonkind, where magic is dying, where gnomes invent works that would make Mechanus envious. Hydrodynamics and all." He says the word with a soft reverence, "You've seen the gnome in the bar the last few days?"
Feb 23 22:26:19 *   Adail nods, "Interesting armor, though I'll admit I'm not exactly an expert on the subject." Casting his eyes down at the gi he's wearing, Adail shrugs and smiles.
Feb 23 22:26:53 <Diseased_Ko>   "Heard he's looking for someone about your size," The barkeep goes on, "Testing some armor or some such."
Feb 23 22:28:53 <Adail>   "I suppose I could see what he wants, though I'm not sure how much help I could be." Shrugging, Adail looks around to see if the gnome is currenly in residence.
Feb 23 22:29:24 <Diseased_Ko>   The gnome is found at a back table, working on his golem. He's arm deep in it, working away and whistling as he does.
Feb 23 22:30:32 *   Adail shrugs and hops off his stool to go skitter over towards the gnome!
Feb 23 22:31:03 <Diseased_Ko>   The gnome is lost in his work, not noticing Adail as he approaches...or not reacting to him, anyway.
Feb 23 22:32:49 *   Adail speaks to get his attention, "Ah, pardon me, sir gnome? I've recently heard from our esteemed barkeep that you've been seeking the assistance of someone particularly small for something?"
Feb 23 22:34:32 <Diseased_Ko>   "Eh? Eh? Eh?" The gnome thwaps his head, soot popping out of his ear. He does the same on the other side, then shakes his head. "Thought I heard...oh! Mercy me! By Reorx's anvil, it's a talking mouse! Just perfect for the design!" He kneels down, "Oh yes, absolutely! Let's go!"
Feb 23 22:35:26 *   Adail holds up a paw, "I'd like to hear a bit more about what it is you need help with before I agree to anything, of course. And perhaps discuss compensation?"
Feb 23 22:37:49 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh, oh, oh!" Snapping his fingers, "See, it's about the..." His voice drops to a whisper, "The HYDRODYNAMICS! of the armor! You see, you use steam corridors in the armor to channel the propulsion and to shoot the fixed gauntlets out. You see, I can't make it on a large level yet due to the steam pressure vs steam. I need to know it'll work before buying all that adamantine. And oh...of course, compensation, I have just the thing upst
Feb 23 22:37:55 <Diseased_Ko>   And oh...of course, compensation, I have just the thing upstairs"
Feb 23 22:39:09 *   Adail has to smile at his enthusiasm, "Well, let's go take a look then. No promises here, I'm a monk to be quite frank, so I'm hardly an expert with armor."
Feb 23 22:40:39 <Diseased_Ko>   To an upstairs room Adail goes! The room is full of metal, scrap, strange things beyond his ken! Filled to the brim,s melling of smoke and metal and more. The gnome goes rustling in it, coming out with a tiny suit of armor. Full plate with helmet and all, just sized so for Adail. It has ridges and grooves all over it, as well as a heavy metal pack on the back.
Feb 23 22:42:39 *   Adail eyes the contraption, "So what exactly do you want me to do? See if I can move around in this thing?"
Feb 23 22:43:20 <Diseased_Ko>   "Put it all on first," The gnome says, "There's some levels and pulleys inside ot help you get it on."
Feb 23 22:44:30 *   Adail shrugs and sees about getting in the armor, trying to remember how he managed to get inside that ceremonial plate he had to wear for his official inducting into the Knights of Arbor.
Feb 23 22:46:25 <Diseased_Ko>   It's not all that helpful. It's...mechanized. As he gets in Adail fiddles with the levers and the armor snaps into place at once! One great clash of steel, as everything snaps into place like a rubber band!
Feb 23 22:48:53 <Adail>   Thanks to his training, Adail does NOT yelp as the armor suddenly engulfs him, "Ah, hmm. Is this right?" Cautiously, he attempts to move around in the thing!
Feb 23 22:50:28 <Diseased_Ko>   There is a hiss of steam as he moves! Adail feels the armor move forward forcefully, the ground groaning beneath his feet! "Oh yes, it's working! It's working! It's working! Extend your hand out and press downward with your wrist now!"
Feb 23 22:50:49 *   Adail does as instructed!
Feb 23 22:50:56 <Diseased_Ko>   roll 1d100
Feb 23 22:50:57 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Diseased_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
Feb 23 22:51:35 <Diseased_Ko>   Boing! The gauntlet shoots off, extending out 30 feet on chains, then recoiling right back and perfectly in place in an instant! "It works!" The gnome calls, "The Hydrodynamics WORK!"
Feb 23 22:52:35 *   Adail blinks, "Now that would deliver quite an unpleasent impact."
Feb 23 22:55:20 *   AndThenSeiraWasADragon has quit (Ping timeout)
Feb 23 22:55:26 *   Adail turns to the gnome, "Is that everything? I must say, this is quite a contraption here."
Feb 23 22:56:03 <Diseased_Ko>   "Try the other fist!" The gnome bids, "Try it!"
Feb 23 22:56:26 *   Adail tries the other hand, making sure to aim in a direction that isn't likely to do any damage to anything.
Feb 23 22:56:34 <Diseased_Ko>   roll 1d100
Feb 23 22:56:35 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Diseased_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 16." [1d100=16]
Feb 23 22:57:00 <Diseased_Ko>   Out it goes, back and forth with little puffs of steam, chain snapping it back! "Oh yes!" Clapping hsi hands, "Now try jumping up! It should function when you jump!"
Feb 23 22:57:53 *   Adail jumps, deliberately NOT activating his boots(if he still has them on at all).
Feb 23 22:58:38 <Diseased_Ko>   Adail jumps...and nothing happens, landing after getting maybe an inch of airtime int he armor, if that. "No! No! PRess down after you jump! Did you?" The gnome asks, "Try it again!"
Feb 23 22:59:06 <Adail>   "Press down with my feet or with my wrist again?"
Feb 23 22:59:31 <Diseased_Ko>   "With your feet when you jump!"
Feb 23 23:00:03 *   Adail jumps, pressing down with his feet once in the air. Fortunately timing like that shouldn't be a problem for someone with his reflexes.
Feb 23 23:00:08 <Diseased_Ko>   roll 1d100
Feb 23 23:00:08 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Diseased_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
Feb 23 23:00:57 <Diseased_Ko>   Adail leaps high into the air, a few feet! His feet are warm, as a great gush of steam propels him up, erupting out from the bottom of his armor! He lands a few seconds later, a heavy imapct muffled by a burst of steam! "YES!" The gnome jumps up and down, "IT WORKS! IT ALL WORKS! PRAISE REORX, THE COMMITTE WILL LOVE THIS!"
Feb 23 23:03:11 <Adail>   "Gauntlet launchers, steam powered jumps...and did you say this was all adamant? This thing is incredible." Me eyes the armor, gaining a new appreciation for such things from this little demonstration. "I wonder how it would hold up in an actual fight?"
Feb 23 23:04:38 <Diseased_Ko>   "Absolutely amazing, that's how!" With a long look at Adail, "But that's just the prototype. The finished product wil have spear launchers, a miniature ballista, a constant steam launcher, alchemist's fire shooters..." Going on, "Oh, of course. Why don't you take that as your payment?"
Feb 23 23:06:15 <Adail>   "All that? Who are you going to war with?" Adail is a bit taken aback by the sheer amount of weaponry on the projected finished model.
Feb 23 23:06:53 <Diseased_Ko>   "Oh, this and that," Nodding to himself, "And of course the blue ice..." He mutters, "Well, that's your payment. Go ahead and go," Waving his hand, "I have to get working on the next model immediately!"
Feb 23 23:07:23 *   Adail shakes his head and tries to get out of the armor. He'd rather not walk back through the halls like this.
Feb 23 23:07:57 <Diseased_Ko>   Fiddling a bit, Adail finds that the armor expands outword when he pulls a switch near the middle, letting him step right out.
Feb 23 23:08:54 *   Adail steps out of the armor and tries his best to carry it back to thier room.

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

OOC: Goliaths, Evil Gods, Oh My?

Feb 23 21:18:46 <Diseased_Ko>   Thus thet wo get in line. IT's quite busy today, about an hour passing before you meet with the priest. It's the same one as last time. "Ah! Kamvakua and Mari. You've returned." He says, as the great obelisk rises behind him, the song of Earth sung without pause. "Are you here to give praise and tribute to Ogremoch?"
Feb 23 21:20:40 <Mari>   "Something like that," Mari says, looking to Kam for him to take the lead.
Feb 23 21:22:03 *   Kamvakua nods, "I am quite thankful for Ogremoch's courtesy in returning me from the final horizon, and would like today to give thanks and...within reason, a boon in return."
Feb 23 21:24:08 <Diseased_Ko>   A clap of stony hands together! "Ah, from the depths of oblivion comes wisdom!" So he says, "Kneel before the obelisk and give praise and prayer to Ogremoch, and he shall reveal the way."
Feb 23 21:27:12 <Mari>   Well, if that's all he wants, Mari's glad to oblige. Pandering to zealots is free, right? Assuming Kam's going to comply, Mari will follow suit for the sake of appearances, kneel, and mutter something that sounds appropriate.
Feb 23 21:30:49 *   Kamvakua nods, kneeling alone before the obelisk, his prayer quiet.  "I am Kamvakua The Heavenly Trail Niomel, follower of he who travels to the horizon.  My journey has been far, and I have thanks to give, because by your courtesy, Ogremoch, it may continue.  I travel soon toward the bleak root depths, but I believe a favor in turn is deserved, and within reason, I would give a service to Ogremoch in thanks."
Feb 23 21:32:40 <Diseased_Ko>   OOC: Mari, you're just saying some bullshit that sounds passable?
Feb 23 21:34:13 <Mari>   OOC: I'm kinda spaced tonight. I can cook something up if needed, but Mari's really just along for the ride here.
Feb 23 21:35:00 <Diseased_Ko>   OOC: Make a bluff check then?
Feb 23 21:35:31 <Mari>   roll 1d20+14
Feb 23 21:35:31 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+14 and gets 21." [1d20=7]
Feb 23 21:35:44 <Diseased_Ko>   roll 1d100
Feb 23 21:35:45 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Diseased_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 43." [1d100=43]
Feb 23 21:35:51 <Diseased_Ko>   roll 1d20 subtable
Feb 23 21:35:51 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Diseased_Ko rolls 1d20 subtable and gets 11." [1d20=11]
Feb 23 21:36:03 <Diseased_Ko>   roll 1d100 ...
Feb 23 21:36:04 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Diseased_Ko rolls 1d100 ... and gets 23." [1d100=23]
Feb 23 21:39:25 <Diseased_Ko>   Thus Kamvakua gives worship! As Mari joins in and words are given, the obelisk gives back! A small slab of stone comes out from it, settling at Kamvakua's feet.
Feb 23 21:40:36 *   Kamvakua looks over it.
Feb 23 21:42:39 <Diseased_Ko>   It is verses in Terran. IT reads: "Blessings and permission of Ogremoch granted to the Hall of Lucre."
Feb 23 21:42:54 <Diseased_Ko>   The priest comes over, "Ah, outstanding! Ogremoch appreciates your offer!"
Feb 23 21:43:19 *   Kamvakua rises.  "What does this mean?  the Hall of Lucre?"
Feb 23 21:44:43 <Diseased_Ko>   "It's where the devout organizers and directors of the work in Nixale meet. Something like a City Hall, and I daresay you've been invited!"
Feb 23 21:45:29 *   Kamvakua nods.  "Then I shall go, can you point the way?"
Feb 23 21:45:50 <Diseased_Ko>   "Of course..." Directions are freely given.
Feb 23 21:46:53 <Mari>   "Shall we go, then?" Mari continues to let Kam lead the way.
Feb 23 21:47:40 *   Kamvakua leads off to the Hall of Lucre.
Feb 23 21:50:16 <Diseased_Ko>   It's not a terribly long walk. The Hall of Lucre is a giant slab of stone carved out, into intricate and gorgeous stonework, like a classical temple. Past frescoes and works of great wealth being shown, you head to the entrance. Four of the gargoyles stand guard, wordless as they block the door.
Feb 23 21:51:15 *   Kamvakua holds the stone up for review.
Feb 23 21:53:38 <Diseased_Ko>   The stone gets a look before the gargoyles part ways, allowing you to enter.
Feb 23 21:54:51 *   Kamvakua steps through, heading into the building, making sure not to get too far from Mari.  His trust of these folks, under their honeysweet words was not particularly great.
Feb 23 21:55:34 *   Mari does so, striding confidently into the hall alongside Kam.
Feb 23 21:58:21 <Diseased_Ko>   Inside are great halls of stone, artwork all over, halls leading to and fro. As you step inside, an elemental is there, about as big as Kam. "Kamvakua?" He grinds out in Common.
Feb 23 21:59:39 *   Kamvakua nods, "That is I."  He walked forward toward the elemental.
Feb 23 21:59:58 *   Mari mostly keeps an eye on anyone else that might be around the hall. Partly out of curiosity, partly because you can never be too careful hanging around a place run by someone with Prince of Evil in his name.
Feb 23 22:00:59 <Diseased_Ko>   Mostly elementals, though you see a few humanoids. They wear rich clothes and ample jewelry, carrying about with little entourages of elementals around them. "Come." The elemental says.
Feb 23 22:02:31 *   Kamvakua follows simply, recognizing that conversation with most of the denizens of this city seemed...pointless.
Feb 23 22:05:12 <Diseased_Ko>   You are escorted deep within. To an office of sorts, chairs made of stone but deeply plushed, a small elemental bringing drinks and snacks. A goliath is here! He wears gold-spun robes and carries a staff in hand, smooshed into his chair. "Glory to He of the Earth," he declares. "Greets, Kamvakua."
Feb 23 22:10:14 <Kamvakua>   "This...is a surprise,"  While Kamvakua no longer looks as he is, he did not know of many...indeed any Goliaths who traveled the planes as he did.  "Greetings, The Heavenly Trail is pleased to see another of his brothers." he returned in the native Gol-kaa, the animalistic dialect quite different than the earthy tones of Terran.
Feb 23 22:11:27 <Diseased_Ko>   In the same words, "I am Kikula." the robed man gestures to the seats, "You've pleased Ogremoch by coming here."
Feb 23 22:12:03 <Mari>   Mari no longer has any idea what's being said, so she'll have to just nod along and act like she does!
Feb 23 22:13:29 <Mari>   Although the gesture to the chairs was obvious enough, so she sits down at least. And she may as well have something to drink since it's there.
Feb 23 22:13:38 <Kamvakua>   "Ah, it is good to hear, too long."  He smiled, sitting down, a bit relaxed really from it, even as he switched to common.  "But we should speak common, for the sake of my friend."
Feb 23 22:14:38 <Diseased_Ko>   The chairs are soft and sturdy, holding even Kamvakua's weight without buckling. "It's polite." Kikula agrees, and once he's sit, "Ogremoch is pleased you've chosen to offer yourself into his service. However, right now he needs nothing done. But in the future..."
Feb 23 22:17:24 <Kamvakua>   "I will not long be here, so I cannot wait until such." Kamvakua gestured with his large hands, his sorrow clear.  "But if there is nothing I can do now, I can simply remember should a time come that Ogremoch did me a worthy favor and should it be in my power I would return such at a time when it is possible."
Feb 23 22:18:09 <Diseased_Ko>   "As long as you remember that, Ogremoch is content." He takes his glass and raises it, then switches back to Gol-Kaa. "Your travels are dangerous ones?"
Feb 23 22:22:22 <Kamvakua>   He smiled, "All worthy ones truly, and this trail is no exception."
Feb 23 22:23:14 <Kamvakua>   He couldn't help but quickly fall back into Gol-kaa, decades of speaking almost only it leaving a long habit that even the recent years of study didn't easily break.
Feb 23 22:24:22 <Diseased_Ko>   "On your trail, you may find a difficult obsticle. Should you need it, think of Ogremoch when you strike at those in your path," Kikula says, "And your way will be cleared."
Feb 23 22:27:08 <Kamvakua>   Kamvakua shifted uncomfortably in his chair.  "This is a kind offer, though I am uncomfortable with asking more of one who has already given much."
Feb 23 22:27:48 <Diseased_Ko>   "Ogremoch gives it to you." With a look, "It is yours to use as you care to. Remember, when you face a difficult obstacle ahead, think of Ogremoch as you swing."
Feb 23 22:30:08 *   Kamvakua nodded, "Understood."  He blinked a moment. continuing in common.  "I am sorry, Mari, It has been so long since I spoke the home tongue, I hardly realized.  Kikula, How did you come to be here, if I may inquire?"
Feb 23 22:31:30 <Diseased_Ko>   "Ah, a portal, some wanderings..." With a slight shrug, "It's a journey of little importance right now."
Feb 23 22:35:04 <Kamvakua>   "I...see." It was saddening to hear, a goliath unwilling to brag?  Truly the time in this city must have changed this one much.  "I thank you though for your welcome.  It is nice to see another Goliath here.  Ah, we needed as well, to acquire papers for our trip into the Bleak Root Depths."
Feb 23 22:36:21 *   Mari nods. "Circumstances require us to travel there, yes. We were told Ogremoch's followers patrol the depths and wish to not have any trouble in our travels."
Feb 23 22:38:53 <Diseased_Ko>   "Ah." With a nod, Kikula gets up and goes to his desk. He comes back with a stone slab, "This should do. Hunting the Gruesome Ruby?" He still skeeps in Gol-Kaa.
Feb 23 22:40:48 <Kamvakua>   "Not quite, but the trail I follow brings me as close as I dare to it.  A friend has great need to go there," He returned on common, forcing himself.
Feb 23 22:42:34 <Diseased_Ko>   Staying in Gol-Kaa, "I ask you to keep this in confidence, brother," Kikula presses. "Will you?"
Feb 23 22:42:47 *   Mari restrains herself from frowning. So inconsiderate of drow sensibilities, speaking in a language she doesn't know!
Feb 23 22:44:54 *   Kamvakua eyes, "He desires privacy." He says simply in common before continuing in Gol-kaa, "Your trust is heard and shall be answered.  The ear hears, what the mouth shall not repeat."
Feb 23 22:45:37 <Diseased_Ko>   "Should you encounter the Gruesome Ruby, think only of giving it to Ogremoch to enrich Him. You will be safe." So the Goliath answers back, "Understand that well."
Feb 23 22:51:04 <Kamvakua>   "The Gruesome Ruby is not my objective.  Should I cross it, it will be given freely to Ogremoch," He nodded.
Feb 23 22:51:54 <Diseased_Ko>   "Go then," In Common, "The slab will see you past the patrols."
Feb 23 22:53:18 *   Mari nods respectfully. "Thank you and Lord Ogremoch for your assistance."
Feb 23 22:55:51 <Diseased_Ko>   "Good fortune," The goliath bids, "You can see yourselves out."
Feb 23 22:57:48 *   Mari exits, assuming Kam's ready. She has the sense to wait until they're well away from the Hall to ask what Kikula was talking about, but she fully intends to do so once they're away from inconvenient ears!
Feb 23 22:57:48 *   Kamvakua nods. rising, "May your hunting be prosperous and your victories long in record."  He turned, taking the slab and leading the way out.
Feb 23 22:58:05 <Diseased_Ko>   Thus they go out, Mari able to ask away...
Feb 23 22:58:48 <Mari>   "So. Kam. What was I not supposed to hear there?" Mari asks once they're back at the inn (seems the safest place to bring it up would be back at their rooms).
Feb 23 23:00:23 <Kamvakua>   "Mari, I would not break another's confidence.  One cannot walk straightly that way.  I can say it was a warning, and should it be pertinent, I will share what is needed when it is." 
Feb 23 23:02:15 <Diseased_Ko>   From the sounds of it, someone's having a good time. Someone's praising Re-something quite loudly.
Feb 23 23:02:19 <Mari>   "Aww, that's disappointing. But you bought me something shiny, so I'll forgive you for now. Speaking of which, I need to think of a way to get back at that stuck-up elf girl..."
Feb 23 23:02:23 <Diseased_Ko>   The noise can be heard in your room, distant but audible.
Feb 23 23:02:56 *   Mari looks up. "Uh. Someone having a little too much fun upstairs?"
Feb 23 23:05:04 *   Kamvakua laughs, "It's not good of you to hold grudges against those not as pretty.  It's not good for your skin...Though I wonder where adail is," He glanced toward the noise, heading to the door and taking a look outside to see if anything was going on nearby.
Feb 23 23:06:33 <Mari>   "Hey! She said she wanted to kill me! Am I supposed to just ignore a slight against my, uh, imaginary drow heritage? Huh?"
Feb 23 23:07:41 <Diseased_Ko>   Nothing's immediately going on in the hall. No more shouting, eitehr.
Feb 23 23:09:08 <Diseased_Ko>   WAit, check that.
Feb 23 23:09:27 <Diseased_Ko>   As you look, you see Adail coming out of a room and towards you. He's carrying what looks to be a tiny sized suit of armor.
Feb 23 23:09:51 <Kamvakua>   Kamvakua dodged answering a moment, "Adail, what do you have there?"
Feb 23 23:10:45 <Adail>   "A most interesting contraption. It's my payment for helping a gnomish gentleman test his inventions."
Feb 23 23:11:16 <Mari>   "What the--what is it for? Can you really walk around in that thing?"
Feb 23 23:11:57 *   Adail struggles a bit with the weight of it, thanks to Earth's gravity, as he continues heading for the room, "Ah, yes..actually, it works quite well. Not..not as easily as I'd like..ah, could one of you large people give me a hand with this please?"
Feb 23 23:12:47 <Mari>   "Uh...hey, Kam!"
Feb 23 23:14:32 *   Kamvakua picks it up off Adaiil, opening the door from him.  "Sure thing.  A Gnomish invention?  What sort of thing would that be?"
Feb 23 23:15:41 <Adail>   "This very armor, actually." Relieved of his burden, Adail stretches a bit, "This was the test model to see if his designs worked. Since they worked perfectly, he had no more use for the model I suppose. He's already working on the full sized version."
Feb 23 23:17:21 <Kamvakua>   "Just what does it do?" He wondered, turning it around and looking over it.
Feb 23 23:18:55 <Adail>   "Well, the gauntlets there?" he points at them, "You can make them go flying off on a chain, fairly hard too. Then they snap right back into place. And when you jump in it, you can make steam shoot out of the boots to give you more lift."
Feb 23 23:19:20 <Mari>   "Mechanical mouse knight Adail. That's, that's...so cute it's almost disgusting."
Feb 23 23:21:58 *   Adail twitches his whiskers at Mari, "Cute? Disgusting? I should hope my abilities have earned me a bit more respect then that by now."
Feb 23 23:22:37 <Mari>   "You can be deadly AND cute if that makes you feel any better."
Feb 23 23:23:32 *   Adail snorts, "Yes, I got that line from the Courre all the time back in Arborea."
Feb 23 23:23:51 <Kamvakua>   "Can you move in it?"  He wondered.  "You've always been so swift footed, I have trouble picturing you in such fierce armor."
Feb 23 23:24:11 <Kamvakua>   "Even though I could wear heavier stuff myself, there is always a tradeoff."
Feb 23 23:24:53 <Adail>   "I can, but I doubt I will. My speed is my greatest asset, you're quite correct. I have some ideas for what to do with it, though."
Feb 23 23:25:08 <Mari>   "Oh yeah? Like what?"
Feb 23 23:26:34 <Kamvakua>   "Mobility, speed.  You've seen my pike for instance.  If I was not able to move as freely, there would be more openings which would put any heavy armor I wore to the test.  Adail takes that to a much further degree.  Even with it, if my spear was to hit him cleanly, I would worry for his life."
Feb 23 23:29:01 <Adail>   "I know someone who I think could use this far more, and for a better purpose, then I could. If he turns out not to need it, then I'd suggest keeping it until we find a collector of such fantastic devices who might be willing trade for something equally valuable that we can make use of."
Feb 23 23:30:48 <Kamvakua>   "I can carry it until then.  Though it might be good practice anyway.  Some muscle wouldn't hurt the force of your punches," He encouraged the young musteval.
Feb 23 23:32:42 *   Adail eyes Kam, "Do you have any idea how much stronger I am then the average musteval already?"
Feb 23 23:35:35 <Kamvakua>   "Somewhere around as much stronger as I am than the average Goliath?" He raised an eyebrow.  "The planes are a large place, and they are unforgiving of where you are from, or what your limitations are.  In surpassing them, you become legend."