Unpalatable Alternatives

[Carthrat]

[12:38] <@Kotono_Ibis> Nikkolai's body convulses! A sickly blue-green light trickles around him, fading away after a moment of covering his entire body. Nikkolai has a distinct sensation of beign grabbed and pulled!
06[12:39] * Nikkolai clutches at chest, gasping sharply at the pulling sensation. "What is this sorcery!?"
[12:39] <Mari> "Nik, are you feeling alright? You're glowing. And not in the good way."
[12:39] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Make spot, all.
01[12:40] <Knight> "It's the convulsions!" replies Knight, in alarm.
01[12:40] <Knight> roll 1d20+1
06[12:40] * +Hatbot --> "Knight rolls 1d20+1 and gets 4."12 [1d20=3]
[12:40] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: NIk, you can make spellcraft to identify what happened to you if you want.
[12:40] <Adail> roll 1d20+6 spot
06[12:40] * +Hatbot --> "Adail rolls 1d20+6 spot and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[12:40] <Nikkolai> roll 1d20 Spot!
06[12:40] * +Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20 Spot! and gets 13."12 [1d20=13]
[12:40] <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+19 WTF just happened?
06[12:41] * +Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+19 WTF just happened? and gets 38."12 [1d20=19]
[12:41] <Mari> roll 1d20+13 spot
06[12:41] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d20+13 spot and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
06[12:42] * Nikkolai shakes his head sharply. "Someone just tried to teleport me. If my will had faltered but an inch..."
01[12:43] <Knight> "That is possible? She can do that?" asks Knight, her face contorting with anger. "What if someone held onto you, at all times? Would they travel with you? Mari!"
[12:43] <Mari> Mari points up at the sky. "OhshitSCATTER! Boulder incoming!"
06[12:44] * Nikkolai looks up, "Whatthehe--" Nikk cuts himself off and dives to the side, scrambling to be out of the way of the incoming artillery!
01[12:44] <Knight> Knight has no more time to ruminate, and takes off in a flash, circling away from their former position!
06[12:44] * Adail doesn't even look up but dives off to the side as soon as Mari speaks
06[12:44] * Mari follows her own advice as well!
[12:45] <@Kotono_Ibis> The party is fast enough thanks to Mari! Looking up you can see it - a giant boulder of ice, arching over the great towers of the Snow Queen and then plummeting down to where ou were! Your quick movement evades it, as a boulder larger than Kam slams down where the party was! Serith growls while Kamvakua looks about!
06[12:46] * Nikkolai peers from behind a small mound of snow, gaping at the size of the boulder.
06[12:46] * Mari climbs to her feet, brushing off snow. "Hells. Let's get in there and finish this bitch before they throw another one, right?"
[12:46] <Nikkolai> "How did she know we were here the very *instant* we ported?"
[12:47] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia whimpers, "She's prepared!" Clinging to Nikkolai's neck, "Hey listen, let's do something or we'll get crushed!"
01[12:48] <Knight> "She must have artillery behind the fort!" growls Knight. "We must disable it! Nikkolai, come!" She swoops by the mage again, extending a hand!
06[12:49] * Nikkolai climbs to his feet. "I agree. The faster we move, the better. I don't want to be subject to another teleportation attempt!" Nikkolai reaches out, snatching Knight's hand as she rushes past!
01[12:50] <Knight> Knight takes her lethal cargo up and about, in order to swing around the other side of the castle and identify their assaliant!
06[12:50] * Adail almost goes to jump up with Nik, but holds off, wanting to keep on the ground with Serith instead. So he moves over to hop back up on her back instead, "Well, shall we?"
[12:52] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d100
06[12:52] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d100 and gets 44."12 [1d100=44]
[12:52] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d100
06[12:52] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d100 and gets 71."12 [1d100=71]
[12:52] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d100
06[12:52] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d100 and gets 38."12 [1d100=38]
[12:53] <@Kotono_Ibis> The party b egins to run ahead as Knight flies off! As they do more boulders come raining down - two miss to the side, but one crashes down and gets Mari in the radius! OOC: Make ref, Mari.
[12:54] <Mari> roll 1d20+16 ref
06[12:54] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d20+16 ref and gets 25."12 [1d20=9]
[12:59] <@Kotono_Ibis> Mari tumbles straight ahead, sprinting past the devastating boulder! The party reaches to within 50ft to the pillars that surround the Snow Queen's inner lair! As they do they emerge out from it - three of them, winter wolves having been embraced by rotting death! With them is another of the bandaged things...but this one's head is bare. It's skin is like dry, frozen parchment. Written on it's
[12:59] <@Kotono_Ibis> forehead in black ink is, 'Loss.' It points ahead, the wolves snarling! OOC: Roll init guys, it's not friendly.
[13:00] <Adail> roll 1d20+8 heaven or hell, let's rock
06[13:00] * +Hatbot --> "Adail rolls 1d20+8 heaven or hell, let's rock and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[13:00] <Mari> roll 1d20+9 just heaven please thanks
06[13:00] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d20+9 just heaven please thanks and gets 10."12 [1d20=1]
[13:00] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 3#1d20+5
06[13:00] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 3#1d20+5 and gets 38."12 [3#1d20+5 = 16, 8, 14]
[13:00] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+12
06[13:00] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[13:01] <Adail> roll 1d20+2 Kam init he is with us right?
06[13:01] * +Hatbot --> "Adail rolls 1d20+2 Kam init he is with us right? and gets 16."12 [1d20=14]
03[13:01] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Wolf 1=Kam(16)>Wolf 3(13)>Mari(10)>Wolf 2(8)'
[13:01] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC Yes and rolling Seirth now
[13:01] <@Kotono_Ibis> .
[13:02] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+2 Serith
06[13:02] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+2 Serith and gets 15."12 [1d20=13]
03[13:03] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Wolf 1=Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Wolf 3(13)>Mari(10)>Wolf 2(8)'
[13:03] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Open Adail.
06[13:04] * Adail pats Serith on the neck, "The biped is a vampire. That's the dangerous one. Strike quickly, I'll protect your mind." And with that, he intones Protection From Evil on his very large furry freind. (OOC: Just chilling on Serith's back, casting PfE on her to forstall mind control shenanigans)
03[13:05] * Kamvakua (~Dracos@c-69-181-203-9.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[13:05] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Wolf 1 and Kam. I'll wait on Kam here to catch up first to act.
03[13:07] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Wolf 1=Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire=Wolf 3(13)>Mari(10)>Wolf 2(8)'
06[13:12] * Kamvakua stands in front of the group, waiting with his spear.  OOC: Delaying until one is in FA range.
[13:13] <@Kotono_Ibis> The first wolf takes this chance and charges right in at Kamvakua! OOC: Is your reach only 10ft right now?
[13:13] <Kamvakua> OOC: Yes.  My reach is statically 10 feet these days.
[13:14] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+15 AC?
06[13:14] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+15 AC? and gets 30."12 [1d20=15]
[13:14] <Kamvakua> OOC: Not that
[13:14] <Kamvakua> OOC: Full attack in response though. :)
[13:15] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d8+8 (1d8 omitted due to being cold damage which won't get through Kam's defenses, go ahead and FA now.)
06[13:15] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d8+8 (1d8 omitted due to being cold damage which won't get through Kam's defenses, go ahead and FA now.) and gets 9."12 [1d8=1]
[13:15] <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+17 Attack 1
06[13:15] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+17 Attack 1 and gets 29."12 [1d20=12]
[13:15] <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+12 attack 2
06[13:15] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+12 attack 2 and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[13:15] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: One hit.
[13:17] <Kamvakua> roll 3d6+10+2d6 (Holy)
06[13:17] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 3d6+10+2d6 (Holy) and gets 26."12 [3d6=2, 6, 5][2d6=2, 1]
03[13:18] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire=Wolf 3(13)>Mari(10)>Wolf 2(8)'
[13:20] <@Kotono_Ibis> Kamvakua draws on mountanous might, polearm slashing into the undead hound! It breaks apart in holy light, shattered! At this Serith snarls and pounces ahead, attempting to leap over the remaining wolves between it and the vampire in one great charging pounce!
[13:20] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+29
06[13:20] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+29 and gets 31."12 [1d20=2]
[13:21] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+20 (-2 PA) claw
06[13:21] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+20 (-2 PA) claw and gets 28."12 [1d20=8]
[13:21] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+20 (-2 PA) claw
06[13:21] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+20 (-2 PA) claw and gets 26."12 [1d20=6]
[13:22] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+20 (-2 PA) bite
06[13:22] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+20 (-2 PA) bite and gets 33."12 [1d20=13]
[13:22] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 4d4+20+2d6+5+3d6
06[13:22] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 4d4+20+2d6+5+3d6 and gets 46."12 [4d4=3, 1, 2, 1][2d6=1, 6][3d6=2, 4, 1]
[13:23] <@Kotono_Ibis> Serith lands right on the vampire, clawing it's bandaged chest and biting it's neck! A fatal blow for a living creature, but the vampire does not diea gain! Instead it's dreadfully cold gaze settles onto you, as it's body turns to misty gas! It floats back the way it came, into the Snow Queen's lair! OOC: Wolf 3 is up.
[13:29] <@Kotono_Ibis> The third wolf snarls and bites at Kamvakua!
[13:29] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+13
06[13:29] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28."12 [1d20=15]
[13:29] <Kamvakua> OOC: AC is 27
[13:29] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d8+4 (DR included already)
06[13:29] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d8+4 (DR included already) and gets 11."12 [1d8=7]
[13:29] <@Kotono_Ibis> Kamvakua's hand is bitten, a bead of blood drawn out! OOC: Mari, go.
[13:30] <Mari> OOC: are we like right next to each other?
[13:31] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Yeah, basically. You can go slice'n'dice. Tumble will be needed due to terrain though.
06[13:32] * Mari draws her sword and hacks away at the wolf biting Kam!
[13:32] <Mari> roll 1d20+18 tumble first
06[13:32] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d20+18 tumble first and gets 37."12 [1d20=19]
[13:32] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Hit.
[13:32] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Er, successful tumble.
[13:32] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Go for it.
[13:33] <Mari> roll 1d20+14 stabby
06[13:33] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d20+14 stabby and gets 22."12 [1d20=8]
[13:33] <Mari> OOC: forgot flanking bonus
[13:34] <Mari> OOC: so, 24.
[13:35] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Hti.
[13:35] <Mari> roll 1d6+2+2d6+4+1 SA/SoS/fire
06[13:35] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d6+2+2d6+4+1 SA/SoS/fire and gets 17."12 [1d6=5][2d6=3, 2]
03[13:35] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)>Wolf 2(8)'
[13:36] <@Kotono_Ibis> The wolf crumples down to Mari's blade, the tiny sparks setting it ablaze!  The second wolf hisses and leaps in, biting the nearby Mari!
[13:36] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+13 AC?
06[13:36] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+13 AC? and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[13:36] <Mari> OOC: less than that due to ice dress
[13:36] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d8+8+1d8 (1d8 is cold damage, ignore if that gives you cold res. Think it does.)
06[13:36] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d8+8+1d8 (1d8 is cold damage, ignore if that gives you cold res. Think it does.) and gets 15."12 [1d8=1][1d8=6]
[13:36] <Mari> OOC: cold is nulled,  yes, ice resist 10
[13:38] <@Kotono_Ibis> Mari gets bitten in the leg, frozen blood scabing over instantly!  OOC: Adail.
06[13:40] * Adail snaps his hand towards the fleeing vampire mist, hoping that Hunting Fang could have some effect on it even in this form!
[13:41] <Adail> roll 4d4+4 eat force damage bloodsucker
06[13:41] * +Hatbot --> "Adail rolls 4d4+4 eat force damage bloodsucker and gets 15."12 [4d4=3, 3, 1, 4]
[13:41] <@Kotono_Ibis> The vampire's mist is further ravaged! It hisses as it retreats back further, hunting fangs devastating it! OOC: Kam.
06[13:42] * Kamvakua takes a stride toward the remaining wolf, striking it down quickly and freeing Mari's leg.
[13:43] <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+18
06[13:43] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+18 and gets 21."12 [1d20=3]
[13:43] <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+13
06[13:43] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[13:43] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Two hits.
[13:44] <Kamvakua> roll 6d6+20+4d6 (holy yeah its gone)
06[13:44] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 6d6+20+4d6 (holy yeah its gone) and gets 61."12 [6d6=1, 5, 5, 5, 6, 2][4d6=4, 4, 6, 3]
03[13:45] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)'
[13:45] <@Kotono_Ibis> The wolf is shredded as Serith snarls! "Advance?" she asks Adail.
06[13:46] * Adail nods, "Yes, I can still hurt it while it's like this. Keep me close enough to get at least a couple more in."
[13:48] <@Kotono_Ibis> Adail and Serith charge into the Snow Queen's lair! Within the center stands but a single person. He or she is clad in dark flowing robes, a hood hiding it's face. It's head is bowed. The vampire meanwhile retreats away further! OOC: Mari, go.
06[13:50] * Mari follows Adail and Serith into the building. Even if she can't hurt the vampire herself, Serith and Adail might need some support!

<-->

[12:52] <@Kotono_Ibis> ----
[12:55] <@Kotono_Ibis> Knight and Nikkolai soar on the robotic mount! Coming around the Snow Queen's fortress, they can see the back! 50 feet away and 60 down is a great catapult carved of ice and studded with metal! Great boulders of ice form in it, propelled forward seconds later! Around it are four things - like hazy shadows, hissing and with distorted, agonizied faces! They seem to SEE Knight and Nikkolai,
[12:55] <@Kotono_Ibis> empty eyes on them! You feel the chill of the grave, deeper than even Cold, run across you as they begin to advance as once! OOC: Roll init, the shadow-thingies aren't going to sit idle.
01[12:55] <Knight> roll 1d20+1 init!
06[12:55] * Hatbot --> "Knight rolls 1d20+1 init! and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[12:56] <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+8+5
06[12:56] * Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+8+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[12:59] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+7 Yuli
06[12:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+7 Yuli and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[12:59] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 4#1d20+2
06[12:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 4#1d20+2 and gets 64."12 [4#1d20+2 = 14, 20, 9, 21]
03[13:00] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'S4(21)>S2(20)>Nikkolai(18)>S1(14)>Knight=Yulia(13)>S3(9)'
[13:03] <@Kotono_Ibis> The fourth shadow flies straight ahead! It ascends through the air like a rocket, no, like a black wind! The black wind howls soundlessly as it reaches you in an instant, reaching out for Knight's face!
[13:03] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3 touch AC, Knight?
06[13:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 touch AC, Knight? and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
01[13:04] <Knight> OOC: 18
[13:04] <@Kotono_Ibis> But Knight ducks her head down and clings to  her mount, evading! The second shadow races ahead, repeating the same to Nikkolai!
[13:04] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3 touch AC?
06[13:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 touch AC? and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[13:04] <Nikkolai> OOC: Pft. Not that. 14
[13:06] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d6 str damage Nikkolai
06[13:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d6 str damage Nikkolai and gets 3."12 [1d6=3]
[13:06] <@Kotono_Ibis> Nikkolai's entire body withers! His clothes feel heavy, his muscles shrinking into his bones! Nikkolai's head spins and stomach rocks! OOC: Nikkolai, you're up.
03[13:07] * Kamvakua (~Dracos@c-69-181-203-9.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #evildunes
06[13:08] * Nikkolai lifts his arm with an effort, snarling silently as he attempts to burn away the shadows with rays of fire!
[13:08] <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+9 TA1
06[13:08] * Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+9 TA1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[13:08] <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+9 TA2
06[13:08] * Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+9 TA2 and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[13:09] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Noc rits on undead, but both hit. d100 on both, shadows are incorporeal.
[13:09] <Nikkolai> roll 1d100
06[13:09] * Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d100 and gets 73."12 [1d100=73]
[13:09] <Nikkolai> roll 1d100
06[13:09] * Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d100 and gets 49."12 [1d100=49]
[13:09] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: First one hits, second misses. Roll damage.
[13:09] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Also, which shadow did you target?
[13:10] <Nikkolai> OOC: One that hit me
[13:10] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Okay.
[13:10] <Nikkolai> roll 4d6*1.5
06[13:10] * Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 4d6*1.5 and gets 22.5."12 [4d6=6, 5, 1, 3]
03[13:10] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'S4(21)>Nikkolai(18)>S1(14)>Knight=Yulia(13)>S3(9)'
[13:10] <@Kotono_Ibis> The flame beam shoots right through the shadow! It's ghostly form erupts into flame, burning away like a bad dream! The first shadow is likewise relentless, soaring up and going for Knight!
[13:10] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3 touch AC?
06[13:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 touch AC? and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
01[13:11] <Knight> OO:C 18
01[13:11] <Knight> OOC: Or 17? More than that
01[13:11] <Knight> OOC: 18, yeah
01[13:11] <Knight> OOC: Sorry, 20!
[13:11] <@Kotono_Ibis> But Knight manages to buck her robomount up, dodging the touch as they dance in the air! OOC: Knight'n'Yulia, go.
01[13:12] <Knight> Knight dives towards the catapult itself, intending on splitting the cup that holds the boulders from the rest of the device! Her lance glows with Gem's power...
[13:13] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: You'll provoke an AoO from the two shadows by you, that okay?
01[13:13] <Knight> OOC: As long as they're on me
[13:13] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3
[13:13] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3
06[13:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
06[13:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[13:14] <@Kotono_Ibis> Knight plunges down past the pair of shadows, who paw at her in vain! She plummets towards her target...OOC: In this circumstance this requires an attack roll. Go for it.
01[13:15] <Knight> roll 1d20+20 PA -4
06[13:15] * Hatbot --> "Knight rolls 1d20+20 PA -4 and gets 38."12 [1d20=18]
[13:15] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: This be a hit.
01[13:15] <Knight> roll 6d6+42
06[13:15] * Hatbot --> "Knight rolls 6d6+42 and gets 64."12 [6d6=5, 3, 4, 4, 1, 5]
[13:17] <@Kotono_Ibis> The catapult's cup is lanced! It shatters apart as Knight penetrates it with her massive lance! Another boulder forms int eh air...and lands helplessly on the ground, the rest of the catapult moving...but with no cup, nothing is launched! Meanwhile Yulia holds on, gesturing as magic missiles fly at the closest shadow!
[13:17] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 3d4+3
06[13:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 3d4+3 and gets 13."12 [3d4=3, 3, 4]
[13:18] <@Kotono_Ibis> The shadow takes the missles right in it's face, flickering all over! Yet it stays intact, charging at Knight and giving chase, reaching out for the little courre on NIkkolai's neck!
[13:18] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3
06[13:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
[13:19] <@Kotono_Ibis> But Yulia dances to the side, clinging to Nikkolai's face! Nikkolai gets an eyeful of her tiny chest, her stomach pressed into his nose! "Knight, get us moving or something, listen!" OOC: S4 is up.
06[13:21] * Nikkolai blinks and resists the temptation to tickle the little courre with his breath, even as he flinches away from the shadow!
[13:24] <@Kotono_Ibis> The fourth shadow howls and chases down, screaming soundless agony as it goes for Nikkolai!
[13:24] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3
06[13:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[13:24] <Nikkolai> OOC: Hit again.
[13:24] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d6 str, what's this put your str at?
06[13:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d6 str, what's this put your str at? and gets 6."12 [1d6=6]
[13:25] <Nikkolai> OOC: -1
03[13:25] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'S4(21)>S1(14)>Knight=Yulia(13)>S3(9)'
[13:26] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d4 rounds
06[13:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d4 rounds and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[13:27] <@Kotono_Ibis> Nikkolai can't even scream! his body simply goes limp. The light of life vanishes from his eyes as he is now as cold as Cold itself! The shadow's entire body glows with reddish warmth, a momentary sigh of pure bliss! "Warm...need more! More! Make the cold stop!" It howls! Meanwhile the first shadow goes for Knight!
[13:27] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+3
06[13:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
[13:30] <@Kotono_Ibis> This shadow Knight manages to dodge through pure speed, evading! Yulia screams, "MASTER!" OOC: Both of you are up. Go.
01[13:33] <Knight> Knight can't spare an arm to fight the shadows, not when she has to sheathe her weapon and grab Nikkolai to stop his body plummeting away back to the snow! She pulls up and speeds away, back around to the front of the castle!
[13:35] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia holds on, shaking Nikkolai's shoulder as the pair flees, "MASTER! WAKE UP!" She says, pounding on his shoulder! The shadows follow, but can'tq uite match mechamount's speed! OOC: Going to keep fleeing the next round? If so I'll intro you back into #dunes assuming you're fleeing that way.

<-->


[13:51] <@Kotono_Ibis> Meanwhile Knight flies overhead, 50ft ahead and with shadows chasing! OOC: Roll init in here, Knight. You too, Nik.
[13:51] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+13 ????
06[13:51] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+13 ???? and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
03[13:51] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>????(19)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)'
01[13:51] <Knight> roll 1d20+1
06[13:51] * +Hatbot --> "Knight rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
03[13:52] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>????(19)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)Knight(7)'
[13:52] <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+2
06[13:52] * +Hatbot --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
03[13:53] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>????(19)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)Nikkolai(9)>Knight(7)'
[13:54] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+7
06[13:54] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+7 and gets 20."12 [1d20=13]
03[13:54] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Yulia(20)>????(19)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)Nikkolai(9)>Knight(7)'
[13:54] <@Kotono_Ibis> roll 3#1d20+2
06[13:54] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 45."12 [3#1d20+2 = 20, 8, 17]
03[13:55] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Yulia=S1(20)>????(19)>S2(17)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)Nikkolai(9)>S3(8)>Knight(7)'
06[13:57] * Adail pulls his hand back, but mutters as he has to let the vampire go and change targets, instead sending the golden darts out towards one of the Shadows chasing Knight. Helping ones teammates takes precedence and all.(OOC: MM on Shadow 3)
[13:57] <Adail> roll 4d4+4
06[13:57] * +Hatbot --> "Adail rolls 4d4+4 and gets 12."12 [4d4=2, 1, 4, 1]
03[13:57] * Kotono_Ibis changes topic to 'Adail(26)>Yulia=S1(20)>????(19)>S2(17)>Kam(16)>Serith(15)>Vampire>Mari(10)Nikkolai(9)>Knight(7)'
[13:58] <@Kotono_Ibis> The shadow faraway is hit by golden hunting fangs! It's body gives up, falling apart into darkness that freezes solid! OOC: Yulia and S1.
[13:58] <@Kotono_Ibis> The first shadow continues to chase as Yulia shakes Nikkolai, "Hey listen! Wake up! It's not funny!" she cries! OOC: She'd holing for the moment.
[13:59] <@Kotono_Ibis> The person continues to hold for the moment as the second shadow continues to give chase! OOC: Kam, you're up.
[14:03] <Kamvakua> "Hurry, after Adail, we shouldn't stay out in the open," Kamvakua moved closer to Serith.
[14:06] <@Kotono_Ibis> Kamvakua reaches inside as well! "I smell...that creature in black has no scent," Serith growls to Adail, "But I'm terrified of it. It's...wrong. Very wrong."
06[14:07] * Kamvakua gazes over at the creature in black, seeing if he can tell any details.
06[14:07] * Adail gives Serith a reassuring pat, while he eyes the creature in question, hoping to have some idea of what it might be.
[14:08] <Adail> roll 1d20+13 sure let's roll this time
06[14:08] * +Hatbot --> "Adail rolls 1d20+13 sure let's roll this time and gets 24."12 [1d20=11]
[14:08] <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+12
06[14:08] * +Hatbot --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15."12 [1d20=3]
06[14:12] * Mari circles around the robed figure, getting enough distance from her friends that she won't get caught in any spell thrown their way. "What, more undead? More wrong than the last ones, Serith?"
[14:13] <@Kotono_Ibis> At this Nikkolai's body fades! HIs flesh turns black, his possessions falling from his body! Knight know holds a pulsing black shadow, Nikkolai's face a mask of sublime, agonizied torment! OOC: Nikkolai, you're up. See PM.
06[14:16] * Nikkolai hisses in agony and longing. He drifts over to the robed figure, where he drifts down to its feet, facing the ground in a mockery of a courtly bow.
[14:17] <Mari> "Nik, what--what happened out there, Knight?!"
[14:18] <@Kotono_Ibis> The robed figure now looks up, withdrawing her hood. Her face is a beautiful one, bright red hair cascading down. The Cold does not seem to touch her, yet her face is as cold as it's darkest wind. "Martial might will avail you not now. Cease your efforts and parley with me."
[14:20] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia, for her part, screams. "MAAASTER! NIKKOLAI!"
[14:20] <Kamvakua> "I'm listening, fey." Kamvakua returned, staying his ground as he eyed the ice queen.
[14:20] <Mari> "Huh. We've heard that before. And the more we talk, the more time everyone else in this palace has to prepare for us. So if you've got something to say, say it fast. You can start with who you are, what you are, and what in the hells happened to Nikkolai."
01[14:20] <Knight> "Gwaah!" yells Knight, recoiling as Nikkolai seems to slip through her fingers. "They happened!" she yells, gesturing behind her. She shakes her head. "What terms could you possibly seek to offer us?!" she demands, touching down on the surface.
06[14:21] * Adail is silent, merely drawing back his arm again, intent on sending another barrage of Hunting Fangs after the Shadows if they continue thier pursuit of Knight.
[14:24] <@Kotono_Ibis> "I am known as many things...you know me as the Lady of the Green Kirtle," She does not smile, nor come close to it. But she does not to Kamvakua, "The fey Snow Queen leads an army that even now moves to surround the gap in the endless blizzard of Cold. Bolstered with shadows, frost wolves beyond death and her other servants, you will be crushed from all sides if you resist. You will surrender
[14:24] <@Kotono_Ibis> to me and proceed with me back to the Prime Material Plane. In return I promise your safety...though it is too late for him. To think, after all this and a few mere shadows dispatch him."
[14:25] <Mari> "Why bother? You could just as well leave us here to rot. I assume you want something from us."
01[14:27] <Knight> Knight leans off the side of her horse and begins wordlessly gathering up Nikkolai's things.
[14:29] <@Kotono_Ibis> "I have matters to discuss with all of you," The Lady of the Green Kirtle says, "Though I see you have little choice, unless you wish to throw your lives away in a hopeless battle. If you desire to be unknown, pointless martyrs, say so and commit yourselves to death and unlife."
06[14:30] * Kamvakua eyes those remaining as he listened.  Knight could fly.  So could yulia and him.  Mari and adail couldn't.  Escape would likely be difficult if they'd so effectively prepared the terrain.  They'd gone right in, so he really didn't know whether or not there were troops around the fortress.
[14:32] <Mari> "I'd guess the snow queen called you here, right? This doesn't give me much confidence that we can trust you--even if you're being honest right now, it'd mean you're betraying her, so how could we know you wouldn't do the same to us as soon as you have a chance? I don't know. Give us some idea what you want us for, right quick, because we haven't heard much good about you so far."
06[14:35] * Adail shakes his head, "We don't know the terms of thier agreement, we can't make a definitive statement on if she's betraying her or not. Though I do agree on one point," Adail's voice is quiet and nearly emotionless as he speaks, his discipline keeping his rage in check, "I too would ask for a bit more detail on what exactly you wish from us."
[14:36] <@Kotono_Ibis> "I have uses for you," Now with a chill smile that makes the winds of Cold kick up, "Quite frankly, I have watched at times through this departed fool. You are too useful and too valuable to simply kill or dominate. Were that my goal, I would have taken decisive action ages ago when you were weaker."
01[14:36] <Knight> "I do not trust you. I will not permit you to disarm us, and we will retain possession of all our belongings," responds Knight. "Those will be my absolute terms, regardless of other details. But seeing as you have your desires, that should be acceptable, no?"
[14:38] <@Kotono_Ibis> Here the Lady of the Green Kirtle looks up. Her gaze travels skyward. A vast, familiar white dragon flies above, lazily beginning to circle a few hundred feet above your positions. "Very well." With a hint of a smile, "Ah, the aerial vanguard of the army is coming into view now."
[14:40] <Mari> OOC: can I actually roll sense motive to get an idea of how much of this is truthful?
[14:40] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Sure.
[14:40] <Mari> roll 1d20+13 dunno how mcuh I could possibly glean from a countenance that's surely fake to begin with, buuuut let's see
06[14:40] * +Hatbot --> "Mari rolls 1d20+13 dunno how mcuh I could possibly glean from a countenance that's surely fake to begin with, buuuut let's see and gets 31."12 [1d20=18]
01[14:40] <Knight> "By what means will you see to our transportation?" asks Knight, with a marked frown.
[14:41] <Kamvakua> "What are you hoping for, Lady of the Green Kirtle?  Should we...surrender, what is your goal regarding us?  By the sounds of things, we have little choice but to accept, but then, it harms nothing to tell us now."
[14:43] <@Kotono_Ibis> "Transdimensional magics," she answers, "There are tasks I require being done, services and deeds. Further, I would study Knight, for never before have I seen an artifact in a state such as hers."
06[14:43] * Adail pats Serith on the neck, and whispers quietly to her, "I'm sorry, but it seems that we've failed. I can ask her to allow you to leave in peace, though you will likely need to forsake your vengance on the snow queen for it."
[14:44] <@Kotono_Ibis> Serith growls low. In a bare whisper, "Do we have any chance against this....thing? This woman of no scent?"
06[14:44] * Mari just glances at her friends, lack of objections speaking enough at this point.
06[14:44] * Adail shakes his head, "None. Not with a dragon overhead and the snow queen bringing more behind us. We've been caught like rats in a trap."
06[14:46] * Kamvakua frowns mightily and eyes knight, the voice suggesting the most risk for her of them all.
01[14:48] <Knight> "I will not permit you to study me without further restitution. I will kill myself and become useless and inert before I let that happen," replies Knight, sheathing her sword. "I will capitulate now, however. I cannot say the same for the others."
[14:49] <@Kotono_Ibis> The Lady looks to Knight, "Do you think a mere Knight could outmanuver a Queen?" With a chortle of frosty amusement, "But your surrender is accepted."
[14:49] <Mari> "As long as studying Knight doesn't involve harming her or doing anything against her will...I think we need to go."
[14:51] <@Kotono_Ibis> Serith growls, "...there is no point in suicide." At last the great cat responds.
[14:51] <Kamvakua> "I will come.  I will listen.  If you ask the unacceptable, we will fight and I will die.  But under this sky, I have heard."  Kamvakua said simply, standing in a neutral position.
06[14:52] * Adail nods, then turns his attention to the lich, "Serith here is not one of us, she merely made common cause for the moment. But I would ask that your offer to leave us unharmed extend to her, and that she be allowed to leave here in peace."
[14:53] <@Kotono_Ibis> "Very well. The smilodon means nothing here," The Lady readily agrees. "Though the courre will come with us."
[14:53] <Mari> "We're not leaving Yulia behind, no. She's one of us and whatever protection we get extends to her as well."
[14:54] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia just goes and clings to Mari, casting glances at Nikkolai-shadow all the time.
06[14:54] * Adail pats Serith on the neck one more time and whispers in the tongue of animals, "Find elysium. I know now how, but go. My name is known there, you will have freinds." Then he slides off her back and pads over near Kam.
[14:54] <@Kotono_Ibis> Serith looks to them all, and aloud to Adail, "My friends...may the spirits of my pack watch over you." She casts a homicidal, long gaze to the Lady, before turning and padding away.
06[14:55] * Adail nods, and will pass along her words to the others at a later point.
[14:56] <@Kotono_Ibis> "Then," The Lady of the Green Kirtle holds a pale hadn out. In it a scroll appears, "Watch, and once the Gate is formed, step through."
[14:57] <@Kotono_Ibis> The words spoken are sublime, primal magic! The Cold of Cold slows, freezes adn stops! The air ahead of the Lady and Nikkolai-shadow twists, a great white and brown portal appearing at her words! As she intones the spell, the scroll flashes white and crumbles to dust!
01[14:58] <Knight> Knight intends to venture through it first, in order to ensure they won't immediately plunge to their deaths or any such rot.
06[14:58] * Adail scrambles up to his familiar perch on Kam's shoulder, then silently nods to his large friend.
06[14:59] * Kamvakua eyes Mari gesturing her ahead, falling into step right behind, he wanted to keep his eyes on the lich.
06[15:00] * Mari walks forward, hanging on to Yulia just to make sure the portal doesn't separate them or anything tricky like that.
[15:02] <@Kotono_Ibis> Thus the party steps through the Gate! You appear...in a pleasant room. The smell of roses fills it. It is a large open room, several vases of roses about. Beds fit against the back wall, several of them. A table near it is full of what looks to be steaming hot food. The walls are gray stone, decorated with pleasant paintings. A fireplace has several comfortable chairs by it. A single door on
[15:02] <@Kotono_Ibis> the wall opposite the beds leads out. The Lady and Nikkolai-Shadow follow after the party. Warmth...the wrath of Cold is gone, only lovely, pure warmth once more! "You may eat and rest here. I must see to this shortsighted fool first."
[15:03] <Mari> "What are you going to do with...well, with what's left of him?"
[15:05] <@Kotono_Ibis> "Talk to him once his mind is sound again," With out any expression now, the Lady of the Green Kirtle goes to the door. Shadow Nikkolai follows without a word.
[15:07] <Kamvakua> "That is...likely the last we will see of Nikkolai as we knew him," Kamvakua sounded sorrowful, not  comfortable with taking any of the offered food or relaxation, simply leaning against a wall patiently for now.
[15:07] <@Kotono_Ibis> OOC: #evildunes, Nik, since no one seems to be saying anything.
[15:07] <Mari> "But that would mean she can bring him back, right?" Mari says once she's gone. "Does that mean we just handed Nik over to her without a fight?"
[15:07] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia slumps down on Mari's shoulder, starting to sniffle and then cry. "I...what just happened, it was so fast! We were goin after the catapult and then...!"
06[15:10] * Mari sits down on a bed, takes Yulia in her arms and hugs her close.
01[15:10] <Knight> "It was my misjudgement," mutters Knight, dismounting and walking to peer outside the door. "In any case, do you intend to storm through this place? I believe she is genuine in her desire for our service; there is no other reason to grant us asylum."
[15:11] <@Kotono_Ibis> Outside the door are two large skeletons. Each one has their arms crossed, blocking the way out. Knight can glimpse a gray-stone hallway outside, though.
06[15:11] * Adail sits down on a bes as well, folds his legs under himself and closes his eyes in meditation.
[15:11] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia sniffles, "I can't cry...hey listen, we have to be stronger for Nikkolai! I mean...we can get outta this too, right? I can heal everyone and we can all go back to Shivra and celebrate?"
03[15:12] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[15:13] <Kamvakua> "Who knows.  When a wall seems insurmountable, take it a little at a time...do not rush.  If she brought him here, he must not be completely gone.  This is good, as one can return from slavery or death, but not oblivion...  First though, we must patiently survive, for the dead can help no one."  Kamvakua's eyes were mostly on the ground.  It was truly a dangerous foe they were engaged with.
01[15:14] <Knight> "We are not on that plane now, and have no reason to return," replies Knight, pursing her lips and walking towards the fireplace. "This must lead outside," she remarks.
01[15:14] <Knight> "Yulia, please check. Will the fire harm you in your globe form?"
[15:15] <@Kotono_Ibis> Yulia shakes her head, transforming into a globe of light! She flies up the chute...and returns down shortly after. "I can't go far - there's something solid to the ethereal ahead. The walls are treated, too." The little colorful orb goes back to Mari after. "Sorry."
[15:15] <Mari> "She's probably going to ask us to do something awful...Knowing a way out would be good if we do have to run. Or maybe when we have to."
[15:16] <Mari> "Treated? So I couldn't climb up?"
[15:16] <@Kotono_Ibis> "To my form. I felt something solid but I didn't see anything up the chute," Yulia answers.
[15:17] <Kamvakua> "Why would she bring us to a place where escape was an option from a place where it wasn't?" Kamvakua wondered.  "She's shown she plans several steps ahead."
01[15:18] <Knight> "There would likely be a grating to deter the obvious approach," responds Knight, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Anyone may have an oversight. I agree that this is functionally an inscapable prison, however."
[15:18] <Mari> "I don't care, Kam. I have to look." Mari walks to the fireplace, peering upwards, feeling around for anything that would stop a climb.
[15:19] <@Kotono_Ibis> Mari glances up. It's hard to see and breathe with smoke and the heat hitting her chin, but she can see the chute goes up a ways into darkness. No obvious grate stops the way.
01[15:20] <Knight> "Could the treatment to the walls be dispelled?"
[15:21] <@Kotono_Ibis> "I don't know," Yulia says, "Master would know..." The little orb sags in the air.
06[15:21] * Mari pulls her head back out. "I could probably climb up a ways..."
[15:24] <Kamvakua> "I think we should wait and listen.  We may have more of a range of the place once that is done.  If we were going to attack and flee, we've already missed the best opportunity to do so."  Kamvakua didn't want to dissuade them, but he worried about the lich changing her mind.
01[15:24] <Knight> "The top is surely too small for a full person to fit through," replies Knight. "However, Talons may have a chance of destabilizing the walls, enabling Yulia to escape alone."
[15:26] <Adail> "The Lady has proven capable of sending small groups after us before. What protection would Yulia have from them alone?" Adail asks quietly.
[15:26] <Mari> "Yeah, well, I'm gonna take a look anyway. I can't just sit here and wait for our turn, you know?" Mari changes back into her normal clothes, not wanting to get the nice dress all sooty and scorched (it doesn't really lend itself to climbing anyway).
[15:26] <Adail> "The safest place for her is likely here with us, as strange as that may seem."
01[15:27] <Knight> "She is small and quick. Not only that, she would not be without allies once outside," replies Knight, cursing to herself. "There is no safe place, Adail."
[15:28] <Mari> "At least she'd have a way out if something happened to the rest of us, Adail? Not that I want it to come to that, but if it does, at least someone can get out."
[15:28] <Kamvakua> "That does not mean that hasty movement is the right choice.  I hate this as much as any, but at least we are unlikely to die staying together."
01[15:29] <Knight> "I do not believe the defenses would be permanently shredded. We would have to take the chance immediately."
[15:29] <Adail> "I didn't say there was," he replies, voice still fairly flat and controlled, "but there are varying degrees of unsafe. Also," he adds, "I think it may be best to save Talons in case we need to quickly counter something she does. But the decision there lies with you and Yulia."
06[15:30] * Mari steps back to the fireplace. "We should probably douse this if I'm gonna take a look around. Not so much for visibility than for not choking."
01[15:31] <Knight> "It is not fair to say that it lies to us alone," replies Knight. "The consequences will affect all of us. I would offer to take responsibility for command, but our values do not always lie together. Suffice to say that we must not be in a position to concede at all times."
[15:34] <Adail> "Then do we have a plan?" Adail asks, "If we're to take such a risk, we should have some manner of plan that extends beyond 'get Yulia out'. And I for one can think of nothing."
01[15:36] <Knight> "I must inform my brother of our circumstances. I don't wish to tell anyone his location save Yulia, should she leave," replies Knight. "It was arranged when we parted ways in the Abyss."
[15:39] <@Kotono> Yulia settles on the bed, dully transforming back nad dressing without seeming to notice. Once done, "Rogue is here?"
06[15:40] * Adail sighs, "I said the choice lay with the two of you because I do not believe Yulia will survive if she attempts to flee. But if she wishes to take that risk, it is her right. And if you believe it's the better strategy..." he shrugs again, "you're better at that field then I. My head for tactics goes little beyond my own abilities."
01[15:41] <Knight> "We arranged to meet on this plane, and I believe he is close enough," replies Knight. "Close enough to defend her well enough, should they meet."
[15:42] <Kamvakua> "Yulia, I think we will survive this," Kamvakua said simply to the Courre. "Endure."  He turned his attention to knight. "Can you talk with him?"
01[15:43] <Knight> Knight frowns. "Gem did speak to me, once," she admits. "I shall try. Our connection is thin, if strong."
01[15:43] <Knight> She closes her eyes, and settles on the bed, cross-legged.
[15:45] <Adail> "If Gem can speak through the connection, then ask her to speak to him for you?" Adail suggets, "I don't know exactly how that works, but if she managed it once, perhaps she can manage it again."
01[15:47] <Knight> "I recall it took her great effort," murmurs Knight, pressing a hand to her temple and trying to focus on that thin thread she can feel.
[15:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Knight, make a charisma check.
01[15:47] <Knight> roll 1d20+3
06[15:47] * +Hatbot --> "Knight rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
03[15:54] * Merc is now known as Merc-zzz
01[16:00] <Knight> "It is done. We must now endure until reinforcements arrive," replies Knight, grimacing. "It may be some time."
[16:02] <Mari> "So now we stall as much as possible, play along, hope she doesn't ask for anything unbearable and put up with her requests until the cavalry shows up?"
01[16:03] <Knight> "I prefer to think of it as 'gathering intelligence'. Whatever she asks, we now have no choice but to bear it."
06[16:03] * Adail nods slightly, but offers nothing else.

[Carthrat]

[15:08] <@Kotono_Ibis> Nikkolai is lead down halls of gray stone. They are a blur...he comes to another place. Here his hunger relents...hm? The Lady sits in a high backed chair, hood pushed back. Nikkolai's hunger slows...stops...and his mind returns to normal. He is aware of words of magic uttered by her, yet she barely seems to make an effort. She simply locks eyes with the shadow, and then, "Well?""
06[15:10] * Nikkolai chuckles bitterly. "I'm surprised I managed so long....master." He grinds out the last almost unwillingly. But being in her presence again...old habits die hard.
[15:13] <@Kotono_Ibis> "Desperation brings out the best in all, even fools." She leans back, head supported up by her hand. "To think, all your struggles, hardships and toil end in a complete defeat. You never had a chance - did you think I would sit here forever and allow you to march on my stronghold at your conveinence?"
[15:16] <Nikkolai> "No, I did not. Not for a moment did I think that I would win. But I had hoped to at least take you with me...and save some other young boy from the misery that I found in your house." Nikkolai bows his head, the shadow of it, at least. "I see now that it was futile."
[15:18] <@Kotono_Ibis> "It was." With a chill smirk on her face, "What have all your efforts gained you?"
06[15:21] * Nikkolai composes the remnants of his face into the cold mask that he wore so well in his service to his old master. "My travels gained me knowledge and power, Master, though none so great as what you hold. Those...persons. They were but pawns I had hoped to throw against you. They are...unimportant. And weak. Weaker than I suspected."
[15:23] <@Kotono_Ibis> "You underestimate them. If they were weak, they would be dead now in the endless Cold." Contempt seems to enaminate from the Lady, like a lash against NIkkolai's body. "You have done me a service bringing them to me. A mere shadow's form does you little justice." With a malicious look, "No. The form of a vampire would suit you better. It is your reward for bringing them to me."
[15:26] <Nikkolai> "My Lady, I see now the error of my ways. Running from you was foolish and did both myself and my master and great disservice." Mind racing, Nikkolai desperately attempts to avert his fate! "You honor me with a reward, master. Though I might suggest that I can serve you with more distinction in a more...suitable form."
[15:27] <@Kotono_Ibis> "Are you saying my judgment of your suitable form is lacking?" With a slight, dark smile she just looks at Nikkolai.
[15:30] <Nikkolai> "Not at all, master. I have learned much that can be of use to you. In my old form, I would be able to continue in that capacity. As a vampire, much of my access to the things that will be of use to you will be denied." Nikkolai pauses. "If I may be so bold, my Lady, a wise Queen does not throw away an asset that is willing to serve her faithfully (more)
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[15:31] <Nikkolai> and loyally. I will take whatever punishment that you devise for my foolishness, but I beg you not to reduce my usefulness to you!
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[15:33] <Nikkolai> "Not at all, master. I have learned much that can be of use to you. In my old form, I would be able to continue in that capacity. As a vampire, much of my access to the things that will be of use to you will be denied." Nikkolai pauses. "If I may be so bold, my Lady, a wise Queen does not throw away an asset that is willing to serve her faithfully (more)
[15:34] <Nikkolai> and loyally. I will take whatever punishment that you devise for my foolishness, but I beg you not to reduce my usefulness to you!"
[15:38] <@Kotono> "You think I will return you to life? Foolishness." She raises her hand up...slowly the flesh drips away like oil. A skeletal hand is there, clenching into a fist. "Since I have obtained the breath of eternal stillness, I see know how worthless and frail the mortal body is. No, you deserve something...better." Her smile is chill now, "Something superior."
06[15:40] * Nikkolai closes his eyes. Perhaps...this was his punishment for failing. But, it would be her mistake for leaving him alive. So long as she did not suspect...so long as he could resume his place by her side...there was always a chance that she would let her guard down. And she would regret it.
[15:42] <Nikkolai> "You honor me beyond words, master." If there is any bitterness to his words, he is too composed to show it. He is home again, and he had better remember what he was taught if he was to survive. "I pray that I may serve you to the utmost abilities, to earn your forgiveness and grace."
[15:44] <@Kotono> With a dismissive gesture Nikkolai's mind floats. All goes hazy around him, "Oh yes, a suitable form is what you'll awaken in..." The world around goes as black as Nikkolai's hunger, a restless, haunted sleep overtaking him.