The Next Step

[Carthrat]

[14:18] <@Kotono> -----------------------------------------------------------
[14:19] <@Kotono> Knight's rest is a deep and peaceful one. No plague ruins her recovery. On wakening her facilities feel somewhat clearer, though still lacking much of her presence. As she eats the food that was there and ready for her on awakening, the door opens. In steps the Lady of the Green Kirtle, for a moment silently observing Knight.
[14:21] <Knight> "There is no way to be sure, but I presume it is morning. So, good morning," says Knight, glancing towards the Lady. "Have you visited the others?"
[14:24] <@Kotono> "Mari, Adail and Yulia are infected," By way of answer she says that, coming closer to Knight. "You and Kamvakua have evaded the Bleeding Death so far."
[14:27] <Knight> "Even the celestials?" asks Knight, raising her eyebrows. "That is a problem. So swiftly, we are placed under the pressure to succeed or perish." She tightens her jaw. "Associating with them will be problematic, owing to the diseases infectious nature."
[14:33] <@Kotono> "My council is to accept the inevitable. All of you will be infected," The Lady continues on from there, "The key is to be victorious before the disease claims you, and recover Ursagel and his possessions so that I can create a cure."
[14:36] <Knight> "It is the only path open to us at this time," replies Knight. "Well, so it would appear. As I understand it, the land was recently invaded by significant numbers of drow and humans under Usragel's banner, yes?"
[14:39] <@Kotono> "Yes," The Lady says, "Minions of his and of the Oinoloth."
[14:39] <Knight> "It begs the question of how his own soldiers avoid infection, does it not?"
[14:43] <@Kotono> "Exactly." To this the Lady of the Green Kirtle momentarily starts to smile, for the barest moment. It is gone like the blink of an eye, "I am certain we can find the method Ursagel has used to protect his minions and adapt it. Perhaps it is the direct blessing of the Oinoloth or other such depravity. More likely it is an arcane process, one that can be analysed and adapted."
[14:47] <Knight> "That is what I hoped. His soldiers must be treated somehow, or equipped with certain wards. Well, those we fought were not, as far as I know, but they were fanatics of sort, and that fanaticism can give supernatural strength. I assume the solution for his rank-and-file must be more prosaic..." Knight shakes her head. (More)
[14:49] <Knight> "What I am saying is that I believe we may find some answers amongst his forces, before we even reach his lair. As for exactly what our short and long-term plans are, I wished to discuss them with you. It is known to us, through the messages we recovered, that Usragel's forces hold a man named 'Estamont' captive. Can you enlighten me as to who he is?"
[14:54] <@Kotono> "Archsage Estamont," The Lady of the Green Kirtle face is as cold as ice again, "It is not possible for him to be captive, for he is already held in bonds stronger than a titan's grasp. Four years ago he was trapped within Gullivet's Dive, a shrine hidden beneath the deepest lake in Amlyn."
[14:57] <Knight> "Ah, that was my error," replies Knight. "I assumed the message referred to a prison of some sort... Is he a mage of great strength, then, or simply a learned man?"
[14:58] <@Kotono> "He is a man of no importance," The Lady of the Green Kirtle's voice is even colder yet, "He challenged what his wisdom could not overcome and has paid dearly."
[15:00] <Knight> "I shall have to hear this story one day." Knight sets aside her cutlery and pushes her plate back. "Well, there is one other significant force made known to us, that of the Knight of the Fountain."
[15:03] <@Kotono> "The Knight of the Fountain is an ascetic who bonded to a magical fountain. He exists beyond death as a protective spirit, his will becoming a minor demi-plane under his control. I had suspected him defeated or isolated, for no trace of him has been found since Ursagel's attack. Perhaps it is not so."
[15:04] <Knight> "If he was defeated, Usragel's people would not consider him a threat. It would seem to me he is either hiding, or acting on his own." Knight pauses. "What sort of power can he exhibit within his plane?"
[15:07] <@Kotono> "He has great control, though..." Here the Lady pauses, "The fountain is said to spring from a tear of the Skyfather, fallen to earth when the ground was born from the sky. It's power is only limited by the will of he who controls it. The Knight of the Fountain's will was said to be legendary in life."
[15:09] <Knight> "It sounds as though the fountain is a strong reason to contemplate conquering Amlyn over other city-states, then..."
[15:11] <@Kotono> The Lady does not answer, in thought. "The information provided by the captive hints at activities within Amlyn proper, attempting to rot the core of the city away and break what remains of the central authority. If this happens, Amlyn will descend into chaos. On the other hand...If the Knight of the Fountain is about, an alliance could be fruitful."
[15:15] <Knight> "We will require not only intelligence, but significant power to storm Usragel's lair, I am sure. The national army of Amlyn is likely to be no help, so other avenues will need to be explored. The possibility of summoning help from off-plane exists, but is limited both by the need for a speedy victory before disease sets in, and what portals are avaliable in the region."
[15:15] <Knight> "At the very least, any local denizens that still possess strength must join our side. This Knight, if he lives, is a prime candidate, I would agree."
[15:16] <@Kotono> "Indeed." To this the Lady is silent a time more, her eyes drifting shut. For a few moments her face grows calm and thoughtful, "This may be the time to split our forces, as the pacing of events disfavors us. We have a limit, Ursagel does not."
[15:19] <Knight> "So, we should attempt to ascertain the whereabouts of the Knight of the Fountain. And, we should make contact with the celestial forces in Amyln proper to see what can be arranged. It would also be appreciated if you would provide me with the locations of any portals in the region."
[15:21] <@Kotono> "It will be done," The Lady agrees after some more thought, "These messages, show them to me. I shall study them as well, to see what else can be gleamed."
[15:23] <Knight> "As you will it," replies Knight, collecting the parchment from her desk.
[15:25] <@Kotono> "We will all talk soon," The Lady says, "Rest and prepare yourself, for you may have little time to do so in the coming days."
[15:27] <Knight> "It's unnecessary to tell me. Lack of rest is a soldier's lot."