We already have one

[Dracos]

Nov 16 19:56:26 <Kotono>   Once the rest of the party has been teleported, the Lady of the Green Kirtle regards Nikkolai, Yulia and Kamvakua. "Are the three of you prepared?"
Nov 16 19:56:50 *   Nikkolai nods slightly. "As well as can be."
Nov 16 19:57:12 *   Kamvakua nods.  "I am."
Nov 16 19:57:43 <Kotono>   The Lady nods but once to this, face impassive. "Come to me and I will weave the magic."
Nov 16 19:58:30 *   Nikkolai steps forward. "Let's be off then."
Nov 16 20:01:31 <Kotono>   Yulia flutters and alights on Kamvakua, "We'll find whomever's raising heavens and get them to help!"
Nov 16 20:02:24 *   Kamvakua smiles.  "We will."
Nov 16 20:03:30 <Kotono>   Then in an instant arcane words are intoned! Reality blurs about you like an ocean in flux, then...you stand in a circle of stones. It's a dark, shaded place, trees above you. Just past them you can see a road and...walls. Tall city walls, sturdy and unbreached.
Nov 16 20:05:17 <Nikkolai>   "Perhaps I should take point. If we come across anyone infected with the plague, it would be best if I could keep you two from getting sick." Nikkolai suggests.
Nov 16 20:05:25 *   Kamvakua looks over Nikkolai, "Let's be off," He strode toward the city walls, looking around as they approached, but heading to take the road route, rathering to confront any guards sooner rather than later.
Nov 16 20:05:51 <Kamvakua>   "Let's not.  It may give the wrong impression."
Nov 16 20:06:28 <Nikkolai>   "As you wish. Perhaps side by side would be better, then." Nikkolai nods and sets off at Kam's side.
Nov 16 20:07:06 <Kotono>   The road leads to the walls, a gate in them. The gate is mostly shut, about a dozen armed soldiers standing outside of it. They have spears drawn and ready, "Halt, travelers," they call from fifty feet away.
Nov 16 20:08:20 *   Nikkolai complies, looking askance at Kamvakua. "Shall I open? Or do you wish to?"
Nov 16 20:08:40 *   Kamvakua nods and raises a hand, halting.  "Hail," He pondered a moment and instead waited for them, seeing what they'd say.
Nov 16 20:09:49 <Kotono>   "The city of Amlyn is closed to travelers! Turn back whence you came!" One of the soldiers bellows, "Advance on the pain of death!"
Nov 16 20:12:27 <Kamvakua>   "Why?  Have you ousted the Plague from there?"  Kamvakua wondered aloud, not moving forward though, obediently listening to the insistance not to advance.  Information first.
Nov 16 20:15:01 <Kotono>   "The Bleeding Death ravages all," The guardsman's voice is tight and tense. Above you can see archers atop the city walls, bows and arrows at the ready. "It is creeping into the city, and by decree, none others can enter to spread it further."
Nov 16 20:18:39 <Kamvakua>   "I understand.  It is spread by the Yugoloth I have heard, to lay waste to this city and all around.  I have ...a friend within these walls who were to meet here.  I heard that those of strength were gathering here to oppose those who were spreading The Bleeding Death."
Nov 16 20:19:54 <Kotono>   "Yugoloth? What in the Skyfather's name is that?" One of the guards bellows, several looks between the fellows. "You heard wrong, Amlyn is sealed. Turn back."
Nov 16 20:25:06 <Nikkolai>   "It seems that my fellow citizens of Amlyn are ignorant to the threat they face." Nikkolai raises his voice so he can be heard. "My friend here speaks the truth. Amlyn is in great danger. A Yugoloth, a fiend more vile than most of you dare to dream, is the cause of the darkness sweeping our homeland. We seek allies in our fight against this being and its-
Nov 16 20:25:11 <Nikkolai>   -followers."
Nov 16 20:29:31 <Kotono>   "What say you of this, traveler?" The guard calls back again, "Have you a shred of proof to this wild story?"
Nov 16 20:34:47 <Kamvakua>   "Not with us.  But he does not lie.  We've battled them before now, and are certain of this, but we do not have proof," Kamvakua explained back clearly.
Nov 16 20:35:41 <Nikkolai>   "Our foe is clever and works cunningly behind the scenes, my friend. Let me put it to you this way: why else would two travelers brave the road and risk catching the Bleeding Death if not to warn you of the enemy you face? We give you our word that we speak no lie. Does a man's word count as nothing in Amlyn anymore?"
Nov 16 20:37:21 <Kotono>   OOC: Make diplo.
Nov 16 20:37:57 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+22 Let those who have ears to hear, listen!
Nov 16 20:37:58 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+22 Let those who have ears to hear, listen! and gets 37." [1d20=15]
Nov 16 20:38:58 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+3 Aid ANother
Nov 16 20:39:00 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+3 Aid ANother and gets 21." [1d20=18]
Nov 16 20:41:47 <Kotono>   There's some quiet discussion amid the guards, as well as animated gestures. "You could be desperate, looters or sabateurs," One calls back, "Who's this friend you're going to meet?"
Nov 16 20:44:30 <Nikkolai>   "We're to meet a gentleman by the name of Rogue at the Red Boar Inn! He'll vouch for us, I'm sure. His sister is one of our companions."
Nov 16 20:46:55 <Kotono>   More discussion amid them, "I'll send a runner to ask for him," One of the guards calls back. "If he's there, we'll see."
Nov 16 20:50:15 *   Kamvakua waits patiently.
Nov 16 20:50:44 *   Nikkolai stands quietly as well.
Nov 16 20:52:26 <Kotono>   It takes about a half hour. The roads are empty, quiet reigning. At last a guard calls, "No such man is there!" A louder call, "Your words ring hollow!"
Nov 16 20:55:22 *   Nikkolai sighs, shaking his head. "I had my misgivings when Knight didn't assimilate him. It seems they've been well proven." He raises his voice. "I tell you, he was supposed to be there! But never mind him, then. Is there no one we can speak to? A leader of some sort? I beg you, man, our news is dire! *Someone* must listen to us!"
Nov 16 20:57:21 <Kotono>   "Tell ust hen," The guard crosses his arms, "Or get outta here!"
Nov 16 21:03:36 <Kamvakua>   "We have told you.  But you did not believe us."  Kamvakua considered.  "What more can I say?  The name of that whose minions are keeping the plague going?"
Nov 16 21:04:30 *   Nikkolai softens his voice. "Bright one, we have need of your skills. Can you slip unseen into the city and seek out Rogue for us? It seems that nothing short of a miracle will get us through these gates. If you cannot find Rogue but see someone who might be able to aid us, bring them. Otherwise, come back to us! Can you do that?"
Nov 16 21:05:47 <Kotono>   "Okay," Yulia bobs up and down, flying behind Kam and back to the grove, then straight up and forward. Meanwhile, "Who do you think did it, then?" A guard calls back
Nov 16 21:05:51 <Kotono>   .
Nov 16 21:07:35 <Kamvakua>   "Ursagel, servant of the Oinoloth." Kamvakua replied, figuring there was no more harm in letting them know.
Nov 16 21:16:50 <Kotono>   There's some faint murmurs amid the guards, "What are those? Who are are they?" One calls back, "Never heard of an Oinoroth before!"
Nov 16 21:18:32 <Kamvakua>   "A fiend," Kamvakua sighed, he should've known better.  Giving folks things outside their experience simply confused.
Nov 16 21:18:59 <Nikkolai>   "What will it take to convince you of the urgency of our mission? Every moment you spend dithering here with us is one moment more that Ursagel and his ilk inch closer to domination over your land. He is counting on your ignorance to aid him even while he spreads the plague across the land!"
Nov 16 21:20:20 <Kotono>   "In the name of the Skyfather," One sighs and calls, "Do you have proof? Anything? Something?"
Nov 16 21:20:28 *   Kamvakua puts a hand on Nikkolai's shoulder, eying him as he tried to calm the man down.
Nov 16 21:25:53 <Nikkolai>   "Several days of travel from the city, my companions and I set upon a contingent of those who are working for Ursagel in a country manor long whose owners had long since fled or died. We killed all there and took a prisoner. If you were to send a small party with us, we can verify this. Short of bringing you a head, I don't know what else I can offer you."
Nov 16 21:30:20 <Kotono>   "I'll pass word up," The guard says, as you settle into wait. Of the two, the first answer is Yulia's. She comes back after about a half hour, coming to rest on Kam's shoulder, "So hey, listen," she begins, "I found the Red Boar. There's...a lot of evil there now. So much evil." she keeps her voice quiet, "Real evil, strong evil. Things that look human but aren't. I snuck and listened...it sounds
Nov 16 21:30:20 <Kotono>   like they're talking about looking for someone in the city. Someone named Endurance."
Nov 16 21:32:29 *   Nikkolai mutters, "This isn't good. The enemy has moved far quicker than the Lady seems to have expected."
Nov 16 21:35:59 <Kotono>   "We need to do something, either hit them or find Endurance! Even both, listen!" Yulia says, "Um...did you talk the guards into letting you in yet?"
Nov 16 21:36:19 <Kamvakua>   "No," Kamvakua frowned. "They're remarkably stubborn.  Was there any other ways in?"
Nov 16 21:37:15 <Kotono>   "I didn't look," Yulia whispers, "Um master, can you make you two invisible or anything like that, or disguise yourselves?"
Nov 16 21:37:16 <Nikkolai>   "We're working on that." Nikkolai says wryly. "Unless we can sneak in some other way, I'm afraid we need to either call this mission off or just go in via brute force."
Nov 16 21:38:59 <Nikkolai>   "I have a spell that can alter our appearance...but only so much. What do you have in mind, bright one?"
Nov 16 21:41:18 <Kotono>   "If you could turn invisible or disguise us, why don't we just fly over? That's what I did and Kamvakua has those boots, right?" Yulia looks down to them, "Or just go somewhere there aren't many guards and fly over or something."
Nov 16 21:41:46 <Kamvakua>   "Did you see a spot along the walls they weren't watching?  We could fly over quickly if so>"
Nov 16 21:42:15 <Kotono>   "I think so," Yulia says, "It's a little ways away, though."
Nov 16 21:43:33 *   Nikkolai nods. "So be it. We tried the front door. Now let us see if the side door works."
Nov 16 21:43:48 *   Kamvakua looks over the landscape for cover as he turns from the wall, the banter having dropped off quite some time ago as he lead the way back away from view for starters.
Nov 16 21:43:50 *   Nikkolai jerks his head at the guards. "Care to say goodbye, Kam?"
Nov 16 21:45:56 *   Nikkolai shakes his head and raises his voice once more. "You were warned, my friends. All I can say is that you should keep your eyes and ears open. Watch for evil in the place that you least expect it!"
Nov 16 21:46:06 <Nikkolai>   With that, Nikkolai turns and follows Kam.
Nov 16 21:46:54 <Kotono>   Returning to the grove and out of view is easy enough. Once there Yulia points in the opposite direction, "This ways a ways, okay?"
Nov 16 21:47:14 <Kamvakua>   "Alright," Kamvakua nodded, following Yulia around.
Nov 16 21:49:27 <Kotono>   A few minutes of walking leads you to a quiet part of the city walls. Yulia starts to fly up, "Here, right? I didn't see any archers nearby or anything!"
Nov 16 21:50:16 *   Kamvakua hurries quickly near to the wall, nodding up at yulia as he kicks his boots, summoning their magic to propel him up and over as quick as he could.
Nov 16 21:50:44 <Nikkolai>   "Well then. Let's give it a shot." Nikkolai gestures at Kamvakua and his form shimmers, turning him into that of a human even as he flies upwards!
Nov 16 21:51:31 *   Nikkolai passes a hand over his own form and he seems to regain a healthy pallor of a living man! He also casts Fly on himself to join Kam!
Nov 16 21:52:54 <Kotono>   The party flies up and over! There are indeed few people around as you land on a back street. Shops and stores are about - each one shut, the streets quiet.
Nov 16 21:54:38 <Kamvakua>   "Thanks, Yulia.  It's no surprise that they're paranoid here.  There might even be a traveling watch and curfew going on."
Nov 16 21:54:51 *   Nikkolai dusts his shoulders off. "That was easy enough. Well then, I suggest we head to the Inn. I'm not quite sure where else to start our search. Perhaps we can gain some information there in the flesh that Yulia could not. Or perhaps...we could seek out the ruler of the city. The rot could surely not have reached that far so quickly."
Nov 16 21:57:06 <Kamvakua>   "We should try and find Endurance, whoever that is.  It's likely who we needed to meet.  But I wonder why we'd hear something so wrong from her.  She did say Celestials would be at the inn, correct?"
Nov 16 21:58:02 <Kotono>   "Maybe..." Lowering her voice, "Between now and then, the 'loths took it over and the celestials had to diperse?"
Nov 16 21:59:12 <Nikkolai>   "Hmm. Perhaps. But that would mean that they're somewhere still in the city. I believe that the Lady's information would have mentioned if they had left."
Nov 16 22:00:29 <Kotono>   "Then let's try to find them?" Yulia says quietly, "I mean, we have a name and all, maybe...?" She shakes her head, "Something at least."
Nov 16 22:00:42 <Nikkolai>   OOC: Dune, gonna roll GI. That cool?
Nov 16 22:00:52 <Kotono>   OOC: Go for it.
Nov 16 22:01:24 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+16 There's gotta be something here about Endurance or guerilla celestials
Nov 16 22:01:25 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+16 There's gotta be something here about Endurance or guerilla celestials and gets 18." [1d20=2]
Nov 16 22:01:44 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+3 aid another.
Nov 16 22:01:46 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+3 aid another. and gets 17." [1d20=14]
Nov 16 22:02:36 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Nov 16 22:02:36 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 10." [1d100=10]
Nov 16 22:02:45 *   Kamvakua keeps a look out as they go for traveling guards, his eyes also scanning to detect evil, trying to guide them away from such encounters.
Nov 16 22:04:02 <Kotono>   The city is quiet. Many streets are subdued, whilst others yet are active but tepid. As you wander you avoid the mild evils you see, coming to an old man sitting on a bench by a quiet street. He tosses bits of bread to pigeons, nodding to them. "Eh? Endurance?" he asks, "Looking for someone, sirs?" He's bearded and wrinkled, well into his dotage.
Nov 16 22:05:01 *   Nikkolai sits down next to him. "We are. Can you help us, perchance?"
Nov 16 22:07:24 <Kotono>   "Mmm," he tosses more bread out, taking some time to glance at Yulia. "You're a brave one, walking around the city without disguise. Well, flying as it may be."
Nov 16 22:08:08 <Kamvakua>   "Should she have reason to be afraid?" Kamvakua sat down on the bench beside him, not realizing how useful Yulia might be in drawing out those who understood more than the natural city order.
Nov 16 22:09:35 <Kotono>   OOC: What languages do you all speak?
Nov 16 22:09:48 <Kamvakua>   OOC:
Nov 16 22:09:48 <Kamvakua>   Language: Common, Gol-Kaa, Dwarven, Terran, Celestial, Elven, Auran, Infernal, Abyssal, Draconic
Nov 16 22:13:04 <Kotono>   "Yes. Fiends stalk," He tosses a little more bread, and in low tones of Celestial, "In the name of the Skyfather I greet you. I am Entrum, alighted deva." Kamvakua understands this, while it goes all over Nik's head.
Nov 16 22:15:19 *   Kamvakua waves Yulia to hide among Nikkolai's robes.  "In the name of Fharlanghn's travels, I am overjoyed to hear such words," Kamvakua intoned in a low voice, returning in celestial.  "I am Kamvakua, and these are my friends, Yulia and Nikkolai.  We came hoping to aid with the danger in this city, but it seems that they have already a firm hold on some of it."
Nov 16 22:16:46 <Kotono>   Yulia does just that, "Yes," He goes on in Celestial, "We prepare a counter-strike as we come to grips with the situation...though you are not of this plane either, I presume?"
Nov 16 22:17:18 *   Nikkolai raises an eyebrow at the musical language which reminded him so much of Calariel. "I trust, gentlemen," Nikkolai said softly, "that you will eventually clue me in as to what you are talking about?"
Nov 16 22:18:29 <Kotono>   Smoothly switching to murmured Common, "I had just said that all of you do not look to be of this plane? Fharlanghn is a foreign power in this world."
Nov 16 22:18:40 <Kamvakua>   "No, but until this is over, our struggle is one with yours.  We can hardly turn a blind eye knowing what is happening here.  It is also his homeland," Kamvkaua explained.
Nov 16 22:19:45 <Kamvakua>   "I've been traveling the planes for some time, such is our my road," He said simply.  "But yes, I do not believe his stories reach here."
Nov 16 22:19:55 *   Nikkolai murmurs with the best of them. "Kam is correct. I have not been home in many years, but this is still my birthplace and the land of my childhood. It would be...wrong to let such horrors transpire here."
Nov 16 22:20:51 <Kotono>   "Aaah." A short, tense look to Nikkolai, "This world is secluded to all but two powers...but that is another story." Tossing more bread out as he smiles at the birds, "The Oinoloth has incurred the wrath of both the Skyfather and the Oppressor-in-Chains, striking with a severity that has left the local populace unable to defend itself. What of yourselves? Speak to me of you and your goals and
Nov 16 22:20:52 <Kotono>   knoweldge."
Nov 16 22:23:35 <Kamvakua>   "A native here has insisted upon our aid and brought us here, and seeing how things are here, I'm glad to give it.  I know that Ursagel is leading this incursion onto the plane for the Oinoloth.  I know that the disease can affect all kinds, even celestials.  It is magical, possibly being stored somewhere and sent back out to attack again those it failed to kill the first time."
Nov 16 22:24:15 <Kamvakua>   "It appears as well that they have a base in the Red Boar.  Another friend of ours is around here, and we thought him there...but it seems unlikely now."
Nov 16 22:24:56 <Kotono>   "Yes," He nods to that, "I am one of the few of the first wave that remain, for I have taken the sacred orders. Even the disease of the Oinoloth will not -" A full stop, a shake of his head, "We used the Red Boar and gave it up on attack, for we were not strong enough to hold it, not ready yet."
Nov 16 22:26:10 <Nikkolai>   "Our benefactor is not quite strong enough to strike as well. We desperately need allies to lend us their strength. Could you not say the same? It seems to me that we both are working toward a common goal."
Nov 16 22:27:19 <Kotono>   "Yes, we need each other's help." A short nod to that, "We serve the Skyfather...speak not his true name, if you know of it from realms beyond this one. It holds power in this realm." A pause and then after, "Your benefactor, who is it?"
Nov 16 22:28:30 <Nikkolai>   "Someone who takes no pleasure in seeing this land groan under the feet of these invaders." Nikkolai replies.
Nov 16 22:30:53 <Kamvakua>   "Though I like it not, the one who asked for our aid was the Lady of the Green Kirtle.  We were enemies, but circumstances have changed and this is more important."
Nov 16 22:31:48 <Kotono>   "Someone who wishes to stay anonymous?" With a slight, dry chuckle there, stopping at Kamvakua's words, "...Ah." A longer look, "I have heard of her.  Yes, that may be so, for the Oppressor-In-Chains is threatened by this. Not only the innocent and just stand to lose much here."
Nov 16 22:33:35 *   Nikkolai sighs. "Well, that is a much nicer reaction that I anticipated. Forgive me for being circumspective. The Lady is not a popular name, I fear."
Nov 16 22:35:29 <Kotono>   "The unique circumstances of this Prime and the agreement of the contest between the Skyfather and Oppressor brew strange circumstances. Unnatural ones." Entrum shakes his head back and forth, meditating on it as he feeds the birds. "That is likely the ultimate goal of the Oinoloth's attack here, but...it's not important to the motives. The important matter is stopping this sickness before it
Nov 16 22:35:29 <Kotono>   consumes all."
Nov 16 22:36:54 <Kamvakua>   "Indeed.  It is a dreadful thing that must be ended." Kamvakua agreed.  "How can we help you here?  It seems at least, if we can prevent them from doing as they wish here, we may learn more on where Ursagel is organizing this from."
Nov 16 22:37:20 *   Nikkolai nods in agreement.
Nov 16 22:38:50 <Kotono>   "Our immediate plan is to defeat the evil within this city and use what we learn from them to expand outward," Entrum says, "Ursagel and the Oinoloth have done much to cover their tracks and hide."
Nov 16 22:39:58 <Nikkolai>   "Quite. Have the higher echelons of the ruling classes not been alerted to this threat? Surely the rot has not spread so far as that."
Nov 16 22:40:22 <Nikkolai>   "I would feel safer if I had a company of soldiers at our back."
Nov 16 22:40:47 <Kamvakua>   "Numbers will not help against disease," Kamvakua said simply.
Nov 16 22:41:26 <Nikkolai>   "It will help against the *agents* of the disease." Nikkolai retorts.
Nov 16 22:42:20 <Kotono>   "The leadership is sick and weak," A shake of his head there, "As well as gripped by panic. It is enough that one of us stays with them, keeping the government running as best it can be. We know full well the mortals are nearly helpless and those who could fight were assassinated. Plus, we know not if agents have infiltrated the government, so we are loathe to us them lest we risk exposing our
Nov 16 22:42:20 <Kotono>   intentions."
Nov 16 22:45:05 <Nikkolai>   "Brilliant." Nikkolai mutters. "Well, here is what I propose: relate to us your plans on how and when you intend to attack and we shall return to the Lady. With your information, we can perhaps coordinate our attack and cull the rot from this city."
Nov 16 22:45:51 <Nikkolai>   "Greater numbers stand a greater chance. I am sure that the Lady will be more than glad to lend you the resources and manpower you need."
Nov 16 22:46:07 *   Kamvakua eyes Nikkolai.  "It'd be easier if we helped from here.  Leaving and entering the city will leave a trail.  We can help you here."
Nov 16 22:46:40 <Kotono>   "In about 36 hours we strike with the dawn," Entrum says, "To defeat and capture as many as possible, rout them and defeat...ah, the quarantine. We have means to get in and out of the city."
Nov 16 22:46:59 <Nikkolai>   "We are not at full strength." Nikk replies. "We---well, there you go. Problem solved."
Nov 16 22:49:11 <Kotono>   "Yes," A simple nod to this in reply, "Do you have suitable armaments to oppose fiends?"
Nov 16 22:50:01 <Kamvakua>   "In 30 hours, we shall we meet you?" Kamvakua wondered.  "Our weapons are good, but we have no special protection against their disease.  Well, most of us don't anyway."
Nov 16 22:51:52 <Kotono>   "Those of us who remain are sacred paladins, warded against disease with the Skyfather's health." A short reply, "Our touch can lift the Bleeding Death, but not truly cure it, as all magic struggles with it. Further, those who are pure of heart, we possess blessed armor and weapons for those who can wear them."
Nov 16 22:52:23 <Nikkolai>   "Adail definitely fits that description." Nikkolai comments.
Nov 16 22:55:19 <Kamvakua>   "Pure of heart?"  Kamvakua wondered. "I suppose, fighting the good fight is important," Kamvakua said simply.  "I suspect I can use them as well."
Nov 16 22:55:43 <Nikkolai>   "I don't suppose you have anything in Musteval or courre size?"
Nov 16 22:56:19 <Kotono>   After a nod the celestial rises, "Let me show you...these walls are old and there are passages out if you know where to look, that most people have forgotten...a musteval or courre?" A stop there, rubbing his chin, "As a matter of fact, yes. One thing may suffice for them."
Nov 16 22:58:19 *   Nikkolai rises as well. "Excellent. Any weapon you can provide would be appreciated. The better we are equipped, the deadlier we become as a group."
Nov 16 22:59:31 *   Kamvakua nods, rising to follow, looking around carefully as he listened.  It wouldn't do to relax and get ambushed after they met an ally.