017. Babau attack! Dawn Pointe Inn is suspicious?!

[Corwin]

[20:21] <Kotono> Soon Demedais' distractions are broken by entries of several. The door opens, Commander Oberuth leading two women in...
[20:23] <Demedais> Demedais stands and bows again, eyeing the new arrivals speculatively.
[20:24] * Seira enters first, raven hair cascading over pointed ears. Her jacket is red, as might be expected, the rest of her clothing carrying the appearance of practicality. She nods at Demedais, remaining silent.
[20:27] * Shamal is a fair skinned young woman with a generously soft figure, wearing pale blonde hair that just barely reaches past her neck. Unlike Seira her clothes seem a bit less practical, wearing a long flared green skirt with a twin-tailed and high collared green jacket over a white tunic. A small red insignia on her jacket and a captain's armband sewn onto her sleeve are all she has to herald her rank and position.
[20:27] <Shamal> She gives Demedais a smile but waits for Obureth to handle the introductions.
[20:28] <Kotono> "Demedais, Shamal and Seira. Shamal and Seira, Demedais," He nods once, then goes to sit back down. "These are the two remaining. They've dealt with matters thus far and are familiar with Helm."
[20:30] <Shamal> "I hear you're looking to sign up with us?" Shamal asks as she moves to take a seat. "I'd note it's an unusual vocation for a paladin, but we're an unusual group..."
[20:30] * Demedais nods. "A pleasure to meet you two." he said, infusing at least some warmth into it. "So you two assisted in driving back the ghouls that infested the mausoleum... I owe you for that." He bowed again, with a smile.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Thank you, but it's not needed. We can't let ghouls walk, either." Commander Oberuth speaks calmly, "Tell us about how you came to here?"
[20:35] <Demedais> "Indeed. It is an odd position that I find myself in, I must admit, but... joining the Crimson Guard would better allow me to protect Balmuria, and by extension, my temple." Demedais nods at Oberuth. "I was born here; on my nineteenth birthday, I took the oath to become a Paladin. It was two years later that Malmuth withdrew from here. I took that chance to make a pilgrimage in Malmuth. I wandered there for five years before
[20:37] <Demedais> feeling myself... pulled back here. I describe it as a pull; it's the best way I can think of such a sensation. I returned back here with haste, arriving yesterday."
[20:38] <Seira> "Serving in the Guard may one day pit you against Malmuth. Do you see that as a problem?" Seira asks the paladin curiously.
[20:41] <Demedais> "No. In all honesty... from what I saw in Valandia, I expect such a fight. Their military is rapidly booming, and while they use it for other purposes, namely controlling the populace... I would not be surprised to learn that they do have ambitions in this direction."
[20:42] <Kotono> "You've been there recently?" Oberuth's voice picks up a notch, "What's going on in that city? How are they expanding?"
[20:44] <Demedais> "Yes. I passed through it on my way back here." Demedais pauses, thinking. "I did not see the full town - the attitude toward travelers is apparently not too positive. Regardless, from what I saw of their development... I would estimate anywhere from seven thousand to nine thousand men and growing. They're currently building what I believe to be barracks, and..." Demedais chuckles. "Perhaps the most telling sign is that the t
[20:47] <Demedais> temple to Templus is also quite large, and quite prosperous in these times."
[20:47] <Demedais> OOC: *Tempus
[20:48] <Shamal> "It certainly sounds like they're preparing for battle... and the number of possible opponents seems rather small," Shamal observes, frowning as she leans on the table.
[20:49] <Kotono> "Entirely too small..." Oberuth glowers at this, "We do not need a war, not right now, but...that raises too many questions."
[20:49] <Seira> "Still, time works on our favor." Seira shrugs. "If they could be persuaded of the opposite, our chances would increase, I believe."
[20:50] <Demedais> "Indeed. This was the other reason I had wanted to talk to you, but mentioning it to the people in the Temple wouldn't have done." Demedais grins weakly.
[20:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[20:50] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[20:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
[20:51] <Demedais> Murr.
[20:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[20:53] * Shamal blinks and looks upwards. "Did anyone else hear that?" she asks.
[20:53] <Kotono> "...hm?" Commander Oberuth frowns half a moment, glancing up, before returning to Demedais. "Yes. I'll pass the information on up. Realistically..." HE frowns, stopping again. "Yes, it sounded like a thump on the roof."
[20:53] * Seira nods, drawing her wand smoothly and heading outside.
[20:54] * Demedais blinks, looking up before eyeing Shamal and Oberuth, and then the retreating form of Seira. "I heard nothing, but..." Demedais stands up and moves to follow Seira.
[20:55] <Kotono> Oberuth casually withdraws his blade, standing up. "
[20:55] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:55] <Shamal> "People shouldn't be climbing on the roof, but it's not really... oh, well, if everyone else is going?" she smiles and shrugs at Obureth, likewise rising and joining the troupe as they head outside to investigate.
[20:55] <Kotono> Oberuth casually withdraws his blade, standing up. "It's probably just a bird..." he murmurs, frowning again. "Go out and check it if you like, however."
[20:56] * Dracos is now known as Drac-shower
[20:56] * Demedais nods and follows Seira out, drawing his greatsword along the way.
[20:57] * Seira goes! Quietly if possible!
[20:57] * Shamal doesn't bother to ready any weapons as she follows the others to go out and look up at the roof. It's quite unlikely that there'd be trouble here in the garrison, after all.
[20:59] <Kotono> So the three head out! As they do, escaping the room, they hear a great crash behind them! An explosion! The roof in the room they were just in - and Commander Oberuth is still in - half vaporises, the other half collapsing in a torrent of noise! Whiffs and fire and smoke  come gushing down along with the roof and the sunlight from above!
[20:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 5d6
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 19."12 [5d6=3, 6, 6, 1, 3]
[21:02] * Seira startles, looking around hurriedly!
[21:03] <Shamal> "What in the-" Shamal cries in alarm, whipping around and looking back in the room. "Sir!"
[21:03] * Demedais whirls back around, keeping the greatsword close to him, as he feels the vibration from behind. Seeing the smoke coming out of the room, he moves back toward it, but hesitating to go in before he can see something.
[21:05] <Seira> "Shamal, get whoever did this, I'll go back for the Commander!" Seira calls out, heading back as her form seeks out the clouds of smoke to blur in their depths.
[21:06] <Kotono> As Seira looks, she can see the remnants of the roof around. Sunlight spills in, Commander Oberuth dusty and lifting a piece of roof rock off himself. He looks okay, coughing and cursing. In the slowly clearing hole to the sky, you see several things. First, a giant eagle swoops down, screaming as it lunges for the commander! Secondly, there is a vile red skinned creature, about six feet tall and with small vestigal wings on it's back. A foul
[21:07] <Kotono> A foul red slime covers it's skin as it hops down in the newly blown hole. Finally, at the edge of the broken roof, standing and waiting above, a great lion roars!
[21:07] <Shamal> "I hope you can climb," Shamal glances at Demedais, "Because your interview just started." With that, she promptly casts a spell, calling out for the spider's blessing before she rapidly scrambles up the side of the building and onto the roof to survey the situation there!
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, what's everyone doing?
[21:08] <Shamal> OOC: Climbing onto the roof and wishing Laika were here
[21:08] <Seira> OOC: If I can get to Oberuth and cast CMW the same turn, I'm doing that
[21:08] <Demedais> OOC - Entering the room, and attacking the red thing on sight.
[21:09] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, let's do initiative.
[21:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 nerveskitter!
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 nerveskitter! and gets 17."12 [1d20=8]
[21:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 19."12 [1d20=19]
[21:09] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11."12 [1d20=9]
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Oberuth
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 Oberuth and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[21:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 red thing
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 red thing and gets 5."12 [1d20=4]
[21:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 lion
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 lion and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 eagle
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 eagle and gets 7."12 [1d20=4]
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20 ???
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 ??? and gets 14."12 [1d20=14]
[21:12] * Kotono changes topic to 'Deme>Seira>Shamal>Lion>Eagle>Red Thing>Oberuth'
[21:13] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth coughs and looks up, growling. "...what in the..." he mutters, "Bastards!"
[21:14] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[21:15] * Demedais runs towards the red thing and swings his blade in a violent arc, hoping to catch it unawares.
[21:17] <Kotono> The creature turns, a sick, feral grin on it's face. It seems to smirk mockingly as it sidesteps, sharp, vicious claws coming up as it does! So it stands, nearly on the level with Demedais! OOC - Seira.
[21:17] <Seira> "Death alone awaits to those who would dare to harm the Commander!" Seira calls out angrily, her hand whipping out, the wand held in it expressing her displeasure with a sickly green burst of magic aimed at the eagle headed for her superior officer!
[21:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+8 ranged touch
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 ranged touch and gets 20."12 [1d20=12]
[21:18] <Seira> roll 1d8+2d6 acid+SA
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+2d6 acid+SA and gets 10."12 [1d8=3][2d6=2, 5]
[21:20] <Kotono> The orb of acid flies from Seira's wand! The green burst splashes all over the diving eagle, burning away feathers and leaving a charnel smell in the air! IT stays flying despite this obvious abuse, as meanwhile you hear noisesi n the hallway,r unning footsteps. OOC - Shamal.
[21:20] <Seira> Frustrated, Seira swaps weapons for her bow.
[21:21] <Shamal> OOC: Can I make a knowledge check to ID the red dude?
[21:21] <Kotono> OOC: Sure. Knowledge: Plains.
[21:21] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[21:28] <Shamal> "Watch out for that demon - you need cold iron to really hurt it!" Shamal cries, before casting a spell to summon an ally. "Proud hunter of the skies, I summon you to my aid!" Eliciting a loud screech as a hippogriff appears between her and the lion and proceeds to savagely maul it!
[21:28] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13."12 [1d20=5]
[21:28] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[21:28] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC - Later two hit.
[21:28] <Shamal> roll 1d4+6+1d8+4
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d4+6+1d8+4 and gets 15."12 [1d4=2][1d8=3]
[21:31] <Kotono> The summoned hippogriff tears into the lion, scoring direct hits on it's sides! While some of it's flesh is rent away, the proud cat isn't dead! It returns the favor, the two fighting on the edge of the roof!
[21:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 25."12 [1d20=18]
[21:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[21:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[21:31] <Kotono> roll 1d4+5
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+5 and gets 8."12 [1d4=3]
[21:32] <Kotono> With a backhanded swipe, part of the hippogriff's face is raked away! This does some damage, blood trickling out from the three scratches! Meanwhile, the eagle, while wounded, continues it's swoop at the Commander!
[21:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[21:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 crit check
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 crit check and gets 20."12 [1d20=11]
[21:33] <Kotono> roll 2d6+8
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+8 and gets 16."12 [2d6=3, 5]
[21:34] <Kotono> The eagle's swoop is a good one, tearing across and through Commander Oberuth's breastplaste! More dust from the roof swirls as the eagle flies away, but the Commander is only lightly staggered! He growls, eyes narrow as he drops into defense!  But as he does, the red thing smirks and claws at the charging Paladin!
[21:35] <Seira> "Sir!" Seira exclaims worriedly.
[21:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 30."12 [1d20=18]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5 and gets 9."12 [1d6=4]
[21:38] <Kotono> With an effort it claws through the armor, drawing across Demedais's chest! Not a deep wound, but one that gets it to just grin maddeningly as it scores it! In response, Commander Oberuth turns and lets loose a great charging roar! His sword is out, giong straight for the red creature in the ruined room!
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 18."12 [1d20=3]
[21:39] <Kotono> It comes close, but the creature whirls back, a full spin as it narrowly avoids the blade! OOC - Round over. Demedais, you're back up.
[21:43] * Drac-shower is now known as Drac-lunch
[21:46] <Demedais> "That barely even scratched me, demon. It's my turn!" Stepping to the side of the demon opposite Oberuth so as to flank it, Demedais threw a duet of violent blows at the demon's form, placing the divine force of Helm upon the first blow.
[21:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 and gets 25."12 [1d20=11]
[21:47] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:48] <Kotono> OOC - Roll your second attack as well.
[21:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[21:51] <Demedais> roll 2d6+6
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+6 and gets 14."12 [2d6=6, 2]
[21:52] <Kotono> The blade of the paladin pulses with holy energy as the smite attack slams the demon! It rocks back and forth as if struck by a train, it's smile vanishing! Instead  of foul humor, it glares at Demedais with a look of primal hatred! OOC - Seira.
[21:52] <Seira> The fell eagle had dared mar the Commander! The death that awaits it must be painful indeed!
[21:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 PA3
[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 PA3 and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
[21:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 PA3
[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 PA3 and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[21:53] <Kotono> OOC - Both hit.
[21:53] <Seira> roll 2d8+14
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+14 and gets 21."12 [2d8=4, 3]
[21:55] <Kotono> The two arrows are aimed well, one grazing the eagle's wing! It clips it, enough to disrupt it's flight! THe second takes advantage, going through it's midsection from side to side! IT lets out a keening call before falling to the ground, shimmering away seconds later! OOC - Shamal.
[21:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'Deme>Seira>Shamal>Lion>Red Thing>Oberuth'
[21:55] <Seira> "That's what you get!"
[21:56] <Shamal> Shamal's hippogriff continues its attack on the lion, claws and beak rending deeply into its flesh!
[21:56] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 25."12 [1d20=17]
[21:56] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[21:56] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[21:56] <Kotono> "Good shot!" Commander OBeruth calls back as he squares off against the wounded demon. He grins as the monter's attention turns to Demedais, it's sides open. "Good..." he murmurs, eyes on the prize.
[21:56] <Shamal> roll 2d4+12
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 2d4+12 and gets 16."12 [2d4=3, 1]
[21:56] <Kotono> OOC - First two hit, yeah.
[21:57] <Kotono> The lion is savagely mauled, much of it's body ruined! It's mane is stained with red, part of it's neck and chest torn away! Despite it's clearly critical wounds it yet lives!
[21:58] * Shamal moves to the edge of the hole in the roof, far enough away that the lion would have to move to reach her, before she snaps her fingers and fires off a trio of glowing green bolts of energy, two aimed at the lion and one at the demon below!
[21:58] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 caster level check
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 caster level check and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC - You passed.
[21:58] <Shamal> roll 2d4+2 vs lion
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 2d4+2 vs lion and gets 5."12 [2d4=2, 1]
[21:58] <Shamal> roll 1d4+1 vs demon
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d4+1 vs demon and gets 4."12 [1d4=3]
[22:00] <Kotono> The lion is riddled with two shots, slumping over! It fades away as it falls, dead before it touches the ground! The last shot hits the demon, seeming to lightly stagger it! Now the demon grins, dark power gathering around it! OOC - It's using a spell like, so Demedais and Oberuth can AoO it if they wish.
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
[22:03] <Demedais> Demedais glares at the demon as it seems to fade into darkness. "Not today, demon!" Again, Demedais throws his blessing of Helm into his first swing, leaving the second as a riochet strike.
[22:03] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:03] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[22:03] <Demedais> roll 2d6+6
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+6 and gets 14."12 [2d6=4, 4]
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d8+8
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+8 and gets 12."12 [1d8=4]
[22:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 23."12 [1d20=13]
[22:09] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft for fun
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft for fun and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
[22:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[22:09] <Seira> "It's running away!" Seira exclaims in dismay.
[22:11] <Kotono> The two blows together aren't terribly mighty against it's tough, cursed skin, but it's enough to dispel the dark power around it! As this happens, Shamal can easily note something in the sky, about fourty feet up. Slowly a gate of stormclouds appears, a sonorous voice echoing! "Scion of the cloudscape, I summon you to come forth! Let the banquet of sparks overrun all in my way!" The cloudgate cracks open, a lighting bolt arching forth and do
[22:11] <Kotono> forth and down, right at Commander Oberuth!
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7."12 [1d20=2]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 10d6
[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 35."12 [10d6=4, 6, 1, 2, 5, 2, 5, 1, 6, 3]
[22:13] <Kotono> The bolt is accurate and potent, slamming into the Commander! HIs limbs flail and body arches, smoke rising from him! Yet he stays up, gritting his teeth, huffing air and out! "Cover me..." he breathes, falling into a defensive stance!
[22:13] * Kotono changes topic to 'Deme>Seira>Shamal>Red Thing>????>Oberuth'
[22:13] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 listen~
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 listen~ and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
[22:14] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 hippogriffs have ears, too!
[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 hippogriffs have ears, too! and gets 14."12 [1d20=10]
[22:16] <Kotono> From down the hall, you hear them coming. "Sirs? What happened!" The voices of guards, rushing to the scene of the catastrophie. OOC - Demedais is up.
[22:16] <Demedais> "Seira! Can you heal him?" Demedais asks loudly.
[22:17] <Seira> "Already on my way!"
[22:17] <Kotono> Three guards in total, lugging long spears along as they finish running, coming to the door. They stare in shock, gazing at the demon!
[22:17] <Demedais> "Then I'll try to finish this accursed thing off!" Demedais winds up and lets loose his strikes.
[22:18] <Seira> "Protect the Commander!" Seira calls out, spreading her arm out in the wounded officer's direction.
[22:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16."12 [1d20=8]
[22:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17."12 [1d20=13]
[22:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20 guard initiative
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 guard initiative and gets 19."12 [1d20=19]
[22:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'Deme=Guards>Seira>Shamal>Red Thing>????>Oberuth'
[22:19] <Kotono> Demedais can't quite connect! Both blows are parried aside, the damnable creature as fast as a comet! As this happens, the guards rush in, following Seira's orders with open fear, but rushing forth! Two position and stab at the demon with shaking hands, while the last is at the Commander's side, interposting himself. "We won't l-l-let you!"
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 22."12 [1d20=20]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[22:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 crit check oi
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 crit check oi and gets 7."12 [1d20=5]
[22:20] <Demedais> "Little punk..."
[22:20] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 7."12 [1d8=7]
[22:21] <Kotono> The spear barely penetraits it's skin, but it still drags a fleeting injury into the unholy flesh! OOC - Seira.
[22:21] <Seira> Disegarding her personal safety, Seira rushes over to the Commander, healing magic already making its way through her system to concentrate in her palm, which she presses between his shoulder blades. "Are you alright, Sir?" she asks Oberuth worriedly, before begging him, "Please leave the foul thing to us!"
[22:21] <Seira> roll 2d8+6
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+6 and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 1]
[22:22] <Kotono> His burns partially recede, body mending in front of your eyes. "I'll live..." he breaths out.
[22:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21."12 [1d20=10]
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 20."12 [1d20=19]
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC - Shamal.
[22:24] * Shamal intently scans the sky above, fingers forming arcane patterns as she readies a spell, waiting for the right instant to unleash a spell upwards as soon as she can hear her target begin to cast another spell. Meanwhile her hippogriff emits an angry caw and dives down into the room below, claws raking the Babau!
[22:24] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 reflex to avoid slime damage
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 reflex to avoid slime damage and gets 7."12 [1d20=2]
[22:24] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
[22:26] <Kotono> The demon is now surrounded by spears, warriors and an angry hippogriff! But this attack fails, the demon pinned down! It looks around for several moments, before lunging at Demedais, unleashing it's full fury on him!
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 claw
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 claw and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 claw
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 claw and gets 16."12 [1d20=4]
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 bite
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 bite and gets 19."12 [1d20=12]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d6+2
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+2 and gets 6."12 [1d6=4]
[22:29] <Kotono> It does manage to bite Demedais, chomping on it's leg in a storm of clawing, biting, ducking, scratching and berserk combat! But it's only a minor injury, shin guard stopping most of it! Meanwhile, above, Shamal can clearly hear it. "Zephyr of the forgotten winds, banished by the rage of the Gods. Come forth and travel with me, on the wings of etherial light!"
[22:30] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 listen check to please give me a target!
[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 listen check to please give me a target! and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
[22:32] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 alertness reroll!
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 alertness reroll! and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[22:34] <Shamal> "Electric loop!" Shamal blurts out as soon as she begins to hear the spell, gesturing with one hand while she snaps her fingers with the other, an arc of lightning racing up to where she localised the source of the sound!
[22:34] <Shamal> roll 2d6 DC 15 reflex for half. DC 15 will or stunned if reflex is failed
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 2d6 DC 15 reflex for half. DC 15 will or stunned if reflex is failed and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
[22:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20 just making sure there isn't a one tossed, since really, the concentration mod makes this mooooot.
[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 just making sure there isn't a one tossed, since really, the concentration mod makes this mooooot. and gets 20."12 [1d20=20]
[22:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 ref
[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 ref and gets 12."12 [1d20=7]
[22:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 will
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 will and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
[22:39] <Kotono> You get a startled yelp! The spell continues, a wind gushing along, but you smell a faint notice of scorched skin as it does. His voice is quite surprised, even shocked! But as you presume the spell works, a small cloth bag falls from where it was, dropping towards the roof.
[22:40] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Commander Oberuth  finally has a chance, stumbling back, the Babau lashing out with a desperate claw!
[22:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
[22:40] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5 and gets 9."12 [1d6=4]
[22:41] <Kotono> While it scores a grazing hit against his side, Commander Oberuth is able to withdraw away, back towards the door out from the ruined room! "Pin it down and don't...let it get in range," he calls out, one hand holding his side.
[22:41] <Kotono> OOC - End of round, Demedais is up.
[22:45] <Demedais> Demedais nods in acknowledgement to Oberuth, before letting loose two more swings at the foul demon.
[22:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[22:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC - Crit confirm?
[22:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8
[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 and gets 25."12 [1d20=17]
[22:48] <Kotono> OOC - Crit. Roll damage.
[22:49] <Demedais> roll 4d6+8
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+8 and gets 22."12 [4d6=3, 6, 3, 2]
[22:51] <Kotono> The attack drives the greatsword into the chest of the demon! It seems to be enough, making it vanish away! It's gone just like that, only a bit of foul blood staying on Demedais' sword!
[22:52] <Kotono> So the battle ends, dust still settling from the roof, soldiers staring gape mouthed at where the demonw as. OOC - Go ahead and act.
[22:53] <Demedais> "Hmph." Demedais grunts as he sheaths his sword and walks toward Oberuth. "Sit still, sir. I'll heal what I can, with Seira's help if she's got more where that first burst came from."
[22:53] * Shamal skitters down onto the what's left of the ceiling and then rapidly makes her way down the wall so she's once more on the ground. "I couldn't stop her from escaping... does anyone need healing?" she asks as the hippogriff idly ruffles its feathers with no prey in sight.
[22:53] * Seira searches the skies for any sign of the mysterious villain that dared strike her beloved Commander with lightning!
[22:54] <Kotono> The sky is clear and quiet. As soldiers continue to rush along, a squad of them now, Commander Oberuth slumps down. "I'll live..." he breaths, "Goddammit. That was a wizard? Secure the area now."
[22:55] <Shamal> "She used the same teleport variant Irenes used," Shamal informs the group, not sounding pleased at all.
[22:55] <Seira> "Or the work of a gem of imbuing," Seira says quietly, for their ears only.
[22:56] <Demedais> "Irenes?" Demedais muttered.
[22:56] <Shamal> OOC: He!
[22:57] <Shamal> OOC: just strike my line, actually
[22:58] <Shamal> "That was the same teleport variant Irenes used," Shamal informs the group, not sounding pleased at all. "Voice sounded like his as well, so I'm almost certain he's the culprit..."
[22:58] <Kotono> "Why not?" Commander Oberuth lets his sword fall to the floor, "His life is forfeit anyway for the attack on Lord Salman." Meanwhile soldiers scurry about, rapidly hustling now. The three that confronted the demon are still standing there, rather shaken.
[23:00] <Shamal> "Sir, are you sure you're alright?" Shamal asks, stepping closer to him and placing a glowing hand over his wound as she murmurs a spell of healing.
[23:00] <Shamal> roll 1d8+5
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d8+5 and gets 6."12 [1d8=1]
[23:00] <Seira> "Good job, you three," Seira commands them, nodding in approval. "Especially you," she adds to the one who struck the fiend, and the soldier who protected the Commander. "Better luck next time," she tells the last one.
[23:01] <Kotono> "I'll live," he murmurs, as his flesh mends with the magic. "I've had worse in the war - barely." He even cracks a momentary smile at that, "Evacuate the room for now and regroup."
[23:02] * Demedais nods to the three in acknowledgement. "Indeed. That was impressive."
[23:03] <Shamal> "Looks like you survived the interview," Shamal gives Demedais a small smile. "Let's regroup in the briefing room?" she suggests, idly waving at the hippogriff which fades away and vanishes.
[23:05] <Shamal> "Oh, wait, I saw something drop!" she adds, going to look at where the bag fell from the sky.
[23:05] <Kotono> "Next time you pray, Demedais?" Picking himself up slowly, the Commander gets his sword and sheathes it. "Thank Helm. We dodged an arrow here today in several ways."
[23:05] <Kotono> Shamal notes it's on the roof, just lying there near where the lion was.
[23:06] * Shamal is easily able to climb up to the roof with her spider powers, but casts detect magic before touching it!
[23:06] <Kotono> There is magic inside of the bag. OOC - Spellcraft it up.
[23:06] <Demedais> "It'd take more than that thing's tinking to get to me. Like, say, a lightning bolt." He grinned at Oberuth, nodding in acknowledgement. "Indeed. We owe him greatly that you three heard that attack coming."
[23:06] <Shamal> OOC: taking 10 for 24 with guidance!
[23:07] <Kotono> A nod at that, "...archers on the roofs now," he mutters, considering. "Like hell we're going to let this happen again."
[23:07] <Kotono> Faint evocation.
[23:07] <Kotono> OOC - Faint evocation, even. I suck.
[23:07] <Seira> "You might need to pray extra hard, then, next time," Seira comments in all seriousness to Demedais.
[23:09] <Shamal> "Seira, you memorise mage hand a lot, don't you?" Shamal calls down to the elf, very carefully picking up the bag without opening it.
[23:10] <Seira> "It's like second nature to me, only without the creepy mummified elf hand bit," Seira calls back. "Why?"
[23:10] * Demedais nods at Seira, acknowledging that point.
[23:11] * Shamal scoots down onto the ceiling and down the wall to ground level once more, her skirt magically not flipping over her head. "There's faint evocation in this bag - it's probably a trap but we can't just leave it lying. Let's take it outside and clear some room before you try opening it?"
[23:12] <Seira> "Agreed." She turns to look at the Commander. "Permission to pursue this course of action and look for clues on our attacker, Sir?"
[23:12] * Drac-lunch is now known as Dracos
[23:12] <Kotono> "Go on. We'll talk later...and take Demedais with you. We'll work out something offical later." A pause, ab reath out as he begins to walk, "Seira, when we aren't under attack by a hostile power, let me know when that venture of yours opens?"
[23:13] <Seira> "Of course, Sir." She nods for good measure. "I will send an invitation."
[23:14] <Kotono> So the heroes head outside, sidestepping the chaos. Guards are scurrying around, but an empty place on the practice sparring fields is not hard to find.
[23:15] <Seira> A wave of her left hand summons a shimmering shield in front of her, and a matching motion by the other hand forces the bag to open, its contents revealing themselves to all, and most importantly to Seira's magically-augmented eyes!
[23:15] * Shamal is well away from the bag when this happens!
[23:15] * Demedais is near Shamal, taking from her the cue of distance.
[23:16] <Kotono> Inside the bag are five small red gems. Each is nearly identical in apperance, though one radiates faint magic. They look like red quarts or rubies, perhaps.
[23:16] <Seira> "Five gems dear old Irenes would not be imbuing any time soon, I wager," Seira comments, willing the unwapped bag and its contents to float over to her outstretched palm.
[23:17] * Dracos is now known as Player2
[23:17] <Kotono> This happens without incident.
[23:18] <Shamal> "And one's already been imbued?" Shamal raises an eyebrow. "How lucky for us... since he'll probably be back for it soon, how about we go ask your Master to identify it now and we can decide if it's worth using?"
[23:19] <Seira> "She prefers Mistress," Seira says, mildly embarrassed. "And it is possible he wished to use it on more... human subjects." Her voice turns distasteful towards the end.
[23:24] * Demedais stays respectfully and mildly bemusedly silent.
[23:24] <Shamal> "What do you mean by that?" Shamal asks, wondering at the emphasis on humans.
[23:26] <Seira> "You believe the attacker to be Irenes, correct?"
[23:27] <Shamal> "I'm almost certain of it," the blonde nods in reply.
[23:29] <Seira> "And we are aware that he likes to use human subjects to further his study of magic. We also know that he does this via means of enspelled gems much like this one appears to be." Seira shrugs. "If there is no logical fallacy in my words, then it is quite likely he planned to continue his... research... with that gem."
[23:31] <Shamal> "Yes, I only wondered at your emphasis on human subjects. Have we any evidence of him using other subjects?"
[23:32] * Seira shakes her head. "Is that not despicable enough?"
[23:34] <Shamal> "It simply struck me as an odd choice of wording," Shamal returns, before briefly looking abashed and turning to Demedais. "Apologies, you're probably feeling lost. We're referring to gems which have the capability of imbuing knowledge of a single magical spell into a being with no magical inclination or training. They've suddenly become rather popular."
[23:35] <Demedais> "Ah, I see now." Demedais inclined his head, still a bit bemused but not worrying about it too much.
[23:35] <Seira> "And since you are filling him in, could you share the details on that attempt by Irenes at assassinating Lord Salman?"
[23:36] <Demedais> "That... would be appreciated. I had heard of it, but not of what actually happened."
[23:37] <Shamal> "The assassin claimed that Irenes was the one who hired her, though it was intimated that he was merely an intermediary," Shamal offers. "Regardless, he has proven himself to be involved in numerous crimes against the United Baronies, and his capture is of the highest priority."
[23:39] <Demedais> "Do we have a description of Irenes?"
[23:41] <Shamal> "We've met him. I can show you a picture some other time, but the most distinguishing feature is his monobrow." Shamal does give a brief physical description besides that, but the monobrow is the important part!
[23:42] <Demedais> "Mmm, alright. Don't think I've seen him before, but that's no real surprise.
[23:43] <Shamal> "If you do, he's to be considered extremely dangerous - you just saw the company he keeps, after all, not to mention the spells he was throwing out," Shamal warns. "Anyway, let's go see Countess Stronger and see if she can tell us what that gem does.
[23:43] <Shamal> "
[23:45] * Seira nods. "And speaking of the Countess, she mentioned a rumor involving you and a tiger...?"
[23:46] <Shamal> "Oh, yes," Shamal sighs. "I was briefly taking care of it for Mihail, that's all."

[Corwin]

[20:04] <Kotono> ----
[20:07] <Kotono> In the chaos afterwards, the entire garrison works. Already men come to begin to clear away the roof's rubble, guards about. Even on the roofs, a few archers keeping watch atop with sharp eyes. But the day goes by with little incident. Commander Oberuth rests in his office, bandages worn, body mending. Two guards stand at each side of the door in as the three enter. With a wave of his hand, the Commander gestures to the party as he sits. "Yes
[20:07] <Kotono> "Yes? How goes the investigation?"
[20:08] * Demedais stands back and lets Seira and Shamal report, due to lack of knowledge about Irenes.
[20:09] * Alveria (~carthrat@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #dunes
[20:10] <Shamal> "We had Countess Stronger identify the magic gem for us," Shamal begins. "It contains knowledge of the spell Burning Hands. The other gems are entirely mundane - probably he was preparing to imprint spells onto them but hadn't got around to it."
[20:10] <Shamal> She looks thoughtful for a moment, "It may be coincidence, but the gems themselves appear similar to the shards we found in possession of the Sea Hag. It could be because the spells are similar, or it could me more insidious..."
[20:11] <Kotono> "It could be...it could also be why a Sea Hag with trollish regenerations appeared out of the blue just now. That isn't normal for one ofthose creatures, is it?" Oberuth glowers at that, deep and vicious.
[20:13] <Shamal> "No it is not," Shamal replies primly. "Irenes could be seeking to destabilise and undermine us in various ways... which raises the possibility of him being involved in our recent undead problem, as well."
[20:17] <Kotono> "Alright." Commander Oberuth nods slowly at that, half closing his eyes as he rubs his brow. "He very well may be. The sea hag appeared...shortly before the assassination attempt. Then this...and if he is related to Malmuth, we could tack on the elven expiditions and Berlioz to them. If, that is." He seems to ponder it, long. "...hm. Where are the gems now?"
[20:19] <Seira> "Here," Seira says, showing the bag.
[20:19] <Kotono> He nods and glances at the bag, "What are you going to do with it?"
[20:22] <Seira> "It's only value is monetary. We do not believe the gems can be used to track Irenes down."
[20:23] <Kotono> "Then do what you will with it. You're the best we have, we could do far worse than letting you use those resources." A small nod at that, a moment of thought. "That matter aside, do you see any practical ways to continue your investigation on this attack as of now?"
[20:25] <Demedais> "One question. Would any magic-crafter perhaps recognize the style of magic used in those gems?" Demedais asked. "This... isn't asked as a slight to you, but merchants knowledgeable in such magic items - could they perhaps give us any leads? Although... he likely would not sell his research, would he." Demedais shrugs. "A thought."
[20:26] * Shamal shakes her head sadly. "He teleported away, and since all his accomplices this time were summoned monsters, they provide no useful leads either." She then frowns, "I do worry that he seemed to know exactly where you were, Sir - you did seem to be the target, after all. While magic could have allowed him to locate you, we can't rule out a more mundane source of information..."
[20:28] <Kotono> "As far as we've learned, they're an old magic being rediscovered. Not my field. Shamal or Seira?" Oberuth processes that, wincing and rubbing his side for a few breathless moments. "...whew. Yes, a spy or two isn't out of the question, either. The environment is perfect for it."
[20:28] <Shamal> Glancing towards Demedais, "The original source of the gems are from gnomish ruins. We did not think Irenes capable of creating them on his own, but this discovery does seem to imply otherwise."
[20:29] * Demedais nods, attempting to look sagely and failing miserably.
[20:31] <Kotono> At that, Commander Oberuth breaks into a smile. "..you look like a private that's trying to look like he knows what he's doing after his first skirmish. Alright, if this is a dead end, then the three of you should resume what you were investigating, as well as briefing Demedais and vice versa."
[20:31] * Demedais chuckles. "Well, considering that's how over my head I am in the arena of magic..."
[20:33] <Kotono> "I feel the same way. Even if I'm trying to read about it, the words may as well be mostly in Gnomish." As Oberuth starts to alugh again, his breath exits out in a heavy huff, his side held. "...yes. I think that's a good time. Dismissed...and good work, each of you. I'd probably be far worse off if not for your quick actions."
[20:34] <Shamal> "We'd all be worse off if we lost you, Sir," Shamal replies affectionately, before offering a salute and turning to leave before she starts to blush at how much of a suck up she just sounded like.
[20:36] * Demedais nods and bows, smiling a bit at Shamal's comment before following her out.
[20:42] <Kotono> So the party heads out. The alley next to the Dawn Pointe inn is the destiation. It's a quiet part of town, next to a closed butcher's shop. Very quiet, away from the main streets, only the faintest hint of the sea air reaching this covey. Deep in that alley, under cover of tree and rubble added are the two guards. They wear simple clothes, a set of dice tossed around as they keep watch.  "Sir," one nods to Seira respectfully, quietly.
[20:43] * Shamal hangs back, probably looking as confused as Demedais, but happy to follow Seira's lead.
[20:43] <Seira> "Hello," she greets them, before cutting straight to the chase. "What do you have to report so far?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "There have been few customers - most spend a night and leave. On the subject, she leaves the inn a few times a day. One is to go to a butcher several blocks away. A good thing, sir?" He pauses, a veteran with gray creeping into his blonde hair, saggy faced. "She goes to buy vegetables and supplies as well. She looked tired every day until today."
[20:46] <Seira> "What changed today?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "That brings it to the other point." The man looks pointedly uncomfortable, "There's another man here, who comes and goes at all hours. Blonde hair and wears a cloak, with a hat that hides his face? He comes and goes at all hours. He moves like the wind, sir - I saw the door open when he left one evening, and I was only able to follow him for a few seconds before I lost im in plain sight. But yesterday, he left carrying a backpack and some su
[20:48] <Kotono> The other, another old, grizzled veteran that has a few fingers on his left hand missing, shakes his head. "Never seen anything like it. Moved like water."
[20:48] <Kotono>  he left carrying a backpack and some supplies, and the innkeeper saw him off to the end of the street."
[20:49] <Shamal> "Febras?" Shamal surmises. "He's more suspicious than the innkeep as far as I'm concerned."
[20:50] <Seira> "Yet he cannot be trailed that easily, and he is connected to the innkeeper in some fashion," Seira points out. "Very well. Continue to observe her for now, and let me know at once if her behavior or situation changes."
[20:50] <Kotono> "Today, the innkeeper has been more lively. She was yawning notably less," the blonde man reports, a glance at Demedais, but he just returns his eyes to Seira. "Very well." A nod, quick and to the point.
[20:53] <Seira> "Also, keep track of her customers and the people she interacts with, just to be on the safe side," Seira adds, before glancing at Shamal and Demedais. "Well, what now?"
[20:53] * Loligoth|AFK (~draomir@75-161-147-18.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[20:53] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Loligoth|AFK Loligoth|AFK
[20:55] <Shamal> "Well, in the absence of other leads, I was thinking of doing a sweep for undead, but that would have to wait for tomorrow since I don't have that spell prepared... unless anyone has any other ideas?" the blonde asks.
[20:57] * Hotaru (~draomir@75-161-139-132.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:57] * Reiko-chan (~Hola@75-161-139-132.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
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[20:59] <Demedais> "I... do not have any ideas that could assist us, here." Demedais said, shaking his head.
[21:00] <Seira> "A sweep for evil, perhaps?" Seira proposes. "Large concentrations of it might show us something, if only a criminal organization we would be in a position of shutting down."
[21:01] <Demedais> "If you have such a spell prepared, it would work, yes." Demedais agreed.
[21:01] <Shamal> "Oh, yes, can't paladins tell if someone is evil just by looking?" Shamal glances at Demedais, before ever so subtly inclining her head towards Seira as she stares at the servant of Helm.
[21:02] * Seira just gives Demedais a long, long look.
[21:03] <Demedais> "The gift Helm gave to me was the capability to detect chaos, not evil. An odd choice on his part, but it has served me well in my travels. We could do a sweep in that, regard, but... even an ordinary inn would probably register great amounts of chaos." Demedais stated
[21:05] <Shamal> "... Yes, I doubt that would be any good to us," Shamal admits after a moment. "Very well, I shall purchase a scroll of detect undead and memorise it for tomorrow so we can sweep the city? If anyone else wants to help by learning the same spell, don't let me stop you..."
[21:05] <Seira> "Do you hold any sway in Helm's Temple, here?" Seira asks Demedais after a lengthy pause. "It might be a good idea to recruit the acolytes into helping us sweep the city."
[21:07] <Demedais> "That is a good idea. I could probably convince Father Ceiar to lend me their services as part of their training." Demedais nodded, a grin beginning to form. "Shall we go to inquire about that?"
[21:08] <Shamal> "Anything if it saves me money!" Shamal chirps brightly. Okay, she's filthy rich, but old habits die hard.
[21:09] * Demedais glances at Shamal with a bit of amusement, nodding. "Let's go do that, then."
[21:11] <Kotono> The Temple to Helm is open but guarded. Vigliant Watchmen stand at the gates, salutes quickly given to the Crimson Guard as they enter. Inside the vast, reaching hall you see Watchman Karl at the altar. "Welcome, Crimson Guard. Welcome back, Demedais," he intones, letting his voice echo and multiply in the depths. "Can I help you?"
[21:12] <Demedais> "Good day, Karl. Could you tell us where Father Ceiar or the Head Priest is?
[21:14] <Kotono> "Father Ceiar is in meditation," A momentary nod, brief. "The Head Priest is in study."
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[21:17] <Demedais> "Mmm. Is there any other father that is not indisposed?" Demedais inquired, a mite bemused. *People's habits change over five years, I guess. Doesn't mean I have to like it, but...*
[21:18] * Loligoth|AFK (~draomir@75-161-147-18.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:19] * Reiko-chan (~Hola@75-161-147-18.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:19] <Kotono> "A moment," he muses, "It won't be a problem to stir either of them if this is business."
[21:19] * Reiko-chan (~Hola@75-161-144-30.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[21:21] * Demedais nods. "It is, I'm afraid."
[21:24] <Kotono> "Alright, a moment." With a short nod, he goes out. The first that comes out takes only a few moments, Father Ceiar striding towards you. His eyes shine as he sees Demedais. "I hear you're here on official business?" he enquires
[21:28] <Demedais> Demedais nods. "Apologies for disrupting your meditations, father, but that I am. We're in need of a method to cast detect undead or detect evil - neither of my comrades have that capability, and my Detect Chaos is, ah, not that useful in a city. So, to cut to the point; do you have any acolytes you can spare that can do such a duty for us? Or, better, something we may take with us that fulfills that function?"
[21:30] <Shamal> "We'd rather look for undead than evil," Shamal chimes in, "Since having questionable morals is less of a problem than being a horrible mockery of life."
[21:31] * Demedais nods in agreement.
[21:31] <Kotono> He pauses a moment before he nods. "The high priest has been preparing such after the last incident. He should be out in a moment, we'll be happy to cooperate."
[21:32] <Demedais> "That would be greatly appreciated, sir." Demedais bows.
[21:32] * Seira nods. "We should use every chance to take the fight to them, rather than wait for a time of their convenience."
[21:34] <Kotono> As you speak, the High Priest enters. His plate armor is magnificent, freshly engraved with an all watching, vigliant eye. "I hea ryou come seeking the aid of the Vigliant One?"
[21:36] <Demedais> "Indeed, High Priest. We seek a way to effectively take the fight to the undead, as my comrade Seira just put it succinctly; however, none of us have a reliable way of detecting the undead. Do you have a way to help us execute our plan?"
[21:37] <Shamal> "I do, it just involves waiting till tomorrow and spending about two month's pay," Shamal feels compelled to point out.
[21:38] <Seira> "Using those spells means we are less prepared for actual combat with the undead, should it come to that," Seira adds.
[21:39] <Kotono> "...it's not needed." A shake of his head, the High Priest waving his hand. "I'll provide you with a few of those scrolls as you wish."
[21:40] * Demedais nods, a somber look on his face. "Thank you, High Priest."
[21:41] <Shamal> "Balmuria appreciates your generosity," Shamal smiles pleasantly in reply.
[21:43] <Kotono> IN a moment he comes and goes, four silk wrapped scrolls passed over solemnly. "I wish you well with this, Crimson Guard."
[21:45] * Demedais accepts them. "Praise be to the Vigilant One." Demedais mouths, before passing the scrolls to his comrades. Turning back to the High Priest, he bows again. "May Helm guide us in these times."
[21:48] <Seira> "I propose we use two of the scrolls today to try and locate their hide out, and then collect intelligence on it," Seira says once they leave the temple.
[21:49] <Shamal> "Casting the spell from a scroll won't last longer than a minute," Shamal points out. "Unless we already have a firm idea where to start, it won't be too useful."
[21:51] <Seira> "Let's check in with the Guard before attempting this. They might have information on missing persons or suspicious activities that would give us a general area."
[21:51] <Shamal> "Good idea," Shamal nods her assent.

[Corwin]

[21:58] <Shamal> roll 1d20+1 aid another gather info
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+1 aid another gather info and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[21:59] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2 aid another gather info as well
[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 aid another gather info as well and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[22:00] <Corwin> roll 1d20+11 guided gather info?
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Corwin rolls 1d20+11 guided gather info? and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[22:08] <Kotono> Seira finds it a funny thing. She gets many questions back, people knowing her face now. Questions about the Commander, queries and looks. ?Yet she also gets generally respectful or at least corteous replies. Of note are two things - an incoming traveller complains that a gate guard gave him a really hard time, nearly arresting him for nothing. An old woman complaints that she swears she saw someone in the sky this past day.
[22:09] * Seira gets a description of the guard in question and the time of both incidents, before heading to check the matter with him.
[22:10] <Kotono> The guard has rakish hair crammed under a helmet and he's quite young. That's the description Seira gets.
[22:11] <Seira> With the place and time of the incident, it should not be hard to find him using the roster.
[22:13] <Shamal> "What does this have to do with anything?" Shamal can't help but ask as Seira follows this line of enquiry. "He might say he was 'almost arrested for nothing', but that hardly makes it true."
[22:14] <Seira> "We don't really have any other options today, so we might as well check," Seira responds with a shrug. "If this avenue of enquiry fails, we'll simply try the spells tomorrow."
[22:15] <Shamal> "I just don't see how someone complaining about a guard being rude has anything to do with our undead problem," Shamal replies, not being blessed with Seira's deductive reasoning.
[22:16] <Seira> "He sounds like a vigilant guard. It is possible that by paying more attention he saw something of use to us."
[22:33] <Seira> "We would like to talk to this guard," she responds, thanking him for his concern before detailing the man in question and the time and place he was spotted.
[22:35] <Kotono> "The gate? Sounds like Biggs." Looking at Seira, "Should be off duty now, though."
[22:36] * Seira turns towards Shamal. "Any ideas where he would be?"
[22:37] * Shamal blinks. "Ah... no? I always seem to bump into him when we're on duty, but never off."
[22:38] <Kotono> "If it's important I can send someone to dig him up," he offers, and after a moment, he turns to Demedais. A curious look, but he doesn't linger.
[22:39] * Demedais nods back to the Captain, saying nothing.
[22:39] <Seira> "We might as well reconvene tomorrow," Seira suggests, mildly frustrated.
[22:40] <Demedais> "That may be our best bet, I am afraid." Demedais rumbles.