018. Febras's true face, unveiled!

[Corwin]

[21:19] <Koaway> ---
[21:22] <Koaway> The next day the party gathers, rested and refreshed. On this cloudy spring morning, few people are about. The street in front of the Dawn Pointe Inn is peaceful.
[21:23] * Shamal looks rather embarrassed at her failure to quite grasp the finer points of the detect undead spell - it seemed so simple when she cast it from the scroll the other day! - and is content to let Seira and Demedais take the lead this time, hanging back with Laika.
[21:24] <Demedais> "Alright, miladies. How should we go about this?" Demedais queries. "First, cast a detect here?"
[21:24] <Seira> "I don't know if we could cover the entire city today," Seira says, "so let's try checking out the parts of it adjacent to the closed butcher's shop, before trying the various graveyards. Your spells can wait until later, I believe," she adds for Demedais's benefit.
[21:25] <Demedais> Alright.
[21:28] <Shamal> "Here, I can at least cast a spell to help you cover more ground," Shamal offers, before casting Longstrider on Seira.
[21:28] * Seira nods, and casts her spell, acquiring a magical sixth sense for spotting undead villains!
[21:30] * Demedais nods. "Let's not waste any time. You see anything in the Inn or around it?"
[21:31] <Koaway> The immediate environs are without incident. There's nothing undead on the the outside of the old butchery or the Dawn Pointe Inn.
[21:32] <Seira> Time to take this onwards! It would not be a perfect spiral, but Seira is more interested about hitting the spots their previous investigation of the butcher named as places he had visited or otherwise had contact with.
[21:33] * Demedais nods as he follows Seira.
[21:34] * Shamal does her best to keep up with the currently sped up elf as well.
[21:39] <Koaway> OOC - While I'm thinknig abou it, make a caster level check.
[21:40] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[21:43] <Koaway> Seira wanders about. As she does, she slowly begins to notice something as she checks a new butcher's shop, then some meat sellers near the gate. A feeling, a pulling of undead presence. IT's very faint, but despite this Seira gets an intense feeling of strength from it, strongness. There is definitely something at the gate.
[21:45] * Seira slows down so that the others would not have to make an effort to keep up with her, and murmurs to Demedais, "Something strange at the gate, cast your own spell and we'll go."
[21:46] * Demedais nods to Seira, and chants the words of his own Detect Undead spell.
[21:46] <Koaway> OOC - Caster level check, Demedais.
[21:47] * Seira hands one of the scrolls to Shamal, next. "I believe we should try to triangulate it, as the feeling is very faint."
[21:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10."12 [1d20=7]
[21:47] * Shamal nods and proceeds to read off the spell that she somehow can't scribe into her spellbook.
[21:48] <Koaway> As people come and go from the gate, Demedais doesn't detect any undead. It's a reasonably busy morning here, horses passing you by. The smell of horse, of sweaty travellers, of fresh food coming in, all of it mingles together.
[21:50] <Koaway> OOC - Caster levle check too, Shamal. Sorry, missed your line, I suck.
[21:50] <Shamal> OOC: my caster level or the scroll's?
[21:50] <Koaway> OOC: Yours is fine.
[21:50] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[21:50] <Seira> "Anything?" Seira asks of Shamal and Demedais.
[21:50] <Koaway> Shamal does not detect any undead here.
[21:51] <Demedais> I see nothing.
[21:51] * Shamal slowly turns around, looking in all directions, before she shakes her head. "Not a peep."
[21:52] * Demedais looks around, attempting to spot what Seira sees but failing to do so.
[21:52] <Seira> "Hmm." Seira frowns. "I can still attempt to triangulate on my own, albeit it would be time-consuming."
[21:52] * Seira tries to assertain a direction where her feeling is strongest, and to determine whether it is mobile or not.
[21:53] <Shamal> "Isn't the range on this spell sixty feet?" Shamal asks, moving to stand right next to Seira to see if she can spot anything that way.
[21:54] * Seira nods, and slowly turns her head around to try and box the probable area where undead might be at.
[21:57] <Koaway> Seira has a bead on it, so it's not hard. It's from the gate, other side. Going through it would let her see it in earnest.
[21:57] * Seira signals her companions to follow her as she does so, walking normally as if they were on a sudden inspection of the guards.
[21:58] * Demedais nods and follows her, still attempting to spot whatever it is Seira does.
[21:59] * Shamal does likewise, starting to wonder if the darn spell is even working.
[21:59] <Koaway> There are two guards out here. Biggs and Wedge are at gate duty, watching a middle aged farmer bring a cart of vegetables into the city. They both look bored. Biggs pushes his helmet up, his hair poking out from it. He looks a bit restless, shifting. His older partner smiles and salutes the captains, a nod.
[22:00] <Seira> "Follow my lead," Seira tells the others very quietly, before strolling up to the guards. "Good day," she tells them, returning the salute. "How go your duties?"
[22:01] * Shamal gives the commonly seen duo a smile and a salute, letting Seira do the talking.
[22:01] <Koaway> Wedge salutes back crisply, "Well enough today. The farmers are bringing stock to the market. No traders yet, but it's still early."
[22:01] <Koaway> Biggs smiles nicely, rubbing the back of his head and smothering a yawn into his hand. "Morning, captains."
[22:01] * Demedais nods to the two guards, but affects a generally stern countenance.
[22:02] <Koaway> "Oh...wait, are you that guy who was helping the Commander yesterday?" Biggs quickly looks to Demedais, "Hey, heard you gave that bastard the 1-2 when he tried to attack."
[22:03] * Demedais cracks a faint grin. "I did assist the Commander and these two in putting down the attack, yes."
[22:03] <Seira> "We are actually here to talk to you, Biggs," Seira informs the pair. "We have gotten a complaint about violent behavior from one of the civillians, and believed it only proper to establish all the facts of the matter."
[22:04] * Shamal blinks at Seira's questioning, throwing a briefly surprised look at her colleague, but she refrains from questioning her.
[22:04] <Koaway> Biggs scowls at that, "...bah. Guy was just a jerk...erm, sir." Straighening just a bit as Wedge gives hima  tired glare, "Like hell if I'm going to slack off on my duties the same day that we were attacked."
[22:04] <Seira> "Were you two together at the time?" she asks.
[22:05] <Koaway> "Yeah. I'm stuck with the old man." Trying to put a good grin on it, "C'mon, Wedge, tell'em."
[22:05] <Seira> With those words, Seira looks at Wedge, giving him her full attention.
[22:06] <Koaway> He starts to speak, but sighs deeply. "...He was very vigorous in his duties." Rubbing his forehead wearily, "While it was energetic, I think the circumstances promoted that sort of...viligance."
[22:08] <Seira> "I would like to know the details," Seira responds, returning her attention to both guards. "Please detail all that has transpired on the day in question."
[22:09] <Shamal> While Seira interrogates their colleagues, Shamal makes another sad attempt at locating the undead creature that the half-elf lured them here with tales of.
[22:09] <Koaway> "The entire day? Bleh. Nothing much happened until that attack reached us. Then it was all just farmers, a few traders and a couple of wanderers." Biggs reports crisply. "That incident was because that we being diligent, he just didn't like it."
[22:10] <Koaway> Wedge nods, "The morning was unusually quiet. The incident in question was because the traveller complained over the searching Biggs performed."
[22:10] <Seira> "What was being searched, exactly?"
[22:11] <Koaway> "Backpack, that sort of thing." Biggs replies, eyes starting to wander down a bit a moment, before he pulls them back up. "It wasn't even that unusual."
[22:12] <Koaway> "Look, Captains, you know us. It's just a malcontent making noise." Grinning now as he scratches at his head, at where the helmet gives hima  small gap, "It's nothing at all."
[22:12] <Seira> "Did any of you come in contact with any foreign or unidentified substance at the time?" Seira questions next, frowning.
[22:13] <Koaway> "If you count some forgotten, moldy bread, then yeah." Biggs glances to Shamal, "C'mon, Shamal. Tell her that this is nothing." Meanwhile, Wedge looks away, towards the horizon and sky, keeping his mouth shut.
[22:15] <Shamal> "Honestly, it's not really my concern," the blonde admits honestly. "But Seira seems curious, so I allow myself to humour her. That said, don't we have more pressing business?" she asks her fellow Captain.
[22:15] <Seira> "I see." Seira nods. "Very well, then. I believe that this is nothing, but we must still follow the official complaint and the rule of law," she says, knowing quite well just as Shamal and Demedais do that no such complaint had been filled out. "I would like to ask you for your cooperation in submitting a written report down at the station. I will ask for replacements to take care of business here."
[22:16] * Demedais eyes the two, finally placing them as the two guys that checked him into the town. Hearing Seira's last statement, he eyes her with mild curiousity buts says nothing.
[22:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 epic?!
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 epic?! and gets 26."12 [1d20=10]
[22:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 assist in epic?!?
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 assist in epic?!? and gets 20."12 [1d20=6]
[22:18] <Demedais> Feh.
[22:19] <Koaway> "But I have to stay here and guard it," Biggs mutters, looking downward as his knuckles turn white on the spear he holds. But Wedge speaks instead, "Alright, if you want, sirs" he agrees.
[22:20] <Shamal> "I suppose I can watch the gate until you get someone else to cover here?" Shamal asks, really hoping Seira has some elusive master plan here, because it seems like she's just being a busybody...
[22:21] * Seira nods. "It would work well, yes."
[22:22] <Koaway> Biggs scowls again at Seira, throwing all his presence - however minimal - at her. "Yes, sir..." he mutters again.
[22:22] <Seira> "Demedais, you remember where the guard station is?" Seira says, asking him to take the lead.
[22:24] * Demedais nods. "Believe so. I'll go request replacements, then?"
[22:25] <Seira> "Lead the way, we'll all go while Shamal watches the gate," she says. "I'll have someone relieve you as soon as I can," Seira then tells Shamal, and gives a slight nod in Biggs' direction once she catches the druid's attention.
[22:26] * Demedais nods and trots off in the direction of the guard station.
[22:26] * Shamal nods in reply to Seira and takes up position to guard Balmuria against all intruders!
[22:27] * Seira intends to bring up the rear of their little procession.

[Corwin]

[22:35] <Koaway> ---
[22:35] <Koaway> The gate's actually quiet for the moment, a small mercy. Laika lingers by her mistress, sniffing the air on occasion.
[22:36] * Shamal looks fairly confused at recent events, and decides to air her concerns with her dog. Casting a spell to let Laika converse intelligently, "Did you notice anything odd just now, Laika?" she asks, wondering if she might have smelled whatever undead Seira supposedly detected before getting distracted by harassing Biggs.
[22:39] <Koaway> Laika takes a moment to scratch behind her ear, whimpering softly as she does. "He smells a little different, the younger one. The smell's in the air, but it's very faint."
[22:40] <Shamal> "Really... he didn't look much different," Shamal hums thoughtfully, helping Laika to scratch behind her ears. "What was the smell like?"
[18:12] <Kotono> "It wasn't bad at first. But there's something slightly rotten to it. Like food that's just starting to go bad." Laika sniffs the air again, whimpering. "It's not a good smell. I want the rest of the pack here..."
[18:15] <Shamal> "Sorry, girl," Shamal continues to scratch Laika's head, "Can't leave the gate unguarded to go get them... I wonder if maybe Seira saw something strange in Biggs, then? I just don't know what to make of this, though."
[18:16] <Kotono> "Normal people don't smell like that," Laika rubs up against Shamal's hand. "Humans don't go bad like meat, do they?"
[18:17] * Shamal makes an expression of distaste. "Well, you remember the butcher and his ghouls, don't you? Was the smell like anything from there?"
[18:18] <Kotono> Laika considers a moment, her dark dog eyes looking up to Shamal's faraway face. "Like bad things, yes. LIke something just starting to get bad like that?"
[18:20] <Shamal> "Hmm... I think we will stop by home once the relief guards get here, after all," the blonde decides, before sighing and shaking her head. "Poor Biggs... if something has happened to him, I hope we can stop it before it's too late..."
[18:21] <Kotono> Laika lies down at Shamal's feet, as the gate is rare and mercifully quiet. "I'll protect you, though. We'll all protect you." Panting after, Laika looks ahead.
[18:22] <Shamal> "I know you will, girl," Shamal smiles, rubbing the scruff of Laika's neck as she stands vigilant watch over the gate for any potential smugglers or invaders. "We've all got to stick together."

[Corwin]

[22:29] <Koaway> So as Shamal stands steadfast at the gates, Demedais, Seira and the two guards head back towards the garrison. Seira indeed takes up the rear. Wedge walks along normally, but Biggs looks around a lot, often back in the direction of the gate. As this happens, the duration on Seira and Demedais's naturally expires, the time to walk back whittling the last minutes away. OOC - If you want to act on the way or recast or whatever, feel free.
[22:29] <Seira> OOC: Not as yet
[22:29] <Demedais> OOC: No action from me.
[22:31] <Koaway> With nothing of note happening on the way, the party soon arrives at the garrison. The guards look even more alert than usual, and there are still a few people visible on the roofs, ladders against the side of the building.
[22:32] * Seira sends a pair of guards to the gate to relieve Shamal as promised, before asking about a pair of available rooms.
[22:32] * Demedais simply follows Seira, wondering if he knows what's going on or not.
[22:33] <Seira> "I will ask Shamal to take your statement once she arrives," Seira tells Biggs, before saying to Demedais, "For now, why don't you keep him company?"
[22:34] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods as he gestures Biggs into the room.
[22:35] <Koaway> Getting two rooms is simple enough. Both are plain, with a table and a few uncomfortable charis. Demedais adn Biggs go into the room...OOC - What are you ddoing with Wedge, Seira?
[22:35] <Seira> OOC: He goes into the other room with me, and I interrogate him~
[22:37] <Koaway> OOC: Okay.
[22:38] <Koaway> Wedge goes to sit down, looking up at Seira. "Well, sir?" he asks, plainly as he puts his spear down.
[22:39] * Seira leans against the wall, crossing her arms before her chest. "You clearly wanted to say something, but avoided doing that in front of your partner. What was it?"
[18:11] <Kotono> "Yeah, I did." Bowing his head a moment in respect, "I apologize, but I didn't want to do that to him right in front of him. He was probably just excited and worked up with what happened yesterday."
[18:12] <Seira> "What can you tell me?" she repeats calmly.
[18:14] <Kotono> "Biggs was a little antsy all day. When this guy came, he just started ramping up. Looked at him funny, said he wouldn't let someone get past him when he's guarding something important. Then he nearly yanked him down and did the search." Wedge reports this all dutifully, unmoving.
[18:16] <Seira> "When did this behavior start? When did you first notice him act... 'antsy'?"
[18:16] <Kotono> "It was..." There's a long pause at that, Wedge pursing his lips and licking them. "Yeah, just after we heard about it. Nothing happened until then..." Another pause, "He was just moving a lot, pacing, that sort of thing."
[18:17] <Kotono> "Got real serious about the guarding thing."
[18:19] <Seira> "Did he talk about what he was guarding, or from whom?" Seira asks next, pushing off the wall and stepping closer to the desk.
[18:20] <Kotono> "...now that you mention it, it was usually just 'guarding it' or the like. Never really mentioned the town, but I guess that's what we'd know anyway?" Wedge gives Seira a plain, open look. "Sir, I have to ask, what's the point of that question?"
[18:22] * Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-163-224-246.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:22] <Seira> "Private Biggs is not himself," she states simply. "I am searching for ways to save him, as I would not much like to harm him to protect the city. I want to find out exactly why my magic determined him to carry the scent of the undead. Now, did you see him come in contact with anything or anyone right before his sudden change of personality?"
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[18:25] <Kotono> Wedge listens dutifully until the U word comes out. He freezes entirely, nearly choking on his own breath. "That...that can't be right! Captain, Biggs is just a normal soldier!"
[18:26] * Seira frowns. "Help me, and I'll do my best to ensure he is one once again. As things stand, however, I don't have much to go on."
[18:27] <Kotono> "Alright, but there wasn't much. That morning was just...dead. Nothing happened at all." Shaking his head, "Just blank."
[18:27] <Seira> "And before that? When was the last time you saw Private Biggs act his normal self? What were his plans for the rest of the day afterwards?"
[18:29] <Kotono> "Day before the attack. It was pretty normal." A shrug of his shoulders, light. "I think he said he was going to get a drink and then crash early. He was tired."
[18:30] <Seira> "Would that be at the Dawn Pointe Inn?"
[18:30] <Kotono> "He was yawning a bit the past few days, but he's been going on that he's had a lot of energy anyway," Wedge adds as an after thought.
[18:32] <Kotono> "No, I don't think so," Shaking his head, "He usually just goes to the closest bar after shift."
[18:32] <Seira> Seira's frown deepens. "So much for that. Now, what about the private yawning lately? How and when did this start?"
[18:33] <Kotono> "It started a few days ago, when the other behaviour did. He's done it all the time...except that morning, since it was dead." Muttering that to himself as he shakes his head, "Nothing too serious, and it stops when he gets really worked up."
[18:33] <Seira> "Has he displayed any special skills, perhaps? Magical or otherwise?"
[18:34] <Kotono> "Magic? Biggs? Are you kidding?" Wedge tries not to laugh, succeeding with effort. "Sorry, Captain, that's something you'd do, not al owly guard."
[18:35] <Seira> "I see." Seira nods to herself, and heads for the door. "I'll keep you posted of any developments, but for now, please remain in this room." Having said that, she leaves, settling to wait for Shamal.

[Corwin]

[18:23] <Kotono> As Shamal talks, she notes that two guards are approaching the gate, from inside the town.
[18:24] * Shamal salues the pair once they get close enough. "Captain Seira sent you?" she confirms.
[18:25] <Kotono> They nod, faces hidden by heavy helmets. "Sir, yes sir," the repeat dutifully.
[18:27] <Shamal> "Very well," she nods, "I entrust the gate to your vigilance." With that, she gestures for Laika to follow her, making a quick stop at her house to grab the flask of holy water she purchased while enchanting her sling, and then makes her way to the garrison.
[19:02] <Kotono> ---
[19:03] <Kotono> Shamal's pace is rapid. Al-Lamar is in reading, a tactical tome open. He rests outside at the sparring grounds, cross legged and sitting on the loose ground.
[19:06] <Shamal> "Brother Al-Lamar," Shamal greets the cleric of battle respectfully as she approaches. "A situation has arisen that requires your wisdom."
[19:07] <Kotono> He puts the tome aside, eyes lighting up. "Really? A battle? What is it?"
[19:08] <Shamal> "Not a battle," Shamal shakes her head. "One of the guards has become... tainted," she looks down distastefully. "He registered as undead to Seira's detection spell, and cried out in pain when I cast a healing spell on him, but Demedais the paladin of Helm believes he has been corrupted by some force without truly becoming undead."
[19:09] <Kotono> "...I see. A situation of peril. A good offense is needed to prevent defense from being required." A nod to that, "What aid do you need?" His eyes burn, a smile tugging at his lips.
[19:10] <Shamal> "Hopefully you can better discern exactly what has happened to him, and perhaps you might even know of a solution... besides the obvious," Shamal shakes her head slowly. "Biggs is a good man, and I do not wish him harmed unless there is truly no other way."
[19:11] <Kotono> "...Of course," he nods solemnly, "I've brushed up on that area since these incidents began. Lead on, Captain?"
[19:12] <Shamal> "Come with me," Shamal replies, leading the priest to the room Biggs is currently held in.
[19:12] <Kotono> OOC: To #terror in a few lines.

[Corwin]

[18:36] <Kotono> Shamal is not overly long, coming to meet Seira as she waits.
[18:38] <Shamal> "Biggs is the undead you detected, isn't he?" Shamal asks without preamble once she's reunited with her elfy colleague.
[18:39] * Seira nods curtly. "Like our innkeeper, he had been yawning quite a bit recently. Unlike her, however, he carries the stench of the undead, and acts snappy. I do wonder whether my spells would work on him, though I suppose we are about to find out. Are you prepared?"
[18:40] <Shamal> "Laika noted that he smelled like something starting to go bad - it could be an early stage of what happened to the butcher," Shamal nods worriedly. "I've brought holy water and I have a few spells that will only harm undead, so... we will see."
[18:41] <Seira> "I would like to take this chance and find out whether my spells would still work on him in his state, so let's wait with the harmful ones for now."
[18:41] <Kotono> As you talk, you hear a shattering carrying from the room Biggs and Demedais is in. Rather loud, too, like a crash.
[18:42] <Shamal> "I'll follow your... okay, maybe not," Shamal's head snaps up at the noise, before she and Laika rush towards the noise!
[18:42] * Seira quickly casts the spell of universal friendship on Biggs!
[18:43] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, you guys will get into #terror in a moment. I'll intro you.

[Corwin]

<Demedais> "Busting... chops?" Demedais asks, a bit puzzled by this slang.
<Demedais> <Koaway> Biggs idly tosses his spear on the floor, going to sit and lean back in his chair, splayed out. "Bleh. First day around and you're bustin' chops with Seira?" he asks flat out.
<Demedais> > "Busting... chops?" Demedais asks, a bit puzzled by this slang.
* Shamal (WinNT@user-54400c95.l5.c3.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #terrorofdunes
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Shamal
> "Giving us a hard time," he drawls out, sighing deeply. "See, Shamal's the nice one. Seira just...oh, what's the word? Oh yeah, busybody. Getting in my way..." Biggs glares, looking notably unhappy.
* Demedais shrugs. "In all honesty, I'm not sure what's going on. All I know is that she, ah, "outranks" me while I work with the Crimson Guard, so I do what she says."
> "Yeah, same here." Rubbing the back of his head again, "Damned woman. If she'd just let me do what I want do, I'd guard this better than anyone." At that,  he stands up and starts to pace. "Can you let me go back now?"
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<Demedais> "Afraid not. Besides, Seira is succinct; she should be done with all this quite quickly." Demedais replied, leaning on the wall next to the door.
> "Grr." Going back to sit down, "Maybe I should put inf or a double shift after this," he ponders out loud. "I'm still not tired and we're still short."
<Demedais> "That
<Demedais> "That would be a good idea, and probably greatly appreciated by the guard." Demedais noted, eyes staring a bit off into space.
> "Yeah...say, you just got in town, didn't you?" Biggs walks up to Demedais, looking him in the eye. "You see anything funny?"
<Demedais> Demedais returns Biggs' stare. "Other than the events of yesterday, very little." He closed his eyes, thinking, before opening them again and shaking his head. "It would not surprise me to learn that this is overcautiousness on Seira's part, due to the events of yesterday. Relax, for now. Save your energy for your double-shift later."
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> "Yeah, yeah." Biggs looks at the chair, but instead keeps pacing. "This just really pisses me off. I should be guarding, not wasting my time here. What if someone gets to it?"
<Demedais> "The gate will be fine." Demedais rumbles.
> "Yeah, but I should be protecting it." Biggs waves his hands into the air, "It's what I do, yeah? It's what I'm good at - I can protect it."
* Demedais vaguely eyes the young man, but says nothing. *...I think I understand, Seira.* he thinks as he waits.
> "It's just..hey, I heard about it. You're supposed to protect something important, too? That's part of being a paladin, but it's ideas and good instead of something solid? You get that?" Biggs cocks his head towards you, as he keeps walking.
<Demedais> "Indeed. But part of being truly vigilant is knowing when you must leave your duties in someone else's hands, even if only for a time." Demedais responded.
> "Bah, forget that. I know I can protect it all the time. I'm not even tired." Pounding his chest with a fist, the clang of metal armor sounding, "It's inspiration, I've felt better and better lately. I'll protect it and make it. I know I can."
<Demedais> "What else do you seek to protect?" Demedais inquired. "What drives your heart?"
> "You know what it is!" Biggs mutters, going back and forth. He stops to pick up his spear, "I just have to protect it. I know, I can do it...I see it." Looking upward, "It's easy and natural to do. It's not even hard. They don't even need to be fresh, you understand."
<Demedais> "What does not need to be fresh? The soldiers?" Demedais frowned. This muttering was getting less intelligible.
> "Hm?" Biggs stops and blinks, "Uh..." He sits, "Erm, yeah, the soldiers."
> He pauses a moment, shaking his head before splitting nito a yawn. "...damn. Yeah, the soldiers have to be fresh."
* Demedais makes no note that the soldier has said anything wrong. "How have your dreams been?" he asked suddenly.
> "Dreams? Oh, dream of a cute girl or something like that. Y'know, Balmuria has some nice ladies. Heck, even Captain Shamal's cute." Nodding to himself at that, "Lucky you?"
> After that he yawns again, deeply.
<Demedais> "If only my vows let me." Demedais smirked for a second, before carefully considering the soldier before him.
> "Heh." Smirking as well to himself a moment, "Yeah, she'd do fine, too. Dunno about Seira...eh. Dunno." He shakes his head at that, "...hmph. Yeah. Shamal...I wouldn't want her not to be fresh, either."
* Demedais says nothing, content to listen instead.
> His head falls into his hands, spear let drop. He sighs deeply, ruffling his face and hair. "Yeah. Dammit. This just isn't right. I need to be there. I can feel it, y'know? I NEED to be there. I can get them, no matter what."
* Demedais nods vaguely.
> With a sudden movement, Biggs gets up. He takes his spear, kicking the chair he sits on! It goes flying, shattering into the wall at rocket speed. "...yeah, gotta get going," he mutters, turning to the door.
* Demedais grabs Biggs' shoulder, clamping on hard. "You can wait just a little bit longer, friend." he rumbled, with just a hint of threat in his voice.
> "Grr..." Shaking his head, he grabs Demedais' hand. "Move," he says, trying to push the paladin away! OOC - Opposed strength checks for this on the fly, it's simpler and I don't feel like grapping is needed immediately for this.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+3
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Demedais rolled :1,0 1d20+3 --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{21}
> roll 1d20+4
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{6}
> Biggs is strong, his grip like iron. However, Demedais isn't moved in the least. As this happens, Shamal and Seira come in, throwing the door open!
* Seira (~Corwin@bzq-88-154-34-193.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #terrorofdunes
<Shamal> "What's going on here?!" Shamal demands in alarm at the sight of the two apparently grappling with each other.
* Shamal sets mode: +o Seira
<Demedais> "See? I told you they would be in here momentaraily." Demedais nodded. "Now. Relax."
> As the two enter, they see Demedais and Biggs together, the paladin holding the young guard down by the shoulder. Biggs looks frantic, eyes wild. "But I have to get going," he mutters fiercely, looking up to the others. "Tell them, Shamal!"
* Seira chants, her eyes making contact with Biggs's. "Captain Shamal for you," she tells him firmly, her spell activating.
<Shamal> "What's so important that you'd have to fight your way past your fellow guardsmen to get it?" Shamal asks incredulously, still hoping he's not too far gone.
> roll 1d20+4 OOC - DC, Seira?
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0OOC - DC, Seira? --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{12}
<Seira> OOC: He failed it!
> "It's...I have to go guard it," he nearly drawls, relenting. "It's important and I can't stop guarding it, you see."
<Shamal> "Guarding *what*?" the blonde asks firmly, stepping closer.
<Seira> "Yes. It is really in your best interest to answer our questions," Seira adds, stepping closer.
> Blinking as he looks towards Seira after she chants, Biggs actually smiles at her. "Shamal...it's Shamal, yeah. It's just...I don't know. I see it, I can do it. Somewhere dark and quiet, and they don't ahve to be fresh. I can do it and guard it."
* Demedais keeps him held. "We can help you, Biggs. We simply must know what you guard, and then we can help."
* SierraRulesTheWasteland (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-22-25.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #terrorofdunes
<Seira> roll 1d20+16 diplomacy~
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+16 1,0diplomacy~ --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{23}
<Shamal> "Start talking sense!" Shamal demands worriedly, leaning over him as Laika lingers protectively besides her mistress, "What doesn't have to be fresh? What do you have to guard?"
<Demedais> roll 1d20+14 assist Seira diplomacy
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Demedais rolled :1,0 1d20+14 1,0assist Seira diplomacy --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{19}
> "They don't have to be fresh! You know, the bodies. I just have to touch them and it'll happen." Nodding to himself, "He gets it," Looking to Demedais with a sloppy, glazed eyed smile, "You get it too, Shamal, since you're going to be fresh?"
<Seira> "Who did you touch? Where and when?" Seira questions him.
* Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-115-169.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Shamal> "Okay, that's it, this'll prove it once and for all," Shamal announces with a heartfelt sigh, before she reaches over and puts a glowing hand on Bigg's shoulder. "Cure Light Wounds," she proclaims matter of factly as she channels positive energy into him.
<Shamal> roll 1d8+5
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d8+5 --> 1,0[ 1d8=4 ]12,0{9}
> "Not yet. If I can get going I can go do it and guard it!" Biggs exclaims fiercely, before Shamal casts on him.
> roll 1d20+4
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{23}
> Biggs goes rigid, arcing up. A cry escapes from his throat as he falls over to the ground like a board.
> "Uuuugh..." he mutters, shivering all over, convulsing.
* Seira casts another spell of undead detection, keeping her eyes focus on Biggs.
<Shamal> "I didn't want to believe it..." Shamal whispers, staring sadly down at the poor former-man.
> "Shamaaaal..." he groans, "Ow. Why'd you do that? It hurt! Didn't feel good." OOC - Caster level check, Seira.
<Seira> roll 1d20+3
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{14}
* Demedais eyes. "I suspected as much. Would a Remove Disease assist at all?"
<Shamal> "It was a healing spell. It hurt you because... because you're not alive." She shakes her head, appalled, "Mielikki save us, you don't even know it, do you?"
> It's easier to see now. It's a moderate aura now, but flickering. "Hey, what the hell are you talking about?"
<Shamal> roll 1d20+9 religon
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+9 1,0religon --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{13}
<Demedais> roll 1d20+7 religion check
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Demedais rolled :1,0 1d20+7 1,0religion check --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{24}
<Seira> "Tell us everything about that which you guard," Seira command Biggs.
* Shamal decides to cast detect magic to see if that reveals anything affecting him besides negative energy, while Laika growls softly at the downed not-man.
> "Ugh..." Rubbing where Shamal touched him, "...I guard...it. It's supposed to be dark, isolated, secluded. The bodies...ugh." Shaking his head, "Why the hell am I saying that??
> Shamal notes that there is faint magic around him now. OOC - Spellcraft it if you want.
<Seira> "Because we are your superior officers. Cooperating with us is your sworn duty," Seira responds sternly. "Where are the bodies?"
<Demedais> "This is unusual, for an undead." Demedais states softly. "I suspect he's still human, but something corrupt is excersing its will on him."
<Shamal> OOC: taking ten for 23~
> "No not that...but...why do I want bodies? I don't want to do that!" Suddenly shivering all over, "...Captains, it's not right. I can see it, though. It's just touching them and it'll happen. I'll concentrate after I get one andi t'll happen. Even if it's just bones."
<Seira> "Who is making you do that? Who is responsible?"
> "...I don't know. It just is!" Looking up at Seira wildly, "It's just in there, like all my other memories.
> "
<Seira> "The bodies," she repeats. "Where can we find them? How many are there?"
> "I don't know." Shaking his head again, "No, I do, but...it's not that. I gotta go get them and find a place for them, then guard them. Heh, I can do that, I know it. I can guard them, it's what I do." Biggs rubs his head warily, looking away. "I..."
<Shamal> "He is affected by a faint aura of necromantic magic - it normally does not linger once the corpse has been animated, so perhaps it's a spell that makes him adopt some aspects of being undead?" Shamal muses distantly. "We should take him to Al-Lamar to see if he knows of any remedy."
<Seira> "I would rather keep him contained here," Seira objects. "Perhaps we could trouble the priests into coming to us?"
> "Why can't I?" Biggs mutters, "It's just a blank, then..." He starts shivering, only to be broken by a yawn that nearly splits him apart. "...tired now.." he murmurs. "Blan...mmm, tired."
<Shamal> "I'll go get him," Shamal volunteers, before abruptly departing along with Laika.
<Demedais> "Seira. I have manacles in my bag, if one of you would care to grab them?" As Biggs yawns, he looks at him. "Although it may not be necessary."
> So Shamal goes off, heading along with Laika at a rapid pace!
<Seira> "Who did you come in contact with the past few days?" Seira questions him in the meanwhile.
<Seira> Nodding at Demedais, she searches for the manacles in question.
> "Just people coming and going...I think. It's just a blank there, though. Blank, empty, nothing. Nothing happened..." Muttering that as he looks down, "Captain, Seira...you can help me? I don't feel right."
<Demedais> "We're working on finding a way to help you. Don't worry." Demedais nods.
<Seira> "You are here so that I could help you," she assures him, smiling slightly. "All you need to do is keep your calm."
> "Hey, good..." Smiling a little, "Where's Wedge? I'll try?"
<Seira> "What do you guard? Whom do you guard it from?" Seira asks instead of answering his question.
> "It's...it's them. You know what they are, you've fought them. I don'tw ant to say it, it makes me feel like it." Biggs casts his eyes away, "It's just...find somewhere dark and I can make them and hide them. Guard them. Guard them from being found. They're going to grow, better this time."
<Seira> "It is of the utmost importance that I find them. I know you're guarding them, but that's from outsiders, not your fellow guardsmen, right?" Seira asks him, tapping her fingers against the doorframe.
<Demedais> "Found the manacles, Seira?" Demedais asks.
* Seira lays them across the table silently.
> "Heh...I want to, but...I haven't made them yet. Do you get that?" Shaking his head, "But I want to. I want to go out. I know I can do it and find them." Shaking his head back and forth, "A cellar? An old warehouse...there's an empty one by that bakery, isn't there? Ugh."
<Seira> "Why did you really fight with that man?" Seira asks him curiously. "Did you want to 'make' him?"
* Demedais nods and grabs the manacles. "Hold still." he tells Biggs as he takes Biggs' hands behind his back and clasps them together. "A bit uncomfortable, but they should help you relax." He considers, then turns to Seira.
> "No, I don' tknow, just...I can't let anyone in." Looking down at the floor, curling up a bit as he's bound, "I didn't like him. Looked too muchl ike someone who would want to try and get in."
<Seira> "Get in where? That cellar?"
> "Where I need to hide them," Biggs almost hisses. "I want to go find that, it's getting stronger."
<Demedais> "Perhaps we can use him as a bloodhound of sorts?" Demedais proposed to Seira. "I dislike the idea, but to track down a source of this plague would be a good idea, and he seems... pulled to at least one location."
* Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-22-197.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #terrorofdunes
<Seira> "My thoughts exactly," she agrees. "But first, I would like to hear from Al-Lamar. I would not sacrifice one of our men needlessly, if this would do him harm."
<Demedais> "Certainly." Demedais nodded in agreement.
> It's not long for Al-Lamar to come with Shamal. He's a young man with an intense face, wearing armor and unscarred. He looks immediately to Biggs as he enters, "That's the one," he murmurs.
* Shamal nods wordlessly.
<Seira> "He is pulled to a place where more like him may reside," Seira tells the priest. "Would it be safe to take him there with us, or should he be treated right away?"
* SierraRulesTheWasteland (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-22-25.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
> Al Lamar ponders a moment...
> roll 1d20+10
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{20}
> "..mmm. It doesn't make sense for him to be like this and still undead. Not at all. You speak of it as some sort of affliction?"
<Shamal> "Necromantic magic still clings to him - ordinarily once the spell to animate a corpse is cast, the magic is no longer necessary," Shamal points out.
<Seira> "Are you familiar with the gems of imbuing?" Seira asks the man. "Perhaps similar magic was responsible, here."
<Demedais> "That is what it seems like it may be." Demedais responded. "He still seems to possess vestiges of humanity, but he's... possessed, almost feels like the best word."
> "Not directly, no." Chewing his lip as he thinks, "Oh, the best would be to..." he murmurs a moment, magic cast. "Yes, I see. Magic indeed. Dispel Magic, Remove Curse or the ilk may be best."
> Biggs meanwhile just keeps his head down, quiet. You notice his arms struggle a bit, however, even held.
<Shamal> "Are you able to cast any of those spells?" Shamal asks hopefully.
<Seira> "You can remove curses, Demedais, correct?" Seira asks, hearing that.
<Demedais> "I can remove disease." Demedais says. "Shall I try that?"
> "DIspel magic," Al-Lamar nods after just a moment, "I can try that as well."
* Demedais shrugs. "I cannot cast that. It's up to you folks."
<Seira> "The only question remaining, then, is whether we wait and see if Biggs takes us to others like him."
* Demedais considers. "I would think it a good idea, so long as we can prevail upon your help to purify him once we reach our destination, sir."
> "...hey. I don't want to become like that," Biggs speaks up at that.
<Shamal> "He doesn't seem cooperative. We should do what we can to heal him before it's too late - we don't know what he's been afflicted by, or how it might change him given time," Shamal dissents!
<Demedais> "Seira, you heard his talk. Do you think you know where the place is?" Demedais questions?
<Seira> "Wedge asserts that he had been like this for days already. Would an hour really prove crucial?" Seira then glances at Biggs. "Believe it or not, the best chance of curing you lies in stopping those who would merely try to taint you again at the same time."
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* Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-22-197.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Shamal> "Why can't he tell us about the place he had to guard after we fix his head? He might even be more helpful, that way," Shamal points out, ever the voice of caution.
<Seira> "He is feeling the pull, but he cannot be specific when talking about it," Seira says with a frown.
<Demedais> "His human side does not seem to remember what this curse is doing to him, although that may simply be an effect of the curse." Demedais notes.
> "Hey...Maybe Shamal's right. Maybe you should just try and heal me?" Biggs speaks up, "I don't want to feel like this. I don't want to be thinking about how to make those...things!"
* Demedais considers. "Seira. Do you have any idea where the place he spoke of is?"
<Seira> "Then we'll take our chances with what we already know," Seira decides. "I might be able to locate it." She turns towards Al-Lamar. "Please help the private, Sir."
<Demedais> "We have the Detect Undead, and I suspect they'd find this hotbed. If you can give us a general location, we may as well heal him and then search for it."
<Shamal> "Can you tell us where the thing you want to guard is?" Shamal asks, crouching down next to Biggs. "Anything at all could be helpful, so please try to think."
> He nods, beginning to cast. "Warbringer, I ask you to bring the savage battle to the weave of magic. Shatter apart the forces of mystic imbued on this person!"
> roll 1d20+5
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{25}
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* Seira focuses on Biggs as the spell is being cast.
> Biggs begins to speak, but instead he stops. He stops hard as the magic is cast, falling over.  There is an audible hissing and shattering, Al-Lamar nodding with a viciously pleased smile. "Tempus has provided."
* SierraRulesTheWasteland (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-18-83.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
* Shamal catches Biggs as he falls, looking him over to make sure he's okay. "Biggs, are you alright?" she asks, waving a hand in front of his face.
> The private murmurs something unintelligable, eyes half opening as he looks up. "...hey. It's going...going." With that he smiles, letting his eyes shut. "Just tired now...though."
<Seira> "He has, indeed," Seira confirms. "At least now we know the course of action to take in such cases." She frowns, then, and asks Al-Lamar, "Would you be willing to take a look at a hostess of a certain inn for me? She had similar symptoms, and I would like to rule this out."
* Demedais nods in appreciation. "I should continue my studies toward becoming a Cleric someday..." he mused, chuckling a bit. "It is too bad that being a paladin distracts from the path of magic so much."
> "On the morrow, certainly," he says with agreement, "Allow me to pray and setup for such."
* Seira nods. "In the meantime, we should try and find the location Biggs was speaking of earlier." She glances at the private. "Do you remember the past several days?"
<Shamal> "Come on, Biggs, I'll get you to the barracks and you can sleep there," Shamal offers, putting one of his arms over her shoulder as she helps him upright.
> "Mmm..." he murmurs, voice soft. "Yeah, it's all kinda hazy. Started ...heh.... nearly forgot about it. Morning wasn't so dull after all. Damn guy...never even thought..."
> Biggs comes along, leaning on Shamal heavily.
<Seira> "What guy?"
> "Snuck up on us like it wasn't a thing. Looked at both of us and went to me. Just my luck, eh?" Yawning after as he shuffles along, "Couldn't even see his face with his hat in the way, but he said I'd do for now. Said I'd be a good one while he was gone. Keep 'em busy."
* Shamal stops cold. "That... bastard!" she swears uncharacteristically.
<Demedais> "I take it it's the same person?" Demedais asks.
<Shamal> "There's only one person I know who acts suspicious and wears a ridiculous face-covering hat all the time," Shamal replies unhappily. "Febras."
<Seira> "At least we have enough to hold him, now, when he returns," Seira adds just as unhappily.
> "Is that person the one behind this matter?" Al Lamar inquires, curious.
> "Mmm..." Biggs murmurs something as he leans into Shamal all the way, using her as a standing body pillow. His eyes close, breathing starting to slow.
<Shamal> "We'll find out soon... he said he's gone, but I bet he'll be back," Shamal frowns, before continuing onwards. "Come on, let's get Biggs to bed and then we can check out, what was it... around the bakeries?"
<Seira> "That is quite improper, you realize," Seira comments.
<Shamal> "He's half asleep, I don't think he cares," Shamal replies to Seira with a faint smile as they make their way to the barracks.
* Seira returns the smile as she follows, stopping only to collect Wedge.
<Demedais> "Really. Hardly a sin to Arouse Dead, anyway." Demedais quips a bit. "Even if he's no longer dead. ...isn't that how it's supposed to work, anyway?"
* Shamal winces. "Nobody's getting aroused!" she fires back insistently, picking up her pace.
> So the party goes to the barracks. Biggs is dropped off. Wedge follows along, but stays with Biggs. After, the party heads towards the bakery. Roald and family can be glimpsed inside if one wishes, the scent of the sea carrying frmo over the buildings. It's a pleasant day now, people talking. You can hear the gossip on the streets, talk about the attack on the garrison.
* Seira steps inside and goes to buy some delicious bread from Roald!
* Demedais isn't hungry, so he stays outside while Seira buys stuff.
> Inside the smells of the place are quite strong. Bread, cookies, cakes andmore all tease your nose. Roald is working the front, waving to Seira as he sees her. "Go ahead to the side," he looks away from the six person line. "I'll be with you in a moment."
* Seira nods, and steps aside to wait.
> It really only takes a moment. As the current customer is finished with, peasants and city dwellers glance at Seira with envy. Roald ignores that, wiping his hands on his apron. "What can I get you today?"
<Seira> "Surprise me," she says, asking, "How's business, lately?"
> Stooping down to go get some bread, "Really good. It's not as good as the hill was, but we're doing fine." Coming up with a few small loaves of fruit topped bread, he wraps them and presents them to Seira. "On the house - the money of you and your friends is no good here still."
* Seira nods. "Thanks. Since I'm here, I'd also like to ask you for your help. Do you know Private Biggs?" she asks, quickly describing the man.
> "Biggs...Biggs...oh yeah. Seen him once or twice, I suppose." Roald ponders that as he thinks, "Mmm, yeah. Usually gets anything with apples and he mentioned you and the others a few times when it came up."
* Hotaru (~draomir@75-161-144-30.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Seira> "When was the last you saw him? We are trying to trace his steps over the past week or so."
* Reiko-chan (~Hola@75-161-144-30.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
> "MMmm." Considering that a moment, "Hasn't been for a little while. I'll ask the other two, though. Hold on." He goes,t alking to his mother and brother. They all smile and wave at you as they do, amid working. But it doesn't take long, Roald just shaking his head. "Not within the past week or so, no."
<Seira> "I see," she says, disappointed, before describing another man. "And him? He goes by Febras, and is really hard to miss, I believe."
> "Him? Oh yeah, once. It was around the time that warehouse a few doors down had that incident. I think you were invovled if I remember right?" Roald asks with an easy smile. "Yeah, he's distinctive."
* Seira nods. "Thank you again for the bread, and the information. It'll help with my investigation." Waving at the family, she steps outside where Shamal and Demedais wait.
* Loligoth|AFK (~draomir@75-161-144-30.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #terrorofdunes
* ChanServ sets mode: +qo Loligoth|AFK Loligoth|AFK
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> Outside people continue to go. A few people are looking at the party, one or two even smiling and waving, a few calls. "Keep it up, Crimson Guard!"
<Shamal> "Thanks for your support," Shamal smiles and waves back, before seeing Seira's return. "Ready?"
* Demedais nods at Seira, looking relaxed.
<Seira> "Yes," she says, handing one of the fruit-topped loaves to her. "It seems that Febras visited a warehouse nearby, so it may be our target." With those words, Seira calls upon the powers of her pearl, activating her magical sight the third time in a day and taking a look at the bakery itself.
<Shamal> "Thanks," Shamal smiles, taking the loaf and having a bite, breaking off a chunk to feed Laika as she follows the half-elf.
> The bakery has no undead aura around it.
* Seira begins traveling towards the warehouse in question, looking around along the way.
> There doesn't seem to be any aura of undeath around this area at all as far as Seira can see. The warehouse is closed, no sign of activityin it since the Guard broke up a fateful ring and scheme there with Irenes.
* Seira tries to open it, asking Shamal, "Was there any cellar found in this building?"
> The door has a chain and a semi old sign saying that it's not to be opened without permission from the Guard. Howe3ver, it's not locked.
<Shamal> "I don't recall one being found when we searched it," the blonde replies.
* Seira steps inside, searching for any trap doors and cellars, or any spikes of undead auras. "Do you still have your spell of magical sight? It could prove handy, here."
<Shamal> "I only memorised it once I'm afraid," Shamal shakes her head sadly.
* Demedais follows behind, saying little.
* Seira activates her own, then, despite wishing to save it for later.
> The warehouse has a front room leading to a large storage area. As found before, there is a secret door that leads to the side alley, but otherwise little of note. No magic, no undead auras, no secret doors. Just a few rodents and bugs, really.
<Seira> "Well, this was a bust," she comments after the search. "We should try examining the city map for old warehouses, preferably near bakeries, in remote locations. Unless you have a better idea?"
* Shamal shakes her head. "The idea is sound," she agrees.
<Demedais> "Sounds good." Demedais agrees.
* Seira leads the way to the library, using her spells for as long as they are worth along the way.
> Seira sees nothing of note on the way back.
<Shamal> roll 1d20+1 aid gather info
* Seira sets mode: +v Reiko-chan
<Shamal> roll 1d20+1 aid gather info
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+1 1,0aid gather info --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{19}
<Demedais> roll 1d20+2 aid gather info?
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Demedais rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0aid gather info? --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{10}
<Seira> roll 1d20+13 don't fail!
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+13 1,0don't fail! --> 1,0[ 1d20=9 ]12,0{22}
> Gathering information takes a few hours. On the conclusion, you find that there isn't really anywhere that fits. Most of the warehouses are near the docks, and most of the bakeries aren't quite on the docks. It's just not good syngery - the best cases are in the trading streets, where neccessity meets money.
* Seira frowns. "We'll just have to question Biggs and the innkeeper tomorrow, then."
<Shamal> "Why not now?" Shamal asks.
<Seira> "Al-Lamar said he needed time to pray for that spell."
<Shamal> "But we could at least verify if she is afflicted, and then incarcarate her until a remedy is supplied," the blonde points out.
* Demedais considers the situation. "We may as well check, yes." he finally says.
* Seira relents.
> So the party heads to the Dawn Pointe. The inn has a few weary travellers heading in, the innkeep smiling and laughing as she helps them check in at the front. It looks quite pleasant, the front door open.
* Seira doesn't come in this time, opting to get an update from the guards watching the hostess.
<Demedais> "Well, then. Shall I cast the spell and see?"
<Shamal> "Place looks busier than usual," Shamal can't help but note, before nodding to Demedais. "Go for it."
> They wait in the alley, dice game pausing as one hands over a few coppers to the other. "Sir?" he nods to Seira. "Nothing today, the innkeeper has been lively."
* Seira nods. "It is very important that I be informed the moment Febras is spotted," she tells them, before settling to wait on Shamal and Demedais.
* Demedais nods. "Alright, then." He chants the words softly as the Detect Undead spell settles over him.
> OOC - Caster level check, Demedais?
<Demedais> roll 1d20+3
<Reiko-chan> 1,0Demedais rolled :1,0 1d20+3 --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{14}
<Demedais> "I see nothing here." Demedais reports.
* Shamal nods. "Of course, neither of us could see any problem with Biggs as well, so that's not conclusive. I'll go have a word with her." With that, the blonde heads inside!
* Demedais hesitates for a second, then follows her in.
> Inside, the innkeep waves to Shamal and Demedais as she works. "Go ahead and go upstairs," she tells them, "We'll finish this at dinner." As teh group wearily moves on, the innkeep smiles. "You just keep coming back. What can I help you with today?"
<Shamal> "I apologise for disturbing you," Shamal ducks her head briefly towards the woman. "Unfortunately a former guest of your establishment has bestowed a most perverse affliction on a member of the town guard, and we needed to make sure no one else has been similarly affected."
> "Oh?" The innkeeper pauses her smile, shuffling. "Sure thing. What do you need?"
* Demedais glances around, making sure he's not missing anything.
> The inn's front room is pleasant but plain. The desk where the reservations are made is solid and well kept. There are stairs going up, which the new residents of the inn are trudging up.
> Demedais notes no undead auras.
<Shamal> "A simple cantrip will be sufficient to test for the affliction," Shamal smiles reassuringly to the woman as she approaches. "Please do not fear - this is merely a precaution for the sake of the city's health."
* Shamal does idly glance at Laika to see if she seems to be ill at ease with anything here.
> "Alright," she nods, as Laika sniffs the air a bit. But she lingers close to Shamal, panting.
* Shamal proceeds to cast her spell, announcing, "Cure minor wounds," for her audience's benefit before touching the innkeep's hand.
> The innkeeper smiles as it's cast. "Magic?" she murmurs, "My."
* Shamal smiles and withdraws her hand. "It's a simple healing spell - had you been affected by what Febras did to the guard, it would have caused some minor pain. I'm pleased to say that you appear to be completely normal, however."
> AT that name, the woman goes pale as a sheet. "Oh...oh. I see."
<Shamal> "I don't suppose you noticed anything strange... or, well, strang-er, about his behaviour before he left, did you?" Shamal asks, resting a hand on the front desk as she talks.
> "Aaah..." The innkeep shakes her head, looking down as she holsd a hand to her bosom. "No...not particularly."
<Shamal> "I'm sorry, I realise this must be a shock to you," Shamal looks down. "I admit, perhaps we trusted him too much... did he say where he was going, or when he expected to return?"
> "He said he was going to find someone for Captain Seira of the Crimson Guard. She's the one who comes here a lot, too." Casting her eyes downward, the innkeep stays quiet.
<Shamal> "Really?" Shamal's eyes widen. "She never mentioned that... Well, anyway, if he does return it would be best if you did not confront him about this - there's no telling what he's capable of, really, and it may not be wise to provoke him."
> "...yes..." The woman murmurs, keeping her head down. "Of course."
* Shamal sighs, reaching over and gently squeezing the innkeep's hand. "I'm sorry, it seems I only ever bring bad news around here... I should let you get back to your customers."
<Demedais> "One other thing... If you see anyone who is acting restless and yawns constantly, please notify the Guard." Demedais interjected, before giving a brief smile. "There should not be that much of a problem, but it would be wise all the same."



> "...No, I...He tried, you know. But some people aren't meant to walk the night, it's what he said." She laughs a little bit, a bitter sound. "I will. I know that already..."
<Shamal> "He tried?" Shamal's head snaps upwards, looking dead on at the other woman. "What did he try? What did he do to you?"
> She shakes her head back and forth, "I'm still entirely human. You don't need to look at me funny. Every time he didn't have it linger long. It just left me tired, but it never took."
<Shamal> "I know that - the guard who was affected returned to normal after we dispelled the effect. But what exactly was it he did?" the blonde presses. "And why?"
> "Magic. How should I know?" There's a little, unhappy laugh at that, "He just, I don't know. He seems interested in Seira and the rest of you, though. It's what he talked about when he did talk."
> "It's just...he seems to focus, he draws you into his eyes and..."
<Shamal> "He didn't explain what he was doing at all?" Shamal asks. "Never told you what the purpose behind it was? You didn't ask?"
> "He said that I'd be...special after that. Different, stronger. I knew what he was doing, but all of them looked so powerful and vital. You think I didn't know about the butcher ahead of time?" A snort from her, unhappy.
> She pauses after, a breath. "Give me a moment," she says after.
<Shamal> "All of them? There were others?" Shamal stares a moment herself, rather shocked at hitting the motherlode so suddenly. "Of course, take all the time you need," she nods slowly.
* Demedais hesitates for a second, then steps outside and gestures Seira in.
* Seira enters, frowning.
* Demedais gestures to Seira to keep silent.
> She sits down, heavily plopping. "I didn't do anything wrong that I wanted to do. Just...you have to understand, I'm not bad. I'm not a monster or anything, just that he...has his way." She keeps her gaze away from your eyes, looking at anything but the party members. "After he first came, we were talking that night after I cleaned up that damnable mess. I don't know how, but the subject came up of his travels and that he'd seen a lot of things. I said he was lucky, not being stuck in a boring job day after day. He just started to laugh."
> lot of things. I said he was lucky, not being stuck in a boring job day after day. He just started to laugh."
* Shamal takes a seat herself, wordlessly nodding and letting the woman continue her tale.
> "He said that boredom was the worst thing in the world. The way he said it, I think he really understood it. We talked awhile, and it got to how I wished my life was more interesting. That's when he did it. He stood up and took off his hat and looked me in the eye. He rubbed that ring of his and...it was like frozen liquid water. It just seeped into me, it was very black. But it didn't stay but a moment - I was tired but..."
> "For whatever reason, it didn't stick. He was a little surprised, but he said the spark of magic must be weaker in me than usual. So he ...he kept trying, every night."
<Shamal> "Did he explain what it would have done to you if it had... stuck?" Shamal asks slowly.
> "He said...he'd make me better than the others, more like him; that he was learning how to control it." She laughs a little, looking up to Seira. "He said I'd be a good test run for you or one of the others in time, once. That if he could get it to stick to me, that he'd be able to do something amazing to any of you."
* Shamal just shakes her head. "Blessed Mielikki, just what have we gotten ourselves into, now?" she wonders, rubbing her head for a moment before going on, "What about the others you mentioned?"
> "The first one...I don't know what it was. He mentioned it was very rough. The second...well...you saw him yourself. I don't think he has full control over what it is, from what he's said. Like he's learning." At this, she frowns all the way.
<Seira> "We did?"
<Shamal> "The butcher," Shamal states flatly.
> "The butcher." It's said bluntly.
<Seira> "Is the first in Balmuria?"
> "There was the crypt and what he did there, the butcher and...myself." She shrugs, "Guess I'm the lucky one?" At that, she laughs bitterly again.
<Shamal> "And Biggs makes four..." Shamal shakes her head slowly. "Right under our noses the whole time... I always knew there was something off about him, but I never imagined it went so far... He was behind all of it, the whole time. And we even asked him for help!"
<Seira> "There are no others?" Seira attempts to ascertain.
> "That's what he liked about you..." The innkeeper speaks up at that, "He does, too. He said you were on the way up." At Seira's question, her head is shaked. "Not that I know of."
* Shamal shivers in distaste. "I could do without such admirers, I think."
<Seira> "It's a shame we couldn't trip him up while he was still in our jurisdiction," Seira says, frowning once more. "But the opportunity would likely appear again, eventually."
<Seira> "Did he ever speak of Malmuth or Irenes?" she tries asking of the innkeeper.
> "No." A shake of her head again, repeated dully. "The name Irenes came up once or twice, but about the matters with Lord Salman. He said that he at least helped prevent the worst from happening with it, and that the rest of you did your jobs after."
<Seira> "How exactly was he involved in preventing it?" Seira asks, curious now.
<Shamal> "He showed up when Lyselle and I were pursuing the assassin and told us which way she went," Shamal supplies.
* Seira nods. "Suspicious to the last."
<Shamal> "So I always thought," the blonde nods.
> A nod from the innkeep, "He can...I don't know. He can smell, move, hear, all of that, better than I could ever have imagined. It's 'natural' for him."
<Seira> "We should probably look in on Biggs and then report to the Commander," Seira proposes.
<Shamal> "Rin once said he smelled like a wolf. I thought he might have been a lycanthrope, but was never able to test the theory." Shamal sighs heavily and stands up, "You're right, we should."
> The innkeeper just nods, looking down. "I don't think he wants to hurt you directly." she adds, quietly.
<Seira> "The feeling is mutual," Seira muses. "Though he may not think so if he ever catches up to Dad."
<Shamal> "His motivations are inscrutable, but considering what happened to the butcher, I really don't want to subject myself to whatever he has in mind," the blonde witch states firmly.
* Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-16-2.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
> So that evening the party returns to the barracks. The day has gone by in a flash of work and investigation, and now Biggs has finally awoken. He lies in a single room, placed there away from others. He sits up in the bed as you approach, yawning - until he sees the party, blushing and looking away.
<Seira> "Any lingering desires to consume brains, Private?" Seira asks him, approaching.
> "No." He says this and looks away even more, "I feel better now. Thanks."
<Shamal> "Do you remember anything about what you wanted to guard?" Shamal asks as she comes into the room.
* Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-114-152.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #terrorofdunes
* Demedais follows behind the two, lagging a bit due to being lost in thought.
> "Yea..yeah. Sorry, Shamal..." He mutters quickly, a momentary heartfelt look. "I...I wanted to create something, to get to the bodies and make them alive. Then I'd find somewhere for them and keep them safe."
<Shamal> "It's not your fault - no need to apologise," Shamal smiles reassuringly. "What was it you wanted to create? And how would you have done so?"
> "Those things, ghouls." He shivers at that, but looks at Shamal with a slow, hesitant smile. "I think I told the new guy a lot of this, from what I remember. "I felt if I could get to the bodies, no matter how decayed they were, I could make them. I don't know how, just that I could."
<Demedais> "You did say something like that, although it was in far vaguer terms. It makes sense now, in retrospect." Demedais comments.
* Shamal nods slowly. "Probably part of the magic Febras imprinted on you. At least you're back with us, now, though," she reassures, going over to pat his shoulder. "Hopefully that also means we won't have any undead problems until Febras returns... and we'll stop him when he does."
<Seira> "It seems you were stopped before you could reanimate any corpses," Seira comments, adding, "But I would like to take a look over the place you intended to use to store them nonetheless, to be on the safe side."
> "IT was mostly impressions," Biggs looks up at Shamal, smiling. "Thanks. A few places stood out, a warehouse in particular. Safe and probably going to be empty."
* Seira nods. "Take the time you need to recover," she tells Biggs.
<Shamal> "Yes, you've been through a lot. Take a few days to relax," Shamal agrees.
* Demedais nods in agreement.
> "I will. Heh." Smiling a moment, "Guess I owe you guys. Just...thanks. Being some sort of undead pest? Ugh."
<Shamal> "Be grateful Seira's so stubborn," Shamal notes with an admiring glance at the half-elf. "I probably wouldn't have done anything until it was too late, myself."
> "Um..." Blushing, "Yeah...sorry, Seira. You're not bad like I said you were...heh, heh." Biggs rubs the back of his head, hair splayed about as he blushes. "Just...would it kill you to relax just a little?"
<Seira> "No matter how much you want to solve a problem, if you don't go out and try to find a solution, your chances of achieving that are zero. It was worth a try to look around the city based on what we knew," Seira responds simply, nodding at Shamal in thanks. "Relax... a little?" she asks Biggs in confusion.
<Seira> "No matter how much you want to solve a problem, if you don't go out and try to find a solution, your chances of achieving that are zero. It was worth a try to look around the city based on what we knew," Seira responds simply, nodding at Shamal in thanks. "Relax... a little?" she asks Biggs in confusion.
> "You're just so uptight!" Biggs blurts out, "Captain Shamal's wonderful and nice, but you're just so...so...not that."
* Seira twitches.
* Demedais quickly ducks behind the nearest thick wall.
* Shamal blushes. "I wouldn't go that far, I mean, we all have our virtues..." she demurs. "Besides, Seira is just maintaining proper military discipline. I think that's commendable," she nods as authoritatively as she can.
> "Just...well...that's fine and all, but does everyone have to be so military and proper. It's nicer to see Shamal or be like that." Blushing himself, "I mean, it's just my opinion, but..."
<Seira> "You have a lot of admirers," Seira tells Shamal. "It must be a waste living outside city walls."
* Demedais coughchuckles from behind the wall.
* Disconnected
* Attempting to rejoin channel #terrorofdunes
* Rejoined channel #terrorofdunes
* Topic is 'The room of occasional sceneage, peerages and the rare sighting of Loligothica drone armies.'
* Set by Kotono on Thu Mar 29 15:14:13
* Kobreakfast is now known as Anastasia
* Shamal coughs delicately. "I guess I can just remember what it's like to be a lowly cadet? It was only, what... a month and a half ago?" she replies, not responding to the part about her living arrangements.
> "It's really amazing. If Seira's so talented and Shamal's so personable, I guess it's no surprise?" With a nod at that, Biggs settles back in.
#terrorofdunes You need voice (+v) (#terrorofdunes)
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Anastasia
> "It's really amazing. If Seira's so talented and Shamal's so personable, I guess it's no surprise?" With a nod at that, Biggs settles back in.
<Seira> "In any case," Seira continues, "if seeing me in a different setting than work is causing all these troubles, you are now cordially invited to the grand opening of my inn over the weekend. Feel free to bring a date." She turns towards Shamal. "You're invited as well, of course, as well as our new paladin friend."
<Demedais> "You're opening an inn?" Demedais peered out from around the corner, eyebrow raised.
* Seira nods proudly. "The work on it is finally finished."
> "Alright," Biggs nods, "After this, something nice would be good to take the pressure off."
<Shamal> "Why not," Shamal shrugs with a grin. "I could do with some relaxation after the last few days."
* Demedais nods. "Excellent. And the name?" he inquires.
* Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Operation timed out)
<Seira> "HC SVNT DRACONES," Seira says in elven. "It felt appropriate."
<Demedais> "Hicks want drag cones?" Demedais asks, puzzled.
* Shamal blinks. "What's that mean?"
> "Something about a dragon?" Biggs ventures hesitantly.
<Seira> "You'll see when you get there," Seira says with a smile, which replaces the scowl she sends Demedais.
<Demedais> "Whaaat?!" Demedais scowls. "That's what I thought you said!"
* Demedais grumbles something about people needing to explain other languages, blast it all.