019. HIC SVNT DRACONES, golems of old and Oolu! "Welcome, Converted Ones."

[Corwin]

[19:48] <Kotono> A few days pass. The end of the week and Seira's promised inn opening approach, but in the meanwhile, duty calls. This morning has summons come from the Commander, to meet himi in the sparring yard. So he stands there to the side, watching as a team of men work on the torn apart roof. "Bastards..." he murmurs to himself as the two approach, loud enough to be heard. His frame is vital again, only a few bruises visible on his face, already dimm
[19:49] <Kotono> already dimming. (More)
[19:51] <Kotono> But as the two come up to him, Commander Oberuth turns with a big red faced grin. "There you are. How go things?" Behind him the noise of contruction fills your ears, heavy and loud. "At ease, this isn't formal today."
[19:53] <Shamal> "Well enough," Shamal smiles genially. "It's nice to have solved one mystery lately, even if justice still eludes the perpetrator. What's the occassion today, sir?"
[19:53] * Demedais nods at Commander Oberuth, relaxing slightly. "Decently well, all things considered.
[19:57] <Kotono> As a few trainees watch and a few begin to spar fairly far away, "Good, good." He begins to walk to the doors inside, pace brisk. "How aware is Demedais of matters now?"
[20:00] <Shamal> Considering how the question was phrased, Shamal doesn't feel rude about answering. "We've mostly been dealing with the undead situation of late. We've discussed things with Irenes and the attempt on Lord Salman's life, but it's not the same as experiencing it..." She glances sidelong at the paladin. "Anything you'd like to go over, Demedais?"
[20:04] * Demedais considers the matter. "As of now, I think I have a good grasp of all the details. Only one clarification: we do not believe Febras and Irenes to be working together, correct?
[20:06] <Shamal> "As far as we know, that's true," Shamal nods. "Febras seems interested in whatever source of power allows him to spawn undead in the city, whereas Irenes seems interested in Gnomish lore. They've given no indication of working together, and Febras admittedly did offer some help in apprehending Lord Salman's would be assassin, who was hired by Irenes."
[20:06] <Shamal> She shrugs, "It could all be an elaborate deception, of course, but we have no evidence as such."
[20:08] <Kotono> Inside to the halls you go, two guards saluting as the party enters. The Commander nods to them absently, walking a few steps past. "We need more information," Oberuth agrees as you walk along. "If they are, so be it. If not, then they are two different forces to be dealt with as we can."
[20:10] * Demedais nods. "Naturally we must eliminate both in whatever method is best for the town. However, the two working together would be a rather potent force, I believe. Thus it is far better for us that they stay, if not enemies, at least mutually uncooperative.
[20:11] <Shamal> "Indeed. Things are bad enough without our enemies banding together," Shamal agrees, placidly following the commander and asking Laika to wait as they head into the building.
[20:13] <Kotono> You go into a small secondary room, with a table and chairs placed there. It's very plain walled, a faint smell of dust in this room. Sitting on the table is a tray with a jug of water and bread, the Commander going to sit. "Yes. Speaking of banding together, there's still the matter of yourself, Demedais."
[20:15] * Demedais nods shortly, but waits for the Commander to say more.
[20:17] <Kotono> "You've seen some of what we're dealing with. There's more that you haven't. Do you accept all of this?" OBeruth asks bluntly, eyeing the paladin.
[20:18] <Demedais> "I do." Demedais nods, looking the Commander straight in the eyes, lips tugged just a bit upward.
[20:20] <Kotono> "...well, Helm help you." Oberuth chuckles, shaking up and down with his mirth. "This isn't an easy post. You've only seen some of it, too."
[20:20] <Shamal> "Never a dull moment around here," Shamal agrees, smiling winsomely.
[20:21] <Demedais> "Well aware." Demedais said, suddenly looking serious. "But... I refuse to believe any of this has been a coincidence."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Yes...Shamal, have you told him about the gnomes yet?" OBeruth inquires, looking to her. "That seems to be at the root of the majority of the problems."
[20:23] <Demedais> "...Gnomes?" Demedais says, a frown on his face.
[20:25] <Kotono> "Yes, gnomes." Oberuth says, quite plainly. "Shamal?"
[20:25] <Shamal> "Not really," Shamal shakes her head before her demeanour becomes a bit more serious, turning to the paladin. "Gnomes were not the playful tricksters that appear in children's tales. They once ruled a brutal empire that sought to subjugate all other races, long before recorded history."
[20:25] <Shamal> "However, they extended their reach too far, committing grave sins as they sought to transform their king into a literal God. The other Gods united and wiped the entire gnomish civilisation from the Earth as punishment for this affront."
[20:26] <Demedais> "...impressive." Demedais murmurs.
[20:27] <Shamal> "That's not the half of it," Shamal sighs. "In a series of visions, Helm intimated to myself and the other members of the Crimson Guard - two of whom we've lost to various circumstances - that the gnomes, or at least their God-King, could return, and cause unspeakable havoc if not stopped."
[20:29] <Demedais> "...he has? So that was they meant." Demedais mused. "...I see. I shall help you ensure that does not happen to the best of my ability."
[20:30] <Kotono> "The best way is for information, first of all," Oberuth agrees, "Demedais needs to understand what's going on, and that's why I called him here as well. For example, all the gnomish ruins."
[20:32] <Shamal> "They were the original source of gems of imbuing, before Irenes and others learned the secret of their creation," Shamal supplies helpfully.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Among other things, yes. The Guard stumbled in one in the Barbarian lands, the ruins near town appear to be another." OBeruth considers and then nods grimly. "Those challenges await as well."
[20:34] * Demedais nods.
[20:35] <Demedais> "We have much ahead of us, it seems." he rumbled, eyes closed in thought.
[20:37] <Kotono> "As of now, the resonsibility falls on the all of you on what action you wish to take next," Oberuth says, reaching for some water. "Have the two of you discussed plans, or the three of you now?"
[20:39] * Demedais leans back and considers. "We intend to try and track down the place Biggs was talking about soon enough. We've been waiting for him to fully recover, first - our initial search did not prove fruitful. As for the rest of it..." Demedais gestures to Shamal.
[20:40] * Shamal looks momentarily conflicted, before speaking up. "We have not discussed it, but if we can be spared from the city, I would like to return to Pilltrain. We did not explore all that was there on our first visit... I had thought the secrets there would keep until we were perhaps better prepared, but considering Berlioz' departure, I'm not sure waiting much longer would be a good idea."
[20:42] <Kotono> "If that's what you wish, you can." Oberuth says this with agreeable forthought, a final nod after that. He tips back his water, drinking a glass down in one heavy swallow. "Lord Salman entrusted you with the freedom to pursue these difficulties and mysteries how you wish."
[20:44] <Shamal> "We should speak to Seira about it, but it would be bad if we waited too long only to find that Malmuthian agents acting on information supplied by Berlioz had gotten there first," Shamal replies, sounding a bit defeated. She'd really wanted to wait longer on that...
[20:45] * Demedais nods in agreement.
[20:46] <Kotono> "...I had not even thought of that point that far." Cursing lightly under his breath, Oberuth shakes his head. "You're raising entirely too good a point...but. Why do you wish to hold off?"
[20:50] <Shamal> "Two reasons," the blonde admits. "Firstly, the guardian placed there by Helm had indicated that proceeding further would subject us to formidable defences left by the gnomes. The second... an extremely powerful item was said to be present, and I had feared that in holding it we would be making targets of ourselves. The gulf between Irenes power and our own is not a small one, and I reasoned it better hidden there than being stolen by him."
[20:50] * Shamal bows her head, "I apologise for my omission, sir, but I truly thought it for the best."
[20:55] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth closes his eyes a moment as he thinks, "Shamal. While I understand that the current situation has made some prudence agreeable, we also cannot afford to starve ourselves of information and power." Still, he pauses even longer. "Now then. Think long and well, and request what aide you need if you choose to go."
[20:58] <Shamal> "Well... since Lyselle is in that area already, we might be able to prevail on her assistance for the excursion," Shamal reasons. "Not knowing exactly what lies past the guardian, I can't say exactly what we'd need, but I think between the four of us we'd stand a good chance of doing what needs to be done."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Very well. If and when you go...by the  Gods, come back safe." Grinning a moment, "I can only take so many lighting bolts msyelf."
[21:01] <Demedais> "Heh. Indeed, if we are to do this, it is best to do it both safely and quickly." Demedais says.
[21:03] <Shamal> "Speaking of that, I at least know a spell that'll make the garrison a bit less likely to explode if it gets attacked again," Shamal notes, smiling a bit. "I've been mostly casting it on the outer walls and fortifications in my spare time, since I didn't think interior of the city would need it so much..."
[21:04] <Kotono> "What spell is it?" Oberuth inquires curiously, "I would not have thought so, either. Damnable magic."
[21:05] <Shamal> "It's a druidic spell of the second circle, called Earthfast. It makes stone as strong as steel - I've been casting it off and on around the walls ever since I first mastered the second circle, whenever I could find the time," the blonde explains.
[21:06] <Kotono> "It would be appreciated," Oberuth nods at that, thinking a moment. "...Oh! I neearly lost track in all of this. Demedais?" TUrning to him, "For the moment, you have the rank of Lieutenant. It's provisional as we sort things out, but it will give you authority as need be here."
[21:07] <Demedais> "That is appreciated. Thank you." Demedais nods.
[21:07] <Shamal> "And I thought I climbed up the ranks quickly," Shamal quips good naturedly. "Congratulations, Lieutenant."
[21:08] * Demedais bows his head, looking a bit sheepish. "So long as I'm of help, it doesn't matter too much in that regard to me."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Now then..." Leaning back and sighing, wincing just the littlest bit, "If things are quiet, rest until the weekend. After all the pressure, Seira's inn opening should be a nice break and respite. Let us hope THIs attempt at good times is not interrupted by lethal poison."
[21:09] <Shamal> "You can be sure I'll have appropriate spells prepared next time I have the bad fortune of being invited to a ball," Shamal promises, glowering at nothing in particular.
[21:10] * Demedais makes a note to take some healing spells in.
[21:11] <Kotono> "I do have to wonder - was that dress salvagable after the rain?" The Commander inquires, before chuckling. "The image of the the two of you scaling the city walls in a rainstorm wearing dancing gowns is one I will not soon forget, even if only told in tales after."
[21:13] <Shamal> "Hehe," the witch giggles slightly, recalling how they must have looked. "Yes, it's a good thing the rain kept people from seeing it, I suppose. But yes, I was able to mend and clean it well enough - it cost too much not to, even if I'll probably never wear it again."
[21:16] <Kotono> "Would you not wear it to the inn opening?" Oberuth considers, "I would imagine it would be a time to look your best." So he considers it, before starting to laugh himself, a loud, uproarous sound. "Gods, I sound like a fretting woman now. Enough of that."
[21:17] <Shamal> "We must be rubbing off on you, sir," Shamal ribs, smiling gently.
[21:18] * Demedais simply raises his eyebrows, saying nothing.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Heh," Snorting as he shakes his head, "Very well. That's everything. You're free to go now and rest up."

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Kokokokoko> OOC: Seira, you wanted to check over Febras' room?
[20:22] <Seira> OOC: If there's actually something to find, I'll talk to the guards who I stationed there, take 20 on the search, etc
[20:25] <Kokokokoko> The guard'll report it's been quiet. Nothing really of note on that end, innkeeper's been laying low.
[20:31] <Kokokokoko> Seira tears the room up, spending a good hour at it. She notes it's remarkable how little it looks lived in. Besides a chair left by the sunny window, there is very very little sign of anyone having lived in this room. Only a couple of things - the scent of garlic in one empty drawer, a small cloth bag left behind with a small, worn hole in the bottom.
[20:31] * Seira searches the bag, too!
[20:32] <Kokokokoko> It's a plain black cloth bag. It's about the size of a basketball, with an old bit of string tying it shut. There's nothing inside and a small hole on the bottom. It smells like a mix of garlic and old metal.
[20:34] * Seira will ask the innkeeper whether she knows what was kept there, then, and if she knows of anything Febras left behind, or places he frequented.
[20:38] <Kokokokoko> The innkeeper keeps to her desk, not meeting Seira's eyes as she comes down. "Hm? I don't really know...he left at all hours, day or night. He never kept a straight schedule." She plays with her hands, "He did mention a few places - the docks once, somewhere around there.  But mostly just around, he quickly learned the city's layout."
[20:39] <Seira> "Anywhere specific at the docks?"
[20:43] <Kokokokoko> "Not that I know of." She shakes her head again, "Heonly mentioned it in passing, not like it was important. When something was important, like the butchery...then he mentioned it a lot."
[20:48] * Seira nods, and decides to go ask about Febras at the docks, and find out whether he had been seen anywhere in particular, or with anyone.
[20:48] <Kokokokoko> OOC: Gather info check.
[20:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[20:57] <Kokokokoko> Seira hunts around for information! She ends up in a bar at the docks, nursing a drink as she talks to a tired looking sailor. His body is covered with tatoos, frame weary as he slams down another drink. "Aye," he says as the day passes by, the two tucked away in a corner. "I saw him. Strangest thing I'd ever seen, thought I was drunk. He was walking down the street at nightfall, but he was moving almost as fast as someone running. No one
[21:00] <Kokokokoko> o one else seemed to see him, either. It was..."
[21:01] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-164-226-186.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:02] * Seira tilts her head. "It was...?"
[21:03] <Kokokokoko> "Strange. I nearly lost sight of him when he was right in my line of vision. It was like a ghost." Shivering at that, the man makes the sign of the evil eye. "That Febras, whatever his name is, isn't normal. Like all the otherthings happening here lately."
[21:04] <Seira> "Like the hag, and the undead?" Seira nudges.
[21:05] <Kokokokoko> "Yeah." He just nods at that, "Even heard you and a few others are using magic in the guard now. Makes me shiver."
[21:06] * Seira grunts noncommittally. "So when did you see him, exactly? Did you see him do anything aside from passing nearby? Talk to anyone?"
[21:08] <Kokokokoko> "No, he was just moving along, watching things. It wasn't for long, but he eventually stopped and went to the side of a building."
[21:11] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-164-226-186.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[21:11] <Kokokokoko> "Oh, when..." He suddenly blinks and thwacks his head. "A few weeks ago. Ten days, perhaps? Where he stopped was where some old fool tried to build a cellar, but you can't make a real cellar that close to the water."
[21:13] <Seira> "Can you show me the area?" Seira requests.
[21:16] <Kokokokoko> "Yeah, sure." He gets up, getting another drink for th eroad. So down a street from the dock you go, not far at all. You're still near the water as you come to this, a simple two story house. On the side is where you go, away from the passing people. There's the beginning of a cellar door against the house here, but it's half finished and abandoned. "There."
[21:17] <Seira> "Ah." Recalling something, she clarifies, "You mentioned an 'old fool' building this?"
[21:18] <Kokokokoko> As you stand there and look, "Yeah, I guess'um so. Only an old fool wouldn't know that ou can't build a cellar like this close to the water."
[21:21] <Seira> "Do you know who that was? It might be prudent to have a word with him later."
[21:29] <Kokokokoko> "Try knocking on the door?" The sailor breathes deepa fter that, "Sir guardsman, that is."
[21:32] * Seira looks at the building dubiously, not truly believing anyone would choose to actually live there themselves, but knocks anyway.
[21:38] <Kokokokoko> The house is decent - soon enough a young woman opens the door. She dusts her floar coated hands on her apron, smiling to SEira. "Oh yes...oh!" She looks at Seira and blushes, "How can I help you?"
[21:40] <Seira> "Hello," Seira tells her, the man who guided her there dismissed with a few words of gratitude. "Excuse me, Ma'am," she continues, "but I would like to ask you a few questions. May I come in?"
[21:43] <Kokokokoko> As the half drunk sailor slips away, "Of course, welcome." She smiles gratefully at Seira, stepping aside. Inside is a comfortable looking house and den, a small cradle where a baby sleeps there. Leading Seira to a soft couch, "What can I help you with?"
[21:45] <Seira> "I am doing a routine check on a certain person," she says after setting inside, describing Febras while watching the other woman carefully for any reaction. "I have been told that he was seen in this area, and decided to pay you a visit. Do you live alone, Ma'am?"
[21:50] <Kokokokoko> "My husband's working, he's a trader." Smiling faintly at that, "I don't think I've seen that person, no."
[21:51] <Seira> "As what, if I might ask?" Seira questions, making small talk.
[21:55] <Kokokokoko> "He brings iron from Parsifal and trades it here towards Malmuth," she smiles at that, "The money's good enough that we have a very nice house by the ocean."
[21:58] * Seira nods. "Speaking of houses by the ocean, I noticed some work on a cellar, of all things, outside?"
[21:59] <Kokokokoko> "Ooooh..." she brings a slender hand to her mouth and laughs, "My husband wanted a cellar last year. He started on it before he found out that digging one isn't very practical when you live right by the seashore. It's a shame - a cellar would be nice."
[22:02] <Seira> "It could," Seira agrees. "I have one myself, and it is very nice indeed." She turns businesslike, then. "The man I have described was actually seen fiddling with your cellar's door," she tells the other woman. "Originally, I believed you must have been acquainted, but as you say you've never met him in your life, I find this report troubling. Would you mind going over with me to check on things?"
[22:03] <Kokokokoko> "If you want...oh. Maybe it was someone curious?" She smiles winsomely, standing up and checking on her sleeping baby, then coming over to Seira.
[22:04] <Seira> "It pays off to be thorough, if only to calm my mind."
[22:06] <Kokokokoko> She nods as you head outside to the cellar. She stands in front of it, "It doesn't go deep at all, obviously,"
[22:06] <Kokokokoko>  OOC - Ack.
[22:06] <Kokokokoko> She nods as you head outside to the cellar. She stands in front of it, "It doesn't go deep at all, obviously," she explains this as she leans down, grabbing the door. "But here you go."
[22:08] <Seira> And with a helpful incantation of the Light spell, having warned the woman in advance so that she doesn't panic, Seira takes a look!
[22:09] <Kokokokoko> She stares at the magic as it is invoked, Seira opening the door. Inside is the beginning of a stairway down, perhaps seven stairs. It's not far down before the construction stops abruptly, stone plugged into the wall. The dirt around it is somewhat damp, the smell of water and rot filling Seira's nose.
[22:10] <Seira> A pair of spells are cast in quick succession, enhancing Seira's sight further, and she takes a careful look around, covering the woman and the nearby house as well.
[22:16] <Kokokokoko> Seira doesn't detect anything. The only thing of note is that smell - mostly water, but just a faint undercurrent of something rotting.
[22:17] * Seira steps down the stairs and observes the area carefully for any stray bones or openings in the wall.
[22:24] <Kokokokoko> Searching carefully, she notes a few things. There's a foot print at the bottom, a bit of stray mud smeared there.  A boot print, to be more precise. In the wall, you notice a tiny bit of what looks to be mostly decayed meat or flesh.
[22:28] * Seira returns, and closes the cellar door again. "I would like to speak with your husband as well. Perhaps he had seen something," she tells the woman. "When should I return?"
[22:30] <Kokokokoko> "This evening, you're welcome to come back or wait here for him, sir." she informs Seira with a smile, "Did you find something in there?" she asks conversationally, "I don't think even animals can sneak in."
[22:31] <Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees. "I don't think they can, on their own. That's why I want to talk to your husband, really."
[22:32] <Kokokokoko> "Alright...then I'll make you a late lunch while you wait?" The woman smiles most winsomely, "If you don't mind...could you tell me about Lord Salman, since you've met him?"
[22:35] * Seira doesn't mind at all, sharing some details of his recent visit that are known to the public, giving them a different perspective.
[22:38] <Kokokokoko> Soon the husband does return. He's a large fellow, nearly three hundred pounds or perhaps even more. Despite this he beams at his wife as he enters, the two embracing. "How's little Angelo?" he asks right away, before seeing Seira. He raises an eyebrow, "The guard?" he asks, smiling. "Oh...those ears...Captain Seira?" He bows in respect, "How quickly you've risen up, I think I saw you on gate or patrold uty awhile ago. How can we help you
[22:39] <Kokokokoko>  How can we help you?"
[22:40] <Seira> "As I was telling your wife," Seira informs the man, "I am investigating a person named Febras." She describes him once more, keeping her eyes on the husband as she did with his wife previously for any signs of recognition. "Have you, perhaps, seen him around?"
[22:42] <Kokokokoko> His eyes stay neutral, thinking a moment. "Mmmm, mmmmm. Yes, yes I did." He frowns just a little bit at that, scowling. "I hadn'te ven mentioned it to anyone since it was such a minor matter." As his wife looks on in surprise, "I saw someone like that poking around on the side of the house when I went to dump the trash. I nearly walked into him - didn't get alook at him because of that hat, but that sounds like him. He was right by the ce
[22:43] <Kokokokoko> cellar door."
[22:44] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "When was it? And have you been by your cellar again, since then?"
[22:45] <Kokokokoko> "Once or twice, nothing out of the ordinary. It was left a little ajar, so I closed it and forgot about it. I mean, it's just an old hole in the ground now." He shrugs at it, body wobbling. "I figured it to be some drunk I scared off."
[22:46] * Seira frowns. "And have you seen anyone else loitering around?"
[22:47] <Kokokokoko> "No, just that person," He sits down, as his wife gives him an irritated, long suffering look, arms crossed over her chest. "...maybe he was a thief looking to hide a stash of stolen money?" he muses a loud, eyes suddenly lighting up.
[22:50] <Seira> "I would suggest you clean your cellar thoroughly and air it," Seira says, intentionally dampening his spirits. "And board it off, if at all possible. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that you're looking at a flooding problem some time down the road if things are kept as they are."
[22:51] * Tai{Class} is now known as Taishyr
[22:52] <Kokokokoko> "Yes, well..." He sighs and scowls, "Thank you for the advice, Captain. But if I may ask, my cellar isn't worth your time to investigate based solely on that, is it?"
[22:54] <Seira> "That man is a pervert," she states categorically, matching his scowl. "I was serious about my suggestion to clean your cellar. It is, however, safe, as far as I can tell. I believe we were in time."
[22:55] <Kokokokoko> "...pervert?" The man makes a face, "UGH!" Suddenly going to his wife, "Thank you for this...I understand what you're trying to say. Don't worry, dear," he murmurs to her, as she just looks on in shock. "I will, thank you."
[22:58] * Seira nods. "Please notify me if you see anyone suspicious nearby," she requests of the pair. "I don't believe he will be back, but it never hurts to be prudent."
[22:58] <Kokokokoko> "Maybe I should get a bodygaurd here as well for you..." he murmurs to his wife, as she is pretty much obscured from view by his body. "I will, thank you."
[23:02] * Seira nods once more. "The visit was enjoyable, despite the circumstances." Bidding the couple a good day, she leaves for home.
[23:03] <Kokokokoko> "One more thing," The fat merchant calls as Seira begins to leave.
[23:03] <Seira> "Hmm?" Seira stops halfway through the door.
[23:05] <Kokokokoko> "Thank you," he takes a moment to stop and say it, a small bow offered. "The city buzzes with the deeds the Crimson Guard has done. As long as things stay safe, my business can continue unabated. If chaos falls, well...it's very bad for business. So thank you."
[23:08] * Seira flushes mildly. "Umm, line of duty, have to leave now!"

[Corwin]

[20:47] <Kotono> It's a gathering! It comes not from a trip to the Pilltain/Armasea border as being planned soon, but right in Balmuria. The weekend is a time of rest, and this is indeed rest and play! Many gather in the inn, shaped like a dragon and new. Shamal and Seira, Demedais as well. Commander Oberuth, looking out of place in plain clothes. Countess Stronger, sitting by the fireplace and sipping wine, looking over a glass orb that floats, shedding ligh
[20:48] <Kotono>  shedding light. Biggs looks around, whistling in awe. "This is it?" he comments, hair free for once and open as he looks around the room. "Wooow."
[20:50] * Seira is there to greet everyone, breaking out the expensive clothes she had purchased in the elven lands. "Thank you for your patronage," she tells Biggs, before gravitating towards Shamal and Demedais. "The floating lights have really come in handy," she mentions to the druid happily.
[20:50] * Demedais chuckles as he looks around, dressed in an odd mix of a monk's informal top ware and slightly dressed-up jeans with silver lines running down them. "Indeed, quite impressive, Seira." he chuckles.
[20:51] <Kotono> Countess Stronger pokes the surface of one, staring at it. "..huh. I'd guess it's just an extended light spell, but it's interesting. Hm..." she mutters, before looking up. "Trying to outdo me a bit," she preens, before laughing. "No, this is nice. Just a few minutes walk from my shop, no less, so it'll surely be good for business."
[20:52] <Seira> "It would be nice if that were true," Seira agrees.
[20:53] <Shamal> "It's very nice," Shamal compliments Seira, dressed casually in a rough woolen blue dress with a white shawl over her shoulders. "I admit, the globes do look nicer than a continual flame..." Putting aside such musings, she moves to more important matters. "What's on tap, anyway?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Oberuth lingers towards the fire a bit, warming his hands before looking back. "At least Demedais will have a normal house?" he ventures, looking between the three women, before laughing. "It's larger than life...which you seem to be getting good at, all of you."
[20:54] <Seira> "Demedais is welcome to stay, if he has not found anything as of yet..." Seira trails off, looking at the paladin questioningly.
[20:54] <Shamal> "Normal means leaky and drafty as far as my neighbourhood is concerned," Shamal mutters, ever so grateful for Mielikki's blessings which have made her abode more warm and secure.
[20:55] <Kotono> "Oooh," Countess STronger eyes Demedais as they talk, standing up. "Hello there," she smiles, brushing back her red locks of hair, wearing a short red dress and striking white cape. "New in town?"
[20:55] * Demedais blinks at Oberuth's comment, then at Seira. "I've accomodations at the temple." he states, before grinning a bit. "With a bunch of old men that snore more often than not... I may take you up on it, if I can't reacclimate myself to them. But odds are I'll be staying there."
[20:56] <Kotono> As you talk, you hear a thump-thumping on the front door. It's loud and insistant, making a lot of racket.
[20:56] * Demedais turns to Countess Stronger. "Somewhat. I feel I've seen you before, but it's been five years since I've been in town..." Demedais turns toward the door, a mild frown. "Wonder who this could be. Your first patron, perhaps, Seira?" he quipped.
[20:57] <Seira> "The tap will have to wait," Seira muses out loud, waving an arm at the door gracefully to open it.
[20:58] <Kotono> The door opens! The weather is rainy outside, a man dripping water as he enters...?! A man wearing the torn and tattered rags of a Malmuthian enlisted officer's uniform, a greatsword slung across his back. His scarred face is exhausted, eyes dropping. "Seira? Lyselle? Shamal? Berlioz?" Donald calls as he looks inside. "Hello? I heard Seira owned this place?"
[20:58] <Seira> "You heard right!" Seira announces, coming closer. "Though I find your military affiliation... disturbing."
[20:59] * Demedais blinks. at first not recognizing the man. As he comes in, Demedais steps out of the way to let him pass, before going to close the door. One way or another...
[20:59] <Shamal> "It fits if he's looking for Berlioz, though," Shamal mutters, eyeing the would-be Paladin curiously.
[20:59] <Kotono> "It's a very, very long story." Sighing as he smiles at Seira, "Thank Lathander, finally." He stumbles inside, a nasty, halfway healed gash on his arm. "You wouldn't believe the time I've had. I only escaped from Valandia by the skin of a horse's tail."
[21:00] <Demedais> "I feel sorry for the horse. Had to heal the poor thing." Demedais quips as he closes the door.
[21:00] <Kotono> "...my." Countess Stronger looks on, raising an eyebrow. "You look it."
[21:01] <Shamal> "You're wounded!" Shamal gasps, hurrying over and casting lesser vigour to speed up Donald's healing, efore she glances between him and Demedais, "You two know each other?"
[21:01] <Kotono> There's a pause as Donald's neck cranes, turning towards Demedais. He twitches all over, nearly shaking enough to tear his clothes. His fists close and open, open and close. "4YOU!"
[21:01] <Kotono> As the magic works over Donald, cut beginning to mend with ample speed, "Yes, I know him. He got me arrested in Valandia! If I hadn't escaped, I'd still be building garrisons there!"
[21:02] <Seira> "Break my beautiful home and I break 05YOU," Seira vows, eyeing Donald distrustfully.
[21:03] <Kotono> Donald glances at Seira a moment, taking a breath. "I learned my lesson. No more breaking inn furniture," he promises agreeably, "On the other hand..." he just stares at Demedais, "
[21:03] <Demedais> "We met in Valandia." Demedais nods. "After I led him to the jail due to getting into a brawl and generally disturbing the peace, and, oh yes, rambling incoherently. Although..." Demedais pauses. "This is the town you were talking about, wasn't it? 'Where ghouls walk at night' or something like that?
[21:04] * Demedais considers the man. "You know Seira and Shamal, so you can't be all bad. Although I'd like to inquire how you know him." Demedais asks of the two.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Yes! I was coming back after..." he begins, staring. "See! I'm perfectly sane. Even if the others haven't had any visions to support the one that drew me here, I know undead walk the world and walk here."
[21:04] <Seira> "You will be happy to hear that they don't walk anymore, then," Seira announces pleasantly.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Wouldnt' be all bad if those two fought..." STronger murmurs, half to herself, as she eyes the both of them.
[21:06] <Shamal> "We even found out the source of the undead problem here - wasn't a vampire, however," Shamal informs Donald.
[21:06] <Kotono> "They're defeated? You found what I saw in the vision?" Donald's attention turns entirely away from Demedais, "...wait, what? I'm sure it was a vampire."
[21:07] * Demedais idly locks the door before walking over to Stronger. "I'm afraid we shan't be wrestling for your pleasure tonight, ma'am." he informs her pleasantly.
[21:07] <Seira> "Maybe it's a special vampire," Seira offeres. "What did you see in those visions of yours, again?"
[21:07] <Shamal> "It was Seira's friend Febras," the blonde sighs. "He's left town, but we'll be certain to apprehend him when he returns."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Damn," Countess Stronger chuckles a moment, before putting aside her wineglass, leaning forward to listen.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Hah! I didn't like him the moment I saw him." Donald nearly spits, before stumbling to the nearest seat. "Could I have something to drink? It's been a long few days, even once I crossed the border." But as he sits, "But wait...yeah, wasn't he see in the middle of the day?"
[21:08] * Demedais leans against the wall to listen as well, shifting a bit in the clothes.
[21:09] * Seira snaps her fingers, signaling her hired bartender to bring something over.
[21:09] <Shamal> "Seems fonds of garlic, too," Shamal nods. "But what about this vision of yours?"
[21:10] <Kotono> As he does so, bowing and bringing over glasses and mugs, "That a vampire would come to this city and bring chaos." Taking a mug, he drinks deeply before continuing. "I couldn't even become a real paladin, I'm good with a sword but not with the rest of it." He shrugs a moment, voice a little sour. "But with that vision, I know that it can't be false."
[21:11] * Demedais idly blinks at the young man and tilts his head, an odd smile on his lips.
[21:12] <Seira> "You're in luck!" Seira exclaims, pushing Demedais slightly forward. "This is a real paladin! You can ask him for a few tips!"
[21:13] <Kotono> Donald yawns vastly, leaning forward a bit before stopping. He blinks hard, rubbing his eyes. "...what?" he says, before his face clouds. "That petty, gladhanding, self righteous, smarmy, smug, uncaring, detatched goblin's shit is a PALADIN?!" Sputtering at the end of it, "He's a real life, full paladin!?"
[21:13] <Seira> "Now you know what to aspire for!"
[21:14] * Shamal covers her mouth to stifle a laugh, trying to mask it as a cough. "Excuse me."
[21:14] <Kotono> Biggs stays back, slinking away and towards Shamal. "Woow. This is like a play or a bard's tale every day," he comments with awe.
[21:15] <Kotono> Twitching in full body, "If you say you serve Lathander, I'm going to..." Twitching again, "There's just no way! No matter what they say about my inner meditation and focus...there's no way you're a paladin when I couldn't be one! It's just not possible!"
[21:16] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais says flatly. "A paladin of Helm, to be precise." Demedais glares at Seira for a second as if attempting to set her hair on fire before looking back at Donald. "And part of being a paladin of Helm is upholding the laws of the land you're in. Which, in your case, you violated rather badly and incoherently." He pauses a second. "Though you may have potential as a jeste- erm, paladin under Lathander."
[21:17] <Shamal> "I try and tell people it's not always like this. But... more and more I see what a lie that is," Shamal tells Biggs weakly. Stepping between the paladin and would-be-paladin, she holds out her hands in a placating gesture, "Now, now, we're all adults here, can't we please act with some civility?" she tries calming them down.
[21:17] <Kotono> "He stole one of my holy symbols!" Donald blurts out, glaring right back, trying to send lasers of pure hate from the raw intensity of that gaze. "I was trying to get it back when you interfered and got us both arrested! Theft of a holy symbol is pure heresy, I brought them to aid with battling the undeath here!"
[21:18] <Kotono> "No." Donald says, flat as a board to Shamal.
[21:18] <Seira> "I could tutor you," Seira offers to Donald, appearing blissfully unaware of any anger he might be harboring. "Help you study to become a great paladin just like Demedais. Research is my second nature, so I'm sure I could find some great way for you to make the cut! Why, I'm sure that with time and training, your holy symbols won't even get stolen anymore!"
[21:19] * Shamal wilts and retreats out of the fray. "I tried..." she mutters to herself.
[21:19] * Demedais nods to Shamal. "Indeed you did." Seemingly ignoring Donald for now, he leans back against the wall and thinks.
[21:22] <Kotono> Donald just twitches again, staring as his arm injury finishes it's magically aided mending. "What if I'd been needed here, ro gotten here in time to help? I lost my silver sword which was blessed in Valandia because of this!" He throws up his hands, before taking a breath...and wobbling,f alling heavily back into his chair.
[21:23] <Kotono> Biggs blushes a moment, before gently patting Shamal's shoulder once. "That was pretty brave of you," he murmurs, eyeing thet wo.
[21:24] <Kotono> At this point, Oberuth approaches, clearing his throat. "How about we just help him to bed, before I have to insist that he spends a night on the city's hospitality for everyone's well being?"
[21:25] <Seira> "This actually brings up an interesting point to mind," Seira muses. "Not too long ago, Shamal said something to the effect that people should only have weapons they can use effectively, and keep safe from foes. Maybe it's a sign from Lathander that you should start... smaller?"
[21:26] * Demedais glances at Donald with just a bit of antipathy remaining. "I could not find any proof of your claim, was the problem, Donald." he said at last. "Part of being a paladin of any sort is understanding when you must put your duty before your personal feelings." He then nods at Oberuth. "It does look like you're exhausted, Donald. Go rest."
[21:26] * Shamal sighs, her head drooping. "Come on, Biggs, let's go get something to drink," she suggests, heading over to the bartender for some liquid refreshment.
[21:27] <Kotono> Donald mutters something, perhaps to Demedais, perhaps to Seira. But after that, he clears his throat. "...yeah. Haven't slept in nearly two days."
[21:27] <Seira> "Well, you're in the right place for that!" Seira announces, all smiles now. "The rent is really cheap!"
[21:27] <Kotono> Biggs smiles a moment, before following Shamal. "You're too nice for most people..." he murmurs nicely. "You shouldn't get talked to like that!"
[21:28] <Kotono> Reaching into his pocket, Donald drops a few golden coins down. Malmuthian coins for the most part, maybe six of them. "FEel free.." he says, standing and wobbling like a top.
[21:29] * Demedais idly walks over to where Shamal is at the bar. "My apologies, Shamal." he says simply, before glancing at Donald. "Perhaps... someone should carry you to your room." he notes.
[21:29] <Shamal> "Yes, well, worst comes to worst I'll just forget to heal him next time he gets savaged by ghouls," Shamal nods decisively as she orders a glass of wine. "Hmm, but that's not very nice, I suppose..." she admits.
[21:30] <Seira> "Ah, a true bond between men, between servants of the Gods themselves," Seira drones, the money in her hands. "You'll help him, then?"
[21:30] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth approaches at Demedais's words, grabbing the warrior and dragging/carrying him along. "Thank you, Seira," he calls as he gets him along. "Hotheaded fool orn ot, he gave Malmuth hell and meant to help us."
[21:31] * Demedais nods at Oberuth. "Thank you, sir. Perhaps best if I don't try to take him to his room."
[21:32] <Kotono> Biggs waits a moment before ordering the same as Shamal. "Well, they weren't nice to you, but it's nice that you're nice...erm..." Taking a breath out, "Just don't change? You're nice the way youare."
[21:32] <Kotono> Demedais doesn't get a reply, Donald taken away to a room and out of sight. Meanwhile, Stronger watches the entire thing, chuckling before going back to studying an orb.
[21:33] <Seira> "Why did you come without a date, by the way?" Seira asks Biggs, approaching him while nursing a goblet of wine herself.
[21:33] * Shamal smiles and genially pats Biggs on the head. "You're lucky you didn't know me when I was younger, if you think that way. City life's made me soft."
[21:34] * Demedais goes to a corner and sits, a bit lost in thought.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Er..." Suddenly Biggs freezes like ice, words and touch both affecting him. "Because, ah, I was going to ask someone here to dance with me, erm, or just ahve a drink or such?" Licking his lips, Biggs blushes and looks away. "By someone, erm, well, I guess I mean Captain Shamal?"
[21:35] <Kotono> As Demedais sits and thinks, he can notice a redheaded Countess approaching him, slinking into a seat next to him. "Lonely or just thoughtful," she murmurs to him.
[21:36] * Seira raises an eyebrow, looking at Shamal.
[21:36] * Shamal blinks owlishly. "Dance? But, er... there's no music," she protests. Please let it stay that way!
[21:37] <Kotono> "Drink it is!" Biggs blurts, quickly taking his glass of wine and taking a veeeeeeeery long sip from it.
[21:37] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais remarks. "The city has changed immensely since I've been here, and, well. So has the Temple." Demedais frowns a bit. "Thoughtful as well - trying to decide what to do about that London or Donald or whatever chap."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Times change," Stronger grins as she half watches the bar, "Wouldn't dreamed that I'd be running a mage's shop ni Balmuria, or making enough money off of it to challenge the normal notions of magical currency and wealth, or that the people buying a lot for me were digging up incredible things fromt he past. But oh well!" Grinning as she goes on, "Such is life."
[21:39] <Seira> "You are a woman of many admirers," Seira comments, drinking herself after raising the goblet in a toasting gesture to Shamal.
[21:40] <Demedais> "Indeed, times do change." Demedais murmurs. "Speaking of which, wonder what's taking Commander Oberuth..."
[21:41] <Shamal> "I, ah... well, thank you?" the blonde manages in reply, looking rather flustered. "But, um... I think we could all learn from your example, Seira, in that we need to... to emphasis the fact that we're professionals!" she quickly nods. "Anything less would be unseemly."
[21:41] <Shamal> emphasise*
[21:41] <Seira> "I'm taking a break from that today, actually," Seira says, waving the concerns off.
[21:48] <Shamal> "Then it's up to me to pick up the slack!" Shamal declares emphatically.
[21:49] <Seira> "Very admirable." Seira nods. "So, for propriety's sake, you only date other captains now?"
[21:51] <Demedais> "Does that leave her with any options?" Demedais quips from the table.
[21:52] * Seira wordlessly refills Biggs's glass. "This one is on the house," she tells him.
[21:52] <Shamal> "Er... something like that," the blonde hazards weakly.
[21:52] <Kotono> Biggs blushes the entire time, "Um...I don't think she neesd to go that far...erm..." He glances at Seira a moment, "Right?"
[21:53] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth returns, dusting off his hands and looking cross. He doesn't comment, instead going to sit by the fire.
[21:53] * Demedais idly eyes the the group at the bar before glancing at Oberuth as he comes in, saying nothing.
[21:53] * Seira shrugs. "Work hard for your goal?"
[21:55] * Demedais nods slightly to Stronger. "Excuse me, I'll be back in a minute." He slowly stands up and walks over to Oberuth, taking a chair near the fire as well. "Should I ask?" he comments drily, looking at the Commander.
[21:55] <Kotono> Laughing as this goes on, "Well then..." STronger just laughs, letting herself relax.
[21:55] <Kotono> "Just irritated, he tried to get up once. He has all the common sense of a turnip," Oberuth comments pointedly.
[21:56] <Kotono> "I will..." Biggs blushes again and nods, "Excuse me, then," Nodding to Shamal, he gets up and abruptly heads out. As he does, Demedais can see him after he turns away, a look of firm resolution on his face.
[21:57] * Shamal suddenly has a bad feeling...
[21:57] <Seira> "That Donald person might make a halfway decent bodyguard. Maybe a bouncer, too, at that," Seira muses, raising her eyes towards the ceiling as the private leaves.
[21:59] <Demedais> "You pretty much just summed up why I had him arrested in Valandia." Demedais comments. "Idly..." He glances at Biggs' face, and a slight smile crosses his own before he looks back at Oberuth. "I... wish to send a message to Valandia. Let them know that the fugitive is here, and... with your permission, I'd like to oversee beginning to train him." Demedais says. "State that I'll make sure he works off his penance here (More)
[22:01] <Demedais> " and that his rush to come back was due to an outbreak of undead which his help was needed to quash." Demedais looks at Oberuth again. "May I have your permission to embark on this course of action?"
[22:04] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth considers a bit, "I'll talk to a few people about it," he allows after a moment. "Realistically, they can demand we return him at worst, but we're under no obligation to. It is good manners and part of being good neighbors, as far as it goes with them." He frowns a moment, "We'll see how that goes."
[22:06] <Demedais> "Right. I believe what I said is that if I spotted him I'd let them know. I have to fulfill at least that part." Demedais nods. "Besides, not getting them angry right now is perhaps for the best."
[22:06] <Kotono> "If it'll happen? Gods know." Obuerth shrugs after a moment of thought, "It could range from being barely a ripple to a serious diplomatic interset. But yes, that's another point. Are you leaving for those ruins discussed?"
[22:08] * Demedais glances at Seira and Shamal. "If they plan on it, so will I. Donald's... training... can wait until we return." Demedais says, a bit of a grin on his face.
[22:09] <Seira> "It seems like the right idea, I concur with Shamal and Demedais's judgement," she responds. "And Donald paid enough to stay until we return."
[22:09] <Kotono> "Ooooh," Countess Stronger pipes up, "Bring me back some good relics and artifacts!"
[22:13] <Seira> "There was an exciting, everburning carpet of thievly doom!" Seira responds happily. "I'll be sure to try and get a sample this time!"
[22:14] * Shamal represses a whimper.
[22:15] <Demedais> "...Everburning carpet of thievly doom?" Demedais says with a small snort.
[22:15] * Seira nods. "You could help, if you want."
[22:18] <Kotono> --
[22:20] <Kotono> So the time passes as the party travels. Away from the fair sea and bay of Balmuria, towards lands of height, of rugged mountains. Nature is stronger here, seldom challenged. Pilltain is quiet, strangely subdued. So is Armasea, a rugged land of villages, mines and a single castle keep. Coming to this place, you find Lyselle - she sits in a study room, awaiting. "Yes?" she niquires with a smile as the party enters this warm, book lined place.
[22:23] <Shamal> "Hello, Lyselle," Shamal beams, approaching her friend. "It's good to see you again - we were in the area and hoping you might be able to pull yourself away from your Countessly duties for one last adventure."
[22:25] <Kotono> Lyselle smiles, brushing back her hair, "Alright. Lord Salman has helped, so the baronies here are becoming stable." She also smiles to Seira, blonde hair braided back behind her. "The temple ruins?"
[22:25] * Seira nods. "The same ones."
[22:26] * Demedais eners behind the two, glancing around with a captivated interest.
[22:28] <Kotono> Lyselle smiles warmly at Demedais, "Alright. I can leave in the morning."
[22:28] * Demedais nods vaguely at Lyselle while looking around, eyes wide open.
[22:31] <Shamal> "This is Demedais, our latest recruit. We're a bit thin on the ground after you and Berlioz... well, I take it you heard about him?" Shamal asks the other blonde.
[22:32] <Kotono> "I did." Lyselle frowns at that, but keeps her peace. With a nod to Demedais, "I'll go prepare now. Seira can tell you about Berlioz." With a smile to her, the blonde leaves.
[22:34] <Kotono> A few more days of travel. Even up here spring breaks out, late but vibrant. Amid new growths you approach the temple of Helm, secluded deep in the mountains. The gate bars the way inside, solemn and silent in this forgotten place...
[22:35] <Demedais> "Mmmph. Almost like I'm back on pilgrimage." Demedais mumbles a bit, looking around the grounds with mild disgust.
[22:35] * Shamal isn't shy about opening the gate and heading inside! "This is a very special place for those who have been touched by Helm," she informs Demedais. "Or so I've been told."
[22:36] <Seira> "You should be honored," Seira agrees, pleasantly monotone.
[22:37] <Kotono> The grounds are immaculate from what little you see, but most is hidden behind the gate - which Shamal opens. Inside is a temple, the grounds quiet. But as the gates open, an old priest comes out. His age is advanced, but his steps are still sure. "Welcome...Shamal, Seira, Demedais, Lyselle," he bows to Demedais in particular, "Come. I know why you are here."
[22:39] * Shamal smiles to the priest as she meets him. "It is time to finish what we started last time we visited," she affirms.
[22:39] * Demedais blinks at the old priest and hastily dismounts, bowing in return. "Alright, Father."
[22:41] <Kotono> Through the temple front you go. Acolytes bow as you enter, several standing guard. Past the altar you go, into the back rooms and basement. A great stairway is here, awaiting. "Ahead lies much, great and small, left behind by those condemned by the Gods. May your vigilance be enough to pass through in safety."
[22:42] <Demedais> "Thank you, Father. May Helm watch over you." Demedais murmurs. as he peers at the stairway. "Well. Shall one of you lead, since you know the way? I'll take second." he says.
[22:42] <Shamal> "I too hope we are strong enough to prevail over what lies ahead," Shamal takes a deep breath, looking down to give Laika a reassuring smile and pat on the head before they descend.
[22:43] * Seira follows, mindful of the traps they had discovered earlier.
[22:44] * Demedais just nods and follows.
[22:46] <Kotono> So down you go. Down past a dome with an intricate gate enscriped in, the release carefully sidestepped. Down deeper, past a room of bulwarks and battle grounds. Past a forgotten clinic and respite, past a room of water that defies gravity. Down endless stairs, past floating motes of light. At last you come to the door you were at before. So it awaits at last.
[22:48] <Kotono> The guardian awaits there, a being of white flames. It's vigliance is without pause, unyielding. As the party approaches, "At last. Are you ready to go within?"
[22:49] <Seira> "Better late than never."
[22:49] <Shamal> "Perhaps, but regardless, events have forced our hands," Shamal nods. "Can you tell us anything specific about what lies ahead before we proceed?" she asks hopefully.
[22:51] <Kotono> "Ahead lies much. Be wary, be careful. I know that there is a safe building near the beginning, left with relics of healing. Be cautious - wonders await you, including one of the greatest of them all at the climax."
[22:51] * Demedais nods solemnly.
[22:52] <Shamal> "Then let's go," Shamal takes a deep breath, before going to open the door.
[22:53] <Kotono> The guardian stands aside, it's wrath stayed. The door opens, and ahead of you is a grand stair. A grand stair that starts dozens of feet wide, slowly narrowing to a fine point. Far down it you can see the point of the triangle it makes, a grand door there. In the air floats motes of light, some encased in delicate glass or crystal. A shadowless, flawless light, bright without being too much or too little. The walls are enscribed with countle
[22:54] <Kotono> The walls are enscribed with countless words in the words of the gnomes in their forgotten language, every inch taken up.
[22:55] <Shamal> "It would take weeks to decipher all this..." Shamal marvels, briefly looking over the writings. "But weeks we don't have." With that, she begins to carefully make her way down the stairs.
[22:56] <Kotono> Lyselle looks up, smiling, "I learned how to read it, remember?" she notes, peering her eyes. "It seems to be religious songs to the Great God King Daa-vid."
[22:57] <Seira> "How positively exciting," Seira comments.
[22:58] <Kotono> Down the stairs Shamal goes. Her footsteps echo perfectly, cascading upa nd down and around. She approaches the door - it is a grand door of white stone, overlaid with glowing, floating circular patters of red, green adn blue. Each is the same, mixing into the middle, making a brilliant white point. AT this point, a simple pull ring waits, carved with the face of a beareded gnome, a conical cap on it's head.
[22:58] * Demedais looks at Lyselle, a smile on his face, before glancing around as he, too, descends. "How odd... this is a bizarre place to have under a temple, although I suppose this was built first."
[22:59] <Shamal> "Seira, if you would check it for traps? I'd rather not lose my hand this early in the journey," Shamal ducks aside, gesturing for the half-elf to do her thing.
[23:00] * Seira checks!
[23:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[23:00] <Kotono> Seira does not detect any traps.
[23:02] <Seira> "Seems alright," she responds with a shrug.
[23:03] <Demedais> "Shall I, then?" Demedais offers as he steps toward the door.
[23:05] * Demedais doesn't recieve a response, and thus grabs the ring with a gloved hand and pulls it open.
[23:06] <Kotono> Demedais notes the door doesn't budge! However, as he pulls, the red circle glows bright and vanishes! Then the green and then the blue, each one making a deep gong sound! When the last vanishes, the door slides away as if it was never there! Ahead of you is...(More, lots more.)
[23:07] <Kotono> First of all, there is a dome of sorts just outside of the door. IT is beautiful and nearly invisible, like flawless glass. It is only visibile at all when motes of light float through it, making the entire thing shimmer like a diamond in the sunshine. Past that? Ahead of you lies a grand cavern, larger than anything one could ever imagine. Stalagmites dozens of feet long protrude down, yet still don't come close to the floor. For here lies n
[23:08] <Kotono> For here lies not ruin, but more! (More)
[23:09] <Kotono> All around tiny points of light shimmya nd float, a few encases in flawless prisons of crystalline. Past this lies a wide street of steel, untarnished and unrusted by the countless lifetimes that have passed. For what lies of you is a path, a path in a city! Stone sidwalks of sheer, smooth white, black and silvery stone line the sides, several buildings on both sides. To the left there is a small single story building past the hut, undecorate
[23:10] <Kotono> undecorated and with a very plain door. (More)
[23:13] <Kotono> Just north that is a wide building, with the rear turning into a high, graceful dome of black. A ways beyond it is a cunningly designed building, a five pointed star in shape, a faint shimmer of red around it. To the right is a huge, multistory building, four stories and strangely plain. Huddled just past it is a smaller building, also looking very plain. Past that to the north is a cunningly designed tower, five stories. It  starts with a br
[23:13] <Kotono> starts with a broad circle, each level rising up  yet shrinking in, the top floor a tiny circle indeed, like it's withering inside. Yet past this on both sides ia  grand stone arch, the street passing under it. Ahead there is more, but you'd have to walk a ways to see. Throughout this, it is permeated with silence, not a noise beyond the breathing of each party member. Not a single shadow is cast, everything there in perfect radiance, yet not
[23:15] <Kotono>  yet not bright at all.
[23:18] <Demedais> "... whoa." Demedais says, looking around. "...This is impressive." he says in a near-whisper.
[23:18] <Kotono> "This is sleeping under us?" Lyselle whistles low, eyes as wide as they can go.
[23:19] <Shamal> "This is no dungeon... it's a whole city," Shamal gasps. "How long would it take to fully explore all of this?"
[23:20] <Demedais> "Well, we can kinda guess where what we need is." Demedais gestures ahead, a bit sardonically.
[23:21] <Shamal> "Can we?" Shamal quirks an eyebrow. "The most obvious is not always correct. Besides which, there are no doubt other artifacts to be found down here - such as the ones of healing mentioned by the guardian. Perhaps... there?" she points to the nearby single storey building.
[23:23] <Demedais> "Well, based off my general knowledge of religion, the tendency is to put the most important stuff in the center. And if the guy's referred to as a 'Great God King'... well, you get the idea. Still, yes, looking around's a good idea." he agrees.
[23:24] <Seira> "We could try to seek out the areas with the strongest magical concentration," Seira suggests, contemplative.
[23:24] <Demedais> "Something tells me this whole place would be blinding." Demedais deadpans. "Still, if you can distinguish between the variances, it should work."
[23:25] <Shamal> "Considering the range on detect magic, we'd be as well employing a simple methodical search," Shamal decides, whistling for Laika to follow her and heading towards the nearest building on the left.
[23:25] * Seira doesn't have any particular attachment to her idea, content to follow for the time being.
[23:26] <Kotono> This plain building has a very plain door. It's just a simple stone door, with a handle to be opened.
[23:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 search
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 search and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[23:26] <Kotono> As you walk, your foosteps echo on the steel street. They muffle on the stone sidewalk, echoing endlessly in the silent caverns. So reaching there, Seira finds that the door has little of note to indicate a trap.
[23:27] * Shamal proceeds to open the door, reasoning that the more elaborate buildings are more likely to be trapped than the unimportant seeming ones.
[23:27] <Demedais> "I feel like I should walk barefoot, if only so this place doesn't echo so much." Demedais mutters.
[23:28] <Shamal> "At least it should alert us if anyone else is down here... assuming they don't just fly," Shamal murmurs.
[23:28] <Kotono> The door opens! In here, statues of ceremonial armor holding ceremonial looking spears and swords line the walls, and inside? A pedestool going up to chest level is here, with a glowing white hexagon there. Floating in the air besides it is a single sheet of paper, unmoving.
[23:28] <Demedais> "We'd probably hear the wings flapping as well." Demedais notes.
[23:29] <Shamal> "Lyselle, can you read the paper?" Shamal asks her fellow blonde, standing aside to make room.
[23:29] * Seira decides it's time to risk a headache, and activates her magical sight.
[23:30] <Kotono> Lyselle goes forward. She looks up, going to read the paper. It takes her a moment, "...it's a warning that activating the gate security field without permission is a capital offense, along with the instructions on safe usage." Lyselle announces, "There's an off mode of white, a 'fire damage' mode of red, and a 'mind damage mode'."
[23:31] <Demedais> "Darn, we should have brought Donald. He could probably pass through the 'mind damage mode' fine." Demedais remarks sarcastically. "Any way to trigger it on or off, does it say?"
[23:32] <Shamal> "What colour's the mind damage mode?" Shamal asks, wincing at the thought of blundering into such defences.
[23:32] <Seira> "Wait, what? Why would you want to _trigger_ this?"
[23:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
[23:33] <Kotono> "Yes, it even has the command words," Lyselle notes in some surprise. "For the off mode, which is the one activated, it's Gnarlan. The others...risking it may not be wise, but I know the words." Lyselle announces. "Oh, and green."
[23:33] <Demedais> "First, so we can detrigger it as well if needed. Second, expedient retreat - if something in there wakes up, we can use it to slow it down."
[23:34] * Seira doesn't look excited at the prospect of becoming stupid in the course of this eventuality.
[23:35] <Shamal> "Okay... so long as the lights are white, we're safe? Good to know, at least," Shamal smiles, before taking a look over the glowing hexagon. "Is this the control?"
[23:35] <Kotono> "Yeah," Lyselle looks to it, "You touch it and speak the word, I think."
[23:36] <Shamal> "Best to leave it as is for now, then. Hmm... everyone ready to move on?"
[23:36] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods. "Do you see anything of import, Seira?"
[23:38] <Seira> "The magic is strange," she responds with a frown. "If it is at all safe, it would be nice to take that sheet of paper back with us for further study when we leave."
[23:39] <Shamal> "We can leave it for now, since it's right by the exit. Let's try the next building?" Shamal suggests, exiting and moving towards the domed building.
[23:41] <Kotono> So out the party goes again! The air is still and cool as they approached this building. There is a doorframe with no door, a graceful arch leading inside. In this building is first a library, sprinkled with bookshelves and chairs before the dome. Past this is the dome proper - a dark dome, dotted with stars! A perfect likeness of the night sky can be seen, enrapturing. At the very pinnacle of the dome and night sky, a brilliant moon shines,
[23:42] <Kotono> a brilliant moon shines, glistening with dazzling light. A chilly wind blows from this domes presentation of the overworld sky, making you shiver.
[23:44] <Shamal> "Can you see anything magic in here, Seira?" Shamal asks. So much knowledge, but they simply don't have the time to peruse an entire library, no matter how interesting it may be...
[23:45] <Seira> "The books," Seira says, mildly surprised. "The dome and moon as well, naturally."
[23:45] <Demedais> "I presume your magics can't teleport this all up to the surface for later detection?" Demedais queries.
[23:46] <Seira> "We don't need magic, we need strong virile men to carry it."
[23:47] * Seira decides to take a look at some of the titles and ascertain whether they are all books in gnomish.
[23:48] <Demedais> "Men, plural. I
[23:48] <Kotono> As Seira looks, she blinks in surprise. At the first glance they are in gnomish, but the words on the spines soon shift into Common. 'Stars' 'The Overworld and the heretic moon' 'The false gods in the heavens' 'The true role of the overworld in the Cosmology of the God King'; those are all good examples.
[23:49] <Demedais> "I'm afraid I can't grab it all." Demedais says, visibly swallowing a bit. "Wish I could, though. I love books."
[23:49] <Seira> "There is magic to help, don't worry," Seira says, absent-minded. Making a decision, she reaches for the book on the true role of the overlord.
[23:50] * Demedais idly begins humming a hymn of Helm as he looks intently at the bindings of the books.
[23:50] <Kotono> The book slides out. On it's pages are discussions of the True God and how he truly rules the skies and heavens the False Ones claim to have. Much wisdom is here, theory on the sky, astrology, magic and more. Seira gets a very strong feeling that she could learn much if she just spared the time to sit down and read.
[23:51] <Kotono> Demedais sees much the same titles, relating to the stars, nighttime sky, moon, astrology and so forth.
[23:52] * Demedais blinks. "Wait, weren't these in Gnomish?"
[23:52] * Seira reluctantly places the book back, and searches for the most recent or, rather, last printed book.
[23:52] <Kotono> OOC - Make a search check, Seira, you're poking around enough.
[23:52] <Seira> "It's an enchantment," she responds, searching.
[23:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[23:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[23:52] <Demedais> "...Oh." Demedais blinks. "...Are the books safe to look at?"
[23:53] <Seira> "My vote goes for yes. As I am reading them."
[23:54] <Demedais> "...k." Demedais looks around, stepping inside and glancing at the titles.
[23:54] <Kotono> Seira leafs a bit. The books all looked well cared for and new, and there aren't any dates on them. The feeling that there is knowledge here grows within her, great theory on how the universe truly works.
[23:54] <Seira> "How about searching for a book on gnomish golems?" she suggests. "There will be great knowledge in it, and we could find it useful."
[23:54] <Shamal> "They haven't blown up on us at least... still, there could be more subtle magic at work - can you tell what school of magic is on the books?" Shamal asks.
[23:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 to look for a certain kind of book >_>
[23:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 to look for a certain kind of book >_> and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[23:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[23:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 24."12 [1d20=14]
[23:56] <Kotono> Demedais does not find what he wants - it all seems to be about the overworld night sky.
[23:57] <Seira> "Huh. Strange. I expected Divination," Seira muses, thinking about Shamal's question. "But there is so much knowledge...."
[23:57] <Shamal> "What school is it?" the blonde asks tersely.
[23:58] <Demedais> Disgruntled, Demedais looks around. "Hmph. Lousy library." He grabs a book from near the entrance. "I'm going to go outside and read this, alright?" he asks.
[23:59] <Seira> "Transmutation, enchantment," Seira lists, waving her hand in the air lazily. "Surely, a way to increase our capacity for absorbing knowledge!"
[23:59] <Shamal> "Don't we have more important things to do than read?" Shamal asks Demedais impatiently. "And isn't it a bit strange that gnomes would go to the trouble of making books that non-gnomes could easily read?" She then proceeds to grab Seira's arm. "You had me at enchantment. Let's go," she declares firmly, pulling the half-elf outside.
Session Time: Fri May 18 00:00:00 2007
[00:00] <Seira> "But what about poor Biggs...?" Seira mumbles, allowing herself to be dragged off as she casts longing glances at the awaiting books.
[00:00] <Demedais> "Good point." Demedais nods and reshelves the book. "Probably quite interesting, but undoubtedly in non-layman's terms. Hey, where's Lyselle?"
[00:01] <Kotono> Lyselle waits in the library, watching. "Here," she smiles a little bit.
[00:02] <Shamal> "Let's try that big building over there," Shamal points to the large building to the right of the entrance. "And we won't go back to this library."
[00:02] <Demedais> "Shall we?" Demedais says, feeling a bit stupid at not sitting down to read. Still, it's how he feels around Seira and Shamal, sooo...
[00:02] <Seira> "Why not?" Seira asks piteously.
[00:03] <Shamal> "Because it'll brainwash you," Shamal gently whaps Seira. "So snap out of it - you're supposed to be an arrogant elf-type, so you shouldn't care about the clearly inferior lore of these ground-dwellers, right?"
[00:03] <Demedais> "Because it makes me feel stupid." Demedais says briskly, as he exits.
[00:04] <Seira> "Probably," Seira agrees, pouting. "But I don't think I can get brainwashed that easily."
[00:05] <Shamal> "Let's not risk it," Shamal decides, still holding onto Seira's arm as she starts towards the next building to explore.
[00:05] <Kotono> Outside, you can see the large, plain building on the other side of the street. It has several doors in, each large double doors that looks like a lot of people could go through at once.
[00:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[00:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 23."12 [1d20=13]
[00:06] * Demedais eyes the doors. "Any traps, Seira?"
[00:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[00:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[00:06] <Kotono> Seira searches the doors, but they seem untrapped.
[00:07] <Seira> "No simple ones-- wait." Seira blinks. "This is the building of conjuration, let's not go there."
[00:07] <Shamal> "Healing is conjuration," Shamal points out, "And this is the last building near the entrance, so this must be what the guardian spoke of."
[00:08] <Demedais> "Conjuration?" Demedais asks, a tone of worry in his voice. "Summoning demons and the such?"
[00:08] <Seira> "Well, the main building should be safe, at least. And Shamal's probably right here, based on what we know. I mean, would they really have the same trap twice?"
[00:09] <Shamal> "That, too," the blonde admits hesitantly. "But yes, we already had the demon summoning trap on the upper level last time we were here."
[00:09] * Shamal proceeds to head in via the nearest door!
[00:10] * Demedais follows her in. Don't want anyone getting harmed badly here, and he can take it... he hopes.
[00:10] <Kotono> Inside of this giant hall is a giant barracks. Bed after bed after bed stretches, doors on both sides leading to more. Stairs, it looks like there are stories of this - if it's all barracks, it would be enough to house a horde. All made beds, intact and undisturbed, yet silent.
[00:11] * Seira goes to give the door to the right a customary search, opening it if she deems it clean.
[00:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[00:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[00:13] <Kotono> The doors do not seem to be trapped.
[00:13] * Seira opens the door to the right!
[00:14] <Kotono> In here is a giant mess hall. Past that is kitchens, barrels inside radiating faint magic for Seira.
[00:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[00:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 24."12 [1d20=14]
[00:14] * Shamal tries opening the door to the left and having a look there.
[00:15] <Kotono> In here are stairs to the next floor and also more beds. Endless beds, going on and on.
[00:15] * Demedais glances around, a bit confused.
[00:15] * Seira blinks, and looks for any other doorways in the kitchens.
[00:16] <Kotono> There's a doorway on the side leading back outside.
[00:16] <Shamal> "Hmm... think it's worth searching all the floors or shall we move on?" Shamal asks her companions.
[00:16] * Seira decides to try it.
[00:17] <Demedais> "Seira, you're the one who can find magic. You see anything above us?" Demedais inquires.
[00:17] * Seira looks!
[00:18] <Kotono> The door opens! You can see the steel streets outside, motes of light floating freely. Seira also looks up - not much magic, but the roof looks quite stony and sturdy. She can also tell the duration on her spell is running out.
[00:18] <Kotono> Lyselle looks around the entire place, staying quiet and reserved, marvelling.
[00:18] <Seira> "We might as well try the annex, and return here afterwards."
[00:18] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods.
[00:20] * Seira taps Shamal lightly on her shoulder. "Tag, you're it."
[00:20] * Shamal nods in understanding to Seira, exiting this building and going to the small one just past it before she casts her own detect magic spell.
[00:20] <Kotono> So the party heads outside. This building to the side and a little behind it is far plainer. There's a single wide doorway inside, the door having been left open. Inside you can see beds, lots of beds. Hooks, saws and scalpels hang from the ceiling, Diagrams of gnomish, human, elven, dwarven and other sorts of bodies flash on the walls and ceiling, along with drawers and supply closets about.
[00:21] <Seira> "I wonder what uses conjuration has in the kitchens," Seira mutters to herself. "Teleportation, perhaps?"
[00:22] <Shamal> OOC: taking 10 on spellcraft for 23
[00:22] <Demedais> "Hm?  There was magic back there?" Demedais inquires.
[00:23] <Seira> "On those barrels. Probably on more things, too, in parts we haven't gone to."
[00:23] <Demedais> "Ah. ...on barrels? Perhaps magical fish stock barrels?" Demedais ponders.
[00:23] <Shamal> "Create Food and Water is conjuration," Shamal murmurs, going inside and opening the drawer from which she can sense magic from. "There's conjuration magic in here on the diagrams and in this drawer."
[00:24] * Demedais blinks. "Alright, then. I suppose this shows how much I know about magic..."
[00:24] <Kotono> Inside are dozens of bottles. While many are empty, some still have magical fluid inside. At least 7 or 8, perhaps more, you'd have to take them out and count.
[00:25] * Shamal picks up one of the bottles and uncorks it, taking a sniff as she attempts to identify its contents.
[00:25] <Demedais> "Potions of healing, I'd imagine?" Demedais says, looking over Shamal's shoulder.
[00:25] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 DC 25
[00:25] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 DC 25 and gets 33."12 [1d20=20]
[00:25] <Kotono> roll 1d10
[00:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 9."12 [1d10=9]
[00:26] <Kotono> Shamal knows that it's a potion of cure serious wounds.
[00:26] <Seira> "Need a hand with that?"
[00:27] <Shamal> "A rather potent one at that," Shamal smiles, stoppering the bottle and putting it aside along with the one that has an identical aura. She then sorts out the other two groups so that there are three sets of potions, and attempts to likewise identify a single potion from the remaining batches.
[00:27] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 DC 25 from group of 5 potions
[00:27] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 DC 25 from group of 5 potions and gets 29."12 [1d20=16]
[00:27] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 DC 25 from group of 3 potions
[00:27] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 DC 25 from group of 3 potions and gets 23."12 [1d20=10]
[00:28] <Kotono> Shamal can tell this potion is a potion of cure light wounds. She can't make the second identification, however.
[00:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 aid~
[00:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 aid~ and gets 21."12 [1d20=11]
[00:28] <Seira> OOC: She can now?  >_>
[00:28] <Kotono> With Seira's aid, however, she can tell it's a potion of cure moderate wounds.
[00:29] <Shamal> "Cure Serious Wounds," Shamal points to the two potions. "Cure Moderate Wounds," the batch of three, "And Cure Light Wounds," she concludes with the batch of five.
[00:29] <Seira> "I would gladly take one of those," Seira says, pointing out the lesser two categories of potions.
[00:30] * Demedais idly looks at the potions. "Perhaps I should take a Serious and a Moderate?" he asks.
[00:31] <Shamal> "Yes, and Lyselle can take a Serious, while Seira and I each take a Moderate... and one each on the Light? Seira can carry the spare, in that case," Shamal nods, before she looks over the magical diagrams to see if she can make sense of them.
[00:31] <Demedais> "Sounds like a plan." Demedais nods as he gingerly picks up one of each.
[00:31] <Seira> "Works for me," Seira agrees, dividing them and offering each the appropriate potions.
[00:32] <Kotono> Shamal can, as she's studied this sort of diagram before. It's extremely detailed diagrams of bodies and how to heal them, quite useful should one need to do such here.
[00:32] <Shamal> OOC: Since I botched my arcana roll when I looked at the last diagrams like these, and I've since improved said skill, can I make another check?
[00:32] <Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[00:33] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[00:33] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[00:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 aid~
[00:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 aid~ and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
[00:34] <Kotono> WIth heal, study and some time, Shamal is able to come to an understanding. Using these tools and these diagrams, she could make healing simple! Thew ords to control the tools are written here and there in, a guidebook on how to use it! (PM_
[00:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 for a heal knowledge check!
[00:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 for a heal knowledge check! and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
[00:35] <Kotono> Demedais can't puzzle it out.
[00:35] <Demedais> "...uh. These diagrams are all Draconic to me." Demedais mutters, a tad embarrased.
[00:36] * Shamal smiles to herself after a moment of examining the diagrams. "A pity this place is so out of the way, it would be very useful to have a surgery like this in Balmuria. Still, only an improvement on mundane healing, and not quite as good as magic. Shall we move on?"
[00:37] <Demedais> "Sure. Still, there's not always magic around - good to know this, I suppose?"
[00:38] <Shamal> "If anyone is hurt while we're here, I should be able to make good use of this set up," Shamal affirms, leading the group to the pyramid-like structure before the arch.

[Corwin]

[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The party approaches the tower. It is made of dull white stones, like marshmellows molded into stone shape. The biggest and lowest circle is broad, the top one five stories up small as a medium sized inn room. There is a single gate and door inside, facing the street. Silence greets you as you approach it.
[20:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle looks up to the top, nodding once to herself and checking her braided hair to make sure it's back.
[20:47] * Demedais eyes the building carefully. "Any enchantment magic around this one?" he asks, on edge a bit.
[20:48] * Shamal holds up a hand to stall the others. "Not sure if it's enchantment, but there's extremely strong magic inside base. It gets progressively weaker on each level up, but the top has strong magic as well," she warns, trying to identify the magic around the base first.
[20:48] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 floor 1
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 floor 1 and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
[20:48] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 floor 2
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 floor 2 and gets 21."12 [1d20=8]
[20:48] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 floor 3
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 floor 3 and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
[20:48] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 floor 4
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 floor 4 and gets 30."12 [1d20=17]
[20:48] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 floor 5
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 floor 5 and gets 28."12 [1d20=15]
[20:52] <Shamal> "Several schools, mostly abjuration..." the blonde murmurs, peering at the aura around the third floor more intently as she tries to make sense of it.
[20:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> This takes Shamal a few minutes, peering ahead. (PM)
[20:56] * Shamal nods after a moment. "It's like a selective anti-magic field - it limits the casting of certain spells. I can't tell what's limited on all the floors, but on the third level all spells past the fourth circle are barred," she informs the others. "Presumably the cutoff varies on the other floors, but I can't tell where."
[20:58] <Demedais> "Hm. Should we presume any guardians in there will be primarily oriented towards defending against weapons?" Demedais murmurs.
[20:59] <Shamal> "More than likely they would be built to take advantage of an invader's inability to cast spells - even ones cast in advance will be temporarily suppressed within," the blonde agrees. "That said, if the only spells barred are those of high level, it won't exactly have much impact on us."
[21:00] <Seira> "I cannot find it within me to consider that lucky."
[21:00] <Demedais> "This is true, but at the same time, if they didn't bother to repress low-level spells..."
[21:02] <Shamal> "The only way to find out is to go inside," Shamal admits. "Magic weapons should still function normally, at least."
[21:03] * Demedais considers. "Alright. Let's see what they have in there. It's worth a shot, and if it gives us hints as to how to shut down this Gnomish God, so much the better." He turns to Seira. "Your opinion?"
[21:03] <Seira> "No objections."
[21:05] * Shamal takes out a scroll and reads off it, casting Mage Armour to protect herself and Laika so long as first circle spells aren't barred. That done, she goes to open the gate and head inside.
[21:06] * Demedais follows close behind, on edge.
[21:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The gate is unlocked. So is the door - inside you can see the same white walls, torches hanging. It's a circle, where you can go north or south along the circle. The center is a large inner circle wall, with a stone tablet resting there. It's engraved with words, but you can't read it from here.
[21:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle heads inside as well, looking around. She hums a moment,
[21:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "More gnomish?" she asks.
[21:08] <Demedais> "I
[21:13] <Shamal> "It looks like it," Shamal nods, letting Lyselle do the translating.
[21:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle walks forward, peering. "The sixth circle...Woe unto those that go into this training who are not worthy. Be praised those that do, for great rewards await at the end. The blessings shall fall on you, elevating your might." As Lyselle reads, you hear a heavy THUMP come from behind you.
[21:16] * Shamal winces and looks back to the no doubt now locked door.
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door is indeed closed.
[21:17] * Demedais jumps a foot as the door slams behind him. "Well, um. Let's see how far we can get, then?" he says weakly.
[21:18] * Seira calmly takes out her bow. "There is no reason for concern. We knew we would be facing great odds."
[21:19] <Shamal> "Only way out is through, it looks like," Shamal nods, taking a moment to unsling Antipode from her belt. "I just wish I'd been able to figure out exactly what spells are barred on each level."
[21:20] <Demedais> "Well, yes. But I dislike not knowing the odds we take. Still." Demedais draws out his greatsword, shifting it from hand to hand. "This should be interesting."
[21:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle nods as well, "Which way?" she asks, looking to the north and then the south.
[21:21] <Demedais> "Did you note anything out of the ordinary on your look, Shamal?" Demedais inquired. "If not... south is my inclination.
[21:22] <Shamal> "Both should circle around to the same place, but South works. At least first circle spells should still work here - my Mage Armour is still up." Rather than taking the lead, Shamal lets one of the melee fighters do so, hanging back with Seira and Laika.
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle takes the lead without complain, nodding to Shamal. "Come on," she says to Demedais, starting to walk.
[21:23] * Demedais walks alongside Lyselle, keeping as good of an eye out as he can.
[21:23] * Shamal follows, letting Laika watch her back to make sure nothing circles behind them.
[21:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You loop around slowly, the hall without incident until you reach the southernmost point. It takes a few minutes of walking to reach here, the circle long and broad. Here, against the inner walls is a sturdy wooden door. A barred slit is at chest level on the door, allowing one to peek in if they wish.  OOC - Listen/spot check, Laika.
[21:25] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 listen
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 listen and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[21:25] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 spot
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 spot and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[21:26] * Seira takes a peek!
[21:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 listen
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 listen and gets 21."12 [1d20=18]
[21:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 spot
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 spot and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[21:27] * Seira steps back!
[21:28] <Seira> "Dark, lots of eyes inside," she says quietly.
[21:28] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 spot in hallway
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 spot in hallway and gets 9."12 [1d20=8]
[21:28] <Shamal> "Eyes?" Shamal whispers back.
[21:29] <Seira> "Either fiendish devils from the deepest pits of hell, or kittens," Seira responds, shrugging. "Maybe bats?"
[21:30] <Shamal> "Well, did they look hostile?" Shamal tries, not really having much to go on.
[21:30] * Demedais reaches out with his ability of Detect Chaos, on the off chance it's demons or demonic kin.
[21:31] <Seira> "It was really dark. Could be a magical darkness, I couldn't see well." She tilts her head. "What's the magic you can sense inside?"
[21:31] <Demedais> "Mmm. Well, whatever it is, it's not chaotic." Demedais states.
[21:32] <Shamal> "My spell wore off a while ago, I can't detect anything," Shamal shakes her head. "Anyway, are we just going to wait here or what?"
[21:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The silence is deep, not a sound coming from anywhere but your mouths or heartbeats.
[21:34] <Demedais> "Mmm. I'd like to suggest a check around the perimeter, make sure we can't get a better glance at what's inside." Demedais says. "Any advantage we can get would be useful."
[21:36] <Shamal> "I've got close to an hour on my protection, so I suppose it couldn't hurt. So we circle around the North to see if there's any other doors?"
[21:38] <Demedais> "That would seem to be our best bet. Let's move quickly." With that, Demedais sets off, continuing around the circle.
[21:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So you walk on! On the far side, opposite where you entered, is a winding stairway going up, snaking towards the inner wall. On the most nothern point is another door - made of steel that is transparent as glass. Inside of that room you can see a simple room - a few chairs, a cot, a bowl of water. After that, you loop backa round to where you entered.
[21:39] <Shamal> "So, we brave the mysterious eyes?" Shamal hazards. "I get the feeling we shouldn't go to the next floor until we've done... whatever it is we're meant to do on this one."
[21:40] <Seira> "What about this room, here?" Seira asks.
[21:41] * Shamal shrugs. "If you like. I don't know if we need to do them in a set order, after all."
[21:41] * Seira nods, and goes to open the door in question.
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door opens! Inside is that plain room awaiting you. OOC - Laika, make spot/listen again.
[21:43] * Seira makes a customary search of the room!
[21:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[21:44] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 spot
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 spot and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[21:44] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 listen
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 listen and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[21:44] * Demedais nods and follows close behind Seira, keeping both eyes and ears open. It's far too odd, this sort of testing...
[21:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 spot
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 spot and gets 4."12 [1d20=3]
[21:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 listen?!
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 listen?! and gets 9."12 [1d20=8]
[21:45] * Shamal waits by the door with Laika while Seira and Demedais search the small room.
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle follows in as well, looking about.
[21:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1
[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
[21:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As the party walks in, Lyselle stops. "Shh..." she suddenly murmurs. "I hear something in here, breathing."
[21:47] * Shamal wordlessly cranes her neck into the room, straining her ears.
[21:47] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 listen
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 listen and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
[21:47] * Seira looks around at Lyselle's words.
[21:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
[21:48] <Seira> "Are you sure?" she asks doubtfully.
[21:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah," Lyselle whispers, looking ahead to the center of the room.
[21:49] * Seira follows Lyselle's eyes.
[21:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> She's looking at the center of the room, where a table is.
[21:51] * Demedais follows her glance and eyes the center of the room, attempting to see something. He throws out another Detect Chaos, on the faint hope he gets a sense of... something, at least?
[21:51] <Shamal> "Is it doing anything?" Shamal whispers, briefly glancing at Laika to see if she can hear anything, and getting a quizzical canine look in reply.
[21:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's just breathing," Lyselle whispers right back, intent. "It's big."
[21:53] * Seira snaps her fingertips, and the bowl of water in the room splashes around, covering the area adjacent to the table.
[21:53] <Demedais> "It's also a chaotic... something." Demedais mutters. "Moderately powerful in such regards."
[21:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The water splashes! The table is splashed! OOC - PM, Seira.
[21:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 14."12 [1d20=10]
[22:00] <Seira> "Head of dragon, tail of snake, bits of lion and goat. Very creepy. The pair of glowing tips on the wall behind it bother me more, though," she admits. "Oh, and Lyselle, it thinks you're lunch."
[22:00] <Seira> "In other words, the room is rife with illusion," Seira announces.
[22:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle blanches a little bit, taking a step back and cautiously readying her shield.
[22:02] * Demedais readies his shield as well, eyes blazing. "Illusion? That would explain it..." he mutters as he looks around, attempting to discern fact from fiction.
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Will save, Demedais.
[22:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[22:03] <Seira> Arcane words flow from her lips as Seira invokes her defenses, and soon she is no longer standing on her own!
[22:03] <Seira> roll 1d4+1
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+1 and gets 4."12 [1d4=3]
[22:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 20."12 [1d20=17]
[22:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle takes a breath and blinks as well, "See it..." she mutters, "Right at the center."
[22:04] * Shamal cautiously steps into the room with Laika, trailing an end of her sling over some of the surfaces within immediate reach as she tries to get a handle on what's real and what's fake.
[22:05] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 I disbelieve~
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 I disbelieve~ and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
[22:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
[22:05] * Demedais visibly flinches for a second. "What... the..." he mutters. "Uh. So if this is a test, how do we pass? Just start hacking away?"
[22:07] <Seira> "Hey there," Seira and her clones tell the creature in unison. "Are you evil? Do you plan to harm us?"
[22:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The creature does not react. It looks deadset, waiting.
[22:08] <Shamal> "Violence isn't always the answer," Shamal cautions. "It's almost like a chimera but not quite... They tend to be evil, but it appears bound. It may not attack unless we do something wrong... but as to what 'wrong' is, I couldn't say."
[22:08] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9 to ID
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 to ID and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[22:08] <Seira> "We could just leave and take our chances with the glowing eyes, or the upper floor," Seira proposes.
[22:09] <Demedais> "Well aware it's not always the answer, but the beast is..." Demedais hesitates, trying to think of the proper word.
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The monster continues to eye the party, intense and unwavering. It's snakish tail snaps and twitches, it's maw opening and closing.
[22:10] <Demedais> "...well, wait. This is a test, right? But I doubt this thing's been resurrected every time. Which means there's likely a way around the beast, or a way to solve the problem without getting it mad." Demedais reasons a bit.
[22:11] <Shamal> "Hungry?" Shamal hazards, taking out one of Laika's doggie chews and proffering it to the creature, trying to sooth it as she would a normal animal.
[22:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a wild empthay check.
[22:11] <Shamal> roll 1d20 wild empathy assuming it's a magical beast with Int of 1 or 2
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20 wild empathy assuming it's a magical beast with Int of 1 or 2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=10]
[22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - How close to it are you getting, Shamal?
[22:13] <Shamal> OOC: Adjacent, so 5ft away
[22:13] * Seira is ready to shoot the creature if it tries to attack Shamal!
[22:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Shamal approaches, the creature springs to life! The illusion fades entirely, a roar as it moves! It's motions are incredibly fluid as it lunges for Shamal! OOC - Go ahead and take that readied action, then, Seira, and then we'll resolve it's spring and go into initiative.
[22:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[22:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 confirm!
[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 confirm! and gets 24."12 [1d20=15]
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - That is what we call a critical hit.
[22:15] <Seira> roll 2d8+2+2d6
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+2+2d6 and gets 20."12 [2d8=2, 8][2d6=2, 6]
[22:15] <Seira> "Get back!" she calls out to Shamal, firing!
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a skilled shot, Seira deftly intercepts the creature! The shot is quite effective, going right into the neck of it's dragonish head! This stops it's charge in a moment of shock, any advantage it had lost! OOC - Initiative.
[22:16] <Demedais> roll 1d20 initiative!
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 initiative! and gets 1."12 [1d20=1]
[22:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2 Lyselle
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 Lyselle and gets 3."12 [1d20=1]
[22:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17."12 [1d20=13]
[22:16] <Shamal> "Don't need to tell me twice!" Shamal blurts out, her hand snapping back. At least Laika's food wasn't wasted...
[22:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1 baddie
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 baddie and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[22:16] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
[22:16] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Laika
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 Laika and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[22:16] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'Seira=Shamal=Chimeralike>Laika>Lyselle>DemedaisRei'd'
[22:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - The three act on the same initiative tick, so it all resolves in one big shebang. Go ahead.
[22:17] <Seira> OOC: Shamal can go first
[22:18] <Shamal> OOC: I choose to wait on Laika so any spell I cast won't get disrupted by the inevitable attack happening on the same tick
[22:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The creature rears up, going to quickly to...rear it's head back and breath fourth a gout of acid from it, splashing out at the innocent druid!
[22:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Ref save.
[22:19] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[22:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 3d8
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 3d8 and gets 8."12 [3d8=3, 2, 3]
[22:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Shamal's reflexes are incredible and well times, allowing her to fall to the ground and throw her armsup! This parries most of the acid, much of it splashing against the wall! As a sour smell fills the room, Shamal scrambles up and safe, only minor burns! Behind the creature, the two points jutting out are starting to glisten! OOC - Seira?
[22:20] * Seira sticks to her arrows, unsure of what effectiveness her spells would have against it.
[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 a1
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 a1 and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 a2
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 a2 and gets 16."12 [1d20=9]
[22:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> This time, one arrow flies too high, clanging against the rear wall! The second is better aimed, but bounces off a scale of it's draconic head! OOC - Laika.
[22:24] <Shamal> "Ahhh!" Shamal yelps as she ducks a faceful of acid. "Bah... Keep it busy, I have an idea!" With that, she darts around the edge of the room, avoiding the creature's reach before she gets in front of the two points on the wall, proceeding to grab one in each hand and attempt to yank them out!
[22:25] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'Seira=Chimeralike>Shamal>Laika>Lyselle>DemedaisRei'd'
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Strength check.
[22:26] <Shamal> roll 1d20+1 haha no
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+1 haha no and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Shamal tugs on the rods, but nothing is yanked out! They are indeed some sort of stick or want or rod, she can tell that much. The tips are getting warm to the touch...OOC - Laika now.
[22:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> *wand
[22:27] <Shamal> Laika growls ferally before hurling herself at the monster that had the temerity to attack her mistress!
[22:27] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9 charging
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 charging and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[22:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Despite a fearsome, toothy lunge, Laika just skirts it's side, not able to get an opening! As Laika keeps it busy, Lyselle follows suit, charging forward!
[22:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 (-3 PAing it up)
[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 (-3 PAing it up) and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[22:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+9+1d2
[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+9+1d2 and gets 17."12 [1d8=7][1d2=1]
[22:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A frost tipped slice into the lionish side of this chimera alike creature! Red blood splashes out as it's torn into, wild fury making it shake! OOC - Demedais.
[22:29] * Demedais grunts and runs in, swinging his blade upward toward the face of the beast, exerting his smiting abilities as he does so on the off chance it's corrupt!
[22:29] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (-3 PA)
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (-3 PA) and gets 17."12 [1d20=8]
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's an excellent swing, but just a little too high! It whizzles through the air as the creature is now easily surrounded, missing! OOC - Are you still holding those tips, Shamal?
[22:30] <Shamal> OOC: Foolishly I am
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The wands turn hot! Magic gushes out from these, Shamal's hands riddled! Bolts of force gush out, several slamming into her hands!
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 6d4+4
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 6d4+4 and gets 18."12 [6d4=4, 2, 3, 3, 1, 1]
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Er, +6. 20, my fault.
[22:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Shamal's hands are badly wounded, several bolts of force making holes in those delicate fingers! Blood comes freely, finger bones exposed! OOC - Seira and Chimera are up.
[22:33] <Shamal> "Ahhh!" Shamal cries out, convulsing as the magic blasts into her! "Not one of my better ideas..." she whimpers, pained.
[22:34] <Seira> "Shamal!" Seira exclaims. "I'll cover you!" Taking a step towards the monster, she fires in an attempt to do that and divert its attention!
[22:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 a1
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 a1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[22:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 a2
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 a2 and gets 21."12 [1d20=14]
[22:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Second hits.
[22:34] <Seira> roll 1d8+1
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1 and gets 5."12 [1d8=4]
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Another arrow digs into it's side, a rivulet of blood cousing down it's white goat fur! As it whirls around, surrounded and injured, it tries to bite the blonde that struck it!
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+12
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+12 and gets 27."12 [1d20=15]
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 2d6+4
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 2d6+4 and gets 6."12 [2d6=1, 1]
[22:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The bite slips into her armor, a chomp taken out from her side! But it's partially deflected by chance, a weak blow, relatively! OOC - Shamal.
[22:36] * Shamal attempts once more to yank the wands out, although this time she'll let go and duck if she fails.
[22:37] <Shamal> roll 1d20+1 come on~
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+1 come on~ and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
[22:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a yank the wands come out! Two wands hot in her hands, long and slender! They begin to go dark as she holds them!
[22:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Laika.
[22:38] <Shamal> Laika continues her perhaps futile assault on the monster while Shamal holds the perhaps now powerless wands in her mutilated hands.
[22:38] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[22:38] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 laf
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 laf and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[22:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Crit v 2.0
[22:38] <Shamal> roll 2d6+8
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 2d6+8 and gets 12."12 [2d6=1, 3]
[22:38] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check for fun
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip check for fun and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[22:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+4
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[22:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a vicious shoulder butt, Laika slams the foul abomination back! It roars as it's snout is bashed open, blood coming from the direct tackling attack! Taking advantage, Lyselle presses and attempts to bring Frozen Oath to it's guts!
[22:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 (-1 PA)
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 (-1 PA) and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[22:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> But Lyselle stumbles slightly in the raging battle, her sword only whiffing and leaving a trail of white chilled air behind it! OOC - Pally.
[22:40] * Demedais grumbles at the accursed thing and brings his sword to bear on it!
[22:41] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (-2 PA) (No smite)
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (-2 PA) (No smite) and gets 28."12 [1d20=20]
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Crit confirm.
[22:41] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 and gets 12."12 [1d20=4]
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Normal hit.
[22:41] <Demedais> roll 2d6+1
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+1 and gets 10."12 [2d6=3, 6]
[22:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With this final swing, Demedais finishes the job Seira started! With all it's wounds it cannot protect it's neck, the already perforated space cleaved straight through! The dragon's head falls, a futile spray of blooda nd acid ad it's body collaspes!
[22:43] <Seira> The danger passing, Seira rushes over to Shamal, putting her restorative abilities to use on the druid's ruined hands!
[22:43] <Seira> roll 2d8+6
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+6 and gets 17."12 [2d8=7, 4]
[22:43] <Demedais> "Punk!" Demedais curses as he moves over to Shamal as well.
[22:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Under that magic, Shamal's ruined hands mostly regenerate.
[22:44] <Shamal> "Thank you," Shamal smiles gratefully to Seira. "Seeing my fingerbones was no fun... Ugh, I think these wands have went dead, as well..." she crouches down a bit to peek into the slot one of the wands was held in to see what she can see.
[22:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As the part heals, "You chose poorly!" The voice is deep, guttural. "But you let live! Learn not to rely solely on your foolish eyes and come!" The voice comes from above. "Come, converted ones!"
[22:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There'sa  connecting bit of metal there. It looks like it held the wand in place.
[22:45] <Seira> "Our eyes are clearly not foolish if we managed to see that creature, and a poor choice is not one we walk away from," Seira responds to the voice.
[22:46] <Shamal> "We saw through the illusion, we just... no wait, that really doesn't sound better," Shamal deflates weakly, stowing the wands away.
[22:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> No reply, only silence again. Peaceful, resting silence.
[22:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle looks about, wincing at her side but seeming to shake it off.
[22:46] * Demedais grumbles. "We choose to defend our own. If that's wrong, you've got problems, whoever you are." He pulls out his Cure Light Wounds potion and gives it to Shamal. "You may want it later. I'd just heal you now, but perhaps best to save that for an emergency, you know?"
[22:47] * Shamal hands the potion back. "I have magic and wand, so I'm not short on healing magic. Thanks, anyway," she smiles. "So... do we try the eyes or go upstairs?"
[22:48] * Demedais nods respectfully. "The voice came from above - I vote we follow it. We can revisit the eyes if we seem to be missing something. Still, now we know that this is more a test of wits then might... or at least it's supposed to be. Not much to stop us from bruteforcing if need arises."
[22:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Let's go, then?" Lyselle proposes.
[22:51] * Seira takes the lead for now, tapping the ground in front of her with the edge of her bow.
[22:51] <Demedais> "Alright. Up the stairs it is, then." Demedais nods.
[22:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The walk to the stairs has nothing of incident, the floor seeming quite solid to Seira. Upstairs you go, this time a somewhat narrower circle. Smaller, the walls now a dim, dusty white inside, more like powdered chalk.
[22:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There's nothing immediately visible you see here, no traps, just a choice to walk on north or south on another floor as you wish.
[22:53] <Seira> Picking north, Seira continues feeling out the way!
[22:53] * Demedais follows Seira, seeing as how it doesn't matter too much thus far.
[22:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So you loop around! No doors this time, just until you reach the other side. The stairs is here, but it's encased in a fragile looking crystal. A cracked, fragile crystal, looking like it's about to shatter. Clear as a bell, only blocking the way up.
[22:56] * Shamal takes out one of the blackened magic missile wands and taps it against the crystal. It's worth a shot!
[22:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The crystal cracks a little more, almost a bit breaking off. It has no direct magical effect that you note. The tiniest bit falls to the ground, stirring and spinning for a few seconds, before lyign still.
[22:57] <Shamal> "Hmm... maybe it'll go away if we deal with the eye room?" Shamal hazards, not really sure. "I don't know the Shatter spell."
[22:58] * Seira tries a few practice swings with a dagger, to see whether she can make a hole going to the other side.
[22:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a damage roll with your dagger.
[22:58] <Demedais> "Let's keep going, see if there's another door." Demedais suggests warily. "Perhaps there's a wand with the Shatter spell later?"
[22:58] <Seira> OOC: Are you kidding? I'll take the minimum damage x5 strikes  >_>
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - So 1 damage five times?
[22:59] <Seira> OOC: Exciting, isn't it?
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: EPIC
[23:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Each swing makes the crystal shudder, a cobweb of cracks forming on each one. Tiny bits of crystal fall away, twitching. As another lands, it inches closer to another, spinning and moving. A small pile of shards are togehter byt he time Seira finishes.
[23:00] * Seira nods to herself. "Demedais, now you try." Seira steps back.
[23:01] * Shamal backs off. "I'm not so sure this is a good idea..."
[23:01] * Demedais EYES Seira. "Um. I'm going to stand by my earlier statement, as it's... fairly clear this is a puzzle of some sort. While we could smash it through, I'd think it wiser to find the solution to the puzzle first.
[23:02] <Seira> "So the solution which avoids smashing up the crystal involves smashing up creatures with glowing eyes on the floor below?" she asks.
[23:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lyselle hums to herself, watching the crystal.
[23:03] <Shamal> "Or maybe - and this is probably an insane concept I know, but just humour me, okay - we might find a solution that involves no smashing at all?"
[23:03] <Demedais> "Quite possibly, except I suspect there's a way around the bats, too."
[23:03] <Demedais> "Or whatever those eyes are." he amends.
[23:03] <Seira> "I have the time," Seira agrees. "Go for it."
[23:04] <Demedais> "Alright. First, let's loop around and make sure there's no doors on the south side."
[23:04] <Shamal> "Let's go," Shamal agrees, heading around that way and then back downstairs if nothing is seen.
[23:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So the party loops around! While there are no doors, there is a stone tablet on the southermost outer wall, hanging with a torch on either side. Lyselle slides up to it, reading. "Force! No matter how weak the foe, do not spare! A single overwhelming strike, never give an opponet a chance to regather and regroup! Weakness leads to defeat!"
[23:06] * Demedais eyes the plaque. "Ooookay. At a guess, I think I just get to smash through the crystal, then? Or we all strike it at once?" Demedais offers.
[23:06] <Shamal> "On the other hand, if it's telling us... let's go back and smash the crystal? Leaving it might make it turn into something worse if we believe this," Shamal decides.
[23:06] <Seira> "Yes, sounds like an insane concept. Can't say I'm surprised, from what I know of gnomes."
[23:07] <Demedais> "You're at an advantage over me, then. Still, Lyselle, this lets us put all our might into it, no?" Demedais grins, almost ferally, as he heads back toward the crystal.
[23:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So the party returns to the crystal. IT awaits, Lyselle nodding. "Hit it as hard as we can?"
[23:09] <Shamal> "On three?" Shamal asks, getting her quarterstaff ready but making sure Laika keeps back. Biting crystal will do her gums no favours.
[23:09] * Seira takes position slightly to the back, ready to receive anyone adventurous to follow them with an arrow.
[23:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," Lyselle readies, striking! OOC - If you're attacking the crystal, roll damage.
[23:09] <Demedais> "All of us, at once, yes." Demedais nods as he moves to the other side of it from Lyselle. "On three. One... two.. three!"
[23:09] <Shamal> roll 1d6+1
[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+1 and gets 2."12 [1d6=1]
[23:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+6+1d2
[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+6+1d2 and gets 15."12 [1d8=7][1d2=2]
[23:10] <Demedais> roll 2d6+20+2d6+10
[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+20+2d6+10 and gets 46."12 [2d6=4, 2][2d6=4, 6]
[23:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> CRUNCH! WIth three savage blows the crystal shatters from tip to bottom! The pieces are large and small, but begin to gether...or would, but they slow and stop, vanishing away! "Well done! Never show a foe any mercy, no matter how weak!" The same guttural voice booms from above, the way clear now.
[23:12] <Demedais> "You're a fool, whoever you are." Demedais grumbles.
[23:13] <Shamal> "I worry as to the nature of whatever blessing we might receive, here..." Shamal can't help but muse.
[23:14] <Demedais> "Indeed. I'd just take the blessing of getting out of here." Demedais replies.
[23:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There isn't a reply, only quiet stairs ahead of the party.
[23:15] <Demedais> "So. Climb stairs?" Demedais asks.
[23:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sure," Lyselle agrees, "I wonder what that would've been?"
[23:15] <Shamal> "The only way is forward," Shamal agrees, starting upwards.
[23:15] <Shamal> "Maybe a crystal golem?" the witch suggests.
[23:16] * Seira follows at Shamal's side, not commenting.
[23:17] * Demedais glances at Seira. "Oh, and, you had the right idea. Apologies for not listening... just was worried. Don't want to trigger anything we don't have to, you know?" he grinned.
[23:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So up the party goes! The third floor is a smaller circle, wide open! No center wall this time, just a circle. At the center an image begins to flicker - of a small bearded humanoid, short bearded and black haired. HIs eyes burn like embers, plate armor worn on his body. Yet pounces hang from his belt. "Welcome, converted ones. Humans sent to the Tower of the Withering Circle have been accepted by the Grace of Our Great King. Ahead
[23:17] <Seira> "It could be the wrong idea, actually," she responds, not sounding upset one bit. "No one said this voice had our best interests in mind. But I don't like to be paralyzed with indecision....."
[23:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ahead lies the final challenge," Behind him are stairs going up, quite solid and unguarded. "Go on!"
[23:19] <Shamal> "What is this final challenge, and what comes after it?" Shamal asks, eyeing the apparition dubiously.
[23:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It does not seem to react and it does not reply. It just waits.
[23:20] <Demedais> "Well, true. But for now we can only assume escape lies in following what it says, as much as I'm not fond of it."He eyes the apparation, throwing out another Detect Chaos to see if it possesses an aura.
[23:22] * Demedais lowers his head. "My guess is that this is an automatic illusion, for it to have stayed here this long. Let's keep going, so we can find a way out. Alright?" he asks the three ladies.
[23:23] * Shamal nods. "All we can do," she agrees, heading on up the next stairs.
[23:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So the party heads up! The next floor is a small room, with a door going west. Quite plain indeed, just a few torches giving light to the pallid, dull white walls.
[23:24] * Shamal decides to cast her last detect magic. No sense not going all out if this is the last test.
[23:26] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft on faint aura
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft on faint aura and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
[23:27] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft on strong aura behind door
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft on strong aura behind door and gets 23."12 [1d20=10]
[23:27] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft on strong aura to North
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft on strong aura to North and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
[23:29] <Shamal> "The magic resists, yet I feel can feel the same faint aura I detected from outside, along with others," Shamal informs the others. "There is strong evocation behind that door, and further to the north is strong illusion."
[23:29] <Demedais> "Evocation does what, again?" Demedais inquires.
[23:30] <Shamal> "Hurts you," Shamal replies succinctly.
[23:30] <Shamal> "Also does light spells, admittedly. But mostly the hurting."
[23:32] <Demedais> "Ah." A pause, then: "Hurting's probably not a good idea this far underground. Also, illusion? Could that mean the northern wall isn't real?"
[23:33] <Shamal> "It's past the wall, not in this room," Shamal shakes her head. "Technically it's around the Northwest corner. We won't know what the illusion is till we see it, though."
[23:35] <Demedais> "And we'll know what it is then?" Demedais inquired. "Or just be able to guess at it? Either way, we have to go through the door, then..."

[Corwin]

[20:31] * Shamal takes a moment to see if those two now blackened wands retain any magic while someone tougher or more able to spot traps presumably opens the door.
[20:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two wands do retain magic. It's faint.
[20:32] * Seira decides to open that door.
[20:33] * Shamal isn't sure what to make of that, since the magic missiles that were cast earlier would necessitate at least a moderate aura (her mangled fingers can attest!). Putting the puzzle aside, she stows the wands for now.
[20:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> The door opens! Ahead is a rectangular room, about fifteen feet long and ten wide. On the west wall is another door. The first foot is empty, a stone tablet resting on the floor. Past it, throughout the rooms, currents of flame roar, great heat buffeting the party.
[20:34] * Demedais looks over Seira's shoulder. "Evocation." he repeats dully. "Excellent. We have anyone who can create water on top of all this?"
[20:36] <Seira> "I could probably get through without dying," Seira muses.
[20:37] <Shamal> "No, but I might be able to dispel it," Shamal offers, carefully stepping into the room and stopping just short of the flames blasting all around. Holding one hand aloft, she incants a spell, "I call upon this fire to be quenched at my command!"
[20:37] * Demedais takes this moment to try and read the tablet.
[20:38] <Shamal> OOC: casting aura against flame with guidance - functions as dispel magic vs fire, but if I fail I take damage as if I'd touched the fire (-10 from the resistance aura against flame gives me)
[20:38] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+6 and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
[20:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> The flames twinkle and winkle before vanishing away! The buffeting the party stops.
[20:41] <Shamal> "There we go!" Shamal smiles happily and steps fully into the room, taking a glance over the probably gibberish tablet.
[20:41] <Seira> "Is it anything interesting?" Seira asks Demedais as he attempts to read the tablet.
[20:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> The tablet is written in gnomish. Demedais can't read it offhand, but Lyselle lingers. "At this rate, the rest of yous hould learn this," she murmurs, kneeling down to read.
[20:43] <Shamal> "I keep meaning to..." Shamal mutters embarrassedly.
[20:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It says: 'The path forward is without hope. The Wrath of the God King's servants rage in these rooms. To go foward is to go to death.'"
[20:44] <Seira> "Creepy," Seira comments, and crosses the room to open the next door.
[20:44] <Shamal> "Well that's cheerful and reassuring, especially since we can't go back, either," Shamal sighs. "Oh, wait!" she then brightens, "Remember that illusion I sensed? It might be fake to scare us."
[20:45] <Demedais> "Agreed. Boastful words, but we should continue on." Demedais nods, searching beyond the next door for any hints of chaos.
[20:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seira opens the door! Here isa twisting hall branching up to the west and north, mostly towards the north. This hallway sits serenely, horrible gasses floating in. Acidic gasses that makes your noses burn, eyes water and stomachs churn. Demedais does not detect any chaos.
[20:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> The green and brown gasses float along the pallid white walls and in the room, filling it with it's miasma.
[20:48] <Shamal> "Ugh... okay, I can probably disperse the gas and blow it to the corner enough for us to run past, but there's no telling how quickly it'll re-flood the corridor after my spell ends, so we'd have to hurry. Want to risk it?" Shamal asks her companions.
[20:49] * Seira nods.
[20:49] * Demedais notably winces as his eyes clench. "Do it."
[20:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle nods as well, wrinkling her nose.
[20:51] * Shamal takes out a scroll, "Laika, follow Seira, okay?" she tells her pet, before waiting until everyone's lined up and ready to move. "I'll catch up, so the rest of you just run." That done, she proceeds to read off the words of power from her scroll, causing a powerful gust of wind to blast down the corridor, forcing the vapours against the far corner just before it turns North.
[20:51] * Demedais quickly runs with the wind, leading the group!
[20:52] * Seira doesn't wait long before taking off!
[20:52] * Shamal follows behind the group as best she can as soon as she's finished casting.
[20:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> The party runs as a gust of wind blows the gas back! It billows against the far wall, going straight up until the wind ends! The moment it's done casting it begins to creep back, but the party has a chance! They turn the corner, a simple wooden door ahead1 But the gas is also starting to spread back, slow but surely to them in less than a minute.
[20:53] * Seira wastes no time and tries to open the door.
[20:54] * Demedais stands, ready to step in if it looks dangerous.
[20:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> The door clicks and doesn't open. It appears to be locked or stuck.
[20:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 open locks~
[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 open locks~ and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
[20:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile, the gasses continue to slowly regather, starting to creep forward...
[20:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seira can't pick the lock.
[20:56] * Seira tries again!
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 open locks #2~
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 open locks #2~ and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
[20:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> AS the gas creeps even closer, the smell returning, Seira picks the lock! The door opens! Ahead is a small end room. There is a grand stone stairway winding up, a graceful arch to the next floor.
[20:57] * Seira steps inside the room and to the side, letting others pass before closing the door again.
[20:58] * Demedais enters and looks around warily.
[20:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> The stairs are plain white rock, matching the walls. LIttle else of note is around this desolate room.
[20:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle scurries in as well, casting a glance back before the door is closed.
[20:58] <Shamal> "The stairway is rife with illusion," Shamal tells the group, tossing a copper coin over towards it and paying attention to how it catches the light and its shadow in order to see if any flaws in the illusion become apparent.
[20:58] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 disbelief
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 disbelief and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
[20:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> The coin lands on the stairs. (PM, Sham-cham.)
[21:01] <Shamal> "The stairs aren't real," She adds, walking over towards them. "There's a rope ladder," which she proceeds to grab, "And a pit filled with spikes that look poisoned," she points down at the base of the stairs. "So be careful."
[21:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shamal reaches out and through the seemingly solid stairs, holding something unseen.
[21:03] * Seira figures she would not have much trouble following Shamal's movement precisely.
[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 disbelief anyway~
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 disbelief anyway~ and gets 13."12 [1d20=9]
[21:04] * Shamal looks up to see where the rope ladder goes.
[21:05] <Shamal> "Laika, you'll have to stay here," Shamal sadly tells her dog, before she begins to climb up the ladder.
[21:06] * Demedais nods, and attemptes to disbelieve the illusion before he attempts to monkey Shamal.
[21:06] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[21:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> With help, the two slowly see through the illusion. The rope ladder going up becomes visible, the stairs fading into a half image, ghostly. Near them is a shallow pit of spikes, dripping a dark fluid.
[21:08] <Demedais> "Ew." Demedais says as he waits for the other three to go up.
[21:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shamal ascends! This floor is small, a cozy room. A few booshelves with sparse books sit, a table with a small fresh meal sitting there, of mushrooms and strong smelling meat, a scrollshelf and cabinet and sitting chairs. There is a single window on the northeastern wall, a small slit. As you enter, the air flickers, the image of the gnome you saw on the third floor appearing. His voice booms like thunder.
[21:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The will of the God King is strong. You have bent to him and have proven your worth without your magics. Praise be to him in your victory." The figure's face is fearsome and strong, like a red thundercloud. "Power of this tower, blessed by the God King, bestow unto these aspiriants a blessing!"
[21:12] <Shamal> "But I did use my magic..." Shamal mutters, half raising her hand.
[21:12] * Seira frowns. "They really are looking down on us and our magical skills."
[21:13] * Demedais coughs and covers his mouth, attempting to restrain a bit of laughter.
[21:13] <Shamal> "Maybe it was originally meant to block all spells but over time the warding's degraded?" Shamal guesses, since the image doesn't appear to be interactive.
[21:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> The room begins to glow, potent energy gathering! Your skin begins to crawl, body hairs standing on end! It only lasts a moment, your eyes dazzled!
[21:15] <Seira> "Am I the only one finding this extremely ironic?" Seira asks once her eyes and senses alike clear.
[21:16] * Demedais shakes his head, a grin on his face as he looks at the scrollshelf and bookshelves.
[21:16] * Shamal shields her eyes for a moment, before blinking owlishly as her vision returns to normal. "I do feel a bit conflicted about receiving a blessing from the gnomes, all things considered."
[21:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle stretches a bit, rubbing her arm. "...hm."
[21:16] * Seira goes to take a look out of the window.
[21:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are about a half dozen books total if one wished to read. They do look to be in gnomish, however.
[21:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Out the window Seira has an excellent view. There's a small green area not far ahead from this view, but it's easy missed - for looming int h distance is a great citadel, overwheming any horizon. A citadel of countless stone, perfectly carved.
[21:18] <Demedais> "It's too bad Laika couldn't get this 'blessing'." Demedais muses. "Any assistance would be useful here. Besides... we played by their rules, we get rewarded. It may be ironic, what we plan to use it for, but..."
[21:19] <Seira> "There is a citadel in the distance," Seira mentions, stepping aside to let others take a look. "Our next destination?"
[21:19] <Shamal> "Laika is a blessed creature of Mielikki already," Shamal murmurs, briefly poking her head down the hole and waving to her dog, "We'll be back soon!" she calls. "One moment, Seira," she says, proceeding to gather up all the magical scrolls and then opening the drawer that she can sense magic from within to see what's inside.
[21:20] * Seira collects the books as Shamal keeps herself busy, intending to go through them later.
[21:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are four magical scrolls total. As Lyselle begins to peruse the books, Shamal opens the cabinet. In here is writing supplies, a magnifying glass, a small decanter of wine, a pair of monocles, and so forth. The monocles are the magic Shamal sensed.
[21:21] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft and gets 31."12 [1d20=18]
[21:21] <Shamal> (on monocles)
[21:21] * Demedais glances through the window, nodding. "Probably the best move, yes. Although... will we need to run back out? I don't relish walking through the gas..."
[21:22] <Shamal> "If the traps aren't disarmed we can wait until tomorrow and I can prepare the same spells again," Shamal offers, picking up the monocles. "Some sort of divination magic... honestly I don't think I could wear them myself, so does anyone want?"
[21:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> The citadel beyond looms like the great fortress it is, silent and impassive.
[21:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle raises an eyebrow but shakes her head.
[21:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Seira gathers the books, "Do you want me to translate?" she offers.
[21:24] <Seira> "Sure," Seira allows, before asking Shamal for the monocles to take a look at them.
[21:24] * Shamal hands them over to Seira, before she climbs down the ladder to rejoin her dog.
[21:25] * Seira tries them on, to see whether anything appears different.
[21:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle peruses, "Hmm...two are about the God King and religious from the looks, one is about the 'Grand Conjunction Fortess', one's about the 'Star Gallery', one talks about elemental magic and the last is another religious book."
[21:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seira's vision appears slightly sharper.
[21:26] <Shamal> "Star gallery's probably the building opposite this one," Shamal calls up. "Should take a look at the book before we go inside."
[21:27] <Seira> "Let's do that outside," Seira proposes.
[21:28] * Shamal goes to open the door, hoping that the gas will have magically cleared after they 'beat' the tower.
[21:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> The gas is not there now. The air is clear. So is the rest of the tower, and on reaching the first floor, the door to the outside is now open.
[21:30] * Shamal stops before the door with the mysterious eyes, taking a look through the slit herself to see what everyone was so fussed about, earlier.
[21:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> The room inside is plain. A few tables, a chair or two, it looks like a study room. A stone tablet is embedded into the far wall. Shamal doesn't note any eyes or the like now.
[21:31] <Shamal> "I don't see any of those eyes you were all talking about," the witch observes, opening the door and taking a proper look inside.
[21:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> The room is quite silent. The air is cool and pleasant and the tablet has writing onit.
[21:32] <Demedais> "It was probably an attempt to frighten us away from this room and toward the more docile one." Demedais notes.
[21:32] <Seira> "I didn't see the gas and other traps on our way down, either," Seira mentions by way of explanation.
[21:32] <Demedais> "Well, docile in appearance."
[21:33] <Shamal> "I think Seira has it," the blonde nods, giving the room a quick search in case there's anything fun inside like wands or scrolls or monocles.
[21:33] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[21:33] * Seira helps!
[21:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[21:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seira finds that the stone tablet can be swung back. As it is and Lyselle stops to read it, you find that two tiny points are in the wall, and if you reach in, two metal holders can be seen. On fiddling with those, you get a spyhole view of the room where you fought the dead creature.
[21:37] <Seira> "I think we're done here," Seira declares, returning the monocles to Shamal and heading outside.
[21:37] <Shamal> "Oh, no, you can keep them," Shamal insists, waiting for Lyselle to translate the tablet before leaving.
[21:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle clears her throat, "The way of apperances gives way to the logic of reality. Do not rely on your lying eyes, as they are but putty to true power."
[21:38] * Seira shrugs, and keeps the monocles.
[21:38] * Demedais chuckles. "Yeah, apparently this room should have been first. Oh well."
[21:38] <Shamal> "Live and learn," Shamal shrugs lightly, following the half-elf back out of the building.
[21:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> So the party returns outside, to the silent rooms. To the south are the barracks and medical facility, across the street is the wisp of light surrounded buildings; the control for the gate defense, the dome of the night and it's enchanting library, and to the north the star shaped building and the grand arch across ther oad.
[21:41] <Shamal> "So, anything relevant in the book about the Star Gallery before we check it out in person?" Shamal asks, taking some jerky out of her pack to eat and breaking off half for Laika.
[21:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "May I?" Lyselle asks Seira, going to carefully sit against the side of the tower.
[21:43] <Seira> "Sure."
[21:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle takes some time to read, minutes passing. "Hmm..." she slowly turns the pages, "It's not about what we think it is. It's about that dome - the one with the books Seira wanted to read." She reads for a few more minutes, clicking her tongue as she does. "Oooooh. It's talkinga bout the overworld skies and how the heretic Gods pretend to rule the heavens in place of the God King. It's for the study of the night skies and how it'
[21:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> how it's power related." She stops at the halfway point or so, "There's more as well, too."
[21:48] <Shamal> "That library's bad news," Shamal insists. "We should forget about anything to do with it."
[21:49] <Seira> "What about 'knowing one's enemy'?" Seira protests.
[21:50] * Demedais stays silent, but there's a look of irritation on his face at the mention of the building.
[21:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle pauses a moment, then shrugs. "I can keep reading this one or no?" she says, even as she turns the page.
[21:50] <Shamal> "You'd be knowing them a bit too much if those books enchant you," the blonde replies, pursing her lips irritably. "I don't mind taking a break for now, so you can carry on, Lyselle, but we shouldn't go back into that library if we want to retain our own minds."
[21:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Alright," Lyselle keeps reading. More time passes in the flawless silence, Lyselle clicking her tongue or murmuring under her breath on occasion. "Hm. According to this, the gallery of stars is accurate, or was at least 2000 years ago." The blonde warrior shrugs at this, "The magic of the room is powered by a potent Gem of Imbued Spellcasting, but there is a fearsome 'Star Dragon' if the word of release is not spoken when the gem i
[21:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d20+2
[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
[21:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> poken when the gem is taken."
[21:53] <Shamal> "What's the word of release?" Shamal asks, before looking a bit guilty, "Okay, maybe we could go back in there to get the gem, but I still say the books are bad news."
[21:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle pauses and licks her lips, "It's not mentioned directly, but it is referred to that the General of the Grand Conjunction Fortress knows and commands it."
[21:55] <Demedais> "Don't we have a book that discusses that?" Demedais inquires.
[21:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," Lyselle nods her agreement to Demedais, rubbing her forehead. "Give me just a moment, translating this gives me a headache."
[21:56] <Shamal> "We could take a break by challenging that star shaped building before we resume reading?" Shamal offers with a smile, feeling somewhat ready to get moving again.
[21:58] <Demedais> "I'm fine either way. You want the break, Lyselle?" Demedais asks.
[21:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I
[21:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm fine," Lyselle demures, but gets up nonetheless. Her smile is light and pleasant, given to Demedais. "At worst, we retreat and rest and then read?"
[22:00] * Shamal nods. "Plenty of time," she agrees, starting towards the star-shaped structure.
[22:00] <Demedais> "Sounds good." Demedais nods before looking at the other two. "Any objections?"
[22:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> The starry building has but one door facing the street, at the deepest indent between two points of the five pointed star. The door is twisted, a carved diagram of devils. There look to be several inscribed here.
[22:02] * Shamal looks over the diagram to see what devils are represented.
[22:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13."12 [1d20=5]
[22:04] <Shamal> "We've seen Lemures and Bearded Devils from the last time we were here," Shamal indicates two of the diagrams. "Drawing a blank on the rest, though." She glances sidelong at Demedais and smiles winsomely, "Fighting fiends is a Paladin's specialty, right?"
[22:06] <Demedais> "For the most part, yes." Demedais nods as he scans into the building, looking for chaotic auras.
[22:08] <Demedais> "Mmm. I feel something toward the northwest. Be on your guard, everyone." Demedais nods as he moves to open the door.
[22:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well?" Lyselle asks, glancing at thedoor and looseing her sword from it's sheath.
[22:09] * Shamal unslings Antipode and casts Magic Stone on some of her sling bullets. "Good to go," she confirms.
[22:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> The door opens! Inside is the core of the building! It is a grand pentagram, a small design of the greater building. Yet it takes up the entire large space, engraved with precious metals and stones. IT glows cherry red, a sickly hot warmth alternating with feverish chills radiating from it. Dozens of runes and symbols float in a circle around it, engraved into the floor as well. The center is surrounded by four white pillars five fe
[22:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> five feet apart, forming a small square in the center. In this center...(More)
[22:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Crammed into that space, the creature's body is shrunken, held. It's great muscled body of red is surely dozens of feet tall were it to be unleashed, wings of flame capable of burning a town apart in a moment!  It has horns that could reach up to the sky and rend the sun into oblivion, yet it's head hangs, it's eyes closed, it's movements still. (More)
[22:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Each of the points of the building's star design are walled off, single doors hiding these chambers from view. The northwest, the northeast, the southeast, the southwest, the south, each point having the same design.
[22:13] <Shamal> "Ahh... you know what, maybe we should just let sleeping devils lie?" Shamal hazards, suddenly having a very bad feeling about messing with this place.
[22:14] <Demedais> "Could this be the God King?" Demedais hazards, looking toward the northwest, where he detected the energy.
[22:14] <Seira> "Wouldn't he be in the citadel, if here at all?"
[22:15] <Shamal> "The Gods supposedly annihilated him, not bound him," Shamal states, trying to identify the devil now that she can see it in the flesh.
[22:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8 planes
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 planes and gets 24."12 [1d20=16]
[22:16] <Shamal> "It's a Pit Fiend. If it woke up we'd be dead before we could blink. I *really* think we should just leave this place the way we found it," the blonde whispers, keeping her voice down out of the unreasoning fear that the slightest disturbance could wake the devil.
[22:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Pit Fiend does not move, barely even seeming to breath - you can't be sure if it does or doesn't. But it's wings do flicker slightly, an endless rain of hellfire hitting the floor and vanishing away.
[22:20] <Seira> "I'm good with leaving it."
[22:20] <Demedais> "...why do I sense a chaotic presence in that northwest corner?" Demedais mutters. "Devils are lawful, so far as hellish 'laws' go... can any of you tell what would free him? Can we pass him and go to that room without letting him loose?" he asks, bothered by the area in general.
[22:21] <Shamal> "Um... Let me take a look over the runes, but this is very advanced magic and not a system I'm familiar with, so..." Shamal trails off with a weak little shrug, before leaning forward to examine the arrangement of runes to try and decipher the nature of the binding.
[22:21] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
[22:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> A word comes from it - a word you do not understand. It's wings stir a little more, pushing, struggling against the boundaries of the pillars, but not going past.
[22:24] <Shamal> "It's a binding field and a portal... so long as the pillars are up, it cannot push past them," Shamal murmurs after a moment of contemplation. "It almost seems like it's draining power from the fiend, channeling it elsewhere..."
[22:26] <Demedais> "Okay, yeah, I don't support anything that's attempting to siphon energy from anything in general, devils or not." Demedais states a bit angrily.. "May I request we check the northwest door, then?"
[22:27] <Shamal> "Very well, but touch *nothing* in this central chamber," Shamal insists a bit vehemently. "I'm still not a hundred percent certain what could cause this whole thing to come crashing down - and as far as I'm concerned, better it's bound up here and being drained, than out there causing trouble."
[22:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Pit Fiend stirs a little more at the noise, shoulders straining up but not able to progress past the platforms. It speaks another word as the party heads towards the door carefully, another word that has no meaning to any of you.
[22:29] <Shamal> "Also, in case you haven't noticed, it's awake and knows we're here. I strongly suggest not talking to it," Shamal adds, carefully following Demedais and making sure Laika stays very close.
[22:30] <Demedais> "Point taken. Touching nothing, not talking to it." Demedais nods as he quickly and carefully gets to the northwest door, scanning it from five feet away to see if he can garner any idea of how big whatever it is is.
[22:33] <Demedais> "It feels... smallish. Not sure what else to say." Demedais mentions as he glances at the door to make sure there's no writing on it or anything.
[22:34] <Shamal> "It's probably a demon. Are you going to investigate?" Shamal asks, glancing briefly back at the bound devil.
[22:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> The devil is writhing and starting to squirm, head slowly creaking as it turns in the direction the party is. Meanwhile, you note the door is richly enscribed with drawings of devils.
[22:36] * Demedais closes his eyes. "Should we?" he asks finally after some thought. "I dislike leaving whatever's behind here alone, but there's the chance that it'll move to free that Pit Fiend. In which case we're all screwed. I can't tell if it's moving or not, living or not, so... Your choice, my ladies." He examines the door as he thinks, wondering what devils are on there.
[22:37] <Shamal> "Considering how long it's been here, I think leaving this place well alone is likely the best way of ensuring nothing changes," Shamal gives her considered opinion.
[22:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lyselle looks at the demon long and hard, "...ugh," she mutters.
[22:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile, the demon's left eye opens. It's a portal into cinders and fire, burning eternally. It fixates on the party, mouth starting to move. "Hu...mans..."
[22:42] <Shamal> "Okay, really going now," Shamal decides, swiftly retreating back the way she came, Laika obediently tagging along.
[22:42] * Seira leaves quietly.
[22:42] * Demedais bows his head, ignoring the pit fiend. He thinks for a few seconds at the northwest door, then turns and follows Seira and Shamal.
[22:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the party flees, the fiend reaches out! It tries to, but cannot reach past the pillars! It shakes and quivers inside, causing the earth around it to quake! Yet there is stays, unable to move.
[22:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> So the party leaves, back outside into the quiet of the long abandoned fortress ofthe gnomes.
[22:43] <Shamal> "Okay, past the arch now?" Shamal asks, closing the door once everyone's out and taking a moment to catch her breath. Greater Devils are scary!
[22:44] * Demedais leans against the wall, still thinking. "You said that pit fiend seemd to be having its power drained, right?"
[22:45] <Shamal> "That seemed to be the purpose of the binding, yes," the blonde affirms.
[22:46] <Demedais> "Is it possible that it's being used to fuel this attempted resurrection of that God King thing, or the energy used to maintain this place?" Demedais inquires, looking around.
[22:48] <Shamal> "The ressurection of Daa-vid requires the five Resorts - one of which we're looking for, here," Shamal explains. "More likely it's powering some of the defences here, I'd guess."
[22:49] <Demedais> "...Ah. This does seem like a nice place for a gnome to take a vacation." Demedais nods, acting like he understands.
[22:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> From inside, you hear a muffled cry of anger and calling, but it's nicely shielded by the closed door.
[22:51] * Demedais winces as he hears the cry. "You know, I'd rather figure out a way to shove that thing back into it's own dimension if at all possible. It breaking free eventually does not please my mentality, even if it's stayed stuck in there for that long."
[22:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> The demon roars again, this time it's words audible in Common. "Huuuumaaaaaaaans!" it calls, strained.
[22:56] <Shamal> "Yes, I'm sure it'd be terribly grateful to us," Shamal replies dryly. "It's a devil - a physical manifestation of primal evil and tyranny. If we send it back to Hell it'll eventually find some way to cause misery here on Earth. Bound up like this it's harming no one."
[22:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huuumaaans!" It roars, screaming, "Aaaaaargh! Come back!" It's voice is filled with rage, shaking like a mountain it's death tremors.
[22:58] <Shamal> "Well, I'm convinced!" Shamal simpers falsely, before starting to walk rapidly away.
[22:59] <Seira> "It's not talking to me," Seira muses, following.
[22:59] <Demedais> "Although it's getting rather pissed and desperate here. Plus, we just antagonized it." Demedais notes. "As is painfully obvious. Once it gets out, it'll be out to kill us in specific and humanity in particular. We help it, we may soften the blow a bit." he finishes a bit drily. "Still, for now we leave it be." he says as he follows the two, a mild grin on his face.
[22:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> The silence shatters into a brilliant storm of sound, the devil's calls echoing wildly around you. "Hummaaaaaaans! I'll give you anything! A kingdom! A wish! A world!" It screams as you walk away.
[23:00] <Shamal> "So... let's see what's past that big arch?" Shamal asks, doing her best to tune out the Pit Fiend and starting towards said structure.
[23:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's screams and shouts dim as you walk away, only a pattering of rain on the windowsill of tranquility. The arch is engraved with countless murals, showing a single, regal gnome in epic armor casting magic, doing deeds, ruling on a great throne. PAst this are roads to the west and east, and the main path continues north before turning east, towards the citadel you can begin to see. (More)
[23:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> To the eastern fork is an artificial forest - a few trees, some bushes, all overworld things. They grow, even without any sunlight visible. To the west there are two things. On the north side of the street is a park and fountain, bubbling water. It's beautiful and surrounded by a golden fence. To the south is a ragged gash in the earth, red stone glimpsed.
[23:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> The main northern path goes north, eventually going east past the little bit of greenery, towards the citadel.
[23:05] <Shamal> "Hmm... shall we check out that stone over there before heading towards the citadel?" Shamal asks. "It seems out of place, considering how pristine the rest of this place is."
[23:06] * Seira nods in response.
[23:06] <Demedais> "Sure." Demedais nods.
[23:07] * Shamal heads on over to have a look!
[23:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> So you head to it. The red stone is the lips of what looks to be a small gash in the earth. Heat enaminates out from it, mellow and warm. A metal ladder is placed on the side if one wished to climb down, no botton in sight. However, you can see occasional frescoes dotting the long shaft down, stone carvings inside.
[23:09] <Shamal> "Curious..." Shamal peers down. "Want to have a look what's down there, or shall we move on?" she asks her companions.
[23:10] <Seira> "Since we're already here, no reason not to look," Seira responds, and heads for the metal ladder.
[23:11] * Shamal sighs a little and pets Laika. "Stay here, girl. Mommy will be back soon," she reassures, before following Seira down the ladder.
[23:11] * Demedais blinks at the pit. "How about we..." He stops as he sees Seira begin to descend. "Very well, then." he murmurs as he follows the two down.
[23:12] <Shamal> "What is it, Demedais?" Shamal asks the paladin as they slowly climb down.
[23:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> So the party descends. 15 feet and then 30, then 45. The heat is starting to grow, warm enough to make the party sweat. The frescoes are of fiery creatures and elementals, all sorts of things. You still can't see the bottom.
[23:13] * Shamal isn't bothered by the heat, since Antipode protects her!
[23:16] * Demedais bears the heat as best he can.
[23:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> 60 feet! 75! It's getting considerably hotter, enough to be flat hot and getting hotter with every foot deeper you go. The red stone of the walls is slick, yet the ladder stays mercifully cool.
[23:17] <Shamal> "You know, I start to think that it may be unwise to continue without further preperation," Shamal states as she descends. "We could come back tomorrow after I prepare spells to deal with the heat," she offers.
[23:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> 90, 105, 120. Each step down makes it hotter and hotter, your body beginning to throb like an open wound overheated. Further now you can begin to see a merry red glow surrounding a small spot of black.
[23:18] * Demedais grunts. "It's your choice, but let's make it now." he says as he stops there on the ladder, gesturing to Lyselle to stop as well. "Finish going down or not? This heat's maddening."
[23:18] <Seira> "How about you taking a quick look down there, Shamal, while the rest of us wait where it's cooler?" Seira suggests.
[23:19] <Shamal> "I've got some protection against the heat... Okay, climb up a bit if you want and I'll continue downwards?" the blonde nods, carefully making her way past Seira on the ladder and continuing her descent.
[23:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
[23:20] * Demedais nods and gestures Lyselle upward, saying nothing.
[23:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Further down Shamal goes! 135 feet. While it's hot, she still feels okay. 150 feet - still hot, but she's not taking damage, just sweating. It's starting to sharpen, a ledge of black amid a vast lava flow below.
[23:22] * Seira rises halfway up the ladder as she waits.
[23:22] <Shamal> "This better be worth it," Shamal gasps slightly, continuing her descent towards the bottom.
[23:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> 175 feet! The heat is increasing, making her body burn even with it's protection. The heat is getting worse - Shamal can tell that her protection is at it's limit, feeling heat licking her body even with it.
[23:23] <Shamal> OOC: how far am I from the bottom? And what exactly is at the bottom - does it land on a ledge or just wind up in the lava?
[23:23] * Demedais grumbles and moves up the ladder to let his armor cool off more.
[23:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shamal would guess she's about 50-70 feet from the bottom now. She can see what looks to be a medium sized platform of black stone just above the surface of the lava. There's some sort of jutting thing - a platform, as tone uprising, an altar, some such, below as well, standing on the mdidle of that platform.
[23:27] * Shamal picks up the pace of her climbing, intending to reach the platform quickly so she can get this over with and return to the surface as fast as possible.
[23:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Down you go! 190! The heat licks you even more! (More)
[23:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."12 [2d6=3, 1]
[23:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> But Shamal endures! 205 feet, just another round's movement away from the bottom!
[23:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."12 [2d6=4, 3]
[23:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> With that, Shamal reachs the bottom! The heat here is overwhelming, lava mere feet away! It's surely hot enough here to flashboil water, a simple indented rise in the stone here. Restong on it is a book with a plain leather cover, serene and uneffected by the heat.
[23:30] <Shamal> "Ahh!" Shamal whimpers as the heat begins to claw through her magical protection, quickly grabbing the book and stuffing it in her pack before she begins climbing back up as quickly as she can!
[23:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 3d6
[23:30] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 3d6 and gets 13."12 [3d6=5, 4, 4]
[23:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shamal grabs the book! As she does, the lava around the platform rumbles, starting to rise! Rather fast, as a matter of fact! Meanwhile, the book is quite warm in your hands, but nothing compared to the massive heat around you.
[23:33] <Shamal> "Hells!" Shamal cries, scrambling up the ladder as fast as she can and dearly wishing she'd prepared Spider Climb, today.
[23:34] * Demedais hears the yell and looks down. "Shamal, what's going on?" he barks.

[Corwin]

[20:36] * Shamal aborts grabbing onto the ladder, deciding that climbing would be too slow for her. "Start climbing, now!" she yells upwards, not wasting words on an explanation as she casts a spell to summon a dire bat, which she promptly leaps onto, wrapping her arms around its neck. "Fly!" she urges, digging in as she holds on for dear life and guides it straight up the shaft.
[20:37] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - What's the bat's movement rate, first off?
[20:37] * Seira climbs up, needing no further urging!
[20:37] <Shamal> OOC: Speed 40, it gets half speed when climbing, so speed 20. However, it can take a run (x4) action since I count as a light load, so on a full move it climbs 80ft per round.
[20:38] * Demedais grunts and nods, quickly following Lyselle upward.
[20:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> The three begin to climb out, as they feel the walls very gently quiver! But they're making good progress up, away from the hellish fires below!  Meanwhile, Shamal is roasted by fires, as her bat soars up!
[20:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 3d6
[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 3d6 and gets 6."12 [3d6=2, 2, 2]
[20:41] * Shamal simply hangs on tightly amid the rapidly flapping leather wings as her summoned beast ferries her aloft and to safety!
[20:41] <Dungeon_Kotono> Shamal gushes up! The bat carries her well out of the worst of the heat, a cool breeze soothing her charred skin! Meanwhile, the rest of the party makes it to the top without incident, having a clear path and plenty of lead time and distance! Out they go, as Shamal is carried out via bat!
[20:42] * Seira has her bow out, ready to strike down any pursuers. "Are you alright?" she asks Shamal, not taking her eyes off the top of the ladder.
[20:42] * Demedais draws his sword, glancing down into the pit a bit to see what's going on.
[20:43] * Shamal dismounts once she's on solid ground, promptly casting a lesser vigour spell to heal the myriad blisters starting to develop on her fragile skin, and looking down to make sure the lava isn't going to overflow or anything. "Just badly burnt, I'll live," she tells Seira. "The lava started to rise up as soon as I picked up this book I found at the bottom - I didn't see any monsters or anything."
[20:43] <Dungeon_Kotono> As the party watches, the ground around the crevasse begins to quiver and shake, the red stone starting to glow red. Demedais can seea pillar of lava rising up in the passage, ready to splurt out like a fountain1
[20:43] <Seira> "Leaving, a good idea," Seira suggests, following it herself.
[20:43] <Shamal> Seeing no slowing of the lava, Shamal turns and bolts away from the hole. "Run!" she urges, Laika following her example and fleeing the location.
[20:44] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - What direction are you guys running in?
[20:44] <Shamal> OOC: back towards the arch
[20:44] <Seira> OOC: Works for me
[20:44] * Demedais quickly backs off, and follows the other two! "You risked this for a book? And you chide Seira for her reading habits...
[20:45] <Seira> "Books are important!" Seira returns, not slowing down.
[20:45] <Demedais> "Still, you're all a bunch of kettles if you ask me!" Demedais retorts as he keeps up with the two.
[20:45] <Shamal> "I didn't know what it was till I got down there, and it would've been even worse to have gone so far for nothing!" Shamal puts in breathlessly as she flees.
[20:45] <Dungeon_Kotono> So the party runs! This proves to be a good thing as the entire ground shakes! A small earthquake, a great pillar of lava arcing out of the hole! Straight up, splurting a rain of lava about twenty feet around, a few drops landing in the northern fountain and hissing to nothingness! But the party escapes, even as they hear a merry burning sound. Back to the arch, out of the warmth and inferno.
[20:47] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[20:47] <Demedais> "...Right. Well, let's hope that doesn't trigger anything else." Demedais grumbles.
[20:48] * Seira shrugs. "It had to happen. Good thing blisters were the worst we suffered from that trap."
[20:48] * Shamal shivers slightly, taking the book out of her backpack. "I hope this was worth it," she murmurs, opening the tome for a brief perusal. Assuming it's not all gibberish.
[20:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[20:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - int check, Sham-chan.
[20:49] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3
[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[20:51] * Demedais leans against the arch, and begins humming a song softly to himself, watching Shamal and Seira.
[20:51] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Listening checks if you like, people.
[20:51] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
[20:52] <Seira> "Anything interesting, Shamal?"
[20:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 8."12 [1d20=7]
[20:53] * Shamal very carefully closes the book shut securely while keeping her lips sealed, and then puts the tome away. "It says I'll suffer if I don't speak some command words I don't know, so I'll play with it later. On another note, something big's coming from the north," she says, readying her sling and looking in the direction she heard footsteps from.
[20:54] <Seira> The bow was never placed away, so it's easy to track Shamal's direction and aim it there!
[20:54] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle withdraws Frozen Oath, stepping in front of the mages and readying her shield!
[20:54] * Demedais moves quickly, standing near Lyselle as he looks north, sword at the ready.
[20:56] <Dungeon_Kotono> Marching from the north, you see them slowly approach! About 90 feet away or so, plenty of distance. The first is very, very large, a dozen feet tall. A being of pure flame, feet making the steel streets it walks on bubble and sag! It's gaze is purely on Shamal, unerring! Behind it are 3 man sized versions of it, as well as two slinking, nasty, cetipedes of red taking up the rear, flames arcing out from it's fang filled mouths.
[20:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - What are you people going to do? If it's combat, we'll go into initiative.
[20:57] <Seira> "Friends of yours?" Seira asks, even as an arrow is notched.
[20:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> "We're evenly matched numberwise, at least," Lyselle murmurs, glancing back a moment. "STand and fight here?"
[20:58] <Seira> "A fighting retreat might let me hit them more. And I have another bow...."
[20:59] <Demedais> "Can you think of a better place for it?" Demedais notes wryly. "I take it they want the book back, so..."
[20:59] <Shamal> "Er..." Shamal hesitates a moment before trying out her Ignan. "4Can we talk about this?1" she asks hopefully. "4We're not here for a fight.1"
[20:59] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Do you have any ranks in diplomacy?
[21:00] <Shamal> OOC: 7 of them!
[21:00] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Diplo check here, I think.
[21:00] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 9."12 [1d20=1]
[21:00] <Dungeon_Kotono> Shamal doesn't even get an answer!
[21:02] <Shamal> "Guess not," Shamal mutters. "You two focus on the big one?" she suggests to Lyselle and Demedais, preparing a spell to help them.
[21:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[21:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
[21:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8 planes
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 planes and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
[21:03] * Demedais nods willingly. "Sounds like a plan to me, I guess."
[21:03] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Initiative, I think.
[21:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 11."12 [1d20=9]
[21:04] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Laika
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 Laika and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
[21:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[21:04] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 9."12 [1d20=9]
[21:04] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+9 large elemental
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+9 large elemental and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[21:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+7 medium 1
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+7 medium 1 and gets 24."12 [1d20=17]
[21:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+7 medium 2
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+7 medium 2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[21:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+7 medium 3
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+7 medium 3 and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[21:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1 centipede
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 centipede and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[21:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1 centipede
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 centipede and gets 10."12 [1d20=9]
[21:07] * Dungeon_Kotono changes topic to 'M.E 1(24)>'pede 1(16)>ME 3(13)>Large Elemental(12)>Shamal(11)>Seira=ME 2='pede 2(10)>Demedais(9)>Laika(6)'
[21:07] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+2 blonde
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+2 blonde and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
[21:07] * Dungeon_Kotono changes topic to 'M.E 1(24)>'pede 1(16)>ME 3(13)>Large Elemental(12)>Shamal(11)>Seira=ME 2='pede 2(10)>Demedais(9)>Laika(6)=LyselleRei'd'
[21:07] * Demedais nods. "Lyselle, you want an Enlarge Person on you?"
[21:10] <Dungeon_Kotono> The first mediume elemental flat out charges, just reaching the party's range with it's full running movement! The centipede doesthe same, about five feet out of range. The third medium elemental also follows suit! The large fire elemental takes the forefront, right in front of the two warriors as it ends it's turn! OOC - Shamal.
[21:10] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle nods tersely, bracing herself!
[21:12] <Shamal> While tempted to blast them all with lightning, Shamal decides to play things for the long term, touching Demedais' arm as she incants, "Spirit of the Bull, bless this warrior with your mighty prowess!" That done, she moves behind him and Lyselle so that the elementals would have to expose themselves by moving around the two warriors to reach her.
[21:13] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Okay. Seira and two other baddies are up.
[21:13] <Dungeon_Kotono> The last mediume lemental and the centipede aren't far behind, rushing to the battle with nor egard for their own safety!
[21:14] * Seira is actually here for a fight, so she sends a pair of magical missiles at one of the medium-sized creatures before retreating as far as she can behind the fighter screen, arcing towards the tower's foundation.
[21:14] <Seira> roll 2d4+2
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d4+2 and gets 8."12 [2d4=2, 4]
[21:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[21:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> The medium elemental closest to the party is struck, wobbled back by it's onslaught of force! But not so much as to stop it! OOC - Demedais.
[21:17] <Dungeon_Kotono> The air around the party grows hot, the heat radiating off this plethoria of beasts enough to warm the cool, forgotten cave of the gnomes. They can hear the hiss of shimmering, overheated steel as they run, little bubbles of molten metal.
[21:18] * Demedais nods at the beast. "Let's see what you've got!" he yells as he throws a powerful blow at the elemental!
[21:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (4 P. Atk first strike)
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (4 P. Atk first strike) and gets 10."12 [1d20=2]
[21:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3 (Same for second)
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 (Same for second) and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
[21:20] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Which elemental?
[21:20] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - It's relatively mooot, but.
[21:20] <Demedais> OOC: Sorry. The one in front of me - the large one.
[21:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> Demedais strikes forward, his brave blade whizzing through the air but hitting nothing! The large elemental isn't even swayed back, blows completely off the mark! OOC - Laika and Llyselle.
[21:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle stands besides Demedais, Frozen Oath slashing a vicious flurry out! She unloads at the charging large elemental, ice contrasting with it's fire!
[21:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-1 PA)
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+11 (-1 PA) and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[21:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-1 PA)
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (-1 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[21:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-1 PA) crit check
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (-1 PA) crit check and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]
[21:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 2d8+14
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 2d8+14 and gets 28."12 [2d8=7, 7]
[21:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 2d2
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 2d2 and gets 4."12 [2d2=2, 2]
[21:23] <Shamal> That lightning bolt sure looks tempting now, Shamal thinks as she points at the centipede nearest her dog. "Laika, sic!" she calls, her dog growling and obediently leaping to attack the non-burning foe!
[21:23] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 19."12 [1d20=12]
[21:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:23] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+4 and gets 7."12 [1d6=3]
[21:23] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip check and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[21:24] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 13."12 [1d20=9]
[21:24] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle steps up, the frosty arc of Frozen Oath slicing through the elemental threat! It's flaming body recoils from this, flames dimming as the assault clearly weakens it! Meanwhile, Laika lunges at one of the centipedes, chewing and tackling and biting it down, but she can't manage a proper takedown on it!
[21:25] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - New round start.
[21:25] <Dungeon_Kotono> The first medium elemental, struck by Seira's potent magical missiles, is slightly off balance! Butw ithout a nice elf girl to burn, it turns it's attention to Lyselle!
[21:25] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[21:26] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d6+1+1d6
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d6+1+1d6 and gets 10."12 [1d6=5][1d6=4]
[21:26] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 23."12 [1d20=19]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle is slammed back, body armor smoking from the burning blow! The staggering is not critical, but it's enough to mar her almost unblemished form! As she quickly shakes it off and the smouldering fades, the centipede struck by Laika attempts to return the favor!
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 9."12 [1d20=8]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 15."12 [1d20=14]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 15."12 [1d20=14]
[21:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1 crit check
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 crit check and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
[21:28] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d2+1d4
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d2+1d4 and gets 6."12 [1d2=2][1d4=4]
[21:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> A dozen pointers come out from it's long body, claws and segments striking out! Laika nimbly avoids the vicious assault until nearly the last, when one grazes her shoulder! THe minature burst of flame that sears the injury into pain a second after belies any hope that the attacks are totally ineffective!
[21:30] <Dungeon_Kotono> The third elemental loops around, going by Demedais' side as it attempts to circle around towards Shamal! OOC - You can AoO it up if you like, Mr Swordy.
[21:30] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (4 Pow. Atk)
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (4 Pow. Atk) and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[21:30] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - No crit, but hit.
[21:32] <Demedais> OOC: Apologies, accidentally closed notepad which had the damage.
[21:32] <Demedais> roll 2d6+11
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+11 and gets 20."12 [2d6=5, 4]
[21:34] <Dungeon_Kotono> With a deft flick of his sword, Demedais slices through the middle of the elemental! Most of it's burning side is ruined, body half destroyed! What remains continues it's pressing, lurching towards Shamal!
[21:34] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21."12 [1d20=15]
[21:34] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - AC?
[21:35] <Shamal> OOC: 17
[21:35] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d6+1+1d6 (Second D6 is the fire)
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d6+1+1d6 (Second D6 is the fire) and gets 8."12 [1d6=4][1d6=3]
[21:36] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Okay, 5 damage and make a reflex save.
[21:36] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[21:37] <Dungeon_Kotono> The strike is not a massive one, the flames doing little damage to her! However, her clothing catches on fire, starting to burn!
[21:37] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[21:38] <Dungeon_Kotono> The large elemental roars, charging past Lyselle to get at Shamal! Lyselle takes this chance, Frozen Oath slung again!
[21:38] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (-2 PA)
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+10 (-2 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
[21:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d8+8
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d8+8 and gets 16."12 [1d8=8]
[21:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d2
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 2."12 [1d2=2]
[21:40] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
[21:40] <Dungeon_Kotono> With another potent rip, Lyselle ruins the arm of the elemental! The frostiness makes the flames dull, sparks coming that cool before they touch the ground! It's momentum is weak, but it still presses it's chance against she who holds the book!
[21:41] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[21:41] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 2d6+2+2d6 (Last 2d6 is the fire)
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 2d6+2+2d6 (Last 2d6 is the fire) and gets 18."12 [2d6=3, 4][2d6=4, 5]
[21:41] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - 13 damage and make a ref save again to uh, catch on more fire I guess.
[21:41] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[21:42] <Dungeon_Kotono> As Shamal's body burns from the previous strike, this large elemental slams her viciously! A direct hit, sending her sprawling back! The blonde druid quickly recovers, standing even as her flesh is protected from the fire raging around her frame! OOC - Shamal.
[21:42] <Seira> "Retreat to the tower, Shamal!" Seira calls out from just around her little, monopolized corner of the building.
[21:43] <Shamal> "The tower doesn't have water!" The burning witch retorts, turning away from her assailants and bolting towards the fountain, intending to leap into it if she can reach it.
[21:44] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - The fountain past the crevasse, right?
[21:44] <Shamal> OOC: wasn't it closer to the arch than the crevasse?
[21:44] <Seira> "It doesn't have cover fire, either," Seira mutters.
[21:44] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC: No. Crevasse was south of the road, fountain was north.
[21:45] <Shamal> OOC: how far is it, exactly?
[21:45] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC: 150 feet or so.
[21:45] <Shamal> OOC: axe my line
[21:45] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC: So axed.
[21:45] <Shamal> "Anywhere's better than here!" Shamal agrees, turning and bolting back through the arch, heading towards the five level tower.
[21:46] <Dungeon_Kotono> Shamal takes and runs, fleeing to the tower! She reaches it's door, able to run inside if she wants. (Are you going to go inside, basically?)
[21:46] <Shamal> OOC: if I have enough movement to do so, sure
[21:47] <Dungeon_Kotono> Shamal stumbles into the first floor of the tower! OOC - Seira and two others are up now.
[21:47] * Seira decides to put her faith into her bow this time, starting with the elemental Demedais had recently wounded. And maybe she'll help Shamal out, too, by taking some of the pressure off her back.
[21:47] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 a1
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 a1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[21:47] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 a2
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 a2 and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[21:47] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Finish the hurt one!" Lyselle calls to Demedais, pointing her blade at it a moment. "Shamal's hurt bad!"
[21:47] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Both at the one Demedais hit?
[21:47] <Seira> OOC: If the first kills it I switch targets to another medium~
[21:48] <Seira> roll 1d8+1
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4."12 [1d8=3]
[21:48] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC-  It does, but it acts on the same tick so it can move as it dies.
[21:48] <Seira> roll 1d8+1 glee~
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1 glee~ and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
[21:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> The greviously wounded medium elemental is struck, starting to fade! But it uses it's last chance to swipe at the nearest target, Demedais!
[21:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[21:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - AC?
[21:49] <Demedais> OOC: 18.
[21:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d6+1+1d6
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d6+1+1d6 and gets 6."12 [1d6=2][1d6=3]
[21:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Ref save.
[21:50] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4 lawl reflex
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 lawl reflex and gets 16."12 [1d20=12]
[21:51] <Dungeon_Kotono> Demedais has his side singed, but is able to twist away from the worst of it! He does not share Shamal's burning fate, safe for now! As that happens, this elementa fades into nothingness, then Seira's second arrow hits the one her magic missles already wounded! Meanwhile, the second centipede, still a little back, quickly begins to hustle towards thet ower and Shamal! It nearly reaches the door when it finishes moving!
[21:52] * Dungeon_Kotono changes topic to 'M.E 1(24)>'pede 1(16)>ME 3(13)>Large Elemental(12)>Shamal(11)>Seira='pede 2(10)>Demedais(9)>Laika(6)=LyselleRei'd'
[21:52] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Demedais is up.
[21:53] * Demedais nods in agreement. "Well, wait. Which hurt one? The large one, or the middli-" Demedais winces as the smaller one uses it's last hit to scratch him. "Accursed things... Lyselle or Seira, go assist Shamal!" he yells as he swings fiercely at the large elemental.
[21:53] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (3 PA)
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (3 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[21:53] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4 (3 PA second hit)
[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 (3 PA second hit) and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[21:54] <Seira> "I'm... already there," Seira's voice carries back, chiding.
[21:54] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:54] <Demedais> roll 4d6+28
[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+28 and gets 47."12 [4d6=3, 5, 6, 5]
[21:54] * Dungeon_Kotono changes topic to 'M.E 1(24)>'pede 1(16)>ME 3(13))>Shamal(11)>Seira='pede 2(10)>Demedais(9)>Laika(6)=LyselleRei'd'
[21:55] <Demedais> "DETAILS!" Demedais booms as he cleaves at the elemental!
[21:55] <Dungeon_Kotono> The large elemental is slashed straight through then vertically, splitting it into four chunks before it's flaming majesty fades into the ether of oblivion! OOC - Laika and Lyselle.
[21:55] <Dungeon_Kotono> Turning her attention with a momentary, sweaty grin, "Good details," Lyselle banters back, as she engages the elemental Seira softened!
[21:56] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-1 PA)
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+11 (-1 PA) and gets 17."12 [1d20=6]
[21:56] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-1 PA)
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (-1 PA) and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
[21:56] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d8+7
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d8+7 and gets 12."12 [1d8=5]
[21:56] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d2
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
[21:56] <Shamal> Laika continues to maul the centpipede she's battling, leaping onto its back and sinking her fangs into the segment just below its head!
[21:56] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[21:56] * Dungeon_Kotono changes topic to ''pede 1(16)>ME 3(13))>Shamal(11)>Seira='pede 2(10)>Demedais(9)>Laika(6)=LyselleRei'd'
[21:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> With ice trailing from her sword, Lyselle smoothly slices the elemental apart! A bit of frost falls as it fades away, slain!
[21:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:57] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+4 and gets 5."12 [1d6=1]
[21:57] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip and gets 11."12 [1d20=7]
[21:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[21:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 3."12 [1d8=2]
[21:58] <Demedais> "Well, yes." Demedais nods, grinning. "I didn't mean to imply that they weren't."
[21:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> With a swift movement, Laika takes the centipede down! It's off balance and being mauled, the wolf pressing it's advantage!
[21:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - New round.
[21:58] <Shamal> OOC: dog
[21:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Argh.
[21:59] <Dungeon_Kotono> The centipede attempts to right itself and stand up! OOC - Laika can AoO if she wants.
[22:00] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[22:00] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:00] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+4 and gets 8."12 [1d6=4]
[22:00] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip x2
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip x2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[22:00] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[22:00] <Dungeon_Kotono> Despite being bitten again, the centipede stands! It manages a single attack while it's off balanced!
[22:01] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[22:01] <Dungeon_Kotono> But Laika simply dodges it, continuing to mess the fiery creature up!
[22:02] <Dungeon_Kotono> The last mediume elemental continues it's singleminded fury, assaulting Demedais further!
[22:02] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[22:02] <Dungeon_Kotono> But this time the blow misses, batted aside and fiery pain averted! OOC - Shamal.
[22:04] * Shamal takes a moment to pat down the flames ravaging her clothes, before proceeding to cast a quick spell, creating an illusion over the doorway to make it appear as though it has sealed shut, much the same as it did earlier to trap them inside.
[22:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> Shamal so entangles the magic, shielding the door! OOC - Seira and te approaching centipede.
[22:06] <Dungeon_Kotono> The centipede slows and stops, looking at the door curiously. It pokes it with it's claws around a bit, seemingly confused!
[22:06] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[22:08] <Seira> That centipede clearly needs to die!
[22:08] <Dungeon_Kotono> The centipede moves in just past the illusion, slowly and needing time! But at the end of it's confused move, it's beady little eyes focus on Shamal again! OOC - Seira's still up, she goes on t his tick, too.
[22:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (PA 3)
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 (PA 3) and gets 19."12 [1d20=15]
[22:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (PA 3)
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 (PA 3) and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[22:08] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
[22:08] <Seira> roll 2d8+14
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+14 and gets 19."12 [2d8=4, 1]
[22:09] <Dungeon_Kotono> As it does, arrows riddle it as it passes inside! Two of them, jutting out of it's body and half sending it back to whatever firepit it crawled out of! But not all the way, it's bloodied body still iving, even with two arrows in it! OOC - Demedais.
[22:09] * Seira waves at Shamal inside the tower, on the lookout for more critters approaching.
[22:10] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (3 PA) on the ME who just attacked me
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (3 PA) on the ME who just attacked me and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[22:10] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:10] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4 (3 PA) on the ME who just attacked me
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 (3 PA) on the ME who just attacked me and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[22:10] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - First hit, second missed.
[22:10] <Demedais> roll 2d6+14
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+14 and gets 23."12 [2d6=4, 5]
[22:12] <Dungeon_Kotono> With one mighty blow, Demedais nearly slaughters it! It's head is cut off almost entirely, yet it functions despite this, wobbling around erratically! OOC - Laika and Lyselle.
[22:13] <Shamal> Laika continues to put her fangs to good use, piercing the centipede's head in hopes of slaying it!
[22:13] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[22:13] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+4 and gets 6."12 [1d6=2]
[22:13] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[22:13] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 24."12 [1d20=20]
[22:15] <Dungeon_Kotono> As Laika mauls the centipede to near death, Lyselle swings forwarda nd goesafter the elemental so critically hurt by Demedais!
[22:15] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
[22:15] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[22:15] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 2d8+12+2d2
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 2d8+12+2d2 and gets 25."12 [2d8=7, 3][2d2=2, 1]
[22:15] * Dungeon_Kotono changes topic to ''pede 1(16)>Shamal(11)>Seira='pede 2(10)>Demedais(9)>Laika(6)=LyselleRei'd'
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> With a swift flurry of freezing blows, it's winked into nothingness! As this happens, the ground rumbles softly again, a faint earthquake in battle! Meanwhile, the centipede unleases it's wounded fury at Laika!
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 4."12 [1d20=3]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 5."12 [1d20=4]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+1 crit check
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+1 crit check and gets 10."12 [1d20=9]
[22:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d2+1d4
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d2+1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d2=1][1d4=3]
[22:17] <Dungeon_Kotono> One of the flurry drags across Laika's nose, charring it into a reddish burn on her snout! OOC - Shamal.
[22:18] <Shamal> Backing away from the centpided that followed her into the building by circling to the North, Shamal hurls a magic stone from Antipode as a parting gift!
[22:18] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[22:18] <Dungeon_Kotono> This stone misses, clattering on the smooth white floor! OOC - Seira and the centipede are up.
[22:19] <Seira> Seira's left hand glows with sickly green energy as she closes in on the centipede pursuing Shamal. She thrusts the arm towards her target once she has it in sight, the acid leaping forward!
[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+8 ranged touch
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 ranged touch and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
[22:20] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:20] <Seira> roll 2d8 acid
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8 acid and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
[22:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> The acid shot sizzles across the centipede's back, it's attempt to rush Shamal coming short as it dies! It rushes up, stopping at her feet, unable to attack before the grim reaper comes calling! OOC - Demedais.
[22:21] <Seira> "Seems only clean-up is left," Seira comments casually.
[22:21] * Demedais moves over to the centipede, hoping to finish this!
[22:21] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 (5 PA)
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 (5 PA) and gets 21."12 [1d20=14]
[22:21] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2 (5 PA)
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 (5 PA) and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[22:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - First hits.
[22:22] <Demedais> roll 2d6+18
[22:22] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+18 and gets 26."12 [2d6=6, 2]
[22:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> With that final slash, the centipede dies, bathing Laika in it's lifeblood, the last of them slain! OOC - Free action.
[22:23] * Demedais nods, sastisfied, before hurrying over to Shamal!
[22:24] * Shamal dismisses her illusion and exits the tower. "Lyselle!" she yells over urgently, "That book we found earlier about Elemental Magic, do you still have it?"
[22:25] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Seira should," Lyselle looksa round warily, sword still drawn.
[22:25] * Seira frowns, and places the bow away, following at a more sedate pace.
[22:25] <Shamal> "Seira, we need that book, quickly - more might be coming!" Shamal calls over, hurrying towards the half-elf.
[22:25] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[22:26] <Seira> "Fine. Here." The book is easily produced.
[22:26] * Demedais reaches Shamal, and grimaces at the sight for a second before attempting to lay hands on her - at the exact second she runs toward Seira. "Nar! Stop moving for a second so I can heal you!" Demedais yells.
[22:26] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d4
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[22:27] <Shamal> "Ahhhh!" Shamal doubles over in pain, falling to her knees and fumbling for the book. "No time... Oh, Mielikki, it burns!"
[22:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle takes it, quickly beginning to read! She skims the pages, "It's about elemental magic in the Grand Conjunction Fortress, waterand fire in particular," she reports back.
[22:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Skipping to the fire..." she murmurs in worry, glancing up at Shamal.
[22:28] <Shamal> "Fire..." Shamal gasps, "I need the word of the pact... hah, and the word of abayment," she groans, coughing up some blood which steams and boils even as it hits the steel floor beneath her.
[22:28] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Dungeon_Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
[22:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Got it! The word of abayment is Cragut!" Lyselle calls, "Hold the book and call that!
[22:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> "
[22:29] * Shamal fumbles desperately, opening the book in her hands and desperately calling out, "Cragut!"
[22:29] * Seira winces.
[22:30] * Demedais moves to Shamal's side and quickly uses all of the holy energy he has stored in him to heal Shamal as she pulls the book out!
[22:30] <Dungeon_Kotono> The moment the word is spoken, the book glows like a fire. Shamal's insides cool, painful but not boiling. The room is quiet now, a strange sudden peace coming. The book looks inert, unmoving, cool as the glow around it fades.
[22:31] * Shamal gasps heavily, her insides calming, but she still holds the book, looking at Lyselle to see if she can find the word of the pact.
[22:31] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Hold on, this is complicated..." Lyselle murmurs, reading furiously. "Someone keep a guard outside?"
[22:32] * Demedais nods. "I've done what I can. Let me do so." With that, Demedais moves past and stands outside.
[22:32] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Listening and spot checks, Deme.
[22:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 listen
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 listen and gets 9."12 [1d20=8]
[22:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 spot
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 spot and gets 11."12 [1d20=10]
[22:33] <Shamal> Laika also keeps watch!
[22:33] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 spot
[22:33] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 spot and gets 23."12 [1d20=18]
[22:33] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 listen
[22:33] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 listen and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
[22:33] <Dungeon_Kotono> Minutes pass as Lyselle reads. She whistles, "Most of this is going over my head, but you'll -need- to read this," Lyselle insists as she works. "It's about the golem, too...aah! There it is! Sssth Tor!"
[22:34] <Shamal> Laika keeps a wary eye out, her posture stiff and erect as she guards her wounded mistress. Meanwhile, Shamal wordlessly nods and calls out, "Sssth Tor!" with the book in her hands.
[22:35] <Dungeon_Kotono> The book glows white hot! Great heat come from it, yet it does not hurt anyone in the room! The book floats open, the first page turned to. In red letters of Common, 4The Pact is honored, master."
[22:36] <Shamal> "Good, that's fine," Shamal nods weakly. "Just don't summon any more firekin and we're good... Oh, anyone mind if we take the rest of the day off?"
[22:36] * Demedais blinks and glances in, concerned. "Where's the-"; he stops as he sees the writing. "Uh... what's going on?"
[22:36] <Demedais> "And no, I wouldn't mind terribly." Demedais notes.
[22:37] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Agreed...I need to read and we need to rest." Lyselle says, "Somewhere with nice, soft beds?
[22:37] <Dungeon_Kotono> "
[22:37] <Shamal> "Those barracks we passed?" Shamal asks, closing the magic book and putting it away, before using her quarterstaff as a lever to help stand up.
[22:38] <Demedais> "I think all the beds in the gnome barracks are a bit too small for me, but I can make do there."
[22:38] <Shamal> "Just line a few up together and you'll be fine," the witch reassures weakly.
[22:38] * Demedais nods and chuckles. "Um. What can we do for you, primarily?" he asks.
[22:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> The trip to the barracks is without incident, reaching it's quiet beds...OOC - Ball's in your court for doing things, resting, setting watches, exploring, whatever.
[22:40] <Shamal> "Just let me rest. I'll have to memorise some particular spells to help my recovery for tomorrow, so I won't have as much to work with once we resume exploring," Shamal replies.
[22:40] <Demedais> "I need little sleep to prepare myself for the morning. I can take four hours of watch." Demedais says. "Seira, Lyselle, you two care to take the rest between yourselves?" Demedais says as he nods at Shamal.
[22:40] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Let me finish reading this books," Lyselle says, "I can summarise the important things tomorrow, and pass on anything you need to magically read yourselves. Not sure I should touch the fire book, though."
[22:41] <Dungeon_Kotono> "That's fine," Lyselle agrees.
[22:41] <Seira> "We can rest as much as we need, anyway."
[22:41] <Shamal> "I'll prepare a translation spell in the morning," Shamal nods to Lyselle.
[22:41] <Demedais> "This is true." Demedais nods.
[22:42] <Demedais> "Should someone explore this place to ensure there are no traps or anything of the sort?" he adds, almost as an afterthought. "I'm willing to do so - you two can stay here and rest."
[22:44] <Seira> "I'll come with you, I think," Seira muses.
[22:45] <Demedais> "...alright." Demedais nods. "Lyselle, you fine staying here?"
[22:45] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle nods, having a pile of books to work though.
[22:47] * Demedais nods and steps out, moving toward the nearest stairwell heading up.
[22:47] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and make a search check if you're tossing the place Demedais.
[22:47] * Seira is curious at how he would search for traps, observing.
[22:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
[22:48] * Demedais looks around, attempting to note anything out of the ordinary but not really bending close to look.
[22:48] <Dungeon_Kotono> There are four floors, abandoned. Beds, a few training rooms, closets and so forth. Demedais does find one thing of note - dropped by a bed is a slender handbook.
[22:49] * Demedais glances at the handbook and picks it up, looking it over for identifying marks.
[22:50] <Dungeon_Kotono> The words look to be in gnomish. It's maybe twenty pages long if that. It has a few pictures - one is of the fountain, one is of the fiery crag the party so narrowly survived, one is of the star building.
[22:50] * Seira follows Demedais, looking around curiously.
[22:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[22:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21."12 [1d20=15]
[22:50] <Demedais> "Mmm. We may want Lyselle to look this over, too." Demedais notes as he puts it in his pocket.
[22:51] <Dungeon_Kotono> Seira also finds a closet Demedais missed. This one is strangely abandomed, but there are a few things inside. Weapons mostly, and one stands out. It's wicked, a short sword with lots of wicked barbs and catches.
[22:52] <Seira> "Wicked," she deadpans, taking it with her. "I recognize the make."
[22:52] * Demedais blinks. "Hm, missed that." he says as he walks over. "Interesting design for a blade." he nods.
[22:53] <Demedais> "Anything else we should examine, or is this it, do you think?" he asks Seira.
[22:54] <Seira> "We can comb the place later, and with magical aid. But that would take too long now."
[22:54] <Dungeon_Kotono> The night passes in rest and watching. Nothing of note occurs, recovery coming with sleep. The party gathers again, Lyselle smothering a yawn. "I read what I could, I can go over it when you're ready."
[22:55] * Shamal nods, sitting next to her fellow blonde. "I've prepared a spell that should let me read gnomish if there's anything you think I should read for myself."
[22:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Yeah, mostly this one," Holding upt he elemental book. "The fountain is a conduit for water elemental power. A water spirit named Oolu tends to it and protects it. The power of this magic flows into the Grand Conjunction Golem, part of it's great power. As long as the spirit lives, the guardian has the power of water at it's command."
[22:57] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Secondly, the fire crevasse." Clearing her throat a moment, "The book does the same for fire - it's the key to it. It contains 'great fire lore' according to this, and the power of fire flows into the golem and grands it mastery over it."
[22:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> *grants
[22:58] <Shamal> "So if I'm the master of the book, does that mean the golem doesn't get any fire powers?" Shamal asks to clarify.
[22:59] <Dungeon_Kotono> "I'm not sure," There's a light shrug there, "It doesn't go into much detail, beyond studying the book is excellent training for basic fire craft."
[22:59] * Demedais sits on one of the matresses, back against the wall. "Mmm. Good sleep." he murmurs as he watches the going-ons. "Oh. Lyselle, one more text - a short one." He pulls the handbook out of his pocket and puts it near Lyselle. "From the pictures, it seems to have a general lowdown on the area, including the star-shaped building."
[23:00] * Shamal casts comprehend languages and proceeds to look over the passages Lyselle mentioned pertaining to the water spirit. "Maybe we can convince Oolu to help us deal with the golem?" she surmises.
[23:00] <Dungeon_Kotono> Lyselle takes it, "Okay," she smiles and nods, starting to read it. "...hmm. It seems to be a guide for soldiers and their duties. The Tower of the Wilting Circle should not be entered unless you wish to attempt the trial. Stay well away from the Fire Crevasse, but the fountain is safe to stand by. Hmm..." So she keeps reading.
[23:00] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[23:01] <Seira> "We may as well visit the fountain, then, first."
[23:02] <Shamal> "Seems like he's bound to the fountain by some sort of pact. We'll see what we can find out from him, I suppose," Shamal nods, flipping through towards the passages relating to the fire book.
[23:02] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Mmm, yes, but there's more - I found out more about the golem in this book," Holding up the book about the Grand Conjunction Fortress, "It's named because the golem that guards the Fifth Resort pools those powers into itself, taking different aspects. Further, this setup makes for excellent defenses."
[23:03] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Spellcraft again, Sham-chan.
[23:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
[23:03] * Demedais gets out of bed and places his hands on Shamal's shoulders. "Helm, grant your servant in his humility the power to heal the wearing of time and power... Lesser Restoration." Demedais murmurs.
[23:04] <Demedais> roll 1d4
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[23:04] <Shamal> "Does it take power from the Pit Fiend as well?" Shamal asks distractedly as she reads, taking a moment to smile up at Demedais. "Oh, thank you - that feels nice," she murmurs warmly.
[23:04] <Dungeon_Kotono> "The Devil's Bindings, the Fire Crevasse, the Fountain, the Etherial Laboratory. The four places that channel power into the golem."
[23:05] * Demedais chuckles. "No problem."
[23:05] <Demedais> "Devil's Bindings? So the golem gets power from that fiend?" Demedais murmurs.
[23:06] <Demedais> "Also, what's that handbook say about that building?
[23:07] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Among othe rthings. It's also a gatekeeper of sorts," Lyselle shrugs. "It says that entry is forbidden save to those of the circles of magic and those who are blessed by the God King. Entry forfiets your life."
[23:07] <Shamal> "Looks like it," Shamal bites her lip. "How about we offer to free the devil in exchange for a wish, and then wish it goes to the Abyss and never leaves?" she suggests.
[23:08] <Seira> "We might as well wish for something useful, seeing as we'll die horribly as a result, more than likely."
[23:09] <Shamal> "Permanently getting rid of a devil seems plenty useful to me," Shamal returns. "Besides, it looks like we either risk the devil, or we face a golem that appears to have all the devil's power funneled into it."
[23:09] <Seira> "Then why not wish it takes the golem with it?"
[23:10] * Shamal shrugs. "Didn't want to be greedy, but I suppose that works."
[23:12] <Seira> "Let's be greedy." Seira shrugs. "Well, I didn't want to live forever, anyway."
[23:12] * Shamal puts the book of elemental magic aside. "There appears to be some ceremony that would allow me to form a pact with the book and gain power, but it requires expensive components. In the meantime I can easily break the pact between the book and the golem."
[23:13] <Seira> "How about we wait on that, and then hit him with it just as we approach? The loss of this power might take the golem by surprise as we strike."
[23:13] * Demedais bows his head, lost in thought. "It would seem to me that sealing this beast away in hell forever is our best bet. I'd rather it be dead, but I don't think the wish can kill the wishgranter, so."
[23:13] <Shamal> "That's what I was thinking," the blonde agrees. "Besides, we don't know that it won't come to investigate if it feels the pact break."
[23:14] <Demedais> "If it comes to investigate a loss of power, removing the pit fiend will trigger that, no?
[23:15] <Shamal> "Point," Shamal concedes.
[23:16] <Seira> "So, horrible pit fiends or fountains?"
[23:17] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Not much of a choice," Lyselle quips.
[23:17] <Demedais> "Fountain first." Demedais says. "Fiends later."
[23:17] * Seira leads the way!
[23:17] * Shamal also takes a moment to hand one of the magic missile wands over to Seira. "These appear to be standard wands of magic missile, so we should be able to use them easily enough, just like the lightning wand from upstairs. Might come in handy in a pinch."
[23:18] * Seira nods as she leads the way!
[23:18] * Demedais follows!
[23:19] <Dungeon_Kotono> The path to the fountain is one of marred steel and broken ways. The fire crevasse is silent, it's top crusted over with cooling rock. The fountain is gated in, a gate of purest gold. Water gushes from it as the party approaches, cool mist soothing them. A plaque rests at the fountain's front. The water smells good, fresh, clean and clear.
[23:20] * Seira looks at the plaque.
[23:20] * Shamal reads the plaque, having nearly fifty minutes of foreign language comprehension left!
[23:21] <Dungeon_Kotono> The words are in gnomish, which stops Seira but does not stop Shamal. Written here is, "Rest your weary minds in the pure waters of the underworld, untouched by the chaotic hand of the overworld."
[23:21] * Shamal dutifully translates, before attempting to open the gate.
[23:22] <Dungeon_Kotono> The gate opens easily, as it's not locked.
[23:22] * Seira steps inside, looking around.
[23:23] * Demedais slowly follows, a bit nervous due to the translation.
[23:23] <Shamal> Heading inside, Shamal stops just in front of the fountain before calling out in the burbling tongue of Aquan, "12Hello?1"
[23:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> There are a few benches about, the fountain serene. Seira doesn't see anything that looks dangerous.
[23:24] <Dungeon_Kotono> There'sa  moment of pause, before the water of the fountain starts to burble. Coming up to the lip, you see a column of water rise up. 12Humans?" It asks in the liquid tongue of water. "My, my. I had always expected a surly gnome to be the one to come back here."
[23:25] * Seira waves at the column of water. "Hi. Any chance you speak a language we all understand?"
[23:25] <Demedais> Demedais' eyes widen as he watches the column of water with interest.
[23:25] <Shamal> "I'll remember that line if we ever visit elfland," Shamal mutters under her breath.
[23:26] <Seira> "I certainly practice what I preach," Seira is happy to supply, elfin ears catching that.
[23:26] <Dungeon_Kotono> As Seira speaks, the column of water gently rises out, extending. It swirls around Seira, playfully splasing her. 12"Elf blood? I love elves! I haven't seen one in sooo long!" It continues to speak in Aquan, "Such a cute little half elf..." it purrs, voice decidely male.
[23:27] * Shamal winces. "I think he likes you, Seira," she informs the other girl. "Um... 12Oolu, how long has it been since you've seen... well, anyone?1"
[23:28] * Demedais continues to eye the water. "It seems to like you, Seira." he chuckles.
[23:28] <Seira> "I am very likeable," she acknowledges.

[Corwin]

[20:09] <Kotono> 12Oooooh. Time, time, time. That's all most of you beings are worried about! Time this, time that. No time to sit down and enjoy the flow of water! But...it has been a long time. It's been so long that I miss surly gnomes coming here after studying their precious fire book next door."
[20:09] <Kotono> Oolu swirls around Seira, a hand forming of water to pat her cheek, before the spirit's water flows back into the fountain. It seems to shift, forming as words come, amorphous.
[20:10] <Shamal> "12Well, about that, can you tell us anything about the Pact and how you're connected to the Grand Conjunction Golem?1" Shamal tries.
[20:10] * Demedais just watches the water with interest.
[20:11] <Kotono> As Shamal speaks, it's body shifts. It forms into the body of a man - a blue skinned elf with beautiful green hair, sitting atop the water as if it was solid. He leans forward, grinning and with eyes of flowing blue water. "12Oh, yes, that. That...hassle. This fountain contributes it's mana and magic to be one of the segments of the Grand Conjunction Golem. As long as it functions, the golem will have a form of water to call on, commanding i
[20:11] <Kotono> It's words slow as it speaks that, a frown crossing it's face.
[20:12] <Kotono> commanding it's full power."
[20:13] <Shamal> "12Hassle? So can I take it you do not approve of this arrangement?1" Shamal asks hopefully.
[20:14] <Kotono> 12"Approve?! I was kidnapped into this! Oh, I defeated the first one that summoned me, but...bleh. What can you do against a God? Not very much. Oh well. The gems of magic at the bottom of this fountain bind me and help supply me power. The problem is that I'm bound to it. If you destroy the fountain the break the pact, well, I die. I'm not fond of that idea.""
[20:15] <Kotono> Oolu stands up, stretching. Water drips from it, forming a sheath around his body, obscuring it like armor.
[20:15] <Shamal> "12Is there no way to unsummon you?1" Shamal asks, not really wanting another fight with an elemental. Especially one that actually seems reasonable.
[20:16] <Kotono> The water spirit smiles wistfully, sitting back down. 12If there was, I'd have tried it. But the gnomes are nothing but little bastards.  My life is the enchantment, the enchantment is my life. Even if I'm a slave, I have no choice but to protect my own prison. Oh well..."
[20:18] <Shamal> "12There must be some way... we want to weaken the golem, but can't kill you to do it,1" Shamal shakes her head, before relaying the conversation to her companions. "Let me see if this book on elemental magic says anything about it," she goes on, taking said book out and looking for anything relevant to the water pact.
[20:19] <Kotono> As Shamal reads, the spirit steps tot he edge of the fountain. It reaches a hand out, and in slow Elven, "Could you tell me something, elf child?" The water spirit inquires, curious.
[20:20] <Seira> "What happens to him if we manage to destroy the golem anyway without dealing with the bindings first?" Seira asks Shamal, before she startles at the elemental's words. "So you can speak a language I understand!" she says happily in elven. "Yes, what is it?"
[20:21] <Kotono> "Barely. How are the sea elves? Do you know?" It asks, voice tinged with nothing but worry. "Did they survive the war well?"
[20:21] * Demedais catches Lyselle's glance, shrugs at her and sits down.
[20:21] <Kotono> Lyselle stands back and continues to watch, quiet.
[20:22] <Seira> "Oh yes," she tells him, nodding. "We met one, and she told us that more survived... they keep pretty much to themselves, though, enough that we didn't know of their existence before that meeting. Was it different before?"
[20:23] <Shamal> "Lyselle, did any of the other books mention an etherial laboratory?" Shamal asks, the term sounding familiar.
[20:23] <Kotono> There is a grin from ear to ear on it's face, "Thank you, Gods. They were invovled in that horrible business of the underwater seal, tricked by the God King. One of the five valves connecting to this throne and castle."
[20:24] <Kotono> "Yes, the book of the Grand Conjunction mentions it as one of the places where the Golem draws power from," Lyselle reports back, crisp.
[20:24] <Kotono> *to his
[20:24] <Seira> "Can you tell me more about them, and about the seal?"
[20:25] * Dracos is now known as Kirby
[20:25] <Shamal> "We should check that out, then - this book refers to the laboratory and mentions soul transmigration and reincarnation - the gist seems to be that we could have our friend here reincarnate back in the elemental plane of water if I'm reading this right."
[20:25] * Kirby is now known as Dracos
[20:25] <Kotono> "Hm? I suppose you...hmmm." Oolu sits down, huffing in and out, making bubbles pass through it's body. "The God King tricked them early in the water - despite the efforts of the elven house, they were neutral. He traded them to aid in construction of one of the seals in exchange for...well...it's av ery long story." Sighing sadly, "I don't know the end, either. I'm rather out of the loop you see."
[20:26] <Kotono> *early in the war
[20:27] <Seira> "The end involved Helm and much fire," Seira informs him. "Could you tell me anything to help me get them to open up to the world again? It would be nice to establish ties with them, perhaps even trade."
[20:29] <Kotono> "I don't know..." Shaking his watery head, but he pauses at the word 'Helm'. Oolu scowls a bit, "Oh, that old...bleh." Hands on his hips, he looks away. "Wait, aren't they still trading on the seashores? Don't the elves still keep in contact?"
[20:30] <Seira> "Like I said, we thought them all a myth, and the humans have not heard of them at all, despite living right next door, in a sense."
[20:32] <Kotono> "Oh, where do you live? Near the Gnome's Bay?" Cocking his head back, "Hmm? Well, I don't know...but...hm." Oolu stands and starts to pace, "You catch me at a loss, I'm not used to this yet. I barely remember the words to speak Elven, too. So distressing - the sea elves are wonderful! Have you ever seen their jewelry? Their magical brine potions? The embrace of the sea? Any of that?"
[20:33] * Demedais idly perks up at hearing the name of his God being mentioned.
[20:33] <Seira> "They are really wary of those who live on land. If I were to simply show up without proper knowledge, uninvited, it might end badly. That is why I wanted to know more of them and their customs...."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Show up uninvited? Are you kidding? They love when a land dweller learns how to visit them and breath underwater! You're making them sound like snooty land elves that thinkt hey're inviolate! No offense meant, of course," Oolu hastily corrects. "Have things changed that much?"
[20:35] <Kotono> The water elemental hums a moment, gesturing. "Oh yes, yes. Sit down if you will." 12"Sit down?"
[20:35] <Seira> "Not with the snooty land elves," she tells him with a shrug.
[20:36] * Shamal looks up at Oolu and blinks, but puts her book away and goes to sit on the edge of the fountain. "He's asking us to sit down," she tells Lyselle and Demedais.
[20:36] * Dracos (~Hate@adsl-69-106-251-255.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has left #dunes (Leaving)
[20:37] <Kotono> "Oh well. I can't blame them - the God King hated the elves." Pacing back and forth, "Let me tell you, that wasn't a good thing. But..." Stopping a moment, "I can still smell the heat on your bodies. You went in the fire crevasse recently and was the case of all the noise?"
[20:38] <Kotono> Lyselle shrugs and goes to sit next to Shamal. "Curious." she murmurs.
[20:39] * Seira nods, and takes to summarizing the gist of things for the others as needed.
[20:40] <Shamal> "12Yes, we recovered the book of the pact from there - sadly your fiery compatriots were less talkative. I'm surprised you didn't notice,1" she tells Oolu.
[20:41] <Kotono> "Well, I have a treatment to help protect you against heat." Nodding as he reaches out and rests ahand on Shamal's shoulder and then Lyselle's, 12"If you're going to deal with heat again soon, I have a treatment. It was used by lesser mages to help protect them when they went down into the crevasse, without wasting spells to do so-Oh, I did, but that heat was just dreadful. I was hoping one of you would come over here when it happened, but b
[20:41] <Kotono> but better late than never!"
[20:43] <Shamal> "12Thank you, anyway,1" Shamal smiles. "He just gave us a protection against heat," she tells Lyselle. "12Wish I'd thought to come here first - it was dreadful down there. But considering the gnomes I'd been half afraid this fountain was full of acid.1"
[20:44] <Kotono> 12Hahahahahaha. That would fit. Nasty little things, aren't they? Oh, the stories I can tell."
[20:45] <Kotono> Oolu sighs once more, and then in Elven, "Now then...you aren't gnomes and you aren't nasty. Is there anything I can do to help you, as long as you keep your hands off my fountain?"
[20:45] <Seira> "Yes! You mentioned seals, plural. We have only heard of one. Please tell us more!"
[20:47] <Kotono> "Ooooh." A nod as he sits back down, crossing his arms. "The God King's Palace. It's to the east of here, I think, near the bay. It's protected by five seals as a defense, and only can be opened by five related keys to his power. One of them's here - does the word Resort mean anything to you? There's a water entrance to the path to there and a seal, it's what got the sea elves into trouble."
[20:48] <Seira> "How did this get them in trouble?" Seira asks, taking the short detour in case the information proves important.
[20:49] <Kotono> "Oh well, in the war, the elves viewed it in a very bad light. The land elves, that is. Some of them thought it was treason against nature." Shaking her head, "Sure, the sea elves recanted, but some of the damage was done, even in trickery."
[20:50] <Kotono> *his
[20:50] * Seira nods, frowning. But that's all in the past, and the future-- "We do know of the Resorts," she tells the elemental. "It is the reason we are here. Do you know where the resting places for the others are?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "As of 2,000 years ago? The Third is in the far reaches, where water turns to ice. The second, the sword, is to the southeast. The Final Resort..." Smiling, a bit unhappily, "Never leaves the God King's side."
[20:52] <Seira> "Aren't the Resorts keys?" she asks, confused. "If the fifth is in the same place we are to enter, how do we open the door to the palace?"
[20:52] <Demedais> "So, wait." Demedais says after Seira finishes translating. "We can't get in to defeat the God King because he has the final key? He locked himself in?"
[20:53] <Seira> "I'm asking that!" she tells him cheerfully.
[20:53] <Kotono> "No, no. You don't understand," Shaking his head, "That's not the fifth...where did you get that idea?" Peering, "The Final Resort is the name for the Sixth and Final Resort. It's the Crown of Divinity."
[20:54] <Demedais> "Kay."
[20:54] <Shamal> "Uh, defeat? The Gods already defeated him - I thought the idea was to keep him from coming back, and he needs all the resorts to come back," Shamal chimes in.
[20:55] <Seira> "How _would_ the God-King attempt to return after being vanquished by Helm? Any ideas?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "I don't know." Oolu shrugs, shoulders flowing like a stream's course diverted. "I heard much in my times, but not so much about that. If anyone or any place here would know, General Zirgu's offices would be where to research that. He was the last General-Commander here."
[20:58] <Seira> "Have we come across them?" Seira asks the others.
[20:58] <Shamal> "I've not seen any office since we got here. Probably in that big citadel," Shamal gestures over at the fortress to the east.
[20:59] * Seira asks the elemental just to be on the safe side.
[20:59] <Kotono> "Second floor of the Citadel." Oolu speaks, following Shamal's gesture with his eyes. "Underground's the Etherial Laboratory, and straight ahead past the doors is where the REsort and Golem should be."
[21:00] <Demedais> "Bloody. So we have to pass the Golem to get to where we can free Sir Oouluo here?" Demedais asks, trying to pronounce the water elemental's name.
[21:00] <Seira> "Thank you, already we are far more equipped to deal with our problems," Seira tells Oolu, smiling at him. "Can I ask you about the seals again? Particularly, the water seal near the coast?"
[21:01] <Shamal> "There are probably other doors that don't lead to the Resort and Golem," Shamal surmises. "We'll find out when we get there."
[21:01] <Demedais> "Fair enough."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Oh yes, that one." Oolu nods agreeably. His head turns towards Demedais, a small splash of water. "O o l u..." he drawls out, and then in Elven, "Could you correct your human friend on that?"
[21:01] <Demedais> "O-ou-lue." Demedais tries to mimic the sound.
[21:02] * Seira assures him of that, and corrects Demedais before continuing smoothly. "There are ruins nearby, on land, which we believe to be the palace. We had some reason to suspect they house the last Resort. But you said the entrance was underwater, which confused me."
[21:03] <Kotono> "That's one of the seals - I'm not sure exactly how it plays in, but I do know if it's opened, it's a great gateway for water." Oolu so speaks, grinning at Demedais. "I would imagine it means it's part of the defenses."
[21:04] <Seira> "Should we strive to open it before venturing into the nearby land-based ruins, then?"
[21:04] * Demedais smiles back, chuckling a bit.
[21:05] <Kotono> "If you could open it from the front...it may help." Oolu considers, "But I do know the God King worked on his own Palace, so..." Grinning, but very thinly, "Go loaded for bear. Speaking of...you have the Book of Fire? Do you know how to use it?"
[21:06] <Shamal> "12The book says I'm its master, but I haven't studied it in detail as yet,1" Shamal confirms after Seira translates the question.
[21:07] <Kotono> Turning to Shamal, "I heard them talking about it all the time. The second half of the book is loaded with fire spells. If you've spoken the command words, those spells should be simple for you to learn."
[21:07] <Kotono> Turning to Shamal, "12I heard them talking about it all the time. The second half of the book is loaded with fire spells. If you've spoken the command words, those spells should be simple for you to learn."
[21:08] <Kotono> Pausing and switching back to Elven a moment, "That book is full of magical offense. Something you will surely want if you venture into there."
[21:08] <Shamal> "12I hope so - I am not an especially powerful spellcaster, so I fear much of it may be too advanced for me,1" the blonde admits. "12Still, I hope to have time to learn before we brave the palace.1"
[21:08] * Seira nods. "I prefer a more subtle approach, whenever possible, but support is always good."
[21:10] <Kotono> 12Oh, that's the beauty of it. Anything you're capable of, you'll be able to learn from that book without trying. Acolytes would come up with half a spellbook of fire spells after studying it."
[21:11] <Seira> "Would you know where the other four seals are? Or where the first and fifth Resorts might be?" Seira asks him curiously.
[21:11] <Shamal> "My..." Shamal breathes in surprise, lapsing into common. "I'll certainly have to study it in detail when I have the time," she affirms. "12Thank you. I hope it will be as easy as you say.1"
[21:12] <Kotono> "In the defenses. If you go in, I'm sure you'd find them. Otherwise, it wouldn't be much of a defense. As for the Resorts..." Oolu thinks...
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[21:12] <Kotono> "Sorry," she concludes after long moments.
[21:12] <Kotono> *he
[21:13] <Kotono> 12"The book does all the work. It shouldn'te ven cost you supplies."
[21:13] <Seira> "Pointing us in the right direction research-wise would also work," Seira proposes. "This place has a library... if we knew which book to look for...."
[21:14] * Demedais eyes Seira.
[21:14] * Seira doesn't notice Demedais eyeing her, as her attention is on the elemental!
[21:14] <Demedais> "Before dealing with the library, we should probably handle the enchantment on it." Demedais notes, rather loudly.
[21:15] <Shamal> "I say we check out the Etherial Laboratory first - it could help us free Oolu," Shamal puts in her vote. "Plus an etherial golem would be no fun to fight, so we need to deal with it anyway."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Which library?" Oolu asks, frowning. "There's a few, but some of them have problems."
[21:16] * Seira mentions the library-like building they had been too, before adding, "If you know of any others, it would be helpful. Perhaps a private library of the general-commander. And which problems?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "The one in the dome with the night sky...it has great information. Acolytes and interested parties would spent a week there reading. They'd gain great wisdom, but..." Oolu shivers, body rippling, "It's the wisdom of hopelessness in the face of the God King. Partake of it with caution. There are books atop the Tower of the Withering Circle...the book of fire you have...and I know the General's offices would have books.""
[21:18] * Demedais stretches his arm behind his back. "Once you have the chance to ask him, Seira, mind inquiring if he knows anything about the pit fiend they've got sealed up?
[21:19] * Seira ponders the question for a moment, before inquiring!
[21:20] <Kotono> "...that...thing. Ugh." Oolu shivers, "I saw it as it was dragged in magical chains to it's prison. It was the second most fearful thing I've ever seen. It was defeated twice over - not only did the God King crush it, but a recently stolen human weapon designed to be used against the devils the gnomes liked to summon was also employed. A weapon of pure chaos."
[21:21] * Demedais frowns deeply. "Pure chaos? How's that work? Furthermore, where is it? I have an itching in my palms now...
[21:22] <Kotono> "The Warhammer of The Shard. It's probably still in the same building as the Pit Fiend. I heard that it strips away the defenses of any devil, rending their powers unto chaos."
[21:23] <Seira> "That sounds very nasty, we should have it along as we bargain," Seira comments.
[21:23] <Shamal> "Hurray for human ingenuity?" Shamal smiles. "A little Chaos is good now and then, I think."
[21:23] <Demedais> "So that's what I felt in there." Demedais notes.
[21:23] * Demedais eyes Shamal vaguely.
[21:24] * Shamal smiles at Demedais.
[21:24] <Shamal> "All things must have balance, sir Paladin."
[21:24] <Kotono> "Just be careful...I'd hate to never see you again, after so long," Oolu warns, his hands on his hips.
[21:25] <Seira> "What happens to you or the devil if the golem is destroyed?" Seira asks, her voice serious all of a sudden.
[21:26] * Demedais nods. "I'm well aware, but a weapon of pure Chaos does not speak well of much anything."
[21:27] <Shamal> "No more than a weapon of pure Good or pure Law?" the druid asks.
[21:27] <Kotono> "It weakens." A thin smile there at those words, "THe less it has to draw on, the less potent it is."
[21:28] <Seira> "To be fair, it's hard to find fault in a weapon of pure Good," Seira interjects, before telling the elemental, "No, I meant what would the results be if we bypassed the devil and destroyed the golem outright. Would it free it in return?"
[21:28] <Kotono> "Oh...I...don't know." Oolu starts and thinks, "Would we send energy to a shattered pile of glass? That's a good question."
[21:29] <Seira> "It could be a way of freeing you, but if it also frees the devil, that is another thing entirely. You understand, don't you? We couldn't possibly face it after a battle with the golem."
[21:30] <Demedais> "A weapon of pure Law, I feel, would have far more potential to be used well. There would be those that misuse it, sure, but I feel that it would be far easier to use fairly than a weapon of pure Chaos." Demedais explains.
[21:31] <Kotono> "I know, I know." Smiling at that, understanding, "I don't want that think running around, either."
[21:31] <Kotono> Pausing as it thinks, "Are you going to try and banish it back?"
[21:31] <Demedais> "We'd like to." Demedais nods. "Killing it would be nice, but I doubt we can pull that off."
[21:32] <Seira> "The best solution might be a recoinnessance and a strategic retreat, unless we get a few breakthroughs on some fronts. Hmm?" Seira glances at Demedais. "I do wonder whether we could Wish it away forever. As far as I know, that's not exactly how that spell is supposed to work, even under the best of conditions...."
[21:33] <Demedais> "Mmm? That Wish can't do it? Well, then, what in hell's it good for? Literally."
[21:33] <Seira> "Magic has certain rules, it's not a panacea for every ill," Seira chides him.
[21:34] <Shamal> "It's generally so the Devil can tempt weak willed mortals with their heart's desire and then pervert it horribly," Shamal nods sagely.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Do you know the Word of command for the portal?" Oolu asks, "If you do, you may be able to return it?"
[21:34] <Seira> "What would stop it from returning, perhaps using that same Wish?"
[21:34] <Demedais> "Well aware, but one would think a wish would be, ah, rather unlimited, you know?"
[21:35] <Seira> "Frame it in the following terms, Demedais. Would you be able to Wish Helm dead?"
[21:35] <Demedais> :...a Pit Devil isn't a God."
[21:35] <Demedais> "But I begin to see your point."
[21:36] <Shamal> "12We don't know the command word, do you know where it might be found?1" Shamal asks the elemental.
[21:37] <Kotono> 12Here. The gnomes...with lots of time to listen, you learn things. The General-Commander Zirgu once met here with another and mentioned it. Baat'zoor is it, but...you also have to know how to frame your requests."
[21:38] * Shamal relays this to the others.
[21:39] <Seira> "Would you know of the fiend's name?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "It was always called The Pit fiend or the devil." Shrugging at those words, "It was very distinctive. I..."
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[21:41] <Kotono> "Oh, now I remember! Zquujaj." He stumbles over that word, "It's an inpronouncable mess to us.":
[21:41] <Seira> "So we get to insult it as we bargain," Seira muses. "Not bad. Thanks!"
[21:45] * Demedais considers. "We'll try and figure out a way to release you, Oolu." Demedais bows, taking care to try and pronounce the name correctly.
[21:45] <Seira> "We'll visit again, that's for certain," Seira assures him.
[21:46] <Kotono> Oolu smiles, "You aren't bad people. If...the worst happened, there are gems at the bottom of this pool. At least make sure the magic doesn't sit here for some greedy gnomes to come back and use again, alright? If you break and swallow the gem shards, you'll gain magic."
[21:46] <Seira> "We'll find a way to have our cake and eat it, too! Don't give up just yet."
[21:46] * Demedais shakes his head. "We'll figure out some way, as Seira said. No matter what, though, you have our thanks."
[21:47] <Kotono> "Thank you," Smiling to this, "Good luck!"
[21:47] * Shamal nods. "12I think a solution may be found in the Etherial Laboratory. We'll let you know."
[21:49] <Seira> "I think we should focus on finding the weapon of devil-bargaining, now."
[21:49] <Kotono> Oolu waves once more, 12 Be well!"
[21:49] <Shamal> "If that's your preference," Shamal nods agreeably, giving Oolu a wave as they depart.
[21:50] <Demedais> "It's in that room we didn't go into, I'm sure." Demedais responds.
[21:50] <Seira> "I want to taunt a pit fiend, this is a lifetime opportunity, even for elves," Seira responds, merrily walking towards said room.
[21:51] <Demedais> "I want to ensure it never hurts anyone, myself." Demedais grumbles.
[21:51] <Shamal> "Please don't," Shamal sighs, "If it ever does get free it'll be sure to seek revenge."
[21:51] <Kotono> So the part returns to the building shaped like a pentagram. The door inside is still closed, barred against entry for now. Just inside, you know a vile Pit Fiend awaits...
[21:52] <Seira> "I think it's in its nature to seek revenge on the forces of good," Seira responds.
[21:52] <Shamal> "It wouldn't be revenge unless we did something to inspire such, otherwise that's just plain being evil. There's a difference," Shamal lectures, reaching down to pat Laika, "Stay here, girl."
[21:53] <Seira> "I think walking out on it the first time earned us a special place in its heart," Seira says dryly, and enters.
[21:53] <Demedais> "Probably." Demedais comments as he follows.
[21:53] * Shamal steels herself and joins the group heading in.
[21:54] <Kotono> So the party enters! The demon is standing there, struggling against the barrier. It's flaming eyes are opened, the heat sucked out of the room as it watches you! 4MORTALS! FREE ME! GIVE ME FREEDOM!"
[21:54] <Seira> It is a very fearsome sight, but Seira is ready for it, instead turning towards Demedais. "Where was that concentration of chaos, you said?"
[21:54] <Kotono> It reaches out, sparks flying as it fails to reach past the pillars. It screams and struggles, voice like a deafening torrent! It's wings thrash in vain, countless barehanded blows agaisnt an invisible force!
[21:55] * Demedais reaches out with Detect Chaos again to confirm. "I believe it was in the northwest corner."
[21:55] * Seira nods, and motions for him to follow, staying away from the devil and any wards in the room.
[21:55] * Demedais nods, and follows Seira. "Yeah, it's back there."
[21:56] * Shamal winces at the commotion, looking around... there's a door for each of the star points, right? "Remember, don't touch any of the wards no matter what," she cautions.
[21:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 obligatory traps along the way check
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 obligatory traps along the way check and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
[21:56] <Kotono> The slamming against the barrier is like an explosion of decibels each time, making your ears ache. "Mortals! Listen! I will grant your ever desire! Everything!" It's face screams as it bites against the field, yet it doesn't even get an inch past.
[21:56] <Kotono> Seira finds no traps.
[21:57] <Shamal> "You can start by being quiet?" Shamal asks, perhaps a tad more snappish than she'd intended.
[21:57] * Seira comes close to the indicated place, and glances at Demedais again. "And now?"
[21:57] <Demedais> "Definitely in there." Demedais nods.
[21:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 door traps, can I roll two ones in a row?
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 door traps, can I roll two ones in a row? and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[21:58] <Kotono> Seira doesn't find any traps on the door. "You aaaaaaargh!" Thrashing, "Torment me with that damned weapon again and I will flay the flesh from you forever!"
[21:58] * Seira opens the door, saying, "I think it's safe."
[21:59] <Kotono> The door opens! Inside is an altar of oynx, where it sits. It is a warhammer, with cloth bands around it's haft. It sits on it's side, flat end to you. In the very center, about an inch circle is not steel, but a swirling mass of matter, changing and shifting eternally.
[22:00] * Seira looks at Demedais again, longer this time. "You probably should stay some distance away from it," she comments, and steps up to the altar, resting her right palm against the warhammer's haft.
[22:01] <Shamal> "We don't mean to torment you, Zquuujaj," Shamal tries to placate the arch-fiend, "Please calm yourself."
[22:01] <Kotono> Seira touches it. She feels a little dizzy, but nothing bad happens. Lyselle glances back at the demon, but keeps her calm.
[22:01] * Seira tries to pick it up, testing its weight.
[22:02] * Demedais nods and steps back into the main room. "I like that hammer about as much as you do, Zquujaj." Demedais notes with a bit of humor.
[22:02] <Kotono> "Aaaargh! You trample over the name of a Demon King!" Screaming, "The legions of lemures will eat your feet! Aaaaargh!" Thrashing wildly, incoherently screaming, the devil continues it's fury.
[22:02] <Kotono> Seira is able to pick it up. It's a bit heavy, but she can hold it.
[22:03] * Seira walks back into the main room, staying clear of the wards and Demedais alike. "So," she says at length, her tone conversational. "I heard this thing kicked your ass before."
[22:03] * Shamal sighs, deciding to let Seira get on with the taunting.
[22:04] * Demedais leans back against the wall.
[22:05] <Kotono> THUMP! The devil slams it's entire massive body against the pillars, but they don't even budge. "DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIE!" Back and forth it slams, struggling in vain! "That weapon will be melted in the victory pyre set in the belly of a captured Balor! The curse of all our rage will consume you!"
[22:05] <Seira> "Yeah, yeah. Do you even _know_ how much you've been a prisoner here?"
[22:06] * Seira feels very happy to address the pit fiend in such a manner, liberated from her usual restraints.
[22:06] <Kotono> "Free me! I don't care, free me!" Screaming and thrashing as it slowly is forced to kneel, the pillars briefly glowing, "There will always be time, and my kingdom will be rebuilt!"
[22:06] * Merc (~kazaana@host-206-54-214-185.entouch.net) has left #dunes
[22:06] <Seira> "Okay, then! I see we are skipping the pesky MORTALS DIE stage and straight into our exciting bargaining!" Seira giggles, feeling gleeful.
[22:07] <Demedais> "Note to self: never get in the way of a mischevious half-elf who holds the cards." Demedais murmurs.
[22:08] <Kotono> The Pit Fiend lashes out, claws capable of ending a dozen lives in one stroke held back! "Wealth? Power? Magic? Ability? Kingdoms? Rulership? I'll give you anything!" Head bowed as it is pinned down without mercy, "Free me!"
[22:08] <Seira> "I would wish for your death if it was possible...." Seira taps her lower lip thoughtfully. "Is it?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "You mock me?!" The devil continues it's rampage, fire springing upt around it, thrown at Seira only to dissipate at the pillar's boundary.
[22:09] <Shamal> "I think that's a no," Shamal puts in, arms crossed as she leans against the exterior doorframe.
[22:09] <Seira> "Right, sorry." She waves his concerns away. "See, I actually intend on making a deal with you, so stop the theatrics. You're smart, right? Not all beast-like?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "Urgh...." The devil breathes in and out, shaking an entire galaxy with every breath. "...what is your deal?"
[22:11] <Seira> "First my friends need to be reassured that we can all get along," she tells it happily. "That is a rather hard illusion to maintain amidst all the violence. Then, we need to establish supply and demand. You have the demand, we hold the supply. I think that's how it works. And freedom comes very costly." She tilts her head. "Are we agreeing on the basic facts of the matter?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "Just..." Groaninga s it seemst o resist bringing it's claws up again, "GEt...on...with it..."
[22:12] * Demedais eyes the devil. "What, are you weak to even the presence of that hammer?" Demedais inquires, an amused tone in his voice.
[22:13] <Seira> "Excellent!" Seira would have clapped if it didn't result in toes smashed beyond all recognition. "First, we want to know more about this place, and the so-called God-King."
[22:14] <Kotono> At that last word and name, the devil screams! You feel the floor shake, an earthquake rattling you! The entire cavern seems to quake, as your ears are deafened by the sound of an endless scream! "IWILLCASTHIMINTOTHEGREATESTPITOFFIRE! HEWHOBOUNDMEINTOTHISENDLESSPITWILLSUFFER!"
[22:15] <Demedais> "...well, then, it sounds like we're of a similar mind. How incredibly... awkward." Demedais comments after the ringing in his ears dies down.
[22:15] <Seira> "See?" Seira tells the others, smiling at them. "We share several ideas! Why, this is the beginning of a beautiful-- well, not friendship, I suppose, but something!"
[22:15] <Shamal> "Imagine, being surrounded by things like this for eternity. No wonder they call it Hell..." Shamal grimaces. "Let's just get on with it, shall we?"
[22:16] <Demedais> "Indeed, Shamal."
[22:16] * Seira nods at Shamal. "So tell us what you know about him, his strengths, his weaknesses, his minions and weapons and magics."
[22:17] <Kotono> The next severalm oments pass in the devil screaming incoherently, before at least relenting. It's eyes burn like hellfire as it stares at Seira. "He is...divine. An accursed God. He commands the true seeds of magic. His minions are nothing to him. As long as he wears his Crown..."
[22:17] <Seira> "Was he born divine, or did he achieve it with a feat of magic?"
[22:18] <Kotono> "He is...divine." The demon begins to howl, "He is divinity in mortal flesh! None other could tame me!" Slam, slam, slam go his claws, all in vain. "A mortal with infinite power!"
[22:19] <Seira> "That's not really answering my question," she says, frowning.
[22:21] <Kotono> "He is a mortal who is a God!" Screaming as he continues to struggle, "A demi god!"
[22:21] <Seira> "Okay. This subject clearly upsets you, so we'll move on," Seira decides. "Tell us about the Resorts."
[22:23] <Kotono> "I know...little..." Huffing in and out, "The first...the bow...penetrates anything like a ghost's touch..."
[22:23] <Seira> "We are interested in the locations of the Resorts," Seira clarifies.
[22:24] <Kotono> "Hah..hah...hahhahaha..." Struggling yet once more, "Wish for it..make a pact, and the information...will be yours..."
[22:24] <Seira> "Okay, he doesn't know anything. Let's go." Seira turns around and begins walking towards the exit, literally skipping along the way.
[22:25] <Demedais> "Hah..hah...hahhahaha no." Demedais comments drily as he follows Seira.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Aaaargh! Waaait!" Screaming once more, in desperation, "Waaaaait!"
[22:25] <Shamal> "Gladly," Shamal says, the first one out the door.
[22:25] * Seira puts her hand to her ear, tilting her head slightly. "Do I hear the information I seek?"
[22:26] <Kotono> "I don't know, but a wish can tell you! A wish I can grant!" Screaming in desperation, "I know this magic will do it!
[22:26] <Kotono> "
[22:27] <Seira> "I see." Seira is struggling to remain serious and keep her smile on the inside where it belongs. She half-turns back towards the fiend. "If you were to be released, what will you do?"
[22:28] <Kotono> "Release me back to my realm! I care not for this accursed realm!" Eyeing Seira with pure hatred and desire, "Havet his realm for all I care! Leave to the gnomes and whomever else covets it!"
[22:29] <Demedais> "Would you promise to never come back here?" Demedais inquires. "Never to meddle in the affairs of this realm, directly or indirectly?"
[22:29] <Seira> "How will you leave?" she asks, sounding truly curious. "In fact, how were you brought here in the first place?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "Heh...heh...breakt he seal...break the circle..." Starting to writhe again, wincing, "I will vow it on whatever terms you wish!"
[22:51] * Seira chews on her lower lip. "The terms of the Pact are very simple. You will leave to your realm of origin, which cannot be this realm under any circumstances, and never to leave said realm during your life, natural or unnatural, through reincarnations or any other such methods.
[22:52] <Seira> "This aforementioned departure is to take place a second after you use a Wish I will detail below exactly as I specify it. You may not harm anyone on this realm either directly or indirectly, through action or words; this condition you swear to is absolute and unbreakable. You may not send anyone to this realm before or after your departure, and will actively use anything within your power that does not harm this realm or anyone within it
[22:52] <Seira>  to stop those from your realm would would try to come here. You will not approach us to make use of your aura and Wish is the only ability and power, natural, magical, mystical or supernatural you may use on us, according to the terms specified here."
[22:52] * Seira pauses, before heading into the next part. "The Wish in question would increase our natural abilities effectively, building upon what your hated enemy, the God-King Daa-vid had placed upon us; it will not change our nature. In the case that the Wish is the only thing capable of taking you back to your realm of origin, it will do that before all else."
[22:52] * Seira finishes the offer with, "Our side is very simple -- we give you your freedom of this entrapment, allowing you to fulfil your part of the bargain."
[22:53] * Seira now awaits the pit fiend's answer!
[22:53] <Kotono> "So be it..." The Devil perks up, straining against it's barriers. "If that is what you wish, so be it."
[22:54] <Seira> "You'll really be a laughing stock of what you call home if you break the contract," Seira informs it cheerfully. "But hey, worst thing that happens to me is that you defy your nature and try to kill me. I'll go to Heaven. I hear it's nice there." She turns to smile at the others. "So, ready to do this thing?"
[22:55] * Shamal nods grimly. "Disupting the pattern of wards around it will release it with no side-effects... as if the primary effect wasn't enough."
[22:56] <Kotono> "Hurry..." the devil growls, struggling against it's wards. "Hurry!"
[22:57] * Demedais considers. "If it has to be done, we may as well do it." Demedais says. "As much as it feels like we're working together with him, getting him to shut up and stay in his own plane obliges my oaths well enough, I think..."
[22:58] <Seira> "Have a safe journey!" Seira tells the pit fiend, as she swings the hammer to disrupt the pattern of the wards directly in front of her, while she stands bravely to greet what is quite likely to be her doom!
[23:00] <Kotono> The flare of light is brilliant! Red and swirling black meet as the hammer ruins the ward! The entire pattern bursts into flames, gushing! In a splits econd it is revealed witha  triumphant laugh! The ceiling falls away as the Pit Fiend looms over you! Hundreds of feet tall, cowering you! "At last!" As it speaks in triumph, an image of red skies and plains appears just behind it, "FREEDOM! Your wish is granted, mortals..." With a soft suction
[23:00] <Kotono>  With a soft suction sound it fades into the portal, vanishing!
[23:00] * Shamal blinks as the devil vanishes. "Well... that was remarkably painless," she can't help but note.
[23:01] <Demedais> "I'm still waiting to get mauled." Demedais notes.
[23:01] <Seira> "Let's deal with the book, now," Seira suggests before all else. "The golem must've felt that, if it has the defensive mechanisms in place...."
[23:01] <Kotono> The ward is gone, an ominious silence falling over the building...
[23:02] * Demedais inhales... then exhales. "Yes. Let's do something that doesn't involve devilish bitching."
[23:02] <Shamal> "How about searching the rest of this building first? There are four more doors we haven't looked behind," Shamal points out, feeling a little bit dazed by the whole thing.
[23:03] * Seira is still giddy, and now that the threat of horrible, immediate death is gone for now, practically oozing it. "Gods, heretic demi-gods and devils. As long as it's for a good cause...."
[23:03] * Demedais eyes Seira.
[23:05] <Demedais> "Give me a moment. You two check the rooms, I'll keep an eye out outside for the golem. Okay?"
[23:05] * Seira stares blissfully back at Demedais, eyelids half-lidded.
[23:05] <Shamal> "Laika will help you with that, I suppose," Shamal nods, going to open the first door on the left of the main entrance.
[23:06] <Kotono> The northeastern door is unlocked. Nothing happens as you open it now. Inside looks to be a small treasury, several chests with demonic carvings on them.
[23:06] * Demedais steps outside and closes the door, then begins to pray quietly.
[23:06] * Shamal decides now would be a good time to cast Detect Magic.
[23:06] <Kotono> OOC - Listening check, Deme.
[23:06] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 8."12 [1d20=7]
[23:06] * Seira decides now would be a good time to dance with her new hammer!
[23:06] <Demedais> OOC - Laika gets a listening check!
[23:06] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 doggie
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 doggie and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[23:07] <Kotono> Shamal notes that the magic is dimming her e rapidly. It's fading from the chests, but a few chests have magic inside of them that's stable. Two oft hem in particular, out of six.
[23:07] <Shamal> "Seira, want to check these chests for traps?" Shamal calls over, "There was magic over them but it's fading, and there looks to be magic items inside two of them."
[23:08] * Seira skips over to Shamal, waving the hammer around, albeit safely. "Sure thing!" she chirps.
[23:08] <Kotono> OOC - Make yer checkery.
[23:09] * Seira takes the time to examine the chests, since she doesn't want the pretty druid to get blown up when she opens them!
[23:10] <Seira> "When the magic fades, it will be safe to open the chests!" she tells Shamal excitedly. "Isn't that great?"
[23:11] * Demedais murmurs. "Helm, thank you for guiding Seira in her drive to eliminate whatever threat that pit devil presented to this world. Guide us as we further continue to seek out a way to eliminate the threat of this Gnomish God-king from the land, and protect us with your vigilance." Demedais takes a moment to smile at Laika. "And help us all get out of here safely, I beseech thee..."
[23:11] <Shamal> "Okay, let's search the other rooms to give it a few more minutes... um... yes, I suppose it is great," Shamal nods hesitantly to the excitable elf, going to check the next door working clockwise.
[23:11] <Shamal> Laika barks happily and wags her tail at Demedais.
[23:11] * Seira skips along, trap-checking and dancing all over.
[23:12] <Kotono> The third room looks to be a meditation room. Blocks of insense sit on braziers, with pillows to rest on. Etchings of devils areo n the walls.
[23:12] * Shamal looks to see if there's any magic - that could be magic incense!
[23:12] <Kotono> There isn't any magic in this room. The only magic is the faint, fading magic around this rea.
[23:12] <Kotono> *area
[23:12] <Shamal> Next room it is!
[23:13] <Kotono> The fourth room is torture room. A rack and iron maiden sit here, large sized.On the back wall, a pair of devil's wings sit on a wooden plaque, a grotesque trophy.
[23:14] <Shamal> "Ewww..." Shamal grimaces, moving on to the last unopened door.
[23:14] * Seira smirks at the devil's misfortune, and quickly follows Shamal onwards.
[23:14] <Kotono> Shamal notes that this door isl ocked.
[23:14] <Shamal> "Maestro, if you please," Shamal gestures to the lock and makes room for Seira.
[23:15] <Shamal> "There is some magic in this room as well," Shamal notes, trying to identify it.
[23:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 27."12 [1d20=14]
[23:15] <Seira> "Tools, tools, stocked up on them," Seira murmurs to herself, giggling, as she takes out the lockpicks she picked up in Balmuria and gets to work on the door after giving it a check.
[23:15] <Kotono> Click-clack! The door is unlocked!
[23:15] <Seira> "Success!"
[23:16] <Kotono> OOC - Oops, I thought that spellcraft roll was Seira's roll. <_<
[23:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
[23:17] <Kotono> Click-clack! The door is unlocked!
[23:17] <Shamal> "Conjuration and Evocation," Shamal relays. "I do so hope it's not another one of those carpets you enjoy so much..."
[23:18] <Seira> "They represent a whole new field of magical items making," Seira lectures, suddenly serious. "If I could unlock its secrets, it could prove invaluable!"
[23:19] <Shamal> "It's a carpet that catches fire. There's not much more to get," Shamal deadpans, nudging the door open.
[23:19] <Kotono> The door cracks open! Inside you see a severe study, a single throne chair with a devil's head encarved in.
[23:20] <Seira> "Ooh, make me one!" Seira begs, jumping up and down. "Can you? Can you? Please?"
[23:20] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Demedais enjoys the quiet outside. It's peaceful here, really. OOC - Listening check, both you and the dog.
[23:20] * Demedais stands up and looks around, finishing his prayers for now. "Wonder what's taking the ladies so long..."
[23:20] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[23:21] <Shamal> "With enough alchemist's fire and some sort of trigger I'm sure I could," Shamal sighs, looking to see what's generating the aura.
[23:21] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 doggie
[23:21] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 doggie and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[23:21] <Kotono> It's the throne, but there's also magic just past the doorfraem.
[23:21] <Shamal> "The throne has magic. Probably bad magic that will hurt us. Let's go check out those chests," Shamal suggests, going to the first room she opened.
[23:22] <Seira> "Wait," Seira asks, and casts Detect Magic herself, examining the room.
[23:22] <Shamal> Laika barks loudly, running around in circles and looking straight up.
[23:22] * Demedais glances up, startled. "Um... This..." Staring up for a second, Demedais re-enters the room. "Girls! I think we have a problem..."
[23:22] <Kotono> The room has moderate magic. OOC - Spellcraft, Seira.
[23:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[23:23] <Shamal> Laika continues to bark and run around in haphazard circles, prompting Shamal to come on out. "What's going on?" she asks, following her dog's gaze.
[23:24] <Demedais> "Look up. Something tells me that isn't good." Demedais says. "I'm hearing cracking noises coming from it."
[23:25] <Kotono> Above Shamal and Laika and Demedais, you see it. A ghostly human form of pure glass, glittering in the motes of light. It looks down at the party, semi transparent.
[23:26] <Demedais> "So, what do you think it is?" Demedais asks from the doorway. "Also, was it there before?"
[23:27] * Shamal immediately takes out the Book of the Pact and opens it. "4Let the Pact be broken!1" she calls, using Ignan for extra gravitas. "Oolu said the golem was made of glass, remember!" she tells Demedais.
[23:27] <Demedais> "Well, yes, but I didn't know it could fly!"
[23:27] <Demedais> "Or whatever it's doing."
[23:27] <Kotono> As the party watches, it begins to shift! Glass changes around and catches - no! As Shamal speaks, it bursts into flames that sputter out instantly, it's glassy body breaking apart and flying back! In moments the fire is gone, it's body a good sixty feet away and instantly reforming in the air! It shivers, starting to fly off!
[23:28] <Kotono> The book of Fire takes to flame, glowing bright as the pact is broken1
[23:28] <Shamal> "That seems to have scared it off, but we can't count on having such an ace a second time - we'll have to work fast, now," Shamal tells the others as she holds the burning book... it's not hurting her, right?
[23:28] <Demedais> "Hehe. Boom." Demedais chuckles as he steps outside to witness where it flies through?
[23:28] <Kotono> The book feels very good in Shamal's hands. She doesn't feel burnt at alll.
[23:29] <Kotono> It flies to the northeast, towards the Citadel.
[23:29] * Shamal closes the book, hoping the flames will go out so she can put it away without ruining her things.
[23:29] <Kotono> The flames on the book go out without incident.
[23:29] <Shamal> Once the flames go out, the book is safely secured back in Shamal's pack!
[23:29] * Seira flings her arm in the direction of the golem, a pair of missiles sent after the golem!
[23:30] <Kotono> OOC - Caster levle check.
[23:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 haha
[23:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 haha and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
[23:31] <Kotono> The missiles fly, hitting the golem in the far distance! You don't see a great effect, but it's already making haste away from the party, fading out of sight.
[23:31] <Seira> "Resistant to spells, check," Seira says giddily.
[23:32] <Shamal> "Let's quickly check those chests for anything useful then go look for the Etherial Laboratory?" Shamal suggests, briefly patting Laika. "Good girl," she warmly compliments her dog, before hurrying inside.
[23:32] * Demedais eyes Seira. "Any chance you could calm down?" he chuckles as he follows the two in.
[23:33] * Seira returns to her observation of the magical trap. "Why?" she asks absent-mindedly, as she tinkers with it.
[23:33] <Demedais> "Your giddiness is exhausting." Demedais responds.
[23:33] <Shamal> "In case the golem comes back and attacks us before we can strip away more of its powers," Shamal replies. "And I second Demedais. Please calm down a bit, Seira."
[23:34] <Demedais> "Sounds like a plan, Shamal." Demedais nods.
[23:35] * Demedais idly leans in to Seira. "Although the Captain would likely love to see you this cheery. Save it for him, ne?"
[23:35] <Seira> "The rumors of saving myself for him are entirely without basis," she muses, absorbed in her work.
[23:36] <Demedais> "I never... mentioned... any... you know what, never mind." Demedais shakes his head.
[23:37] * Shamal coughs, trying to suppress a laugh. "Er, yes... moving right along!"
[23:38] <Demedais> "Indeed! Off to open boxes and recieve monetary bonuses!" Demedais nods!
[23:39] <Seira> "I think I've got it!" Seira finally announces. "And to prove that I really think so and am not just saying that while letting another person face the trap, which people who defuse traps always do without fail, I'll walk inside myself!"

[Corwin]

[19:25] <Shamal> "Good luck," Shamal calls, proceeding to open the chests assuming the magic around them has gone by now. If it's still there she won't, though!
[19:26] <Kotono> Seira disables the trap. Inside the last room she can see a grotesque throne of steel, demon faces carved into it. It's fearsome and nasty, looming over her,
[19:26] <Kotono> Seira disables the trap. Inside the last room she can see a grotesque throne of steel, demon faces carved into it. It's fearsome and nasty, looming over her.
[19:27] * Demedais follows Seira, seeing as how it looks like Shamal has things under control.
[19:27] <Kotono> Shamal inspects the room. Only the two boxes with stable auras have magic inside of them now out of the six. Otherwise, it looks safe and non magical.
[19:27] * Shamal proceeds to open them all and see what's inside!
[19:27] * Seira looms back! And inspects things inside, aiding herself with her magical sight.
[19:29] <Kotono> Shamal opens the boxes! The first has small blocks and nuggets of what looks to be semi precious metals. The second has a selection of non magical gems - not a ton, but surely worth a good deal of coin. The third and fourth have gold bars piled up, several heavy ones in each. The fifth has magic, and holds two things. One is a bracelet of ivory bone, a leering demon's face carved into it. This radiates moderate magic. The other is a crimson r
[19:30] <Kotono>  crimson red cloak, also radiating moderate magic. In the last fox are four gems, each radiating magic as well.
[19:30] <Shamal> OOC: taking 10 on spellcraft for the lot of them
[19:30] <Shamal> OOC: for check of 23
[19:30] <Kotono> The throne radiates moderate magic to Seira. OOC - searching by that, or just looking?
[19:32] * Seira decides not to come into contact with the aura of the throne, fun as that might be, and after mentioning as much to Demedais wonders off to check on what Shamal is doing.
[19:32] * Demedais nods vaguely and follows Seira.
[19:37] <Shamal> "Cloak and bracers are magical - Transmutation for both with a bit of Abjuration on the latter. The gems are Necromancy, Abjuration, Necromancy, and Evocation - probably imbued gems, but they might be ioun stones. Need to identify them to be sure," Shamal tells her companions. "Oh, on that note, I should translate those scrolls we found yesterday," she adds, proceeding to do just that.
[19:38] * Demedais gets earwax out. "Right. Are any of them dangerous to touch, or is that something you can't tell?"
[19:39] <Shamal> "Can't tell," Shamal confirms as she peruses the scrolls. "Unless you want to risk it, I say we leave them here until we can properly identify them or we're about to leave and can identify them on the way home."
[19:39] <Kotono> The spells are Rage, Magic Circle against Chaos, Fox's Cunning and Illusory Wall.
[19:39] <Seira> "Nice," Seira agrees. "And for those who actually want to fight a devil, I think that throne behind the trap summons one. I don't really want to test and see, though. Anything written about it in the notebook we found in the dorms?"
[19:39] * Shamal informs the others what spells she's found. "Anything there you want, Seira?"
[19:40] <Seira> "I strangely have no desire to ward myself of chaos, but the last one is quite interesting."
[19:40] * Demedais shrugs. "Helm's temple could always use that scroll if nothing else."
[19:41] * Seira blinks, before adding, "And we might actually use or sell Fox's Cunning. I know that spell, so if you wanted to scribe it and leave the scroll intact...."
[19:41] <Shamal> "Here you go," Shamal hands it over and stows the rest. "Hmm... just give me a second before we move on? I want to check these gems..." she says, proceeding to look over the gems to see if any of them seem relevant to the ritual of the Pact. "Don't worry about it, Seira, I know that spell as well."
[19:42] <Kotono> OOC - Which gems?
[19:42] <Shamal> OOC:  The second has a selection of non magical gems - not a ton, but surely worth a good deal of coin.
[19:42] <Kotono> OOC - Okay. There are a few rubies in there that could be useful. Maybe a fourth of the monetary value?
[19:42] * Seira nods. "How about going on the defensive for now? We could gather more information and explore, and use tomorrow to identify some of what we have. We don't really have to go and fight the golem as soon as possible."
[19:43] * Shamal nods to herself. Looks like this isn't anything she can do soon. "I think we need to check out the Etherial Laboratory - it'll weaken the golem and might give a clue on freeing Oolu."
[19:44] <Demedais> "So long as we don't need to fight the golem on the way there." Demedais nods.
[19:45] <Shamal> "Let's go then?" Shamal asks, starting to leave.
[19:46] <Seira> "While you still have that spell... did any of the notes or books we have say anything about the throne here?" Seira asks curiously.
[19:47] <Shamal> "Nothing I've read," Shamal shakes her head. "Lyselle?"
[19:48] <Kotono> "Not that I said. It just said for normal soldiers to stay out of here. Good reason, too." Looknig back at the broken glyphs and ceiling, Lyselle says little, just staying quiet.
[19:48] * Demedais throws out Detect Chaos one more time, looking toward the throne room and the treasure room.
[19:49] <Seira> "Let's take the gems with us?" Seira proposes. "Oolu might be able to figure out what they are, and they're easy to carry."
[19:50] <Shamal> "Doesn't hurt, I suppose," Shamal nods agreeably.
[19:50] * Demedais eyes Seira. "Just to let you know, the hammer's chaotic aura seems to be rubbing off on you fairly quickly." he notes. "It may have side effects that we aren't aware of."
[19:51] <Shamal> "There's no need to carry it around - unless you want to trade in your bow and try your hand at melee combat?" Shamal asks impishly.
[19:51] <Seira> "It must be working its magic so that I can carry it without straining." Seira smiles at the hammer, patting it. "Aren't you, my precious?"
[19:52] <Shamal> "Okay, now you're just acting creepy. Lets leave it here for now, shall we?" Shamal asks, visibly disturbed by Seira's mannerisms and speech.
[19:52] <Seira> "No, I'm good," Seira announces. "You never know when something axiomatic appears and needs to be hurt."
[19:53] <Kotono> Lyselle raises her eyebrow at Seira, "...you are acting a bit different," she sallies forth.
[19:54] <Shamal> "Wouldn't it be better for someone... I don't know, trained, to use the great big warhammer?" Shamal tries to persuade the half-elf.
[19:54] * Seira shrugs, and offers it to Demedais.
[19:55] * Demedais gestures Seira to hand it to Lyselle.
[19:55] <Kotono> Lyselle raises her eyebrow again, "I could use it, I suppose?"
[19:55] <Seira> "I really do think it's alright," Seira says, rolling her eyes. "I think the hammer has a purpose, and it's very insistent about it, but I've had enough time to accomodate myself."
[19:56] <Shamal> "You're not acting yourself," Shamal tells Seira. "And as charming as it is to see you a bit less... restrained, I still think it's a bad idea to have your ethical viewpoints set by a magic weapon."
[19:58] * Seira frowns. "I think a little longer won't hurt me, and it is for the greater good. If you feel so strongly about it, once we've dealt with the golem I'll leave it behind."
[19:58] <Shamal> "Tell you what, Seira, if you put down the hammer and then say that, I'll let it go," Shamal offers.
[19:59] <Seira> The hammer drops with a thump, easily away from any stray feet or priceless artifacts. "Done!" she chirps.
[20:00] * Shamal eyes Seira for a moment. "Feeling any different?"
[20:01] * Seira tilts her head, considering. "A bit drained. I still think I'm strong enough to hold the raging forces of chaos at bay, though."
[20:01] * Demedais throws Detect Chaos again.
[20:01] <Demedais> "Yeah, it's definitely an infectious aura." Demedais nods.
[20:02] <Shamal> "Okay, if you're sure," the blonde relents, surreptitiously making sure that Magic Circle Against Chaos is within easy reach.
[20:02] <Seira> "Then it's really too late and we can worry about it later," Seira comments with a shrug. "I really am myself. No desire to kill defenseless puppies!"
[20:02] * Demedais eyes Seira.
[20:03] <Seira> "I swear! I like nature!"
[20:03] <Kotono> Lyselle considers this a few moments, before "Can I try holding it, Seira?
[20:03] <Demedais> "There is no such thing as a defenseless puppy." Demedais notes.
[20:03] * Seira eyes the hammer. "Don't straighten up too fast when you pick it up, you'll get dizzy," she tells Lyselle.
[20:04] <Shamal> "It's not really about puppies, I don't believe it's making you evil or anything," Shamal shakes her head, "But it's clearly altering your usual behaviour."
[20:04] <Kotono> With that, the blonde goes and picks up the hammer with both hands. She hefts it, giving it a half swing. "Heh, this isn't bad at all. It's a good weapon," she comments, starting to grin.
[20:04] * Seira nods in agreement.
[20:05] <Kotono> "But..." Lyselle puts it down a moment later, dusting her hands off. Her grin tempers, "What was that about puppies?"
[20:05] <Shamal> "It seems to have a certain liberating effect on people," Shamal sighs.
[20:06] <Kotono> "Shamal, maybe you should try it when we're back home and safe?" With a fading grni, Lyselle nods. "Anyway, are we ready now?"
[20:06] <Seira> "So... can I take it again?" Seira asks expectantly.
[20:07] <Demedais> "My vote is that we actually leave it here until we're ready to leave. Either that or take it to Oolu to ask him about it."
[20:07] <Shamal> "I'm obligated by my oaths to Mielikki to adopt a balanced viewpoint in life, I'd rather not jeapordise that," Shamal shakes her head. "Anyway, yes, let's get moving."
[20:08] <Kotono> "I say we leave it. It may be a good weapon, but we dont' need an outside factor affecting our strategy, not right now. If it turns out to be needed we can fall back and get it, or grab it on the way out."
[20:08] <Kotono> Lyselle considers this a moment, then nods slowly. "Seira, I can imagine you trying to swing that. It's not your forte."
[20:09] * Seira frowns but accepts that.
[20:09] <Demedais> "A cute image!" Demedais notes, "But definitely not your style."
[20:10] <Kotono> "Isn't it?" Lyselle chuckles again, as teh party heads back to the fountain. Water burbles up as the party approaches, a whirlwind ofw ater. From it, "12You're back! How has it gone?"
[20:10] <Demedais> "Pit Devil's gone, the golem's angry and do you know anything about the devil-herding weapon?" Demedais responds.
[20:11] <Shamal> "12We sent the fiend back to Hell,1" Shamal affirms. "12Seira wanted to ask you about some gems we found - they're like the ones in your fountain.1"
[20:11] <Seira> Hearing her name, Seira waves at Oolu cheerfully.
[20:11] * Demedais nods at Oolu.
[20:11] <Kotono> 12"Ooooooh. Those magic gems the gnomes like?"
[20:12] <Kotono> Oolu swirls around Seira, a few splashes of water at the party. Cool, pleasant water, seeming to wash away the sweat of your last struggle. "What gems are they?" Oolu asks in Elven.
[20:14] <Seira> "Oh, well, Shamal was the one who took a closer look at them," Seira tells him, twirling a stray lock of hair as she repeats the auras Shamal could see off them.
[20:15] <Kotono> Looking back towards Shamal with a soft rush of water, 12Can I see them, then?"
[20:16] <Shamal> "12Here you are,12" Shamal holds up a handful of gems. "12We're hoping you might recognise them and save us having to use magic on identifying them.1"
[20:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[20:17] <Kotono> 12"Oh! Yes, one of them is one I'm familiar with. Those gnomes...they hate chaos. Chaos is bad this, chaos is horrible agaisnt the God King's will that. See the steel blue one there? That's probably Protection from Chaos, since that was pretty common."
[20:17] <Shamal> "Protection from Chaos," Shamal tells the others, seperating out the spinel shaped gem. "12Any luck on the others?1"
[20:18] <Demedais> "And yet these things have a massive weapon of chaos?" Demedais grumbles.
[20:18] <Shamal> "They did steal it from humans, remember?"
[20:18] <Demedais> "Point."
[20:18] <Seira> "Would the golem be vulnerable to a chaotic weapon, too, since gnomes made it?" Seira wonders in elven.
[20:18] <Kotono> "12No, no. They look like the doom and gloom sort of spell they'd prepare in THAT building. Things like darkness, death, horror..."
[20:19] <Kotono> Oolu's entire watery form shakes, droplets splattering the entire party, even poor Laika. "I don't know. It's not a terrible idea."
[20:22] <Shamal> "He can't identify the others," Shamal tells the group, pocketing the gems. "Anyone want the Protection from Chaos one?"
[20:22] <Demedais> "Does simply holding it give the protection?" Demedais asks.
[20:22] <Seira> "There was a really creepy throne back in that building," Seira tells Oolu, describing it briefly. "Did your captors ever talk about that?"
[20:23] <Seira> "No, you eat it," Seira tells Demedais with a wave of her hand.
[20:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[20:23] <Shamal> "And then it works the same as the spell, which you can use once per day, it's not a constant effect," Shamal adds.
[20:23] <Seira> "Maybe more, sometimes you can use it more than once," Seira comments.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Ooooh, yes. I recall something about that - a throne of devils. It can summon a greater demon - something about hooks, I think?" Oolu answers in Elven, "Hooks, barbs, chains...things that make your skin crawl...or water, since I don't have skin!"
[20:25] <Demedais> "Hm. Perhaps when we're back in town we can make something that will stop the chaotic will of that weapon from overwhelming the wielder." Demedais notes.
[20:25] <Shamal> "Or just give it to someone who's already chaotic?" Shamal smiles innocently.
[20:25] <Seira> "I would be impressed if it were not such a horrible prospect," Seira comments to Oolu, thanking him for his insight.
[20:26] <Kotono> "Where are you going next?" Oolu asks in Elven, then, 12Do you know where you're going next? Have you been to the Citadel yet?"
[20:26] <Demedais> "Well, that's also a possiblity, but... I can't name anyone chaotic that I'd be willing to give it to."
[20:26] <Seira> "The laboratory," she responds. "Again, Shamal would be more knowledgeable."
[20:27] <Shamal> "12That's our next stop - we want to check out the Etherial Laboratory. We saw the golem earlier as well, since it came to investigate after we released the devil - it ran off once I broke the pact of fire, though.1"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Good luck and fortunes, then," Oolu flows back into the fountain, "If you get burned, come here and I can help."
[20:27] <Shamal> "Which is odd, really. Golems are typically very single minded..." she adds thoughtfully, more to herself.
[20:29] <Seira> "It could hold intelligence," Seira suggests, "like some highly-magical items."
[20:29] <Demedais> "Like magical warhammers." Demedais grumbles.
[20:30] <Kotono> So the party heads on! Past fountain and crevasse, past the isolated green space On the curving path to the northeast, through a sea of dancing motes of light. Though this great procession you head on, your footsteps a paean to the silence that has long held sway in front of this grand fortress. Indeed, it is grand. After a walk you arrive, an empty pit moat surrounding it. The drawbridge is open, the building looming above you, dark windows
[20:30] <Kotono> dark windows dotting it at places. Past the drawbridge, you can catch glimpse of alarge room, with more doors straight ahead.
[20:31] <Shamal> "Okay, the doors straight ahead lead to the shield, and the golem will surely attack us if we go there, so let's look for other doors?" Shamal suggests, looking for just that as she crosses the drawbridge.
[20:33] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods, looking around at the walls to see if there's another entry.
[20:33] <Kotono> Inside you go! The floor here is carpeted, deep enough to easily muffle any sound your feet would make. A soft white carpet, lush and ornate. Spotless, perfect. The walls are decorated with thousands of paintings - of underground cities, of great magical circles, of a bow, a sword, a dagger, a ring and a shield, orbiting around a great point of light; of a great gnoem with a long white beard, fearsome. On the west wall are beautiful stairs of
[20:34] <Kotono> beautiful stairs of quartz going up. The east wall has black oynx stairs going down, a ghostly mist clinging to it. To the front are three grand doors spaced wide apart, decorated with countless engravings.
[20:35] <Shamal> "The laboratory's downstairs, and that general's office is up - we'll probably want to check it out as well," Shamal tells the others, starting towards the stairs down.
[20:35] * Shamal blinks a few times, and then casts detect magic, looking around the hall.
[20:36] * Demedais perks up, and looks around. "Mmm, it feels good in here." he says, stretching.
[20:36] <Seira> "One way to skip a hangover," Seira agrees, nodding.
[20:36] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft and gets 21."12 [1d20=8]
[20:38] <Shamal> "There's strong magic of all schools surrounding us," Shamal informs the others. "It doesn't *seem* harmful..." she adds uncertainly, continuing her trek towards the onyx stairway.
[20:39] <Kotono> As the party approaches, they can see it plunges deep within. Only a few motes of light are ahead, making the way shadowy and dim. Mists begin to reach out as you do, embracing the party members.
[20:39] <Shamal> A light spell is promptly cast on one of Shamal's sling bullets!
[20:40] <Kotono> The way ahead is marginally more lit now! You can see the stairs go down without any end easily in sight.
[20:40] * Shamal begins to walk down the stairs, Laika trotting along at her side as she holds her impromptu light source aloft.
[20:40] * Demedais is about to pull out a sunrod when he sees the light spell on Shamal's slingstone. "Alright then." Demedais chuckles.
[20:41] <Shamal> "I can't help but notice that spell seemed easier than normal to cast... I suppose if our magic is empowered it could help with the golem," Shamal narrates as she descends.
[20:42] * Demedais nods as he sticks nearby Shamal, peering into the dark as they go down.
[20:42] <Kotono> With this the party heads downstairs. A few minutes pass in walking. As you do, you notice the mists grow thicker. Parts of the wall flicker, becoming ghostly, showing a great empty black ravine beyond them, mists swirling.  Down and down you go, the floor beginning to do the same. Down to what looks to be a great platform hanging in the darkness. (More)
[20:43] <Kotono> This is without walls, but yet as you approach you see the mists swirl, ghostly walls forming.  On this platform are tables and booths, chairs and shelves. Empty beakers sit here, old books and countless diagrams. Some hang in the air like the forgotten scribblings of a God.
[20:44] <Kotono> Far at the end of this is a stairway going up, fading into the mist and unseen to where it goes.
[20:44] <Shamal> "I wonder if we're actually in the Etherial Plane...?" Shamal muses, looking around for anything overtly magical here.
[20:45] * Demedais looks upward. "Helm?" He freezes a bit, but also looks relaxed.
[20:45] <Kotono> Everything radiates strong magic, making it difficult to distingish at all.
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC - Spellcract check for this, Sham-chan.
[20:45] * Shamal is distracted by that, turning to look at Demedais. "Are you alright, Demedais?" she asks softly.
[20:45] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 29."12 [1d20=16]
[20:46] * Seira decodes to make herself useful by looking for something that looks significant or otherwise prominent.
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC - Search check, Seira.
[20:47] <Demedais> "I'm... fine. It's just... this is the... how to explain?" Demedais languidly rolls the words off his tongue, clearly but slowly as he continues to look upward. "I think this... is where... we were supposed to come."
[20:47] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 19."12 [1d20=12]
[20:47] <Shamal> "I do feel somewhat at peace here, but you shouldn't let yourself be deceived," Shamal lazily warns as she drifts over to examine the diagrams. "It's the magic, it makes us feel this way."
[20:48] <Kotono> Seira finds that the books are blank pages. The diagrams do look at least interesting, but the beakers are all empty. The shelves have only dust and knickknacks of fizzling, fading mist.
[20:48] <Seira> "Everything is strangely empty," she muses out loud, approaching the others.
[20:49] <Demedais> "It is magic?" Demedais looks at Seira. "Ah, I see. I had thought that perhaps..." He chuckles a bit. "What I thought is irrelevant. Nothing's here, Seira?" he asks, frowning.
[20:49] <Seira> "You know, even when I was supposed to be affected by magic I didn't talk to myself," she tells him, looking at Demedais strangely.
[20:50] <Kotono> Lyselle just fades back a bit, keeping quiet and bowing her head.
[20:50] <Shamal> "Everything here is bathed in radiant magic... I can't really identify the school," Shamal murmurs softly, "The diagrams seem to be more focused, however."
[20:51] <Shamal> Laika lays down with her head between her paws, resting as Shamal pores over the diagrams.
[20:51] * Seira goes and grasps a beaker, moving it around and generally trying to see whether reality is as she observes it.
[20:51] <Kotono> The beaker swishes back and forth. Mist lightly sprays from it as you do, it's substance breaking apart in the air. OOC - Spellcraft again, Sham-chan.
[20:52] <Shamal> roll 1d20+14 guidance
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+14 guidance and gets 25."12 [1d20=11]
[20:54] * Demedais watches carefully. "Helm, if this is not thine guidance, then..." He shakes his head and continues to watch the other three. "This feeling is... immense."
[20:55] * Seira returns to Demedais's side. "Are you actually talking to Helm? And he's responding?"
[20:55] * Shamal sighs and shakes her head. "I can't make any sense of these diagrams... they appear to giving information on the laboratory, but I don't recognise the standards, and whatever readings it is getting are off its own scale. I don't think there's anything here I can use," she relates distantly.
[20:56] <Seira> "Want me to take a look?" Seira offers.
[20:56] <Shamal> "By all means," Shamal steps aside for Seira.
[20:56] * Seira quickly gets her own magical sight running, and after a quick prayer for guidance, tries to examine the diagrams.
[20:57] <Kotono> OOC - El spellcraft-o.
[20:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 guidance'd spellcraft?
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 guidance'd spellcraft? and gets 17."12 [1d20=5]
[20:57] <Shamal> "Hmmm... I'm not sure we should stay here much longer. Already I feel compelled to remain," Shamal murmurs, trying to centre herself but not managing too well.
[20:58] <Seira> "I think the hammer's nature protects me from such tendencies," Seira mentions helpfully. "I'll return the favor and drag you outside if I have to, no worries."
[20:58] <Demedais> "I do not feel a desire to remain, but I second your opinion." Demedais nods. "Trying to find something more useful would be our best bet."
[20:59] * Seira takes a book and a beaker with her. "Maybe observing them outside their natural environment would reveal something," she offers, and heads out.
[20:59] <Shamal> "What about the other stairs?" Shamal points to the opposite stairway from the one they came down from. "Should we not investigate further?"
[21:00] <Seira> "Not if you two are getting mind-control vibes. Let's reconvene outside for now."
[21:00] <Kotono> Lyselle suddenly looks up, blinking. "That may be a good idea, Seira..." she murmurs.
[21:00] * Demedais considers, then nods. "Then let us do that, I suppose." he says as he follows Seira.
[21:01] <Seira> "There are spells we have that will guard our thoughts. We can cast them outside."
[21:01] <Shamal> "It's not mind control," Shamal slowly shakes her head. "I simply feel... at peace, like I can instinctively sense the balance of all things. It's not unpleasant... But you're right, my senses could be deceived," Shamal intones slowly, beginning to drift after Seira to the exit. "Come, Laika..."
[21:01] <Kotono> So the party returns. As they head back up, the mists thin. The items Seira holds fade away into ghostly mist. Up the stairs they go, back to the main front room of the Citadel.
[21:02] <Shamal> "Mmmm..." Shamal runs a hand through her hair, looking back down the stairs. "I feel like I just lost something," she notes sadly.
[21:04] * Seira glances at the others with her magical sight.
[21:04] * Demedais nods, contemplative. "Same. It seems to amplify the base personality characteristics? You felt more in tune with balance, Shamal, and I felt more capable of protection." Demedais then glances at Seira and Lyselle. "And you two?"
[21:05] <Seira> "Hmm. The offices above served the general, right? And he had a private library, of sorts. Let's examine it and see if he doesn't have information about the laboratory." As Demedais asks her, she shrugs. "I don't discriminate."
[21:06] <Demedais> "Alright." He chuckles a bit at Seira. "So nothing changed for you down there?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "I felt...like that time when we were at the temple above here," Lyselle shrugs, but looks away.
[21:07] * Shamal nods to Seira. "If nothing else, we can use the scroll of protection from Chaos to ensure our faculties aren't muddled when we return."
[21:08] <Seira> "Keep it close so you could cast it at a moment's notice," she says, nodding in return.
[21:08] <Shamal> "Already done," Shamal smiles, patting her belt as she starts across the hallway and to the stairs up.
[21:10] <Kotono> Lyselle looks away as the party goes on. Up the stairs, to the second floor. Here, as you enter, soft music plays. The hall has deep carpet, a grand sitting room here. Enough to seat a fe whundred people, ornate chairs and a window view that shows the path leading to the citadel. There are halls going to the north, white carpeted paths. IT's quite serene here, well lit and peaceful.
[21:11] <Kotono> Three halls go to the north.
[21:12] * Shamal quickly looks down each of the halls to see if any have unique magic visible down them or if they all share the same background lighting/music enchantment so obviously covering this floor.
[21:13] * Demedais looks around a bit, humming a countertune to the music playing.
[21:13] <Kotono> The magic here is strong. Despite that, you can see other auras down the center hallway. The center hallway leads far down, to a single door at the end. As Shamal looks, servants formed of white force appear. One to a cabinet, glasses of what looks to be spirits poured. Another appears in front of the party, bowing. A third appears and goes down the left-north hall.
[21:14] <Shamal> "There's magic down the middle hallway besides the rest of what's all over up here," Shamal tells her companions, attempting to discern its nature.
[21:14] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 31."12 [1d20=18]
[21:15] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods as he stares at the white... thing that bowed at him! "Uh?"
[21:15] * Seira looks at the servant, examining it.
[21:15] <Kotono> It looks about four feet tall. It's body is only outlined by force, but it has well defined hands and arms.
[21:16] <Shamal> "Conjuration, divination, and abjuration," Shamal relates, before glancing at Demedais, "Just ignore them, they seem to just be ostentatious servants."
[21:17] <Demedais> "Merf." Demedais manages to grunt out as he backs away from it, before proceeding to look through the room, attempting to ignore the ghost servants.
[21:17] * Shamal begins to make her way up the middle passageway.
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC - Searching anything in particular?
[21:17] * Seira moves on towards the door at the of the corridor, examining it for a time.
[21:18] <Seira> OOC: at the end
[21:18] <Demedais> OOC: No, just the room. Should I roll a check for it?
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC - Sure.
[21:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 lol Demedais search
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 lol Demedais search and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
[21:19] <Kotono> Demedais finds that there are spirits stored in bottles. They smell quite good. The servant pouring offers him a glass as he looks.
[21:19] <Kotono> The door is quite plain - but there is gnomish writing on it.
[21:19] * Demedais declines quickly, backing away into a chair and tripping over it.
[21:20] <Kotono> Lyselle turns at that sound, "Are you alright?" she approaches, "That chair..."
[21:20] * Shamal reads the writing on the door!
[21:20] <Kotono> OOC - Do you mean DM'ed searching, Seira?
[21:21] <Demedais> "The chair's fine, thanks." Demedais grumbles as he stands up slowly
[21:21] <Kotono> It reads, 'Chambers and offices of General-Commander Zirgu.'
[21:21] <Kotono> "I meant...how did you trip over it?" Lyselle frowns in worry, offernig a hand as Demedais gets up.
[21:22] * Shamal translates for Seira. "Want to check it for any traps before we go in?"
[21:22] <Demedais> "I was backing away from yonder spirits-offerer." Demedais says irritably. "Thanks. The things creep me out. Don't know why."
[21:22] * Seira grasps Shamal's hand, and pulls her away a foot from the door. "Trap," she volunteers by way of explanation.
[21:22] <Kotono> "They're kind of cute..." Lyselle murmurs a moment, before glancing towardsthe female witches and starting to walk that way.
[21:23] <Shamal> "I'll leave it to you, then," Shamal nods, giving Seira room to work. "There's abjuration magic right behind the door, it looks like."
[21:23] <Seira> "Stay back, I'll try to disarm it without dying horribly," Seira says blandly, and gets to work.
[21:24] <Shamal> "Good luck," Shamal encourages.
[21:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 disable device
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 disable device and gets 24."12 [1d20=10]
[21:25] <Kotono> Seira struggles with it for a minute or so, but can't quite work the trick of it out.
[21:25] * Demedais goes to stand near Shamal.
[21:25] <Seira> "This... does not bode well," Seira proclaims, trying again.
[21:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+15 don't fail!
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 don't fail! and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
[21:26] <Kotono> With great work and several minutes of difficult effort, Seira is able to disarm the trap!
[21:27] <Seira> "We avoid horrible death once more!" she exclaims, opening it!
[21:27] <Shamal> "I knew you could do it!" Shamal cheers, slapping Seira on the back.
[21:28] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais nods. "Shall we continue on?"
[21:29] <Kotono> Lyselle smiles in relief, as the door is opened! Inside is a deep, comfortable room. A fireplace springs to life, a bottle of spirits appears on the desk. A desk full of books and papers, a deep backed chair. Sitting in that chair is a perfect skeleton, not a scrap of clothing on it. Just bleached white, a demihuman's small frame visible.
[21:30] * Seira blinks. "Creepy naked person, did not expect to see that."
[21:30] <Shamal> "That must be the general..." Shamal mutters, staring in fascination for a moment before shaking her head and looking around to identify the sources of the other auras she spotted.
[21:30] <Kotono> Behind the desk is a window out, to a great view of a far reaching, empty, quiet cave. It's a magnificent view, breathtaking.
[21:30] <Shamal> "He did not die with his boots on, it appears."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Or it's skin?" Lyselle ventures with a frown, "Shall we?"
[21:31] <Seira> "So disturbing," Seira mutters, heading off to search the room thoroughly.
[21:32] * Demedais goes to assist Seira.
[21:32] <Kotono> So much searching is had! The minutes pass as the party dutifully tosses the room! The most interesting things lie on his desk - information and books, reports. Shamal, while her reading magic lasts, can read the following: (PM and more after this.)
[21:35] <Shamal> "The first document is a report on human weapons - oddly enough, it mentions the same poison used on Lord Salman," Shamal tells the others as she puts those papers to the side and moves on. "It says the hammer is very powerful against evil and lawful outsiders, but not very dangerous besides that."
[21:36] <Shamal> OOC: nix evil
[21:37] <Seira> "I would say it makes sense, as Irenes is after gnomish knowledge," Seira comments. "And it's nice to hear the hammer is not dangerous."
[21:38] <Kotono> As Shamal wades through the papers, you find a few more things of note. Sitting in the drawer is a simple jewel case, like what a ring would be placed in. It radiates strong magic.
[21:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft!
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 spellcraft! and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[21:38] <Demedais> "Indeed. Just keep it away from me, alright?" Demedais notes.
[21:38] <Shamal> "Oh! The golem!" she looks exited as she reads the next document. "It says it will use the power of the Fifth Resort if we disable all its other forms, so it looks like we should leave at least one of them intact - I'd suggest the water one, since it's weak against cold in that form, and its etherial form is immune to most weapons and magic. It's also weak against Shatter spells, but they trigger a massive counterattack, so should be avoided.
[21:39] <Shamal> "It can summon aid and has strong defences in its water form, mind you..."
[21:39] <Seira> "Yes, but we can use fire on it, then. Works for me."
[21:39] <Shamal> "It doesn't say its weak against fire in any form, though," Shamal shakes her head.
[21:41] <Demedais> "So we kill it and hopefully free Oolu? Sounds like a plan. Still, killing it will likely be a chore no matter what." Demedais notes.
[21:43] <Seira> "You said 'most' weapons," Seira speaks suddenly. "Any specific instances of weapons which are said to hurt it?"
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC - Listening checks, all.
[21:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 lol Demedais listen!
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 lol Demedais listen! and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[21:44] <Shamal> "The rest just seem to be about the war... Apparently there was some great hero named Talinn the Seeker who wielded a life draining sword that would grant incredible power at the expense of the wielder's life force," Shamal finishes, filing all the papers together and stowing them with her belongings. "Oh, the etherial form? Only etherial attacks can hurt it - so that means force magic and ghost touch weapons, I suppose."
[21:45] <Seira> "Yeah, let's try to avoid life-draining zealotry," Seira agrees.
[21:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 14."12 [1d20=11]
[21:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 reroll!
[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 reroll! and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
[21:45] <Shamal> "He was actually on the side of the humans, so can't have been that bad," Shamal replies.
[21:45] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 listen
[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 listen and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[21:45] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 doggie
[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 doggie and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
[21:45] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 listen reroll
[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 listen reroll and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
[21:46] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 doggie reroll
[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 doggie reroll and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[21:48] <Shamal> "So, did you find anything interesting?" Shamal asks as she gathers up her documents.
[21:48] <Seira> "Shamal, take a look at this," Seira says, pointing out at the box she'd found. "Necromancy, so sounds bad, but it looks harmless."
[21:48] * Shamal looks at the box!
[21:48] * Seira checks it for pathetic gnomish traps and triggering mechanisms.
[21:49] <Kotono> OOC - Roll it up, Seira, if you're checking. Just looking at the box, Shamal?
[21:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 fail?
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 fail? and gets 24."12 [1d20=17]
[21:49] <Shamal> OOC: yeah, that's about all I can do
[21:49] <Kotono> Seira doesn't seem to be able to detect any traps.
[21:49] <Kotono> Shamal notes it is a plain black box.
[21:49] * Seira opens the box for Shamal, saying, "This is in no way metaphorical."
[21:50] * Demedais looks at Seira, confused.
[21:50] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save, Seira.
[21:50] <Shamal> "Metaphorical?" Shamal asks, sounding confused.
[21:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 crap
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 crap and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[21:51] <Kotono> As the box is opened, a dark aura cloaks Seira! But nothing happens, the energy dissipating! Inside the box is a clear blue diamond.
[21:51] * Demedais quickly uses Detect Chaos, perhaps a bit too late...
[21:51] * Shamal recoils in alarm as Seira is assaulted by the darkness! "Seira, are you okay?"
[21:51] <Seira> "I think the ghost of the naked creepy gnome tried to possess me just now, but I chased it off."
[21:51] <Shamal> "Well, I suppose the gnome wouldn't refer to himself in those terms, so you must still be Seira," Shamal admits. "Nice diamond."
[21:51] * Seira glances down at the diamond.
[21:52] * Seira compares it with the gems of imbuement she had seen, examing it further.
[21:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
[21:53] <Seira> "Wow, nice!"
[21:53] <Demedais> "Hmmm?"
[21:54] <Shamal> "What did you win?" Shamal aks, curious at that reaction.
[21:55] <Seira> "It's a violent school of magic. That would be useful if we're to face a golem that can shrug off my normal magics." Seira nods. "We really should spend a day to identify what we have already, so as to be better prepaired."
[21:55] <Kotono> CRACK! As the party watches, the window shatters!  Glass shards go flying, pelting the party! OOC - Reflex saves, all.
[21:55] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 Shamal
[21:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 Shamal and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24."12 [1d20=16]
[21:55] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 Laika
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 Laika and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[21:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[21:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[21:56] <Kotono> OOC - Should be +4 for L-chan, but so moot.
[21:56] <Kotono> OOC - Seira takes no damage. Shamal/Lyselle blondeness takes half. The other two take full.
[21:57] <Kotono> roll 4d12
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d12 and gets 19."12 [4d12=5, 11, 1, 2]
[21:59] <Kotono> Glass goes flying with entirely too much accuracy, pelting the party! As the hapless heroes react, they see a misty golem outside the window, floating there! Now that the window is gone, it's easy to hear a soft click clacking of glass...! OOC - Initiative here, I think, since you just got surprise rounded.
[21:59] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 5."12 [1d20=3]
[21:59] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Laika
[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 Laika and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[22:00] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 12."12 [1d20=12]
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Lyselle
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Lyselle and gets 15."12 [1d20=13]
[22:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 golem
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 golem and gets 13."12 [1d20=10]
[22:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[22:02] * Kotono changes topic to 'Laika(22)>Seira(20)>Lyselle(15)>Golem(13)>Demedais(12)Shamal(5)'
[22:02] <Shamal> "Laika, run!" Shamal cries as she sees her dog take the brunt of the glass shower. Laika needs no encouragement, and flees back down the corridor, yipping in pain as she goes.
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[22:03] <Kotono> The golem hovers, it's glass body indistinct. Yet a voice comes from it, "Surrender or face death," it intones, voice like crackling, crinkling fairyglass.
[22:03] <Seira> "Not fair!" Seira complains, backing away, and suddenly there are several of her in the room. "Are we taking the third option of fleeing? she and her clones ask as one.
[22:03] <Seira> roll 1d4+1
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+1 and gets 4."12 [1d4=3]
[22:04] <Kotono> Lyselle staggers back, coughing up a strand of blood with a dark curse. "Can we even hurt it now?"
[22:04] <Shamal> "Maybe with a magic missile?" Shamal sounds uncertain. "What happens if we surrender?"
[22:04] <Demedais> "I don't know. Can we?" Demedais asks, wincing in pain.
[22:05] <Kotono> "You will be my slaves," The golem's voice rises, "You are proof that a world beyond this place exists now. If humans live...they will suffer for what they did to my Master!"
[22:06] <Seira> "Yeah, no. So, Shamal, are we staying?"
[22:07] <Shamal> "It's etherial, there's no way we can escape it we try to flee," Shamal shakes her head worriedly.
[22:07] <Shamal> escape if*
[22:07] <Seira> "Yes there is. That lab."
[22:08] * Seira shrugs. "It made etherial things feel material. Remember the books and the beakers?"
[22:08] <Shamal> "Go for it," Shamal nods tersely.
[22:08] * Seira takes off after Laika, down the stairs!
[22:09] <Kotono> Lyselle takes off as well, fleeing! But before the others can act, the golem moves! It drifts towards Demedais, a lash of frosty, misty glass coming from it's arm!
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 what's your touch AC?
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 what's your touch AC? and gets 29."12 [1d20=15]
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 3d4+5-2
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d4+5-2 and gets 10."12 [3d4=1, 3, 3]
[22:12] <Kotono> The lashes go through Demedais' armor as if it's nothing, only it's magic giving him any protection! It rips open his skin, a volley of freezing cuts across his shoulder! OOC - Deme.
[22:13] <Demedais> "For the love of..." Demedais winces as he, too, flees out the door!
[22:13] <Kotono> Demedais runs, keeping pace withthe others! OOC - Shamal.
[22:13] * Shamal bolts after the others, catching up with her wounded dog out in the large sitting room of phantasmal servants. "Follow me, girl!" she breathlessly encourages Laika, making for the stairs down.
[22:14] <Kotono> OOC - End of the round. IC - The party rushes back to the main room, bleeding and stung! They head down the stairs, as behind them, the golem follows! IT flies through the air, weaving through walls and chairs as if they do not exist! OOC - If you're doing anything besides running this round, say so.
[22:14] <Seira> "Lyselle!" Seira calls out, hand fishing for a particular scroll in a leather bandoleer she has on. "This will increase your speed! We'll try to draw the golem after us, so try to get the hammer and get back to the lab! We'll make our stand there, or further down the stairs!"
[22:15] <Kotono> Lyselle slows a moment on the stairs, as the golem races closer! She merely nods, "Hurry!"
[22:15] <Shamal> OOC: I'm casting mirror image, and then Laika and I are both moving 30 feet down the stairs
[22:15] <Kotono> OOC: Do so.
[22:15] <Seira> The spell disappears in a poof as the five Seira images cast it simultaneously on the blonde.
[22:16] <Shamal> roll 1d4+1
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d4+1 and gets 3."12 [1d4=2]
[22:16] <Demedais> OOC: I'm just running!
[22:16] <Shamal> Shamal and Laika are both duplicated, eight of them now hurrying down the stairs after that spell is cast.
[22:17] <Kotono> As images spring up around Shamal, Lyselle nods and runs with greatly assisted speed! Out she goes, racing down! Meanwhile, Demedais takes the lead of the pack, reaching downstairs right after Lyselle! Just ahead are the stairs down into the Etherial Laboratory! Seira, Shamal and Laika are a bit behind, and juuust behind them is theg olem, falling throught he stairs as if they aren't there!
[22:17] <Kotono> OOC - Start of a new round. Lyselle's out as she's sprinting off, soo... Laika's up.
[22:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Laika(22)>Seira(20)>Golem(13)>Demedais(12)Shamal(5)'
[22:17] <Shamal> Laika matches her pace to Shamal's, keeping close enough to her mistress that she'll retain the benefit of her protective magic as they flee to the laboratory!
[22:18] <Kotono> OOC - Shifting Laika to your initiative to stay close together?
[22:18] <Shamal> OOC: pretty much
[22:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira(20)>Golem(13)>Demedais(12)Shamal(5)=Laika'
[22:18] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[22:18] * Seira frowns, and slows down her retreat for the paladin's benefit, deciding to try and use the wand of magic missiles Shamal had given her earlier.
[22:19] <Kotono> OOC - UMD check.
[22:19] <Seira> OOC: strike that, then!
[22:21] <Seira> OOC: or not!
[22:21] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 12."12 [3d4=2, 4, 3]
[22:22] <Kotono> Magical missiles fly out! They forcefully slam the etherial creature, making it's mist shiver! It recoils slightly, a few fragmetns of glass falling away from it's body, tiny but seeable in close range! OOC - Golem is up.
[22:23] <Kotono> The golem races forward, through any obsticles, right at Seira!
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d4 1=hit
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 1=hit and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[22:24] <Kotono> One of the images fizzles away, but Seira is safe! Cold glass lines the white carpet floor, none of it in fair elven skin! OOC - Demedais.
[22:24] <Seira> "Run, heal, regroup!" Seira urges.
[22:26] * Demedais continues to run down the stairs, slowing just a bit to pull out the potion of Cure Moderate Wounds and quaff it.
[22:26] <Kotono> OOC - Roll your healing.
[22:27] <Demedais> roll 2d8 disorganized today
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d8 disorganized today and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
[22:27] <Demedais> OOC: 12.
[22:27] <Kotono> Demedais rushes down the stairs as he drinks his healing potion! So he passes into the dark stairway, rushing into the embracing mists.
[22:28] * Shamal and Laika continue sprinting all the way down the stairs towards the laboratory, not stopping for anything!
[22:28] <Kotono> So the two go down the stairs! Rushing down like a torrent ov movement! OOC - End of round. Seira, go.
[22:28] * Seira brings up the rear, retreating full speed.
[22:29] <Kotono> So Seira flees! Down the stairs she goes! But the golem doesn't pursue! Instead, it watches the last one go, and then seems to head backwards, to the front doors the party hasn't gone through yet, fading through them.
[22:29] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and free act for the moment.
[22:30] * Seira remains there to watch the doors, not heading further.
[22:30] <Shamal> "It's not coming after us?" Shamal asks, proceeding to cast Lesser Vigour to begin healing herself and Laika and heading back up the stairs after Seira.
[22:31] <Seira> "Not yet," Seira returns, not looking away. "Any chance you could strip away its ethereal protection in the meanwhile?"
[22:31] <Kotono> There seems to be no sign of it doing so. OOC - 1 HP back, I'll let you know when the full duration has passed.
[22:31] * Seira remains there nevertheless!
[22:31] * Demedais keeps running until he reaches the bottom, realizes no one's following and goes back up, a bit embarrased. On the way up, he heals himself to full with his lay on hands technique.
[22:31] <Shamal> "I could try... a lot of what's down there makes no sense to me. Come back down to the lab if it comes back out?" Shamal asks, before hurrying back down to the laboratory with Laika.
[22:33] <Seira> "Set up a message!"
[22:33] * Shamal pauses on the stairs and casts that spell, linking herself with Seira and Demedais, then she runs back down to the lab!
[22:34] <Kotono> Down to the lab Shamal and Laika go. The lab is peaceful, misty and quiet. Cool, restful.
[22:34] * Demedais gets back up to near where Seira is, and waits near there, watching with her.
[22:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 17."12 [1d20=3]
[22:34] * Shamal proceeds to look over the diagrams, seeing if the 'controls' can be manipulated and if she can make any sense at all out of them.
[22:34] <Kotono> roll 3d4+5
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d4+5 and gets 9."12 [3d4=2, 1, 1]
[22:35] <Kotono> So the time passes! The main doors are thrown open, Lyselle springint along! In her hands are the hammer, even as blood runs down her sides. Misty shards of glass cling to her, her steps staggering! But she makes it to the stairs, stopping just inside.
[22:35] <Kotono> OCO - Spellcraft on this, Sham-chan.
[22:36] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
[22:36] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira tells her, unsure of how to express her gratitude beyond that. "Demedais, can you help with Lyselle's wounds?"
[22:36] <Kotono> Lyselle slumps against the wall, breathing ragged and face ghost white.
[22:37] <Shamal> "There's a control room further in - let me know if anything happens," Shamal whispers into the message, before hurrying up the next set of stairs, adrenaline keeping the serene feeling of this place at bay.
[22:37] * Demedais heals her with what little energy he can expend, and then lifts a Light Wounds potion to her lips.
[22:37] <Seira> "Lyselle's back," Seira sends back.
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC - #evil, Shamal.

[Corwin]

[22:37] <Kotono> OOC - Roll yer potion and gimme a total for all of it.
[22:37] <Demedais> roll 1d8+6
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+6 and gets 11."12 [1d8=5]
[22:38] <Demedais> OOC: Eleven.
[22:39] <Seira> "Here is the plan," Seira says, her eyes alert for ethereal assailants. "If it comes after us again, we try to hurt it with the hammer. If it works, we try to keep at it. If it doesn't, and Shamal doesn't have a better idea by that time, we head down and smash the lab with the hammer. Thoughts?"
[22:39] <Demedais> "Why smash the lab?" Demedais inquires, a bit confused.
[22:40] <Kotono> Lyselle looks better after that, leaning against the wall. "Heh...heh....tried to ambush me, but I ran right past it even as it scored a hit. We try, sure. Gimme." Going to the hammer, Lyselle grins sickly as she picks it up.
[22:40] <Seira> "Oolu said it himself, if we were to kill him, his powers would not funnel into the golem anymore. The same may be true for a structure, not just a living being."
[22:40] <Demedais> "...I see. Shouldn't we just try that now, then? I see no reason to wait here." Demedais frowns.
[22:41] <Seira> "In case the hammer is affecting us, let's keep it on the ground for now," Seira says with a frown. "I doubt it'll get a chance to sneak up on us again."
[22:41] <Kotono> Lyselle shakes her head, resting it against the wall, one hand grasping it. "I still want it within reach," she declares.
[22:41] <Seira> Seira's frown deepens. "The reason this is the last resort is that Shamal may well find a way to control the lab and shut down the syphoning. She can't do that if the lab is destroyed."
[22:42] <Demedais> "Okay, okay. I get it now." He then turns to Lyselle. "You can have it within reach, just don't hold it while we wait. Alright?"
[22:43] <Seira> "But you're right," Seira says suddenly, sighing. "If Shamal is out of contact too long, we'll rethink our deployment."
[22:49] <Kotono> So the time passes. A few rounds, but then! The golem comes back! It passes through the door, looking your way. It looks your way long and hard, impassive...
[22:50] <Seira> "Hey there!" Seira calls out. "Could it be that little old me was right, and you're afraid of this place?"
[22:50] * Demedais eyes it back. "Uh. Should we retreat downstairs?" Demedais mutters.
[22:50] <Seira> "We have to banter first. It is tradition."
[22:50] * Seira snorts. "It also stalls the enemy and gives Shamal more time to work."
[22:51] <Demedais> "This is a  good point and one I am loath to dismiss." Demedais nods. "Let's hope she works quickly, then. Wanna fire that wand's magical arrow thingys once it gets closer?"
[22:51] <Kotono> The golem stares at the party, but it seems to be waiting a moment...
[22:52] * Seira flings a trio of magical missiles at it in clear invitation.
[22:52] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 13."12 [3d4=3, 4, 3]
[22:53] <Kotono> The magical volley of missiles slams the golem, striking it head on! More glass flies from it, as it begins to approach now! OOC - Initaitive.
[22:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 7."12 [1d20=7]
[22:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12."12 [1d20=9]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Lyselle
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Lyselle and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[22:54] * Kotono changes topic to 'Blonde=Golem>Pally>Elfess'
[22:54] <Seira> "Lyselle, it's up to you!" Seira's images declare as she shifts into a defensive position.
[22:55] <Kotono> Lyselle picks up the hammer, grinning, "Good..." she mutters, lunging forward! At the same time, the golem strieks out, the two trading blows!
[22:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 golem
[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 golem and gets 21."12 [1d20=7]
[22:55] <Kotono> roll 3d4+5
[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d4+5 and gets 13."12 [3d4=2, 4, 2]
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d8+6
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6 and gets 12."12 [1d8=6]
[23:00] <Kotono> The counter blow goes through the golem, as Lyselle's flesh is torn open by freezing ice! It's a direct hit, the hammer striking! Yet any damage it does seem sto be minimal, the etherial state only minimally impacted! OOC - Deme.
[23:02] <Demedais> "Seira, help Lyselle get out of here!" Demedais yells as he charges in to make himself a better target, swinging his sword in a wide arc. "Lyselle, get the hell out of here!"
[23:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[23:02] <Kotono> OOC - No crit, but roll damage.
[23:02] <Seira> "Let's try the sword, Shamal said it was weak to ice," Seira says in dismay, wincing as Lyselle is torn in front of her for little return. "We don't have to flee just yet!"
[23:02] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
[23:03] <Kotono> Lyselle grins sickly, nodding! Meanwhile, the sword cleaves through the golem, but to little real effect!  "Alright!" Lyselle calls back, ready to drop one for another! OOC - Seirai s up.
[23:04] <Seira> "Look, I'm the one hurting you the most, if this isn't a clear invitation to try and kill me, what is?" Seira asks the golem plainly, flinging yet more magical missiles at it.
[23:04] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 12."12 [3d4=4, 2, 3]
[23:05] <Kotono> The missiles hit the golem, more glass crinkling and crackling! This makes it take a step back, but it's still only phased! As Lyselle strikes out with Frozen Oath, the golem throws it's head back and lets loose a horrible sound! OOC - Will saves, all.
[23:05] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6
[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21."12 [1d20=15]
[23:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 man
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 man and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
[23:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 int check
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 int check and gets 6."12 [1d20=1]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 attack roll
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 attack roll and gets 32."12 [1d20=20]
[23:08] <Kotono> roll 1d8+6
[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6 and gets 8."12 [1d8=2]
[23:08] <Kotono> roll 1d2
[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 2."12 [1d2=2]
[23:08] <Kotono> The freezing blade slices through the golem! This time it seems to cause a bit of cracking, some damage scored! As this happens, the party feels their hearts curl up into dread! But Seira and Demedais are not affected, but Lyselle looks pale and shaken!
[23:08] <Kotono> OOC - Deme.
[23:09] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 8."12 [1d8=7]
[23:09] <Seira> "You just hurt it stronger than even my efforts, Lyselle! Don't get discouraged!" Seira calls out.
[23:09] <Demedais> "Yeah, yeah, scream all you want, arse. You don't scare me." Demedais snarls, unleashing a double combo unto it.
[23:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (2 PA to try and overwhelm DR!)
[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (2 PA to try and overwhelm DR!) and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[23:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3
[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[23:11] <Kotono> But a moment later, Lyselle's fear passes! OOC - Two hits.
[23:11] <Demedais> roll 2d8+14
[23:11] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d8+14 and gets 20."12 [2d8=5, 1]
[23:12] <Kotono> The blows pass through, only seeming to do weak damage! But it at least has some minor effecT! OOC - Seira.
[23:13] * Seira whistles merrily, and hopefully in an annoying manner to the golem, as the missiles keep on flying.
[23:13] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[23:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 13."12 [3d4=4, 2, 4]
[23:15] <Kotono> With that volley of missiles, the golem shatters apart! Shards strike the nearby Demedais and Lyselle, whilst most of the flow back and reform a very solid golem, just outside the stairs! OOC - Reflex saves, you two.
[23:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[23:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8."12 [1d20=4]
[23:16] <Kotono> OOC - Deme takes half.
[23:16] <Kotono> roll 4d4+4
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d4+4 and gets 17."12 [4d4=4, 3, 2, 4]
[23:18] <Kotono> Lyselle pauses a moment, "It's still alive?" she coughs, blood once again coming in plentiful waves from ehr body.
[23:19] <Demedais> "Apparently. You retreat, Lyselle, and drink a potion. I'll thrash this thing while you rest!" Demedais nods.
[23:19] <Kotono> Lyselle does so, as the golem stands. It looks ahead, silent for now, as...OOC - Deme is up.
[23:21] <Demedais> "Okay, not letting this thing take a break. Seira, if you can help Lyselle, do so, otherwise I request your backup!" Demedais yells as he charges at the beast!
[23:21] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (3 PA, +2 atk roll from charge)
[23:21] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (3 PA, +2 atk roll from charge) and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[23:21] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[23:22] <Demedais> roll 1d8+9
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+9 and gets 12."12 [1d8=3]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 2d8+3
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+3 and gets 15."12 [2d8=5, 7]
[23:23] <Kotono> The strike is effective, slamming the golem's glassy body! It's just a deep nick, however, a single blow not enough to fell it! OOC - Seira.
[23:23] * Seira approaches Lyselle, glaring daggers at the golem, and places a hand on her shoulder. "That's all I can do for now. Retreating for longer, however, is likely to be a bad call in this fight. You heal best in battle, after all."
[23:23] <Seira> roll 2d8+6
[23:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+6 and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 1]
[23:26] <Kotono> So Seira heals! The golem is face to face with Demedais, as Lyselle prepares herself! It attacks, two glassy, shard filled punches at the paladin!
[23:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
[23:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27."12 [1d20=13]
[23:26] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[23:26] <Demedais> OOC: 18.
[23:27] <Kotono> roll 4d10+10
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d10+10 and gets 32."12 [4d10=8, 4, 2, 8]
[23:29] <Kotono> As Demedais has his face and chest pounded into a bloody mess, Lyselle recovers and charges! A straight charge, right at the golem!
[23:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 -2 PA
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 -2 PA and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
[23:29] <Kotono> roll 1d8+8
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+8 and gets 10."12 [1d8=2]
[23:29] <Kotono> roll 1d2
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
[23:29] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4."12 [1d8=3]
[23:30] <Kotono> As this happens, Lyselle clips it's side! A bit more glass falls away, the golem starting to look dented up! But it remains up, Lyselle looks better, encased in white energy! OOC - Deme.
[23:31] <Demedais> "GRAAAAH!" Demedais screams as the blows connect. "Um, okay, that, ah, -hurt-." he grumbles as he backsteps out of range of the golem and quaffs the Serious Wounds potion!
[23:31] <Demedais> roll 3d8+3
[23:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 3d8+3 and gets 22."12 [3d8=7, 8, 4]
[23:32] <Kotono> As Demedais heals and steps back...OOC - Seira!
[23:34] <Seira> As her allies are struck horribly one after the other, Seira yells in anger and rushes at the golem! She makes a graceful arc, her images trailing behind her as if she were moving in slow motion, and picks up the forgotten hammer, charging on to slam it against the golem's flank!
[23:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[23:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[23:36] <Seira> roll 1d8
[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 8."12 [1d8=8]

[Corwin]

[19:52] <Anastasia> Slam! In her sudden rage, Seira strikes the golem directly! The Hammer of the Shard slams into the golem's chest with as much muster as Seira has! The glass impacts there, a blunt trama brought to it! Yet it's not enough to seriously slow it, instead the golem flows back, breaking into little shards! Not an explosion this time, but a flowing. A flowing, as it reforms into a glass golem filled with water, bubbling up! (More)
[19:52] <Anastasia> As this happens, Lyselle presses her chance, slashing outa t the golem!
[19:52] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+12
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24."12 [1d20=12]
[19:52] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+7
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 9."12 [1d20=2]
[19:52] <Anastasia> roll 1d8+6+1d2
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d8+6+1d2 and gets 15."12 [1d8=8][1d2=1]
[19:54] <Anastasia> While a brilliant rain of sparkling glass is cut away, the golem is still largely intact! It assumes it's new form, "My magic is the might of the True God. No matter how many times you strike my body down, I have more power to draw on!" OOC - Demedais.
[19:54] <Anastasia> roll 1d8+1
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
[19:54] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[19:55] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[19:55] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[19:55] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[19:55] <Seira> "Your magic is the syphoning of those with true power, a pale imitation at best!" Seira heckles the golem.
[19:56] <Demedais> "Blah blah blah shut up!" Demedais yells as he shift into position, flanking it between himself and Lyselle as he swings twice more!
[19:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 (5 PA)
[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 (5 PA) and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[19:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2 (5 PA)
[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 (5 PA) and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
[19:58] <Anastasia> OOC - Both hit.
[19:58] <Demedais> roll 4d6+30
[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+30 and gets 47."12 [4d6=6, 5, 1, 5]
[19:59] <Anastasia> The first slash should bisect the golem, the second should quarter it into four even pieces! But yet, only water moves! While the glass is mildly damaged, Demedais gets the sensation of hacking at the ocean! The golem doesn'te ven seem fazed by these two overwhelming blows! OOC - Seira.
[20:00] * Seira thrusts her left arm towards the golem, stepping back, and a green orb of acid flies at her target, a second swiftly following.
[20:01] <Anastasia> OOC - Caster level check.
[20:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[20:02] <Anastasia> The magic arcs forth...and fizzles away as it closes, turning into faint motes of light that do nothing! So the magic falls apart, rendered impotent! OOC - Lyselle and golem are up now.
[20:02] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:02] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[20:02] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[20:03] <Anastasia> Lyselle rushes forward, pressing her advantage with the others!
[20:03] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+12 -2 PA
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+12 -2 PA and gets 26."12 [1d20=14]
[20:03] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 -2 PA
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+7 -2 PA and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[20:03] <Anastasia> roll 2d8+16+2d2
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d8+16+2d2 and gets 27."12 [2d8=1, 6][2d2=2, 2]
[20:05] <Anastasia> roll 2d8+2
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d8+2 and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 5]
[20:07] <Anastasia> Both slashes rip into the watery form! The blade does little, but the freezing air after seems to! The golem's body turns somewhat frozen, a few chunks of ice floating inside, the water flowing slower! As this happens, the golem turns to Lyselle and...(More)
[20:08] <Anastasia> It looks at Lyselle, as...
[20:08] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+8
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[20:08] <Anastasia> roll 1d8
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d8 and gets 1."12 [1d8=1]
[20:09] <Anastasia> But barely anything seems to happen, Lyselle's momentum not even interrupted! OOC - Demedais.
[20:09] * Demedais growls at the thing, not bothering to say anything as he sweeps his blade through it again!
[20:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 (5 PA)
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 (5 PA) and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
[20:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 (5 PA)
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 (5 PA) and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[20:10] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
[20:10] <Anastasia> OOC - How was the second also +7, Deme?
[20:11] <Demedais> OOC: ...Subtract 5, wrong C+P.
[20:11] <Anastasia> OOC - Second hits.
[20:11] <Demedais> roll 2d6+15
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+15 and gets 23."12 [2d6=6, 2]
[20:13] <Anastasia> Crunch! This blow does somewhat better, having soild matter to hit! It's still not at it' best, but Demedais feels like he scored an effective blow this time! Indeed, the golem is rocked, needing to stumble back and off balance, glass shards falling as a puddle forms around it, leaking!
[20:13] <Anastasia> OOC - Seira.
[20:16] * Seira leaves the hammer back and retreats, taking out her bow. A single arrow flies at the partially-frozen golem, as Seira hopes to give it a third eye!
[20:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 (3 pa)
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 (3 pa) and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d8+7
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7 and gets 10."12 [1d8=3]
[20:18] <Anastasia> The arrow flies, directly hitting! While it's still having some trouble with the water, it at least looks like it did some damage! As this happens, two things occur at once! First, Lyselle snarls and presses her advantage, blade lashing out!
[20:18] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+12 -2 PA
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+12 -2 PA and gets 21."12 [1d20=9]
[20:18] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 -2 PA
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+7 -2 PA and gets 17."12 [1d20=10]
[20:18] <Anastasia> roll 2d8+16+2d2
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d8+16+2d2 and gets 26."12 [2d8=2, 5][2d2=1, 2]
[20:21] <Anastasia> Both blows hit directly! The golem freezes further, more damage done! However, as it does, the golem steps five feet back, and where it was? A swirling tornado of water appears, perhaps seven feet tall and five feet wide! OOC - Demedais.
[20:22] * Anastasia changes topic to 'Blonde=Golem=Summon>Pally>Elfess'
[20:23] * Demedais freezes, a bit torn by indecision, before pressing his attack against the golem even further!
[20:23] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (6 PA)
[20:23] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 (6 PA)
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (6 PA)  and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 (6 PA) and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
[20:23] <Anastasia> OOC - This'll require you to go right by the elemental and risk being thwacked. That okay?
[20:24] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:24] <Demedais> OOC: It will? Hm. I can't five-foot free step to follow it?
[20:24] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[20:24] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[20:24] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[20:25] <Anastasia> OOC - Okay.
[20:25] <Anastasia> OOC - First hit.
[20:25] <Demedais> roll 2d6+17
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+17 and gets 22."12 [2d6=2, 3]
[20:26] <Anastasia> This slash makes a large crack in the golem, another vicious injury! It's inside water is half frozen, the rest languidily splashing as it moves!
[20:27] <Anastasia> OOC - Seira.
[20:27] <Seira> Maybe she'll take it down with her arrows? Seira feels obliged to try!
[20:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 (PA 3)
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 (PA 3) and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
[20:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 (PA 3)
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 (PA 3) and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[20:28] <Seira> roll 1d8+7
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7 and gets 14."12 [1d8=7]
[20:28] <Anastasia> Clink! With that last shot the glass breaks apart! WAter and ice and glass shards are close enough to strike Demedais! OOC - Ref save.
[20:29] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
[20:29] <Anastasia> The shards fall back, the glass reforming about twenty feet away. The golem appears again, it's previous injuries showing. It's chest is impacted where Demedais hit, it's body has countless sword nicks. Yet it still stands...
[20:29] <Anastasia> roll 4d4+4
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 4d4+4 and gets 17."12 [4d4=4, 4, 2, 3]
[20:32] <Anastasia> The summoned water elemental and Lyselle move at once! The former goes to strike the blonde, as she begins a charge dead ahead for the golem!
[20:33] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+6
[20:33] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+6
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
[20:33] <Anastasia> But both fail, as Lyselle rips off!
[20:33] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13 (-1 PA)
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 (-1 PA) and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[20:34] <Anastasia> Yet Lyselle is met by it, it's glassy arm deflecting the blade! Taking the chance, the golem falls back and then runs, running to the unexplored doors to the north and going through them!
[20:34] <Anastasia> OOC - Demedais.
[20:35] <Demedais> "For the love of... it's retreating?" Demedais curses as his attention turns to the elemental as he charges toward it.
[20:35] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (4 PA)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (4 PA) and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[20:35] <Seira> "We are obliged to charge after it!" Seira calls out cheerfully.
[20:37] <Anastasia> OOC - Hit.
[20:37] <Demedais> roll 2d6+13
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+13 and gets 20."12 [2d6=4, 3]
[20:38] <Anastasia> This blow strikes the elemental, doing some damage to it, splasing it's watery form about! OOC - Seira!
[20:42] * Seira bypasses the melee, headed for the doors, which she then proceeds to throw open!
[20:43] <Anastasia> Inside, Seira sees it...a vast, long hall. Long enough to perhaps fit most of Balmuria into! Severe marble halls, glowing bright. The golem runs down this way with great haste and speed, towards the rear, where it is. Faraway, floating at the end and below four beautiful windows, a shield can be seen floating in the air...
[20:44] <Seira> "It's going for the shield!" Seira calls out, giving chase.
[20:44] <Demedais> "Lyselle, you've still got that running spell, right? Try and give chase!" Demedais bellows.
[20:48] <Anastasia> "Yeah!" Lyselle calls, taking to speed! She zips past without regard, as the elemental attempts to strike her twice in return!
[20:48] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+6
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[20:48] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+6
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
[20:48] <Anastasia> roll 2d8+5
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d8+5 and gets 11."12 [2d8=5, 1]
[20:50] <Anastasia> The first slam hits Lyselle, knocking her severalf eet to the side and surely bruising her abdomen massively! Yet the blonde keeps sprinting, rushing into the hall! Past Seira, as the golem continues it's track! The shield - it's starting to move, starting to drift towards the golem as well! OOC - Demedais.
[20:51] * Demedais grumbles. "And now for me to give chase as well..." He quickly runs past the golem as he, too, enters the hall!
[20:52] <Anastasia> So Demedais runs, as  he enters the hall as well! OOC - Seira.
[20:52] <Seira> A rain of twelve magical bolts is sent after the golem, real and illusional alike, from her wand as Seira advances on it at a slower pace than her friends.
[20:52] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 11."12 [3d4=4, 2, 2]
[20:53] <Anastasia> The magic missiles strike true, rocking the golem! Several parts of it's body are falling apart, glass shattering like raindrops on the windshield! Yet the chaotic battle continues, as the shield is close, but sprinting Lyselle catches up to it in a charge!
[20:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+12 (-2 PA)
[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+12 (-2 PA) and gets 17."12 [1d20=5]
[20:54] <Anastasia> roll 1d8+8+1d2
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d8+8+1d2 and gets 13."12 [1d8=4][1d2=1]
[20:55] <Anastasia> Lyselle cleaves it's left arm off, glass shattering! Yet it still goes on, as meanwhile, the last elemental gives chase! It follows and charges in, keeping pace! OOC - Deme.
[20:56] <Demedais> "GRAB THE SHIELD!" Demedais bellows as he continues into the hall. "DON'T LET THAT BASTARD HAVE WHAT HE WANTS!" As he runs, he pulls out another potion of Cure Light Wounds and chugs it!
[20:56] <Demedais> roll 1d8+3
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+3 and gets 6."12 [1d8=3]
[20:56] <Anastasia> Demedais chugs his potion, revitalizing energy restoring his wounded body! OOC - Seira!
[20:56] * Seira sticks to what's worked before!
[20:56] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 13."12 [3d4=4, 3, 3]
[20:59] <Anastasia> The magic missiles slam the golem once more, breaking much of it's chest open! Yet it continues to stagger on, as it all happens at once! The shield is close to both, Lyselle eyeing it as the golem lunges! Lyselle drops Frozen Oath, diving for it as well! OOC - Mmm. Sec while I do some rule checking on this.

[Corwin]

[22:39] <Kotono> Shamal rushes ahead, up the enxt stair. The mists grow chilly, caressing Shamal's skin. She notes everything seems ghostly here, even herself. But it doesn't hurt; in fact, she feels better. A great sense of peace is filling her, a heretero covered part of her pysche drinking in...something. A balance, a presence. Ahead, you see it form. A tower floor, with two windows on the side before the stairs resume. On one side is a window that pee
[22:40] <Kotono> On one side is a window that peers down, such that you would need to kneel to see it. On the other wall is a window looking up, such that you would need to stand on tiptoe or on a stool that sits nearby to see. You cannot quite see anything out of either, it would require getting close.
[22:41] <Shamal> Windows are no good, Shamal needs a control room! Aware that the clock is ticking, Shamal and Laika hurry up the stairs, the blonde fighting to keep her mind focused on her actions and away from the peaceful serenity - she can't afford to get complacent!
[22:42] <Kotono> OOC - Wisdom check.
[22:42] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4
[22:42] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{22}
[22:43] <Kotono> Shamal races on! Up the stairs she goes! But what is here...?! A forest. Teh steps turn into a forest, a pleasant green forest. Ahead of her is a clearing, dirty tents and huts here. The sun shines down, cloaked in mist. A great bonfire burns here, an inproptu chair behind it.
[22:44] <Shamal> "What...?" Shamal looks around in faint despair. "Controls, where are the controls?" she asks frantically, running around to quickly look in all the tents and huts around the clearing.
[22:47] <Kotono> Shamal begins to search around, empty, misty tents! But on the other side she can see a path winding in the woods, but... "Heh, heh." It's a goblin's voice, strong and full of mirth. Stepping out from behind the chair, you see him. He wears a black breastplate, a greatsword crackling with lighting in his hands. His flesh has turned red, horns jutting from above his ears. But Yezrut stands there. "Funny. Just got used to the Abyss and I fi
[22:48] <Kotono>  "Funny. Just got used to the Abyss and I find myself here. Fun place, isn't it? No demons, no trouble, just how things are. Nice to meet you again, I never got to pay you back."
[22:56] <Shamal> "Oh, for the love of Mielikki... you have to be joking?" Shamal asks in despair. "How did you even get here, Yezrut?"
[22:58] <Kotono> Shifting his sword back and forth, here and there, "It called me. Said all of you needed to be taught a lesson. So why not - this little place is better than the Abyss." He grins, feral and showing long fangs in his mouth. "I don't care who's walking besides you...I'm not giong to pass up a chance for revenge."
[22:59] <Shamal> "Even if it means being someone else's pawn?" Shamal asks, mind racing. Her and Laika would have fair odds against the Yezrut she fought before, but he wasn't demonic and lacked a magic weapon. If she can avoid fighting, so much the better.
[23:02] <Kotono> "Let tell you something. The Abyss, it opened my eyes. No matter how strong you are, there's a demon stronger than you, a demon lord stronger than that, then the Gods. Guess I wasn't cut out to rule...but I'll take a nice place here any lifetime. You can feel it, can't you?" Yezrut leers, but looks just besides you, scowling.  "It's like the blinders are gone."
[23:06] <Shamal> "It's pleasant, but I have things to deal with in the land of the living - Listen, Yezrut, I don't want to fight you again. Stand aside, and this place might still be here when I'm done - otherwise my friends will have no choice but to destroy the mechanism creating this place, and where will that leave you?" Shamal attempts to reason with the fiendish goblin.
[23:06] <Kotono> He scowls, but again not at you. "What about her?" he asks flat out, "LIke hell I trust one of HER."
[23:07] * Shamal blinks, looking to the side and noticing he's not looking at any of her images. "Who do you mean, 'her'?" she asks, confused.
[23:10] <Kotono> "She's walking next to you. All you clerics look like that." Scowling even darker, Yezrut starts to laugh. "...oooh! You don't get it yet, do you? This place ain't like where we lived."
[23:11] <Shamal> "As far as I can tell it's the etherial plane, or a reasonable facsimile," Shamal replies dubiously. "Perhaps your... nature, allows you to perceive the spirits who dwell here?"
[23:14] <Kotono> "Heh, heh, heh." Yezrut continues to laugh, amused. "It's right next door to everything. The good and the bad. It's why things are different here. But..." Yezrut just continues to grin, "It's telling me that I have to fight you. That it isn't gonna be shut down."
[23:15] <Shamal> "I really don't want to do this, Yezrut, but if you're sure about taking on all eight of us..." Shamal makes a meaningful survey of the numerous Shamals and Laikas all around.
[23:16] <Kotono> "Beats going back the AByss," Yezrut just says, quite agreeable. OOC - Initiative.
[23:16] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[23:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Shamal --> 1,0[ 1d20=1 ]12,0{3}
[23:16] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Laika
[23:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0Laika --> 1,0[ 1d20=15 ]12,0{18}
[23:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{23}
[23:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'Yezrut>Laika>ShamalRei'd.'
[23:19] <Kotono> Yezrut grins from ear to ear, as he charges Shamal! He strikes out, trying to wound her! OOC - Number of images?
[23:20] <Shamal> OOC: 4
[23:20] <Kotono> roll 1d5 1=hit
[23:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d5 1,01=hit --> 1,0[ 1d5=1 ]12,0{1}
[23:20] <Shamal> OOC: sorry, 3 images, 4 shamals
[23:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[23:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+13 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{32}
[23:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 crit check oh boy
[23:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+13 1,0crit check oh boy --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{18}
[23:20] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[23:20] <Shamal> OOC: 13
[23:21] <Kotono> roll 4d6+1d6+12
[23:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 4d6+1d6+12 --> 1,0[ 4d6=10 1d6=5 ]12,0{27}
[23:22] <Kotono> The blow slices Shamal's chest wide open, flaps of skin splurting out ample blood! Despite all the images, Yezrut was right on target! "That's it?" he asks, making a small flip back. "Can't even hide behind your magic?" OOC - Laika.
[23:24] * Shamal cries out in pain as she's cut into, staggering with the blow. "Just wait... Laika, sic'em!" she calls, as Laika circles around Yezrut, exposing herself to attack as she gets into position to flank him before biting in!
[23:24] <Shamal> OOC: AoO for Yezrut
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 no charge this time
[23:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+11 1,0no charge this time --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{31}
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 no charge this time crit check!
[23:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+11 1,0no charge this time crit check! --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{31}
[23:24] <Shamal> OOC: roll 1d4 mirror images
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 1d4 1=hit
[23:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d4 1,01=hit --> 1,0[ 1d4=2 ]12,0{2}
[23:25] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[23:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=15 ]12,0{24}
[23:25] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[23:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+4 --> 1,0[ 1d6=3 ]12,0{7}
[23:25] <Kotono> Yezrut lashes out casually, slicing one of the images into nothingness from mouth to tail! OOC - Hit.
[23:25] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip
[23:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0trip --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{14}
[23:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[23:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{22}
[23:26] <Kotono> While he is indeed surrounded, the bite only draws some blood and fails to trip him! Instead, Yezrut remains up, right in Shamal's face! OOC - Sham-cahn.
[23:28] * Shamal allows a faint, pained smile to show as Yezrut attacks Laika, falling into her trap. "Swift hunter of air, with eagle's fury and horse's determination, I call upon you!" she incants, raising a hand aloft as a breeze flurries around her, whipping her hair and shredded clothes upwards as a Hippogriff appears right next to Yezrut. "Take this fiend away from me!"
[23:28] <Shamal> At her summons, a Hippogriff appears, letting out a tremendous screech as it tries to grab Yezrut in its claws!
[23:28] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8 touch attack to start grapple
[23:28] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+8 1,0touch attack to start grapple --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{28}
[23:28] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12 grapple check
[23:28] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+12 1,0grapple check --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{20}
[23:28] <Kotono> OOC - We all know that's a hit.
[23:28] <Shamal> Grabbing onto Yezrut, the Hippogriff proceeds to start flying upwards with him!
[23:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[23:30] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{21}
[23:30] <Kotono> Yezrut manages to squawk as he's taken away, the hippogriff soaring straight up! OOC - free action for the moment.
[23:32] <Shamal> "Have a nice journey," Shamal glares balefully upwards at Yezrut, downing her potion of cure moderate wounds before she hurries down the path onwards, leaving him to his fate!
[23:32] <Shamal> roll 2d8+3
[23:32] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 2d8+3 --> 1,0[ 2d8=7 ]12,0{10}
[23:34] <Kotono> So Shamal and Laika rush on! This time you walk on a path of mists, the forest fizzling away into white tendrils of moisture. Ahead looks to be another laboratory area, diagrams floating in the air, surrounding what lookst o be a main crystal. A white crystal, mist seeping from it!
[23:34] <Shamal> "Guard the door, Laika," Shamal instructs, immediately going to pore over the diagrams on display.

[Corwin]

[19:50] <Anastasia> OOC - Spellcraft, and also a spot check.
[19:50] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11 spot
[19:50] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+11 1,0spot --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{22}
[19:50] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft
[19:50] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+13 1,0spellcraft --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{20}
[19:54] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[19:55] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[19:55] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[19:55] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[19:55] <Anastasia> It takes a few moments, but Shamal begins to get the very basic gist. The diagrams are more figures, relating to the control mechanism crystal. But Shamal can't puzzle out anything more. However, as she works, she catches a glint out of the corner of her eye.
[19:55] * Shamal glances at said glint!
[19:58] <Anastasia> From the mist you see it starting to form, just outside. A twisting portal, starting to stretch out and form. LIght comes from it, pleasant, agreeable light.
[20:00] <Shamal> "Laika, keep an eye on that portal," Shamal orders her dog, hoping nothing nasty is about to be summoned. Then she casts detect magic and resumes looking over the diagrams, hoping to make better sense of them if she can see the underlying magic.
[20:02] <Anastasia> OOC - Detect magic again.
[20:02] <Anastasia> OOC - Er, spellcraft.
[20:02] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[20:02] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[20:02] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[20:03] <Anastasia> > OOC - Detect magic again.
[20:03] <Anastasia> > OOC - Er, spellcraft.
[20:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[20:03] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+13 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{32}
[20:06] <Anastasia> Shamal manages to do it the hard way. She studies the direct magic, finding understanding in the weave of magery itself.  The diagrams are just leftovers, really. While they're showing stuff, there don't have much context of control.  While the crystal does, the magical effect is being altered...by this area? As if the area has it's own pull. Meanwhile, you hear Laika whimper.
[20:08] <Shamal> "What is it, girl?" Shamal looks towards Laika as she approaches the crystal itself.
[20:12] <Anastasia> The portal has opened. You see a beautiful place of light and sunshine, a great wild forest. You can hear a faraway whimper, pleading... "Come home...come home...I miss you..."
[20:14] <Shamal> "It's a trick," Shamal states decisively, even if her voice wavers slightly. Her home is Balmuria... and her friends are counting on her, right now. "Don't go near it, Laika," she instructs firmly, before trying to ignore the portal and focusing on the gem itself. There has to be some trick to it...
[20:15] <Anastasia> OOC - Spellcraft.
[20:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[20:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+13 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{15}
[20:17] <Anastasia> Shamal can't make heads or tails of it. AS she does, she hears a lonely howling behind her. The howling of a dog that's waiting for her master to come home.
[20:18] * Shamal shudders, starting to have sincere doubts about this. But even so... "I'm sorry... I can't, not yet," she whimpers, steeling herself and grabbing the crystal, hoping that if she moves it it might disrupt the flow to the golem.
[20:19] <Anastasia> OOC - Make a will save here.
[20:19] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11
[20:19] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+11 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{31}
[20:20] <Anastasia> As Shamal grabs it, she becomes acutely aware! The crystal...it presses against her. Not magic, but a real will against her mind! Yet her iron resolve keeps herself her own, the crystal in her hands! Mist continues to flow from it. Flowing harder, as you hear more lonely howls...
[20:24] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[20:24] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[20:24] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[20:24] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[20:24] <Anastasia> As Shamal grabs it, she becomes acutely aware! The crystal...it presses against her. Not magic, but a real will against her mind! Yet her iron resolve keeps herself her own, the crystal in her hands! Mist continues to flow from it. Flowing harder, as you hear more lonely howls...
[20:25] <Shamal> If it has a mind... "Can you understand me?" Shamal tries hopefully as she holds the crystal. Then again, can she even hope to reason with something built by psychopathic evil gnomes?
[20:26] <Anastasia> OOC - Okay, I think I'm going to call for a diplo check. This amuses me.
[20:26] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[20:26] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{11}
[20:26] <Shamal> OOC: +8, so 12, but still...
[20:27] <Anastasia> The crystal glows, more mist swirling out. It's starting to surround you.
[20:30] <Shamal> "Look... if you can understand me, you need to stop sending power to the golem - it's gone beyond its mission, and no longer wishes to guard what it was set to guard. Now it seeks to leave its post and bring terror to the outside world. If you can understand that, please help me!" she pleads.
[20:30] <Shamal> "Because if you can't, I'm going to have to try and damage you enough to stop your functions, and I don't want to have to do that, but if it's the only way to help my friends then I will!"
[20:34] <Anastasia> The mist has surrounded you. It clouds your eyes, dimming your vision. You feel that will against yours again, yet it does not seem to be a  serious threat of conquering yours.
[20:36] <Shamal> "Please!" Shamal tries one last time, her knuckles turning white as she grips the crystal tightly. "I can feel a will in there - is this really what you want? You know what I'll have to do."
[20:36] <Anastasia> Your vision is changing. A montage plays out in front of you: (More)
[20:39] <Anastasia> Endless silence. Endless cool, swirling mists. Becoming aware. Becoming alive. Countless periods of time passing, half asleep, half awake, growing. So many things, just on your border. An eternity of seeing what was never meant to be seen - the good and the bad, infinite flashes of Outer Planes. Connected to them as it grows, seeing and reaching. And above all -t he spark. The spark of awareness, growing. The natural desire to live, be
[20:40] <Anastasia> The natural desire to live, beating in your chest, caused by fear. Fear, terror, confusion.
[20:44] <Shamal> "I... I'm sorry, I don't understand," Shamal says weakly, buckling under the stress of her mission and the knowledge of what lies through the nearby portal. "You want to live? You're trapped here? Please, tell me how I can help - I hate this as much as you do, but I have to do something about that golem!"
[20:47] <Anastasia> You see images, more and more and more. It's afraid - you see yourselves coming in, down the onyx stairs. Climing up, to the tower way and beyond. A flash, the golem the golem the golem.It's overlaid in your vision, as you see yourself walking up to the crystal, taking your staff and breaking it apart with one mighty blow. Fear radiates throughout your body.
[20:48] <Shamal> "You summoned Yezrut, didn't you?" It's not quite an accusation, more a statement of fact.
[20:51] <Anastasia> You see another image. Shamal lowers her staff and takes the crystal, walking out. The mists fade behind her, fizzling into oblivion. As Shamal exits the citadel, the crystal's light goes dark, suffocating away, smothered, no more mists coming. But then...you see Shamal, going to the diagrams, studing them again. This and that, here and there, that part and this, beginning to speak words.
[20:53] * Shamal focuses on the visions, trying to see exactly what the illusory version of herself is doing. "And... are you saying if I take you from here it will accomplish my goal, but there is some way your own existence can be maintained?"
[20:55] <Anastasia> You can see it - the third diagram, the fifth word spoken...you think you have an idea. An image of Shamal speaking that...then walking out, walking back to the world and away...
[20:57] <Shamal> "I understand," Shamal nods slowly, not entirely certain but willing to take this on faith. "Come with me, then - there's no time to lose," she states, carefully picking up the crystal and holding it to her chest. "Come on, Laika, let's go!" she declares, starting to hurry back the way they came and out of the laboratory.
[20:58] <Anastasia> OOC - Okay. Just fleeing out?
[20:59] <Shamal> OOC: strike my line!
[20:59] <Anastasia> OOC: Okay.
[20:59] <Shamal> "I think I get it," Shamal nods slowly, backing away from the crystal and moving to study the same diagrams she saw herself reading in the vision. The third diagram, then the fifth word...
[21:00] <Anastasia> OOC - Spellcraft again.
[21:00] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 pray~
[21:00] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+13 1,0pray~ --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{31}
[21:00] <Anastasia> That's it! Amid all the readings, you find the golden grail! The command words to revoke the flow of energy to the golem and set the control crystal to neutral mode instead of channeling!
[21:01] <Shamal> "Estha Gux," Shamal intones sollemnly, turning towards the crystal.
[21:01] <Anastasia> The crystal glows bright! Meanwhile...
[21:04] <Anastasia> The crystal's glow becomes steady, floating back to where it was. The portals are gone, save for one in front of you. It leads back to the front of the fortress, where you see a water elemental whirlwind dissipating.
[21:05] <Shamal> "I'll be back... the key to helping Oolu may be here," Shamal promises. "Thank you, though," she bows to the crystal, before hurrying through the offered portal. "Come, Laika!"
[21:05] <Anastasia> OOC - Just join #dunes ni a few lines if you will?

[Corwin]

[21:38] <Anastasia> So Shamal returns. The pace through the laboratory is without incident, reaching the end. Here the crystal sits, vibrant and glowing white. Mist swirls around it with impunity.
[21:40] <Shamal> "As I said, I have returned," Shamal states simply, approaching the crystal. "You seem to have a strong power over the planes, and I would wish to understand more of what you can do." She hesitates a moment, casting a guilty glance back towards Laika. "And... was that really Rin I heard earlier?" she asks, lip trembling slightly.
[21:42] <Anastasia> The crystal floats in the air, mists swirling out and around Shamal. It starts to cloak her again, dimming her vision.
[21:43] * Shamal reaches out and calmly rests her palm on the crystal's surface, communing with it in the only way that seems possible with her understanding.
[21:45] <Anastasia> Images flash in your minds. Of a hellish place, an endless battle ground soaked with red. From that, you see a leering goblin emergy, seeming to listen and understand. It steps through a portal, to a goblin camp like on the Prime Material. Then you see a beautiful forest, endless and branching. A single dog seems to hear a long wished for voice, trotting closer...
[21:48] * Shamal trembles slightly, watching the scene play out. Why couldn't Rin just forget her and enjoy her afterlife? It seems so pointless to be sad in Arborea...
[21:48] <Anastasia> Rin looks on a few moments, the sound passing. She looks sad a moment, but then her ears perk up. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth, following a faraway call.
[21:49] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[21:49] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[21:49] <Anastasia> Rin looks on a few moments, the sound passing. She looks sad a moment, but then her ears perk up. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth, following a faraway call.
[21:49] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[21:49] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[21:49] <Anastasia> Rin looks on a few moments, the sound passing. She looks sad a moment, but then her ears perk up. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth, then follows a faraway call.
[21:49] <Anastasia> *then she
[21:50] * Shamal allows herself a smile. "Be free, Rin," she murmurs. "Thank you. This pleases me more than you can know," she tells the crystal.
[21:53] <Anastasia> The mists continue to swirl. It shows Oolu, reaching out, past the fountain. Slowly, slowly, slowly...he steps away, the another and another, then running and vanishing away with a laugh. Then you see yourself and your friends, leaving the Laboratory, the mists left behind.
[21:54] <Shamal> "That's really all I needed to know..." Shamal murmurs. "And yet... what of yourself? Will you simply remain as you are and... watch?"
[21:55] <Anastasia> There is no reply, as...OOC - #dunes.

[Corwin]

[21:01] <Anastasia> OOC - Well, Shamal made it moot.
[21:02] <Anastasia> Lyselle's lugne is not interrupted! She gets the shield smoothly, landing on top of it! This is far more than can be said for the golem! It's form turns ghostly a moment, before etherial mists fizzle fromi t's body! It screams, as the stress causes myriad cracks to form over it's body! With a shuddering, shivering burst there is a great explosion of glass!
[21:03] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4 reflex
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+4 reflex and gets 8."12 [1d20=4]
[21:03] <Anastasia> roll 8d4+8
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 8d4+8 and gets 34."12 [8d4=4, 2, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 4]
[21:03] <Seira> "You sore loser!"
[21:03] <Anastasia> Lyselle's back is riddled with dozens of glass shards, her back armor torn to shreds! Yet it is a victory,a s the fearsome golem only litters the floor now!
[21:06] <Anastasia> Lyselle coughs and groans, managing to sit up as her back bleeds. But in triumph, she holds it up. A heavy shield colored gold, the front dotted with a thousand tiny gems. It sparkles as you see it, motes of light from all around gathering to it.
[21:07] <Anastasia> "Help..." she murmurs around her smile, looking at the others hopefully.
[21:07] * Demedais checks behind him to ensure the elemental isn't still pursuing somehow!
[21:07] * Seira is quickly there with a healing potion!
[21:07] <Seira> roll 1d8+1
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1 and gets 5."12 [1d8=4]
[21:09] <Anastasia> Lyselle's wounds close minorly, even as she smiles in half delerium. "Got it...we got it..."
[21:11] <Shamal> Four Shamals and four Laikas run through the doors towards the group as this happens. "Guys, are you okay? What happened to the golem?" she asks, hurrying over.
[21:11] <Seira> "It's history," the Seira quadruplets respond in tandem.
[21:11] <Demedais> "Golem go boom." Demedais nodded wearily. "Shield get. Help Lyselle if can." He then sits down to rest.
[21:12] <Shamal> "Thank goodness!" Shamal sighs happily, hurrying over to Lyselle and taking out a simple unadorned wooden wand which she waves over her friend, bestowing healing energy.
[21:12] <Shamal> roll 1d8+1
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4."12 [1d8=3]
[21:12] <Shamal> roll 1d8+1
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d8+1 and gets 9."12 [1d8=8]
[21:13] <Shamal> roll 1d8+1
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4."12 [1d8=3]
[21:13] <Anastasia> The wounds largely mend themselves, though she still isn't fully healed. "...heh..." Lyselle smiles wearily. "Guess we're almost done here."
[21:14] <Demedais> "Hope so." Demedais nods in agreement, before bowing his head a bit. "Hope so."
[21:15] <Shamal> "I want to study that lab a bit more before we go to see if there's any way to help Oolu, but after that I think we're done," Shamal nods, taking a glance at the shield with her magic-sight. "So that's the fabled Fifth Resort?"
[21:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
[21:16] <Shamal> "Phew!" She blinks a few times, shaking her head. "It's an artifact, alright. Just like General Khardon's dagger, I can't make sense of it at all."
[21:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft~
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 spellcraft~ and gets 21."12 [1d20=10]
[21:17] <Anastasia> "Colonel," Lyselle corrects absently, "...Is the laboratory safe to go alone, or will you wait? I need to rest."
[21:17] <Demedais> "I... vote we visit Oolu, rest for a bit, and then... finish exploring." Demedais says slowly.
[21:18] <Demedais> "It is... possible killing... the golem freed Oolu."
[21:18] <Seira> "Let's go see for ourselves, then."
[21:19] <Shamal> "It should be safe," Shamal confirms. "The source of the golem's power is a sentient crystal - it summoned Yezrut from the Abyss to try and stop me, and then... well, it tried to stall me a lot. But I was able to convince it to help me and it showed me the sequence to break its pact with the golem. I don't think we need to fear going there, now."
[21:19] <Anastasia> "...Yezrut? The goblin leader?" Lyselle mutters in disbelief.
[21:19] * Shamal idly takes a moment to rearrange her shredded tunic as she remembers how Yezrut tore it open over her chest.
[21:20] <Shamal> "In the fiendish flesh," the blonde affirms. "He was just as fiesty as before, but I reminded him it's a long way down to the Abyss..." she concludes, smiling mysteriously.
[21:20] * Demedais blinks a bit.
[21:20] <Seira> "Couldn't happen to a nicer goblin," Seira affirms.
[21:21] <Shamal> "Anyway, I'm for the 'taking a break' plan. We've earned it," Shamal nods earnestly.
[21:23] * Seira nods, and goes to Oolu's fountain at a leisurely pace.
[21:23] * Demedais nods in agreement. "Especially Lyselle and you, it sounds like. And Seira for the Magic Missle swarms."
[21:23] * Demedais stands and offers a hand up to Lyselle.
[21:24] <Anastasia> Lyselle takes the hand, smiling a moment before she begins to walk as well.
[21:24] * Demedais nods and follows slowly.
[21:25] <Anastasia> So teh party limps towards Oolu's fountain. It gushes water out, high and tall, with great vigor. Pacing ont he surface of the water is Oolu, water elf form grinning from ear to ear. "You did it! I can feel all the energy gathering here now instead of continuing no! You really smashed it?"
[21:25] <Seira> "Several times," Seira tells him happily.
[21:25] <Seira> "Very satisfying."
[21:25] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods.
[21:26] <Anastasia> In excited elven at first, but switching over, 12This is a big step to being freed, I just know it!"
[21:27] <Shamal> "12We were hoping you might be freed just by that. But if not I still think a solution might lie in the Etherial Laboratory,1" Shamal chimes in, pleased at Oolu's obvious happiness.
[21:28] <Anastasia> 12"I'm nots ure yet, I'm still gathering power. If I am, I should be able to try soon. Just a few more days at worst, maybe!"
[21:29] <Shamal> "12We'll be here perhaps a day longer as we finish up our explorations, so hopefully we'll know for sure before we leave,1" Shamal offers after dutifully translating.
[21:30] <Anastasia> Oolu nods, sitting down on the water. This time in Elven, "You're all hurt. Just don't overdo it!"
[21:30] <Demedais> "Assuming nothing makes us need to rest longer." Demedais notes and chuckles.
[21:34] <Seira> "I'm perfectly fine!"
[21:35] <Shamal> "I'll manage," Shamal demurs, again having to rearrange her shredded garments in order to preserve modesty. Why do they always aim for the chest?!
[21:35] * Demedais punches Seira in the shoulder with a little bit of force.. "Now you're not." he says with a smirk.
[21:35] <Seira> "My constitution can take your punches better than yours can take my magical missiles!" she tells him brightly, smiling.
[21:36] <Demedais> "This is a minor detail!" Demedais chuckles. "Still, that mirror image is a nice trick."
[21:37] <Seira> "I could teach you!" Seira offers happily. "It only takes a few years of hard study, but you could do it, certainly."
[21:38] <Demedais> "I... think I'll wait, for now. Maybe later, though. And I am serious on that." Demedais notes. "Picking up a few spells would be useful."
[21:38] <Seira> "Eventually, I'll learn the art of imbuing gems, and we'll see."
[21:39] <Demedais> "That works, too!" Demedais nods as he waves at the water elemental and goes back to the building to assist Seira with searching.
[21:39] <Anastasia> So the party returns to the Etherial Laboratory! The stairs to it are quiet and black, the steps down encased in mist.  The first room has little of note - it's all mist and diagrams, nothing that you haven't seen before. What little of note there is fades into mist as you examine it.
[21:40] * Seira doesn't intend to leave anything dangerous behind. Or profitable, really, but dangerous items hold higher priority.
[21:40] * Demedais nods, looking for whatever Seira tells him to look for.
[21:41] <Anastasia> The stairs to the next area are also fruitless. REally, you can search much when there's nothing but mist around you. The second room does have two windows. On looking out the downward ones, you see horrible landscapes of fire and devils, even a giant Pit Fiend tearing through countless devils. On the upper window, you see beautiful plains and forests, cities of paradise. But nothing particularly magical or useful beyond those visions.
[21:42] * Seira heads up.
[21:44] * Demedais is now auto-following Seira, leaning against walls whenever his help isn't needed.
[21:44] <Anastasia> The next area is a goblin camp, a non seqiutor out of the mists. So you search! This one takes longer, but you find something of note! In the back of one grass hut, you find four sealed pots, a horrible smell coming from them even so, the ground beneath them smouldering.
[21:45] <Seira> "Looks familiar," Seira muses, continuing.
[21:46] <Anastasia> Seira finds that touching the pots is ab ad idea! Ow! (1 damage.)
[21:46] <Anastasia> That burnt liek fire or acid.
[21:47] * Seira can live without the pots, and thus continues.
[21:48] <Anastasia> Here is another stairway, leading on. This also lacks anything of note, just being mists. Ahead is...OOC - I'll give shamal a few more lines, since your'e going into her area.
[21:49] * Ebiri (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[21:49] * Shamal (WinNT@user-5444c65b.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiri))
[21:49] * Ebiri is now known as Shamal
[21:49] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[21:52] <Anastasia> So the party enters teh last room. Another room of diagrams, Shamal here. She stands and holds what looks to be a glowing white crystal, mist seeping from it all around, but especially around her, encasing the blonde.
[21:54] * Demedais tilts his head, watching Shamal a bit but not approaching.
[21:54] * Seira approaches, waving at Shamal.
[21:54] <Shamal> "That's really all I needed to know..." Shamal murmurs seemingly to herself. "And yet... what of yourself? Will you simply remain as you are and... watch?"
[21:54] <Anastasia> The mists begin to withdraw away from Shamal, the crystal floating out of her hands.
[21:55] <Shamal> "Very well," Shamal nods slowly, stepping back and bumping into Seira. "Oh!" she starts, whipping around in alarm. "Seira... oh, surprised me..." she gasps, putting a hand over her chest.
[21:56] <Seira> "Hi," Seira says belatedly. "I thought you saw me."
[21:56] <Anastasia> Lyselle smiles a little bit, and glances at Shamal's hand. "Mmm. Yes...and Shamal, don't you spend a fortune on clothes," she murmurs, eyeing where her clothes were torn up against Yezrut. "Do you want to get started now, Seira?
[21:57] * Seira shrugs. "No time like the present."
[21:57] * Shamal shakes her head. "Wasn't really paying attention. It says Oolu will be free shortly." Blushing at Lyselle's comment she makes another attempt at fixing her outfit. "Actually I just keep magically cleaning and mending the same outfit over and over," she admits.
[21:58] <Anastasia> So the party searches! There is only one thing of true note - from the mists, a bookshelf is just seen at the very edge of the room. While much of it remains in the eternal mists, one scroll sits there, waiting.
[22:00] * Demedais waits as the ladies examine the scroll, and walks toward the crystal. "I... don't know who you are, or if you're the one who helped us with the golem, but... Thank you." He murmurs quietly and bows, before turning back, a bit embarrassed, to the party.
[22:02] * Seira examines the scroll.
[22:02] <Anastasia> It seems to be a magical scroll, but it's in gnomish.
[22:03] * Demedais nods as the feeling swells within him. "I see... so you're what inspires this feeling..." Demedais says softly, turning so that he can see both the team and the crystal. "Though you are not Helm by any means, it seems you are still benevolent... so thank you."
[22:04] <Anastasia> Lyselle peers over Seira's shoulder. "Found something?"
[22:05] <Seira> "Magical scroll in gnomish. I'll have to spend a charge tomorrow on the translation spell."
[22:05] <Anastasia> Lyselle merely nods, "Well then, are we done here?"
[22:06] * Seira nods. "We could leave it here and return tomorrow, since I'm not sure we can safely take the scroll outside."
[22:06] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods. "Let's get to work on the rest of this place, then!"
[22:07] <Shamal> "Works for me," Shamal nods, giving a final, "Be well," to the crystal as she departs.
[22:08] <Demedais> "Does the crystal have a name?" Demedais asks Shamal as they head to the second floor.
[22:09] <Anastasia> The next few hours are spent on the second floor, searching. Besides a supply of what looks like gnomish spirits, you find well kept bedrooms, a library and a study. On searching you find a green circlet left in one room. It would take Lyselle at least te rest of the day to read enough fo the library to consider it well searched.
[22:10] * Shamal shakes her head. "It doesn't appear to think in those terms. Hmm..." she pauses, stopping and looking back at the crystal. "Consider this my gift, then? Your name is Uatu." She nods, seemingly pleased with the choice, and then leaves.
[22:11] * Seira lets Lyselle read the books, and proceeds onwards in her quest to search everything!
[22:12] <Anastasia> OOC - Downstairs next?
[22:12] <Demedais> OOC: Yeah, first floor unless there's something I'm forgetting.
[22:13] * Shamal takes the green circlet, assuming it's either magic or valuable.
[22:13] <Anastasia> OOC: Okay.
[22:14] <Anastasia> The party heads downstairs, Lyselle staying behind to read. The first floor takesa bout an hour, since really, it's one big and mostly empty hall. Nothing of note here.
[22:20] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft on circlet if applicable
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft on circlet if applicable and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[22:20] <Anastasia> The whizzif.
[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 using it too the next day~
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 using it too the next day~ and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[22:27] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+2
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+2 and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[22:30] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
[22:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 ditto
[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 ditto and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[22:46] <Anastasia> A day of resting and studying passes. With new equipment and power, the party returns to Oolu's fountain. He continues to pace back and forth, tearing up one hell of a pace across his fountain.
[22:48] <Demedais> "Not gone yet? Poor chap." Demedais murmurs.
[22:48] <Shamal> "12No luck yet?1" Shamal asks sympathetically. "12Keep at it - Uatu seemed sure you'd be released soon.1"
[22:48] <Anastasia> "Oh, you're back," Oolu turns to the party, "IS everything safe now?"
[22:48] <Seira> "Feeling better?" Seira asks him, greeting the elemental.
[22:48] <Anastasia> 12Uatu? Well then, I'm working on it, but not quite yet. Hmm..."
[22:48] <Anastasia> The elemental paces back and forth, pressing against the edge of the foutnain in a strange way, hard. He does this a few times, then gets up and paces some more.
[22:49] <Seira> "Anything we could do to help? A spell of icy fury, perhaps?"
[22:50] <Anastasia> "Brr. I'll pass," Oolu shivers at that, "If you're sure I can get out, just give me some time..." He takes a deep breath in and out, trying again, pushing...
[22:51] * Seira cheers him on!
[22:51] <Anastasia> Pushing and pushing and pushing! Then more pacing, Oolu muttering, "I'm almost there, I just know I can make it. Almost..." TAking a breath, he tries again!
[22:51] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
[22:52] <Anastasia> Ooomph! Oolu is forced back with a push, splashing into the water! But he springs right back up, glaring, "Oh no no no no. I'm not going to be stopped now." So again he goes, throwing himself against it.
[22:52] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17."12 [1d20=13]
[22:52] <Anastasia> Almost! There is a crack as his hand momentary presses past, but then he flies back and splashes. With a wince, the water spirit gets up again. "Almost..." Squaring himself away, he trieso ne more time!
[22:52] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18."12 [1d20=14]
[22:53] * Demedais chuckles and stands, smiling and waiting to see the elemental free!
[22:53] <Anastasia> Two hands this time...then an arm and with a rip, Oolu fully steps out of the fountain! The water flow pauses a moment, stopping. "...Free?" he mutters, "I don't have to extend my power to touch one of you?" Leaning to Seira, he touches her cheek, wetting it.  "....FINALLY!" Jumping up, a watery splash as he celebrates. "I can finally get out of here!"
[22:54] <Demedais> "Kickin'." Demedais murmurs, nodding.
[22:54] <Seira> "Where are you going?" she asks curiously.
[22:54] <Shamal> "12Congratulations!1" Shamal cheers happily.
[22:55] <Anastasia> "Home! Thank you so much, I won't forget this..." Grinning, "Oh, and once I celebrate, I'll see about looking into the sea elves. You make them sound so stodgy now." With a sigh and a blurb of Aquan, 12"Thank you. If you're ever on the plane of water..."
[22:56] <Shamal> "12If you ever meet a Sea Elf named Tynvae, tell her Shamal says hello?1" the blonde witch suggests, smiling easily.
[22:56] <Demedais> "We can use your name as a reference, then?" Demedais nods. "Good. Who knows what'll come in handy in the days to come..."
[22:56] <Seira> "I live near water! Please come visit!" Seira tells him, giving out her address. "And if you do find the sea elves, throw in a good word or two for me? I'd like to come and see them some time."
[22:57] <Anastasia> With a smile, Oolu concentrates a moment. A rippling screen of water appears, ready to be stepped through. "I will. Now..." Looking on at endless calm waters through there, "You'd better not get yourselves killed by this or any other irritating gnome things!" With that, he steps through and vnaishes, a final splash as the screen is gone.
[22:58] * Demedais bows as the being leaves. "Well, that felt good." Demedais nods.
[22:58] * Shamal nods happily. "He was nice," she agrees, going to look in the fountain for the gems he mentioned previously.
[22:59] <Anastasia> As is becoming a theme at the fountain, Shamal goes and gets wet.  Splashing around a bit, she finds that there are three gems embedded into the bottom of the fountain, each one aqua blue like a sapphire.
[23:00] <Shamal> "These are probably all the same," Shamal surmises, casting detect magic to confirm if the auras are identical - it'll save them money on identification if so.
[23:00] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+13 and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
[23:00] * Seira nods in agreement. "It might be nice for us to get matching powers."
[23:02] <Anastasia> One is conjuration, one is transmutation, the last is evocation.
[23:03] <Shamal> "They're all different," Shamal smiles lopsidedly. "Looks like we'll have to identify them all seperately."
[23:04] <Seira> "Tomorrow, then."
[23:05] <Demedais> "Tomorrow, tomorrow, we love you, tomorrow..."
[23:06] <Anastasia> So the party returns to the Etherial Laboratory. The mists swirl as they return in, going to the crystal. All business is finished, only the white crystal awaiting them...
[23:07] <Shamal> "You made portals to the Abyss and Arborea, and even transported me to the main hall of the citadel from this lab," Shamal begins as she approaches the crystal. "Could we beg a favour, then, and ask if you can create a portal to our home, Balmuria?"
[23:08] * Demedais carries the barrel in and sets it down as Shamal talks.
[23:09] <Anastasia> The mists surround Shamal, images floating in her mind. She sees the party talking, Lyselle stepping away. She smiles and waves, as the party steps into a portal, the gates of Balmuria distantly seen.
[23:09] <Shamal> "Don't be a stranger, Lyselle!" Shamal gives her friend a hug, before departing through the portal back to home!
[23:10] * Demedais bows. "It has been good to meet you. Take care of yourself, and visit once in a while, alright?" Demedais nods, before heading toward the portal!
[23:11] <Anastasia> Lyselle smiles, "I'll send someone to collect my share. I'll just want gold, anyway," Lyselle smiles. "Be well."
[23:11] * Seira nods and waves.
[23:11] <Demedais> "Fair enough!" Demedais chuckles as he steps through...
[23:12] <Anastasia> Sunlight! Sunlight! Real sunlight! The afternoon air is warm and salty as the party appears!  Right in front of the gates of Balmuria, a peasant farmer staring as he hauls in a load of turnips! The older of the two guards is at the gate, yet another older one is with him. No sign of Biggs...? "Y-you're back?" He says, quickly saluting. "Sirs!"
[23:12] <Anastasia> The other hustles into position, saluting as well.
[23:13] <Seira> "At ease," Seira tells them.
[23:13] * Shamal gives the pair a slightly sloppy salute and smiles. "Nice to see the city survived our absence," she remarks cheerily.
[23:13] * Demedais nods at the two and at the turnip farmer.
[23:13] <Anastasia> They do so, "Welcome back," Wedge grins, "I'll tell Biggs the next time I see him...oh, assuming I do, anyway. He put in for a transfer. You should talk to the Commander on that note, though..."
[23:13] <Seira> "Did anything of note happen as we were away?"
[23:14] <Anastasia> The turnip farmer just stares, his straw hat falling off his head as he steps well away.
[23:15] <Anastasia> "The Commander is the one to speak to. He left orders for all of you to report on return," Wedge salutes smartly again. "Welcome home."
[23:15] <Demedais> "We'll make sure to do that, then. Thank you." Demedais nods. "Good to see friendly non-wet faces again, too."
[23:15] <Shamal> "Then we'd best see him. Thanks, Wedge," Shamal smiles and nods, breezing into the city and heading for the garrison.
[23:15] * Seira follows more sedately, observing the city life.
[23:16] <Anastasia> "Non...wet...?" Wedge ponders that one a lost moment, shrugging.  Inside the city, you find things busy. Malmuthians come and go in the iron trade, but they seem different. They're casting eyes around, vaguely unsettled. The citygoers are more alive, and with good reason. A building just inside the gate is being renovated, torn down and rebuilt. But it's humans that do it...but a few elves are there, supervising. They're getting a lot of g
[23:17] <Anastasia> They're getting a lot of gawkers.
[23:17] * Seira glances at the elves a bit closer, to see if she happens to recognize any.
[23:18] <Anastasia> There are two - both with blonde hair, supervising and wearing rich green forest clothes.  Seira doesn't know them offhand.
[23:18] <Seira> The Commander would surely explain, she reasons, stepping past.
[23:19] * Demedais nods and follows Seira.

[Corwin]

<LEVEL UP (to level 7)>