020."One of the Resorts lies with the God-King himself." "...as in, he's alive?"

[Corwin]

[20:55] <Kotono> So you head deeper into the city. As you do, you notice people come and go, even more vibrant. The city buzzes with energy and vitality. Of note, there are occasional fliers about town, printed on durable scrolls and pinned to building sides.  One every block or so, colorful and eyecatching. You can notice the words 'Grand Shop Luna De Stronger' printed atop the marquee.
[20:56] <Shamal> "Is there some sort of festival this week?" Shamal wonders at the apparent buzz in the air. Spotting an advertisment for her favourite purveyor of magical goods, she pauses to read the signage as she passes on the way to the garrison.
[20:58] <Demedais> "I confess to not remembering if there is or not." Demedais replies.
[20:58] <Kotono> Shamal stops and reads, seeing the following: OOC - Check the post I just made, there's no point in pasting it into channel.
[20:59] <Shamal> "I think I'm going to have to insist on a discount if she's using our names to boost sales," Shamal tuts slightly, pointing the sign out to Seira and Demedais.
[21:00] * Demedais walks over and reads it. "Heh. Mountaineers especially wanted? Wonder what for..."
[21:01] <Shamal> "We should stop by and visit her after we report to the Commander," Shamal decides. "She'll probably be happy to buy some of what we found, anyway."
[21:02] <Demedais> "Fair enough." Demedais nods.
[21:03] <Kotono> So the party heads on. The garrison is lively and aware, and you enter in without incident. You are lead to guards to Commander Oberuth, on the roof. A few ladders have been placed against the sides and careful, sturdy three foot walls and defensive positions are being built, a few here and there. The Commander has his arms crossed as he supervises, lost in it...
[21:04] <Shamal> "Crimson Guard, returning to duty, sir!" Shamal brightly announces their arrival as they approach Obureth, snapping off a jaunty salute.
[21:04] * Seira salutes also, smiling brightly at the Commander.
[21:05] * Demedais bows as they approach, then looks over at Shamal and attempts to salute, doing a clumsy job of it.
[21:05] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-244-18-82.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:05] <Kotono> Turning and breaking into a grin, "Glad to hear it. At ease and relax," WAving off the guards turned construction workers, "Best I can do to make sure we don't get lighting bolts from the sky again. Now then..." Waiting for the guards to scurry off and down the ladders, "Short report will do at the moment."
[21:06] * Shamal points to the shiny shield Demedais carries. "I'd say we met with complete success, sir," she nods enthusiastically.
[21:06] <Demedais> "Pit devils are irritating as hell, sir." Demedais notes. "Oh, and the Shield found." he adds as he pulls out the shield.
[21:07] <Kotono> Whistling low as he sees the shield and it's shining, gem covered top with gold coloring, "It looks valuable, alright. Have you confirmed it's nature?"
[21:08] <Seira> "We have identified it, Sir, yes."
[21:09] <Kotono> Grinning again, "Good...good. Is that the only thing you've brought back?" At this he looks on curiously, waiting.
[21:09] <Shamal> "We found numerous other valuable artifacts, as well as a number of gems of imbued spellcasting," Shamal adds, almost wishing Berlioz was still around so he could write up a report for them.
[21:10] <Demedais> "Don't forget the barrels." Demedais notes.
[21:10] <Seira> "A full report will have to wait, Sir, as we took a shortcut in traveling back. However, there are several things the city can benefit from."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Well then...We'll leave the details aside for...Barrels?" Obertuh considers, stopping. "Just write up the details in a day or so, I'll consult with the approriate people. Speaking of, have you seen the new building by the gate that's being constructed?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Also, I'd ask what the shortcut was, but..." He shakes his red cheeked head, wiggilng his fingers, "More magic?"
[21:11] <Demedais> "Yessir. We were going to inquire about that building, actually." Demedais says. "And yes, magic."
[21:11] * Shamal nods. "It'll all be in the report, sir," she assures him.
[21:12] * Seira raises her hand, palm up, and a small fountain springs up, filling the hand with water before guttering out. "Magic is incredible, Sir."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Sir Celebrimbor and Lord Salman have gotten along -quite- well by all reports. They're coming back this way again for a few matters. The Assassin's delayed trial, the opening of the first elven trade station and to meet with you again...oh!" Shaking his head once again, "Hah. A simple spell, isn't that?"
[21:14] * Seira nods. "It is very useful, and great for parties."
[21:14] <Demedais> "Again?" Demedais asks for a moment before realizing that the statement referred most likely to Seira and Shamal.
[21:14] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-244-18-82.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[21:14] <Kotono> "Yes. It'll be your first time..." Oberuth's cheer slows a moment, before he goes on.
[21:15] <Kotono> "It was before you joined and before Lyselle and Berlioz departed," he explains, "Should be within a tenday. Also, I presume you've seen the fliers around the town?"
[21:15] <Shamal> "The ones for Countess Stronger's shop?" Shamal asks.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Yes. I don't know the details, but she's done a fair bit of trading, according to her the last time we talked." There's a longer pause there, "One of them I know for a fact was a small group from Malmuth."
[21:17] <Seira> "A legitimate group?"
[21:18] <Kotono> Oberuth's broad shoulders shrug, breastplate strained. "I don't trust them, but they did business and left in the same day."
[21:21] <Shamal> "Do you want us to investigate them, sir?" Shamal asks.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Not this moment - but when you do go, see if you can get any details out of her that you can. Just in case." Smiling thinly at that, "You're close to her, Seira?"
[21:23] <Seira> "In the platonic sense, Sir," Seira reports.
[21:24] <Kotono> There's a long, drawn out pause there, Commander Oberuth's face blank. "I see," he murmurs, "Very well then, dismissed. I'll see your report in a day or so?"
[21:24] * Demedais glances at Seira, eyebrow arched for a second before he turns his attention back to Oberuth.
[21:24] <Shamal> "Er... yes, sir," Shamal nods a bit awkwardly at that pause before backing away.
[21:25] * Demedais nods sharply and turns to the door.
[21:25] * Seira doesn't bat an eye at the pause, and leaves since they are being dismissed.
[21:26] <Kotono> The walk to Countess Stronger's shop is enjoyable enough. The party gets waves and cheers as they pass, occasional homages. On reaching the shop, they find Countess Stronger sitting inside, idly tossing a few gems in the air, up and down, before writing on a sheet of paper. "Let's see, that's...oooh, that's enough gold value to..Oh! Finally, you're back! Got something?"
[21:27] <Shamal> "We've got lots!" Shamal replies brightly.
[21:27] <Seira> "Don't we always?" Seira asks, adding smoothly, "And we don't even need to ask you if you have expanded your inventory. Why, the whole town must know!"
[21:29] <Kotono> "Well then, let's get to it!" Countess Stronger grins, nodding to each of them...a few minutes pass as the goods are sold, and then, as a delayed answer, "Oh yes. Between that lovely little elf and..." A pause to lick her lips, "Oh yes, and then there was that group from Malmuth. My inventory's a little low because of it, as they purely bought with coin save for one item, and the elven deal was..."
[21:30] <Seira> "Was there a cloak, as well?" Seira asks, her expression wistful. "The elven cloaks really are superb...."
[21:30] <Demedais> "Speaking of the Malmuthian group, did you happen to get any of their names?" Demedais asks. "Mainly curious due to the time I've spent there. Was wondering if I'd know any of the names."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Not yet...would you believe the boots cost me more than I'm selling them for?!" Muttering under her breath, hands on her hips as she scowls, "I'd be taking a bath on them if I didn't think the name value would help fan the flames, with the news of the elves coming here sparking interest."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Oh, it was nice enough and he was cute, but he knew how to take advantage of a situation..." Muttering still and waving her hands, "6500 gold. I'd sell them for more, but..."
[21:32] <Seira> "How about offering them as an exciting yet almost-unattainable prise in a city-wide sweepstakes?" Seira proposes. "You could make a fortune!"
[21:33] <Kotono> Pausing in her ramblings as Demedais speaks, "Oh, them? Barely. Bunch of merchants that knew how to buy and sell magical items. Came right to me - one was named Georg, one was named Winston, and I forget the others offhand." Biting her lips as shethinks, "....oooh, that's an idea, especially if I can parley what I started into getting a few more things...hm..."
[21:33] <Seira> "And the publicity, tying your name with magical artifacts and elven goods...."
[21:33] <Shamal> "Speaking of name value, I couldn't help but notice we were referred to on your advertisments," Shamal pipes up innocently. "I trust our good name is helping your business to flourish?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "See, that was the idea in the first place," Nodding quickly, "Oh yes, yes, yes." Grinning at Shamal's words coupled with Seira, "Can't go wrong with where the heroes of Balmuria shop!"
[21:34] <Demedais> "Hm. Georg and Winston... did they say where they were from in Malmuth?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "One's from Valandia - Winston, I didn't catch the other, but they were probably all from teh same place."
[21:34] <Kotono> *the
[21:35] <Shamal> "Yes... just think, the heroes of Balmuria might be able to shop even more if you were to give some... consideration, to our continued and valued support, right?" Shamal goes on leadingly.
[21:35] <Kotono> "...oh yes, the cost of doing business..." Countess Stronger deflates like a balloon, air gushing out of her mouth. Despite her vibrant red hair, she looks more like a punctured wallflower now. "What would this consideration be?"
[21:37] <Shamal> "A small discount on future purchases would offset our names being used in your commercial enterprises. Say... five percent?" Shamal suggests easily. "And it just so happens I'm in the market for a handy haversack."
[21:38] <Kotono> Going to sit down and waving her hand, "Haversack I can probably do. Why don't you look around a few moments while I think?" With those words, she gestures, "There's a few new things, and you can gawk at them if you want." Then, under her breath, "Five percent, eh...?"
[21:38] <Demedais> "Hmmm. I don't remember Winston, but then I wasn't in Valandia for too long." Demedais muses. "So they were here simply to buy and sell magic equipment? What'd they buy from you? Also, did you get anything interesting from them?"
[21:40] * Reiko-chan (~Hola@75-161-150-152.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[21:40] * Seira goes to gawk at the roulette, apparently disinterested.
[21:40] <Kotono> Pausing a moment, Countess Stronger snaps her fingers. From the back, a shapeless servant of force comes forth, carrying a glass of water. She downs a fair bit of it, swallowing hard. "Hm? Just buy - they mostly paid for things with money and little else." Meanwhile, in the back yet on a well placed column rests the 'roulette'. (More)
[21:40] * Shamal likewise gives the roulette an examination, fascinated in spite of herself by the risk and potential reward entailed.
[21:42] <Kotono> "I got a pendant of constitution from them - it makes you hardier - but they were mainly interesting in trading gold." Meanwhile, the other two look at the roulette! It's made of pure pearl, black opal and red ruby. A breathttaking thing, vision to your eyes. It has balls made of pearl, red spaces (1-10) of ruby, black spaces(1-10) made of black opal. At the top and bottom are two unique spaces, the first one having a 21 on it it, made entire
[21:43] <Kotono> made entirely of green gems. The bottom is black, with a 22 on it.  
[21:43] * Demedais considers. "What'd they buy?" he asks after a moment. "Also, Seira, Shamal, you know if the garrison has any loose maps of Malmuth floating around? It'd be interesting to see what they're buying and selling, to see how their economy is focusing..."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Oh, and that, of course, but they didn't seem interested in it. Said that it wasn't what they were looking for," Waving a hand at the roulette, "That and they're mage couldn't figure it out, Identify only told me how many charges it has left."
[21:44] <Seira> "Oh, it's a Malmutian artifact, then?" Seira asks, indicating the roulette and sounding surprised.
[21:44] <Kotono> "Weapons and armor, along with a few selected scrolls. Mostly evocation and transmutation." A shrug at that, "It's not quite that unusual if they're into exploring or purchasing for a group that does."
[21:44] * Demedais nods, making a mental note of this.
[21:44] <Shamal> "Have you tried it yourself?" Shamal asks curiously. "Oh, I'm sorry, Demedais, I really don't know. You can ask around and find out, though."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Something like that. Apparently they stumbled on it, or their sponsors did. I never got a straight answer." Countess Stronger shurgs. "At worst, it's a 4,000 GP oddity."
[21:45] <Kotono> "No." Chuckling, "I don't trust something I can't Identify. You can try it at your own risks, don't get me wrong."
[21:45] <Demedais> "That's alright. In fact..." Demedais pauses. "I'll go back and ask around. Meet you two... where? At Seira's inn? Or the garrison?"
[21:45] <Seira> "Inn's fine."
[21:46] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais cheerfully waves, and steps out, heading to go talk to Commander Oberuth.

[Corwin]

[21:50] <Kotono> So Demedais heads out of the shop, into the afternoon...OOC - Where are you going?
[21:51] * Kotono sets mode: +o Demedais
[21:51] <Demedais> OOC: Thanks.
[21:51] * Demedais returns to the garrison, looking for Commander Oberuth in the room he was in last.
[21:52] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth has left the roof now, and you eventually find him dictating to a scribe in his office. "...requested to transfer over to attempt to gain a promo-" Oberuth cuts off his lazy words as he turns in his chair, "We'll finish this later," he speaks to the scribe, and then to the paladin, "Demedais?"
[21:53] * Demedais salutes, a bit embarrassed. "My apologies, sir. If you're busy..."
[21:54] <Kotono> "It's nothing, just a soldier looking to advance. A good thing, but this is just the official end of it." Smiling as he waves, "At ease and sit down." The scribe scurries out, an awed look at Demedais. "How'd the magic shopg o?"
[21:56] <Demedais> "Quite well. That's the first part of why I returned - I got what information could be drawn out of Stronger. She herself did not seem to know much." Demedais explained. "She suspects them to have been from Valandia, and reports that they bought..." Demedais searches his head for the exact words. "'Weapons and armor, along with a few selected scrolls. Mostly evocation and transmutation.'"
[21:56] <Demedais> "She also said that that's not unusual for a traveling group."
[22:02] <Kotono> "Valandia plays, that's the closest large city." Oberuth says as he thinks, folding his hands together. "The rest, well...I don't need to tell you what that sounds like, do I?"
[22:03] <Demedais> "No, sir, you don't." Demedais nods. "At least, I presume you refer to the underground dungeon. In which case, it's probably a good thing we returned magically..."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Well, that and the fact that they're gathering magical weapons." Oberuth smiles, a little grim. "It may be nothing again, but...I'd rather have a demon holding those weapons that Malmuth."
[22:05] <Demedais> "After our time down there, I can't say I agree." Demedais marks. "But that's irrelevant, currently. There are... three other things I wish to ask of you. Firstly, do we have a map of Malmuth? Preferably one fairly up to date, although I can probably assist in adding details."
[22:09] <Kotono> "Yes, I can get you one that's as up to date as possible. Which means fairly accurate to /Valandia, then somewhat dated." Oberuth shrugs lightly, "It should still be reasonably accurate."
[22:11] <Demedais> "Alright. I'm mainly curious in the... finer details of what they're buying from us, and taking where." Demedais explains. "Such information is always valuable. Secondly..." Demedais hesitates. "This is the main reason I did not ask these questions before. We will be giving a weapon to the Crimson Guard that we found down there - a quite powerful one." (More)
[22:13] <Demedais> "My reasons for bringing it up are twofold. Firstly, it's... powerful. As well as highly chaotic. Such a weapon could be quite useful, especially against devils, but it's also quite dangerous in the wrong hands. I'd like to request a guard be placed on it, in all honesty. Secondly... Seira's taken a liking to it, although she doesn't seem interested in carting it around." (More)
[22:14] <Demedais> "I'd actually like you to recommend she practices with it - she used it fairly effectively down in the Gnomish lands, but she's not strong enough yet to make it practical. However... it seems to be addicting to her. Having you around as a counterbalance to make sure she puts the weapon away would probably be wise."
[22:16] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth listens to all of this, face growing dark at thet alk of the Hammer of the Shard. "Alright. I see what you're saying. I'll inspect it myself...but yes, that's a sound idea."
[22:17] <Demedais> "Also, it's incredibly amusing to watch her swing a warhammer. Worth watching at least once." Demedais notes, a bit of a crazy grin on his face.
[22:17] <Demedais> "Finally. Out of curiousity, I heard Biggs was applying for a transfer?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "Heh..." Oberuth chuckles, "Seira swinging a warhammer? Gods." Snorting in his laughter, Oberuth kicks back. "Private Biggs from the gate patrol? Yes, he has."
[22:22] <Demedais> "Where is he applying to transfer to, if I may inquire?" Demedais leans forward a bit, still grinning.
[22:22] <Kotono> "Here's the funny part." Holding up a hand a moment, "It was opened ended, but he specifically requested a position that would get him a promotion."
[22:24] <Demedais> "...what position, if I may so inquire?" Demedais asks, eyebrows raised.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Well, once I processed that, I talked to him briefly. He seems dreadfully determined, so..." Shrugging, "I sent him to the captain of the guard. He'll see if he has any leadership talent to warrant promotions."
[22:26] * Demedais nods. "I believe I have a guess as to why, or at least the basis for a guess."
[22:27] <Kotono> "Then, what is it?" Oberuth inquires, leaning forward a bit. "I'd like to know what lit a fire under his ass.
[22:27] <Kotono> "
[22:27] <Demedais> "What else inspires a young man?" Demedais grinned.
[22:28] <Kotono> "Impressing a girl," OBeruth grins right back, "I suppose a Private has very little pull as far as that goes."
[22:28] <Demedais> "Especially when said girl outranks him." Demedais nods.
[22:28] <Kotono> "
[22:29] <Kotono> Commander Ob eruth considers that long and hard, "So." Starting to grin even wider, "Which one is it?"
[22:30] * Demedais grins as wide as Oberuth. "I believe it to be Shamal, based on comments made in the past."
[22:31] <Kotono> "Oh." Leaning back as he thinks, drumming his hands on his stomach in rest, "IS it returned or is she even aware of it?"
[22:32] <Demedais> "Absolutely no clue." Demedais says, shaking his head. "Still, he deserves a chance at impressing her - I get the feeling it wouldn't be unwelcome, at the very least, so."
[22:34] <Demedais> "I figure he deserves the chance, if he's worthy of it; and she needs someone stable and determined, near as I can tell."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Well, then he'll at least get a chance." Grinning, "Good hunting to him."
[22:37] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods, "You should've seen Seira wielding that hammer against the Pit Fiend. It was a sight..."
[22:39] <Kotono> "..mmm." Commander Oberuth half closes his eyes, "I'm still surprised she didn't fall head over heels onto her back."
[22:40] <Demedais> "Heh. She possesses the uncanny power of skipping while holding it, so."
[22:41] <Kotono> "Hah." Laughing a little more and patting his sides, "Now then. How chaotic is it exactly? What does it do?"
[22:42] <Demedais> "From what they told me after identifying it... it has a shard of pure chaos in the handle. Makes it dangerous for people like I to handle it." Demedais chuckles. "However, against lawful outsiders, like the devils we fought, it's a potent weapon. Thus why I suggest we keep it."
[22:44] <Demedais> "The wielder, if not a bastion of Law, seems to acquire a chaotic nature while wielding it. In addition, they dislike the idea of letting go of it. That's why I suggest you being around when Seira practices - being a commanding officer, you should have enough force to convince her to put it aside.
[22:45] <Kotono> "Mmm. I'll try it and see," he agrees, rubbing his hands slowly, palms together. "Seira chaotic...what wonders will you bring out of the earth next?"
[22:46] <Demedais> "Who knows. All I know is that we pretty much stripped anything magical from that place. The Malmuthian group is unlikely to find a thing."
[22:50] <Kotono> "Good. Let's hope they don't even get to try. Though, the matter of the nearby ruins still looms. Did you find any information on that?" Oberuth considers, "We still have it guarded up."
[22:52] <Demedais> "We... nearby ruins?" Demedais asks. "I don't recall much about that being mentioned in the books they found down there. Perhaps the only relevant news we've found is that one of the Resorts lies with the God-king himself."
[22:55] <Kotono> "...as in, he's alive?" Commander Oberuth's voice lowers at that.
[22:57] <Demedais> "Don't believe so." Demedais shakes his head. "Apparently the Resorts aren't keys to freeing him, but simply artifacts of power connected to him or something. We also learned the location of a few other Resorts, which may be useful. But the water elemental we met down there said that the Final Resort - the Crown of somethingorother - rested with him."
[23:00] <Kotono> "Mmmm. I'll get the details from Shamal and Seira," he murmurs, nodding. "Alright. So that means we have two of the keys here already?"
[23:00] <Demedais> "...we have another of the Resorts here?" Demedais asks.
[23:02] <Kotono> "You didn't kno...oi. I suppose it must've slipped through what we've all told you. It's part of why we're interested Colonel Khardon has the Third Resort, a dagger. I know he's met Shamal and Seira several times...and knew Lyselle'sf amily. Have you met?"
[23:02] <Demedais> "I don't believe so. That is good news, at the very least. Still, holding all the Resorts would be to our advantage..." Demedais mused.

[Corwin]

[18:56] <Kotono> "We'd hold all the cards then," Oberuth rumbles in agreement, "Between Khardon and yourselves, you've both proven that you're some of the best our young kingdom has to offer, and capable of doing this. There's going to be very little surprise when Lord Salman comes to talk to you about that."
[18:57] <Demedais> "Wait Lord Salmon talk what?" Demedais asks, a bit confused at the jump in the conversation.
[18:59] <Kotono> "Oh." Stopping to nod to Demedais, "I keep forgetting you only have a patchwork. Among other things, Lord Salman charged Shamal, Seira and the others to find the Resorts and the gnomish ruins. Not many others have the magic or capacity to survive all the inherent dangers. Since you've come back with one, that's only going to increase the attention and duties given. When Lord Salman returns in a few weeks, it's certain it's going to be a m
[19:01] <Kotono> to be a matter of conversation. Everyone up the chain past me is showing interest."
[19:03] * Demedais feels his cheeks heat a bit. "Ah, I see." He frowns a bit as he considers. "Very well, then. I understand."
[19:05] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth breaks into a laugh, "At ease. I don't think you need to look like the child who had his mother find him sneaking in late." Breathing away his mirth and leaning back into his chair, "Lord Salman is an excellent commander and a wise leader. I don't think you have much to be worried about."
[19:10] <Demedais> "Alright. That is good to know." Demedais nods, thinking. "Any idea what our next task will be?"
[19:11] <Kotono> "Not yet," Oberuth considers, "I'll need to check your reports and such in a few days."
[19:12] <Demedais> "Alright. Thank you for you time, Commander." Demedais nods, attempting the salute again.
[19:13] <Kotono> The Commander waves it off, casually returning it. "Go rest a day or two. I suspect you've earned it. A Pit Devil, you said?"
[19:18] <Demedais> "Indeed. Not a loose one, but still a rather nasty one. Also far too noisy, but that's a minor incident. The guardian of the Resort was far more dangerous, but thanks to Lyselle's sword and Shamal's... negotiation capabilities, I guess? We all got through it." Demedais stands and bows slightly. "Thank you, sir."

[Corwin]

[21:46] <Seira> "Hmm. Would you mind reserving a turn of the roulette for me?"
[21:46] <Shamal> "So... it may change you permanently, for better or worse? No clue on the odds or potential changes or anything?" Shamal asks slowly. "Against all reason and better judgement, I find myself oddly tempted..."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Something along those lines, yes," Stronger agrees as she watches the two, "If you want, Seira."
[21:50] <Seira> "My funds are tied up elsewhere at the moment, so I can't really satisfy my curiousity right now," Seira explains with a shrug. "I would like the chance once I gather them, however. May my luck hold and all that."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Alright." Countess Stronger is quite agreeable to that, waving her hand. "Though...Shamal, if you want to try, I confess I'm curious, too."
[21:51] <Shamal> "Hmm... tell you what, I'll try it tomorrow? I'd like to perform an augery first to see if it's worth the risk," Shamal replies, tearing herself away from the roulette.
[21:52] <Seira> "I could try it right now and satisfy our mutual curiousity if you extended shop credit," Seira mentions casually.
[21:52] <Shamal> ooc: strike my line, actually, Omen of Peril doesn't work that way
[21:53] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:53] <Shamal> "Oooh..." Shamal looks conflicted, before nodding. "Why not? I've lived dangerously the past few days, why stop now?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "Hm..." Stronger considers that a moment, "You owing mea thousand gold...I suppose I can live with that, you do a lot for me. So that's fine, just try not to take too long in paying me back."
[21:54] * Seira sounds excited. "Oh, it shouldn't take long. What do I do?"
[21:55] <Kotono> "Take one of the four pearl balls and spin it int he roulette." Countess Stronger goes to the side, where the balls await. She stands just a little back, hands well off. "Good luck, Seira."
[21:55] * Shamal watches interestedly as Seira gambles her life away!
[21:56] * Seira counts to the third ball and gives Shamal a thumbs up before spinning it.
[21:56] <Kotono> OOC - Roll 1d22 1-10 is red 1-10, 11-20 is black 1-10, and the last two are the 21 and 22 noted before.
[21:57] <Seira> roll 1d22
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d22 and gets 19."12 [1d22=19]
[21:58] <Kotono> The ball rolls and rolls and rolls! The clicking is distracting, each one dancing with Seira's fate! But at last, it ends with it being in black 9. The wheel glows black like a nova of darkness, then...OOC - PM.
[22:02] <Seira> "I feel pretty," Seira vocalizes, blinking rapidly.
[22:02] * Shamal looks at Seira to see if she appears pretty!
[22:02] <Kotono> Seira does appear to be a little more radiant.
[22:02] * Seira is much prettier than before!
[22:03] <Kotono> Stronger stares a moment, "How'd it go?" she inquires?
[22:03] <Shamal> "You... you do appear, well... easier on the eyes, in some unquantifiable manner," Shamal admits.
[22:03] * Seira shakes her head, as if to clear it. "Strange, I must admit. A sense of loss, that goes with much gained. A worthwhile trade? Only time will tell."
[22:05] <Kotono> "You mean it traded something for another? What did you lose, then?" Stronger peers at Seira long.
[22:06] <Seira> "Nothing important, it seems."
[22:07] * Seira tilts her head thoughtfully. "All the spells still make sense to me. I don't think I can get weaker, too." She attempts a few limber, athletic stretches. "That's just as I remember it, too."
[22:07] <Shamal> "Hmm... Well, I think I'll try my luck, then," Shamal nods after a moment, handing Stronger back some of the money that was just exchanged for their sold goods. "Wish me luck?"
[22:08] * Seira smiles brightly. "Luck!"
[22:08] <Kotono> Stronger takes it, "Pleasure doing business," she smiles, "Good luck."
[22:09] * Shamal picks up one of the pearls and then gives the wheel a spin, praying to Tymora to give her blessing!
[22:09] <Shamal> roll 1d22
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d22 and gets 12."12 [1d22=12]
[22:11] <Kotono> The ball goe sdancing along, ending up in black 2! Shamal seems to wither a bit, face plainer as the second ball vanishes, melting into the roulette seamlessly.
[22:12] <Shamal> "I feel that was lucky, and at the same time... not. There is definitely a balance," Shamal nods slowly, her voice seeming a bit duller and more forgettable.
[22:13] <Kotono> "Yes, I suppose that's how luck goes," Stronger looks at Shamal and shakes her head, "...well, I suppose you gained something besides what you lost?"
[22:13] <Seira> "Really? I think I got the better end of the deal, then." She turns towards Stronger. "And you, Countess? Fancy a turn, yourself?"
[22:13] <Kotono> "Um..." Stronger shakes her head quickly, "Really now, if it interests you so much, pay for another turn."
[22:14] <Shamal> "Sold!" Shamal forks across another thousand gold!
[22:15] <Kotono> Stronger just raises her eyebrow, "Are you sure you're a wise druid?" she quips, but takes the money.
[22:16] <Shamal> "I might be a druid, but I'm still a woman," Shamal returns, picking up the penultimate pearl and shaking it lightly in her grasp. "The Forest Queen would understand," she assures herself, before throwing her life away!
[22:16] <Shamal> roll 1d22
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d22 and gets 9."12 [1d22=9]
[22:20] <Kotono> The ball this time lands in red 9, fading away. Only a single ball left now, but Shamal looks radiant again, but her arms are thinner.
[22:21] <Shamal> "Thank you, Tymora!" Shamal grins slightly as she regains her previous magnetism. "I think that will suffice, thank you very much," she nods to Stronger.
[22:21] <Kotono> "Alright. One spin left..." Stronger considers, eyeing the wheel. With a slight grin, "Want to make it two thousand then, Seira? If both of youa re that willing to risk..."
[22:22] * Seira ponders. "I suppose...."
[22:23] <Kotono> "Sold..." With a bit of a sing song, "It's hard to stay gloomy when I'm making lots of money off of your insanely risky personalities and tendencies."
[22:23] * Seira takes the last ball, and stares at it. "I would say something, but I don't want to be remember for stupid last words." She gives it a whirl.
[22:23] <Seira> roll 1d22
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d22 and gets 18."12 [1d22=18]
[22:24] <Kotono> This time the ball lands on black 8! It fades into it, the last one spent!
[22:25] * Seira stretches languidly, "Definitely more limber, now," she says in satisfaction.
[22:26] <Shamal> "I'd say we both came out ahead, overall," Shamal nods cheerily. "I admit, I feel a little bit weaker," she flexes one of her arms, "But I feel stronger where it counts," she proceeds to tap her temple in satisfaction.
[22:26] <Kotono> "...hm." Countess Stronger goes to the roulette wheel, dimmed but still intact. She pokes it with her finger, curious. "Guess that's it, I don't see any more balls. Oh well, easiest fourthousand gold I've ever made!"
[22:27] * Seira nods in agreement. "Thank you for letting my share of the nineteen hundred gold be on credit, Countess," she tells her brightly.
[22:28] <Shamal> "It's amazing how fast money vanishes, these days," Shamal nods, sighing softly. "Ah well, we'll manage, won't we girl?" she pats Laika on the head.
[22:29] <Kotono> Countess Stronger blinks long and hard, "Wait, wait, wait, wait wait. 1900?"
[22:30] <Seira> "I heard you and Shamal talk about a five percent discount, so I quickly threw the numbers around in my head. I got it right, didn't I?" she asks, not expecting to be mistaken.
[22:33] <Kotono> The pause after is long, before Countess Stronger sends a searching, open faced l ook at Shamal.
[22:34] <Shamal> "To be fair, Countess Stronger hadn't yet agreed to the discount," Shamal admits. "Still, it seems such a trifling amount in the face of the vast amounts of money we regularly throw your way, does it not?" she asks the self styled noble.
[22:35] <Seira> "I must have missed the end of the conversation as I was absorbed in the wondrous items the shop has for sale."
[22:35] <Kotono> "I should argue this on principal, but...oh hell. Where's my white flag?" Hanging her head down, "I'm going to put a new category in my ledger's business expenses, titled 'Shamal, Seira and Demedais'."
[22:36] <Seira> "I feel honored," Seira tells her. "If we are going to be that close, may I call you by your first name from now on?"
[22:37] <Shamal> "But just think of the goodwill you'll have from the city, with everyone knowing that the Crimson Guard goes into battle to defend them carrying arcane wonders sold by yourself! And even without that, I'd think we deserve a volume discount just for being such strong supporters of your fledgling business," Shamal nods breezily, practically beaming at the redhead.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Alright, alright, you win," Countess Stronger sighs. "Enough, mercy, surrender."
[22:43] <Shamal> "You're both generous and fair," Shamal smiles approvingly. "Anyway, I'd best go make sure my house is still in one piece - see you later!" she waves, beckoning Laika along as she departs.
[22:44] * Seira waves at Shamal as she is left along with the Countess. "Is there anything you need help with?" she asks. "I could always try to work off my debt, after all."
[22:46] <Kotono> As Shamal departs, "I'll get backto you on that," Stronger decides after a moment or two. "There are a few things, but let me see if anyone else interested. I already have one group out."
[22:47] <Seira> "If I were sneaky and underhanded, I would offer stronger ties of loyalty and a considerably smaller retainer," Seira voices. "But I happen to be very honest and would never go to such lengths to land a job."
[22:47] * Seira coughs. "Even if it's all true."
[22:48] <Kotono> Stronger coughs as well, head shaked even as she tries not to smile. "There's just little point while they're out attempting it. Let them come back or not and we'll see from there."
[22:48] <Seira> "Who is my competition, out of curiousity?"
[22:50] <Kotono> "It's a group of adventurers I've seen around the city off and on. A male warrior or two, a female archer and a wizard, but he's not much for being social. They came to me since they saw the fliers and needed work." Stronger stretches backa t that, "I knew their faces dimly, so I know they've been around."
[22:51] <Seira> "I know one of them," Seira says, nodding thoughtfully. "She seemed like a good person. If you don't hear from them for longer than you expected their task to take, please let me know? They might be in trouble, and I would like to help."
[22:55] <Kotono> "Alright. They're not due back for af ew weeks - it's in the Galkass mountains, and that's like travelling through hell." Countess Stronger agrees calmly, "They're after the biggest Shocker Lizards they can find, so it's not entirely safe."
[22:58] * Seira nods. "You know where to find me. Though I think you'll see me often in the near future even without that. I would like a chance to rest and relax in Balmuria after our recent expedition."
[23:01] <Kotono> "Good." Smirking just a moment, "I'll have to get you to spend all your free money here in exchange."