022.1.1 Seira

[Corwin]

[19:39] <Kotono> "By everything, yes," Elle rusn a hand through her hair, doing little good as it's soaking wet. "I informed Oberuth of the situation and that we'd be longer, so let's get going. But...wait, you can get the portal moving now?"
[19:42] <Seira> "After a while of sitting there idly, I realized that I was helping no one moping around, and decided to experiment with it. I admit I also accepted some higher risks than usually, but the situation seemed to warrant it." She tilts her head slightly, looking at Elle. "I was just about to go and study the portal some more before I travel through it again. Would you like to join me?"
[19:48] <Kotono> "Well yes, I didn't come here just to exercise," she smiles a moment, "Or get looked at by sea elves." She frowns a moment, "You know, they like your hair. I saw a child trying to put octopus ink into his hair to 'be a land elf'." Snortinga s she gets up, she murmurs a few words and traces a few lines with her fingers.
[19:49] <Seira> "How nice," Seira responds, looking genuinely touched. "It always bothered me, just a bit, what with all the golden-haired elves."
[19:50] <Kotono> "I don't know," Slipping into the water and starting to swim, "Blonde hair's overrated. It's so...plain."
[19:51] * Seira mimics Elle's ability to breathe underwater, before following her somewhat clumsily. "I suppose," she agrees. "People tend to get grouped into blondes. How often does that happen with brunettes or redheads?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "We stand out," Smirking as you exit the caves, Stronger even waves to the various elves as you swim along. "How stable is the portal now?" she asks in a quieter voice. "Is it showing any signs of weakening or strengthening?"
[19:56] <Seira> "I believe my current method to be inferior to the one Shamal had used originally," Seira admits. "However, it was stable enough for a minute's worth of travel to the other plane and a safe if uncomfortable return. I believe that by studying it more today, I will be able to stabilize it further."
[19:59] <Kotono> So you reach the portal room, Elle quiet a few moments. "Then let's get to work," she agrees, eyeing the stone floor.
[20:02] * Seira nods, and continues her studies and observations of the inactive portal, occasionally splashing it briefly.
[20:05] <Kotono> So Seira spends an hour at it, casting her magic...OOC - PM.
[20:15] <Seira> "The power source is definitely missing," Seira calls it eventually, floating back in the water while admiring the magical construct. "At least it does not have a secret password lost to time we would need to use it," she adds with a grimace. "It might be a waste of time to stabilize the portal too much. I believe we should aim to go through it as it forms, and then attempt to reopen it from the other side once we have found Shamal and
[20:16] <Seira>  Oolu, perhaps together."
[20:17] <Kotono> "Then if we go in, we go in to find Shamal or Oolu?" Stronger inquires as she looks towards the center, where the portal will focus when activated.
[20:17] * Seira nods, more to herself, as she mutters, "I should be able to open it from the other side as well, now."
[20:18] * Ebiris is now known as Shamal
[20:19] * Seira nods again, more firmly this time. "Just in case, it would be grand if you had a summons spell ready as backup."
[20:21] <Kotono> "I do. I did pay attention to Shamal's efforts," Elle observes as she waits. "I'm ready when you are - the sooner the better so we have more time whiel we can breath."
[20:23] * Seira proceeds without delay, supplying her magic to the portal as a temporary power source.
[20:23] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[20:23] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
[20:23] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[20:23] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:23] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[20:24] <Kotono> The portal begins to react and sputter quickly enough, the summoned water making it begin to activate. Elle eyes it and waits, "Let me know when you think it's good to go through."
[20:24] <Seira> "It should be fairly clear," Seira comments, continuing her efforts.
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 1."12 [1d8=1]
[20:28] <Kotono> This time the portal rapidly begins to react! It swirls and spins, the watery portal activated! Elle watchesi n appreciation, "It's a marvel that it's still working." Kneeling down next to it's colored shapes and touching them with her fingertips, "I'm going to be spending time here studying you, I just know it."
[20:28] <Seira> "Now!" Seira calls out to Elle, keeping the portal charged. "I'll follow!"
[20:30] <Kotono> Elle nods and rushes through the portal! She is sucked in, vanishing away on it's magical wings!
[20:30] <Seira> "I'll be back," Seira tells the guard in elven, likewise vanishing!
[20:33] <Kotono> The two fade into the portal! In a moment they stand past a portal mounted on a floe of ice, the plane of water around them!
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:34] <Kotono> The two fade into the portal! In a moment they stand past a portal mounted on a floe of ice, the plane of water around them! A single coin floats in the water here, the way otherwise uncluttered.
[20:36] <Kotono> "No sign of Shamal? Damn," Elle peeks about, "Wasn't there a settlement those creatures mentioned?"
[20:37] * Seira tests the seabed, and whether anything can be written on it.
[20:40] <Kotono> There is no sea bed below, only water up and down as far as Seira can see. The only solid land is the ice floe nearby, where the portal rests.
[20:41] <Kotono> The ice is fairly solid. You'd need a knife to write anything int.
[20:42] * Seira has such a knife! She writes down Shamal's name, as well as tomorrow's date and the same time as it is at present, as well as the next date with the same time. "It should be simple enough to understand," she suggests, glancing at Elle.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Should be." Glancing at the dates and nodding plainly, "Ready to start moving?"
[20:46] <Seira> "Though Shamal did not believe the settlement we were directed to by the inhabitants of this plane to be safe," Seira responds, starting to swim off, "it is likely to be our best bet. We should approach it and investigate, then enter if it is safe."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Ideally, I want to try to find information on either of them," Elle agrees as you begin to swim. It doesn't take two long, maybe about twenty minutes, to approach it. The shapes sharpen into free floating huts of wood, seaweed and bits of stone, ad hoc walls thrown together. About a dozen buildings total. A shark swims freely in town, a blue skinned human floating along with it. The largest is one wide story, sounds drifting from it. Sounds
[20:52] <Kotono> of conversation, mostly.
[20:55] <Seira> "Let's not throw any names around until we learn the local attitudes," Seira murmurs to Elle. "Do you need to cast anything before we go in further?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "Yes," Chanting, she touches herself and chants, then does the saem to Seira. "This should make sure we can communicate."
[21:02] <Seira> "Much appreciated," Seira says with a curt nod, and swims closer to the largest building, trying to catch the topic of the conversation inside.
[21:06] <Kotono> As you approach, you can hear discussion. "...biggest elemental I ever saw!" A rowdy voice calls, peals of laughter following. Another voice, this one mirthful, "Aaah, that's nothing. You know that with what's going on that it won't hold up, anyway."
[21:06] * Seira listens some more, her attention instantly snagged!
[21:09] <Kotono> Elle drifts close to the door, but lingers outside of it. As the two of you listen, you see the human and shark are looking at you. "Yeah, Oolu's doing all sorts of crazy things. If he wasn't such a...urgh," A muttered curse there, "The parties are incredible. He claims he was imprisoned for thousands of years and he's making up for lost time."
[21:10] * Seira opens the door, taking a quick look at what's beyond it!
[21:12] <Kotono> Inside are tables held to the floor with robes. About a dozen of the water mephits you saw earlier are here, taking amid themselves and laughing. Of course, opening the door gets a few looks in your direction.
[21:13] * Seira smiles brightly. "Excuse me, did anyone mention a party?" she asks happily in Aquan, clasping her hands in front of her.
[21:15] <Kotono> You get two dozen eyes looking at yourself, Elle following along. "Oooh, an elf! Not even a water one! A human girl, too. Oooooh..." The mephits murmur amid themselves. "What do you want, girlies?"
[21:16] <Seira> "An invitation to that party, of course! Like, wasn't it obvious?" Seira asks, twirling a lock of hair idly. "Directions would do, too! But they have to be simple and easy to follow...."
[21:18] <Kotono> Elle blinks at Seira, before just smiling. "I think she wants to go have a good time there," she calls, nodding even more agreeably, brushing her hair back. Again, this doesn't work well underwater, making her hand stop and a blush go on her face.
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC - Diplo check. Elle's attempting to aid you.
[21:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 this is where Hat gets me, isn't it?
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 this is where Hat gets me, isn't it? and gets 21."12 [1d20=2]
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20 I'd need to check something for her two hit, let's see if she makes it cleanly or not first
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 I'd need to check something for her two hit, let's see if she makes it cleanly or not first and gets 2."12 [1d20=2]
[21:24] <Kotono> "Well..." The mephits murmur amid themselves, "Girlie, you're looking for Oolu? That uppity spirit's just an overinflated mass of water."
[21:26] <Seira> "Hey, you can't talk about him like that!" Seira exclaims, balling her fists and placing them on her hips, glaring. "We heard about his parties all the way from Prime, you know!"
[21:27] <Kotono> You can hear Elle softly sigh, but she waves her arms, "And we're gonnaf ind them, too!" she adds, raising her voice an octave or so. "Completely!"
[21:28] <Kotono> "Bah," One of the mephits mutters, as another laughs. "He's a ways away. There's a big old shrine to water spirits and elementals past here. He's opened the old place up and is going nuts, even if all the good stuff's long gone from there."
[21:28] <Kotono> Another starts to grin, "'course, we might be willing to help you get there..."
[21:31] <Seira> "Okay!" Seira agrees, anger evaporating instantly. "But we really should get going now. I think my friend is already there, and I don't want her to have all the fun, you know."
[21:33] <Kotono> Two fo the mephits float up, one having a trident in it's hand. "Yeah, we'll take you," he promises, starting to float towards you.
[21:33] <Seira> "Great! After you!" she exclaims, bubbly, and floats back to allow them to pass outside.
[21:35] <Kotono> They take the lead, starting to swim off a bit, but keeping an eye on the two. Elle murmurs to Seira as they pass, "Idiots. Have something pointed ready, just in case." With that, she begins to follow with a wide smile, again making a show of trying to brush her hair back and failing.
[21:36] * Seira doesn't need anything pointy! Not when she's ready to unleash the frozen fury lurking in her heart!
[21:38] <Kotono> Once you leave town a bit, the two turn back. The one with the trident points it at Seira and Elle, "Now then," he begins, voice imperious. "You're going to a lot of trouble just to find that stupid spirit."
[21:39] <Seira> "And you're going to a lot of trouble just to die horribly!" Seira responds in her happy voice. "Are we even?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "Please," Elle sighs in exasperation. "You think we can just happen to breathe here? The moment you do something you'll be torn apart by magic so strong that seven generations back will feel it."
[21:50] <Kotono> OOC - This feels suited to an intimidation check, honestly. Elle's trying to aide you again.
[21:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16."12 [1d20=8]
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 11."12 [1d20=11]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 9."12 [1d20=5]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 11."12 [1d20=7]
[21:52] <Kotono> The two freeze up, suddenly not looking nearly so cocky. "Um..." The one without the weapon nods, "R-right. Well then, we'll just lead you along?"
[21:52] <Seira> "Not. So. Fast," Seira says, her demeanor changing entirely. "Where is the shrine? Where is Oolu?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Uh..." The two loko between themselves, "It's some old temple. A lot of people that passed by were looking for it for loot, but it's been cleaned out a long time ago. That Oolu seemed to know it and is using it, even if it's empty now. Last I heard he's still there."
[22:00] <Seira> "Directions, please," she says in a pleasant tone, allowing her clothing to shift and reveal the sword at her hip as she places her hand on its pommel.
[22:01] <Kotono> "O..oh." The two nod quickly, "You go straight up past this until you find a small pool of seaweed, then you go right from it until you seethe temple. It's a few hours away."
[22:02] * Seira nods and smiles blissfully once more. "Thank you for your time! Please don't come back if your value your lives!"
[22:03] <Kotono> "Really now, I'd hate to clean mephit off of my shoes," Elle calls as well, starting to swim.
[22:03] <Seira> "Oh, right." Seira snaps her fingers. "Seen any other humans around lately? Heard of any? Or pockets of air nearby?"
[22:04] <Kotono> The one with the trident starts to swim away, but as he does, "Nope, but the temple has air."
[22:04] <Seira> "Our best bet, Elle," Seira comments, beginning to swim in the indicated direction after the Countess.
[22:11] <Kotono> So the two of you swim along. After about an hour you reach a small cluster of free growing seaweed. A few fish eat here, floating around the food. "We go right from here?" Elle asks.
[22:11] * Seira consults her eidetic memory!
[22:15] <Kotono> It is indeed to the right, as Elle begins swimming.
[22:16] * Seira follows, confident in her ability to breathe holding long enough.
[22:20] <Kotono> Another hour and a half od travel is enough. Soon you come to a decript temple - it has grand gates of solid sapphire stone, leading inside to the temple. While it's old and decayed, the gates are wide open.
[22:21] * Seira belatedly casts a protective spell about herself, to shield her from extreme weather conditions, and enables her magical sight before proceeding inside.
[22:23] <Kotono> There is no magic on the outside of this building. Elle follows after murmuring a few words of her own, "Quiet so far," she notes as you head through the gates. There is a small courtyard thena nother set of gates leading into the temple. These are open as well, and inside you can see a large hall. While there are a few  bits of furniture left, most have been tossed aside. Inside, you can see dozens of water elementals of medium and large siz
[22:23] <Kotono> large size, swirling about in a complicated dance.
[22:24] * Seira goes through the inner doors as well, leaning against the frame as she observes the inside of the temple casually.
[22:26] <Kotono> Inside, you can see that a dozen elementals dance around! No, two dozen! No, three! A complicated pattern that takes most of the floor up! Behind them you can make out a few humanoids, including a familiar water spirit, in the form of a sea elf. Oolu laughs, leaning against what lookst o be a gorgeous sea elf, clad in only a bikini and asleep against his side. He grins from ear to ear, watching the display. Around are a few others, sea elves
[22:27] <Kotono> sea elves, blue skinned humans, elementals, various large aquatic creatures, and so forth.
[22:28] <Kotono> "Jackpot," Elle murmurs under her breath, before putting on a smile. "This looks like it, any of them him?"
[22:29] <Seira> "By the bikini wonderelf," Seira mutters derisively, and waves at Oolu as she pushes up off the ground, the glow of faerie fire accompanying her.
[22:30] <Kotono> "Oooh! Hold it!" Oolu disentangles from the elf, grinning. At his words the water elementals stop completely. "Seira! Get over here!" He grins as he starts to go, the elementals dutifully parting away as he comes by. "Now here we have a hero, everyone! This is one of the ones I was talking about, the brave half elf who helped smash a horrible golem!"
[22:32] <Seira> "And freed you from millennia of imprisonment, yes," Seira agrees, nodding as she swims over. "How have you been doing, Oolu?"
[22:34] <Kotono> "This is what I missed! Oh, I'm sure that this is more over the top than I usually like, but I'm making up for lost time!" As Oolu reaches you, he embraces Seira loosely, patting her back.  "Come over here, we'll have a grand old time and you can introduce me to your friend, and tell me how Shamal, Lyselle and Demedais are doing."
[22:36] <Seira> "Lyselle has her barony to think of, and Demedais went to visit our neighbors. As for myself, along with Shamal and Elle Stronger, here--" Seira inclines her head at the older woman, "--we decided to visit the sea elves you talked about so much." She tilts her head curiously. "We actually expected to see you there, figuring you'd come to visit them as soon as you were able to."
[22:37] <Kotono> "Oh well, time slipped away," Oolu admits, "Freedom's too good to hurry along." Stretching out as he smiles at Elle, "Oh well. I should be getting over there in good time. But wait, if Shamal's along, where is she?" Peering behind the both of you, "Did she get shy suddenly?"
[22:38] <Seira> "Can we talk in private?" Seira requests, wishing to keep some things out of planar gossip.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Oh, very well." Floating forward, "Carry on without me for a little bit!" Waving back as the dancing begins again, many eyes on the trio, "WE'll just talk outside."
[22:42] * Seira nods curtly, following him there. Once the three of them are along, however, she sighs, running her hand through her hair. "There was an accident. We had a terrible problem, as a dragon appeared in our city suddenly, threatening to bring it to ruin. We seeked out the sea elves in hope they would know more of another dragon, one we could petition for protection, or to find you. All we found, however, were sea elves without magic o
[22:42] <Seira> All we found, however, were sea elves without magic or knowledge of their past, and an inactive portal to this plane. We were able to use it to go and take a look, but... the three of us came, and only two returned." Her eyes acquire a pleading look as she grasps at Oolu's hand. "I hoped to find Shamal with you, but she's nowhere around. Can you help us look for her?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "Out from the steam bath into the boiling pot," Oolu observes, "Wait, you used the old portal near the entrance to the bay? It's in some sea cliff caves? That old thing's still intact that well?"
[22:47] <Seira> "I believe so," Seira responds, calming down from her outburst. "The sea elves live there now, in a series of caves." She smiles crookedly. "You're still remembered, and fondly, though as a mere legend, I'm afraid."
[22:47] <Kotono> "Ooooooh." He nods quickly at that, starting to smile, "Alright. So when did she vanish? What exactly happened?"
[22:50] <Seira> "We can only keep the portal open for a matter of minutes," Seira tells him. "The blue stone which is its power source is gone, and even the elder of the settlement does not know what happened to it. As the portal began to lose stability, we decided we should return and regroup before seeking you again. Shamal was to be the last who followed through, and she did not emerge." Seira sighs. "It took me luck, patience and a considerable am
[22:50] <Seira> ount of time and effort to reopen the portal once more, and by then, there was no sign of Shamal nearby, nor was there anyone I could ask about her. I feel that was the right choice -- she could not have that much breathing time left, so once she realized she could not return, she should have gone in search of an air pocket to rest and await a rescue. We are that rescue!"
[22:57] <Kotono> "I'll go ask anyone if they've seen anyone like that." Oolu quickly heads inside, his voice carrying as he calls for attention. As he does that, Elle shakes her head, "I hope so," she murmurs softly.
[22:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[23:05] <Kotono> So going, you see Oolu talking everyone. He soon returns, a sad shake of his head. "No one like that has been seen at all in the last few days," he reports back.
[23:06] * Seira taps her foot, the only sign of her irritation she lets slip. "Shamal can talk to animals," she says suddenly. "There is a spell -- magic I cannot use. Is it possible to try that in the vicinity of the portal?" She pauses, adding, "And there are certain divinations. Again, not the magic I can use, but if we could just get a direction...."
[23:09] <Kotono> "I can already," Oolu shakes his head, "If they're in water, Ic an do it. C'mon."
[23:09] <Kotono> With that, the water spirit takes off in the water at a breattaking pace, swimming with a speedy ease.
[23:09] <Seira> "I can't quite keep up without magical aide," Seira calls after him, swimming slower.

[Corwin]

[19:30] <Kotono> "Likewise," Elle calls as Oolu slows down. He turns and grins, "Sorry, sorry, you're land based." Slowing down his pace, he leads you along...OOC - Skip ahead?
[19:32] <Seira> "Oolu," Seira asks as he slows down, "would you know about the blue stone I mentioned? The power source?"
[19:34] <Kotono> "Blue st-Oh. The power source." Oolu nods quickly, "It was a beautiful blue gem, sort of like what the gnomes used. You remember the ones in my fountain there?"
[19:34] * Seira nods. "So any of those, or similar gems?"
[19:36] <Kotono> "Similar. Do you remember Shamal's necklace, the one with the spellgem in it that also does something else? Same concept." You notice Elle paying very good attention as you swim along him. "Crafting around spellgems seemed to be all the rage near the end. You could use them as partial components in magical items without destroying the gem if you wanted to use it later."
[19:36] * Seira considers his words. "Once we've found Shamal, would you mind telling us all more about this?"
[19:37] <Kotono> "Definitely," Elle seconds in an instant, "This sounds useful."
[19:37] <Kotono> "If you want," Oolu agrees as he swims on.
[19:40] <Seira> "I must admit I'm also curious about the sea elves," Seira ventures, frowning lightly. "I got the impression that those living near us were all that were left, yet here we've seen many more of them."
[19:44] <Kotono> Oolu slows at those words, swimming backwards with ease. "Well, that's because the plane of water doesn't have a lot to do with the Prime Material. I could live a century here and would what I do have much impact there? Any impact? Almost certainly not. If things are as bad on the Prime as all of you said, how would they know that there are more elves here?"
[19:44] <Kotono> Swishing his hand back and forth as he grins, swirling it in front of his face, "Oh, besides, these places aren't like the Prime. They're supposed to be infinite. ID on't know if it's true, but I've never seen a sign saying 'END OF THE PLANE OF WATER.'
[19:47] * Seira snorts. "That would be amusing to see, to be sure. Oolu, do you think some of those elves and a few elementals could come and visit the elf settlement on our plane? It would be nice to see them prosper once more, and regain the gift of magic and knowledge."
[19:55] <Kotono> "If we could get the portal working and stable? Sure." Oolu is agreeable as you go along, smiling as he holds his hands up and down. "That's a big if."
[19:55] <Seira> "Maybe not. We do have several gems in reserve," Seira responds, but makes the rest of the trip in silence.
[19:59] <Kotono> The trip back is peaceful, only an hour. For whatever reason the currents seem to favor you at every turn, making the way back quick and agile. On returning the portal awaits. Oolu quickly begins to look around, going to a few fish, an eel, that sort of thing.
[20:02] <Seira> "I can't help but be jealous of this simple yet efficient ability," Seira comments to Elle, watching him go.
[20:03] <Kotono> "Yeah. To be born with powers like that? Makes all those nights spent over spidery written books seem unfair," she agrees quietly.
[20:04] <Kotono> After finishing with that, Oolu returns. "Alright, I found someone," he says at last, "The eel say the three of you go back - he says the red one and the one with the strange thing - It meant the bow, I think - on it's back went first, and then the yellow haired girl went through the portal last, just as it 'stopped glowing'."
[20:06] <Seira> "She certainly didn't come out on our side!" Seira says sternly, giving the distant eel the evil eye. "Do you need help interrogating it?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "No, I don't think it's smart enough to lie..." Oolu stops and considers this a few moments, "You two, do you know how portals work?"
[20:08] <Seira> "Vaguely. Portals go through another plane to get to their destination," Seira says, glancing at Elle questioningly.
[20:08] <Kotono> Countess STronger thinks a moment, with Seira's words...
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21."12 [1d20=10]
[20:09] <Kotono> Snapping her fingers even if that doesn't work very well underwater, "Oh yes, that reminded me. Portals and teleporations all pass through the Astral Plane. If she went through the portal and didn't come out on the other side, it's logical she could have ended up there. It doesn't seem likely, but it fits the evidence."
[20:10] <Seira> "So... we should try to make it malfunction?" Seira frowns. "What are the odds...."
[20:12] <Kotono> "I'm not sure that's safe, good or even remotely intelligent," Elle interjects, "Even if we managed to get to the Astral that way, and I don't like the odds, and assuming we're right? Who knows if Shamal's still in the area? We'db e two planes removed from home with Kondrux looming and in a foreign environment. If she is on the Astral, she's in no danger of drowning. So..."
[20:14] <Seira> "We can research direct, safer travel into the Astral plane from home just as well. I understand." Seira nods curtly. "Would you like to come with us for a visit, Oolu?"
[20:15] <Kotono> Oolu looks back a few moments, before he nods. "If youw ant. I was going to try to head back sooner or later anyway, even if the portal wasn't working."
[20:15] <Kotono> "Besides..." Sighing and shaking his head, "If the sea elves are that tamed and limpid in the Prime, someone has to get them back on the ball."
[20:17] * Seira nods again. "I'll try to open it now, but I shouldn't be able to keep it charged for long without using too much of my strength. Please go through quickly, and I'll bring up the rear." Having said that, she activates her magical sight and focuses yet again on summoning faerie fire on the portal, observing her efforts.
[20:17] <Kotono> Seira summons Faerie Fire! While it gives the portal a marvelous glow, it doesn't so much to directly effect it.
[20:19] * Seira tries to summon water instead, curious as to whether that would work from this end as well.
[20:20] <Kotono> Seira summons water! This summons more water to water, seeming not to affect the portal much.
[20:23] <Seira> "How annoying," Seira voices. "I miscalculated, let's go with plan B. Elle, you still have a the ability to summon something from Prime?"
[20:25] <Kotono> "I do. It took some work, but I do," she nods, starting to chant, readying the magic. "Ready?"
[20:25] <Seira> "Go for it."
[20:30] <Kotono> WIth that, "Servant of the world, I summon you! Bring forth the summoned spiders to creep over everything!" With her words, a great swarm of spiders appears in the water! While not a great one, it's hampered by the fact that spiders can't breath underwater...
[20:30] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[20:30] <Kotono> The portal sluggishly begins to move to Seira's vision, the magic stirring it.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Well?" Elle awaits, creeping back from the spiders a bit, "I can do it af ew more times if needed.
[20:32] <Kotono> "
[20:32] <Seira> "We'll need those," Seira affirms. "Please keep on going till I see it form."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Vermin of the world, come forth! I summon rats to do my bidding," Elle continues to enchant, as Oolu makes a big EW face and scoots away from the spiders - and now rodents, also drowning!
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
[20:34] <Kotono> The portal begins to seriously react, spinning beginning!  "It's going?" Elle asks, as the obvious signs of it doing so are visible to the eye.
[20:35] <Seira> "Another summons would help, though we could go through now as well," Seira responds, waiting on Elle to decide.
[20:36] * Ebiris (WinNT@90.242.26.88) has joined #dunes
[20:36] <Kotono> "One more!" Elle agrees, casting it again! "Bats, I summon you!" she gets right o the point, the trifect of drowning vermin now completed!
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 4."12 [1d8=4]
[20:37] <Kotono> The portal continues to increase in power, the center now focused and spinning good.
[20:37] <Seira> "Go!" Seira calls to Oolu and Elle, ready to follow.
[20:38] <Kotono> Elle goes first, zipping through! Then Oolu, racing through as the portal pulses, weak but seeming to be intact for now!
[20:38] * Seira follows!
[20:40] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[20:42] <Kotono> In moments the part has returned, Seira getting jostled a bit but the portal holds! Oolu looks about, sniffing, "ABout as I remember, even if the portal's been neglected," he opines, going down and touching the stone. "Oh well." Meanwhile, the guard staying there does a doubletake, staring at Seira and company return.
[20:43] * Ebiris is now known as Shamal
[20:43] <Seira> "Meet Oolu," Seira says simply to the guard.
[20:43] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[20:51] <Kotono> "Ooooh..." Oolu eyes him, swishing over and swimming around him, "You're right. Look at that scared stare! Look at that expression of shock!" Patting the shocked guard on his shoulder, "Clearly I have a lot of work to do here!"
[20:51] <Seira> "Just don't party so hard you'll overwhelm them right away," Seira tells Oolu, swimming over.
[20:57] <Kotono> "Oh, I know, I know. Say..."S niffing the air, Oolu frowns, "Something feels a bit off here, but I can't put my finger on it. It's like...I don't know. Something closed up." He shakes his head at that, "Bleh."
[20:59] <Seira> "I think I get what you mean," Seira agrees. "Oolu, before we go meet the other sea elves, is there anything you can tell me that would help us against Kondrux, the blue dragon? Another dragon that could reside nearby, a way to deal with them, a magical item that we could search for and use in our defense?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Dragons, dragons..." Thinking as he wraps around the guard, poking his sides a few times and then flexing the guard's arm critically, inspecting, "Mmm, yes, dragon legends. These are two thousand years old, but I know a few."
[21:04] * Seira listens attentively. "Oh?"
[21:06] <Kotono> Letting go of the shellshocked guard, "Well yes. The one I remember the most is the tale of Kangap and Goldan. A red dragon and a gold dragon, forever entwined. Quite the tale to hear on a lonely night. That one was rather popular."
[21:06] <Seira> "I heard of it also," Seira agrees. "How did they view humanity and the other mortal races?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "Oh well, you have to understand. Dragons aren't just like a human. One dragon is like a thousand mortals. Oh, no offense meant." Waving his hand aside quickly, "The colored ones generally see mortals as nothing but pawns or food; the metallic dragons, while not always fond of humans, at least acknoledge your right to exist and do you no harm; even helping on occasions."
[21:09] <Seira> "Any chance of us finding one within a few days?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "Let's see..." Thinking, "There were stories about Ajan..." He considers, thinking, "Dragons...dragons...hm. Oh yes, the guardian of the fairest star. I think I recall the name...Le...something."
[21:24] <Kotono> "Oh well, I can't remember his name. Point is, he should be around here somewhere. Isn't this still the bay where the fairest star fell?"
[21:26] <Seira> "Lesarp?" Seira suggests. "It is in fact that bay, as far as we can tell."
[21:27] <Kotono> Snapping his fingers, which unlike Stronger's works well underwater, "That's the name. Lesarp. Well then, I'd go looking for hidden places here where the fairest star could be or close to it."
[21:30] <Seira> "I'm not much of a swimmer," Seira admits. "In fact, before this happened, I never set foot in the water. Elle, would you have any idea where to look?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "Yes." Starting to smile ruefully, "Remember how we met? I was trying to break that damned seal to ee if I could sneak in the backdoor to those ruins. Unless we want to comb the rest of the sea floor, it looks like the best show in town."
[21:34] <Seira> "Which would make the dragon of this fairest star and the gnomes related, somehow..." Seira muses. "I somehow never made the connection myself, in my head. Alright, it is worth a try." She turns towards Oolu. "Since we couldn't find Shamal, would you mind sharing your knowledge of the theory behind the spellgems with us? It would allow us to make this portal active once more, and in turn help us study travel to other planes, including As
[21:34] <Seira> tral."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Yes, dragons and stars..." Oolu murmurs to himself, seeming to think on it. "Well, yes. Like Shamal's pendant - you see how it does one thing and uses a spellgem to help do it? Like how the fountain back in that damned prison fountain worked?"
[21:40] * Seira nods. "Yet no ordinary enspelled gem would do. Both item and power source must be similar in purpose to achieve synergy?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "At least tangentially, I suppose. Those weren't fire rubies in there, were they?" Oolu says, as the poor guard continues to stare.
[21:42] <Kotono> "That makes sense," Elle considers, "Like how you'd make a magic carpet by casting fly as a part of the enchantment."
[21:42] <Seira> "So gnomes would have made the power source for this portal?" Seira asks. "Or was this knowledge not exclusively theirs?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "I honestly don't know." Admitting that as he thinks, "Even if they did make it, it's possible it was made by them but installed by others." The water spirit shrugs, "Wouldn't surprise me either way."
[21:47] * Seira nods once more. "If only we could make the most rudimentary of spellgems, things would go that much better. Perhaps the answer lies in the books we took from the starry dome after all...."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Oh wait...did you drag out books from there?" Oolu turns curiously. "That's a lot of them...you didn't drag out the entire set, did you?"
[21:50] <Seira> "I was very motivated," Seira confirms. "And had magical help."
[21:51] <Kotono> "...that's a lot of books..." Muttering to himself, "You avoided the traps there, right?"
[21:52] <Seira> "The ones that make you lose your mind and read without distinction?"
[21:57] <Kotono> "Well, that and the ones around the big gem that I heard about." Oolu says after thinking a moment.
[21:57] <Seira> "I ate that one."
[21:57] <Kotono> "It shows..." Elle murmurs to herself.
[21:58] <Seira> "It does? Really?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "Well, then, you avoided the traps," Oolu agrees, "I just thought...nevermind, this is turning into a tangent. We were talking about dragons, right?"
[21:59] * Seira nods. "Lesarp, the dragon that should be nearby. The other two... if one is a metallic dragon as well, they could also help."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Goldan's a gold dragon. Great if you can find 'em," Oolu agrees, "If you're right about those ruins, it's probably your best place to check."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Hmmm..." Elle murmurs something under her breath, but doesn't press it. "Anyway. That's something, at least."
[22:01] <Seira> "I think we will. We'll just introduce you to all our friends here, before going on our way again," Seira says, stretching lightly. "Elle, did you have anything else you wanted to do here?"
[22:02] <Kotono> "Nothing that can't wait until Balmuria's not in mortal danger," she agrees, chipper a moment. "I'm ready to get back on dry land, anyway."
[22:03] <Seira> "There's a brave young elf in particular who wasn't chained by the past and went to talk to us. Want to meet her first?" Seira suggests.
[22:06] <Kotono> "Sure," Oolu starts to swim out, "I can't wait to finally get out there again!"
[22:06] * Seira waves for their guard to follow, swimming outside towards the residential area.
[22:09] <Kotono> As you head out, Oolu changes. This time into a figure of water, roughly outlined into a humanoid shape. "Alright," he stretches out as the party returns outside. The children are playing around, and some adults are returning with food and seaweed. Tynave can be seen a little away, helping stack baskets of fresh fish.
[22:10] <Seira> "Tynave! Kids!" Seira calls out to them. "Want to learn a new game?"
[22:11] <Kotono> This naturally gets attention, and not just from the kids. Tynave hears her own name, swimming over. "Oooooh! Who is that? What is that?"
[22:13] <Seira> "My friend, Oolu. Oolu, beautiful elf children." Seira claps her hands. "Now that introductions are over with I'll let you all get better acquainted."
[22:15] <Kotono> Oolu begins to grin, even in this watery state, clear as can be. "Come here and I'll tell you all some stories...have you heard about...oh, wasn't it theGreat Water Spirit," he glances at Seira as he says that.
[22:17] * Seira nods, before leaning over to whisper for his ears alone, "If you plan to introduce the gnomish legends, at least wait some time. We wouldn't want to shock their society too much."
[22:21] <Kotono> "Right," he murmurs back, as he begins to tell his tale! This quickly gets attention, adult elves drifting over as well. Even coming out from the cave is the elder Aquli, looking on with a mix of surprise, sadness and...a little smile, too.
[22:22] * Seira swims over to the elder, coming to rest near him. "I asked Oolu to keep certain things of the past in it, as we agreed," she tells him. "He has quite a character, but he would never hurt you."
[22:24] <Kotono> "....I see....." His voice comes from far away, "I see, I see. It's too late now to undo it...anyway."
[22:25] <Seira> "We'll return one day, perhaps in the near future, and try to help you fix that portal. There are other sea elves out there, and oh so many wondrous things...."
[22:27] <Kotono> "Until that time..." The elder is quiet, watching transfixed at the growing crowd around Oolu.
[22:27] * Seira waves at Tynave and the children, and glances at Elle. "I think we should get back now."
[22:29] <Kotono> "Yes, let's go home," Elle agrees, watching for a few moments before turning to the south. "SHall we?"
[22:30] * Seira nods, and begins to swim.
[22:38] <Kotono> So the duo head for home, at last reaching Balmuria again. On arriving in the late afternoon, the tired adventurers are greeted at the gates by Wedge and Vicks. Saluting, "Commander Oberuth will want to see you, of course," he says, as you note Balmuria has increased it's defenses, walls being enhanced, archers and spotters in defensive towerson thew alls.
[22:40] * Seira looks around hopefully for any signs of equipped ballista.
[22:41] <Kotono> There are a few being movedi nto places near the gate. Looks like four total. Meanwhile, Elle nods to the guards tiredly as you head inside.
[22:42] <Seira> "I can see him on my own, if you'd like to rest up, Elle," Seira offers, moving in a brisk pace that reveals none of her tiredness.
[22:49] <Kotono> Elle nods, "I am," she agrees, going off towards her shop. So Seira goes on, finding Commander Oberuth in the garrison. He is currently working on a scroll, writing on it with big, looping letters.
[22:51] <Seira> "Sir!" Seira reports, saluting sharply, her clothes considerably dry by now. "Our expedition bore fruit, if at a high price."
[22:53] <Kotono> "Seira." Commander Oberht smiles for just a moment, before he becomes grim. "Very well, report." Before that, however, he goes out and talks to a page, instructing them to bring Demedais forth. When he returns, "Go on."
[22:55] <Seira> "We made contact with the local civilization of sea elves, and parted on amiable terms. We were also able to study a working portal to another plane, grasping the basic functions of its magic. In addition, we explored the elemental plane of water, and met several of its inhabitants, including Oolu, whom we brought with us to the sea elf settlement to educate them and help return them to their former glory. I feel that our new friends wou
[22:55] <Seira> ld make valuable allies in the not-too-distant future."
[23:03] <Kotono> "Excellent." Commander Oberut smiles faintly, "Assuming we survive long enough. But what of Shamal?"
[23:06] <Seira> "We will," Seira responds with absolute certainty. "As for Shamal, we have managed to confirm that she had left the plane of water, and is in no danger of drowning there. As the only place she could have gone to is the plane all portals connect to, we believe her to be there at present. At the moment, we intend to try and open a portal to her or contact her somehow. In order to protect Balmuria, the Countess and myself would also attempt
[23:06] <Seira>  to look further around the seal. We believe a metallic dragon who would be willing to aid us can be found there."
[23:08] <Kotono> "Alright." Oberuth takes that in, a breath out. "Thank you, Gods. I would not wish for any of you to die on my watch." Commander Oberuth hesitates, looking at Seira oddly. "Seira?"
[23:08] * Seira raises an eyebrow questioningly. "Sir?"
[23:09] <Kotono> "May I ask you something, Seira?" He goe son, "Not as a commander, but as a tired, weary man."
[23:11] * Seira blinks. "Yes... Hellman?" she tries, tilting her head ever-so-slightly.
[23:12] <Kotono> "I'm thinking about resigning," he says flat out. "This post feels like it's gone beyond my ability to effectively manage. I'm not a wizard or a cleric, I'm a warrior. I don't feel like I can fully handle the range of threats coming forth. Seira, do you think I should resign?"
[23:15] * Seira considers the question carefully. "I believe that would be doing something for the wrong reasons, S-- Hellman. If there existed someone capable enough of dealing with all our recent problems single-handedly, they would not be a commander of the guard, but an absolute ruler of Balmuria. Perhaps the Baronies, perhaps more. And take Elle Stronger for example. She is, quite likely, the strongest wizard on our side. And yet, while her b
[23:15] <Seira>  And yet, while her business skills and charisma hold up just fine to her arcane knowledge, how would she be able to deal with the daunting task of assigning military objectives and running a campaign?"
[23:19] <Kotono> "Heh..." Oberuth chuckles slightly at those words, "...well said. Thank you, Seira." HE smiles just a moment, a very long moment. "I don't know the answer to that, but you raise a good point. I just wonder, would Khardon be better at this? He found one of the Resorts on his own and knows tactics and management as well as I."
[23:20] <Seira> "I don't really know the man all that much. Aside from a few short meetings with him, all I have to go by is his reputation," Seira admits. "Though... I have heard rumors that he disappeared for several years after the war?"
[23:21] * Demedais steps into the room. "Ah, Seira. You're back." He nods to Oberuth as well, before looking around. "I take it you could not find Shamal?
[23:21] <Kotono> "Yes, he went travelling. He came back with the Third Resort from the frozen lands." Oberuth agrees to those words, his line of questions pausing. "No. Shamal is believed to be on the Astral Plane now," Oberuth repeats.
[23:22] <Demedais> "The Astral Plane?" Demedais repeats, a bit confused. "Weren't you guys investigating the Plane of Water?"
[23:22] * Seira nods at the Commander's words. "We do not believe her to be in immediate danger, though we are working on mounting another rescue, to the proper plane this time." She turns back towards Oberuth, easily slipping back into her official persona. "Sir, forgive me for saying so, but I find this suspicious."
[23:24] * Demedais considers. "I had planned on visiting Uatu and requesting his assistance, Seira, and I... am not fond of leaving this town with no other champion but Oberuth." Demedais nods to the Commander. "How good of a chance do you think you have of reaching the Astral Plane?"

[Corwin]

[20:39] <Seira> "Not in the time it would take you to reach our mutual friend without a massive breakthrough," Seira admits. "Not impossible, however."
[20:41] <Demedais> "Mmm. At the same time, however, I am not inclined to leave the town without one of use here to assist Oberuth..." Demedais murmurs. "Is there any easy way you can be reached underwater in case of emergency?"
[20:42] <Seira> "Not without magic," she muses. "However, we won't be going far this time, just up to the seal."
[20:45] <Demedais> "Mmm. Then, with your two's permission, I leave for Uatu. Hopefully I can get there in under a week, riding at the max speed Horse can go for a fair amount of it." Demedais says. "And marching through the night. I need little sleep, so going alone is probably my best bet, speed-wise."
[20:47] <Seira> "I don't know about relying on it -- him? -- too much," Seira murmurs. "But you must clearly do as you believe right."
[20:49] <Demedais> "Neither do I, but in this sort of situation it or he is our best option." Demedais nods. "I personally am not relishing approaching the thing again, but... it seems to be fond of Shamal, so I hope it will help us."
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Oberuth listens, before at last speaking up. "When are you planning to go to the seal, Seira?"
[20:51] <Seira> "Though this may leave the city briefly weakened, I feel the risk is worth it, Sir," Seira responds to the Commander. "I intend to ascertain whether a metallic dragon rumored to be friendly to humankind resides in the vicinity, and whether it could be contacted."
[20:52] * Keylin (~kazaana@host-206-54-196-170.entouch.net) has left #dunes
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...very well." Commander Oberuth speaks at last, voice still somewhat withdrawn and distant. "Hurry, the both of you."
[20:58] <Demedais> "...sir, are you alright?" Demedais asks, concerned.
[21:01] * Seira quietly murmurs the chant to a cantrip while Demedais has the Commander's attention, and glances at him covertly.
[21:03] * NeremWo (~Nerem@pool-71-170-8-12.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[21:03] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-170-8-12.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 7."12 [1d20=4]
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Commander Oberuth has no magic on him besides his sword. "I'm fine, just thinking," he apologises. "This week has been stressful and worrisome. If you're to go; dismissed and get going."
[21:06] <Seira> "Sir, if I may," Seira presses an earlier point. "Do you have personal reasons to trust the Colonel, or mostly rely on his glorious record?"
[21:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Colonel Khardon? He's a good man, we knew each other from the war." Looking on at Seira evenly, "Why? I have no doubt to his ability."
[21:08] <Seira> "I was curious, Sir," she offers by way of explanation.
[21:08] * Demedais hesitates, then nods. "At this time... we must all have a pillar of strength to fall back on, Commander. If you have a temple to go to - a place of your own faith - then visit there, and talk to them of your concerns. If you have none... well. The temple of Helm would never turn away a defender of the city - that much I know." Another hesitation, then Demedais places his hand on the Commander's shoulder. (More)
[21:10] <Demedais> "Go with Helm. You too, Seira." With that, Demedais turns and leaves, heading out to go to Uatu's as fast as possible!
[21:11] <Seira> "Then, I will resume my efforts on the morning," Seira annouynces. "Will there be anything else, Sir?"
[21:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> To Demedais, Oberuth nods and watches him go, "Helm with you," he calls back. Once he is gone, "Go rest and prepare, Seira."
[21:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So Seira rests and prepares! Privates Dirk and Smoot are summoned the next day, the foursome heading along. As they reach the water, "Um..." Dirk looks down, "Now what?"
[21:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Gah.
[21:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So Seira rests and prepares! Privates Dirk and Smoot are summoned the next day, the foursome heading along. As they reach the water, "Um..." Dirk looks down, "Now what?" You stand at the nearest point safe to go into, where you entered the water with Shamal and Stronger af ew days ago.
[21:38] <Seira> "No doubt you both know of the trouble which befell Balmuria recently?" Seira asks, observing the two.
[21:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well yeah," Smoot looks uncomfortable, "Hell, I saw it. I still don't feel right. That thing was huuuge!"
[21:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Elle hangs back a moment, smothering a yawn and wearing the same functional clothes as she did last time she plunged into the waters.  She looks a bit tired.
[21:40] <Seira> "Captain Shamal, Countess Stronger and myself believe an answer to our problems lies beneath the waters. A power to equal that blue dragon of old, yet a benevolent one. I have selected you two to accompany me as the Countess and I go to search for it."
[21:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Uh, so, how do we do that? Diving up and down into it?" Dirk looks down doubtfully.
[21:43] <Seira> "We have magic that will allow us all to breathe underwater for the following eight hours or so," Seira responds. "I don't anticipate needing more than two thirds of it for both trips. Once near our objective, you are to follow my instructions or those of the Countess." She pauses. "This is part of our duty to protect our city from destruction. Are there any questions?"
[21:44] * Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-18-214.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Uh...." Both privates look between each other, "You can do that? Damn."
[21:46] * Seira nods. "Are you ready?"
[21:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Uh, sure?" Smoot nods, wide eyed, as you hear countess Stronger chuckling behind you.
[21:48] <Seira> "You're the one who knows how to get past the obstacles, so it's your show, Elle," Seira tells the Countess, and places a hand on Smoot's shoulder, calling upon the power to draw breath underwater.
[21:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Once the magics are in place, Elle nods and takes the lead, diving in! The two privates shrug before looking at Seira and Stronger, then go into the water! They look out of place, coughing the first few times before marvelling. "It works...?!"
[21:49] <Seira> "Of course it did!" Seira says peevishly. "I don't boast!"
[21:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> So they swim on in wonder! Thet wo privates do alright at it, paddling along in the depths! Soon you come to the whirlpools, great swirling things that suck water down into a deep crevasse, hiding the way forward. Elle doesn't even stop, clinging to the wall. "This way, there's a gap in where they pull."
[21:52] * Seira uses the time they travel to brief the pair of privates on what it is they are all to search for, while cautioning them to be on the look out for anything unusual or out of place as well, even if it doesn't fit the their specific search criteria.
[21:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> They nod along, doing a lot of wide eyed sightseeing as they do. Elle leads you to near thew all, a place where two whirlpools have curiously little pull.It's barely even a hassle to slip through this gap and ahead you can see it. Set into a deep, smoothly dug dome carved out of the sea wall...(More)
[21:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It sets into thew all - a pulsing symbol set into a grand black gate. The symbol is of a conical hat, the entire thing several hundred feet wide. There's barely any features, the entire thing smooth and unmarred, uneroded from the water.
[21:56] <Seira> If this doesn't call for a spell of magically-augmented sight, few things do! Seira calls upon the spell and examines the symbol carefully, asking, "Elle, have you tried to identify this construct?"
[21:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The wall radiates overwhelming magic. However, it is strangely controlled. You can only see it when you look directly at the gate. "Tried and failed. Damn gate is as solid as a rock." Meanwhile, the two privates stare. "Who have thought this lied just nearby town?"
[21:59] * Seira briefly boosts her mental faculties and memory, taking it all in before attempting to make sense of things!
[21:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 spellcraft
[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 spellcraft and gets 26."12 [1d20=12]
[22:03] * Seira tilts her head. "What have you tried before, Elle, if I might ask?"
[22:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I tried to comprehend the magic, failed. I tried to blast it, not even a dent." Swimming up and tapping it defiantly, "Nothing happens, but I just can't make a dent in the damned thing."
[22:05] * Seira nods, and places a hand against the gate, facing it directly.
[22:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The gate is solid and without any particular coolness or warmth to it. It feels like smooth stone.
[22:06] * Seira tries channeling her magics through it and into the gate directly, observing it for any changes, magical or otherwise, all the while.
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - What magic?
[22:09] <Seira> OOC: Create Water, Faerie Fire
[22:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Water splashes near the door, doing nothing. The Faerie Fire fails to do anything at the door, no illumination coming.
[22:11] <Seira> "Curious," she muses, turning back to glance at Elle. "Have you noticed any of your non-offensive spells fizzling out near it?"
[22:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Elle watches, "I'm guessing this is some sort of connection to the nearby ruin entrance on the surface, but..." She just shrugs again. "Damned gnomes are too good at this. Any ideas?"
[22:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well, I can still breathe here," she notes right back, touching the door.
[22:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meanwhile, the two privates are ust staring and gawking, taking in the unusual scenery.
[22:12] * Seira nods. "Just the basics, for now. I'll try a transmutative spell, seeing as that is the predominant component I can identify," Seira tells her, before using Mage Hand to knock on the gate.
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The mage hand knocks on the door, but nothing happens.
[22:16] * Seira wills the water next to the gate and a part of the gate itself to become blurry, as she knows from her studies that the spell in question is related to the faerie fire one.
[22:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The gate does not become blurry. The water does. Elle watches on in interest, tapping on it again. "Anything?"
[22:18] <Seira> "It's well protected," Seira admits, picking up a small stone and throwing it against the area of the gate she can sense magic on, looking for any changes in it or for any magic being imparted to her projectile.
[22:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Nothing happens on either count. "I'm wondering if it's some sort of barrier or repulsive zone or..." Frowning as she murmurs a few words and makes  astrange gesture, "I have no idea. See any sort of key or place where something could be activated?"
[22:21] <Seira> "We'll look for it, now," Seira agrees. "As for the gate, if we had to brute force it, I would place my bet on raw force over magic. Perhaps, with a ship or an enormous sea creature...."
[22:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "If you can get one, by all means,"Elle starts to smile at that, "We'd need a leviathan or a kraken for the size of this. Maybe a whale."
[22:22] <Seira> "I'll see if Shamal or Oolu could accomodate us," Seira responds with her own smile. "So, searching it is, now?"
[22:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Let's," she agrees, "Ready?"
[22:23] * Seira nods!
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - What's your total?
[22:26] <Seira> OOC: 35!
[22:27] <Seira> OOC: I'll also use Detect Secret Doors in the area beforehand, just in case
[22:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Link me to that in #elysium?
[22:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira searches hard, as does Elle and the soldiers! WIth some effort, they find a steel plaque under the sandy seafloor, attached to hard rock. OOC: Languages you speak, Sei-chan?
[22:31] <Seira> That's why she has a scroll of Comprehend Languages! In a transparent, waterproof container!
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Bow before the Gate of Water, pilgrims. Offer your penances to the God King and repent! Those that are worthy shall be swept into His embrace."
[22:36] <Seira> "So... you pray to him to get inside?"
[22:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hm?" Elle asks, kneeling down next to the plaque. "What did it say? You have to pray to someone?"
[22:38] * Seira translates it dutifully.
[22:39] <Seira> "Strange," she muses once more. "I did use spells originating from Gnomish magic on both the gate and myself, here, and it did nothing."
[22:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Must have to be 'worthy', whatever that means," Elle opines as she considers, looking on at the gate. "Hmmm..."
[22:40] <Seira> "Submitting to horrible brainwashing from the books might qualify. May we never find out."
[22:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hmm. We'll have to work on this..." Elle considers as she looks on, "Any more ideas now, though? Anyw ay to make it work?"
[22:43] <Seira> "Might as well," Seira muses, throwing a Knock spell against the gate!
[22:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Nothing happens.
[22:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two privates continue to watch, hanging back and getting a good view of it from behind the two women.
[22:47] <Seira> "Let's search around the area before returning," Seira says in disappointment. "Maybe what we seek may yet be different from the seal itself, merely nearby."
[22:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Alright," Elle says agreeably, "If this doesn'tw ork, are you going to try the front door?"
[22:49] * Seira nods. "It seems like the time for it."

[Corwin]

[20:18] <Kotono> ------------
[20:23] <Kotono> So Seira gathers at Elle's shop. She quickly conducts half panicked business with a man wearing white, wrapped head to toe in loose robes. The trader from afar nods to Seira as they pass, going back to his room in her inn. Inside of there, Colonel Khardon awaits, lean face intent.
[20:25] <Seira> "I would like to cut straight to the chase, Sir, if at all possible," Seira says to the Colonel after greeting the two of them. "You are in possession of a Resort, and I believe that it might be the key to the gate which exists beneath the sea. I would like you to come with me to try and open that gate."
[20:33] <Kotono> Colonel Khardon considers a moment or two, starting to smirk. "Yes, right to the point," he muses aloud, settling to blend into the wall he rests on. He twists his wrist, the Third Resort appearing in his hand. It crackles with lighting lanced fires, before going quiet. "Well, if the marvelous hero of the Crimson Guard Seira asks?" He breaks into a grin.
[20:34] * Seira twitches. "Are you fully briefed on what may await us on the other side, Sir?" she asks, ignoring his words, be they genuinely complimenting or mocking.
[20:35] <Kotono> Chuckling as Seira reacts, "I've read the reports - I'm quite nosy on my own. Mysterious, partially changing ruins, I believe?"
[20:36] <Seira> "There might be a dragon. A metallic one."
[20:38] <Kotono> "Oh, good. I hear they have all the world's treasures there." Grinning back without pausing, "I understand, though. This isn't skipping off to the meadows outside to play tag with a few goblins. This is deadly serious, yes?"
[20:40] * Seira dips her head. "Should we succeed, Balmuria would not need to worry about dragons or Malmuth again. Those are the stakes."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Well then, I'll meet you in an hour - name the place." Khardon stands up, starting to grin again. "I like the cut of your insinuation."
[20:45] * Seira gives him directions to the same location she had used the other day, adding, "Heavy armor might be ill-advised, Sir."
[20:47] <Kotono> "By the shore? Don't worry, I can't stand heavy armor." With that he saunters away, and as he does, "From what I know, he's always like that," Countess Stronger sighs softly.
[20:48] <Seira> "One day, I'll outrank him," Seira vows, clenching her right hand into a fist.
[20:50] <Kotono> "One day..." Stronger smiles back as well, "That ill tempered man aside, are you ready? I still have to finishi preparations and put away the money from that sale."
[20:51] <Seira> "I came prepared," Seira affirms. "I could help around the shop as you finish with that, if you'd like."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Oh, yes, that's a good idea. Since my stock's low..."
[20:56] <Kotono> So the three gather in an hour. Elle is prepared, and Khardon wears a suit of carefully tailored leather armor, dull colored and fading into the background. He also wears an amulet under his shirt and smooth metal bracers over his forearms. As the cloudy day goes, the water buckles with waves. "Well then?" he asks, awaiting.
[20:59] <Seira> "Do you have the means to breathe underwater, Sir?" Seira asks him in return. "I would hate to be entirely useless on this mission."
[20:59] <Kotono> "I'm not the wizard," he banters back, a shake of his head, "If you invited me, I imagined that you would be providing such neccessities."
[21:01] <Seira> "I have a purpose in life once more," she says in a straight voice, placing her hand over his and allowing the magic to take hold over them, before tapping Elle for the same. "It would be best if you saved your spell for an emergency later down the road," Seira rationalizes.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Thrilling, isn't it," Khardons miles as he kneels down, starting to slide into the water. "Well then, grand captain, lead us on?"
[21:04] <Kotono> Stronger nods, eyeing him and keeping quiet for the moment.
[21:05] * Seira makes a graceful leap into the water, swimming for the seal.
[21:06] <Kotono> So this trip goes on. Fortunately, the water seems to dull the conversation, the party swimming onward. You slip past the waterfalls in a swift pace, soon reaching the uncovered plaque and the gate...
[21:08] * Seira imbues herself with magical sight, and nods at Khardon. "Please proceed, Colonel. Try coming closer to the gate with the artifact drawn."
[21:08] <Kotono> Khardon looks about, his hand twitching. "...yeah, I think you have the right idea," he says, "I feel drawn ahead." He goes to the plaque, grunting.
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
[21:09] <Kotono> "Uwah!" With a cry his arm twists, the Third Resort appearing in his hand! It crackles with a blue power around it, as Seira sees that the gate is starting to glow with it's same overwhelming magic, as is the Resort. The exact same energy, an arc of magic reacting between them.
[21:10] <Seira> "Are you in pain? Are you being harmed?" she asks rapidly, swimming closer.
[21:10] <Kotono> "No! It's just appeared without my wanting it to!" As he speaks, you hear a great creak. A creak from the gate, starting to rumble.
[21:12] <Seira> "Elle, get ready," Seira calls out, drawing a wand of lightning bolts and coming to face the gate.
[21:12] <Seira> OOC: Magical Missiles, yeah  >_>
[21:13] <Kotono> Countess Stronger gets in position, a spell on her lips! As she does, the gate opens! A great black space, a hallway of stone for ten feet, as wide as the gate. Then a drop, water starting to flood in and down this gap! Quickly Seira feels the current, all the water starting to pour in!  She can feel the current starting to suck her along. OOC - Also, feel free to make a spot check here since you have darkvision, Seira.
[21:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 haha
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 haha and gets 8."12 [1d20=7]
[21:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 reroll?
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 reroll? and gets 6."12 [1d20=5]
[21:14] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and act.
[21:14] * Seira allows the current to pull her inside, as that is her goal, using minimal actions to keep herself upright and in a position to react to whatever may lay behind the gate!
[21:15] <Kotono> OOC: All of you, go ahead and make swim checks. In this case you can make them untrained regardless.
[21:16] <Seira> roll 1d20-2 hilarity
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20-2 hilarity and gets 3."12 [1d20=5]
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Stronger
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Stronger and gets 13."12 [1d20=5]
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 khardon Stronger
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 khardon Stronger and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
[21:20] <Kotono> The suction drags them along! While Khardon is able to manage some sort of buoancy, the others are sucked along! Down into the hall and the gap, falling in a grand waterfall of water! The three plummet down for several seconds, a vast pool of water seen as Seira falls! (More)
[21:26] <Kotono> As they plummet, Seira and her friends find something out! Even with watery  landings to break much of the impact, falling what must be hundreds of feet hurts. The impact into the pool is still painful, knocking the wind out of the heroes!
[21:26] <Kotono> roll 4d6
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and gets 15."12 [4d6=1, 5, 3, 6]
[21:28] <Kotono> On landing in the slowly filling chamber, you see that there are a few things remaining here. It looks like some sort of small altar room underwater, long pews and an altar ahead. Past that is another gap in the floor, smaller, and where more water continues to travel. It's small enough that the current on is not overly dragging, however.
[21:28] * Seira coughs, forcing herself to roll onto her hands and feet, then staggeringly pulling herself upright. "Colonel, Elle, are you alright?" she asks, holding her left elbow close to her body.
[21:29] <Kotono> Khardonr ubs his forehead, a good lump forming. Elle coughs a few times, holding her ribs in pain. "I'll...live. Just bruised my ribs," she calls back.
[21:29] <Kotono> As you speak, light spills into the room. From glass globes embedded high in the walls, illuminating. It shows everything in detail, the walls murals of the God King, standing over earth, heavens, everything.
[21:30] * Seira examines everything with her still-active magical sight!
[21:31] <Kotono> The entire place radiates overwhelming magic. "Charming," Khardon swims up a bit, "Just like the temples in town, with an added on painful drop. Lovely service."
[21:34] <Seira> "Once we take over we can place mattresses on the ground," Seira mutters, rolling her eyes before approaching the altar and examining it.
[21:35] <Kotono> It is an altar of black stone. It is engraved with writings that Seira does not understand, all under the arch of a tall, pointed, conical cap.  Atop the altar rests a single book, uneffected by being underwater, not waterlogged a bit.
[21:38] <Seira> Those scrolls are getting damned expensive, she thinks in distaste, and casts a spell of protection from evil upon herself, before following it up with using her scroll of comprehend languages. Once that is done, she places her hand on the writings, perusing them.
[21:40] <Kotono> The altar speaks of the God King Daa-vid, his crusade to nobly unite the world under his wisdom and divine might.
[21:40] <Kotono> As you do this, Khardon floats over towards the suction hole, peering. "This one goes further on," he calls, "It's not as strong.
[21:40] <Kotono> "
[21:41] * Seira translates it for the others on a whim, snorting to herself. "Perhaps we could try this line on Malmuth."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Worth a shot," Elle agrees, sitting on a pew an drubbing her ribs.
[21:53] * Seira glances at the book's title next.
[21:54] <Kotono> There is no title, just a blank hard cover.
[21:55] <Seira> "Shamal picked a book in another gnomish ruin, in a region dominated by fire. She was beset by fire elementals, but managed to master the book's magic and restrain them. I would like to see whether this book is similar," she tells the others.
[21:58] <Kotono> "Careful," Elle sits up at that, alert. "It might be, but it could also be another book similiar to the ones you brought back."
[21:59] * Seira nods. "Protection of Evil and all that. Just be ready for sudden monsters or traps springing on us." With that said, she quickly searches the book for any traps before opening it and quickly glancing inside for a title or index.
[21:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[22:02] <Kotono> Seira does not find any traps. As she begins to read the book, she finds it to be a study on the God King and how to worship him. Bow to him, study his great wisdom and reject the heretic gods above. He will lead the chosen race into the sky from the earth, striking down the false ones.
[22:07] * Seira skips to the end of the book!
[22:08] <Kotono> The end of the books peaks of the final battle between the God King and the false Gods. He casts them from the heavens, destroying them utterly. The world is united, the false times coming to an end.
[22:09] <Seira> "Probably a book of brainwashing, then," Seira decides, closing it. "Well, then, the passage goes on. Let's explore further."
[22:10] <Kotono> "Makes sense," Khardon agrees as he lingers towards the hole. It's about twenty feet wide, plenty of space to follow the now steady flow of water down it.
[22:11] <Seira> "Can you see moderately well?" Seira asks, wand of magical missiles in hand once more.
[22:13] <Kotono> The hole is quite dark, no light orbs illuminating the way down. "Not particularly," Khardon notes as he looks down.
[22:14] <Seira> "Do you have Light prepared, by chance?" Seira asks the Countess, holding out a small pebble.
[22:14] <Kotono> "I do," she touches the pebble and murmurs, "Spirits of light, touch this," as the pebble begins to glow.
[22:15] <Seira> "Here, Sir," Seira says, offering the pebble to Khardon.
[22:17] <Kotono> Taking the pebble with a grin, "I suppose it is my duty to protect you delicate flowers of magic," he says, swimming into the gap, sucked down.
[22:18] <Seira> "Yes, Sir," Seira agrees, not quite smiling, and lets the current take hold of her once more.
[22:21] <Kotono> So the three swim down. This current is gentler, leading you along. Down and inward, for perhaps a thousand feet. At the end of this tunnel, you see it come out, slowly filling up a vast empty champter. It's a perfect square, with a small twenty foot pillar in the middle. All of this extends higher up than you can see from here. On each side of it, huge skeletons of some sort of aquatic creature lie, the water slowly lapping against them as i
[22:22] <Kotono> them as it fills up. (More
[22:22] <Kotono> )
[22:23] <Kotono> As the water fills in, you find it odd. There are scraps of greenish flesh clinging to the pair of skeletons.
[22:25] <Seira> "We could be in the central ruin," Seira comments. "Undead were found within, along with automated constructs and traps."
[22:25] <Kotono> "If you're speaking of undead, those things are...huge..." Khardon observes coolly.
[22:26] <Kotono> "That means we may be close to treasure, on the other hand..." Elle observes as well, eyes lighting up. "Or magic."
[22:26] <Seira> "Or another exit."
[22:28] <Kotono> As they party watches, more water spills in. As it begins to fill the room, one can note that more green flesh is being seen on the bones of the two creatures.
[22:29] <Seira> "Destroy the skeletons!" Seira calls out. "Break them into dust before they regenerate!"
[22:30] * Seira observes the room analytically, trying to establish whether she would be able to get all the skeletons and none of her allies with a summoned underwater ice storm.
[22:35] <Seira> "Got anything to stop the water from flowing for a minute or two, Elle?" she asks in the meanwhile.
[22:38] <Kotono> Seira notes that the room is huge - getting filled up, about to your waist level now. "Not really," she calls back, turning back a moment to stare at the onrushing water. Meanwhile, Khardon hears the words and nods, rushing ahead at the right side skeleton, going forward! The Third Resort flashes, as he hacks at the skeleton and it's regrowing flesh!
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 34."12 [1d20=18]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d4+2d6+2d6+10
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+2d6+2d6+10 and gets 22."12 [1d4=1][2d6=2, 6][2d6=1, 2]
[22:39] * Seira summons a great storm of ice and fury, directed at the other edge of the monstrosities, safely away from Khardon!
[22:39] <Seira> roll 3d6+2d6 (bludgeoning+cold)
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d6+2d6 (bludgeoning+cold) and gets 13."12 [3d6=3, 1, 4][2d6=4, 1]
[22:41] <Kotono> As Khardon hacks at it's jaw, ripping off a good part of it, stones of ice fly down! They slam into both skeletons, wrecking havoc! Meanwhile, Elle turns, beginning to chant! "Arrow of acid, come forth! I direct you to sizzle and burn away this skeleton beast!" She points at the one Khardon is attacking, tossing an adder's stomach as an acid arrow flies!
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 2d4
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 and gets 5."12 [2d4=1, 4]
[22:42] <Kotono> So the acid splashes as well, sizzling on the spine of the monstrosity, staying there to burn away it's form! Meanwhile the water level rises, and from far above you hear a heavy CLACK, the sound of stone moving. OOC - Act.
[22:43] * Seira dutifully looks in the sounds of ominous clicks, signifying traps!
[22:44] <Kotono> High above you can see that there are stone walkways that connect to the main pillar, about one hundred feet up or so. Those retract back into the main pillar, as water begins to fall from above! In the far up, very high away ceiling, several holes appear, gushing out salty sea water.
[22:45] <Seira> Acid gathers in Seira's palm, violently repelling the water around it, and she throws it at the skeleton everyone seems to be abusing!
[22:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 ranged touch
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 ranged touch and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
[22:45] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:45] <Seira> roll 2d8 acid
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8 acid and gets 8."12 [2d8=2, 6]
[22:46] <Kotono> As more acid scars it's regenerating flesh, the mostly unabused one on the left rapidly regrows! You can see it's face reparing, full of dozens of teeth, a l ong, wrapping tongue coming out of it's mouth! Meanwhile, Khardon grimly goes in, attacking the skeleton fully, as the three of you triple teamit!
[22:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 31."12 [1d20=15]
[22:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 14."12 [1d20=3]
[22:47] <Kotono> roll 2d4+4d6+4d6+20
[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+4d6+4d6+20 and gets 43."12 [2d4=2, 2][4d6=3, 2, 2, 2][4d6=4, 2, 2, 2]
[22:48] <Seira> "They're pulling back the welcome rug upstairs!" Seira calls out to inform the others. "Any chance of you having Fly memorized?"
[22:49] <Kotono> Continuing to tear at it, Khardon wracks it's bones further! Meanwhile, Elle continues her castings! "I wish I did! I didn't think we'd need to fly underwater!" Elle calls back, glancing up, "But at this rate we'll be able to swim up in time! Magical volleys of acid, continue to burn!" Casting her spell again, another acid arrow flies at the left skeleton!
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 2d4+2d4
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+2d4 and gets 12."12 [2d4=4, 3][2d4=1, 4]
[22:50] <Seira> "Unless they close the doors, of course," Seira reasons, and another orb joins the previous one. "Then again, Knock might work on lesser doors."
[22:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 ranged touch
[22:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 ranged touch and gets 22."12 [1d20=12]
[22:50] <Seira> roll 2d8 acid
[22:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8 acid and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
[22:51] <Kotono> The water gushes up, now at head level and seriously impededing movement! It's flowing even quicker, several sources now making everything hurry alogn! The left skeleton is being hacked up, it's regrowth slow! The one on the right is quickly reforming, long fins with serrated, bony edges along them on it's sides!
[22:53] <Seira> Nothing to do but to continue concentrating on it and hope that they'd be facing one enemy instead of two when they reanimate!
[22:54] <Kotono> Khardon, despite the water, continues his assault on the skeleton!
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 29."12 [1d20=15]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 2d4
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 and gets 6."12 [2d4=2, 4]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 2d6+2d6+5
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2d6+5 and gets 23."12 [2d6=5, 6][2d6=6, 1]
[22:56] <Kotono> Despite being underwater and weakening his slashes, Khardon still inflects good damage, swimming about and raking at the creature! It's regeneration is almost ceased, it's skeleton abused! Elle just grins predatorily, eyes focused as she chants again! This time a volley of magic missiles fire!
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 5d4+5+2d4+2d4
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d4+5+2d4+2d4 and gets 25."12 [5d4=4, 3, 1, 4, 1][2d4=1, 1][2d4=3, 2]
[22:57] * Seira eyes the skeleton, and whether Elle managed to do it in.
[22:57] <Kotono> This one-two continues to tear apart the skeleton, some of the regenerated flesh torn away! It's holding together, but not by much! Meanwhile, the other skeleton is almost regenerated, back fins recovered and green skin having a strange jelly coating it!
[22:58] <Kotono> The water is about twenty feet now, spilling in quicker and well, well over your heads.
[22:58] <Seira> Her wand comes into play, as a trio of magical missiles is sent after it!
[22:58] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 11."12 [3d4=3, 2, 3]
[22:59] <Kotono> Got it! With that last volley, the half alive, half dead creature crumbles! It's regenerating skin vanishes, it's skeleton crumbling into chunks!
[23:00] <Kotono> Khardon turns to the other one, swimming towards it and making a single attack!
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 16."12 [1d20=2]
[23:00] <Seira> "I can protect you from the other's attacks, Sir, if you go up against it!" Seira informs the Colonel.
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 ref save
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 ref save and gets 34."12 [1d20=20]
[23:01] <Kotono> The attack fails! This time, the jelly on it's skin repels the attack, blobs of it spreading out in the water! The foul greenish ichor hisses in the water like acid, but Khardon moves too quickly for it to affect him!

[Corwin]

[19:20] <Kotono> With a testing look, Countess Stronger carefully falls back into the tunnel leading to here. "Fiveset of missiles, demolish!" she chants, as five missiles fly out to pelt the watery creature!
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 5d4+5
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d4+5 and gets 14."12 [5d4=4, 1, 1, 2, 1]
[19:21] <Kotono> The giant, slimy fish creature thrashes in the water from the blows, making the entire, rapidly filling area a near whirlpool! The three are battered and beaten by the watery forces, rocked about! But the magic seems complete, even if wounded, this last undersea horror is alive again! OOC - Initiative.
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Khardon
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Khardon and gets 14."12 [1d20=8]
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Stronger
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Stronger and gets 14."12 [1d20=10]
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 fishy
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 fishy and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
[19:24] * Kotono changes topic to 'Remember to make Puk'lor, Gourash, and Keylin roll will saves against searing agony when they go into the shop Khardon=Stronger>Giant slimy fish'
[19:24] * Kotono changes topic to 'Remember to make Puk'lor, Gourash, and Keylin roll will saves against searing agony when they go into the shop | Khardon=Stronger>Giant slimy fish'
[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d20++9 nerveskitter
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20++9 nerveskitter and gets Error: Check syntax."12 [1d20=17]
[19:25] <Seira> OOC: 26~
[19:25] * Kotono changes topic to 'Remember to make Puk'lor, Gourash, and Keylin roll will saves against searing agony when they go into the shop | Seira> Khardon=Stronger>Giant slimy fish'
[19:25] <Kotono> OOC - Seira is up.
[19:26] <Seira> Leaving the fighting to Khardon, Seira approaches him cautiously, making sure she doesn't expose herself to the giant fish creature, and places her hand between the Colonel's shoulder blades. "Alright, this should help, Sir," she muses to him, willing Khardon's outline to become blurry and indistinct.
[19:29] <Kotono> "Good, fall back!" Khardon calls back, ducking into a crouch on the watery, turbulent floor of the filling pool. HIs eyes are focused on the prey, as he lashes out twice, a swipe at it's face before attempting to zig down and tear it's sides in a slow motion, swimming leap!
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 18."12 [1d20=4]
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 20."12 [1d20=11]
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 2d6+2d6+5
[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2d6+5 and gets 23."12 [2d6=6, 5][2d6=2, 5]
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 ref saves
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 ref saves and gets 33."12 [1d20=19]
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 ref saves
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 ref saves and gets 15."12 [1d20=1]
[19:32] <Kotono> While the first swipe at it's face is lost in a spray of sticky ichor, the secondary swipe tears down in a slow motion hack of it's side! The fiery, electric slash of the Third Resort glows in the water, ignoring it's natural elemental enemy all around it as it tears in! But as this happens, a thick jet of slime gushes out, all over him! Catching him momentarily flatfooted, coating his entire body! As this happens...(More)
[19:33] <Kotono> Chanting as she continues to fall back, "Shattered mirror, lend your fragments to my defense!"
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d4+3
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+3 and gets 5."12 [1d4=2]
[19:33] <Kotono> Countess Stronger is surrounded by five like images of herself, all finishing her potent spell!
[19:35] <Kotono> As he is coated, the fish stares at Khardon...
[19:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[19:35] * Carthrat (~carthrat@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #dunes
[19:36] <Kotono> But nothing happens! Instead, the battle rages on! The water pouring from above continues, about twenty feet from the top where the walkways were now. The disturbance is minimal to the bottom, yet the battle keeps the waves moving! OOC - Seira.
[19:39] * Seira does indeed retreat, allow the rising water to carry her up, even as she herself becomes just as blurry.
[19:40] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5440bb48.wfd77a.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[19:41] <Kotono> Seira floats up! OOC - I'll give you more info before your next turn, I'll assume that you need a bit to get up.
[19:42] <Kotono> Khardon growls as he tries to shake the ichor off a moment, but instead focuses on his next offensive! He floats towards the side, ripping in with a pair of slashes at the fish!
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 19."12 [1d20=5]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 2d4
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 and gets 4."12 [2d4=2, 2]
[19:43] <Kotono> roll 4d6+4d6+10
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6+4d6+10 and gets 43."12 [4d6=5, 4, 6, 4][4d6=5, 5, 2, 2]
[19:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 ref saves
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 ref saves and gets 23."12 [1d20=9]
[19:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 ref saves
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 ref saves and gets 16."12 [1d20=2]
[19:47] <Kotono> While the first slash is perfect, avoiding the sea of smile it unleashes, the second is more effective! Again he is sprayed, as Countess Stronger is heard chanting! "I command time to slow down it's endless march!"
[19:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[19:48] <Kotono> The giant sea creature seems frozen, only able to move at a sluggish pace! The water calms as it's movements become delayed, the impact of each much more minimal! Despite this, it manages to lock on Khardon again!
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
[19:49] <Kotono> This time, Khardon stops. His movements cease, as the ichor seems to soak into his skin! This makes his flesh take on a greenish cast! (More)
[19:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[19:56] <Kotono> Seira swims up! Here is a large room on both sides, a wide cube in the center hewn away into the pit you are now swimming atop of. From the roof several dragon's heads finish gushing water down, five feet from the top to the edge of the sides. On the outer areas are plain stone floors, the walls embedded with orbs of light.  In the center looks to be a pillar reaching to the roof, some sort of indentation there. There is a door to the south u
[19:59] <Kotono> up here, a large gate. The walls, between orbs of light, are carved with what look to be some sort of undersea murals, but you'd have to get up and approach to see.
[20:00] <Seira> She will, eventually! But now, a trio of magical bolts seek out the creepy fish!
[20:00] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 11."12 [3d4=4, 3, 1]
[20:03] <Kotono> The three missiles rip it's flesh further open, ichor spraying harmlessly in the water! Meanwhile, Khardon goes to sit on the floor, inert! Stronger's glare is fixated on the undersea horror, taking out a slender ivory wand from within her clothes. It's paper thin, almost like a whip. "Seira! It can't be that mobile since I slowed it down, don't let it get close!" As she speaks, she uses her wand, a tiny shard of ice flying at the fish!
[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 3."12 [1d6=3]
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 save
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 save and gets 22."12 [1d20=12]
[20:05] <Seira> "Naturally!" Seira responds. "And watch for the Colonel, too, if he's become the evil fish's evil servant!"
[20:05] <Kotono> The small bit of ice embeds under a gill of the creature, doing minor damage! It begins to swim up to Seira - with it's size it's able to get in range to her, just barely, even slowed, but it cannot act! OOC - Seira.
[20:07] * Seira swims away, and uses the wand again! For great justice!
[20:07] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 11."12 [3d4=4, 1, 3]
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC - What direction? Down or to the sides?
[20:07] <Seira> OOC: Sides
[20:08] <Kotono> Another shot of missiles ravage the creature's frame, tearing away more of it's aquatic body! Despite these abuses it continues to live, as Stronger repeats her motion, another shard of ice joining the first one sticking out!
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 1."12 [1d6=1]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 save
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 save and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[20:10] <Kotono> A second one barely lodges into it's side, hardly noticed! Meanwhile, Khardon seems content to sit on the bottom of the pool, blank eyed. This time, the fish begins to shake! It's ichor is loosening from it's body, beginning to dislodge in clumps! OOC - Seira.
[20:10] * Seira gets more distance from the insidious fish creature, and the wand does its grim duty once more!
[20:10] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 14."12 [3d4=3, 4, 4]
[20:11] <Kotono> Another volley of missiles, another direct hit! Yet it still lives on, it's body capable of taking the extreme punishment as force missiles rip open one of it's supporting gills! This is joined seconds later by a third shard of ice from Stronger's wand!
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 3."12 [1d6=3]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 save
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 save and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[20:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 spellcraft on Elle's spell!
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 spellcraft on Elle's spell! and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[20:13] <Kotono> A third shard of ice embeds, this one gleaming with the other two! The fish, despite this wound, continues! It's ichor fills the water, gushing out from it's frame! The water at Seira's level is infested with it now, and it rapidly spreads below! OOC - Seira.
[20:15] * Seira descends with the ichor, keeping just away from it. And uses the wand, of course!
[20:15] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 10."12 [3d4=2, 3, 2]
[20:16] <Kotono> As more missiles once again perforate it, dealing even yet more abuse, you hear Countess Stronger. She mutterse something under her breath, before holding her wand in both hands. "The touch of ice shatters, unstopped! The belle of fire demands this!" With an audible snap the wand is broken in twine, the three shards of ice in it's body exploding into little flowerlets of frost!
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 3d10
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d10 and gets 24."12 [3d10=10, 8, 6]
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 27."12 [1d20=17]
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 15."12 [1d20=5]
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[20:19] <Kotono> The shards cause parts of the horror's body to be damanged, it's muscles shredded into a horrific paste! It's body sags, as it looks at Seira! OOC- Will save, +4 bonus since you're in a good position and were barely ichor touched.
[20:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 what will?
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 what will? and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
[20:22] <Kotono> Seira's body goes slack! She is only distantly aware of what's going on, finding herself drifting down, mind blank. From this position she watches on, as...
[20:23] <Kotono> Elle Stronger stares on as Seira settles down, casting her magic and weaving her hands! From far away Seira can hear the words of power, calling forth missiles once more!
[20:23] <Kotono> roll 5d4+5
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d4+5 and gets 19."12 [5d4=3, 3, 3, 4, 1]
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC - SCratch.
[20:26] <Kotono> Seira's mind nearly goes blank, the small bits of ichor clinging to her body trying to sink into her skin! But despite that she somehow resists a luring call to let her mind go blank, still coherent! OOC - Seira.
[20:26] * Seira decides to float gently down and away from the disturbing creature trying to violate her mind. Leaving it with a parting present!
[20:26] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 13."12 [3d4=3, 4, 3]
[20:28] <Kotono> So Seira continues to float down, rushing down just ahead of the ichor's descent into the water!  Three more missiles strike directly at the slowed fish, tearing into it's flesh anew! It bleeds from dozens of minor injuries, laboring along and unable to catch up even with it's size and speed, held by the chains of slowed movement! To add to it's pain, you hear Countess Stronger's chant, summoning 5 more missiles!
[20:28] <Kotono> roll 5d4+5
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d4+5 and gets 16."12 [5d4=1, 4, 2, 2, 2]
[20:29] <Kotono> The fish is racked, hanging on by the barest margin! With it's movements slowing, it looks to Khardon! He begins to shand, shaking his head just half a moment...
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC - +2 more, as per the ability.
[20:30] <Kotono> But instead of moving, his skin clears! The green cast from his flesh fades, his eyes snapping back to coherency! OOC - Seira.
[20:31] <Seira> "Dry up and die! Magic missiles!"
[20:31] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d4+3 and gets 10."12 [3d4=3, 3, 1]
[20:34] <Kotono> With that last fearsome volley, the creature's bloated body becomes a bloated corpse!  It floats belly up, rising to the surface of the water, clogging up a good part of that as it's blood and ichor seeps downward.
[20:34] <Seira> "Victory!"
[20:34] * Seira swims down in a spiral.
[20:35] <Kotono> Countess Stronger sags forward, breathing out. "Damnations...Those things were as strong as berserker mated with a mind control spell." Breathing water in and out, catching her wind back, "This is going to be fun, I can tell."
[20:35] * Seira touches down, and salutes Khardon. "Nice to have you back, Sir. Don't worry. I won't tell a soul of how you lost a battle of wills to a fish."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Charmed," Khardon shakes his head a few more times, his normal smirk displaced. "I think we can all agree to let dead fish lie. What in the hells WERE those?"
[20:37] <Seira> "Aboleth mated with horrible, horrible sea creatures of the depths. I'm not entirely certain of the process, but I could research it for you, Sir."
[20:37] <Kotono> "No no, I'll leave such studies to one more suited to them," Smiling politely to Seira before bowing, "How are you two? Are we going to go deeper in?"
[20:38] <Seira> "I still have a handy spell of opening doors better left closed!" Seira says happily, swimming up in a wider spiral, taking in the room in detail.
[20:38] <Kotono> "...oh wait. Techincally, I command here," Shaking his head again as if to clear away stand, "Let me rephrase that, do you two feel as if you can continue? I believe you slung a lot of your spells?"
[20:39] <Kotono> It would be easy for Seira to get to dry land now. She would need to climb up to view the island in the center, or get out and view the door or wall murals. Elle follows along, "I'm mostly out, and my water trump card's an expensive memory now. I should've resisted jumping the gun."
[20:39] <Kotono> *Jumping ahead.
[20:40] <Seira> "What was the spell you used? From that wand, I mean?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "Chilling Touch Barrage. It's something I researched if I need a surprise card underwater, since lighting and fire are both unusually ineffective there." Reaching the surface and breathing in real air, "It's not the strongest spell I've ever learned,  but the idea is to slowly weaken the foe and it's strength, before destroying it's health and power in one built up burst."
[20:44] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-178-245.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[20:44] <Seira> "Please teach me that one, great master!" Seira exclaims, climbing up to the island and bowing repeatedly.
[20:44] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-200-251.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[20:46] <Kotono> As the two clamber out onto the surface, Khardon lying back before getting up and looking around, "We'll see," Stronger smiles momentarily, "Oh Seira, you're making me blush. Stop that, you'll give our dear Colonel the wrong idea. He'll think we're talking about him!"
[20:46] <Seira> "Okay, I'll stop," Seira agrees immediately, and activates her magical sight!
[20:47] <Kotono> The entire place radiates overwhelming magic. Yet even amid this, even a blind magic se-er could tell that the pillar on the island in the pit is clearly a huge focus, enough arcane might there to fight a war over.
[20:48] * Seira examines it in detail for any inscriptions and irregularities in its shape.
[20:48] <Kotono> To do that Seira would have to swim over to it and get onto the small island. But from here, she can tell there is some sort of indent in the pillar.
[20:48] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Khardon taps the door, checking it. "Doesn't seem to be locked offhand."
[20:49] * Seira swims over and gets on the island, then.
[20:49] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[20:50] <Kotono> On reaching it, Seira finds that there is a small indent shaped like a ring in the pillar. On the ground are letters carved into the stone with pure fire, scorched in. OOC - What languages can you read.
[20:52] <Seira> A ring? Interesting. Seira peers at the letters, first.
[20:52] <Kotono> Seira realises the words are Draconic! Written here, "Here lies one of the seals. If you have reached here, place the Fourth Resort in and unlock this segment. The blessings of the sea gods will fortify you for the trials ahead."
[20:53] * Seira nods to herself thoughtfully, and compares the chamber to any listed in the records the Commander had given her earlier, in particular to the account of a wizard who flew over a chasm to reach some isolated island with maces.
[20:56] * Seira commits the scene to memory, and glances around, trying to estimate which of the doors would lead in the direction they originally came from, the sea gate.
[20:56] <Kotono> There is only one door on this level, towards the south. Khardon seems to be currently inspecting it...
[20:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 41."12 [1d20=20]
[20:57] <Kotono> "It's clear - there's no traps on opening it from this side," he finishes, standing up and dusting his knees off.
[20:58] <Seira> "Let's go take a look, then," Seira suggests. "It would be preferable to have an entrance closer to land."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Not too far - I don't want to risk another battle when I'm half out of ammunition already," Elle observes as she walks towards the door. Khardon waits on Seira, opening it when she arrives. On the other side is...(More)
[21:02] <Kotono> On the other side of the door, you see that the entrance was coated in some sort of gray waxy substance. It gives way as you opening it, a rotting smell with hints of sweetness assaulting your noses.  Here is a small five foot wide catwalk that goes ten feet out. All around it is a deep, dark pit, with a series of platforms straight ahead from the catwalk. Ten in total in a line; The problem is that each is twenty five feet apart, a deep, dar
[21:03] <Kotono> twenty five feet apart, a deep, dark chasm all around those. At the third, sixth and ninth platforms, there are two to the sides, ten feet removed. There are no supports for this, they simply float in midair. (More)
[21:04] <Kotono> The platforms are of sturdy steel, cool and  with gray, waxen material hanging from the edges at points, just like as was on the door. On the far end, after the tenth platform in the line, you can see another catwalk and another waxen coated door, far away.
[21:05] * Seira looks for any magical auras on the wax or the nearest catwalk.
[21:05] <Kotono> The entire place radiates overwhelming magic.
[21:06] * Seira pouts, and considers. She takes a handy stone, and uses her Mage Hand spell to place it over the catwalk.
[21:06] <Kotono> OOC - Listening check.
[21:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 another wis check, yeah
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 another wis check, yeah and gets 11."12 [1d20=10]
[21:07] * Seira also doesn't actually go past the entrance!
[21:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 28."12 [1d20=11]
[21:08] <Kotono> "...buzzing. I hear buzzing below," Khardon cautiously takes a step in, peering down into the dark pit. "There's definitely something buzzing down there."
[21:08] <Seira> "I'll drop the rock," Seira announces quietly. "Elle, got a Light spell handy?"
[21:10] <Kotono> "Yes," She allows, going to the rock and casting it on it. With that, the rock takes it's own illumination.
[21:11] <Seira> "We'll be back, and we should know what we'll face in advance," Seira declares. "Sir, please be ready to close the door once we see what sort of creatures are here." And with that, she taps the platform several more times with the rock, controlling it with her spell, before releasing it below.
[21:12] <Kotono> So the rock plummets! Down into the abyss it falls, Seira seeing what lies below! About sixty feet down or so there is a bottom - a bottom of gray honeycombs, more gray waxen material there. Dozens of honeycomb holes line the floor, where slowly gray, large bees fly out. Bees as large as a horse, each one with dead gray skin and rotting flesh, eyes half broken. About half a dozen right now, wings buzzing erraticly.
[21:13] <Seira> "We've seen enough!"
[21:14] <Kotono> "So," Colonel Khardon speaks conversationally, starting to quickly walk back towards the previous room, "I daresay that this warrants good timing for a retreat."
[21:14] <Seira> "Yes. I have no spells to deal with the zombie bees menace at this time."
[21:14] <Kotono> The three quickly hurry back, Khardon sealing the door behind him. He scowls a moment or two, "Got anything to support this, just in case?"
[21:15] <Seira> "Arcane Lock, I should have studied thee," Seira says mournfully.
[21:16] <Seira> "Would a tanglefoot bag work?" she proposes, then. "I just so happen to have one."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Let's hope they can't open doors or stand water," Khardon agrees, "Let's get back and report. We're sitting on..I don't know what here, but it's big and dangerous." Considering just a moment, "Don't those dry up after a minute or so?"
[21:18] <Seira> "Never used one," she says without batting an eyelid. "I merely have it so that I am always prepared. Like a scout."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Right. Let's just get out of here," Countess Stronger eyes the doorw ith a look of supreme disdain, "...bees. Ugh."
[21:19] * Seira nods.