024. Shocker lizards earn our eterntal enmity

[Corwin]

[20:11] <Kotono> ---
[20:12] <Kotono> The dawn light lingers in the sky as the pary heads out the gate. Wedge and Vicks stand guard, saluting as they pass towards the corpse of the dragon. "Good luck, sirs," Wedge calls proudly. Ahead, Kondrux lies, currently undisturbed, but a few scribes are there, taking measurements and scribbling things down.
[20:13] * Seira strides past the scribes, and fishes out her amulet, examining it with the aid of casually-cast magical sight.
[20:13] * Shamal summons up her mount before casting traveller's mount on all three horses and Laika. "There," she smiles, seemingly pleased, "We should reach the mountains in no time, now."
[20:13] * Demedais nods to the two as they guard. "So, what's our general plan, here?" he says as he watches Seira curiously.
[20:15] <Kotono> Seira takes the amulet out. It sparkles with static electricity, enough to make Seira's hair stand on end. The outer layer of the amulet is riddled with electricity, but the inner core is still dim. The red cast of the amulet is often hidden by the sizzling electric energy.
[20:16] <Shamal> "We follow Pollyanna's directions to where she encountered Kondrux the first time, and then we gather up as much as we can, then come home again," Shamal smiles brightly to Demedais. "Don't worry, I've brought lots of really big sacks."
[20:16] * Seira casts Faerie Fire on the amulet, before placing it back with her things.
[20:17] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais says, watching Seira's amulet. "Do I want to know, Seira?"
[20:19] * Seira considers, and casts her highest spell of protection upon the amulet, taking it out once more. "Maybe. Do you?"
[20:20] <Demedais> "I'm not sure, but you may as well tell me or I'll be wondering all day.
[20:20] <Seira> 'It is... magical," Seira says poignantly.
[20:21] * Seira puts it away again. "Well, I'm ready. We're going?"
[20:22] <Demedais> "Magical." Demedais repeats, an eyebrow lifted. "Right, let's go. I won't ask what magic has to do with pendants in dead dragons."
[20:22] <Seira> "Dragons are made of magic and hoards of gold. This is common knowledge!" she lectures him.
[20:22] <Kotono> OOC - Okay. Are you guys going to be doing anything of note during the travelt ime?
[20:23] <Demedais> OOC: Not I.
[20:23] <Shamal> OOC: Nope, just hustling our mounts to move super-fast overland till we hit the mountains/something cool.
[20:23] <Shamal> OOC: Pollyanna counts as cool, I guess.
[20:23] <Seira> OOC: I'll try casting stuff on it after rest
[20:23] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 23."12 [1d100=23]
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC: The first day isn't int he mountains so it goes without incident. Seira, if you're going to do anything to the pendant, feel free.
[20:26] <Seira> OOC: Next morning, I'll try another resist, scorching ray, prot from evil x2 and shield x2 for exciting fun. Plus light and resistance afterwards, cause they are so awesome.
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC: None of the spells seem to do much. The crackling electricity around the amulet has stuck around, however.
[20:28] <Seira> OOC: I'll try an ident on it next morning~
[20:28] <Shamal> OOC: On request, I cast electric loop on the amulet
[20:28] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.That also seems to have little effect.
[20:29] <Seira> OOC: -100gp, +nontrinkety amulet?
[20:31] * Ebiris_ (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:31] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris_))
[20:31] * Ebiris_ is now known as Shamal
[20:31] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[20:32] <Kotono> OOC: PM'd.
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Spot checks, all.
[20:34] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+12 and gets 32."12 [1d20=20]
[20:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 ah, my best stat
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 ah, my best stat and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[20:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
[20:35] <Kotono> In the morning, Shamal and Demedais happen to look ahead at the mountains. IN this clear morning, they note a trail of smoke a few miles away, just inside the mountains. It wouldn't take long to get there, and it's right in your path.
[20:35] <Shamal> OOC: Does the smoke look like it's from a campfire or a signal or something else?
[20:36] <Kotono> OOC: Campfireish.
[20:36] <Demedais> "Smoke... think that's Pollyanna?" Demedais asks to the other two.
[20:37] * Seira considers their relative travel speeds and departure times, and whether they are likely to come upon her around this point.
[20:37] <Shamal> "Could be. I'm surprised we haven't passed her already, to be honest," Shamal admits as she guides her horse onwards, the animal moving swiftly and tirelessly as it eats up the miles. "Whoever it is, we'll find them soon enough."
[20:37] * Demedais nods and follows Shamal. "Whoever or whatever it is, we'll be meeting them soon."
[20:39] <Seira> "I don't think it would be Pollyanna, so caution would be in place."
[20:39] * Seira has the bow out and the amulet on as she thus follows.
[20:40] <Demedais> "Mmm, really? Very well." Demedais prepares to draw his sword as they draw closer.
[20:40] <Kotono> The party heads on. Soon they come to a little gully at the base of the mountains. Here a campfire burns, beginning to get out of control. A lot of wood has been dumped haphazardly, an exhausted looking horse resting. Besides it, Pollyanna lies. She carries a bag with a dead, arrowed rabbit sticking out of it, or would be carrying it if she hadn't fallen asleep sitting down. She's near the starting to spread fire, sound asleep.
[20:41] <Seira> "Hmm. So she was pretty motivated."
[20:41] <Shamal> "But careless," Shamal sighs, getting off her horse and going to kick some dirt over the fire.
[20:41] * Seira observes the scene, with the downed archer and rabbit. "A double KO, is it?"
[20:42] <Kotono> The fire is put out with some effort. During this,t he archer girl doesn't even stir.
[20:43] * Demedais dismounts as well. "Apparently she's been riding practically nonstop..." He shakes his head. "Hmph. Poor horse."
[20:44] <Shamal> "Did you prepare any restoration spells, Demedais?" Shamal asks, looking between the exhausted duo. "Pollyanna can probably sleep it off, but the horse really looks like it could use a break."
[20:46] <Demedais> ":I prepared two." Demedais replies, moving to the horse and casting one on it, then stepping back to observe the improvement."
[20:46] <Kotono> The horse perks up, wheezing a few times before becoming alert. I tlooks much better after the spell, tired but functional.
[20:47] * Shamal proceeds to rebuild Pollyanna's campfire, setting it up properly so it won't get out of control, and then reigniting it. "I'm not sure I have the heart to wake her, to be honest," she admits to the others.
[20:48] * Demedais inclines his head. "Mmm. Neither am I, in honesty, but we should leave a note for her..." He strokes the horse's mane. "Plus, this guy could probably use some natural rest as well."
[20:52] * Demedais flicks through his backpack before coming back up, a bit embarrassed. "Seira, could I borrow paper and pen?"
[20:52] <Shamal> "Well, I did tell her we'd travel together if we caught up with her," Shamal goes on. "I don't mind waiting a little bit - what do you two think?"
[20:53] * Seira wordlessly offers Demedais paper, a quill and some ink.
[20:54] * Demedais considers, before looking at Pollyanna and the horse to try and estimate how much more rest they'd need.
[20:56] * Demedais nods, slowly. "Perhaps we should just get her going here..."
[20:56] * Demedais then moves to cast the second Lesser Restoration on the horse, poor thing.
[20:57] <Kotono> Polly anna looks like she'll be out a good long time by th elooks of it.
[20:58] * Demedais sighs, and returns the ink/quill/paper to Seira. "Mind if I use that pearl?"
[20:58] * Seira hands that over, too.
[20:58] <Shamal> "She'll just push her horse harder and make it continue to suffer if she's left alone," Shamal rationalises. "Besides, having her along would be more useful than relying on directions."
[20:58] * Demedais nods his head in acknowledgement, then casts the final Lesser Restoration on Pollyanna.
[21:00] <Kotono> The spell brings some color back to her cheeks, but she's still asleep.
[21:00] * Seira tries nudging the other archer, then poking her cheek with an index finger.
[21:00] * Demedais grunts. "She exhausted herself, too." Demedais hands back the pearl.
[21:01] * Shamal purloins the rabbit that Pollyanna caught and starts to cook it, preparing breakfast for the archer.
[21:01] <Kotono> She stirs slightly at this poking, making a few incoherent noises.
[21:02] <Demedais> "I'm tempted to say we just prop her up on the horse, lock her feet in and go slowly." Demedais says.
[21:02] * Seira sits down next to her and whispers that they're having delicious rabbit stew next to Pollyanna's ear.
[21:03] <Kotono> By the time the food is made Pollyanna stirs to the attempts. Her eyes crack open, "Ugh...what...?" she yawns, looking about. "Seira? Shamal? Demedais?"
[21:03] * Seira nods. "We are eating your rabbit. I hope that is alright."
[21:03] <Shamal> "Told you we'd catch up," Shamal smiles as she cooks the rabbit over the fire. "Your breakfast will be ready in a few minutes." She then throws a mock glare at the half-elf. "Seira!"
[21:04] <Seira> "What? There is plenty of it!"
[21:04] * Demedais nods briefly to Pollyanna. "You wore your poor horse out."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Ugh..." she rubs at her eyes with her hands, "..yeah..." Any emotion in her voice blanks out quickly,e ven tiredness pushed aside. "It smells fine."
[21:06] <Seira> "There was plenty of reason," Seira tells Pollyanna with a bright smile. "You'll see that, one day. Oh, and I'm not ready to say our goodbyes just yet."
[21:09] <Kotono> "...going to ask me along again?" she inquires after rubbing her eyes once more.
[21:10] <Seira> "The thought crossed my mind," Seira affirms. "Though there will be less with the asking and more with the polite threats. You're wearing yourself and your horse too much to make it back as things stand."
[21:11] * Shamal nods firmly as she hands the new cooked rabbit to Pollyanna. "I can't in good conscience let you push that poor animal as hard as you've been doing - another day of travelling as you have could kill it."
[21:13] <Kotono> "...fine..." she bows her head, but doesn't need long to reply. "Just..." she looks to the food, "Let's eat and get going, then."
[21:14] * Seira pats her and moves on to take a piece of cooked rabbit.
[21:14] <Shamal> As Pollyanna has her breakfast, Shamal heads over to the now rejuvenated horse. "Mielikki, bless this noble steed with tireless endurance so it may bear its rider to her destiny," she murmurs, casting her last Traveller's Mount spell on the animal.
[21:15] <Kotono> The food is gobbled down with a singleminded intensity, Pollyanna rising. "Let's go," she says, going right to her horse, Shamal's enchantment in place.
[21:16] * Seira has no problems with that plan!
[21:16] * Shamal puts out the fire again before mounting her own steed. "Off we go, then," she agrees.
[21:17] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais says. "Match our pace; we'll be there fairly quickly, I assure you."
[21:19] <Kotono> Soon the terrain becomes difficult. Shamal's magic helps considerably, but the rigors of the mountains often coutneract that. The second day passes without incident, then on the third...
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 7."12 [1d100=7]
[21:20] <Kotono> As the party follows a path up the side of a cliff - only ten feet wide, spiralling up the wall and with a nasty, multiple hundreds of feet fall below you, you notice that a few green/gray lizards occasionally can be spotted clinging to distant walls, occasionallyc rackling with electricity. They scurry around with a strange haste, looking about before vanishing into holes in the mountainside.
[21:23] <Shamal> "Shocker lizards..." Shamal frowns as they are seen. "Never had a happy encounter with them."
[21:23] * Seira considers killing one or two and bringing them back to Stronger's shop once they're done.
[21:24] * Demedais eyes the things but makes no comment.
[21:25] <Kotono> They're staying pretty far away, skittering about. A few look your way, before retreating into small holes. "...they're why we came. Nastythings..." Pollyanna speaks up, before clearing her throat. "They're worse in numbers."
[21:25] * Shamal nods. "They are. We should try and scare them away before they get brave if any come too close," she agrees as they press on.
[21:26] * Demedais nods slowly.
[21:26] <Kotono> The second day passes without incident beyond that. So the party rests, making good time. On the third day... OOC - Swap spells if you like.
[21:27] <Kotono> OOC - Foruth day, excuse me.
[21:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 15."12 [1d100=15]
[21:28] <Kotono> Little of note occurs. At the very end of the day, you come to a river, forked around a shattered old tree. Pollyanna eyes it as you trot up, peering ahead at in a mix of dimming sunlight and sparkling starlight. "We're almost there," she notes at this, "There are some chasms ahead then the entrance point we used."
[21:30] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods, thinking.
[21:31] <Shamal> "We've made good time, at least," Shamal smiles. "But travelling through mountains in the night isn't wise - lets set camp, here?"
[21:32] <Kotono> Polly anna nods, "The horses need to be taken care of," She adds aloud, after a few moments. "They can't go past the chasms."
[21:34] * Demedais considers. "Yes, they do. What should be done, then?"
[21:36] <Shamal> "Well, yours and mine aren't an issue," Shamal nods to Demedais. "Lets look around to see if there's somewhere safe nearby we can leave the other horses in the morning?"
[21:37] * Demedais nods, before looking at Pollyanna.
[21:38] <Kotono> "Hm?" Pollyanna asks flat out, waiting. "I can show you where we kept our horses."
[21:39] <Demedais> "That'd be appreciated, yes."
[21:39] <Shamal> "Even better," Shamal smiles to Pollyanna as she sets up camp for the evening.
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 57."12 [1d100=57]
[21:45] <Kotono> The night passes without incident, rest restoring the party. In the morning Pollyanna leads you to a small overhanging cleft a ways away from the river. HEre you notice there is a ogod place to store things, including horses if one was of a mind. Pollyanna places here horse here, as well as enough food within reach to feed themf or a few days.
[21:47] * Demedais nods. "Hopefully they'll be safe here. Not much we can do otherwise, I guess. So, where is the rope downward?"
[21:48] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:51] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[21:51] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[21:52] <Kotono> "Back the other way." Pollyanna takes the lead, starting to lead you back and along. To cliffs you go, an 80 foot deep chasm below. Tied to a rock near the edge is a sturdy rope, a cliff face with plenty of handholds to use as well to aide your descent. On the other side, about sixty feet across, is another rope allowing one to climb back up.
[21:55] <Seira> "I'll take the lead, I think," Seira muses, eyeing the rope.
[21:55] <Kotono> The rope looks sturdy and well tied.
[21:55] * Ebiris_ (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[21:55] * Seira climbs down slowly.
[21:55] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris_))
[21:55] * Ebiris_ is now known as Shamal
[21:55] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[21:56] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Killed (starhunter.dejatoons.net (Shamal(?) <- atarians.dejatoons.net)))
[21:56] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514dc0ae.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[21:57] * Demedais nods and doffs his armor, handing it to Shamal. "No beehive this time." he notes drily before following Seira.
[21:57] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[21:57] <Shamal> "Well, there's no way Laika could deal with that, normally," Shamal observes as she stows Demedais' armour, before smiling and casting Spider Climb on the dog, sharing the spell so she'll also be affected while they remain close. "At least not normally." With that, the duo begin to scramble down the cliff-face with no apparent difficulty.
[21:59] * Seira crosses the terrain and begins to climb back up.
[22:00] <Demedais> "Okay, dog spiderwalking down walls looks just creepy." Demedais notes as he follows Seira.
[22:00] <Kotono> With the rope and spells the trip down is simple. The bottom is littered with small rocks and a single half rotten shocker lizard, Pollyanna glancing at it before turning her eyes away. On teh other side, the rope to climb upa waits.
[22:01] * Seira climbs it!
[22:01] * Shamal and Laika lead the way, effortlessly ascending to the top!
[22:02] <Kotono> Pollyanna goes to the next rope, eyeing Shamal and Laika. "Strange," she obsaerves to Demedais tonelessly. "Just very strange."
[22:03] * Demedais glances at Pollyanna. "What, the climbing up walls? She does it all the time. This is the first time she's had Laika do the same, though."
[22:04] <Kotono> "Magic is always strange," Pollyanna shakes her head, "That dog's climbing it witha ll four paws..." She shrugs and grunts, starting her climb up. Here is a narrow path, ridges of stone forming inpassable terrain for a bit. Past that, you can see another chasm.
[22:05] * Shamal waits for everyone at the top before advancing to the next chasm and repeating the process.
[22:07] * Demedais eyes the ropes for this set to make sure it's about as easy of a climb before going down.
[22:07] <Kotono> As the party goes along, Shamal reaches the next chasm first. As she looks down to climb, she notes a problem. It's not a big chasm, only fourty feet deep and twenty feet across. However, the bottom has a few holes, about four dozen shocker lizards teaming here, starting to climb the walls. Further, in that mess, you can see a few bigger ones as well. On the plus side, the climb looks about as easy as last time.
[22:09] <Shamal> "There's a lot of shocker lizards down the next chasm!" Shamal calls over to the others, looking down and trying to see just what's driving them to climb up this way.
[22:10] <Demedais> "How perfectly charming." Demedais grunts as he begins to climb the rope up.
[22:10] <Seira> "Flaming Sphere, you will be my engine of vengeance, won't you?" Seira asks happily, before summoning it on top of the lizards that climbed the highest.
[22:10] <Kotono> Pollyanna finishes her climb, getting ehr bow ready. "Fighting them," she asks dimly.
[22:11] <Demedais> "Do we have any real choice?" Demedais inquires idly. "I don't know shocker lizards - are they pacifistic or violent?"
[22:11] <Shamal> "We won't be able to safely pass if there's that many of them down there. We need to drive them off, somehow," Shamal replies.
[22:12] <Seira> roll 2d6 fiery vengeance, reflex dc 16
[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d6 fiery vengeance, reflex dc 16 and gets 10."12 [2d6=6, 4]
[22:12] <Kotono> Shamal doesn't see anything leading them on. The bigger ones aren't moving as much, about three of those. Meanwhile, Seira sends a Flaming Sphere to lick thet wo closes two her, climbing up thew alls!
[22:16] <Kotono> Seira drops the flaming sphere into the pit! It falls down, landing in a radius enough to scorch four of the lizards.
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12."12 [1d20=7]
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22."12 [1d20=17]
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[22:17] * Seira holds her bow, ready to hit more of them!
[22:18] * Shamal draws her sling as well, not wanting to waste spells when not exactly pressed, but wanting to do her bit to thin the herd before they proceed.
[22:18] <Kotono> One of the lizards is burnt and scorched as the rest scurry away from the landing sphere! This seems to get there attention, the lizards beginning to focus upward and look your way. Electricity begins to dance around them, dangerous! OOC - Well, you gottheir attention. Initiative.
[22:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20 woo
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 woo and gets 10."12 [1d20=10]
[22:19] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7."12 [1d20=5]
[22:19] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Laika
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 Laika and gets 20."12 [1d20=17]
[22:19] <Kotono> OOC - Three of them, sorry, mental mixup.
[22:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 nerveskitter
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 nerveskitter and gets 15."12 [1d20=5]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Pollyanna
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Pollyanna and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 lizards group save for the big ones
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 lizards group save for the big ones and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 big three shockers
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 big three shockers and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[22:20] * Kotono changes topic to 'Shocker Lizards vs the WORLD! Lizards>Laika>Seira>Big 3 lizards>Deme>Shamal>Pollyanna'
[22:21] <Kotono> The lizards begin to flock to the wall! The front fourth scurry up, halfway up the fourty foot ravine with surprising speed. The second half scurries away from the orb, getting to the wall. The last of them linger a bit, somewhat behind.  The big three take up the very rear, slower moving. OOC - Laika.
[22:22] <Shamal> Laika holds near Shamal, ready to protect her mistress if necessary.
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[22:24] * Seira gives a swift wave of her hand to sent the sphere of flames and doom after the lizards, causing it to jump over them and into the midst of their climbing ranks and hopefully slowing those behind it down as they are forced to find a new path or burn in cleansing fire. Done with that, she picks one of the larger lizards!
[22:24] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-197-61.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net sebben.dejatoons.net)
[22:24] * Carthrat (~carthrat@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net sebben.dejatoons.net)
[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 (-4 PA)
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 (-4 PA) and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d8+9
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+9 and gets 14."12 [1d8=5]
[22:24] <Seira> roll 2d6
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d6 and gets 10."12 [2d6=6, 4]
[22:26] <Seira> roll 2d6 cleansing flames, dc still 16
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d6 cleansing flames, dc still 16 and gets 7."12 [2d6=4, 3]
[22:27] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-197-61.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[22:27] * Carthrat (~carthrat@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #dunes
[22:27] * sebben.dejatoons.net sets mode: +oao Demedais Carthrat Carthrat
[22:27] <Kotono> The electric lizards see an arrow hit one if the bigger ones, scoring a sustantial wound! As it limps aruond with an arrow through it's middle, the flaming sphere comes up to the wall! It gets three of them this time on the precarious perch, trying to fry them!
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23."12 [1d20=18]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[22:27] <Kotono> One is burnt, but the other two skitter away and try to keep trucking on up!
[22:28] <Kotono> The big three lizards advance slowly, bu tthe wounded one stops and hangs back. OOC - Deme.
[22:29] * Tai{Lurk} (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-197-61.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[22:33] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-197-61.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Tai{Lurk}))
[22:33] * Tai{Lurk} is now known as Taishyr
[22:33] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[22:33] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[22:33] * Demedais stands near the edge, ready to cut at anything that comes over or attempts to attack the ladies!
[22:34] <Kotono> OOC - Okay! Shamal now that Deme's p laying ledge guard.
[22:35] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-197-61.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net sebben.dejatoons.net)
[22:35] * Carthrat (~carthrat@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net sebben.dejatoons.net)
[22:37] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-197-61.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[22:37] * Carthrat (~carthrat@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #dunes
[22:37] * sebben.dejatoons.net sets mode: +oao Demedais Carthrat Carthrat
[22:37] <Shamal> "Follow me, Laika," Shamal urges her dog, moving down the wall and positioning herself so that she can get the most targets with her colour spray, while Laika moves to attack any that remain after Shamal's spell. Getting into position, the blonde reaches into her spell pouch for some powder which she tosses up, before a cone of vibrantly clashing colours bursts forth over the lizards!
[22:38] <Shamal> OOC: Colour Spray. DC 15 will save or: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round.
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 4."12 [1d20=3]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 20."12 [1d20=19]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 6."12 [1d20=5]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 6."12 [1d20=5]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 5."12 [1d20=4]
[22:39] <Kotono> OOC - Roll 2d4, Shama-chan?
[22:40] <Shamal> roll 2d4
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 2d4 and gets 4."12 [2d4=2, 2]
[22:40] <Kotono> roll 1d6 grouping this
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 grouping this and gets 4."12 [1d6=4]
[22:40] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 Laika attacks one of the punks that rolled 20
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 Laika attacks one of the punks that rolled 20 and gets 8."12 [1d20=1]
[22:42] <Kotono> The color spray stuns several lizards, making them plummet down! A few resist, however, but there is good news! One of them, already burnt, cracks it's head in the fall and lies motionless, the first of many down!  Meanwhile, Laika bits and fails completely. Pollyanna looks towards the ones racing up, aiming at the one Seira's sphere burned this round!
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[22:43] <Kotono> But the arrow whizzes down adn away, futilely aimed! OOC - Lizards are up.
[22:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 19."12 [1d20=19]
[22:44] <Kotono> The shocker lizards spark and crackle! First, the surviving twelve reach the top of the cliff, a few of them starting to climb up! OOC - Deme can whack away if he wishes.
[22:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (2 PA)
[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (2 PA) and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[22:45] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:45] <Demedais> roll 2d6+11
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+11 and gets 13."12 [2d6=1, 1]
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC - You can cleave.
[22:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (2 PA yadda yadda)
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (2 PA yadda yadda) and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:46] <Demedais> roll 2d6+11 die!
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+11 die! and gets 22."12 [2d6=5, 6]
[22:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (2 PA AoO)
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (2 PA AoO) and gets 24."12 [1d20=14]
[22:49] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:50] <Demedais> OOC: Can we just call it dead? >_>; I don't think I can fail to kill, if my minimal roll earlier didn't.
[22:50] <Kotono> OOC - This is true. Okay.
[22:54] <Kotono> Demedais takes his readied action, greatsword slicing two lizardsin half with as ingle stroke! A third is mercilessly crushed under his heel, splattered! But the other nine fight on, having reached the top of the cliff! Meanwhile, Shamal gets lot sof looks! A few of the low climing lizards divert to her, about six in all! They gather together, a great shock of electricity arcing towards Shamal!
[22:54] <Kotono> OOC - Ref save.
[22:56] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 12d8
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 12d8 and gets 55."12 [12d8=6, 6, 3, 3, 3, 8, 2, 6, 2, 2, 7, 7]
[22:59] <Kotono> The lighting arcs and sizzles, slamming Shamal! She's send flying back in a boneless heap, smoking like the devil! Meanwhile the rest forge on up, advancing! OOC - Laika.
[23:00] <Shamal> OOC: technically I'd fall down, since I was on the cliff-face
[23:00] <Kotono> OOC: Touche.
[23:00] <Kotono> Shamal plummets down, landing hard on the bottom! OOC - Laika's still up.
[23:03] <Shamal> Howling mournfully, Laika hurries down to guard her mistress' fallen body, attacking the nearest lizard in an attempt to drive them away from the dead theurge.
[23:04] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 charging
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 charging and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[23:04] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[23:04] <Shamal> roll 1d6+3
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+3 and gets 9."12 [1d6=6]
[23:04] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 trip check
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 trip check and gets 13."12 [1d20=10]
[23:04] <Kotono> Laika gets one of the ones that was already burnt by the flaming sphere, finishing it off and chewing it apart as she rushes to Shamal! OOC - Seira.
[23:05] <Seira> "Shamal!" Seira calls out angrily, sending the sphere of flames further after the lizards of the second wave who dared to strike the druid down! A path must be cleared before she can attempt to jump down the steep cliff! And her bow joins her in this, as well!
[23:05] <Seira> roll 2d6 fiery doom
[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d6 fiery doom and gets 10."12 [2d6=6, 4]
[23:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 (4 PA)
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 (4 PA) and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[23:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 refs
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 refs and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[23:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 refs
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 refs and gets 12."12 [1d20=7]
[23:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 refs
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 refs and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[23:06] <Seira> roll 1d8+9
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+9 and gets 15."12 [1d8=6]
[23:06] <Seira> OOC: DC still 16
[23:06] <Kotono> OOC - Aiming at any in particular with the bow?
[23:07] <Seira> OOC: One of the fresh lizards in wave #2
[23:08] <Kotono> As the sphere scalds them further, an arrow slays one of the shockers outright!  Electricity continues to crackle around, a dangerous dance! The big three lizards watch on, at Shamal and then the others, seeing lizards fall as well! OOC - Sec, adjusting initiative since Deme acted on his held turn.
[23:08] * Kotono changes topic to 'Shocker Lizards vs the WORLD! Deme=Lizards>Laika>Seira>Big 3 lizardsPollyanna'
[23:09] <Kotono> To the surprise of perhaps a few, the scream that comes is from Pollyanna! It's impotent and furious, wordless as she fires at one of the climibing lizards at point blank range!
[23:09] <Seira> OOC: Deme readied an action, not held
[23:10] <Kotono> OOC: Doesthat let him keep his initaitive tick?
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[23:12] <Kotono> OOC - +6,b ut moot.
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[23:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2 and gets 5."12 [1d8=3]
[23:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[23:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 8."12 [1d20=7]
[23:13] <Kotono> A solid hit, striking one and injuring it partly! OOC - Deme can act now, but let me roll something between rounds.
[23:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[23:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 6."12 [1d20=6]
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, go, Deme.
[23:14] * Kotono changes topic to 'Shocker Lizards vs the WORLD! Deme>Lizards>Laika>Seira>Big 3 lizardsPollyanna'
[23:14] <Seira> "Slay them all!" Seira cries out, gesturing wildly at the lizards.
[23:15] * Demedais nods, needing no incentive as he swings his blade furiously at the lizards!
[23:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (2 PA)
[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (2 PA) and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
[23:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 (2 PA)
[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 (2 PA) and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[23:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 Shield
[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 Shield and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
[23:15] <Kotono> OOC - First one hit, make a crit check. Ow. It's probably gibbed.
[23:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
[23:16] <Kotono> OOC - Also yeah, cleave.
[23:16] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 Cleave
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 Cleave and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[23:16] <Demedais> roll 1d10+4 Who knows, this might not kill.
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d10+4 Who knows, this might not kill. and gets 7."12 [1d10=3]
[23:18] <Kotono> With that fury, Demedais skewers two lizards and bashes a third! This seems to be enough, the lizards beginning to scurry back in retreat! Down the cliff they go, away from the party! OOC - Laika's up if she wants to take potshots or anything, then Seira and Pollyanna. They're retreating back into the small holes in the ground.
[23:19] <Shamal> Laika growls fiercely as she stands over Shamal's body, ready to charge any lizards that move in her direction.
[23:19] <Shamal> OOC: readying an action to do that
[23:19] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Seira, doing anything?
[23:20] * Seira aims to take down the two wounded, fleeing lizards to even out the odds some more, her sphere being left to its own devices in their path.
[23:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 a1
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 a1 and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[23:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 a2
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 a2 and gets 15."12 [1d20=6]
[23:20] <Kotono> Seira can't score any hits, as Pollyanna repeats her shots of last time, aiming for wounded ones as well!
[23:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[23:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 10."12 [1d20=9]
[23:20] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2 and gets 8."12 [1d8=6]
[23:21] <Kotono> She gets one of the hurt ones, making it's body fall! The dazed ones aren't also moving, but the rear ones are now escaping into the holes, the entire waves fleeing some more. OOC -Ones with projectiles can choose to shoot more if they want. Free action along with that, as they're in full retreat and out of attack range.
[23:22] <Shamal> Laika watches them leave while still growling, reluctant to leave her fallen mistress.
[23:22] <Kotono> Pollyanna keeps firing, her face blank and eyes wet as she continues to rain death down!
[23:22] <Seira> roll 6#1d20+5 (3 rounds worth of attacks, pa4 on each)
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6#1d20+5 (3 rounds worth of attacks, pa4 on each) and gets 113."12 [6#1d20+5 = 20, 12, 17, 17, 25, 22]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
[23:22] * Demedais curses and slides down the rope, running to Shamal's side. "For the love of Helm..."
[23:23] <Seira> roll 5#1d8+9
[23:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5#1d8+9 and gets 63."12 [5#1d8+9 = 12, 16, 13, 10, 12]
[23:23] <Shamal> At Demedais' arrival, Laika makes room for him to reach Shamal, while Flopsy pokes his head out from the pouch where he normally resides, looking none the worse for wear. Unlike Shamal.
[23:23] <Kotono> Arrows rain down as they folly retreat, killing several more. But the majority of them flee away peacefully, leaving several corpses behind them. Shamal lies there, body crisped and burnt, fried by a great burst of lighting.
[23:24] <Seira> "How bad is she?" Seira calls down to Demedais, as she stands guard.
[23:25] <Demedais> "..." Demedais bows his head. "Helm... Helm, if you can hear me now, I ask you one boon. Please... please..." Sobbing loudly. "Shamal... if you can..." He tries to restore some aspect of life with his touch, fearing what he feels is inevitable...
[23:26] <Kotono> OOC - Roll 1d1000, Deme. Good luck with the rare Godcall roll. Shamal couldn't hit it for poor Rin, but maybe you'll luck out?
[23:26] <Demedais> roll 1d1000
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d1000 and gets 42."12 [1d1000=42]
[23:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+17 for DC27
[23:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 for DC27 and gets 24."12 [1d20=7]

[Corwin]

[20:11] <Dinadan> ---
[20:12] <Dinadan> So Shamal lies there, Laika at her side. The pit where the party is is littered with Shocker Lizard corpses above on thec liffs and a few on the lower levels. To most eyes this would be a resounding victory against them, but Shamal's inert body speaks loads otherwise. Pollyanna looks on at her blankly, head bow and face hidden by her hair falling forward.
[20:13] * Demedais stands slowly, picking up Shamal's body. "...Pollyanna. How much more resistance would you expect between here and the dragon's lair?"
[20:14] <Dinadan> The wind howls in the mountains around you, a lonely sound. No reply from the archer at first, instead her head stays bowed. Three seconds and then six, until she starts to shake. "T-too much." She speaks this while looking on at Shamal, voice suddenly very tiny.
[20:15] <Seira> "The lair?" Seira asks coldly. "We are returning at once, of course."
[20:17] * Demedais inclines his head. "...Very well, Pollyanna." He turns to Seira, face hard. "I was considering the chance that Kondrux's lair would possess something - an artifact, some old wand, anything - that could resurrect her. However, if Pollyanna considers the risks too high, then..." A glance down to Shamal, a shake of the head. "Very well, then. It leaves me bitter to not accomplish our duty, but. It is one that can be don
[20:17] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:18] <Demedais> "It is one that can be done another time."
[20:18] <Seira> "We have an artifact," Seira says, her gaze mellowing somewhat. "I just-- there is someone better-suited for that in Balmuria."
[20:19] <Demedais> "I see. And with haste, perhaps it could be used?
[20:20] * Seira nods. "Bring Shamal. I'll cover your retreat." She glances at the archer. "Pollyanna, you're with me."
[20:20] <Dinadan> Pollyanna turns, cheeks wet with lines of tears. She follows mutely, bow out nonetheless.
[20:21] <Seira> "The spells you used earlier, on Pollyanna's horse," Seira tells their paladin. "Prepare to use them on our journey back."
[20:22] * Demedais nods and slowly carries Shamal up as he climbs, clenching her between his forearm and shoulder as he climbs. "Very well."
[20:22] <Dinadan> OOC - Spot checks while Deme climbs up, would you?
[20:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+1
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[20:22] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
[20:23] <Dinadan> While Deme climbs up, Seira keeps a watch. She sees no further activity, keeping an excellent defense. What lizards survived retreated beyond your immediate grasp, back into the small holes they slithered out of.
[20:26] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 40."12 [1d100=40]
[20:26] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 3."12 [1d100=3]
[20:26] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 37."12 [1d100=37]
[20:26] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 7."12 [1d100=7]
[20:28] <Dinadan> The next several days are a haze of travel over difficult, draining terrain. The Galkass Mountains are difficult at best and they take a steady toll on each of the travellers. Were it not for the magic of Demedais this would take over a week, yet within six days they come out of the mountains. Exhausted but intact, coming on towards Balmuria as the sun paints the sky red and orange in it's sunset. Vicks and Wedge man the gate, coming to atte
[20:28] <Dinadan>  coming to attention as the party approaches.
[20:29] <Demedais> "I take it you need Stronger?" Demedais asks Seira shortly. "Gentlemen. This is an emergency; let us pass."
[20:29] <Seira> "Where is the Countess?" Seira calls out to them from horseback.
[20:30] * Merc (~kazaana@host-206-54-196-170.entouch.net) has left #dunes
[20:30] <Dinadan> "In her shop, I imagine. As you approach, you see that Kondrux is mostly gone; only segments of him remaining are a few loose scales. Wedge begins to frown, "...where's Captain Shamal?"
[20:30] <Seira> "Onwards, Demedais!" Seira commands, rushing past the guards and to the shop.
[20:31] <Demedais> "On my lap." Demedais responds shortly as he follows Seira!
[20:31] <Dinadan> "..." Wedge stares on, a look of worry passing over his face. But the party heads on, into the dimming streets of Balmuria. None get in their way, the path to Stronger's shop without incident. You find her just outside it, starting to close the doors as you ride up the hill.
[20:32] <Seira> "Elle!" Seira cries, throwing the door open. "It's an emergency! You have to help us!"
[20:34] <Demedais> "What Seira said." Demedais growls. "Artifact, use on Shamal, hope it works."
[20:34] <Dinadan> Turning, Elle begins to smile - that dies on Seira's words. "Wait, what about Shamal now...?" she asks, blinking off guard and staring at Demedais and his carried load.
[20:35] * Seira takes out the scroll of reincarnate she was carrying, thrusting it to the older mage. "I tried to work it, but I just can't! I don't have the proper training, but you do! Please, save Shamal!" she begs.
[20:35] <Demedais> "Seira? You've got whatever it is?" Demedais says as he slowly dismounts, carrying Shamal to Stronger.
[20:36] <Dinadan> Elle's eyes widen a moment, before she grasps the scroll. "Bring her inside," she speaks swiftly, throwing the doors open.
[20:36] * Demedais nods and heads inside, looking for some place to put her.
[20:37] <Dinadan> Elle waves to the floor as Demedais looks - she begins to inspect the scroll...
[20:37] * Demedais nods and places her down, before kneeling near her, his face surprisingly composed.
[20:39] <Dinadan> Quickly grabbing a scroll and casting from it, she stops and then inspects the scroll...
[20:40] <Dinadan> roll 1d20+19
[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d20+19 and gets 34."12 [1d20=15]
[20:41] <Dinadan> "I think I understand it..." she begins, "Hold on..."
[20:42] <Dinadan> roll 1d20+19
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d20+19 and gets 25."12 [1d20=6]
[20:44] <Dinadan> STronger pauses a moment, before she shakes her head. "I'm sorry," she says, sounding drained.
[20:44] * Demedais bows his head in thought.
[20:45] <Seira> Seira's face drains of color. "You can't make it work?" she asks slowly.
[20:46] <Dinadan> "I'm sorry," Elle repeats, sounding drained, tired, sad. "Shamal...I'm sorry." Kneeling down next to the bundle, Elle murmurs a few words under her breath.
[20:46] <Seira> "Can't you try again?" Seira presses.
[20:47] <Dinadan> "You don't understand," Elle looks to Seira evenly. "There's part of the spell that stipulates the soul must be willing to return."
[20:49] * Demedais smiles faintly. "I had wondered about that. But if the soul is not willing to return..." Demedais nods, slowly. "Then she's happy where she is...?"
[20:49] <Dinadan> "Then...she's at peace." Elle finishes after another pause, "I'm sorry, Seira. Only the strongest magics ever imagined could bring someone back if they don't wish to."
[20:50] * Seira looks angry, now. "So we're blaming it on the dead person, now. I'm going to the temple of Helm and having them resurrect her."
[20:51] <Demedais> "And Shamal'd probably beat you up if you resurrected her against her will." At Seira's comment, Demedais frowns. "Honestly not sure any of them are capable of such magic, Seira, but you can ask them."
[20:51] * Seira stomps off towards the temple without a response.
[20:51] <Dinadan> "It's her choice." Elle raises her voice a small bit, "She's with her Goddess now. Seira...please, let her be then. Let..." Elle closes her eyes and sighs quietly.
[20:52] * Demedais shakes his head. "Elle... I apologize for disrupting you like this. I was unsure if Shamal would want... but apparently she doesn't, no?" With that, Demedais lifts Shamal's head up and whispers into her ear...
[20:53] <Dinadan> "She doesn't," Elle watches Seira go, "Would you notify who needs to be notified? You can leave her here for the moment if you want."
[20:55] * Demedais finishes speaking, and lowers Shamal down. "Very well." Demedais nods, smiling sadly just a bit. ".....blaming it on the dead person?" With a shake of his head, he moves to go notify Oberuth.
[20:56] <Dinadan> "She's upset, that's all," Elle speaks up at those words, but doesn't pursue it.
[21:01] <Dinadan> The garrison is winding down for the vening as Demedais approaches. On heading inside, he finds that Commander Oberuth has left for the day - a few soldiers note that he's at the the Liberty Inn, probably drinking after a hard day's work.
[21:01] <Dinadan> *Seira's inn.
[21:03] * Demedais nods and heads off to Seira's inn!
[21:09] <Dinadan> You find it full of people, a pleasant place. Donald is stuck at the door tonight, grumbling and turning away as Demedais enters. He stomps back to the bar, ordering a drink. Commander Oberuth can be noted near the fireplace, sipping a mug of ale by himself, a thoughtful look on his face.
[21:11] * Demedais heads straight over to Oberuth, and says softly so as not to rouse the rest of the inn, "You're sitting. Good. There has been... a disaster, Commander Oberuth."
[21:12] <Dinadan> Commander Oberuth's face firms up into a solemn, business like expression, showing little of his thoughts. "Very well, report."
[21:15] <Demedais> "Shamal was struck by a combined assualt of a swarm of shocker lizards on our trip... She did not survive the assualt. Elle attempted to use a scroll of reincarnation, but to little effect; she seems to believe that part of the reason is that Shamal's soul does not want to return. Seira is at the Temple of Helm, asking for their help."
[21:16] <Dinadan> Oberuth's face does not change, it becomes more grim if anything. "I understand. Thank you, Demedais." He breathes out, "...I'll begin to make the nessisary preparations, if there is no success."
[21:17] <Demedais> "Very well, sir. I apologize for this bad news at this hour."
[21:17] * Calathra is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[21:17] <Dinadan> "Sit down," Oberuth says, sounding gruff.
[21:19] * Demedais inclines his head slowly. "...Very well." With that, Demedais sits slowly in the chair nearest Oberuth, looking at the Commander.
[21:20] <Dinadan> He takes a deep pull from his glass, thinking. "...there's not much to say. Get a drink and rest." he speaks at last, "Damnations. I'll go talk to her father, I believe he's back in town. The worst part of this job..."
[21:21] <Demedais> "I am not thirsty, sir. If I may come with you..."
[21:25] <Dinadan> "...Demedais. Don't." Oberuth turns, "The duty's mine. You don't have to suffer through this part."
[21:27] <Demedais> "...The suffering was over after the first day of carrying her, Sir." Demedais stands, a slight smile on his face. "I
[21:28] <Demedais> "I'm honestly not surprised she refuses to come back... and it is such things that convince me that she's quite enjoying herself right now, one way or another. My only concern currently is for Balmuria; we've lost a damn skilled member of the Crimson Guard."
[21:33] <Dinadan> "We'll have to cope," Oberuth sighs, "But please, don't do this to yourself. If you're so strong, go see how Seira's doing. I imagine she's not taking it well."
[21:37] * Demedais hesitates, before nodding. "Very well. I'll go to see where she went from the temple." Demedais heads to the door, before hesitating. "It's not strength. I have passion for Balmuria... and very little emotion elsewhere. Perhaps I would be far more worried for Shamal if I thought she was not with Mielikki, but... my faith... I have mourned my lot; now I must be the strength for others."
[21:40] <Dinadan> Oberuth nods once more, "Good luck, then."
[21:41] * Demedais nods as he heads to the temple of Helm.

[Corwin]

[20:54] <Dinadan> ----
[20:55] * Alicia sets mode: +o Seira
[20:55] <Dinadan> The streets are a blur as Seira races to the Temple of Helm. Here worshippers in armor stand guard, the great hall still opened. Here a WAtchman mans the altar, a father of Helm waiting as Seira enters.
[20:55] * Dinadan sets mode: +v Corwin
[20:56] <Seira> "I need your help!" Seira calls out without preamble as she approaches the altar swiftly.
[20:57] <Dinadan> Father Ceira looks from the altar, coming out of it. "Aaah...Captain Seira?" he responds quickly. "What can we aid the Crimson Guard with today?"
[20:58] <Seira> "Captain Shamal gave a lot to this city," Seira states, continuing her approach until she is violating his personal space. "She helped directly to this very temple, and to the god you serve." Her hands clench into fists. "Now she's dead and I want Helm to bring her back."
[21:00] <Dinadan> Father Ceiar's face winds up in honest surprise and shock, before he nods. "...Come this way," he says simply, leading Seira along. "The high priest is in meditation, but this is worthy of disturbing him."
[21:00] * Seira nods curtly, and follows.
[21:03] <Dinadan> Back into the inner sanctums you go, to a small meditation room. Here the high priest sits, looking up at the door opens. "Yes...?" He begins to speak, but quickly stops as he sees Seira. "Captain, do you need assistance?"
[21:03] * Seira repeats her earlier plea, albeit not getting in his face this time.
[21:07] <Dinadan> The high priest nods once at the end of it, "I can pray and request such a spell...but." He takes a breath, "You must understand. One does not request such a spell and have it freely given. It is up to the Gods if such rare magic is bestowed and it is always with a purpose. Even if the entire city plead, the answer may still be no. But I will pray nonetheless."
[21:10] <Seira> "That is all I ask," Seira responds. "Yet, if there was anyone chosen by the gods, chosen by Helm, while not being of his clergy... could you point at a better example in the past century?"
[21:11] <Dinadan> "No...but..." With a sad but firm look, "I know of two people resurrected in the last hundred years, both far away. One was a simple farmer who died from falling from his hayloft, yet the Gods sent a servant to bring him back. The other was a officer in an army." With that, "Yet many priests have died early deaths and are not brought back. Good kings perish to foul plots and mov eon to their reward, not to resurrection." With those w
[21:12] <Dinadan> Good kings perish to foul plots and mov eon to their reward, not to resurrection." With those words he licks his lips, "Rest here a time, I will pray now."
[21:13] * Seira simply wades towards a corner of the room and plops down there, resting her forehead on her knees.
[21:15] <Dinadan> Time passes. How long is easy to be unsure about, only steady breathing from the high priest. SEira has time enough to confrom her own feelings, before at last, "Seira." The high pries's voice breaks whatever reverie may have come.
[21:17] * Seira raises her head slowly, bangs falling haphazardly. "You're ready?" she asks quietly.
[21:18] <Dinadan> "No." He comes over, kneeling next to Seira. "She's gone onto her reward."
[21:20] <Seira> "I won't accept that," Seira says adamanantly, though she lacks the strength to rise. "What reward is that? Is the afterlife so good that you'd drop everything here, leave everyone just to go there?"
[21:22] <Dinadan> "We worship the Gods, even in a difficult world. We worship them for help in this world and peace in the next..." Sighing out as he sits next to Seira, "Those that serve them find what heavenly creatures only hint at. The endless golden splendor of paradise, where suffering becomes nothing but a forgotten legend."
[21:26] <Seira> "It's a difficult world..." Seira repeats. "So Helm won't help either, is it?" She sighs, letting her head falls back to thump lightly against the wall keeping her upright. "Fine. That goes both ways. I won't be his pawn anymore, then. We'll see how he likes it...." As her voice quietens, her eyelids begin to droop, and Seira finally succumbs to exhaustion, falling into a fitful sleep.
[22:54] <Dinadan> ---
[22:54] <Dinadan> So Seira and Celebrimbor exit out. Once out of the room, Celebrimbor looks at Seira a minute, almost waiting. "I'm sorry for your friend."
[22:55] * Seira nods. "I am the last one, now. They all left me. They always do."
[22:57] <Dinadan> "...Seira. You have elven blood but live in human lands." He looks sad as he speaks, but reassures her gently. "It's the hardest lesson to learn, but humans aren't like us in that way. They blow away like dust on the wind, by circumstances or the summons of what lies beyond."
[22:57] <Seira> "Yes, because the elves tend to stick around," she says acidly.
[23:00] <Dinadan> "...point." Celebrimbor allows that, a wry look on his face. "What of your other friends here?"
[23:01] <Seira> "You're it, I think," Seira says, sighing deeply. "I alienated the only human friend I had left a day ago."
[23:02] <Dinadan> "Why don't you go see?" He asks, "Before you write her off entirely?"
[23:03] <Seira> "Not just now, or who knows what I'll say?" Seira shakes her head. "If you're right, this can wait. For now, I just have to get to the dragon's cave. It is very, very important that I be the one who explores it first."
[23:03] <Dinadan> "Yes." On that he agrees, "Both treasure and...other things could lie there."
[23:07] <Seira> "Demedais mentioned the possibility of artifacts which could bring Shamal back, and after thinking about it, that is within the realm of possible. But beyond that... I need all the information on dragonkin I can get." Seira looks around to make sure the area they are speaking at is secure. "I am going to change the future, now, starting with this. Celebrimbor, a few days ago I was involved in a magical mishap involving travel to
[23:07] <Seira> the future. There, seventy two years from now, I met with you. I found out from your lips that due to my actions, ones I had already taken in this timeline, I was slowly becoming a dragon. I was also lead to believe that this was not altogether a good thing, although whether that could be changed without stopping the transformation was not clear." She stops, giving the aged elf the chance to respond.
[23:09] <Dinadan> "...my." Celebrimbor speaks quite evenly at that, raising an eyebrow.  "That would be problematic. You mean some sort of polymorph?"
[23:10] <Seira> "The result of a pact with a dragon. Possibly mixed with my heritage, as I was the one singled out from all those who made the pact."
[23:11] <Dinadan> "..I see. Tell me about this pact," he goes on, solemn, "And the dragon you made it with."
[23:16] <Seira> "It was with the red dragon calling himself Ajan," she responds, elaborating a bit on the parts of the meeting with him she finds relevant to this topic. "The threat posed by Kondrux was imminent. The threat by Ajan, distant and merely potential. It was well worth the risk and I would have done the same even given another chance."
[23:17] <Dinadan> "...." CElebrimbor is silent; dead silent. He turns away, letting the noise hang. "Seira, I must return home right now. I will meet with you again soon."
[23:18] <Seira> "I disagree," she states, her voice becoming flat once more. "That future happened because we did not communicate. Now, I have taken the first step. If you leave me now, without so much as a word of your suspicions--" She doesn't finish her sentence, crossing her hands in front of her chest.
[23:19] <Dinadan> "I'm not sure," he admits openly, "I need to research my books. But the name Ajan..." He just sounds solemn, "Offhand, I remember the tale of Kangap and Goldan. Have you ever heard it?"
[23:21] <Seira> "Only in passing, during my research," Seira speaks. "The father of Kangap, wasn't he? I know that metallic dragons do not wish the mortal races harm, while the so-called true ones are more self-centered, so a pact with one was dangerous. But it seemed that I had plenty of time to research it."
[23:22] <Dinadan> "Yes, that's correct. A dragon over two thousand years old at least..." Thinking, "He would not do anything like a pact lightly. If you were not bound here, I would take you with me, but..."
[23:23] <Seira> "He wishes to be free of his prison, and what he gave up in turn had to be little in comparison." Seira frowns. "It is quite possible we even helped him eliminate a rival. I did not expect to be betrayed right off the start."
[23:25] <Dinadan> "There's no way to know for certain now, but I will not be sure until I do research." Turning and starting to walk, "At least the rest of the news is good. The trade agreements are entirely finished now. His Majesty will be pleased."
[23:26] <Seira> "I may ask for a leave once this is all settled," Seira muses. "Will I be welcomed back?"
[23:26] <Dinadan> "Yes. I believe you will. Your actions began to move things in the Kingdom, even a little bit."
[23:28] <Seira> "Did you hear any news? Or the results of your investigation?" Seira asks, some eagerness breaking through the monotone.
[23:29] <Dinadan> "House Desjardins hates you," He speaks matter of fact, turning with a wry smile. "It's barely a secret. Highsun is pinning quite a few hopes on you, and the fate of Amaryl Gaial may rest on the success or failure of this venture. If it fails, it will destabilize her position until her family forces a change."
[23:30] <Seira> "Why do they hate me, though? And personally, at that?" she asks in surprise.
[23:31] <Dinadan> "You disturbed them and went against them in front of His Majesty." Celebrimbor doesn't linger on that, "But...about your disliked freeloader? Surprisingly little, which says something of it's own. Whihe her proofs seem solid, there is very little about her raw past. Suspiciously so."
[23:32] * Seira nods. "It did seem like they were against me before I even tried, however." Seira sighs. "I suppose all this also means that any elven lore would be closed before me." She raises an eyebrow, then. "But not before you, of course, which is why you are returning?"
[23:33] <Dinadan> "Naturally," Celebrimbor goes on, "They can't fully deny a house Scion, especially with backing by his Majesty."
[23:36] <Seira> "I don't want anyone else to know," Seira says suddenly. "But I've been thinking about sending a magical missive to father. Scrolls of Sending are hard to come by here. Do you think you could...?"
[23:36] <Dinadan> "If you wish," He allows, "I'll add it to the other favors." He even looks amused at that, but stops asa page comes through the halls. He stops at seing Seira, "Captain Seira!"
[23:38] <Seira> "I honor my obligation," Seira tells Celebrimbor gravely. Once the page arrives, she turns to face him. "Yes?" she asks.
[23:38] <Dinadan> Celebrimbor slips away as the page bows. "A missive has come for you," he reports.
[23:39] * Seira holds out her hand to receive that missive.
[23:39] <Dinadan> It is handed to Seira, a rolled up scroll.
[23:40] * Seira opens it, dismissing the page with a nod.
[23:42] <Dinadan> "To Seira: I have followed trail of your father to Malmuth; capital of the Empire. The trail appears to end here, at least for now. I have not lost it, your father is certain somewhere in this vast city. However, I believe he has been hidden away by means beyond those of normal men. I know not what is invovled yet, but it is powerful and dangerous. - Febras."
[23:44] <Seira> Ah, another love letter. Seira stows it away, and proceeds to her home to gather up her supplies. The mission will get approved soon enough -- there is not much one can deliberate on the proper ways of exterminating little lizards -- but should they dawdle too much....