031. Lissa, Elle Pasha and the Malmuthian intrigue. Febras returns?!

[Corwin]

[18:48] <Kotono> ---
[18:48] <Kotono> Meeting with Commander Oberuth is as simple as can be. You find him outside the garrison, watching a new batch of soldiers practice. The last few days have brought a swelling of troops, as reinforcements are moved closer, and a few are even stationed in town. As he watches them, "Need something, yout wo?" Oberuth inquires.
[18:51] <Seira> "To do something, Sir," Seira tells him bluntly. "I have even been considering a brief expedition into Malmuth to see how things are for ourselves."
[18:52] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth turns to the two of them, raising an eyebrow curiously. "...c'mon," he starts to walk, away from other ears and to the other side of the garrison's practice yard. "Getting tired of waiting and hoping they send word back?"
[18:53] <Alicia> "And wondering if said word will be accompanied by an army," Alicia replies quietly.
[18:53] <Seira> "And the recently developments Demedais and his friend spoke of. I find myself wishing for more information."
[18:55] <Kotono> "...I like it myself, not sure how it'll go over..." Commander Oberuth crosses his arms, eyeing Seira. "Can yo disguise yourselves? Seira in particular runs a risk of being identified."
[18:58] <Alicia> "I am... somewhat capable of acting," Alicia explains, sounding almost embarrassed.
[18:59] <Seira> "I can do this reasonably well, although a mage would likely pick it up." Seira shrugs. "I could pen a resignation letter dated before my departure and leave it with you, Sir, so no diplomatic incidents take place."
[19:01] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth bows his head a moment, before nodding. "I think this is a good idea. I can talk to Lord Salman about it - with him in town due to events he'll notice if you're gone for a few days. If you can...by all means."
[19:04] <Alicia> "I am unsure if I even can resign..." Alicia admits uncomfortably. "Regardless, I will do as Lord Salman sees fit."
[19:06] <Kotono> "I'll take care of it," Commander Oberuth smiles just a moment, "Go ahead and prepare your plans in the meantime. Unless, of course, word comes back today."
[19:06] * Seira nods.
[19:08] <Alicia> "While I don't think I'm as well known Seira, my armour and sword are nonetheless distinctive in this part of the world. I may need to exchange them for the duration of this mission - can they be safely kept in the garrison?" Alicia asks. She's pretty much worn/carried them all the time she's been in Balmuria.
[19:09] <Kotono> "Of course," Commander Oberuth nods, "We'll take care of that. Go requisition whatever you need from supplies instead."
[19:12] * Alicia nods. "I'll make arrangements."

[Corwin]

[19:19] <Kotono> ---
[19:20] <Kotono> The next morning the two rise early, as the sun still crests over the dawn sky. Commander Oberuth walks with you to the gates, the city of Balmuria just now waking up. "Whatever you do...don't get captured," Oberuth instructs and warns at once, "Godspeed otherwise."
[19:23] * Alicia does not salute, since she's technically a free agent, once again. But it's only a technicality. "We'll return with fresh information, sir," she nods, her normally black hair now dyed a dirty reddish brown and tied back with a scruffy green rag, while her torso is protected by a weathered looking set of studded leather armour, and a sheathed longsword at her waist.
[19:27] <Kotono> On reaching the gate, Oberuth looks on. "Mystra and Helm with you," OBeruth speaks softly a moment, "Good luck."
[19:35] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia smiles, before mounting her horse and starting to canter towards the road South.
[19:35] <Kotono> OOC - Headin' south, eh? Going on roads or taking any precautious/detours/ect?
[19:35] * Seira checks her disguise with a handily placed mirror, which swiftly disappears back into her sleeve. "We'll make our own luck, Sir," she tells the Commander, following Alicia.
[19:37] * Alicia heads South a bit from Balmuria, before veering off towards the Barbarian Lands to the East, leaving more travelled paths behind as they head onwards until Valandia lies almost directly South from them.
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d100+3
[19:43] * Kotono sets mode: +v Reiko-chan
[19:43] <Kotono> roll 1d100+3
[19:43] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d100+3 --> 1,0[ 1d100=72 ]12,0{75}
[19:43] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:43] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d100 --> 1,0[ 1d100=59 ]12,0{59}
[19:44] <Kotono> Slinking by into the Barbarian Lands isn't difficult. You're not into it enough to really incur any goblin problems nor any difficulties  otherwise. Roughly lining up with Valandia isn't too hard at all.
[19:44] <Alicia> After accomplishing said feat, Alicia heads straight South for the Malmuthian garrison city!
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100+30
[19:45] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d100+30 --> 1,0[ 1d100=51 ]12,0{81}
[19:49] <Kotono> A day out of the barbarian lands, you reach the border of the forest. As you can see out, you can clearly see soldiers ahead - at least a few dozen, looking to be keeping a careful, loose watch.
[19:50] <Alicia> "Think they've closed their borders, or here for something else?" Alicia asks Seira, wondering if the soldiers have spotted them already.
[19:52] <Seira> "Probably looking for Demedais's friend," Seira responds quietly, after making sure no one can possibly overhear, and then covertly casts a detect magic spell. At least she would be likely to spot a mage or any exceptional guardsmen with it.
[19:52] <Seira> roll 1d100
[19:52] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d100 --> 1,0[ 1d100=45 ]12,0{45}
[19:52] <Kotono> The two are about one hundred feet back and still in the outer ring of trees and brush. They're mostly keeping slow, position holding patrols. Seira doesn't detect any magic with her spell.
[19:53] <Seira> "Let us be off," Seira says then, not bothering to lower her voice, and nudges her horse towards the city proper.
[19:53] <Alicia> "Well, we should have nothing to fear?" Alicia essays a smile. "Probably best if you handle the talking, though." With that, she follows Seira onwards.
[19:59] <Kotono> Onward you go out of the Barbarian Land's last gasp, to the plains north of Valandia. About thirty feet away the guards spot you comin gout of the forest, pointing and starting to head in your direction. "Halt!" One calls, loud.
[20:00] * Alicia immediately does as asked, though she does urge her horse to drift just a tad closer towards Seira in case something goes wrong.
[20:00] <Seira> "Yes, what is it?" Seira asks with just the right mix of annoyance, superiority and obedience before valid authority.
[20:02] <Kotono> Six soldiers trot towards the two women, the leader a sour faced, pockmarked man in shining plate armor and helm. "By the authority of King Ferdi of Malmuth, none are currently allowed to pass into the Empire of Malmuth."
[20:06] <Seira> "By whose aut--" Seira starts loudly, before shaking her head. "Right, your monarch, King Ferdi." She seems to deflate with the realization. "But I was assured passage before I set off on my journey! My wares, what will happen to my wares?!" Her voice becomes shriller as she searches frantically in her pack. "This!" Seira holds out a jar of goblin fire. "It's unique, it's nasty, it's fire in a jar! Even for those of us who can't use t
[20:06] <Seira> he fancy fireballs. Who doesn't like fire? Why is fire banned from Malmuth?!"
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, that was good. Make a diplo check on that?
[20:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
[20:08] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+15 --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{25}
[20:09] <Kotono> "Well..." The leader sighs a little bit, "Sorry, it's just orders. Between all of us, it's hot news from the capital city itself. You're just hit with horrible luck."
[20:10] <Alicia> "When did these new orders come in? And how long does it mean we'll be stuck out here?" Alicia asks coarsely, looking like she's about to spit up something nasty.
[20:11] <Kotono> His expression sours as he looks towards Alicia, "I don't know." Starting to scowl at her back, "Why'd you come this way, anyway? You're taking an awfully roundabout way."
[20:11] <Seira> "But... fire!" Seira seems momentarily at a loss for words. "It'll go bad if I jar it for too long." She looks incredibly piteous, sad beyond sadness at the thought of her fire dying out. "If I have to go all the way back, I'll be ruined financially, left with just the clothes on my back, and this horse...."
[20:12] <Alicia> "And no way to pay me?" Alicia raises an eyebrow at that, looking rather mercenary and unsympathetic.
[20:13] <Kotono> "Hmph." Thinking a moment as he crosses his arms, "That Goblin's Fire. That's alchemical goods?"
[20:14] * Seira looks around shiftily. "Of... course not. Ahahaha! I always have funds for my beloved bodyguard!" She gives the leader of the guards a pleading look. "Alchemist! Yes! The very best! Discounts for men in uniform!"
[20:17] <Kotono> "...eh." With a shrug, "I'll ask my commanding officer about it. Might wanna buy those off you at least." Glancing to two of the guards, "Mulcahy, Samsnit, stay with them. Call for help if anything happens." With that, the leader and three others of the patrol trot off.
[20:17] <Seira> "The fire won't hurt anyone," Seira assures the soldiers. "It wants out, but you are its master. You choose when it gets to play, not the other way around."
[20:18] <Alicia> "I thought hurting people was the whole point? Just so long as it's other people," Alicia snorts.
[20:19] <Kotono> The two remaining soldiers stare at the duo, one shrugging and the other peering. "Where ya from, anyway?"
[20:21] <Alicia> "Don't have a home no more," Alicia massacres grammar freely in her reply. "Used to be from way West, past the desert. I go wherever the money goes, though." She gives Seira a meaningful and almost predatory look at that.
[20:21] <Seira> "The making of fire and placing it in a jar is a form of art!" Seira lectures sternly. "How many times must I repeat myself?" Then, upon hearing the soldiers' question, she smiles at them sweetly. "Kemalantik, originally, but we have taken somewhat of a detour to study the secret goblin arts. After weeks of studying their most sacred ways, I have finally achieved a feat not many humans can claim! The ability to put fire! In a jar! Exc
[20:21] <Seira> ept better than alchemist's fire!"
[20:23] <Seira> "See, there is the human fire. And then we have the goblin fire. So what happens... when you mix them both properly? A fire more fiery than any fire has been before, let me tell you!"
[20:25] <Kotono> Whistling at lal the words, the guard scratches his head. "Lucky you. Wish I'd done that instead of joinin' the army." Looking down and rather young, "Do this, move that, stab the o'ther thing and don't get paid worth crap. Guarding real fire sounds so much better."
[20:25] <Seira> "I'm always in the market for a competent apprentice to pass on my fiery secrets to," Seira mentions, winking.
[20:27] <Alicia> "It's nice to make your own hours," Alicia smiles in a contented and yet still somewhat sinister manner. "No stupid rules to worry about, but still plenty of stabbin'."
[20:28] <Kotono> "I wish. You leave these days without them saying it' sokay and you end up feedin' the buzzards." Another sigh, "They don't say 'okay you can go' 'less you're old, lucky or have someone with enough pull to help you.
[20:28] <Kotono> "
[20:29] <Seira> Seira's smile falters slightly, but she puts on a cheerful guise right away. "Maybe if business goes really well...."
[20:31] <Kotono> "It would be nice..." Sighing again, as his partner coughs, "Oh...yeah. Um. Maybe if!"
[20:32] <Kotono> The other one looks towards Seira, "...naw, I think I even agree with him," he shakes hi shead. "This army job's terrible right now. The pressure and the noise suck. If you can magically find the spots and the authority to get two more mercenaries..."
[20:33] <Seira> "I really shouldn't make any plans before I'm even allowed into the city..." she says hesitently. "But I suppose there's no harm in planning ahead! What are your names, and how could I reach you in town?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Mulcahy," The first one says, and the second one pauses an then shrugs. "Samsnit."
[20:36] <Alicia> "I'll make sure she writes 'em down. Sometimes with all the alchemist learnin' in 'er head, the boss forgets the little things," Alicia chuckles harshly.
[20:37] <Seira> "Ah, yes, thank you for that helpful reminder," Seira says acidly. "And where are you staying?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "Valandia's where we're stationed, but it's tents most of the past week." Scowling, "Still better 'n' those guys going south..." Mulcahy scowls. "Think it's all just an excuse to get the men scared about legendary undead to train 'em, it smacks of some motiviational crap."
[20:39] <Seira> "Undead?" Seira perks up. "None would stand before my mighty cleansing fire!"
[20:41] <Kotono> "They burn well?" Samsnit asks with a bit of a smirk. "Arne't you supposed to set them on fire if you ever see one?"
[20:41] <Alicia> "You'd be surprised how many things that'll kill," Alicia snorts.
[20:42] <Seira> "Yes! And with an unholy, if you'll forgive the expression, application of holy water into the mix, they burn even better!"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Heh!" AS they laugh, you can see the plate mailed leader returning, horse making a brisk pace towards you. The two guards turn to him, going silent.
[20:44] * Seira looks at him expectantly. "I won't become a pauper, would I?"
[20:45] <Alicia> "I'll make sure you won't live in poverty," Alicia assures Seira with a smirk, putting far too much emphasis on 'live'.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Well...Our commanding officer is interested. He'd like of you to bring a sample to him so he can see if you're goods are solid. IF they are, don't worry, you'll get paid for the one he uses no matterw hat."
[20:47] <Seira> "Oh, of course, of course! Most certainly! Any chance to use fire is a good one!" Seira holds out the jar of goblin's fire proudly. "Just be careful, it's extra spicy! Do not inhale, please!"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Come this way, then. He wants you to bring it so he can meet you personally." Starting to trot ahead, "Follow us."
[20:49] * Alicia spurs Robert to start cantering off after their guide, sticking close to Seira.
[20:49] * Seira follows, keeping her magical sight trained on the direction they're traveling.
[20:53] <Kotono> You head South - bu tnot far. A little farther back is a camp for a few hundred men, one tent bigger than the others, more plain tan cloth. Inside is a table and a man with a slight beard, droopy eyed. "C'min. You're the ones with the alchemical fire that the patrols found?"
[20:54] * Alicia hovers protectively near Seira but lets the boss woman pitch her own product.
[20:57] <Seira> "Most certainly, and might I commend you on your great taste? Clearly, you are a man of great stature, a fellow fan of fiery goodness!" Seira presents the goblin's fire jar proudly. "There's plenty more where this came from, and I could make more on demands, even variants! Alchemical fire, the fire of goblins, faerie fire, holy fire, fiery fire -- that one is a secret recipe of my own invention! And I started my way from acid, so one
[20:57] <Seira> could say I specialize in that, too!" Seira waves her hand dismissively. "Of course, I have received a proper education and can make a great many things, but isn't fire just the greatest?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "Hmmm." Peering at Seira at at that, "Go on about those some more?
[21:06] <Kotono> "
[21:08] <Seira> "Oh yes!" Seira looks delighted at the prospect. "Take holy fire for example. It sounds glorious to the uninitiated, until they learn the main components are the standard alchemist's fire and holy water. But! Mix them in too late and they cancel each other out. Do it too early and the whole mixture explodes in your face! Talent, determination and careful preparations allow for the splash weapon to end all splash weapons where the enem
[21:08] <Seira> ies of life itself are concerned!"
[21:09] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm." Standing up you see that he's in good shape, muscluar and trail worn. He heads outside, "I want to see a demonstration."
[21:13] <Seira> "This fine sample will gleefully set things on fire," Seira says proudly, showing the jar again. "And as an added bonus for my customers in uniform, who get a te--" She glances at Alicia sideways, "I mean, a whole fifteen percent discount, it can even rob an enemy of his manliness! Isn't that worth forty two gold coins?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "Follow me," The commander walks out of the tent briskly, "I want to see it in action."
[21:14] * Seira follows!
[21:14] <Alicia> "Tch," Alicia makes an irritated sounding noise, but nonetheless follows.
[21:15] <Kotono> Outside and away from the tents, to low lying grasslands just beyond. Looking on, as a few soldiers follow, "Throw it and let me see."
[21:16] <Seira> "Well, you won't see the special effect with no volunteers," Seira muses, "but I suppose that's alright. FIRE IN THE HOLE!"
[21:16] * Seira throws the fiery grenade!
[21:16] <Seira> roll 1d10
[21:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=4 ]12,0{4}
[21:17] <Seira> roll 1d3 had anyone been near
[21:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d3 1,0had anyone been near --> 1,0[ 1d3=1 ]12,0{1}
[21:18] <Kotono> So tossed, the foul smelling Goblin's Fire erupts out! It sizzles in the grass, starting to burn! Some of the men groan, the commander wrinkling his nose. "...that is Goblin's Fire. I know that smell anywhere." Stepping away and out of the downwind direction, "How much of that do you have and can you make more?"
[21:19] <Seira> "Of course that is goblin's fire," Seira says, sounding offended. "I take pride in my work! No fake fire for me, no sir!"
[21:20] <Kotono> "WEll then, can you make more?" The commander repeats his question.
[21:21] <Seira> "But of course! I have trained in the secret arts of the goblin fiery mysticism...." Seira begins her speech about the greatness of fire and her complete mastery over its many incarnations all over again.
[21:22] <Kotono> Holding up his hand about halfway, "Very well, the two of you are going to Valandia."
[21:23] <Seira> "How excellent!" Seira seems happy. "Please come and purchase something! Remember, fifteen percent discount on all fiery wares!"
[21:23] <Alicia> "And I'll get paid, too. Happy day," Alicia deadpans.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Rest here for an hou ror two, an escort will be ready then," The captain speaks levelly, "Follow Briggs here," he gestures at one of the privates, "They'll take you to a tent to wait."
[21:24] * Seira nods several times, head bobbing lightly, although her expression sours at Alicia's words. "Perhaps you would like to get paid in fire?" she asks the bodyguard.
[21:26] <Alicia> "I'll take my usual fee, thanks," Alicia replies, sauntering off after Briggs.
[21:26] <Seira> Muttering darkly, Seira follows.

[Corwin]

[18:46] <Kotono> The tent is dark and lonely, a chance to talk or do whatever, with only two guards just outside...OOC - You guys can talk here or do something or cool your heels and wait.
[18:47] * Seira decides to wait, while she gets out her alchemist's set and polishes the beakers.
[18:48] * Alicia isn't going to do anything suspicious like discussing secret plans that could be overheard. Following Seira's lead, she instead takes out a whetstone and sharpens her borrowed longsword.
[18:48] <Kotono> A little over an hour passes. Soon a guard peeks in, "We're ready," he announces. "Get your things together."
[18:49] <Seira> "Delicate thing, precious things," Seira murmurs, gathering them lovingly.
[18:49] <Alicia> "Never put them apart," Alicia replies boredly, sheathing her blade and stretching as she gets up.
[18:50] <Kotono> So the two head outside. A contigent of ten soldiers are here, on horseback and waiting. The two mounts the women used to get here are there - looks like they're be riding in the center of a secure box formatino from the looks of it.
[18:52] * Alicia hocks up a rather nasty wad of phlegm and saliva and spits coarsely on the ground before mounting her horse, showing no indication that she gave any thought at all to her horrific manners.
[18:52] * Seira heads straight for her horse, not batting an eye at the soldiers. It is doubtful she even notices the guard.
[18:53] <Kotono> The soldiers glance at the two, but as soon as they're on the leader - a youngish man with an imperial gaze and vague disdain - calls, "Ready? Begin! Start a trot," he instructs, the trip beginning! OOC - Ball's in your court for the moment if you're going to do anything or just follow the soldiers.
[18:55] * Seira looks up, and her eyes lock on one of the soldiers to her right. "Yes, you will do," she says, before asking, "Where is a good place to rent a store for a few weeks in town?"
[18:56] * Alicia occassionally scratches herself somewhat immodestly, but seems perfectly content to ride along in silence. Well, as content as a surly mercenary can be, that is. If no one talks to her, it's all good.
[18:58] <Kotono> The soldier is a man about thirty, scraggly faced and red eyed. "'sk the military gov'ner." he clarifies wetly. "He'll tell ya."
[18:59] <Kotono> One of the soldiers happens to glance at Alicia, but quickly turns away after a scratching performance.
[19:00] <Seira> "Well, who's the military governor? Is he here?" Seira peers over the gathered soldiers, almost falling out of the saddle before catching herself.
[19:01] <Kotono> The leader glances back, "Sir Winston is the current military govener in these circumstances. You'll likely be seeing him on arrival." With a snort, "Mind your manners when yo usee him, girl."
[19:02] <Seira> "Hmph." Seira crosses her arms, and leans back in the saddle.
[19:02] <Alicia> "I always mind my manners," Alicia snorts in an affronted manner. Before spitting on the ground besides her horse and grinning crookedly.
[19:04] <Kotono> The two get a foul look from the captain, but he doesn't comment further aloud. Instea,d he simply spurrs the horses on faster.
[19:06] * Seira lets the silence pass for a quarter of an hour, before she asks tentatively, "Look, he likes fire, right?"
[19:07] <Kotono> With a sigh, the leader looks back. "Yes, I'm sure he loves fire when it's thrown at the enemy."
[19:07] * Seira looks mollified at that answer, enough to make the rest of the trip in silence.
[19:08] <Kotono> "Hmph." With a mutter filled with voiced disgust, the leader once agani spurs on the group.
[19:08] <Alicia> "So's this burning desire for fire," Alicia snorts, as if impressed by her own wit, "Got somethin' to do with these stories of undead runnin' around Malmuth? And that why the border's closed?"
[19:10] <Kotono> To those words, the soldiers around shuffle a bit, one making a symbol with his hands. "The undead 'problem' is a matter of women and fools with too much time on their hands," The leader speaks stiffly, back straightening up.
[19:11] <Alicia> "Hey, I don't got no undead problem!" Alicia fires back, sounding vaguely confused and insulted.
[19:13] <Kotono> Stiffening up further, back as straight up as it can be, "Such matters are internal. You'd best forget about it unless you want to cotribute to baseless fearmongering."
[19:14] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has left #dunes
[19:15] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[19:15] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[19:15] <Alicia> "Bah," Alicia mutters sullenly, shutting up. Letting a few moments pass in tense silence, she speaks up again, "So if'not that, why are the borders closed, then?"
[19:16] <Kotono> "'cause not even Sir Claris could catch it..." One guard mutters this, voice just loud enough to carry.
[19:16] <Kotono> The leader turns to that man, a deathly glare. But his voice is calm. "Such matters are subject to internal Malmuthian security."
[19:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[19:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+12 --> 1,0[ 1d20=9 ]12,0{21}
[19:21] <Kotono> The soldiers lowers his head, murmuring a "Yes, sir!" very quickly.
[19:24] <Alicia> "Well, I sure feel safe after hearin' all that," Alicia mutters, before burping. She gives no indication that she's even aware she burped, far less that it's something to be concerned over. "What about you, boss? Think this might justify hazard pay?"
[19:25] * Seira shakes her head mutely.
[19:27] <Kotono> While this gets a few understanding glances from the soldiers to Alicia, nothing else is said. After a few days Valandia is seen in the distance. The city's walls are high and erected with defenses, swarming with soldiers. Those that go inside are thoughly checked over, a squadron of men doing just that. But at least you're spared it, the leader briefly talking to them before theyp art ahead of you.
[19:27] <Kotono> Ahead you can see the north side of the city. It's filled with new streets and buildings primarily, metalworks, garrisons, supporting buildings. Very austere and to the point, massive.
[19:33] <Kotono> As they are lead in, they can see the scope of it. Thousands and thousands of troops could easily be held here, the spaces large. Chained workers labor on the last buildings, silently watched over. Soldiers come by the dozens and dozens, filling the streets as they hurry. No civilians can be seen - the streets are strangely silent of the normal noises of ac ity.
[19:36] * Seira waits to see whether they'll just let them prowl the streets, or take them straight to the governor.
[19:37] <Alicia> "Ahh, this seems like the kind of town to really kick back and relax in. Just the sight I needed after traipsing through goblin-infested forest for weeks," Alicia sighs happily, stretching back. "Or, not," she slumps forward on her horse. "Place seems deader'n my sister's love life."
[19:38] <Kotono> The leader of the ten man troop glances back, "We'll be taking you to the governor's now." He sniffs, "Do try not to sound like a common peasant in eternal heat." AS the leader just looks at Alicia with open disdain, the group heads for one of the larger garrisons. It's four stories tall and huge, several large gates letting soldiers head in and out of it.
[19:40] <Alicia> "Aye aye, yer lordship," Alicia bows elaborately from atop her horse, voice thick with sarcasm.
[19:42] <Kotono> The horsaes stop outside of one of the gates, the leader and four of the soldiers getting off. Not looking at the two passangers, he instead speaks to the soldiers at the gate. "Bringing in possible assets for Sir Winston to asess, as per the message sent," he reports crisply.
[19:42] <Kotono> There are four soldiers there, the gate open as they move away. "Go ahead, his adjuducant will see you in. Third floor."
[19:43] * Seira nods absently and climbs down her horse, muttering to herself, "Third floor, third floor...."
[19:43] <Kotono> The leader begins to walk, as do the four soldiers. "Follow me," he speaks to the two women shortly.
[19:44] * Alicia hops off her own horse, giving Robert an affectionate pat on the flank before she follows their guide half a step behind Seira.
[19:45] * Seira follows somewhat unsteadily, still muttering to herself about what seems to be the ingredients to alchemical fire.
[19:47] <Kotono> So you are lead in. Past too many soldiers to note, milling about, going about, working, talking, training. The place is overwhelmed with military men, two women sticking out like splocthes of green on a white painted wall. But they are lead up two stairs, to the outside of a decently large office. Here at a desk a captain writes, a few chairs outside. "Oh yes," he sniffs the air, "The alchemist?" he guesses, glancing at Seira, small spectacl
[19:48] <Kotono> small spectacles on his face.
[19:48] * Seira smells of mint, fire and brimstone!
[19:48] <Kotono> The leader of the troops salutes, "The alchemist so mentioned and her bodyguard to see the govenor," he dutifully reports.
[19:49] <Kotono> Writing a few things down, "Names," he asks, looking towards the duo.
[19:49] <Seira> "Are you the governor?" Seira asks him. "We were told to be nice to him."
[19:50] <Kotono> "No, I'm his adjundicate, Captain Alfin." With a slightly exapserated, bemused look, "Your name."
[19:51] <Seira> "Pasha. Elle Pasha." Seira manages to look imperious as she says that, and then sniffs, gesturing at Alicia dismissively. "My bodyguard."
[19:51] <Alicia> "'Lissa," Alicia slurs ever so slightly over her own name. "Ye don't need to know more than that 'bout me," she adds with an edge of tension that implies there's some bad business there that she doesn't want to discuss.
[19:52] <Kotono> "Uh...huh." Emphasis on the huh, scribbling going on. "That's fine. What's your city or kingdom of origin for the trading, Miss Pasha?"
[19:56] <Seira> "Kemalantik," she tells him. "Surely you've heard of it, even here to the south! Must we answer more questions?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Uh..huh!" The same emphasis, more writing. He pushes up his spectacles with his forefinger, brown hair slightly long and hiding his eyes when it falls forward. "Very well. Sit down, he'll be with you shortly."
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, go ahead and make a disguise check since it's possible your rating for it could come up.
[20:00] * Alicia takes a seat, legs splayed in a rather unladylike posture. Fortunately she's wearing canvas trousers rather than anything more feminine, but that doesn't stop her from calling attention to the situation by idly scratching her inner thigh.
[20:02] <Seira> "Is there somewhere I can freshen up after my long, tiresome and dust-filled journey?" Seira asks, sniffing unhappily.
[20:04] <Kotono> "If you would..." Glancing at the still ilngering leader of your escort, "Down the hall's a basin of water." The spectacled man says agreeably, eyes drifting towards Alicia.
[20:04] <Kotono> The leader's face nearly twists into a scowl, but his voice is calm. "This way," he says, starting to walk.
[20:05] <Seira> "Hold it up for me, would you," Seira tells Alicia, and without waiting for an answer outpaces the leader, heading for the indicated basin.
[20:06] <Kotono> The basin is well down the hall, the leader matching his pace to keep up with Seira as fast as he can. "Don't go hurrying off, now," he declares.
[20:06] <Seira> "Hmph."
[20:06] <Alicia> "Ugh... thank Tymora the money's good..." Alicia grimaces, getting up and following Seira so she can assist with her... business.
[20:07] <Kotono> The captain lingers close, keeping an eye on SEira as Alicia catches up, the basin a plain ceramic thing. It's heavy with water, several more or less fresh gallons inside.
[20:07] <Seira> Once she gets to the basin, Seira observes the captain rather sourly. "Do you mind?" she asks him. "This is my personal space. It extends to ten feet in every direction."
[20:08] <Kotono> The captain doesn't even budge, a few feet away. "This is a military base, not a ladies' washing room," he answers, crossing his arms. "Just hurry it up."
[20:10] <Alicia> "Oh, come on - she gets stage fright and she'll take all day if you watch her," Alicia complains to the captain. "I'm not sure I could take that."
[20:10] * Seira crosses her arms right back. "Possible assets, was it?" she repeats his earlier words in a nasty tone. "Why don't you act like it? I will not be ogled as I try to cool myself!"
[20:11] <Kotono> Snorting decisively back, "I think your bodyguard has ogling taken care of," his words drip with acid, but he does step a few feet back. "This is as good at it gets, lady."
[20:12] <Seira> "Do something about that brute, that's what I pay you for," Seira says, sounding upset.
[20:12] <Alicia> "What?!" Alicia suddenly rounds on the captain, stepping right in his face and looming over him. "And what's that supposed ta mean?!" she demands irately. "'Cause if yer implying that I get any thrill out of oglin' her, we're gonna have words!"
[20:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[20:13] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d20+12 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{24}
[20:13] * Seira waits for a brief moment of inattention to try and cast as she turns around to stare sourly into the water.
[20:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:13] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{7}
[20:14] <Kotono> The leader blinks as Alicia looms over him, holding his ground even as the color in his cheeks drains! "What I'm saying is that, ah..." He licks his lips, breathing out quickly. "Is that..."
[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d100 AS
[20:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d100 1,0AS --> 1,0[ 1d100=37 ]12,0{37}
[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d100 DS
[20:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d100 1,0DS --> 1,0[ 1d100=48 ]12,0{48}
[20:15] <Alicia> "Is what?" Alicia pokes his chest, pushing him back and stepping along with him away from Seira. "That I'm some sort of freak that can't get a man, is that it?!"
[20:16] <Kotono> "Ye-aaah..." He blinks again, pushed away and losing track of the situation. He starts to scowl at Alicia, "First of all, don't you touch me," he says, voice becoming very high pitched.
[20:17] * Seira forces her form to adapt itself to her makeshift disguise, skin darkening for real beneath the color she added to it. A glamor falls into place around her almost instantly, making her look prettier, as if she did just freshen up. To conclude, Seira splashes some of the water, getting a bit of it on her palms, and seems quite satisfied, not to mention cleaner.
[20:18] <Alicia> "Bah!" Alicia scowls. "Didn't do much for me, neither, so don't get yet panties twisted. Now why don't ye just calm down and let the boss do her business in private, then we can forget this whole sorry affair?"
[20:19] <Kotono> Brushing off his chest and eyeing the uncouth mercenary like she's some sort of leper, "Very well. Come now," he starts to stomp away, quickly heading back to whence you came, to wait for the govenor to see you.
[20:20] * Alicia waits for Seira before sauntering along back the way they came, seeming vaguely satisfied.
[20:20] <Seira> "I feel pretty," Seira deadpans, and follows.
[20:21] <Kotono> On getting back the spectacled man glances at the two, "You can leave once they're called in," he speaks to the leader, "Sir Winston has his own security inside."
[20:21] <Kotono> The leader leans against a wall, nodding and glowering. He looks towards Alicia a few times, nasty looks but no words to follow them.
[20:22] * Seira ignores the leader entirely.
[20:23] * Alicia grins at the captain whenever she notices him looking. It's not a friendly grin.
[20:24] <Kotono> As soon as someone comes out of the office - a military looking man, a colonel by rank and middle aged, walking briskly out - a common soldier follows. He looks towards Alicia and Seira, "C'mon, you can be seen now."
[20:25] <Seira> "We most certainly can," Seira says in satisfaction, admiring her clean features.
[20:25] * Alicia lazily stands up, waiting for Seira to lead so she can follow.
[20:27] <Kotono> Inside is a simple office, windows looking out to the streets below. Here six soldiers keep a loose guard - two at the sides of the desk, two just inside the door, and two at the left and right walls.  Sitting at the desk is Winston, craggy faced and aged. His hair is white, his eyes looking over the two. "Ah yes, the Goblin Fire alchemist."
[20:28] <Alicia> Alicia's stance is quite relaxed, almost indifferent as she stands behind Seira, idly taking in the guards and their host but not appearing overly interested in either.
[20:28] * Seira looks indignant at the introduction, but barely remembers that she is supposed to be nice to the governor. Or so she projects.
[20:29] * Disconnected
[20:30] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
[20:30] * Rejoined channel #dunes
[20:30] * Topic is 'Alveria > Werewolf 3 > Amonet > Gourash'
[20:30] * Set by Ebiris on Sun Aug 19 18:42:42
[20:30] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5444002a.lns1-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris_))
[20:30] * Ebiris_ is now known as Alicia
[20:30] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:33] <Seira> "I work very fast," Seira assures him, her demeanor suddenly turning businesslike. "Twice the rate of any alchemist you've got, or your money back, guaranteed! And even if you were to cross the Fiefdoms, you would never find a more complete collection of fire-related alchemical goodness! My father, Ackbar, worked so hard to discover the secrets of the Promethean Rage, his greatest achievement to date, and I am the only one aside from him
[20:33] <Seira> capable of replicating that feat! Clearly, Malmuth has great need of me and my talents! So can I set up shop here, then?" Seira looks confused, as if she had forgotten something, before adding, "Please."
[20:35] <Kotono> "I read the report that your Goblin's Fire was indeed real. A shop and laboratory will be provided for you, Miss Pasha. Room and board as well for the two of you." A glance towards Alicia, business like. "We'll also buy your inventory right now."
[20:35] <Kotono> As you talk, there is a knock on the door. It's opened, a page entering with a scroll. One of the guards takes it, Winston glancing. "A  moment, please?"
[20:36] * Seira shows complete disinterest in scrolls, pages, and military matters.
[20:37] <Kotono> The scroll is brought to Winston, a smile crossing his face a moment, before he reads the rest and puts it down. "Anyway, welcome to Valandia. You'll be set up, given supplies and board and so forth. Any questions?"
[20:37] <Seira> "I... actually have components. A lot of components! But mostly components. Unique ones. Right now, we have... well, how much do you need? I only carry the vanilla, you know, the regular alchemist's fire, and the occasional inventiveness like the goblin's fire as a sample, but I could make the rest within a few days on demand, no problem!"
[20:38] <Kotono> A pause for him, "The strongest fire you can make, ideally."
[20:39] * Seira looks excited. "I can make it pretty strong."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Good," Winston's smile is polite enough, "Go talk to my adjundicate. He'll get you set up. Good day."
[20:39] * Seira nods, and seems pleased at finding a fellow fire-lover.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Go on, then," Winston looks towards the door, "I'm sorry, but I have business to attend to."
[20:43] * Alicia waits on Seira before following her out so they can set up their exciting new business venture.
[20:44] <Seira> "Of course," Seira says in an understanding voice, and exits to meet Winston's assistant.
[20:45] <Kotono> The bespecled man waits outside, standing. "I overheard," he says pointedly, "This way?"
[20:46] * Seira follows!
[20:47] <Kotono> So down you go. Back down out the gate, but as you head back into the sunshine, you notice a contigent of soldiers coming your way. At the head is a beareded, fierce man. General Olburt leads them, travel stained and making a good pace, heading the direction the duo and the adjundicate are coming.
[20:48] * Alicia doesn't know who General Olburt is, so unless he has some big sign saying 'general' she isn't going to give him any more attention than any random soldier. That said, she is subtly paying attention to pretty much everything around her, simply masking it with an air of affected boredom and laziness as she follows Seira around.
[20:49] * Seira is consumed with following her guide, as if it were her only task in life. Although mutterings of fire escape her lips at irregular intervals.
[20:51] <Kotono> The General passes by, glancing in passing. But his eyes barely even land on Seira and Alicia. Nonetheless, his eyes glance over Seira's dark skinned form a moment, but it's only in passing. Past you he goes, soldiers following.
[20:59] * Seira waits to see this promised land of alchemical goodness!
[21:00] <Kotono> So on you go, the adjundicate leading you to a small, detached building at the rear of all the garrisons. Here the streets get quieter - abandoned shops in many places, simply silent.  Two stories, "Downstairs is space, upstairs are quarters," he explains, "Men with supplies will be along within the day."
[21:01] <Alicia> "Who was that man with the beard we just passed?" Alicia asks, glancing back that way. "Looked important..."
[21:01] <Seira> "Men with supplies will be appreciated," Seira muses distractedly, before thanking the man and wandering off aimlessly.
[21:02] <Kotono> "General Olburt," The adjundicant answers as he opens the door inside - a few bits of furniture and a bit dusty, but it has windows. "I think he just restationed from Tauret."
[21:03] <Alicia> "Seems like a lot of folks are getting moved into this town... guess that'll be good for business?" Alicia glances at Seira, idly rubbing her hands. "What's the occassion, anyway?"
[21:03] <Kotono> The adjundicate shakes his head, "Just business," he says smoothly, holding the door open. "Stairs in the back."
[21:04] <Alicia> "Ah, well," Alicia stretches, not pushing her cover of apathetic disinterest in anything beyond profit and letting the matter drop. "Best get ready for your new customers, eh boss?" she muses, heading in.
[21:05] <Seira> "Perhaps a fifteen percent discount was a mistake?" Seira murmurs, not really paying attention to her bodyguard. "Maybe if I made it ten...."
[21:06] <Kotono> The adjundicate lingers a few moments outside, seeming to wait politely.
[21:07] <Seira> "I'm sorry," Seira says, snapping out of it. "Should I tip you?" She begins searching in her pockets for her money pouch.
[21:07] <Kotono> "No, I'm waiting here until the two soldiers assigned to keep watch gets here," he speaks, ever so smooth. "It should only be a few minutes."
[21:08] * Seira glances at the golden coin now in her palm, before shrugging and placing it away again.
[21:09] * Alicia furrows her brow as if in thought for a moment. "Notice a lot of convicts around here doin' the buildin' work... they're not likely to break loose and go on crime sprees, right?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "Of course not," Speaking with a slight smile, "They're working off their crimes productively." Yet his face does darken, "I admit, we had an incident a few months back, but that's only served to ensure that it never happens again. So you're quite safe here, ma'am."
[21:11] <Alicia> "Good... I can still stab them in self defence if they do act up, though, right?" she clarifies, a bloodthirsty glint in her eye.
[21:11] <Kotono> "If you must. I wouldn't recommend it," His smile doesn't even budge, quite at home on his face. His eyes meet Alicia's with unperterbable calm, relaxed. "Really, let the soldiers take care of it unless they put you in direct danger."
[21:12] <Seira> "See? No hazard pay necessary!" Seira rejoins the conversation.
[21:12] * Seira looks at their minder gratefully.
[21:13] <Alicia> "Well... I suppose if we've got two of 'em right on our door then I shouldn't need to worry myself," Alicia seems to relax a bit.
[21:13] <Kotono> He chuckles at that, pushing up his glasses. "Ideally you will have no situation to require any sort of hazard." At that, he glances back. Two guards approach, and he turns back. "Well then, good day, you two."
[21:14] <Alicia> "Yeah, yeah... anyway, let's get this place straightened out, I suppose?" Alicia mutters, turning her attention to their new home away from home.
[21:14] <Seira> "Good day!" Seira returns happily.
[21:14] <Kotono> So the two guards stay just outside, polite and distant...OOC - Ball's in your court at the moment. What are you going to do?
[21:15] <Alicia> OOC: straighten up the shop a bit, then go out for food and take in the local colour?
[21:16] <Seira> OOC: Unpack alchemical supplies~
[21:19] <Kotono> Seira begins to unpack and Alicia tidies up. As Alicia prepares to head out, she finds the guards waiting at the door. "Ma'am," one of the two asks, a typical soldier with trimmed blonde hair and a mace complimenting leather armor.
[21:20] <Alicia> "Hmm?" Alicia grunts, turning to regard the soldier.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Are you going out," he asks, to the point. The other is a lean, middle aged man, constantly chewing on his upper lip.
[21:22] <Alicia> "Yeah. Been eatin' trail rations and whatever I could catch for the bast few weeks. Be nice to have some proper food," she explains curtly. "Got any recommendations around here, ah... what's yer name, anyway?"
[21:22] <Alicia> *past few
[21:23] <Kotono> "I'm sorry, but we have no instructions to allow you out of the house as it stands," The lip chewer mutters around his own flesh, and then, "Pierto."
[21:24] <Alicia> "Wait, what?" Alicia's expression twists into a surprised grimace. "Why the hell not? I thought we were invited businesspeople not... not prisoners! What's this all about?"
[21:24] <Seira> "Mmm, such a nice lab," Seira murmurs, approaching Alicia in a dreamy state. "Who would want to leave?"
[21:24] <Alicia> "Someone who's hungry and sick of your damn cooking!" Alicia fires back irately.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Orders are orders. It's martial law, after all," The other says, with a slight, understanding smile. "Food will be brought soon."
[21:25] <Seira> "Fire is good for you, and it's good for your food, too!" Seira insists, suddenly stern.
[21:25] <Alicia> "Damn well better," Alicia seems slightly mollified, before cocking her head. "Martial law, though? What for? I heard some other soldiers talkin' 'bout undead, but their boss said it was just rumours and crap."

[Corwin]

[18:25] <Kotono> "Orders of His Majesty," the blonde answers correctly, quick and respectful. But his face darkens at that U word, clouding over.
[18:27] <Alicia> "Well, yeah, but that don't explain why. I mean, martial law must have all kinds of problems for the country - folks can't run their business or anythin'... say, how long's curfew last for, anyway? Is there any time durin' the day when people are allowed out, or is everyone just locked up forever until the Emperor changes 'is mind?" Alicia asks, drawling over her probing questions so as to not seem to sharp.
[18:30] <Kotono> "People are allowed out at times," Pietro replies, "Just that you aren't, I believe."
[18:31] <Alicia> "Hah?" Alicia goes slack jawed for a moment. "Why're we gettin' the special treatment?" she asks after a moment, indignation rising.
[18:31] <Kotono> "You're travellers, aren't you?" Pietro says reasonably enough. "You look it."
[18:32] <Alicia> "Yeah, so?" Alicia asks, puffing up her chest. "We ain't got plague or nothin'!"
[18:36] <Kotono> With a shrug, "You're outta town or countriers. They aren't gonna let you run around while martial law's in effect. Border's supposed to be closed."
[18:38] <Alicia> "Bah, shoulda went ta Balmuria..." Alicia complains bitterly, before mincing and adopting a high pitched falsetto, "But no, they have dragons and stuff, it's too dangerous! Malmuth will be way more fun and profitable and healthy!" She shakes her head in disgust, seeming entirely beaten and despondent.
[18:40] <Kotono> "That dragon came here too," The blonde guy looks even more shaken, "Damned dragon then the ghouls..." His mutters are dark, unhappiness spreading.
[18:42] * Alicia slowly looks up at Pietro. "Wait... ghouls? So those rumours - they ain't just rumours, are they?" She looks and sounds a bit shaken, herself.
[18:43] <Kotono> Pietro chews his lip, before reaching over and lightly thwacking the side of the blonde's head. "Idiot..." he mutters. "It's what the rumors say and everyone knows someone that was in the strike force, or helped Sir Clairs..."
[18:43] <Kotono> *Claris
[18:45] <Alicia> "Well, you got a better explanation for why they're lockin' down the city? Why they're so keen to buy up all the alchemic fire they can get?" she hooks a thumb towards Seira. "'Cause I'd sure love ta hear it."
[18:46] <Seira> "Everyone needs fire in their lives!" Seira protests. "Fire makes everything better!"
[18:46] <Kotono> There's some shuffling of feet, before Pietro shrugs. "Maybe we're gonna get back what's rightfully ours," he suggests after a oment.
[18:48] <Seira> "Oh, a war!" Seira exclaims. "That means a lot of business. We might be staying here longer than expected!"
[18:49] <Alicia> "Aye... that's one thing, I s'pose," Alicia relents. "An undead infestation isn't normally something you need to build huge garrisons to deal with..." She glances at Seira, "Fine for business so long as we're not on the front lines," she snorts.
[18:50] <Kotono> Pietro just turns back, "So make lots of that...whatever it is you're gonna make?"
[18:50] <Seira> "Oh, I'm certain Malmuth's armies are no match for... whatever they'll be fighting." She shrugs. "So as long as we stay in Malmuth proper there is no problem!"
[18:51] * Seira grins at Pietro. "I call it... napalm."
[18:52] <Kotono> The blonde man gives Seira a stony glare at those words, turning his back and muttering something about foreigners.
[18:53] <Alicia> "I expect the definition of what 'Malmuth proper' is will depend on who ye ask," Alicia stretches, glancing between the two soldiers. "Try not to get yourselves killed fightin' the good fight, and don't mind the boss." She *almost* sounds apologetic. "She'll change her opinion of yer chances just as soon as she gets to seel a few loads of alchemist's fire to your bosses."
[18:54] <Alicia> *to sell
[18:55] <Kotono> The guards stay silent to that, going back to keeping a watch on anyone coming in or out...OOC - Ball's in your court at the moment. What are you guys going to do now, or do you want to wait?
[18:55] <Alicia> OOC: I'm good for the moment.
[18:58] <Seira> OOC: I want to recast the spells of magic aura hiding the next day on my stuff, and spend about a week crafting, before trying to sneak out.
[18:58] <Kotono> OOC: The first two are easy, but you wanna cool your heels here a week basically and craft?
[18:59] <Seira> OOC: Let's make napalm~
[19:00] <Alicia> OOC: if we're spending that long can I make some sort of gather info check to see what else I can pry from our guards and any other visitors over the course of the week pertaining war plans?
[19:00] <Seira> OOC: I am so aiding
[19:00] <Alicia> OOC: wait, I suck at gather info - you roll and I'll aid?
[19:00] <Alicia> OOC: wait, I don't suck, I'm actually not bad. +10
[19:01] <Kotono> OOC: You can if you like, Seira.
[19:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 aid
[19:01] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+7 1,0aid --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{21}
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 let's not fail
[19:02] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d20+12 1,0let's not fail --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{18}
[19:07] <Kotono> A few days pass, food brought to you. On the fifth day the guards do so, but the two look nervous and drawn. They keep their eyes down, Pietro nearly biting his lip off as they keep guard.
[19:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+16
[19:07] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+16 --> 1,0[ 1d20=16 ]12,0{32}
[19:08] <Alicia> "What's wrong?" Alicia asks the guards, making conversation. "You two seem even tighter wound than usual," she drawls.
[19:09] <Kotono> The blonde soldier just looks away, shaking his head. Pietro mutters something under his breath...
[19:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 listen to the muttering!
[19:10] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0listen to the muttering! --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{10}
[19:10] <Alicia> OOC: okay, nevermind
[19:10] <Seira> "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," Seira says, yawning as she approaches. "Is our food here, yet?"
[19:10] <Alicia> "What's that?" Alicia prods at the muttering.
[19:13] <Kotono> "...nothing..." Pietro looks away, muttering around his lip.
[19:14] <Alicia> "Come on, you look like a cart ran over yer dog," Alicia presses. "I know this town ain't the most cheerful in the world, but I can tell somethin's up."
[19:15] <Kotono> "...it's here." Pietro blurts out, yet says it in a quiet whisper.
[19:17] <Alicia> "What's here?" Alicia narrows her eyes. "Another dragon? Spit it out, man!"
[19:18] <Kotono> "The undead," Pietro just mutters that, "Might wanna get lots of that fire ready, just in case."
[19:18] <Seira> "Don't be silly, how many dragons can there be?"
[19:18] <Seira> "They're just in time!" Seira exclaims happily. "Are there a lot? Because I've made my extra-fiery fire!"
[19:20] <Alicia> "Awww, by Shar's saggy teats," Alicia curses. "What, is the city under siege by an army of the walking dead? Are they comin' up out of their graves as we speak? Come on, ye cannae say just that and leave us hangin'! Ye even said 'it', as if it were just one of them. What's the story?"
[19:21] <Kotono> Pietro looks down a moment, before shrugging. "It's supposed to be a man who moves like mist, with ghouls all around him. He's...Sir Claris hasn't been able to stop him, and he's one of the Gods Chosen, a cleric."
[19:23] <Alicia> "So where's this mist man, now? What are Malmuth's finest doin' about 'im?" Throwing up her hands in despair, "I *knew* comin' here was a bad idea!"
[19:25] <Seira> "Hey, now," Seira tells Alicia. "You don't need gods! All you need is a helpful flame to deal with undead!"
[19:27] <Kotono> "I heard they're trying to find him," The blonde man adds, "But it's like looking for a shadow at night."
[19:27] <Kotono> "I heard he's in town..." Pietro adds aftera moment, "That he's here to harvest all the soldiers."
[19:27] <Seira> "Don't you have more than one champion?" Seira asks in surprise.
[19:28] <Kotono> "OF course...there's General Olburt here, too, but if Sir Claris has failed it's not a good sign," Pietro adds back.
[19:29] <Seira> "When you say 'failed'... he's still around, right? He just lost sight of this misty character?"
[19:31] <Kotono> "That's teh word," Pietro adds, thoughtfully. "No one can find 'im, it sounds like."
[19:32] <Seira> "When you need something found, go to a rogue, not a holy man," Seira says, trying to sound wise.
[19:34] <Kotono> "If Sir Pallan was here..." The blonde man thinks to that thoughtfully. "I heard of him. he's like that."
[19:34] <Seira> "Well, can't your general or governor call this Sir Pallath over, then?" Seira asks the pair of soldiers.
[19:37] <Kotono> "I dunno, he could," With a shrug after a few moments, "It's not my call to make. Maybe it's already happened?"
[19:38] <Seira> "Maybe," Seira agrees. "So what should I work on, next? Anti-personnel or anti-ghoul fire? True, fire is most versatile, but I work best with a target in mind."
[19:38] <Alicia> "I hope they've got somethin' planned... I don't want ta get turned into a zombie or ghoul or whatever..." Alicia shivers.
[19:41] <Seira> "I will be sure to set your soul free in that unhappy occurence," Seira assures Alicia.
[19:46] <Kotono> The two seem to be content to go quiet after that, settling down into a nervous, quiet guardsmanship.
[19:48] <Kotono> OOC: Ball's in your court againt o do things or waita s you wish.
[19:50] <Alicia> OOC: Skip along to nighttime?
[19:50] <Seira> OOC: There are lowly commoners around with no will saves, they will be Charmed
[19:50] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[19:50] <Kotono> Night comes, an uneasiness spreading over mlitarized Valandia...
[19:52] <Alicia> Alone in their shop, Alicia seems uneasy herself. "I know we're here to spy, and any difficulties Malmuth has are good for Balmuria," she begins to Seira, "But I simply can't stand by while undead threaten the innocent - this goes beyond politics."
[19:54] <Seira> "I have warned them, but clearly, they either did not treat my warning seriously, or I overestimated their abilities." Seira frowns. "I agree. However, as you've said, we are here to gather information, and whatever the result of this undead hunt, we need it. I believe I should take care of that part."
[19:56] <Alicia> "Do what you must, but if I can find a way to end this threat then believe me I'll do it," Alicia states firmly, briefly checking over her armour and weapon, sad as they are compared to what she usually dons. "Let's see if we can sneak out without alerting our guards?"
[19:57] <Seira> "Before that...." Seira pauses briefly. "Do you remember all that you have been told about Febras? Is there further information you require?"
[19:59] <Alicia> "Good at showing up mysteriously? Claims to be a skilled tracker? Genius level intellect?" Alicia rattles off, frowning. "I don't think you ever said anything about what he can actually do in a fight."
[20:02] <Seira> "It never came to that, but he should have some modest talent to avoid pursuit or, perhaps, even certain attacks. There is more on the weapon he uses," Seira says, detailing what was found in Febras's notes. "In any case, I believe it would be best if any information you discover about him is anonymously delivered to the Malmuthian army, rather than forcing us to act directly."
[20:04] <Alicia> "Perhaps. I'll see what I can see... I can't say I won't interfere if I see him or any ghouls tonight. What about your plans?"
[20:06] <Seira> "Go and ask around, use an illusion or two to keep my identity safe. In the unlikely event that I am surrounded and cannot extricate myself, I will send out a signal flare, so to speak, into the sky. If you happen to see that, please leave this place at once."
[20:07] <Alicia> "Got it," Alicia nods, before going to take a look out their second floor windows to see where the guards are.
[20:13] <Kotono> OOC: Cor, outline your prep in here?
[20:15] * Seira ditches the armor, taking only her short sword along, and then casts a disguise spell to make herself look like a Malmuthian city dweller, followed by pass without trace and finally invisibility, to sneak out quietly past the guards.
[20:17] <Kotono> Seira walks out carefully between the two guards - it's a different pair at night, keeping stern faced. They stand there, looking ahead...OOC - Move silently check here.
[20:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[20:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+12 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{15}
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[20:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{6}
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[20:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{6}
[20:21] <Kotono> The guards don't even react as Seira slips by and past them!
[20:22] * Seira heads for a nearby tavern!
[20:24] <Kotono> The taverns are mainly in the southern part of the town, where traders from inside Malmuth come. Most inns are there as well, notably.
[20:27] * Seira intends to make as much distance from her temporary prison as she can while her invisibility holds, and then duck into a convenient ally, after which she would try to find a group of people out on the streets. Barring that, she would make the trip to one of the taverns on her own.
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC - How long does inviz last?
[20:30] <Seira> OOC: 8 minutes for me
[20:34] <Kotono> Seira makes it much of the way along, eventually ducking into an alley as her spell ends. Notably, she observes that not many but soldiers walk the streets at night, especially in the abandoned district.
[20:37] * Seira continues heading towards a tavern!
[20:41] <Kotono> Seira is able to finish the trip without incident. The nearest Tavern is the Star of Malmuth, people inside, clustered in around the light.
[20:43] * Seira makes her way inside, taking a place at the bar unobtrusively. She doesn't flag the bartender, instead satisfied with waiting to see what happens and listening to the snippets of conversation.
[20:46] <Kotono> The innkeep is a rather old man with a potbelly, but he keeps the drinks flowing. As Seira settles in and listens, "...third time this week. Dammit, I thought..." "I met General Olburt, but I'm still a little uneasy." "...when they found the body..." "If the trading would just stop or let us know, but as long as it isn't we keep sending more for iron..."
[20:48] * Seira listens more to that last conversation, since it seems jarringly different from the others.
[20:49] <Kotono> It's a gray haired man talking to a slightly older one, both of them showing years on them but wearing decen tclothing. "Yes, I know. If we get a shipment pinched off, it'll eat a large chunk of our profits for the last several."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Got to try anyway, the one from last week should be getting back in a day or so," The first man clears his throat after, drinking. "While it's still so luractive, anyway."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Eh." A grunt there, "Be more if we don't get our fingers smashed for going too many times," The other cautions.
[20:57] <Kotono> The other waves the bartender, getting another drink. "Still. It's about time to gather what we've got and brace down for awhile."
[20:59] <Seira> "There's still business going on even with all the bodies being discovered?" Seira asks, approaching the pair. She appears apologetic. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear. My brother's been working as a guard for some transports, and he told me the other day they've been given severance pay ahead of time. I figured it was the same all over."
[21:00] <Kotono> The two look at Seira, the older one shrugging. "Which outfit is he with," he asks, "...guess it's really winding up, then. The damned undead stuff is just horrible timing on top of it, isn't it?"
[21:03] <Seira> "What was it again...?" Seira looks confused, briefly, before naming one of the Malmuthian companies she came across during her official duties, misprouncing the name on purpose. "I think that was it, anyway. He didn't talk much about work, always used to say it's ninety-nine percent boring, never-changing scenery passing you by." She sighs. "It is, yes. Horrible timing. Boring or not, business with the Baronies used to be so profitable..
[21:03] <Seira> .."
[21:06] <Kotono> "A shame," The second man says agreeably, "Ah well..." The two exchange a look, "Times change, do they not?"
[21:06] * Seira nods, and orders a drink from the bartender. "How about you? Who do you work for?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "We run one of the trading ventures. Joint partners. The iron trade'sgood money right now," H e says with agreeableness. "Even with government sponsored traders doing most of it."
[21:11] <Seira> "I guess you're not in any danger of layoffs, then," she comments, cracking a smile.
[21:14] <Kotono> The older shrugs, "...we'll see. Nothing official yet, but if it does happen, we'll be losing a lot of meny to being enlisted, anyway."
[21:16] <Seira> "I don't think that will happen," Seira saying, frowning cutely. "Sure, enlistment sounds like a great idea, but it hurts all the working people, and then no one can pay taxes no more. So it's got to be bad for the country, too, don't you think?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "Depends on what you get for it," the older man says after a moment, "If it's worth the disruptions.?"
[21:18] <Seira> "Well, yeah," she agrees uneasily. "But there's no such thing as a bloodless war. What can you get that's worth all the loss of life?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "You should know the answer to that, girl," The older man observes pointedly, "What's part of our natural territory is what, so we don' have to bankrupt ourselves."
[21:23] * Seira frowns once more. "I can live here just fine without ever leaving, so it's not like I need more places I'll never go to. But I suppose countries and kings have different ideas, right?"

[Corwin]

[20:14] <Kotono> "Kings get to see it all," The older man nods agreeably, "They're not like us, bound to just a narrow vision."
[20:21] * Dracos (~Hate@adsl-69-106-243-184.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has left #dunes (Leaving)
[20:21] <Seira> "Think they're too broad, sometimes?" Seira asks, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Third time this week, and all. Maybe we're too far away from the capital, and the spoils of war are just too tempting for something like that to get much notice over there?"
[20:25] <Kotono> All you get is a shrug, "If anyon e can get us right again, it's King Ferdi," The younger says with a bit of energy. "If he says we need to do that, we will."
[20:27] * Seira nods with a fair bit less energy, but still largely positive. "Thank you," she tells the pair. "It may not have seemed like much to you, but just getting all this off my chest was a huge relief. Sometimes you just need someone to help you get your confidence back, you know?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Why dont you sit down," The older smiles agreeably, standing up and pulling out a chair.
[20:28] * Seira takes up the invitation, thanking him as she sits.
[20:30] <Kotono> "Well," Smiling a tiny bit as he sits back down after SEira, "Fixing the mistakes of the two previous Kings...King Ferdi understands, at least."
[20:31] * Seira nods enthusiastically at that. "Even with all this recent... well, you know, who doesn't? King Ferdi is still the best thing that happened to us, when it all comes down to it."
[20:34] <Kotono> "He is. We're going to get our wind back and lick 'em in return," The younge rdakes a big pull of his drink, "We had no business losing in the first place."
[20:35] * Seira nods, a bit more somber this time around. "I don't really get it. How can someone as big as us lose to a tiny speck? In war, it's all about size and soldiers and that, right?"
[20:40] <Kotono> "Good tactics? Luck? INcompetence?" The older man snorts, a shake of his head. "Politics, too."
[20:44] <Seira> "Do you know anything about the politics, back then?" Seira asks, badly concealed excitement at hearing a potential story clearly coming through.
[20:46] <Kotono> "Oh, a little..." THe older one once again pauses, waving for a new drink. "It's all old history, relatively. King Sardian failed, then Balmuth was horribly incompetent..." A shakes of his head, "All because we couldn't manage to put down an overglorified peasant revolt."
[20:49] <Seira> "But we can, now, can't we?" Seira asks, urging him on. "King Ferdi is competent, and trained a real army?"
[20:54] <Kotono> Around you the tavern warmly buzzes, discussion aided with ale going on all around you. A waitress goes around, delivering drinks to those not at the bar, compilmented by the clattering of silver and copper coins onto her tray. "We can now..." The younger one nods enthuisastically, "Loko at Valandia!"
[20:56] * Seira blinks. "But... weren't those reinforcements to deal with you-know-what?" She looks to the side to make sure she isn't being overheard.
[20:57] <Kotono> "Well...yes...the current problem is an issue," The older one lowers his voice as well, "But it will resolve in time."
[20:59] <Seira> "And some soldiers came even before that..." Seira says slowly, as if only just putting two pieces of the puzzle together.
[21:02] <Kotono> "Well yes, naturally," The older one nods, "We're focusing on the inside now, I say, and fixing things here first!"
[21:03] * Seira nods slowly, forcing a smile even as she tries to keep the appearance of shock on her face. "I guess that's why you don't put people like me at the top. Wow...."
[21:04] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Seira can momentarily hear a distant yell outside.  A few people glance, but most aren't even distractd.
[21:04] <Kotono> "It's all about setting it up," the younger agrees, finishing off another drink in one huge swallow.
[21:04] * Seira decides to pay a bit more attention towards the outside, and any other yells the darkness might produce, even as she continues making small talk with the pair.
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC - Listening check since you're trying to hear outside of a fairly noisy tavern.
[21:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 haha
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 haha and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
[21:09] <Kotono> There's a bit of noise outside, but Seira can't identify it coherently. "See, once we finish the job off, we're even stronger again and can focus on doing what we should be," The younger says, waving for another drink.
[21:10] <Seira> "What's that?" Seira asks, looking gobsmacked from all this information.
[21:11] <Kotono> The older once glances, "Soldiers making noise?" He ventures with a shrug, "Probably just changing shift?"
[21:11] <Kotono> A few others look, one starting to quietly pray and the owner of the tavern starting to scowl. "Close the damned door!"  he calls.
[21:18] * Seira shivers, and tries to focus on the conversation. "You were saying?" she asks, voice shaking slightly. "About doing what we should be doing?"
[21:21] <Kotono> The older once glances as the door's closed, "Excuse me a moment..." he murmurs, going to talk to the innkeep.
[21:26] * Seira excuses him, seeming to focus on the younger man for conversation.
[21:27] <Kotono> He looks on, as the mood in the tavern starts to darken. "What's wrong..." he mutters, looking at Seira.
[21:28] <Seira> "Didn't you hear?" she asks him quietly, looking scared. "A scream outside."
[21:29] <Kotono> The younger one blances entirely, "Is it..that thing?" he looks to the closed door with a look of alarm.
[21:29] <Seira> "You've seen it?" Seira asks, recoiling.
[21:31] <Kotono> "N..no..." The younger man shakes his head, as there is a pounding on the door. "City Patrol!" one yells, "Open the door!"
[21:33] <Kotono> After some hesitation the door is opened, a few soldiers coming in. They glance around briefly, then, "Alright, stay in here for now," he says brusquely after a cursory inspection.
[21:33] * Seira has no problem staying there for now.
[21:34] <Kotono> After about an hour more soldiers return, instructing everyone to return home. The streets are safe and it's time to call it a night.
[21:36] * Seira knows how much her invisibility would last, and times it to trigger from an alley she ducks into, with time enough to get inside, out again and inside once more should she wish. She also recasts pass without trace for a quiet track with the aid of her pearl.

[Corwin]

[20:14] <Kotono> Alicia goes to the window and looks out. The sky is cloudy with bits of moon and starlight giving faint illumination above. Below occasional torches light the way, patrols of soldiers walking the streets.
[20:16] * Alicia checks all the windows in order to find which one does not offer any view for wandering soldiers.
[20:17] <Kotono> There is one on fthe side that gives good cover, down to between the this building and the next. The street below is quite clean, but no soldiers really have an easy view.
[20:18] <Alicia> Taking a moment to cast Shield on herself, Alicia clambers out the window and climbs up onto the roof of her building!
[20:18] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d100 --> 1,0[ 1d100=93 ]12,0{93}
[20:18] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 on climb for 20
[20:19] <Kotono> With some effort Alicia wrangles from the window to the roof, scuffing herself up but reaching the light, patched roof. In the quiet, abandoned quarter buildings are close together and range from 1 to 3 stories. Towards the south lies activity again and eventually the gate further into the Empire and out of town. To the north the garrisons and buildings loom, often tall and very spaced out.
[20:22] <Alicia> With her eyes able to discern any traces of evil that fall within her view, Alicia begins to jump from building to building, heading methodically to the South and occassionally stopping or taking diversions to avoid the thoughtfully well lit patrolling guards below.
[20:22] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 35 on all my jumps unless threatened
[20:25] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and make a generic spot check for me for various references?
[20:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
[20:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{4}
[20:28] <Kotono> To be fair there are rare, occasional blips of faint evil - out of the many soldiers, there are a few that have dark hearts. But nothing noteworthy as she hops around, reaching the edge of the abandoned district. Right now it's just...quiet.
[20:30] * Alicia finds the tallest building on the border between the abandoned district and the real town, spending a few moments atop it and surveying the rest of the town as she observes the patrol patterns of the guards up and about, as well as looking for any areas that show signs of life this late at night.
[20:34] <Kotono> This is a three story mass with a fairly wide roof. As Alicia looks about, there's a few torches gathered far to the east at the edge of the abandoned district, enough to make a notable light going.
[20:36] <Alicia> After spending a few moments surveying said patterns, Alicia moves into the town, proper, heading vaguely Southwest but intending to complete a rough circle of the city before heading back, still showing the same caution whenever a patrol is seen nearby.
[20:48] <Kotono> As Alicia winds back over the forgotten districts, she glacnes at the dark street. It's a chance filled thing, but she swears she sees something moving in a blur down there, no torches, but just moving.
[20:49] <Alicia> Is it... evil?
[20:49] <Kotono> Alicia does not detect any evil.
[20:51] <Alicia> Well... even so, blurry? Doesn't that sound like the mist man the soldiers spoke about? With nothing else to get her attention, Alicia studies the blurry thing more carefully, following it from her vertical vantage if it happens to move away.
[20:51] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
[20:52] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{6}
[20:52] <Alicia> OOC: Alas, I am struck blind!
[20:52] <Kotono> Alicia finds she can't get much of alook at it and it moves like the wind. Within a few moments it's over a long street away, with a faint fluiditiy that leaves Alicia wondering what in the worlds could go like that.
[20:54] <Alicia> Well, hey! Alicia can move pretty fast herself! And she does, jumping along the buildings beside it to keep up! Clearly whatever it is is nothing good.
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC - How fast can you move, Alicia?
[20:55] <Alicia> OOC: speed 40
[20:56] <Kotono> Alicia runs and hops! Bein gon the roofs helps slightly, but the man below moves with as peed that leaves the paladin stunned. Just gliding along and keeping to the shadows even as it does, almost seeming to defy the very laws of nature. It's about a street ahead of Alicia and slowly expanding it's lead.
[20:57] * Alicia does her best to follow - it'll have to stop, sometime. If she can just keep on its trail, that'll be enough.
[20:59] <Kotono> Alicia sees the man heading for a patrol ahead, but skillfully he goes to the nearest one story building and...with a casual, practiced leap reaches the roof with a running jump, landing atop in a crouch in a mere instant.
[21:02] * Alicia considers confronting him here, but decides against it with a patrol so close. Instead she continues shadowing him, using the opportunity to close the gap but not pressing just yet - instead she tries to maintain higher ground nearby, so that she can get to him when the time and place is right.
[21:02] <Kotono> He stops at first, stepping to the far side of that roof, seeming tow atch the patrol go. He's not moving for a little bit, at least, as they pass by.
[21:04] * Alicia ponders a moment. What cover does she have available on this rooftop?
[21:04] <Kotono> There's not much - most of the roofs are fairly flat and without note, beyond some having angled slopes on the sides.
[21:06] <Alicia> Not worth the risk of exposing herself just to draw attention to him when the patrol passes. Therefore Alicia elects to watch and wait, for the moment...
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC: ARe you going to stay far away or get any closeR?
[21:09] <Alicia> OOC: I plan on being on the nearest building that's at least 3 storeys tall. Unless there are none like that nearby, in which case I shall revise my planning.
[21:09] <Kotono> OOC: There's one two buildings away.
[21:10] <Alicia> OOC: works for me
[21:10] <Alicia> OOC: I'll cast detect magic while I wait
[21:10] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[21:10] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d100 --> 1,0[ 1d100=17 ]12,0{17}
[21:14] <Kotono> Alicia does not detect any magic. Meanwhile he waits until they are passed, then smoothly leaps down fromt he roof, landing with nary a sound.
[21:15] <Alicia> OOC: how far away are the guards?
[21:15] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[21:15] <Kotono> Alicia detects something at his side radiates magic. Meanwhile he waits until they are passed, then smoothly leaps down from the roof, landing with nary a sound. The guards are about seventy feet away now, heading in the opposite direction.
[21:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 spellcraft for a laugh
[21:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Alicia rolled :1,0 1d20+5 1,0spellcraft for a laugh --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{12}
[21:17] * Alicia jumps over to the next nearest building, before waiting a second to see which way her quarry goes and then resuming her pursuit!
[21:20] <Kotono> He's heading northward this time, skillfully moving along, barely even seen as he moves damnably fast!
[21:21] * Alicia gives it her all as she pursues! She'll corner this fiend, yet!

[Corwin]

[20:15] <Kotono> OOC - Making any efforts to hide or just purely chasing?
[20:15] <Alicia> OOC: I'll try to move silently unless he starts drastically pulling away
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC - Make a check on it?
[20:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+3
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
[20:19] <Kotono> Moving as fast and as silently as she can Alicia hurries along! But the figure stops next to the side of ab uilding, leaping up another one story house. He stops there, back to you and waiting ahead, unmoving.
[20:21] <Alicia> Well, Alicia sure isn't one to turn down an invitation. Jumping down onto the same building, Alicia slowly draws forth her sword. Not attacking, simply giving him a moment to respond to her presence. For all that she's heard, she doesn't know this man, and considers a sneak attack to be unbecoming.
[20:23] <Kotono> You finally get a looka t him. He wears a thin looking gray cloak, over rich looking blue clothes. A wide brimmed hat hides his face, blonde hair glimpsed. "What is it you want?" His voice is quiet, calm. Around you is darkness, no patrols within a few blocks.
[20:24] <Alicia> "Febras, I presume?" Alicia asks, slowly and deliberately shifting her blade in a one-handed grip to her side, seemingly relaxed but ready to bring it forth for a guard or strike in an instant.
[20:27] <Kotono> "...hmph. Another of the Empire's champions?" His voice is still quiet as he turns to you. His face is a blur of nighttime shadow, hidden by the brim of his hat. He pulls the brim down farther with one hand, a plain gold ring on his hand, shadowed byt he night. "Have you come to battle me?"
[20:30] <Alicia> "I have no love for Malmuth. But your crimes have spread beyond these borders, and demand redress," Alicia ever so slowly shakes her head, cold turquoise eyes remaining focused on Febras the entire time. "You have sinned against all that is good and just, Febras," she concludes, raising her blade to level directly at his heart, "And on behalf of those who could not, I will exact vengeance."
[20:32] <Kotono> "My luck is good..." FEbras starts to laugh a little, warmth in that laugh. Surprisingly so for a moment, before he looks up. His face is just barely hidden. "Some sort of holy adventurer? A revenge seeker? A priest? I have no business in this town now; swear away and I have no desire to harm you. Our paths need not cross."
[20:32] <Kotono> After a moment of quiet after taht, "If not..." He simply lets his hands relax, one going to the side of his belt, where a rapier hangs.
[20:33] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5447dada.wfd93.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[20:33] * Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
[20:37] <Alicia> "You think I would let you walk away after what you have done?" Alicia replies, affronted. "Draw steel and face death, you cur!" she challenges, eyes blazing with indignation.
[20:37] <Alicia> roll 1d100 nerveskitter
[20:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 1,0nerveskitter --> 6,0[ 1d100=84 ]4,0{84}
[20:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 init
[20:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0init --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{21}
[20:39] <Kotono> He slowly draws his blade, hat still hiding his face. "A pity...but if you are a true champion, then perhaps you will be worthwhile after your defeat?" The soft draw of steel echos in the still, warm night air, as Febras awaits!
[20:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{30}
[20:39] * Kotono changes topic to 'Febras>Alicia'
[20:39] <Kotono> Febras stays where he is, unmoving, waiting...
[20:39] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=61 ]4,0{61}
[20:41] <Alicia> roll 1d4+2
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d4+2 --> 6,0[ 1d4=4 ]4,0{6}
[20:41] * Alicia raises her blade, almost as if in a salute, before she sweeps it violently to the side as six doubles of her each step out to flank the holy knight, obscuring which one is real!
[20:42] <Kotono> "...as I thought." He murmurs into the night air, "Tell me then," he awaits, unmoving still, "Why do you wish to challenge me?" Febras waits...
[20:45] <Alicia> "The dead should lay still in their graves. Do you deny your sins?" Alicia asks, taking advantage of his stalling to murmur a brief prayer to Mystra that her aim be blessed.
[20:48] <Kotono> Yet still unmoving, Febras continues to wait. "I do not..." he murmurs, gently tossing his hat to the side. He has a waiting smile on his face, green eyes like a cat's hunting gaze. "Yet I do not actively seek out to kill. My trip in this land is for a friend, little else."
[20:50] <Alicia> "You say you do not seek it, but nor do you avoid it," Alicia replies coldly. "Enough talk, have at you!" And with that, all seven grimy bounty hunters/disguised holy knights lunge forward, cutting a series of terrific horizontal slashes through Febras!
[20:50] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 -6 power attack
[20:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+26 1,0-6 power attack --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{33}
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[20:50] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19
[20:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+19 --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 ]4,0{22}
[20:52] <Kotono> Febras is struck! He does notm ove fast enough, not quite, the blow grazins his shoulder! Alicia finds it like cutting through hardened steel and not flesh, only making rudimentary scrapings in! As hard as perhaps diamond, only raw, overwhelming power letting a blow do much of any damage! "Goodbye, champion," Febras says, whirling to the side as his rapier begins to work!
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 attack 1
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+25 1,0attack 1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{36}
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 attack 2
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+20 1,0attack 2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{24}
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d7 attack one image
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d7 1,0attack one image --> 6,0[ 1d7=1 ]4,0{1}
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d7 attack two image
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d7 1,0attack two image --> 6,0[ 1d7=4 ]4,0{4}
[20:55] <Kotono> roll 1d8+16
[20:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+16 --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 ]4,0{19}
[20:56] <Kotono> The first blow goes past all the images, penetrating deeply into Alicia's shoulder! Febras glides to the side like smoke blowing in the wind, rapier withdrawn and almost absently obliterating the head of one of the images! The sound of clashing metal is heard, the soft drips of blood to the ground a counterpoint to it!
[20:57] <Alicia> "Ahhh!" Alicia hisses in pain, staggering back half a step before grinning savagely and tucking back into a diving roll to clear some distance from Febras so he'll have to work if he wants to hit her again.
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble check
[20:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0DC 15 tumble check --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{15}
[20:57] <Alicia> Springing to her feet afterwords, her hands twist through arcane patterns, motes of flame starting to dance off...
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=81 ]4,0{81}
[20:58] <Alicia> "Holy flame, burn the unclean thing!" she hisses as a dozen rays of searing hot fire blast forth from each of her images, converging on Febras!
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 ranged touch 1
[20:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0ranged touch 1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{15}
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 ranged touch 2
[20:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0ranged touch 2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{15}
[21:00] <Kotono> The beams all converge on FEbras...or where he was! A split second before that he surges forward, an expert charge as evades them all at once! He comes up to in front of Alicia, striking out at her with a thrust!
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27 charge
[21:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+27 1,0charge --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{38}
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 1d6 image
[21:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 1,0image --> 6,0[ 1d6=4 ]4,0{4}
[21:01] <Kotono> With a quick strike an image to the left of Alicia has it's eye poked out, rapier travelling into it's brains! IT vanishes a moment later, Febras already recovered!
[21:02] <Kotono> Around and far away, you see some torches starting to come this way, but they're a several streets away.
[21:02] <Alicia> If Alicia is disturbed by all the headshots (she is!), it isn't showing, as she cartwheels to the side and away from Febras, preparing another salvo of searing heat!
[21:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
[21:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0DC 15 tumble --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{14}
[21:02] <Alicia> OOC: he gets an AoO
[21:02] <Kotono> Febras is too quick, lashing out at Alicia and her doubles as she tumbles away!
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25
[21:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+25 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{29}
[21:03] <Kotono> roll 1d5
[21:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d5 --> 6,0[ 1d5=2 ]4,0{2}
[21:03] <Kotono> Another image is skewered through the midsection, winking away as it's stomach gets a new entryway via navel!
[21:03] <Alicia> roll 1d100 fire
[21:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 1,0fire --> 6,0[ 1d100=13 ]4,0{13}
[21:03] <Alicia> Rising up despite the loss of one of her doubles, Alicia pivots and looses off another salvo, now only eight beams converging on Febras!
[21:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 come on, Rei, you like fire!
[21:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0come on, Rei, you like fire! --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{24}
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 come on, Rei, you like fire, of course you do!
[21:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0come on, Rei, you like fire, of course you do! --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{29}
[21:05] <Kotono> OOC - Two hits via touch fun.
[21:05] <Alicia> roll 8d6
[21:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 8d6 --> 6,0[ 8d6=25 ]4,0{25}
[21:07] <Kotono> The barrage of flaming rays are just quick enough, hitting Febras before he can react! They sear his skin, seeming to have some effect! It causes damage, but he seems tough enough to take it! He doesn't even slow as he closes in on Alicia, attacking her once more on the roof, as torches and patrols slowly close in!
[21:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+27 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{39}
[21:08] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d4 --> 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{2}
[21:08] <Kotono> This image meets it's end by it's heart being pierced, winking away in a moment of magic!
[21:09] * Alicia repeats her previous maneuvre, ducking into a tumbling roll under Febras' arm and rising up on his other side and out of melee range as she spins and unleashes another searing blast of fire!
[21:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0DC 15 tumble --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{21}
[21:09] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=31 ]4,0{31}
[21:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 c'mon, show some love for the fire soul knock off
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0c'mon, show some love for the fire soul knock off --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{21}
[21:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 c'mon, show some love for the fire soul knock off
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0c'mon, show some love for the fire soul knock off --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{13}
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC - One hit, thanks MIss Hino.
[21:10] <Alicia> roll 4d6
[21:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 4d6 --> 6,0[ 4d6=8 ]4,0{8}
[21:10] <Kotono> Another raw impacts Febras in the leg, doing some scorching - but not enough to slow him yet! He keeps moving almost too fast to be seen, closing in once more with a relentless energy as he charges!
[21:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
[21:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+27 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{31}
[21:10] <Kotono> roll 1d3
[21:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d3 --> 6,0[ 1d3=2 ]4,0{2}
[21:11] <Kotono> This image vaporizes when a sword destroys it's neck in one piercing thrust, winking away into nothingness!
[21:12] * Alicia glances over briefly at the approaching torches. She really can't afford to be seen, and he's starting to wear her down pretty sorely. "Next time," she snarls, before tumbling away and leaping off the roof opposite where the patrols are coming from, racing into the night and away from the battle!
[21:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
[21:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0DC 15 tumble --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{21}
[21:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25 DC 15 jump to avoid falling damage
[21:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+25 1,0DC 15 jump to avoid falling damage --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{33}
[21:13] <Kotono> Febras chuckles as Alicia flees, "I won't show mercy next time," he warns, "Woman, this path you take is one into the death you fear, as any living human does. Should you continue to follow it, there will be no mercy again." But with that, Febras zips away, moving so smoothly and so fast that it dazzles Alicia's eyes.
[21:15] * Alicia kind of isn't looking since she's away, now. Covering some ground in the alleys of Valandia, she waits until things look to have calmed down before she climbs up onto a nearby building and starts roofhopping back to their temporary abode, taking a fairly wide detour to avoid the site of her recent battle.
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC - Basically hiding until it dies down and then sneaking home?
[21:18] <Alicia> OOC: pretty much
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{4}
[21:19] <Alicia> OOC: I'll cast detect magic when halfway there and take a quick look to see if I can detect any auras like from sneaky undead raising dudes following me to kill me in my sleep
[21:19] <Kotono> OOC: No magic on the way back. Y ou arrive without incident; going to wait on Seira?
[21:20] <Alicia> OOC: Yep, she needs to be appraised of this startling development!

[Corwin]

[18:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ---
[18:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The night is a cloudy one, the rain slowly coming down in occasinal bursts of drizzle. Wet and warm, a night that seems to choke you with steaminess. On this night the city of Valandia rests, quiet savef orthe marching of soldiers.
[18:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Gah.
[18:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The night is a cloudy one, the rain slowly coming down in occasinal bursts of drizzle. Wet and warm, a night that seems to choke you with steaminess. On this night the city of Valandia rests, quiet save forthe marching of soldiers. SEira and Alicia's shop is quiet as well, the occasional passing of soldiers little disruption to sleep or planning, as the case may be.
[18:08] <Seira> One of the windows into Seira's lab had been left open sometime during the early evening, and a modest plume of smoke escapes from it, not showing any signs of stopping. It is through that window that Seira, dressed as the day before and with the same spells cast upon her, takes flight. Her aim is to approach the garrison she stalked out prior from above, slightly over a hundred feet over its roof, and then observe said roof and the rest
[18:08] <Seira> of the grounds visible to her.
[18:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As the smoke mingled in the damp air, Seira takes to the skies. Her destination is easy to find - lit with covered torches and lanterns, bright in the dark night. The roof has perhaps half a dozen soldiers around, armed with long bows. The grounds also have regular patrols going, four sets of 15 men keeping a good pace around.
[18:13] <Seira> Detect Magic is quickly cast, and she descends to a height of sixty feet from the window in question, glancing at her surroundings and her target.
[18:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira detects faint magic around the window. The window has thick, heavy, concealing drapes now, making it impossible to see inside as is.
[18:14] <Seira> OOC: Spellcraft for 28?
[18:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Abjuration.
[18:17] * Seira stays at that range, and instead flies farther up, looking for any soldiers that seem to be chatting amongst themselves as they stand guard or patrol.
[18:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> On the roof, the soldiers are spaced out fairly evenly - not much chat there at all, the logistics simply don't work out. Seira would have to fly down to check on the patrols below.
[18:19] * Seira does so, maintaining a distance of a hundred feet from the accursed window.
[18:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira drifts down to one of the patrols. The first thing she hears is the squad leader, "Turn now and keep an eye out!" he barks, the soldiers behind him doing just that. As Seira gets closer, she can see that there is some quiet chatting amid them. One smothers a yawn in his hand, and to the man at his right, "I hate drawning damned night watch."
[18:25] * Seira lingers around for another minutes, curious to see whether they would mention just whom they think they are on the lookout for, or anything about King Ferdi's visit.
[18:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The one spoken to glances back, a helmet obscuring his features. "Yeah," he drawls, voice thick with an accent, "I heard someone let our divisional leader hear it today. So here we go in the rain." After a pause and keeping his voice low, "Heard it might be more of THOSe problems, but I dunno yet."
[18:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The first one scowls at the sky, a bit of rain plunking down. "Tempus' dick I hope not," he mutters darkly. "We don't need -that-."
[18:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As they march along, the second smothers a slight laugh. "Yeah, yeah. Hate to get turned into a zombie just before it gets interesting around here, you know?"
[18:33] * Seira decides to hang around a few more minutes, while the soldiers talk. Once they stop, she intends on taking a survey of the security outside the building and at the entrance to it, and checking out any possible magical auras.
[18:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Keep it down there! Chat on your off hours!" The leader calls back, the two sighing and turning attention ahead again. The security outside the building is the archers on the roof, the four patrols, and on checking the doors, about six men at each door, too. Looks fairly protected overall, at least on a glance.
[18:36] <Seira> Retreating to a safe distance, Seira refreshes her invisibility spell, just in case, and decides to venture within the building.
[18:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The building is ahead, invisibility refreshed. One could get in from the roof - there's a build in access stairway. One could sneak in one of the guarded doors, or try a window.
[18:37] * Seira decides to fly in past the guards at one of the regular entrances, and take a quick look around.
[18:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The regular entrances aren't open all the time, but some small luck is had, as a fe soldiers come out. It gives Seira an easy way to get in and see if she likes. Inside soldiers stand at stations, and a few walk the halls. It looks well guarded overall.
[18:39] * Seira abandones the idea, and decides to take a quick flight over to another garrison to check on the security there, before returning back to the shop.
[18:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The garrison there looks somewhat less manned - only a few soldiers above and two patrolsaround it. Much less intensive than the last one, but still of note.
[18:47] <Seira> Well, that confirms her suspicions. Time to head back to base.
[18:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Okay, you in a sec, need to catch up Alicia.

[Corwin]

[21:38] <Kotono> Seira gets home without incident. She finds Alicia waiting, tending a shoulder wound...
[21:38] * Seira makes her way towards the knight and heals her without preamble. "How did it go for the other guy?" she asks instead.
[21:38] <Seira> roll 2d8+8
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+8 and gets 17."12 [2d8=5, 4]
[21:39] <Alicia> "He was good," Alicia admits begrudgingly. "I bolted when the patrols started approaching, but to be honest, I had to retreat anyway. I think he was toying with me," she concludes, voice thick with self recrimination.
[21:40] <Seira> "He is good at that," Seira agrees. "Did he get as good a look at you as you did with him?"
[21:41] <Alicia> "No doubt about it," Alicia nods. "Close enough to stab me, after all." Sighing bitterly, she goes on, "I hit him with everything I had, and he barely felt it. Even those devils had more give in their flesh than that... Had to use spells to even phase him."
[21:43] <Seira> "We'll be leaving, then," Seira says, sighing. "I'm pretty much done with my contract, and I'm in no hurry to extend it when someone who can recognize us is nearby."
[21:44] * Alicia slumps a bit. "I apologise. If I hadn't been so reckless..." she idly rubs at her now fully healed shoulder before going on, "Just... he can't be human. So fast and strong it was unbelievable. A rapier should not strike with that much power."
[21:49] <Seira> "He's not fully human," Seira acknolwedges. "May he continue to keep the soldiers busy, and diverted from their intent to strike at us."
[21:51] <Alicia> "Hmph. Scant comfort when he threatens more than just soldiers..." Alicia mutters. "Anyway, I'm going to bed, now. Goodnight."
[21:51] <Seira> "If it is any consolation, his victims are few and far between," Seira says, though it sounds more like an excuse.

[Corwin]

[19:29] <Alicia> While Seira goes to check out the garrison, Alicia decides to use her newfound freedom to explore the city a little and ask around regarding the troop buildup in Valandia.
[19:31] <Kotono> OOC - Anywhere in particular or just general wanderings?
[19:33] <Alicia> OOC: public houses, taverns, and shops
[19:34] <Kotono> OOC: Gather info check?
[19:34] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[19:34] <Alicia> Man, I suck at these.
[19:47] <Kotono> Alicia hunts around a few hours. On coming into a small shop for weapons and armor for the 'active traveller', a weathered man greets Alicia. "In the market for something, like a new sword,"  he offers, looking her over. "You look lik ea traveller."
[19:48] <Alicia> "Maybe..." Alicia ponders. "This one hasn't been doing so great for me lately, I admit," she pats the blade sheathed on her hip.
[19:50] <Kotono> "Let me see it? I'll do a trade in if it looks salvagable," he offers with a smile, "Where you been lately?"
[19:52] <Alicia> "Been up in the barbarian lands," Alicia admits, unsheathing the sword and handing it over. "It's a fine blade, but some things you just can't hurt with plain steel..."
[19:52] <Kotono> Hefting it and swinging ita f ew times, you notice he has a nasty limp. "It's balanced enough," he agrees. "What are you looking for, then?"
[19:53] <Alicia> "Got anything in silver?" Alicia asks thoughtfully. There was some speculation that Febras was a lycanthrope, she remembers.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Silver, eh?" Scowling a moment and getting up, "I might have some left in the back. I had a few on display, but a couple bought them up last week with that scare. Were you in town for it?"
[19:57] * Alicia nods. "Heard a bit of it... guess there must be a lot of demand for weapons and armour with all the new soldiers getting stationed here, though?"
[19:58] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," He agrees, going through a door a moment. After a few seconds he comes back with a sheathed longsword.  "I don't sell to the military, only travellers and normal citizens." Hesnorts, "I get away with it since I've been here about ten years and I'm small. Almost every other arms or armor s hop sells to them.".
[20:00] <Alicia> "Prefer a more discerning customer?" Alicia grins faintly, holding out a hand to give the prospective purchase a try.
[20:00] <Kotono> "I'd rather make one good sword t han ten passable ones," he agrees, sword and sheath handed over. "This is plated with alchemical silver, so it should work well on certain creatures - you do know the types if you're looking for one, yes?"
[20:02] * Sierra-OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT (~Melanchth@pool-71-163-229-245.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[20:03] <Alicia> "Lycanthropes, devils, that sort of thing?" Alicia muses, giving the sword a few experimental swings to see how well it handles.
[20:05] <Kotono> It looks to be well enough made. "Yes, and it slightly lacks cutting power compared to a pure iron or steel blade," he agrees, watching Alicia work over a mane of gray/white hair. "Though it more than makes up for it on the right opponent, if you're so unlucky as to come across one."
[20:06] <Alicia> OOC: well made enough as in masterwork?
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: You'd guess so offhand.
[20:11] <Alicia> "Could be useful..." Alicia agrees thoughtfully. "I'll give you one hundred gold plus my current sword for it," she offers.
[20:14] <Kotono> "Very well," He agrees after a moment, "Going hunting for things best left alone?"
[20:16] <Alicia> "I just have bad luck in that respect," Alicia snorts, handing over the sheath for her old sword and setting the silver one on the counter as she begins to count out gold to finalise the transaction.
[20:18] <Kotono> "It happens. Reason Im' here instead of ...well hell, I'd probably be buried somewhere or another now if I hadn't gotten this limp." With a broad shouldered shrug, "Might wanna stick around if it's your flavor - goodchance there's going to be bloodshed around soon, if that's your speed."
[20:19] <Alicia> "So what happened to give you the limp, if you don't mind my asking?" Alicia asks as she counts out coins.
[20:21] <Kotono> "Same as where you came from..." As he watches the coins being counted, "I was poking around the Barbarian Lands after a bounty. I never found the bastard, but I did find a lost elven patrol dealing with some goblins. They mistook me in the heat of it and I got an arrow in the leg. Never was quite right after, didn't get it healed."
[20:23] <Alicia> "Why didn't you get it healed?" Alicia asks, frowning a bit. "Those things, if you catch them fast enough you'll be fine, but if you leave it... it'll take the sort of magic they can't put in a bottle to fix."
[20:24] <Kotono> "I was out of potions of that sort, and the elves blew me off. Bastards," Scowling darkly about them, "By the time I got back to Tauret it was entirely too late. But...hell, I was starting to lose my step anyway, so maybe it was for the best."
[20:26] * Alicia shakes her head sadly. "That's a shame... Mmmm, so, what's that about bloodshed in the offing here, anyway?" she asks as she finishes putting ten neat stacks of ten golden coins on the counter. "I suppose all those troops aren't coming to Valandia for the weather?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "My money, it's either saber rattling...or a war." He looks on with a knowing look, "The new king's trying to be strong, and ever since that war with the Baronies breaking away, things haven't been quite right. Won't know until it happens, if you want to stay clear of it,  I'd get going now, too."
[20:29] <Kotono> After a moment, "If you have anything else going on, consider it friendly advice. Woman or not, you could get unlucky enough to get entangled."
[20:31] <Alicia> "Hmph, and I thought the army didn't take the fairer sex," Alicia snorts as she sheathes her new blade. "Still, your point is well taken. I don't want to be stuck here if it becomes the front line of a war, and you're not the first person I've met who thinks it's coming. I probably will move on, soon."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Good luck out there," he offers, "In the market for anything else today?"
[20:34] <Alicia> "I think this'll be enough," Alicia smiles and pats her new sword. "Thanks and good day to you." And with that, she departs.

[Corwin]

1

[Corwin]

2

[Corwin]

3

[Corwin]

<MISSING LOGS circa 28-08-2007>

[18:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ---
[18:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Alicia stares out the window, she finds herself feeling fairly sleepy. It's a natural reaction at night, but one that is distubred by a rapping on the downstairs door.
[18:47] * Alicia slowly rises from her chair and saunters downstairs, grabbing her sword and holding it behind her as she approaches the door. "Shop's closed," she calls brusquely, hoping they'll take the hint.
[18:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Please...help!" It's a woman's voice, sounding lost and weak, scared.
[18:49] <Alicia> Oh, that'll get her attention alright! Quickly opening the door, Alicia surveys the situation before her. "What's the matter?" she asks, uncouth accent melting away.
[18:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A woman wearing a simple dress stumbles in. Her face is rising with bruises, her body shaking. Her dress is torn in several places and isn't worn quite right. "Oh...thank..." she looks at Alicia with wet, empty eyes. "Help..."
[18:51] <Alicia> "What happened?" Alicia takes hold of the woman to steady her, pulling her inside and looking briefly around the street before focusing on her guest. "Who did this?" she adds, voice low and cold.
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Her hair is black and long, her body slender. She's no older than 21 and might be attractive, but it's hard to tell in her condition. "G-...guards.." she whimpers, weakly. "Miss...you have to...help me." She breathes in and out, shaking like a leaf. "Two of them..."
[18:55] <Alicia> "Where are they?" Alicia asks tersely, grip tightening over her swordhilt.
[18:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The tavern...Drago's." She looks up at Alicia, "Two soldiers, one with rotten...rotten breath and the other with a long scar on his hand."
[19:00] <Alicia> If they're not chasing her she's not in immediate danger... she can't let this lie, but on the other hand she can hardly leave this poor girl alone right now. Shutting the door and leaning her sword against the wall beside it, she leads the girl over to sit in a nearby chair. "Here, let me get you a blanket and something to drink," she offers, trying to force aside her seething fury and adopt a more soothing tone.
[19:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> She's easy enough to guide to a seat, just nodding meekly. "Thank you..."
[19:05] * Alicia goes and quickly produces a blanket from her backpack and then starts a fire on the stove to heat up some tea, before handing the blanket to the girl. "What happened?" she asks gently. Yes, it's obvious if you read between the lines, but running off to kill people without having all the facts in hand is very poor form for a knight.
[19:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The poor woman curls up into the blanket, shivering as she does so. "I went for a drink...and they started talking to me, but I didn't like them. They really bothered me, so I left...but they followed and...."
[19:06] * Seira heads into the main area where Alicia is supposed to be alone, dispelling all of her magics but pass without trace and detect magic. She also leaves a black turban atop her head, which ends up covering much of her face.
[19:06] <Seira> "We're closed," she unwittingly repeats the paladin's earlier greeting to their guest.
[19:08] * Alicia glances briefly at Seira before focusing her attention back on their guest. "She was attacked," she distractedly tells the captain. "They followed you, and...?" she then prods the young (but older than said captain) girl.
[19:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Dazedly sniffling, the woman looks up to Seira and then back to Alicia. "They dragged me down, hit me, rippedmy clothe sand then..." She just starts to taer up, folding her head into her hands and crying.
[19:10] <Seira> "A moment," Seira says, disappearing into her working area. She emerges from it with a corked vial. "Alright. I have the fire."
[19:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The woman is busy crying, unable to respond to Seira's proclimation of fiery intent.
[19:12] <Seira> "Want to come along and watch bad people burn?" Seira offers to the woman.
[19:13] * Alicia scowls darkly for a moment before forcing her expression back to something more compassionate and squeezing the woman's hand. "I'll run a bath for you... what's your name?" she asks delicately.
[19:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "..T-.....Tia." She sniffles, looking up dazedly. "No...I never want to see them again!" With a sharp cry she whimpers, shivering.
[19:14] <Seira> "You probably won't," Seira informs her. "Very bad burns. Closed casket funeral."
[19:15] * Alicia nods, going to brew a pot of tea from the now hot water and handing a mug to Tia. "Drink that, I'll draw a bath..." she murmurs, before going to do just that, heating and cleaning the water via prestidigitation.
[19:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The tea is sipped with unsteady hands, "...I see..." she murmurs, just giong quiet and curling into herself. "...this is your shop?" she asks, quietly.
[19:16] <Seira> "I sell fire," Seira responds simply.
[19:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> After a momentary pause, Tia sips her tea. "..oh. You..you work for the soldiers?"
[19:20] * Seira shakes her head. "I believe fire should be shared freely. But I did give the garrison a discount. If you would like to lodge a complaint once your assailants burn, I could probably help you with the red tape."
[19:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Tia looks down at her cup of tea, quiet for a time. She starts to speak a few times, but nothing seems to quite come of it any of those times.
[19:21] <Seira> "There's really nothing I can say to make things better," Seira tells her, sounding apologetic. "I wish I could."
[19:21] * Alicia returns, bath now prepared. "The bath's ready. Will you be okay on your own, or...?" she leaves an unspoken offer hanging, feeling dreadful for the poor girl but knowing she's just not that good at this. Vengeance seems to be her only forte.
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Thank you..." Tia murmurs, "Just...just..." she begins, but instead she shakily gets up. "I...I..." she breathes out after a few moments, "I don'tw ant to be alone."
[19:23] <Alicia> "I understand," Alicia takes the girl's hand, starting to lead her towards the bathroom. "I'll stay as long as you need me to."
[19:24] <Seira> "I... could do that," Seira voices, sounding torn. She gives a long look at the vial in her hand, before sighing. "I'll even pay for the expenses if you go and take care of things."
[19:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Sniffling, the poor girl just manages a weak, quivering smile to the two women. "...thank you, just I..." she looks down.
[19:28] <Alicia> "You don't need to say anything," Alicia shakes her head sadly. "Let's just get you cleaned up, first. We'll worry about those two guards later," she promises.
[19:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The bathing goes without incident, as much as such incidents can. Putting her to bed, she shakes her head on the question. "One was named Robert, and the other...I...don't think I got it," she says, apologetically.
[19:33] <Alicia> "It's alright," Alicia gently strokes Tia's brow. "Listen..." she glances uncertainly at Seira, "We might not come back here after this... it'd be best if you left here tomorrow and forgot about us if we don't."
[19:34] <Seira> "We're coming back," Seira says. "Probably. Unless they have a lot of loyal friends."
[19:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...I understand," Tia whispers back, meekly. "Please, please, please be careful."
[19:35] <Alicia> "They're guards. Anything we do to them won't go unanswered," Alicia replies warningly. "But we were leaving anyway, right?"
[19:35] <Seira> "We certainly aren't staying in such a town," Seira affirms.
[19:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> She licks her lips and nods. "Then...Gods be with you," she murmurs, "Thank you."
[19:37] <Alicia> "Take care of yourself, Tia," Alicia smiles briefly, before gathering her things and getting ready to leave.
[19:38] * Seira decides to leave the armor behind, but does bring the sword along. The rest of her things are already with her, aside for the alchemical lab.
[19:39] <Alicia> "So how do you think we should do this?" Alicia asks as they head out.
[19:39] * Seira holds up the vial. "This will give credence to my fireball in a jar claim. It would be nice to stalk away from town in a huff rather than be chased out, dodging patrols, don't you think?"
[19:41] <Alicia> "We will be chased out if we kill two city guards," Alicia points out. "I'd prefer it if we could deal with them a bit more discretely. At least enough so that we won't get attacked as we flee through the gates."
[19:42] <Seira> "Maybe not if we do things right," Seira muses. "Let's try that tavern she mentioned and take it from there."
[19:44] <Alicia> "I'll follow your lead, then," Alicia allows, pausing briefly to cast shield on herself once in sight of the tavern, assuming no one else is nearby to see her casting.
[19:44] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 97."12 [1d100=97]
[19:45] <Seira> "Just remember that I'm low on offensive power on this mission, and especially today," Seira tells Alicia. "I may have to withdraw with the help of magic, before casting invisibility on you as well if things turn bad."
[19:46] <Alicia> "I still have the scroll if needed, so that should be enough to get us out of the city," Alicia replies. "I doubt we'll need much offence unless we get swamped, anyway."
[19:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two approach the tavern after some searching.  Draco's tavern is a single story place, wedged in the middle of the southern district. Music can be heard inside, as well as singing. A beautiful coutnerpoint to the miserable weather outside.
[19:49] * Seira heads inside!
[19:50] * Alicia grimly follows, ready to dispense summary justice to a pair of filthy rapists, and likely ruin a lot of people's nights into the bargain.
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Inside, a bard with an eyepatch sings and plays a lute loudly, the people inside clapping along. It's a mess of tables, most filled with ordinary people or soldiers. The few waitresses come and go from doors to the back, bringing out drinks.
[19:53] * Alicia looks around for anyone matching the descriptions Tia gave.
[19:54] <Seira> "Robert, you filthy rapist scum! Get your ugly butt over here!" Seira calls at the top of her lungs upon entry, stepping towards the center of the room.
[19:55] * Alicia valiantly does not twitch at the abandonment of all subtlety. Looks like all she can do now is follow the path Seira's set and hope it works out...
[20:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The twang ofa  lute string misplayed echos in the sudden silence. Thirty pairs of eyes turn to Seira, a few staring in open mouthed surprise. "Say whaaaaat?" the bard drawls intelligently, while one of the waitresses snorts. "What the HELL do you think yer doing, girlie?"
[20:04] <Seira> Flint appears in Seira's hands, as if by magic, and she strikes a spark in the air menacingly, before holding up her corked vial. "This is fire. Talk, or I burn this place down for the misfortune of having that sorry piece of shit as a customer!"
[20:05] <Alicia> "We're looking for a misbegotten rapist," Alicia snaps harshly. "Unless you people approve of that sort of behaviour, you'll tell us where he is," she adds coldly, her glare encompassing the whole room. She hasn't touched her sword, but she doesn't really need to.
[20:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The scream comes from one of the baggy eyed drunks watching, skittering up in a mess, knocking his chair over! Another stares further, mouth open enough to have a colony of flies just drift in. The waitress stares in surprise, "What the Hells?! Your'e looking for Robert?" Another screams, "Guaaaards! Guaaaaards!"
[20:06] * Seira points at the screaming person. "You know something! YOU burn first!"
[20:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "He left an hour or two ago," the waitress says sternly, "With his friend Rod." Despite her sternness, she swallows long and hard, starting to pale. "WE don't want no trouble - heard him saying he was going to go to the Landed Barnicle - it's a tavern a few streets down."
[20:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The screaming person just keeps screaming, "HElp! Help! There are crazy people with fire here!"
[20:07] <Seira> "Thank you for your prompt response," Seira says, storming out.
[20:07] * Seira goes... to the Landed Barnicle!
[20:07] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia bows respectfully to the waitress, tone still like ice. "We won't trouble you any further." With that, she likewise departs, but not before throwing an icy glare at the screamer, one that promises pain if he does not shut the hell up.
[20:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 shut the fuck up, commoner. I could kill you with a word!
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 shut the fuck up, commoner. I could kill you with a word! and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[20:08] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54404fe3.wfd75b.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[20:08] * Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
[20:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 fear my fire?
[20:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0fear my fire? --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{6}
[20:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As teh two depart out, they continue to hear the screams. A street and a half away you can begin to see torches coming one way, leaving the other way to go if you wish.
[20:12] <Alicia> "Let's try for some more subtlety next time?" Alicia whispers harshly, heading into a side alley so they can lose the patrols as they head for the Landed Barnicle.
[20:12] <Seira> "What, head up to Robert and tell him, 'hey, you've already raped one girl, want to go for a hat trick'?" Seira asks with a frown.
[20:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There are plenty of alleys to hide into, as the two girls can begin to hear heavy footsteps. OOC - If you're hiding in the alleys give me a general hide check, both of you. It's pretty dark so you get a +4 circumstancial bonus.
[20:14] <Seira> OOC: I'll take 10 for 26
[20:14] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 17
[20:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two go into the alleys. They connect a few streets back, and from the way you went, you can hear the thundering of several pair sof heavy boots, all going towards the inn.
[20:16] * Seira shrugs. "I don't mind you taking the lead this time. Landed Barnicle, was it?"
[20:16] <Alicia> "Assuming they haven't already gotten word about us..." Alicia grumbles, working her way towards said tavern.
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{11}
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{4}
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{13}
[20:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The trip there is without incident. A few guards pass by, but keeping to the shadows is simple. The Landed Barnicle is a sea themed tavern, still open and bustling with the sounds of people drinking and talking.
[20:19] * Alicia stalks inside and brusquely looks about for anyone matching the descriptions of Robert and Rod.
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Inside are lots of captain's chairs and sea gear hanging on the walls. About twenty five people, and as Alicia looks around - in the back, two people in guard's outfit and wearing breastplates are toasting each other with mugs of ale. One grins, a mouth full of broken teeth. The other looks about right, and Alicia can almost see a scar on his hand. Not 100% without getting closer, but it's big and is in the right place.
[20:27] <Alicia> Broken teeth usually mean bad breath. Seems right enough to her. Stalking over, Alicia slaps down a handful of gold coins on their table. "You two are city guards, right?" she asks brusquely. "Come with me."
[20:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The gold coins rattle on the table, like glittering drops of heaven. The two look at the coins, the one with bad breath - Alicia can begin to smell it from here - grins. "What for, girl?" he looks Alicia over. "Somethin' the matter? We're off duty."
[20:29] * Alicia puts down two more coins. "Somethin' I don't want to talk about in a crowded place," she adds, her voice low and terse. "You follow?"
[20:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The other licks his lips at the money, "Nice coins you got there," he drawls, but his eyes aren't on the money, but a pair of very special and expensive things bound to Alicia instead.
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fine, fine," The shattered teeth one gets up, leering at Alicia. "C'mon, Rod. Girl has taste, at least." Licking his teeth slowly, he starts to walk
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> .
[20:31] * Seira keeps near the entrance, letting Alicia run the show, and ready to assist whenever necessary.
[20:31] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods tersely, gesturing for them to follow her and leading them out of the tavern.
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Rod gets up, rubbing his hand. A long scar runs from his mid thumb to his wrist, like his flesh was cut open crudely once before.  He follows as well, to outside.
[20:33] <Alicia> Looking around furtively, Alicia proceeds to lead the pair to the nearest alleyway from the tavern. "You're Robert and Rod, right?" she asks, voice entirely businesslike as she turns to regard them from a few steps back.
[20:35] * Seira keeps Alicia in sight, but otherwise feels no need to come over to her. And she should be pretty hidden, anyway, in her dark clothing and roguely nature.
[20:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia can notice a patrol is winding around, coming this way as they easily go into the alley. "Yeah," Robert looks Alicia over thoughtfully, "What'cha us for?"
[20:37] <Alicia> "Hold on," Alicia holds up a hand as she sees a patrol approaching, before gesturing deeper into the alley. "C'mon," she leads them onwards, winding through the side streets so that they're out of sight of any main roads that patrols would go by.
[20:37] * Seira follows at a distance, trying to stay hidden.
[20:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two follow, wearing long swords at their belt, as one may expect of guards. "So get on with it..." Rod murmurs, eyeing Alicia once more.
[20:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> They've gone out of the alley and to a quiet side rode, closed up shopsand the likea round. It's fairly dark and quiet, only a drizzle continuing. "Yeah, c'mon, girl," Robert scowls. "It's nasty out here, don'tw anna stay outside without a good reason."
[20:42] * Alicia nods once they're safely ensconsced in the darkness. "This won't take long," she promises. "I just want you to know, in the few seconds you have left, and the eternity that comes afterwards, that this is for Tia."
[20:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Rod just stares, off balance, "What the hell...?" He mutters, while Robert goes for his sword, "What are you, her fuckin' sister?" He growls, "Want it, too?"
[20:44] * Seira withdraws a wand as she creeps closer, and two fiery rays suddenly strike at the pair of guards as she activates it, one for each target!
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Do your attacks and then likely damage, and if they're still alive we'll do initiative.
[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 touch 1
[20:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0touch 1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{30}
[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 touch 2
[20:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0touch 2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{17}
[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 touch haha crit?
[20:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0touch haha crit? --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{27}
[20:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Hit and a crit.
[20:46] <Seira> "Can I do them now?" Seira asks in a harsh whisper, as her face is lit up briefly with the flashes from the rays.
[20:47] <Seira> roll 10d6
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 10d6 --> 6,0[ 10d6=34 ]4,0{34}
[20:47] <Seira> roll 6d6
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 6d6 --> 6,0[ 6d6=20 ]4,0{20}
[20:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Robert barely has a chance to react, his head exploding like his teeth, his body from the neck down starting to sizzle! As he burns and bursts, Rob is stricken in the back! He manages a gargling scream as he burst aflame, collapsing and hissing in the rain, flesh blackening!
[20:50] * Alicia draws her sword and swiftly sinks it into Rob's heart in order to finish the job rather than let him burn to death. Then she uses her still running prestidigitation spell to clean the sword before she sheathes it, and then uses the same spell to daub their blood on the wall and write 'RAPISTS' in an untidy scrawl for whomever finds the bodies to be left no doubt.
[20:51] <Seira> "To the barbarian lands, then?" Seira asks. "Want to try and get your horse back?"
[20:52] * Seira considers, and then throws the corked vial onto Robert's corpse, breaking it over the dead guard and adding a bit more fuel to the fire.
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two burn in the drizzle, nasty smoke starting to rise from them. You hear a few faraway sounds, a few windows being opened.
[20:53] <Alicia> "Too risky," Alicia shakes her head. "Let's just get out of here and you can summon steeds for us in the morning?"
[20:54] <Seira> "I can only get the one, for now," Seira says with a frown. "But I do have invisibility. We can use it now to get away."
[20:54] <Alicia> "Then let's," Alicia nods, keen to make haste from this city.
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - What's your exact plan now?
[20:55] <Alicia> OOC: invis then climb over a wall and flee to the North?
[20:56] <Seira> OOC: First of all, pass without trace on Alicia with the help of the pearl. Then, Alicia and myself... pass without trace  >_>
[20:56] <Alicia> OOC: good call on that one.
[20:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Okay, and then?
[20:57] <Alicia> OOC: Lets just walk out the gate, then. No footprints if we use pass without trace, and being invis means no chance of detection, really.
[20:57] <Seira> OOC: Only one invis left....
[20:57] <Seira> OOC: Oh, right, scroll
[20:57] <Alicia> OOC: I will use the scroll
[20:58] <Seira> OOC: Yeah, let's do this
[20:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Which gate? North or south?
[20:59] <Alicia> OOC: Garrison and crap are North, while South is nearest to where we are. Lets go that way and circle around.
[21:00] <Seira> OOC: Also. We can probably run and stuff, and gain some distance. Let's go for the no man's land of forests and monsters!
[21:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Casting untraciable and then unseeable magics, the two rush to the southern gate. They pass several guards and then reach the gate. It's closed with night, but the walls are there. The guards here are mostly heading the way you came, you note.
[21:02] * Seira connects herself to Alicia with Message, so they could communicate by merely moving their lips, and coordinate their plans without alerting the enemy.
[21:02] * Alicia looks over the walls to see how difficult they'd be to scale.
[21:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> They're fairly tall - about twenty feet and wet with rain. It won't be terribly easy.
[21:05] * Seira mouthes a suggestion to use Sleep on the pair of guards or otherwise knock them out, then use the Knock spell to get the gate to open.
[21:05] <Alicia> "If you've got a spell for doing that, sure," Alicia mouths back. "If not I could probably scale that wall without much trouble."
[21:06] <Seira> "Be ready to knock them out if the spell fizzles out," Seira asks Alicia, and waits until she is in place and the rest of the guards have left before using her scroll on the pair.
[21:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Link me in #elysium?
[21:07] * Alicia makes her way close enough to hit either of the remaining guards quickly if Seira's spell fails.
[21:08] * Seira uses the first scroll!
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{13}
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{20}
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - DC?
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Amazingly, the spell does not affect either! Seira's invisbility winks away, as the two start slightly! OOC - If you're going to act, go ahead, 'licia.
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two then shrug a split second later, seeming to go back to wahtever watching they were diong.
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> *whatever they were dong. Oi.
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> *doing.
[21:11] <Alicia> "Better not to raise the alarm if neither are affected," Alicia mouths, making her way over to Seira. "Come on, lets find some part of the wall we can climb without being observed - I can help you over."
[21:12] * Seira sighs inaudibly, but slinks away, using any dark spots for cover.
[21:12] * Alicia works her way around the walls, looking to find some spot that's quiet and out of sight of any guards.
[21:12] <Seira> "The indignity of things going wrong at the worst time."
[21:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The wall is straight, as befitting a wall. There's plenty of good spots at th emoment, as all the guards seem to have gone towards other, pressing concerns.
[21:14] <Alicia> "Good enough," Alicia finds the nearest likely area and proceeds to scramble upwards before lowering a rope for Seira.
[21:14] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 20
[21:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia finds that the wet wall is too difficult to climb on her first attempt.
[21:16] * Alicia decides that rather than lowering a rope, she can instead just use her grappling hook to get the rope up there first, then use it to aid her.
[21:16] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 again with the rope to help
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a clink Alicia tosses the grappling hook, connecting it above! With some wiggling she avoids falling on her paladin blessed butt, reaching the top of the wall quickly!
[21:17] <Alicia> Up on the top, Alicia gestures for Seira to follow, intending to pull on the rope to help her as she ascends.
[21:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 aid another
[21:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0aid another --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{17}
[21:18] * Seira uses the rope after Alicia, tying it safely around her torso and making full use of Alicia's help.
[21:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With aide, rope and pulling, Seira is able to get atop the wall as well!
[21:19] * Alicia picks Seira up over the other side, resisting the urge to giggle slightly at how childish the captain seems, before lowering her down onto the ground outside the city.
[21:22] * Alicia clambers down and retrieves and stows all her climbing equipment once that's done, before they start to jog away from the city, intending to circle around to the North once they have some clearance.
[21:25] <Alicia> *Northeast

[Corwin]

[17:51] <Kotono> OOC - What's your plan and travelling strategy? Go north around and then...?
[17:52] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af24f11.tcl120.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[17:52] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[17:52] <Alicia> OOC: Travel during the night and hole up and hide during the day?
[17:53] <Seira> OOC: Travel at max speed, tire out, then rest an additional hour to refresh?
[17:54] <Alicia> OOC: let's not get ourselves fatigued in case we run into trouble. We're impossible to track anyway, so we can hustle for one hour then just walk normally till dawn when we can find some place to hide and camp till the following night, repeat till we get to the Barbarian Lands.
[17:56] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then, barring any further comments?
[17:59] <Alicia> OOC: I think we're good
[17:59] <Seira> OOC: Yeah. I'd like to press on, but I can live with normal speed
[18:00] <Kotono> The night passes in a hustle of movement at first. IN the rainy weather, the two travel with magical aid, nary a trail left. The night wears on, the sun soon threatening as the rain slows and stops, the clouds blowing away with a cool wind. There are a few places you could camp - a well hidden batch of trees to lie in, or an abandoned but somewhat close to a road farmhouse. Both looks tenetable.
[18:01] * Alicia votes trees as slightly less obvious and therefore less likely to be disturbed.
[18:02] * Seira agrees, as they are more likely to spot anyone coming after them there, too.
[18:05] <Kotono> The two settle down as th esun comes up, resting. But as Alicia puts her pack down, there is an odd, soft clicking noise from the bottom-side.
[18:05] * Alicia looks to see what the source of the clicking is!
[18:07] <Kotono> Inside of the pouch is a beautiful purple silken bag that Alicia has never seen before. The drawstring is drawn closed, yet is lined with gold thread. There looks to be something inside.
[18:07] * Hotaru (~draomir@75-161-159-86.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net thundarr.dejatoons.net)
[18:07] <Alicia> "This is new..." Alicia frowns slightly, taking a moment to cast detect magic and examine the bag before she touches it.
[18:07] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[18:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=76 ]4,0{76}
[18:08] <Kotono> The bag is not magical in the least, nor is anything inside.
[18:08] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "You gathered your things on your own, correct?"
[18:10] * Alicia nods. "I only left my pack alone in the shop twice, when I was out talking to people yesterday, and when I encountered Febras last week," she informs Seira, reaching for the bag... and then stopping. She casts Detect Poison instead.
[18:10] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[18:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=98 ]4,0{98}
[18:11] * Seira checks it for traps, joining in Alicia's paranoia.
[18:11] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 28?
[18:11] <Kotono> Alicia does not detect any poison. SEira does not detect any traps. It looks to be an entirely normal if well made silken bag.
[18:12] <Alicia> "Well..." Alicia shrugs before picking up the bag and pulling back the drawstring so she can look inside.
[18:12] <Seira> "Let's open it," Seira suggests. And moves a bit away.
[18:15] <Kotono> Inside the bag are two gems. One is a beautiful dark gem, midnight blue. It's about the size of a large marble, beautiful. In the center is a point, of a violet spot that almost flickers like a flame, swirling when the light catches it. The second is a gem, rather flat and narrow, almost like a coin. It's golden and pretty, the color of pressed gold.
[18:18] <Alicia> "Well... precious gems mysteriously showing up amidst my belongings. This isn't suspicious at all..." Alicia murmurs. "I have heard that scrying spells work better with something or someone familiar to the caster, rather than simply trying to locate someone you have only heard of or met in passing," she adds thoughtfully.
[18:19] <Seira> "Do you mind keeping a watch out?" Seira asks of Alicia, before methodically going through everything she's carrying, including on herself.
[18:22] <Kotono> Seira finds that her possessions are unchanged and unadded to. In the dawn light, the purple gem burns like fire in the center, a shifting framework of beautifully alluring fire. The golden gem glitterings like it's namesake color, almost like a diamond pressed into a coin. Otherwise, the morning opens with the sun rising, the rain past again.
[18:23] <Alicia> "Not at all," Alicia shakes her head. "This leaves me ill at ease, honestly... I can think of no benign reason for these to have fallen into my possession, here."
[18:24] <Seira> "There is nothing else missing or recent amongst your things?"
[18:24] * Alicia double checks the rest of her belongings as Seira just did with her own.
[18:26] <Kotono> Alicia doesn't find anything missing.
[18:26] * Seira attempts to appraise the pair of gems.
[18:26] <Kotono> OOC - Appraisal check.
[18:26] <Seira> OOC: I'll take 10 for 16 without any buffs and such
[18:28] <Kotono> They look like really fine gemstones. Seira can't really price them, however.
[18:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{21}
[18:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 knowledge nobility
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0knowledge nobility --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{17}
[18:30] <Kotono> Alicia and Seira don't recall ever hearing or seeing gems like that in a noble's collection.
[18:31] * Seira considers. "Let's hold on to them until we get to the Barbarian Lands, and then find a good hiding place for these gems? As we return to Balmuria, we could research the matter further."
[18:31] <Alicia> "If you're sure..." Alicia seems a bit dubious, but nonetheless stows the gems back in their bag and in her backpack, before proceeding to take watch while Seira rests. It'll be a long day ahead...
[18:34] <Kotono> OOC - You two taking alternating shifts?
[18:36] <Alicia> OOC: Sadly no, but I can sleep in Seira's extradimensional space soon enough
[18:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=88 ]4,0{88}
[18:38] <Kotono> The rest period for Seira passes without incident, Alicia not seeing anything of note.
[18:39] <Seira> As Seira wakes up and collects her thoughts, she asks Alicia bluntly whether anything seems off with her.
[18:40] * Alicia looks at Seira to decide if anything seems off with the captain before replying!
[18:41] <Alicia> "You look fine to me," Alicia shrugs. "Could probably use a bath and a proper bed, but that's expected. Why?"
[18:42] <Seira> "I had strange dreams," Seira declares. "Their content and the sudden appearance right as we mysteriously acquired the pair of gems leads me to believe the two might be related." She frowns, then, and summons some water to clean herself up, before asking Alicia to spare a prestidigitation spell. "In any case, be sure to tell me if you have any dreams as you rest?"
[18:42] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[18:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=35 ]4,0{35}
[18:43] * Alicia provides cleansing for both Siera and herself! "Will do," she affirms. "What exactly did you dream about?"
[18:43] <Seira> "I also had an idea," Seira muses. "While I cannot summon a horse for you without my circlet at this stage of my training, what I can do is create a surface of pure force to carry you after my steed. It should even be comfortable enough for you to rest as we travel."
[18:44] * Seira pauses at the question. "I would rather not say at this point, so as to not contaminate your dreams. I am curious to find out whether we'll have the same ones."
[18:45] <Alicia> "Will that work?" Alicia asks dubiously. "Aren't those disks only able to move at walking pace, anyway?"
[18:45] <Seira> "They work by matching the pace I set out, actually," Seira responds. "Yet even if I can't travel at full speed, I could travel and let you rest at the same time."
[18:46] <Alicia> "Fair enough," Alicia shrugs. "Summon it up and try not to bump me around a lot?" she hazards, unused to this sort of travelling.
[18:47] * Seira casts the necessary spells, and sets off.
[18:48] * Alicia pulls a blanket over herself and curls up on the floating disk.
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=99 ]4,0{99}
[18:56] <Kotono> After about four hours, Seira notes a farmstead. It's easy enough to see, no trees. This would normally be of little note, but one can note something unusual there. Walking away from it is Febras, hatted face hidden yet singled out by this as much as a siren would. He walks besides a farmer, the man stopping as they exchange a few more words and part.
[18:57] * Seira checks which direction Febras is headed in!
[18:57] <Kotono> He's heading northwest on a glance. The two are still quite a bit aways.
[19:02] * Seira decides that since Febras seems to be headed for them anyway, in the longer run, they just have to beat him to Balmuria. And face him without the complications that fighting him here and now would cause. Instead, she decides to wait until the farmer is left along before approaching him and using Detect Undead from a scroll.
[19:06] <Kotono> OOC - Sneaking up or coming to him openly
[19:06] <Kotono> OOC - Sneaking up or coming to him openly?
[19:07] <Seira> OOC: To sneak up if possible. I could still sense undeadness if he heads back inside his house, right?
[19:08] <Kotono> OOC: It detects like DM, yeah?
[19:08] <Seira> OOC: Yes, http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/detectUndead.htm
[19:10] <Kotono> Seira sneaks up to the farmhouse - it's one story but kinda sprawling, made of fieldstone and wood. She does not detect any undead inside.
[19:10] * Seira sneaks a glance inside to see who happens to be there.
[19:11] <Kotono> Glancing in the door, Seira can see the farmer going to gather some tools left just inside, a hoe and the like. You can hear the sounds of children just out of view.
[19:12] * Seira casts Charm Person at his unprotected back!
[19:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[19:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{12}
[19:13] <Kotono> OOC - You have a good DC, yes?
[19:13] <Seira> OOC: Oh yes
[19:14] <Kotono> The farmer - an earthen, large man - starts at the spell, turning as it affects him. "Uh..." he begins, "Oh yes, hello there. Is there something you need?"
[19:15] <Seira> "Some direction, if you please," Seira tells him. "It would only take a moment of your time."
[19:16] <Kotono> "Of course. Kids, I'll be a moment!" Calling back with a merry cry, he approaches Seira. "Where are you trying to go, then?"
[19:17] <Seira> "I've been traveling to Valandia," Seira informs the man with openness. "But all this rain just made me lost my way, I think. I was quite despairing until I saw your farmstead." She points northwest, where Febras was seen leaving. "I just have to continue heading that-a-way, right?"
[19:21] <Kotono> "Oh no!" Shaking his head quickly, "That's to the northwest, towards the border. Valandia's that way," he points generally south. "If you go two miles with the sun at your left, you'll reach a small road. It connects to bigger ones and you can follow those."
[19:21] <Seira> "The border? Seira looks surprised, all the way to putting a hand over her mouth. "My, I certainly wouldn't want to go there. That's the federation of baronies, ain't it?"
[19:22] <Kotono> "Yep," The farmer nods and wipes his brow with the back of his arm.  "Sure enough is."
[19:24] * Seira nods back, feeling it only polite to do so. "I've heard strange rumors about Valandia," she informs the farmer, in a vaguely conspiratorial tone. "That it was sealed off, that no one was allowed to come or go."
[19:26] <Kotono> Shaking his head, "'eard lots of stuff." A long, distrusting look, "It's the city and all. I just had a guest who told me about it - apparently they're scared of..." A breath out, "Ghouls. The unrestful dead!"
[19:27] * Seira takes an involuntary step back. "Ghouls! You don't say!" Though she looks shaken at the news, her expression also shows a distinct eagerness to be filled in on the recent gossip.
[19:27] <Kotono> "That they're walking the streets and that the entire city is scared!" He lowers his voice, coming a little closer. "I just don'tw ant the kids to hear, you see."
[19:30] <Seira> "Oh yes," Seira agrees, herself taking a step closer. "So your guest, would he mind if I asked him about the city? It might be too dangerous to visit at this time, after all, and I would like to be on the safe side."
[19:31] <Kotono> "I don't know much more, but apparently it's big enough that the city guard is going insane," His voice stays low, "Me, I'm staying out of Valandia for agood long time now!"
[19:32] <Seira> "I think I should, too," Seira agrees slowly. "Is your guest staying for long, if I might ask? It might be nice to have someone else to travel with, for protection and to avoid boredom. Or getting lost again." She laughs at that.
[19:35] <Kotono> "Oh no, he just left." Shaking his head, "I offered him since I ran into him at dusk last night." Smiling complacently, "I think he was going to the Baronies, though..." That does deflate his smile.
[19:38] <Seira> "Well, at least they have no ghouls to eat him." Seira looks uncertain. "I think. Unless they've started arresting travelers? I think my aunt mentioned a trader going through their port city, who told her under the strictest confidence about massive troop build ups."
[19:41] <Kotono> "I don't thik so, but..." The farmer just shakes his head after.
[19:43] <Seira> "Well, I'm sure we can take them," Seira tells the farmer. "Thanks for the directions! I think I'll go ask at the gates if the trouble's been dealt with, and proceed on if there really are ghouls around."
[19:45] <Kotono> "Good luck, then, Miss!" The farmer nods agreeably, starting to go back. "Kids, get the shovels ready!"
[19:47] * Seira waves at him cheerfully, and returns to her horse, taking it and Alicia in the direction of Valandia for a few minutes, before she's certain no one can see them, and altering course once more to the north-east, this time avoiding the man's farm.
[19:48] <Kotono> The rest of this goes without incident, the trip passing along...OOC - When were you going to waken Alicia?
[19:49] <Seira> OOC: All three spells (pass without trace, phantom steed, floating disk) last 8 hours, which is how long she needs to sleep.
[19:50] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[19:51] <Kotono> Seira finds another handy batch of trees to rest in, as Alicia's sleepingtime and teh duration of the spells come to an end. The day is wearing on now, night once again coming as Alicia awakens.
[19:51] <Seira> "Any dreams?" Seira asks immediately, upon seeing Alicia rejoin the waking world.
[19:53] * Alicia stretches as she awakens, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and looking vaguely disquieted. "I dreamt of those two men we killed..." she replies. "In the dream I seemed unsure as to the worthiness of that action, though I felt no such hesitation before."
[19:53] <Seira> "Was a color assosiated with the dream or prominent in it?"
[19:54] <Alicia> "Purple fire," Alicia confirms. "Much like one of the gems I 'found'." Thoughtfully, Alicia searches in her bag for a moment and produces said crystal, holding it up to the waning sunlight and studying it.
[19:55] <Kotono> The gem is beautiful in the light, the spot in the center flickering like fire.
[19:56] <Seira> "Mine was golden," Seira informs Alicia, expanding upon her dream at last. The visions of gnomes, temples, Shamal and travel, all mixed up together.
[19:59] <Alicia> "Hmm... I dreamed of my past as well, but somehow it was all a blur. The only thing that stood out was the bodies of those two men," Alicia frowns a bit. "I saw little significance in that action myself - certainly they are hardly the first such criminals I have killed. But I almost wonder if... someone, wants me to consider it more deeply."
[19:59] <Alicia> Reaching into her bag again, she takes out the golden gem and offers it to Seira. "I can't say I understand this, but... maybe this is meant for you?"
[20:02] <Seira> "It certainly seems that way," Seira agrees. "However, I'm not certain we should keep them. It's probably not the smart thing to do, but it won't be the first time for me, I suppose...." She glances at Alicia. "If you're willing to risk whatever effect they might have, so am I. Perhaps they are even not from Febras or some sneaky Malmuthian, but a message from a higher plane of existence?"
[20:03] * Alicia bites her lip. "It's possible... unlike you and Demedais, I have never been given any overt signs from Mystra. My magic and my faith have been enough, all these years... But purple fire is sometimes seen in Her manifestations, albeit rarely. And does the other gem not look like a coin? Symbol of Waukeen?" she hazards, sounding rather out of her depth.
[20:05] <Seira> "It's more their method of appearance than anything, for me," Seira admits. "It is hard to believe someone could sneak past myself and plant them in your very things, finally getting away without any of us noticing. Perhaps it's just my pride talking, but...."
[20:06] <Alicia> "There were times when my bag was left unattended while we were both out of the shop," Alicia points out. "But, coupled with the dreams..." she shakes her head uneasily. "You have more experience in direct contact with higher powers than I, so..." she trails off, looking contemplative. What does it mean, then?
[20:08] <Seira> "Let's keep them, for now, and watch each other," Seira proposes. "And hurry over to Balmuria. I have talked with a farmer while you slept, and it seems that our friend Febras has been traveling in that direction. We may no longer have the luxury of taking as large a detour as we wished."
[20:14] <Alicia> "Febras..." Alicia stares down at her hands a moment. "I tried to kill him just as we killed those two rapists. Is Mystra saying that I'm wrong? That I should... let evil be?" Abruptly she shakes her head, standing up.
[20:14] <Alicia> "No, I won't believe that. I won't abandon my convictions - evil must be fought and stopped wherever it appears - I won't let that happen again," she swears angrily, clenching her fists tightly and closing her eyes as she vividly remembers the price of laxity. She won't allow anyone else to suffer as she did if she has the power to stop it. "Rest, Seira," she sighs after a long moment. "I'll watch over you."
[20:15] * Seira nods, preparing extradimensional space where they would be safe from pursuit.
[20:19] <Kotono> The next few days pass without incident. On reaching the edge of the northern Barbarian lands just past noon, you see squads of soldiers manning it as you saw before, keeping an interlocking and watchful gaze ahead...
[20:20] * Seira estimates the amount of time it would take them to slip by the soldiers and get out of sight once more.
[20:22] <Kotono> The forest begins on the border. So not long - assuming invisibility to get by, only a few minutes.
[20:23] <Seira> They have pass without trace and invisibility. The steed and disk travel silently and, in the latter's case, don't even touch the ground. Seira decides on this as their plan, with the intent to run and abandon the magical steed and disk if necessary once past the soldiers.
[20:24] <Kotono> The soldiers are good men trained well, but magic is far beyond them as Gods are to mortal beings. The two slip by the soldiers without even a blink of the eye, getting into the forest and away.