034.3 Seira and Alicia

[Corwin]

[21:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As you approach Shamal's grove, you find no sign of evil wizards of doom. Instead, you find a pretty place in the cool, orange/red tints of fall, a Unicorn resting in the grove. She lies on her belly, legs folded up as a bevy of small animals surround her. Mice, foxes, ferrts, deer and other such wildlife restfully stays by her.
[21:09] <Seira> "This is a pleasant place, isn't it?" Seira asks Rosamund, approaching her.
[21:10] <Alicia> "It really is," Alicia agrees warmly, barely resisting the urge to 'Awwww' at the scene before her that looks straight out of a fairy tale. It's a pleasant change from fiends and dragons and undead and all the other less pleasant fantastic things she's had to put up with, lately.
[21:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora trails behind it all, her face neutral but the faintest hints of disdain showing. She hands just outside the grove. Even then, the animals around the unicorn start, before Rosamund murmurs something. They calm, but cast glances behind Alicia. "Hello there," Rosamund says cheerfully, "Isn't it beautiful out here now?"
[21:17] <Seira> "I've never really visited before now," Seira mentions, looking around slowly. "Maybe I should have."
[21:19] <Alicia> "Likewise," Alicia agrees. "I trust you've had no problems adapting to life outside, then?"
[21:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The grove is pleasant, even wolves lying peacefully with the unicorn. There is a distinct air of serenity in this place, that soothes away your worries. "It's where I've always supposed to have been. Unicorns should be outside, in the forests, a part of nature. But..." Rosamund looks sad, "I looked around, and I haven't seen anys igns of other unicorns."
[21:21] <Seira> "There is more than one forest in the world," Seira says, managing a smile. "And I would be wary of a new unicorn appearing out of nowhere if I had been forced into hiding a long time ago."
[21:21] * Seira shrugs. "Just give it time."
[21:22] <Alicia> "I've never seen a unicorn, I admit, but I have seen pixies and a nymph, far to the East. If beings like that are still around, perhaps some unicorns might also remain, in hidden and isolated areas," she ventures, oddly thinking of those michevious little flying pranksters with something approaching fondness. Perhaps distance helps.
[21:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I hope so and pray to the Goddess that it's true," Rosamund hangs her head respectfully. "It sounds like unicorns have almost been forgotten, though. I...I'm worried I'm just a leftover and that there aren't any more unicorns."
[21:24] <Seira> "I doubt that, and I think you'll find more of your kind in not time. And if all else fails, we do have a more direct link to the guys upstairs than most," Seira tells Rosamund, her smile coming easily to her now. "We could always ask them to point you in the right direction."
[21:25] <Alicia> "People had thought demons and devils forgotten, too," Alicia notes with a meaningful glance at Antenora. "Perhaps you are the vanguard, in this case? It's obvious that magic is starting to finally wax after centuries on the wane, which could herald the return of more fantastic creatures in years to come."
[21:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora scowls at Alicia, stepping back a little more from the grove. "Oh, I hope so...!" Rosamund nods, her horn bobbing in the air. "STill, if you ever find a handsome charger..." The white unicorn actually tints red at that, "But I owe you so much. Thank you, you strange, special friends."
[21:29] * Alicia seems a little surprised at the scowl. It was an innocent observation. "Is what I said not true, Antenora?"
[21:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No, I dislike this place very much," she answers shortly, taking another long step back. "Leave me out of this."
[21:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Rosamund stirs at this, looking at Antenora with open dislike, but nonetheless, "Please, peace? I do not wish to disturb the animals."
[21:31] <Seira> "I'll keep an eye out, Rosamund," Seira promises her. "Then this place suits you? Do you feel protected? Can you teleport away at the first sign of danger?" Her questions become more and more rapid as she inquires about Rosamund's safety.
[21:31] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I believe I will with some short time," Rosamund seconds that statement, "It takes a little while for a unicorn to get used to a new home."
[21:32] * Seira nods, though she doesn't look particularly reassured. "This is a border area, which is something to keep in mind. We have better land further into the Baronies, with decent forests. If you ever feel endangered, we'll help you get there."
[21:32] <Alicia> "Fine, fine, why don't you go stew over there?" Alicia gestures vaguely for the erinyes to back off from the grove before returning her attention to the unicorn. "So you'll be staying here, then?"
[21:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "For now. If there is danger, I can flee swiftly." Rosamund agrees, voice moderating as Antenora heads off even further.
[21:35] <Seira> "There are all kinds of crazy mages around, you know. Like this one that always tries to enslave whatever he considers exotic, regardless of any free will and sentience they might have," Seira informs Rosamund, before giving her a fairly complete description of Mihail.
[21:35] <Alicia> "We'd hate to bring you out of that ruin only for someone hunt you down, now," the paladin agrees. "Be careful."
[21:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I will not be imprisoned again," Rosamund fiercely states, "If an crazy man attempts that, he will find nature itself will rise against him."
[21:36] <Seira> "I'd rather you just fled and called upon us," Seira states bluntly. "We'll come to your aid without fail."
[21:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Then I will," Rosamund vows to that, "Thank you, friends. If any of you are blighted by poisons or pains, I will be happy to hela you."
[21:40] <Seira> "Do you think you can tell us any more than you already have about the circumstances behind your imprisonment?" Seira asks Rosamund, shuffling her feet in discomfort. "It would help to hear about how things were, back then with the God-King, from someone who was there to experience it all first hand."
[21:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It was..." Rosamund begins, "Everything was happy for awhile. My rider was a paladin and champion of good. We met in a forest, and from there..." A slight blush, "We did so many wonderful things together, stopping evil. But one day, my rider vanished when going into town. I waited and she came back, but she was...different." A soft mewling comes from Rosamund. "She comamnded me, she enslaved me. All in the name of the 'Glory of the God
[21:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> 'Glory of the God King!'. From there, I was bound and ridden into battle after battle...horrible battles. Not battles of soldiers, but of magic and heroes. Battles where hundreds of spellcasters and powerful warriors would do battle against us...and the gnomes we fought with, and at times, others that also began to worship the God King."
[21:47] <Seira> "It doesn't seem like she had much choice, just like you yourself couldn't throw off the compulsion," Seira notes. "You shouldn't blame her for what part she played."
[21:48] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-170-42-9.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[21:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "But then...the judgment came," Rosamund comes on, "In their anger, a great prison was made. I was sucked into it and..." Rosamund whimpers. "The Gods were so angry! Only the Goddess showed me any mercy, I felt Her touch before I was imprisoned."
[21:50] <Alicia> "Hmm... so everything in that prison was a servant of the gnomes, put there by the Gods as punishment?" Alicia asks, thinking of a certain red dragon.
[21:50] <Seira> "You know, I can't help but wonder why our friendly gods would be angry at someone innocent getting enslaved to do their enemies' bidding," Seira mutters.
[21:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I don't know," Rosamund shakers her head. "I don't think I did anything wrong freely, but..." The unicorn sighs. "I want to believe that Lady Mielekki finally freed me. It's been so long, but I never got older in that prison."
[21:54] <Alicia> "Wasn't it all the Gods, though? From Shar to Selune and everyone inbetween? Not all could be considered friendly by far," Alicia notes. "We can only trust that those we serve had their reasons, and they were just ones."
[21:54] <Seira> "Well, I'll be sure to ask and set the record straight," Seira says, more to herself than anyone else. "Can you tell me of who else fought on the God-King's side? Or which powers this God-King had that you could witness, or even hear of? His appearance? His pets?"
[21:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "He created oceans and dried them out in a word. He altered the flow of time with a thought. He defeated the the avatars of the gods." Rosamund thinks as she recalls, "Even in that time, it was spoken more of legends and religious speeches. The gnomes completely believed he was the one true God. That each battle was a step forward in a divine mission."
[21:57] <Seira> "So why not kill the gods with a thought?" Seira asks in confusion. "Even they don't alter the flow of time, much less easily."
[21:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I don't know," Rosamund admits, "The Gods are yet mighty, so perhaps theye ven eclipsed him. Or perhaps they were just stories as well. I don't know." At that, Rosamund looks to the animals and smiles, before rising up. The animals scatter like the wind, yet friendly. A wolf, fox and deer pass by Alicia and Seira, not fighting as they depart.
[21:59] <Alicia> "Perhaps what he said he could do and what he could do were two different things, else we'd all be speaking gnomish right now," Alicia notes, smiling briefly at the well behaved animals as they move around.
[22:00] <Seira> "Was there a power of his you managed to witness firsthand?"
[22:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'm glad he failed.If he was anything like the gnomes I saw...ugh." Rosamund looks disheartened. "There is one. He was said to be close to our group when he battled the avatar of Mystra and Kelemvor. There were earthquakes, magical flashes that lit the sky a rainbow of colors, and great howlings of thousands of spirits." At that, Rosamund looks down. "He won. The last manifestation...I felt it. Everyone there did. The gnomes actedl ike
[22:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The gnomes actedl ike it was a divine event, going into a frenzy. I believe that is what won the battle."
[22:03] * Alicia perks up excitedly at the mention of an avatar of Mystra, before suddenly deflating. "He defeated the Mother of All Magic?" she asks, stunned.
[22:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "They said it was one of his Great Spells - Endless." Rosamund look sunsettled at it, "I stillr emember the feeling, even now."
[22:04] <Alicia> "But... but... you can't beat the Goddess of Magic with magic!" Alicia blurts out, like she'd just heard someone suggest that water flows uphill, or the sun rises in the West.
[22:04] <Seira> "This does not bode well for my plan of killing him for good and taking his stuff," Seira says gravely.
[22:04] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The avatars, yes. I do know that an avatar is not the full power of a divine being, but..." Rosamund looks away. "They are the equal of the strongest mortal heroes even then.)
[22:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I don't understand it, either," Rosamund consoles Alicia. "Maybe he really was some sort of God?"
[22:06] <Alicia> "But... but she *is* magic! It's like... it's like saying to someone 'Hey you, give me your power so I can hit you with it!'," Alicia futilely argues.
[22:08] <Seira> "We're probably approaching the level of those divine avatars. If Waukeen makes me her avatar, I could probably be even stronger," she says slowly, considering, before craning her neck to look up curiously. "How about it?"
[22:10] * Alicia snorts loudly. "Yes, considering I can't even cast 3rd circle spells, I'm certainly not going to make any presumptions of nascant divinity on my part, thank you very much. We'd struggle against greater fiends, nevermind manifestations of the Powers."
[22:11] * Seira waits patiently for a response.
[22:12] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You're strong," Rosamund agrees, "A Cauchemar is no feeble foe. If you get stronger, perhaps you could? Or perhaps I only hope."
[22:13] <Seira> roll 1d1000
[22:13] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[22:13] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[22:13] <Seira> roll 1d1000
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d1000 and gets 722."12 [1d1000=722]
[22:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira doesn't get a glowing beam of light and power from the heavens, if that's what she as hoping for.
[22:16] * Seira snaps her fingers. "Dang. Maybe she'll respect me more once I have a larger turnover."
[22:16] <Alicia> "I suppose we'll have to," Alicia admits. "But our task suddenly seems so much more daunting..." she shakes her head in dismay, wondering how she could possibly triumph against a foe able to best her own Goddess.
[22:18] <Seira> "How about dragons?" Seira asks suddenly. "Did you happen to see or hear of any? We're actually looking for a pair that went beyond the fairest star."
[22:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "A pair? Do you mean a battle pair or a pair of mates or something else?" Rosamund asks.
[22:19] <Seira> "Mates, right? Golden and red dragon pair, I think."
[22:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> At that, Rosamund's violet eyes light up. "Kangap and Goldan?"
[22:19] * Seira nods. "You knew them, not just of them?"
[22:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I didn't know them personally, but I heard the stories. A gold and red dragon, paired together against all odds."
[22:21] <Seira> "I like these stories. For all the talk of red dragons being mindlessly evil this is clearly a matter of choice, here," Seira says approvingly. "Do you know anything we could use to get in touch with them, or a lead of some kind?"
[22:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "If they survived the war..." A thought, "They would be ancient, ancient wyrms now. If they are not known of publically, then a dragon of that power does not wish to be lightly found."
[22:24] <Alicia> "Wasn't that blue dragon asleep for a very long time until someone woke him?" Alicia asks, glancing at Seira for confirmation. "It could be like that, if they've hidden themselves away somewhere."
[22:25] <Seira> "They're getting involved anyhow, when things come to a head. And we've traveled quite the distance to find them, even venturing to the plane of water and to astral," Seira insists, before nodding at Alicia. "Yes, and it could be that as well. I would risk their ire if it meant success would gain us two allies."
[22:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I hope you succeed," Rosamund says, very sincerely. "Is there anything else of the past you'd like to ask me?"
[22:29] <Seira> "Well, we aren't too certain about the fairest star," Seira admits. "Any ideas there?"
[22:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The fairest star? The gnomes talked about it a lot, with the God King," Rosamund observes. "Oh yes, I remember now. The story about Ajan, the father of Kangap. The seeker Talinn." Closing her eyes, "It was always something of a favorite."
[22:33] <Seira> "Wrong red dragon, then," Seira says with a frown. "You've met him, by the way. He seems nice. Maybe he knows where his son is--" She blinks. "It _is_ a son, right? Because it would be a major faux pas if Kangap is a girl."
[22:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "T-t-that was Ajan?!" Rosamund nearly chokes, no, she outright chokes. "Ooooh. Oh...Ooooh." Breathing in and out several times, "But he didn't seem..." Rosamund mutters something else, before going on. "Yes, it is his son."
[22:35] <Seira> "He didn't seem...?"
[22:35] * Alicia pounces on that! "Didn't seem what?" she asks. "What was he like, that you know of?"
[22:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Well...like a...ancient red dragon." Shaking his head, "In the story of the Fairest Star, he was at odds at his sometime ally Talinn's goals. From the heavens a great star fell, crashing into the store. A new bay was made, filling with water. Many came to see and explore this great sight, buried into the ground in it's vast impact." (More)
[22:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> *shore
[22:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Inside was amazing power. Many wanted it for different reasons, but none could easily take it. Heroes and villians, good and evil, light and dark came to cluster around. The battles have songs sung of them, but..the story splits here." Taking a moment, "Depending on if gnomes or others told it."
[22:40] * Seira eagerly listens!
[22:41] <Alicia> "Lets hear both versions?" Alicia suggests, glancing over to see how Antenora's doing. She's missing an interesting story!
[22:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "If the gnomes told it, the God King defeated them all and claimed part of his divine birthright." Looking onto them, "The others claim an usurper managed to obtain control over the Fairest Star during the grand battles. Even Ajan and Talinn, two of the strongest, failed that day."
[22:43] <Seira> "So Ajan opposed him," Seira muses, filing that away. "Interesting. Do you know more about Talinn as well?" she asks. "We happened to find some of his more unique artifacts."
[22:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "After that...there are tales attached that I heard as the war began. That this battle drove Talinn to collaborate to make a weapon powerful enough to defeat anything, at any price. That Ajan took leave of that place in a fury, shaken."
[22:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I remember most about the Arondaaq, the Death Sword. That humans and elves made it together, crafting an artifact as close to the Gods as possible...even if some of it was the darkest gods there were. Yet the sword obeyed him, a warrior of the humans and of light."
[22:46] <Alicia> "Yes, weren't its powers capable of draining the life force of the wielder, though?" Alicia asks. "Speaking of artifacts from then, have you ever heard of the Ring of Eternal Celerity?" she can't resist enquiring about. She's had no luck with any other way of finding out about the thing.
[22:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Mmm...yes, I remember the name. It was another human artifact." Rosamund goes on, "The gnomes hated it. Whomever had it was impossible to find with magic of any sort, and it made them far stronger. Plus it apparently had a failsafe to prevent just anyone from putting it on. Unless you were the strongest, no living being could wear that ring."
[22:48] <Alicia> "Oh? So a very strong living being can wear it, after all?" Alicia ponders for a moment before going on, "Do you know how it defines strongest? Is that physical or mental strength, or what?"
[22:48] <Seira> "That pretty much makes it safe to try on eventually!"
[22:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No. If the gnomes knew, I'm sure they'd have tried to take it. Or they tried and failed," Rosamund shakes her head, "Unless you can ask those that made it or someone who wore it, I don't know. But why...have you heard of this artifact as well in your travels? Does it stil exist in legend?"
[22:49] <Alicia> "I took it from a vampire that wore it," Alicia confirms. "It has resisted any divinations to discern its powers or nature, however."
[22:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "That would fit with what I heard," The Unicorn paces a little bit, "It was made so that even the most potent magical defense couldn't find a powerful infiltrator. I heard a gnomish fortress was wiped out by one man who wore it. A thousand gnomes losing to one man." At that, Rosamund looks to Alicia, "Oh! They you possess a legendary artifact indeed. But a dangerous one, no less."
[22:52] * Alicia sighs and nods. "I had thought it would be worthless except to a construct or undead, so I considered it little more than a curiousity. What you say gives it more potential, but I worry as to how I can safely discern whether I can risk wearing it or not, lest I be struck dead as soon as it's placed upon my finger."
[22:52] <Seira> "I could give it a try," Seira offers.
[22:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You gamble with your life, if you do not know how the ring works. I wish I could tell you," Rosamund says. "Please, don't unless you're sure. The danger is very real, from all the stories I heard in those dark times."
[22:54] <Seira> "I should be pretty safe, being immortal, but if it worries you I could wait and study the ring some more, first."
[22:54] * Alicia takes a tiny lead box out from her belt pouch. "Just keeping it nearby was starting to make me sick, until I put it in a lead box - that seemed to block the effect." She raises an eyebrow, "Are you sure, Seira?"
[22:55] * Seira shrugs. "I just promised to study it first, so unless you're in any particular hurry I could do that."
[22:56] * Alicia puts the box away. "Nevermind, then. It'll keep until we can find out more." She's relieved, more than anything else, since having Seira put the ring on and promptly drop dead would really not be fun.
[22:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Please, be careful with that," Rosamund requests, "How powerful was the vampire that wore it?"
[23:01] <Alicia> "Well, the ring seemed to give him immunity to the sun's rays... He was extremely strong, physically, and highly resistant to most damage I could inflict, except when I applied silversheen to my sword. But he was hardly an insurmountable foe, or else I wouldn't be here, would I?" Alicia asks. "Regardless, I'd still consider him one of the most skilled warriors I've ever faced."
[23:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I see...then bear that in mind and protect it well." After some thought, "You are a champion of Mystra? Then you should know how to protect it?"
[23:07] <Alicia> "Well, it would help if I had the resources of the temple back in Kelara," Alicia admits, shrugging. "Regardless, I'm not going to advertise its presence... more than I already have, that is. And it seems to naturally defy divination, so it shouldn't be too hard to keep under wraps."
[23:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Then good luck...and thank you again." Rosamund goes back to lying down. Within moments animals begin to approach her once more.

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kotono> ----
[20:21] <Kotono> While all this goes on, you get the message back. It's from Celebrimbor, discussing various matters. It begins with a few polite greetings and the like, but then gets into the meat of the matter. Regarding the Fourth Resort:
[20:24] <Kotono> "The defenses the Desjardins of millenia ago put around the Fourth Resort are formidable. Juai Desjardan has keyed rods that allow entrance past a barrier field, however, the interior is design to repel intrusion strongly. IN Juai's words, 'No one wanted the Fourth Resort to be ever seen again, or found.' (More)
[20:27] <Kotono> "I believe between the two of us and our magics we can penetrate in with time. Progress is slow due to other responsibilities and practicalities that slow us. If you wish to attempt these ruins yourselves, you may be able to get it faster. They are not without danger, however, crafted of elven and fey powers from long, long ago. It is a tower and city of trees, shielded from the flow of time.' (More)
[20:28] <Kotono> "On the matters of Filetta, the Crown has decided to hold her indefinitely and place freezes on Saul's assets. Word of the complication your peace talk had from our rangers supports this, however, there is still much debate on this matter in the council." (More)
[20:32] <Kotono> "On the matters of the spell gems, progression has begun. We are working toa void anything like the darkest methods described in the book given; none wish to tread too closely to the gnomes. To be entirely honest, Ambrose Highsun has raised objects to these at the council, but the King is willing to allow us to research as long as we keep regular reports up. The first successes was not too long ago; the base methods are solid if time consumin
[20:32] <Kotono>  time consuming. We are simultaiously observing to see if these methods endanger anyone as well." (More)
[20:33] <Kotono> "If there is danger in the methods, His Majesty has stated that the production will be suspended and forbidden by royal decree. With the past in mind, I find it difficult to mount an effective argument, even if the keys to great magical power lie within." (More)
[20:35] <Kotono> "On the matters of trade? They are just beginning, but a slow trickle of imports are reaching the elven lands. This and that, often small magical items purchased from your city as well as certain raw materials and goods." (More)
[20:38] <Kotono> "On the matter of the rings, the Council has been split viciously. Even Juai Desjardin, while more friendly to your interests now, is not happy with this. Scion Silverleaf also mounts strong discussion and Kortan Chillander has played this against both sides, trying to exact certain things to benefit his lands. AS of now, te matter of the rings are uncertain." (More)
[20:40] <Kotono> "There is one more item of interest. I recently attempted a potent divination on Saul, but it failed completely. Have you had any better news on that front?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "Finally, congratuations on your efforts. I hope the agreements reached in the forest guarantee peace for your country and Malmuth. With what brews in the shadows and ruins, I need not say how vital this is."

[Corwin]

[20:44] <Kotono> ---Let's go and start!---
[20:48] <Kotono> Southwest of Balmuria, Seira now owns land. Land that has been developed and prepared for a bigger purpose, to which Seira rides this day. On arriving, she can look it over and take it all in over the noon light. A schoolground and three buildings as such, clustered around a mage's tower. Here the Baronies have mustered all that show even drops of magic within them, from here and there and everywhere. From Parsifal and the mountains, to the c
[20:48] <Kotono>  From Parsifal and the mountains, to the capital city, to the pleasant baronies of farms and roads, to the reaches of Armasea and Pilltain, they are all gathered here inside, surely awaiting.
[20:51] <Seira> And Seira is fashionably late! Seira strides inside, cape billowing behind her. She is not above creating the mood herself with a simple cantrip, after all.
[20:55] <Kotono> As Seira uses magic to break wind, she heads inside. The entire group has been gathered in a large room, drinks, tables and people milling around in patient waiting. A little over twenty people now, a mix and cluster. Men and women, most young but a few quite past youth and even into middle ages.
[21:00] <Seira> "I trust you've all been given suitable quarters?" Seira asks, her eyes going over the gathered wannabe mages from behind her large red shades.
[21:03] <Kotono> They all turn to her - some rich looking, some poor, some bookish, some muscular. A diverse group indeed, even a few Seira knows already. Roget from Balmuria, hanging back. The three flunkies of Irenes, keeping together and waiting. You get nods and a few yes-es, as they all watch Seira with interest.
[21:08] <Seira> "You're here to learn," she announces, appropriating a chair and placing it on an empty table, before seating herself on it. From her high perch, Seira continues, "Well, let's hear what that is." She points at the poor-looking man standing to her left, before drawing her arm in a slow arc to the right, expecting the group to go clockwise as they respond. "What are your ambitions? What is it that you seek to accomplish with magic?"
[21:12] <Kotono> "It looks like a throne..." A cute little girl holds an electric lizard in her arms, watching as she sits as well. The one who answers first is a pretty and welld ressed young lady, in formal gown and finery. "I wish to continue the fine lineage of my family," she states. Another is a man in surcoat and chain mail, battle worn and standing. "I can only do so much with this," he looks down to the sword strapped to his belt.
[21:23] <Kotono> Another is a farmer, who looks sightly out of place. "Because, uh...I can do more with that than I can tilling the earth for a lifetime?" Another is a grizzly iron worker, in the full blossom of manhood. "What about you? What do you do with it?" he asks.
[21:25] <Seira> "My ambition is becoming a fine dragon, though I can see it would not be for everyone," Seira responds with a smile. "Magic can accomplish anything. That is its very definition, really. That's why it's important for me to know what everyone strives for, because no desire is too large or too fanciful."
[21:27] <Kotono> That gets a few murmurs, "You can become a dragon, like Kondrux?" Biggs finally stands out by saying that, sputtering. "I mean, I know you started looking weird, Captain, but..." Another stares, before laughing abit. "I'll settle for getting a better job than a stablehand," A man just into his twenties proclaims, wearing peasant clothing.
[21:28] <Seira> "I do not look weird," Seira tells Biggs pointedly.
[21:31] <Kotono> Biggs returns that look, "You're like half elf, half human and half..uh..." he scratches his head curiously. But meanwhile, "Hey, you should respect the grown up!" A young boy pipes up, "She's going to teach me more magic! You shouldn't think that about her!"
[21:33] <Seira> "And that's yet another reason why mages tend to choose their careers from childhood," Seira muses, before shaking her head and turning to address the boy that just spoke. "And you? Is learning more magic a goal in itself for you?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "Yes, I like this! People think funny things!" The child pipes up, "Grown up things, too."
[21:41] * Seira gives him a thumbs up. "I see great things in your future! Say... five years from now? But we'll find something exciting to occupy you in the meantime, no worries."
[21:42] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[21:43] <Kotono> "Speaking of, when do we start," A middle aged woman asks, a bit puffy and chubby. "I'm still half worried I'm going to speak in dwarven or celestian again and faint any moment. Sooner the better." A few murmurs at that, off and on. Nerylish happens to look up at it, glancing at Seira.
[21:47] * Taishyr (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:47] <Seira> "We already have," Seira states, but as she looks over the group, she decides to elaborate. "You are here to learn magic, and you will. Control, power, subtlety, knowledge -- all will be provided. As most of you surely know, there are two main ways towards studying magic. One is mastering the innate magic in our blood, drawing upon it for great things. The other is through rigorous study. The priests amongst us would beg to say differentl
[21:47] <Seira> y, but in the end, what they do is pretty much just that. It is a rare moment indeed when a god refuses his followers a spell the priest is capable of handling." Seira takes a breath, asking, "Is this clear, so far?"
[21:53] <Seira> "I don't believe that merely knowing magic makes one a mage, however," Seira tells them. "Spontanety and practice, book knowledge and improvisation... a mage must master both, if he wishes to be called as such." She shrugs. "Training would be provided to all, like I said already. But before we start in earnest, I would like to know what those of you present are after. That way, I could tailor special programs to everyone present."
[22:02] <Kotono> Answers come forth - money, prestige, power, curiosity, innate talent. It's a very mixed pool, but even one s harp eyed young man adds, "Because I like our country and I want it to stay safe." he asserts with a little shrug, "I want to make more friends!" Gwenn pets her shocker lizards, which lightly crackles with voltage.
[22:06] * Seira marks down that man, and the children. Patriotism is almost as good a motivation as childish innocence and desire, she happens to believe. As for the others, she would have to see. "Are there any questions before we formally start?" she asks.
[22:08] <Kotono> "Yeah," A young woman asks, "What happens if we fail?"
[22:12] <Seira> "There is a common mistake that failure to learn magic often plagues people. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, the opposite is true -- it takes horrific damage to a human's psyche and mind to block all magic from them." Seira smiles. "Therefore, failure in our context means the person giving up on their studies. In such a case...." She makes a show of considering her response to that. "It really depends on the level of con
[22:12] <Seira> trol they have, the extent of their untrained powers, and how frequently involuntary magic occurs."
[22:16] <Kotono> You get a few nods there, "Yeah," Roget speaks up, "I'm more worried about setting off a big fire or doing something by accident than anything else."
[22:17] <Seira> "All my buildings are fire-proof, so there's no worries of burning down the place, at least," Seira tells him cheerfully.
[22:19] <Kotono> "I mean if I don't get a knowledge of how this works, but yes as well," Roget smiles as another speaks up, "I can control mine, but I do want to learn how to do it better. So I'm not going to give up."
[22:20] <Seira> "That's the spirit!" she agrees, sounding pleased.