035.1 Alicia

[Corwin]

[17:45] <Kotono> ---
[17:47] <Kotono> Once the matters of preparation of a church are completed, Alicia has some merciful time at home to rest.  But even as Alicia does, Antenora is quiet and moody, keeping to herself.
[17:52] * Alicia stretches a moment, feeling rather pleased and fulfilled to have made such progress on spreading Mystra's word in Balmuria. In honesty, she can admit that she doesn't do as much as she could in that regard, so it feels nice. Still, Antenora's sour demeanour is enough to remove some of the shine. "You look more unhappy than normal," she observes bluntly as her dinner cooks in the kitchen.
[17:52] <Alicia> "I don't doubt you have a lot to consider after what transpired during those tests, but it seems more like this downturn in your mood coincided with when I was telling people about Mystra, out there," she gestures vaguely towards the front door. "Care to let me in on the source of your disapproval?"
[17:55] <Kotono> "I have no quarrel with Mystra," Antenora answers after half a moment, putting on a weak smile. "Mistress, why would I object?"
[17:59] * Alicia shrugs. "You tell me," she responds easily. "You should know by now that I enjoy nothing more than guessing why you're acting in a certain manner, and then smugly informing you of my guess as if I know it all. But all I do know is you looked like you were eating a lemon earlier on while I was giving that sermon, and you've seemed even more upset since then."
[18:04] <Kotono> "...Mistress..." Antenora is quiet for a little while, "What is a feeling like you are unconcerned but not angry or afraid? A...feeling that did not feel...unpleasant?"
[18:11] <Alicia> "Unconcerned... but not angry or afraid?" Alicia repeats slowly, surprising herself as she momentarily feels a pang of... sympathy for the devil. She'd never really appreciated it, but in Antenora's six centuries, such negative feelings are all she knows and can understand. It takes a moment to gather her thoughts before she answers. "Is it... perhaps, reassurance?" she hazards, not wanting to make too big a leap.
[18:11] <Alicia> "Why don't you explain a bit more?" she asks interestedly. "Feelings are hard to put into words without using other feelings as reference, but try to elaborate, anyway?"
[18:18] <Kotono> "...fine." Antenora looks at Alicia with lidded, hidden eyes, face impassive. "I was not worried of my fate. I felt...unencumbered. Nor did I wish on others, or..." Antenora looks on at Alicia distantly. "Yet it felt...not unplesant."
[18:28] <Alicia> "Liberty, perhaps?" Alicia hazards. "During those tests, we faced powerful fiends who would have sought to drag you back to Baator in chains, and we prevailed. Perhaps its starting to sink in that you are free of the all pervading tyranny of the Nine Hells?" she muses, looking up thoughtfully as if for inspiration.
[18:28] <Alicia> "In this case I truly am guessing, and you know your own feelings better than I, but it could be that on some level you're acclimitising to the thought of a life outside of Hell and the Baatezu hierarchy? For all the hold I have over you, I can't imagine it's as close to the tight grip your former superiors would exercise." She finishes and looks at Antenora curiously, honestly interested in whether she's close to the mark.
[18:34] <Kotono> When Alicia mentions the tyranny of the hells, Antenora's eyes look away slightly. She listens without comment, "Hmph," Her look returns, haughty, "Perhaps that is so. In the past week, I have only thought of my superior and his wrath... a few dozen times."
[18:47] <Alicia> "That's progress, isn't it?" Alicia asks, miraculously keeping a straight face. "Feelings like you describe give me hope for the future, and make me glad I took this chance, even if it was motivated solely by your self preservation to begin with. You should accept these feelings, and perhaps they might in turn lead to others that are more than merely 'not unpleasant'."
[18:47] <Alicia> Her expression firms as she goes on, becoming more stoic, "Yet, the path of Good is not solely the preserve of enjoyment and happiness. The most powerful of such feelings bring suffering on par with any infernal torments. When you understand that one, then you will truly be ready for your freedom."
[18:47] <Alicia> Standing up from her armchair, she starts towards the kitchen where dinner should now be ready. Or even if not, it's a good time for an exit. "Think on it, Antenora, but remember I am always here for any questions you may have."
[18:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[18:51] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
[18:51] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[18:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[18:52] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[18:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 31."12 [1d20=15]
[18:52] <Kotono> Antenora listens, a long pause, "...Mistress..." she murmurs as Alicia goes. "...Do you know what the angel who spoke to me was?"
[18:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+3 knowledge planes, do I?
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 knowledge planes, do I? and gets 13."12 [1d20=10]
[18:56] <Alicia> "I know she was an archon, and likely a higher ranking one, but not the specific type," Alicia pauses at the doorway, turning back to face Antenora, wondering if she'll share what the two talked about.
[18:59] <Kotono> "A Throne Archon." Antenora glowers deeply, "Beings of intense good...and just as intense law and order."
[19:02] <Alicia> "She seemed nice," Alicia pronounces her opinion. Then again, it is a perfect fit with her own moral and ethical worldview. "Do you want to talk about what she said to you?"
[19:14] <Kotono> "...." Antenora is very, very quiet once again. She starts to walk away without a word, but stops just by the door to her room. "...Mistress."  Her voice is strong but oddly restrained. "I hate you. I hate you beyond words, beyond feeling. Hahahahahahahahahahaha!" Her laugh isn't very humorous, however, but dark, mocking, vile. "How many times have mortal spirits said that on the Shelves of Despond? I signed away my own soul...and you're
[19:16] <Kotono>  signed away my own soul...and you're salivating now. You've brought back a prize, after all."
[19:26] * Alicia crosses her arms and gives Antenora a neutral look. "You chose this path, Antenora. I just happen to be your guide." She lets that sink in for a moment. "Don't like it? Then take that spear I gave you and earn your freedom the easy way," her voice is cold, almost callous. "Because make no mistake, slaying me, even if you fought me openly and against my full powers, would be far easier than the road ahead of you."
[19:26] <Alicia> "A prize?" she snorts, "Don't make me laugh. Is a grain of sand a prize because it could one day become a pearl?"
[19:33] <Kotono> With a cold, easy motion Antenora raises her spear up...and with flashing red eyes that slowly fade, lowers it again. "Shut up," she snarls, "I hate this, the feelings, the headaches, the..." Antenora glares at Alicia, "..." A pause, a dreadfully long one. "If you were just some bleating little choir girl or..." Antenora looks away, "I don't want to return. For Zquujaj...and that I slightly...do not dislike..." Antenora doesn't finish it,
[19:33] <Kotono> Antenora doesn't finish it, instead opening the door to her room and going in.
[19:36] * Alicia takes a deep breath. That was a close one... without her sword or her armour handy, a fight right now probably wouldn't have gone in her favour unless she invoked the fiend's True Name. But... an important lesson was learned. Perhaps for both of them... Ruminating on that Alicia gives Antenora her space, going away to finish preparing her dinner.
[19:42] <Kotono> ---
[19:43] <Kotono> The next day Antenora is very subdued, but Alicia's business barely concerns the Erinyes. Alicia's business takes her to Countess Stronger's shop, and after waiting for her to finish dealing with a messenger, "Oh, Alicia!" Elle looks on agreeably, "Busy few days?"
[19:47] <Alicia> "Very," Alicia nods. "The world is changing, as is plain for any with the eyes to see." There's a slight bounce in her step as she approaches the redhead, honestly feeling excited at the thought of spreading Mystra's teachings in such an interesting time as this. "The wonders bestowed by the Lady of Mysteries are becoming more and more freely available."
[19:49] <Kotono> "Oh yes," Elle nods, "I heard there's someone touched by her directly in town?" She looks on in piqued interest, her eyebrows raised, "Did she speak to you while she was at it, or were you invovled in a more primal way?"
[19:52] * Alicia shrugs. "In all the flurry of people receiving visions and messages from the Gods, I appear to have been missed." She perks up and wriggles her fingers after a second, performing the gestures if not the words for the Fly spell, "I've learned a few new spells, so I know that Mystra still shows her approval, even if it's more restrained."
[19:52] <Alicia> "That's actually why I'm here, though," she leans on the counter towards Elle, "A flurry of new churches will be sprouting up in the coming days, here, and I intend to make sure that Mystra's faithful will be at the forefront of them."
[19:55] <Kotono> "Heh, I tell myself the same," Elle nods understandingly, listening along. "Aaaah. A church of Mystra would be just lovely, wouldn't it?"
[19:56] * Alicia smiles, glad they're on the same wavelength. "Indeed. And with the proceeds from our recent excursion to the ruins, I'll make sure we have the loveliest temple in the land. But stone walls and gleaming spires do not a temple make..." she trails off leadingly, expecting Elle will know what she means. Wizards tend to be pretty smart, after all.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Of course," Elle smiles diplomatically, "What is it you want, Alicia? Speak your mind on the matter, I'm interested in helping if that's what you like."
[20:03] <Alicia> "Then I'll speak plainly," Alicia nods. "Shankar, the one blessed by Mystra, is a talented young cleric. He has a drive to learn, and an agreeable manner that should serve him well in preaching Mystra's faith. But he is merely a neophyte. And my own magical talents lend exclusively towards maximising my fighting potential."
[20:03] <Alicia> Her expression turns grave, "This is not enough for a temple dedicated to the Mother of all Magic. Certainly, we'd be poor cousins to the established churches of Helm and Waukeen, and the services they have on offer. We need you, Elle. With your breadth of study and talents and magical craft, we could easily best anything the other churches have to offer!"
[20:04] <Alicia> and talents at magical craft*
[20:10] <Kotono> Elle considers those words, nodding to herself a few times, "With all the business you and the Guard have given me, I've more than recouped the losses on the Kondrux mess. In fact, I'm in good spirits and good spending a few times over. It wouldn't be difficult at all to have some items and services there as well, would it?"
[20:15] <Alicia> "I'd hope not, because that's exactly what I was going to ask for," Alicia smiles. "If you could provide high end arcane potions to sell through the church, while Shankar can provide for the more consistent healing and similar potions, it would help get us on the map. Perhaps any obscure magic items you hold could also be sold through the temple, too?" Alicia muses, before forging onwards,
[20:15] <Alicia> "Beyond that, you could help in the construction, weaving dweomers into the temple itself to more fully emphasise its place as a home for magic - at the temple of Saint Alastor back in Kelara we had a ceiling that showed an illusion of the sky above, for example. It's less rainy here, so we might be able to have an open courtyard instead, but you see the things I'm getting at, right?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "I do." Elle agrees to that, "Since it's for Mystra...hm." Thinking, "If it's a temple just getting started, I'll offer cut rates and long repayments that can be done once the temple's established. After all, if a Temple of Mystra is strong here, even more magic will flow in."
[20:21] <Alicia> "Of course," Alicia agrees smoothly. "As a friend of the church, you can of course expect our support and aid in return, after all. And in regards to help with the construction itself, you'll be compensated for your time and effort - but think on it; a temple that will stand for centuries to come in Balmuria will forever bear the mark of your hand in its construction. It's a good opportunity to showcase your skill as the area's premier mage."
[20:25] <Alicia>  area's premier mage."
[20:31] <Kotono> "Yes, yes," Elle does go on at that, "When are you going to begin construction?"
[20:34] <Alicia> "I've sent proposals to three different architects, and they'll be getting back to me the day after tomorrow," Alicia responds. "Why don't you come along to the meeting? Shankar will be there as well, but your input could be valuable in picking the best choice."

[Corwin]

[18:41] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> After a heavy day of training Balmurian recruits and soldiers, Alicia rests in her home. The night hours have begun and soon sleep will come, but not yet. Instead, there is a rapping on her door. "Alicia?" Commander Oberuth's voice is loud enough to carry well into the house. "You here?"
[18:43] <Alicia> "Coming!" Alicia puts aside her book and makes her way to the door, briefly wondering why Obureth is visiting and then dimly recalling his ill fated decision to spend time with Beth. She can only pity the man as she opens the door to greet him.
[18:44] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The post dusk sky is heavy with clouds, a rain beginning. The Commander shakes off his head before he enters, a few raindrops caught in his hair. He stillw ears his sword and armor, idly flicking the rain off. "Evening, Alicia."
[18:45] <Alicia> "Good evening," Alicia returns, stepping back from the door. "Won't you come in? I was just about to make some tea."
[18:46] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora lingers in the back of the room, watching on distantly. "Please." He goes to sit, "I'll wait a moment, you know why I'm here anyway."
[18:50] * Alicia purses her lips briefly. "I think I do," she agrees, going into the kitchen and boiling a pot of water which she uses to pour three cups of tea. Not that she expects Antenora to have any, but if just feels awkward not to provide. A few moments later, she returns to the living room, providing drinks for all and then sitting down.
[18:50] <Alicia> "So," she gives Obureth a level look. "Has Beth maintained her firm stance of taking the consequences of her actions head on, now that it's no longer me who offers assistance?"
[18:53] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Oberuth drinks his tea in one warm gulp, before getting down to business. "Your sister has a mouth that would make a streetgirl proud. I tried talking to her, that we didn't want to kill her if she'd be willing to show contrition, since her sister has done so much for us and cares about her far more than she deserves. But you know what? Nothing. She just smiles, occasionally used filthy language, and seemed completely content."
[18:58] <Alicia> "At least she's consistent," Alicia mutters, shaking her head. "Almost respectable, really. If only she wasn't an unrepentant hired killer... What you say isn't exactly surprising to me, Hellman. She probably believes I asked you to help me by speaking to her," she snorts.
[19:01] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Commander Oberuth sighs at that, "Probably, even if she didn't say it. I've ran into this a time or two - someone at the gallows, or knowing they're going to die soon. Instead of panic, they find some sort of deranged contentment. It never fails to send chills up my spine. She wasn't afraid at all. I even said that to her, and she smiled back like nothing was wrong."
[19:04] * Alicia nods and sighs. "It was nice of you to make the effort, I suppose, but really, there's nothing that can be done. It's not like we can force her to change her ways, and if she's bent on staying as she is... well, shielding her from the consequences is not just at all. I may not like it, but I can accept it."
[19:05] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "If you're certain, I'll go tell Lord Salman before I retire for the night," Commander Oberuth says, "If it is her time, there may not be any more hesitation." Hellmen pauses at that, "Do you want to see her before that?"
[19:07] * Alicia closes her eyes and is silent for a long moment. "No..." she admits at last, "But this whole experience has been decidedly against what 'I' want. Why break the trend, now?"
[19:08] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Commander Oberuth nods slowly, "...do you want me to come with you?" he asks at last.
[19:11] * Alicia shakes her head. "No... this has always been between me and her. I appreciate your efforts, but having others present would just muddy things," she responds, sounding rather tired and withdrawn.
[19:15] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Hellman nods once more, "I'm sorry," he offers earnestly. "You deserve a better sister than this, but..." He just stands up instead. "She's embraced hatred and apathy completely. If I didn't know better I'd say her mind was gone."
[19:19] <Alicia> "Hmph. You can pick your friends but not your relatives," Alicia snorts. "I wish I'd never heard of her again after we parted. At least then I could imagine..." she trails off with an unpleasant look. "Well, reality is seldom so kind as what we can imagine, is it?"
[19:20] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Outside, you can hear the rain beginning to pick up. It's going to be a wet, rainy night at this rate, sweeping sheets of water cascading down. "It never is," Commander Oberuth smiles at that, a thin, understanding look. After a moment, "When will you go?"
[19:22] <Alicia> "Tomorrow... after you've had a chance to speak to Lord Salman," Alicia nods after a moment.
[19:25] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> After a curt nod, "Just as well." Commander Oberuth glances upward, "It looks like it's going to rain all night. ...heh." Stopping a moment, "Lord Salman's assassination attempt was on a night like this. Shamal and Lyselle chased Beth down in a driving rainstorm, climbing up a wall in ballgowns."
[19:27] * Alicia refrains from saying that she almost wishes Beth had gotten away with it. Instead she settles for, "I've heard of those two a few times. Shame we never had a chance to meet."
[19:29] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "It wasn't fated." Commander Oberuth muses, "You'd have been a good contrast for Shamal and liked Lyselle, I think." A thoughtful look, then a look at Antenora pointedly. "I doubt Shamal would have tolerated your present company. I can't imagine her smiling and patting a devil on the head, but..."
[19:31] <Alicia> "It's not something I ever imagined occuring, either," Alicia returns dryly.
[19:32] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora returns the look, "The Mistress is clearly a better human, then," she manages a haughty reply, slowly putting on a too sweet smile.
[19:37] <Alicia> "Antenora, please don't speak ill of the dead," Alicia returns, too drained by other matters to work up much irritation. "By all accounts, Shamal was a wonderful person. It's clear that she's missed."
[19:37] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Yes." On that note, Commander Oberuth stands up. "Thanks for the tea and company, but I should go."
[19:39] * Alicia likewise rises. "Thank you for visiting, even if the circumstances were unpleasant. Let me show you to the door," she offers.
[19:40] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> So the two go out to the door, Antenora lingering back in the room. The door is opened, rain coming down in heavy, soaking sheets. "Damnable weather," Hellmen grouses, "Rest well, Alicia."
[19:41] <Alicia> "Thank you. Good night, Hellman," Alicia bids him farewell before closing the door and returning to the living room. Her book doesn't really interest her, anymore, though...
[19:42] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - Want to move along a bit?
[19:43] <Alicia> OOC: On to the getting couped in my sleep!
[19:43] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+22
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d20+22 and gets 26."12 [1d20=4]
[19:43] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+16
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d20+16 and gets 28."12 [1d20=12]
[19:44] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Sleep comes that night. It's a shallow sleep of dreams and worries, the darkness in Alicia's room subdued by the rythym of raindrops on the roof. Not until, "MISTRESS!" echos in her mind, jolting her conciousness.
[19:45] * Alicia jolts in wild alarm, not having heard anything like that before to interrupt her sleep! Shooting out of bed in an instant, she looks around wildly. "What is it?!"
[19:46] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> As Alicia does, she sees a hooded, gray faced figure above her, a longsword plunging down to where her neck was a split second ago! She can see a manlike figure in the darkness as she rapidly moves, disoriented! OOC - Initiative.
[19:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 alas, no +2 dex gloves, and no nerveskitter!
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 alas, no +2 dex gloves, and no nerveskitter! and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
[19:47] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 23."12 [1d20=18]
[19:48] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+9 ???
[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d20+9 ??? and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[19:48] * Tiny_MechaKo_Army changes topic to '????>Antenora>Alicia'
[19:49] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Alicia's sure, swift movements saved her from death at the hands of this figure! However, he swiftly presses his advantage in the night, hopping over Alicia's bed and slashing her before she can react!
[19:49] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+20
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d20+20 and gets 26."12 [1d20=6]
[19:50] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d8+6+5d6
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d8+6+5d6 and gets 30."12 [1d8=4][5d6=4, 4, 3, 3, 6]
[19:51] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Landing besides Alicia, his blade crashes into her stomach, a serious wound! Alicia gets a look at his face, a dead gray face, yet eyes of flat red!  To that, however, you can hear Antenora charge, rushing forward in a flash, using the length of her spear to thrust over Alicia's bed!
[19:51] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+15 -3 PA
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 1d20+15 -3 PA and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[19:52] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 2d8+30
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolls 2d8+30 and gets 35."12 [2d8=1, 4]
[19:53] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> A moment later, Alicia can dimly see a spear sticking out of the creature's side, solidly impaled! OOC - Alicia.
[19:55] * Alicia tries to perform the gestures for a spell without giving him a further opening, her position too precarious for her to be able to move away without risking further injury...
[19:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 DC 17 concentration
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 DC 17 concentration and gets 23."12 [1d20=12]
[19:55] <Alicia> And she succeeds, a pair of brilliant lances of orange fire jetting out from her hands as she blasts them right into her assailant's chest!
[19:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[19:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 14."12 [1d20=1]
[19:56] <Alicia> OOC: touch... er... if it matters
[19:56] * Hatbot was kicked by Alicia (Why are you here?)
[19:56] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-514d80b2.l3.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[19:56] <Alicia> mode #evildunes +v Rei-chan
[19:56] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[19:57] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Both rays light up the night as they streak past the attacker! It give illumation - indeed, a flat, featureless face, save for the hint of a nose and burning red eyes. It's mouth is full of too many incisors and tearing fangs, a gruesome smile on it's face! However...
[19:58] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> After a moment it seems to decide, lunging at Alicia full on!
[19:58] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+20
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{29}
[19:58] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+15
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{19}
[19:58] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+10
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{11}
[19:58] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - AC?
[19:58] <Alicia> OOC: 14
[19:59] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 2d8+12
[19:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 2d8+12 --> 6,0[ 2d8=2 ]4,0{14}
[19:59] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Alicia is struck twice, yet these blows lack the killer thrust of the first one! Meanwhile...
[19:59] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+14
[19:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{31}
[20:00] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "MISTRESS!" Antenora calls, "PROTECT YOURSELF!" There's a note of something unusual in her voice - a note of panic. Nonetheless, she thrusts again at the creature!
[20:00] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+15 (-1 PA)
[20:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(-1 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{21}
[20:01] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+10 (-1 PA)
[20:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0(-1 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{24}
[20:01] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> She thrusts twice, yet each one is dodged by the agile creature! It's cloak billows behind it, showing a dead gray body covered in tough skin! OOC - Alicia.
[20:04] <Alicia> Antenora does have the right idea, Alicia thinks. Sitting still here is asking for death, at this rate... Gritting her teeth to ignore the pain of her wounds, Alicia vaults into a forward flip, her sudden rapid movement hopefully too much to give any opening against her foe, as she moves towards Antenora before casting mirror image, several duplicates springing to life around her!
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0DC 15 tumble --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{31}
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d4+3
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d4+3 --> 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{6}
[20:05] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> As six images of ALicia spring up to protect her, the killer turns to the two. His burning red eyes shine with illumination of a horrid sort, staring dead ahead at the two. First at Alicia, and then at Antenora. Yet with nary a word, he kneels down and vanishes!
[20:07] <Alicia> OOC: Antenora acting? If not I'm totally casting an area Dispel Magic where he just was.
[20:07] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora growls low in her throat, readying her spear but not immediately acting. OOC - Go fori t.
[20:08] <Alicia> "By Mystra's will, let the Weave of magic here be undone!" Alicia gestures, dispelling all magic within the room! Assuming he turned invisible or something like that... the thought of teleporting assassin's out for her blood is too much.
[20:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
[20:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{12}
[20:10] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The enchantment is so said, but little occurs! Antenora watches on, "...Mistress," she speaks, voice a little high pitched. "I know this creature! It may still be close if we hurry...for if it gets away..." Her voice has an open note of raw uncertainty.
[20:12] <Alicia> "Where?" Alicia asks, voice strained from the pain of her wounds. "I'm not going to let this go, after all..."
[20:13] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "It's a dogai, an assassin devil," Her voice is taunt, tight. "They are dispatched by high devils to kill those that greatly oppose devils, or to fulfill parts of soul contracts." Speaking with a shaky haste, "It can teleport in a short range, a few hundred feet."
[20:15] <Alicia> "Good enough. Lets take to the air and search," Alicia is all business as she lets her eyes seek out any evil they can detect, swiftly casting Fly upon herself and grabbing her sword and hastily wrapping her magic belt around her waist on top of her shredded and blood-spattered nightgown as she flies out the window, using her aerial vantage to survey the immediate area before she begins to move in a spiral pattern to search out her quarry.
[20:15] <Alicia>  quarry.
[20:16] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora follows, the two taking to the skies amid the rainstorm! The rain is thick and heavy, coming down in buckets! OOC - Spot check. I'm going to incorporate the various modifiers into one lump sum for your rolls, namely -darkness +rain +height and a good POV. +5.
[20:17] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - If you're going to do anything, cast spells to aid or whatever, say so.
[20:17] <Alicia> OOC: Detect Evil, it makes the bad peoples glow~
[20:17] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC: Okay, no roll, then.
[20:17] <Alicia> OOC: And Anty can see perfectly in any darkness
[20:18] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC: She can, I was going to mod her roll further to compensate, but y'know
[20:18] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> .
[20:18] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC: SEc.
[20:20] * Alicia also heals herself as best she can while performing her search, and casts Enlarge Person so she'll have an advantage in reach when she does attack her would be murderer.
[20:21] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> With detect evil, Alicia is able to get a bead! It's heading south east, weaving between rain soaked alleys with speed, a blur of overwhelming, vile evil!
[20:23] <Alicia> "There!" Alicia points for Antenora's benefit, hurling her arm forward to loose off a barrage of magic missiles at the creature as she gives pursuit!
[20:23] <Alicia> OOC: SR?
[20:23] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - Yes.
[20:23] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
[20:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{24}
[20:23] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - Damage.
[20:23] <Alicia> roll 5d4+5
[20:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 5d4+5 --> 6,0[ 5d4=10 ]4,0{15}
[20:23] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> With that, Antenora dives in, swiftly trying to get it before it can manage to escape again, a full on, heady charge!
[20:23] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - Gah.
[20:24] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> With that, Antenora dives in, swiftly trying to get it before it can manage to escape again, a full on, heady charge! "Yes...Mistress..." Antenora hesitates a moment, before looking back to Alicia and her bloodied gown, before diving down like roaring hell!
[20:24] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 1d20+15 -3 PA
[20:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0-3 PA --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{27}
[20:24] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> roll 2d8+30
[20:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Tiny_MechaKo_Army rolled :6,0 2d8+30 --> 6,0[ 2d8=16 ]4,0{46}
[20:28] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> As magical missiles fly and slam the creature, Antenora plunges down in the driving rain! As she plummets towards the target, she lets out a hellish roar of battle, the sound of magical missles hitting and devilish roar drowning out the rainfall together! With her aim perfect and her fury unabated, Antenora slams head onto it, spear going through it's chest and coming out the back! It turns and emits a gurgling, nasty noise, be
[20:29] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> It turns and emits a gurgling, nasty noise, before turning! It tries to kneel, even with the length of a spear poking out of it's chest! But instead it pitches forward! Down it goes, trying to reach for it's longsword! But it isn't fast enough, as it's other hands fumble at a belt it wears! This is all for naught, as it's hands go still and body ceases it's infernal motions!
[20:31] * Alicia floats down towards Antenora and the other devil, heedless of the rain driving against her skin and threatening to aggravate her wounds further. "It's dead?" she asks, remaining high enough up that she could strike down at it but it couldn't reach her if it somehow did manage to counterattack through Antenora's presence.
[20:32] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora stands there, cautiously taking her spear. She thusly stabs it a few more times, before, "...it's dead," she calls back, it's body oozing away into the street, leaving behind it's belt, sword and cloak.
[20:33] * Alicia floats down and gathers up the left behind items, an expression of distaste on her features at the lingering aura. Pointing downwards, she bathes the area occupied by its body with flame, trying to scorch away the presence. "Lets get back indoors," she states, allowing herself to shrink back to normal size as she flies back towards her bedroom window.
[20:34] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The belt has a few bands, where metallic vials rest. The cloak has a few pockets also, and the longsword is cold, too cold to the touch. Antenora watches the spot where it was, and follows, "...fortunate..." she murmurs.
[20:36] * Alicia sets the items aside once she's indoors, casting prestidigitation and using the cantrip to clean and dry herself and Antenora. "You saved my life." There's an odd note in the paladin's voice, as if she's just not sure what to make of things. But there's no doubt at all, a simple fact stated plainly.
[20:37] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "I heard it coming to your room..." Antenora murmurs quietly, "When I came out, I saw it over your bed, your door left open." Antenora shakes her head, "Dogai are feared throughout the hells as assassins, serving only their direct master."
[20:39] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Her voice keeps going, oddly without venom. "They aren't sent lightly,M istress. If one targets a devil or a mortal, someone with power wishes them dead." Antenora even looks pale at that, drawn out.
[20:39] <Alicia> "Do you have any idea who its master was?" Alicia asks, shivering briefly as the cold starts to make itself felt past the blood rush of battle.
[20:41] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "One of the greater devils authorises and orders them. A pleasure demon, a pit fiend, or...a few others," Her voice is shaky as she goes to sit. "They're used on mortals for two reasons, they've foiled and angered devils several times...or as part of a pact for a mortal soul. Never at random, never for a lesser reason."
[20:44] <Alicia> "One of the devils from that test...? No, I can't imagine they'd have much influence in Baator after how they were sent back there. Kuurlack, despite his self importance, seemed of little consequence... his superior may be another matter, but I only played a minor role in that matter." Alicia sits down next to the Erinyes. "You mentioned your own superior, the other day, didn't you?"
[20:45] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora's color does not improve, "A bone devil named Jebel. He was NOT who I got the magics to get to the Prime from, notably."
[20:47] <Alicia> "I can't imagine he'd let an underling leave like that, no... But a bone devil? As I understand, they're more than a few rungs below the likes of pit fiends. Would he be capable of this?" Alicia asks patiently, carefully trying to analyze the situation now that righteous fury will no longer serve.
[20:48] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Not in particular...unless things are worse there than I imagine, or his superior took offense," Antenora thinks on that, paling lightly again.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Mmm..." Alicia taps her chin. "Perhaps a more senior devil objects to you following me. It reflects poorly on the... 'standards', of Baator, doesn't it?" she asks thoughtfully. "As I have no recollection of offering my soul as payment for anything, and Mystra has a prior claim, I can only assume that there is a powerful devil out there that takes exception to my continued survival. It's an odd affirmation in my actions, I suppose."
[20:54] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Another can offer their soul to kill another," Antenora corrects, "But it's not unheard of, if you have intefered with or angered such a devil." After a pause, "What of it's leftbehinds?"
[20:57] <Alicia> "I'll sort through it in..." Alicia trails off, then shakes her head. "Actually, I'm not sure I feel like sleeping tonight, after all. Another advantage shared by your kind and elves..." she laments, deciding to get up and dress herself. Once that's done, she turns towards Antenora with a serious expression.
[20:57] <Alicia> "And... thank you," she begins sincerely. "There's no escaping the fact that if you hadn't warned me, I'd be dead. Whatever your reasons, Antenora, I owe you my life."
[20:59] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora looks away, quiet. "Do I have a choice?" she asks, "If the devil was for me, or saw me..." She shivers openly. "I'd be lucky to become a lemure."
[21:01] * Alicia shakes her head. "Like I said, it doesn't matter why you did what you did. I'm grateful, regardless." After letting that hang for a moment, she casts detect magic and then looks over the belongings of the assassin devil. The name brings an unwelcome reminder of what lies ahead for her tomorrow, but one thing at a time...
[21:02] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The vials are magical, four of them. The sword is not, nor is the cloak. HOwever, there are a few things in the pocket. One has 25 golden coins, each of a different shape and size. The stampings are rubbed out and indistinct. Another pocket has a scroll, made of a strange, fleshy material.
[21:04] <Alicia> "Oh," Alicia picks up the scroll, wincing as her mind all too readily imagines what it's made of. "This might give us some answers," she notes, unfolding the scroll and then holding it so Antenora can read it. She probably should have put some effort into learning Infernal, really... Celestial is a wonderful language, but its uses are limited considering the tendancy of good outsiders to use translation spells when communicating.
[21:07] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The script is indeed in the sharp, precise angles of Infernal. Antenora scans it, "It reads: Antetam, your mission is to kill the mortal human Alicia Reynes in fulfillment of a Pact Certain. She is a paladin in a world of unusual import; use stealth and slaughter her in her sleep."
[21:08] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> OOC - Strike, slight typo.
[21:08] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The script is indeed in the sharp, precise angles of Infernal. Antenora scans it, "It reads: Antetam, your mission is to kill the mortal human Alicia Reynes in fulfillment of a Pact Certain. She is a paladin and a sorcerer in a world of unusual import; use stealth and slaughter her in her sleep."
[21:09] <Alicia> "Pact Certain?" Alicia repeats. "That means someone sold their soul to a devil... to kill me?" her voice sounds incredulous. Who would do such a thing?
[21:10] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "A Pact Certain is a mortal knowingly giving their soul to a devil in exchange for an action." Antenora agrees, "There is no deception, whomever does this aligns that way of their own choice."
[21:10] * Alicia shivers. "That means they'll keep coming, doesn't it? If they don't kill me it means the contract is violated."
[21:11] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Yes. Unless you can find the person whom signed it and break the pact...it will." Antenora is agreement there, her voice quiet. "Mistress, this is not done by mortals lightly. Pact Insidious is far more common, for few are to the point where they care not about their soul's fate."
[21:15] * Alicia clenches her fists. "No..." she whispers, hating herself for even thinking of it. But... it fits. Beth knows she is already damned, what difference does it make whether she ends up in the Abyss or Hell? Try as she might, she simply can't think of anyone who both hates her that much, and has nothing to lose. "But how can it be broken? It can't be as simple as the person just saying 'I changed my mind', can it?"
[21:17] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "It's invalid if it was done by torture or by threads of violence," Antenora ponders, "Or if the devils cannot fulfill their end of the pact before the soul's final deposition. Otherwise, the only option is for the living mortal to recant and be atoned for."
[21:21] <Alicia> "And for all this we'd need to find both the mortal and the devil that formed the pact?" Alicia frowns, trying to steer her thoughts away from Beth. No matter all their difficulties, her sister couldn't possibly go to such lengths to kill her, could she? But who, then? The question races around her mind without coming any closer to an answer.
[21:23] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "For the first, the soul has to appeal on the Shelves of Despond, before their final fate." Antenora nods, "If they are correct in the law and not so corrupt as to sink into Hell, they will be freed. Few are." Antenora smiles darkly at that, "For the second...if the mortal dies before the terms are delivered, the pact is invalid. Thus, the devils are not needed. For the last, you need atonement. Slaying the pact maker does not
[21:24] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Slaying the pact maker does not negate the pact."
[21:26] * Alicia is silent for a long moment as she considers. "Without knowing the exact nature of the pact and its terms, there's no way we can prove that any terms in it were not carried out. The first thing we really need to do is find out who signed it, and work from there... The scroll doesn't say anything else, does it?"
[21:28] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "The scroll said you were to be assassinated for a Pact Certain." Antenora points out,
[21:30] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "The scroll said you were to be assassinated for a Pact Certain." Antenora points out,  "As long as you draw breath, the pact is clearly incomplete. As long as you don't die, it won't be fulfilled." Thta gets a faint, almost sincere smile from Antenora. "But yes, you need to find out who signed it. Do you have any ideas, Mistress?"
[21:31] <Alicia> Shaking her head, Alicia doesn't look happy at all. "Only one, and it's too terrible to think about. But... for the life of me, I just can't think of any other mortals that hate me that much and have nothing to lose."

[Corwin]

[17:50] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora thinks a few moments, looking at Alicia as she worries. A small smile begins to creep across her face, "...how delicious. Do you think it was your sister?" Antenora asks.
[17:53] <Alicia> "I'm glad one of us is amused," Alicia retorts dryly. "But I honestly have no other ideas. I suppose Seira's aunt might hate me, but I was really just an accessory in that matter, and I don't think she would sign over her own soul for empty revenge."
[17:55] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Perhaps, perhaps..." Antenora muses on this, eyes carefully lidden, "Then I ask you, Mistress...what are you going to do about it? Assassin Devils are extremely dangerous, and if you anger a higher devil by killing too many, they may try a rash or extremely disruptive attack if they can.""
[18:00] <Alicia> "It's not like she has long to live, anyway..." Alicia mutters dourly. "I just... I can't understand it. Okay, she hates me - fair enough, we've drifted apart and really do rub each other the wrong way. But to actually go to such lengths seeking my death? That's not the sort of thing you do over a few hurtful comments."
[18:00] <Alicia> Shaking her head, Alicia goes over and closes her window, before grabbing the scroll and a few other items. "It might not even be her, but sitting here and wondering isn't going to help me, is it?"
[18:01] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora shakes her head. "If you need aide, Mistress...I have no desire to see more Assassin Devils or their ilk," Antenora openly scowls at that, "Ever."
[18:03] <Alicia> "You can come along - it's best if I speak to her alone, but you can wait outside," Alicia offers. "I was going to visit her in the morning, anyway, but I've got no mind to just sit here and wait for the next attempt on my life."
[18:05] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora nods and rises, face a too sweet smile once again. "As you wish, Mistress." OOC - Wish to move along now?
[18:05] <Alicia> OOC: yep
[18:06] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The path to Beth is silent in the dim night. The guard on duty blinks away half allowed drowsing, coming to a quick, surprised salute. "S-sir?" he sputters out in surprise.
[18:08] <Alicia> "Unlock the door, I want to see my sister," Alicia tells him, her tone and expresssion displaying loud and clear that she's not in any mood to pussyfoot around.
[18:08] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Yes ma'am!" He corrects himself with lighting speed, unlocking the door with an uncanny haste. He then stands aside, saluting as fast as he's able.
[18:09] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Inside, you can see Beth. Chained to the floor, curled up into a crude ball as she sleeps. In the shadows you can barely see her, the room dark.
[18:12] * Alicia strides inside, not even waiting for the door to close behind her before she speaks. "Wake up, Beth," she announces her presence clearly.
[18:13] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth stirs, slowly blinking sleep out of her eyes. "Aaaw," She manages to drawl at last, eyes dead narrow. "Hiya, Sis. Lonely tonight?"
[18:14] <Alicia> "Actually, I had a visitor," Alicia returns, her own eyes slitted as she tosses the fleshy scroll to the floor within Beth's reach. "This mean anything to you?"
[18:16] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth's lips curl into a disdainful look, and after a moment, she looks at Alicia. Her eyes burn with raw hatred, so strong as to poison the very air between her and Alicia. "Too bad," she spits. "Guess you're too used to entertaining all sorts of freaks at night to let one slip in, sis?" Her words drip with bile, sitting up now.
[18:19] <Alicia> Alicia's stomach churns at the dreadful confirmation, though she keeps her expression hard. "You should have bargained for more. If I hadn't been sleeping it wouldn't have even scratched me. Was it worth it? Am I that important to you?"
[18:22] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Who cares? I've gotten bored of living in a cell." Sitting up now, "I coulda gotten my freedom for it, but..." Her voice turns vile and sweet, "I hate you too much. I want to see that self righteous face gaped open." Her smile isn't quite right, as if choking on gallons of fury. "You're my sister...and just another one of those fucking fools who prattle on and no. You're a disgrace! You should be like me, not prancing around i
[18:22] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> not prancing around in bright armor and acting the hero!"
[18:28] <Alicia> "No one should be like you, Beth," Alicia returns, honestly just too burnt out by her sister's actions to muster any sort of indignation. It's just too much. "But you know what? You might get your wish - tomorrow you'll be executed, but that still leaves time for another devil to try and claim your soul by killing me."
[18:28] <Alicia> She walks over to the wall at the side of the cell and sits down, resting an arm on her sword as she props it up against the wall beside her. "So why don't I wait with you and give you a front row seat for what you paid for?"
[18:29] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth's smile twists and churns, "Good! I'll get to see your guts on the wall!" After that she half chokes on a laugh, a long, shaking laugh. "You stupid...stupid...stupid!" Beth breaks into a snarl after it, vicious and shouted.
[18:32] * Alicia rests her eyes for a long moment as Beth rages and laughs, only opening them once she starts to quiet. "Good," she echoes. "I'd have been disappointed if you didn't have the guts to see firsthand what you've wrought. That last one wounded me enough, I might not win against the next."
[18:34] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Hah!" Beth struggles a moment against her chains, "I'd love to see you die! I should have finished what I started back home!" Her voice is full of rage and unsteady, loud enough to echo in the small cell, giving her word a chaotic, uncontrolled backlash. "You should be rotting in the ground now! I should have never gone soft on you! You're never going to change, you stupid whore! Always going to be just another fucking self ri
[18:35] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Always going to be just another fucking self righteous knight!"
[18:36] <Alicia> Again, Alicia chooses to let silence settle after Beth's tirade. Too often their 'conversations' are characterised by a rapid exchange of insults, but if this is going to be the last one, she might as well take her time to consider her words. They have all night, after all.
[18:36] <Alicia> (more)
[18:38] <Alicia> "Why would you expect me to change, when you yourself are just as unwilling to?" she eventually asks, maintaining a calm facade.
[18:43] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> What comes next is a torrent, Beth's voice roaring out. "BECAUSE I'M RIGHT! YOU'VE SEEN EVERYTHING, HAVEN'T YOU?" A breath, her voice coming under sharp, shaking control, "People are worthless. If you have half a brain and a speck of your own power, they're nothing more than inert sheep! All they build is only suitable to be manipulated and taken! Instead, you go on and on and on about protecting them and doing what's right for
[18:43] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> them and doing what's right for a bunch of animals? What delusions do you have? These animals don't have any Gods or souls! They're just sheep going on and on since they can't do anything else!" At this point, Beth struggles against her chains once more, unable to break them. "We could rule Kelara together, or have taken over this filthy backwater!"
[18:50] * Alicia decides to use Beth's own metaphor. "Some of those sheep are wolves, Beth, if you'll take the time to find out. I should know, since I was one of them," she responds. "Life isn't some equation where it's all about figuring out angles and profits... haven't you ever cared about someone?"
[18:50] <Alicia> "I know we were never that close as children, and mum and dad only ever had time for Charles," she names their spoiled little brother, "But in all the years we were apart, wasn't there ever anyone that you'd throw aside all the wealth and power in the world for? Someone who mattered not for how they could benefit you, but for how they made you feel?"
[18:56] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> What comes next is..."HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!" Beth breaks into a shaking, quivering laughter "You stupid bitch!" Her words come with pure hatred, looking on at Alicia with wet, burning, bloodshot eyes. "I don't give a damn about Charles! He's probably some fat man of leisure now! Do you think there's one person I care at all about?" Beth looks on at Alicia, eyes unmoving.
[18:58] * Alicia shakes her head, unmoved by Beth's laughter. When she left, their little brother had just married a horrible shrew of a woman upon the urgings of their parents, who viewed the match as good for the family's standing. She has little doubt that he's probably miserable, right now, and it's an indication that parental apathy isn't such a bad thing. But there's no need to tell Beth all this.
[18:58] <Alicia> "No, not really," she admits at last. "If you had then you wouldn't be asking me these questions."
[19:03] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth finally laughs again, before slumping to the ground. "I'm tired," she says, voice losing it's energy. "Alicia, why? Have you ever found a reason of your own, something that can't be denied?"
[19:30] * Alicia looks up and stares at Beth for a long moment before deciding to take the invitation. "After you left," she begins, "I was taken in by the church. There they taught me the basics of sorcery, and I worked it into my fighting style. I was readily impressed by the teachings of Mystra, but more than anything else, I wanted to prove myself. I would become a shining beacon of justice and light, winning respect and adulation from all..."
[19:30] <Alicia> She snorts. "Such is the conceit of youth. It was a lot less glamorous than I'd expected, and when I met Hans my enthusiasm for great deeds started to dwindle. I was perfectly happy to give up my vows and become a devoted housewife, intending to raise my son to be a fine man."
[19:30] <Alicia> "Those days were the happiest of my life, the simple joys of a husband's love and the pride of seeing the fruit of our union grow from a misshapen pink blob to a curious and rambunctious toddler..." Her voice is wistful as she speaks, before trailing off. When she resumes, it's with a hardness that's more familiar to the Alicia of today.
[19:30] <Alicia> "When they were taken from me, I lived only for revenge. You think greed and power are compelling? Nothing can compare to the exultant thrill of judging and sentencing another, so secure and confident in your *rightness*. I took my bloody vengeance, and expanded from there, cutting a bloody swathe through the fringes of Kelara, killing all those who would deprive others the way I was deprived."
[19:30] <Alicia> Alicia is silent for a moment after that, thinking back to that period of her life. "Eventually, though, I became weary. In my heart I knew I was not serving justice, and my revenge became ever less effective at filling the hole in my life. I returned first to our family, but as always they cared little. So then I went back to the only other real family I had known, the church of Mystra."
[19:30] <Alicia> "They took me in, as before, and through their love and care, I learned to forgive myself, and put my life back together. I reswore my oaths, and was once again accepted as a paladin. That was five years ago, and I've been leading much the same life ever since."
[19:30] <Alicia> "I don't think there's any answer I can give that will satisfy you, Beth. It's complicated, and there's no answer that's the same for everyone. But for me..." she leans back and looks upwards, "Part of it is being part of something greater. Mystra *is* real, and I feel her supporting me every step of the way. Servitude, when you are valued and respected, is no shameful thing."
[19:30] <Alicia> "Then there's the thrill of standing up to the powerful and corrupt, and prevailing. You spoke of dominating sheep? That leaves me cold, but crossing swords and wits with ancient fiends, powerful monsters, and those who consider themselves better than everyone?" she smiles faintly, "Seeing their grandiose schemes shattered brings a satisfaction like no other."
[19:30] <Alicia> "And lastly, and this is probably where I'll lose you, it's the joy of protecting those who can't protect themselves. Not everyone can be a great warrior or wizard - there's no shame in that. The brilliant but feeble artist, and the unimaginative but hardworking farmer, they play their part in this world, too. If my efforts let them thrive and prosper, I am happy for them."
[19:40] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The words take a long time, a tale told to a small, captive audience that listens with no other choice. The words flow on and on and on and on and on, a sea of memories painted vivid. When the words cease, when Alicia's long tale concludes, silence takes over. A silence that stretches inside and outside of the cell, not even the cry of pre dawn birds to disturb it. "Damn you." Beth's voice sounds tired, faraway and exhausted. "
[19:41] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Damn you to the hell that's waiting for me." Her voice is empty, her eyes closed. "Alicia...I...I'm sorry." Those words come without any reservation, Beth going on after they have a moment to hang. "Not for what I did, but that we never could stop being diametically opposed to each other. You weren't so weak after all, were you?"
[19:44] <Alicia> "No..." Alicia closes her eyes tightly, resisting the tears that want to come. "And I'm sorry it came too late. If I hadn't been so proud, maybe we could have understood each other before we wound up in this mess."
[19:46] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "I wish...I'd gotten through to you. You'd have made a perfect blackguard, or tyrant lord." Beth's voice is still quiet, faraway. "I dreamed about that in here. It's the same for you on the other side...but you're never going to change, are you? And you're going to say the same thing to me?"
[19:50] * Alicia shakes her head. "I could have become a monster, judging all those who fell short of my standards with neither pity nor compassion. But to victimise the weak simply because they are weak? Not in my nature." She's silent for a moment before regarding her sister, "As for you... I honestly didn't care what you became, just so long as you weren't someone I would *have* to kill so that the innocent would be safe."
[19:52] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Heh...guess we let each other down, then." Beth is quiet after that, a long, deep pause. "...hey, sis. There's somethin' else, too. Something that matters to you, I bet. Back when the devil came to make t he trade, he proposed a couple of different ways, yeah?"
[19:53] <Alicia> "I don't suppose he gave you a copy of the contract?" Alicia asks, before glancing around the cell's obviously barren surroundings. "No, I don't suppose he did. What did he propose to you, then?"
[19:54] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "He mentioned that one of the Gods was offerin' for my soul, too, and that she intervened in Hell to make sure I heard that part, too. It was a great offer...power...freedom...revenge..." Beth's voice is faraway still, growing tireder. "Should've taken it, but...I guess I was a damned fool until the end. Shar mean anything to you?"
[19:57] <Alicia> "Shar... Goddess of Loss. Sister of Selune, mother of Mystra," Alicia nods slowly, before snorting. "I bet she would've found it just delicious to juice you up with unholy power and then have us fight to the death."
[19:59] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Fitting, ain't it?" Beth sounds even more tired after that, not speaking for a little bit. For a too long period she seems content to be silent, "Say, are you ever going back to Kelara?"
[20:02] <Alicia> "Maybe... I'd like to see the old gang back at Saint Alastor's," Alicia nods slowly. "It's been too long."
[20:04] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Back when I got captured, the Guard got my coded notes on my stashes. Dunno if they ever chased it down, but if not..." Her voice is tired, "There's a field just past the west end of our house. Check it there...there's a good stash stored away. Better you find it than it being found by some fool farmer tilling a field."
[20:09] <Alicia> "Beth..." Alicia gives her sister a pained look. "It doesn't have to end like this, not when we're finally able to understand each other..." she swallows, never having felt this close to her sister. "I don't want to have to hear some stupid bard singing the tragic tale of the two Reyneses. If you want I can ask them to show mercy - they'll say I'm whimsical and capricious, but I don't care. I don't want to see you die."
[20:11] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Heh..heh...hehheheheheh." Beth's laugh stirs her slightly, enough to open her eyes. "Why? You know damned well I'm not going to change. Plus, I sold my soul to get you killed. What's the point? You're talkin' sympathy to a devil in waiting." With a bit of a harsh laugh, "Yeah, I got him to stop readin' between the lines. Amazing what someone who doesn't care can get a devil to say to make a deal.""
[20:15] <Alicia> "There's a demon somewhere in the Abyss who's going to be very sad when you don't show up as scheduled," Alicia jokes weakly, almost sniffling. "They'll turn you into a lemure. A mindless sack of bloated flesh that can only feel pain. Fodder for the Blood War. I've seen them, Beth. Is it really so bad to give my way a chance that you'd accept such a fate, instead?"
[20:18] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "You're lying," Beth says half heartedly, half sharply. "Said I'd be an 'angel of hell, an Erinyes' woman, or whatever it is." A flicker of anger shows on her face, "Suits me just fine, don't it?"
[20:21] * Alicia snorts. "If that's what was written on the contract... just make sure it didn't say something like 'could potentially' or whatever. They love their weasel words." Alicia stands up slowly, her muscles a bit stiff as she stretches. "Still, you want to see an Erinyes, Beth?"
[20:21] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth's face clouds a little, a hot flush coming. "...shut up..." she mutters at first, anote of panic. It takes her a bit to look up, "Huh? Now what?"
[20:22] * Alicia goes over to knock on the cell door.
[20:22] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> The door opens quite quickly. A rather extremely awake and alert guard opens it. "M-M-Ma'am?" he asks, saluting so fast that the air nearly whistles.
[20:23] <Alicia> "At ease," Alicia nods to him, leaning out and looking towards Antenora. "Could you come in here, Antenora? My sister would like to meet you," she asks politely.
[20:23] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora's face is strangely blank, but she nods and enters. She looks about, wordless for the moment.
[20:25] * Alicia closes the cell door. "You can take off the ribbon," she tells Antenora once she's inside. "Apparently the devil that bought my sister's soul said that she'll become one of your sisters after she dies. I thought maybe you could tell her what to expect."
[20:26] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora pauses, looking on at Beth with a complete lack of expression. With a hand her ribbon falls away, revealing an Erinyes in all of it's glory. Beth's eyes go wide as saucers, "Hah, what the hell? What the HELL are you doing with a fiend?!"
[20:27] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora finally smiles at that, a dark, sinister thing that sends chills. "Beth Reynes...Erinyes are not promoted devils or mortals souls. Erinyes are born. The only non duke or higher devils that can, as a matter of fact." Her face turns frigidly cold, like a gust of Caina. "No, no. You see, I'm sure it was set up to let them weasel out of it, and thus send you to the Shelves of Despond as per normal. From there...?"
[20:29] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "By your leave..." Antenora look sto Alicia, "I can show her more clearly with a safe, simple use of illusion magic natural to Erinyes.
[20:29] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "
[20:32] <Alicia> "All that stuff about giving good a chance?" Alicia waves her hand as she goes to lean on the wall. "Turns out a devil was an easier sell than you are, sister." At Antenora's request, Alicia considers long and hard for a moment, before she nods. "That assassin devil would have killed me if not for your warning. I worry about the temptations you'll face, but... you have earned this."
[20:32] <Alicia> Leaning close, she whispers into Antenora's ear, not wanting her true name to be broadcast. "Drana, I hereby permit you to make use of your supernatural and magical abilities as you see fit." Stepping back and resuming her normal volume, "I don't want you dominating people or summoning other devils, but you've already shown you can be responsible."
[20:33] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora's smile is a thing that makes Beth's face show real fear, as her voice is soft. "Mistress, turn away.  You will sleep better if you do not see these images."
[20:37] * Alicia shakes her head. "I appreciate your concern, but there are things I have seen that would make any infernal torment pale," she replies without any doubt. No matter how graphic the torture or agony, nothing can compare to the sight that welcomed her in her home on that day her life changed forever.
[20:39] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora gently smiles, eyes already locked with Beth's. The assassin tries to speak, but no words seem to come. "Then..." The images that follow are horrible ones. To Antenora's gentle, mocking narration, you see a body like Beth's on a slab of stone in a river of fire. Claimed like quarry by a Bearded Devil, taken to a dark, horrible place. A place of torture, torment, teh few sounds from the images enough to make Alicia's mi
[20:39] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Alicia's mind shudder. The images that come are the images of the death of a soul's humanit, stripped away by devils who enjoy the work, garnering energy in the foulest way imagined. (More)
[20:41] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> There are no words to describe what is seen - perhaps no words are permitted to exist to describe them, save in the darkest tongues used by devils and demons. As what remainds of Beth is tossed into an endless pit of festering maggots, slowly being reborn - a scream. A scream of primordial, utter horror, filling the room. It takes Alicia a few painful seconds to realise it's not coming from her or Antenora, but from her sister.
[20:42] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "My dear little human," Antenora runs a finger down Beth's cheek as she screams, "Do you see now? It's just lovely...oh, except for you. What a small, forgettable little pity!"
[20:42] <Alicia> The scream penetrates Alicia's ears for a few terrible seconds before she recovers her wits. "Enough!" she snaps, standing rigidly. "Enough..." she repeats, a long and weary exhalation coming forth. "She understands."
[20:43] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora lets the image fade, on the point of emphasis of one lemure amid many of them, not a trace of Beth Renyes remaining. "As you wish, Mistress," she says over Beth's lingering scream, stepping back. "Let you have no illusions now."
[20:44] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth's scream finally stops, her body shaking like a leaf in a gusting wind. Tears squirt from her eyes, her body curled up into itself.
[20:45] * Alicia gingerly approaches her sister, sitting down and hesitantly putting an arm around her. "Better a bitter truth than a sweet lie that leads to damnation," she admits, wishing it didn't have to be this way but at the same time accepting that it might be enough for Beth to truly appreciate her situation.
[20:46] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Beth shakes like a leaf for quite a long time. It takes a very long time for her to finally compose herself, looking up. "...Sis...?" she asks in a cracking, weary voice.
[20:47] <Alicia> "Yes?" Alicia asks, voice soft as she holds her big sister in a fragile grip, as if afraid she might break in her arms.
[20:48] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "Please, please...help me," she gets out at last, needing a few tries for the words to form.
[20:51] <Alicia> "You only ever had to ask," Alicia assures her sister. "It's still early... but I'll speak to Lord Salman after dawn. But we'll beat this - I won't let Hell take you, sister. They can send all the assassins they want, I don't care."
[20:55] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> At that, Beth shudders and tries to smile, "...thank..you..." she says, closing her eyes. "Sis."
[20:59] <Alicia> "You can thank me by repenting," Alicia smiles back, before looking up at Antenora. "You said that's one way of voiding the contract, isn't it? If she atones?"
[21:00] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "It is." Antenora nods quietly. "Atonement will break the contract."
[21:03] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> "..Alright..." Beth offers at long last.
[21:04] <Alicia> "It won't be easy," Alicia warns her sister. "And it needs to be sincere, not just a way to cheat fate. But I think together we can do it," she looks up at Antenora, including her in 'we'.
[21:05] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> Antenora nods quietly, "If that's what you wish, Mistress," she says after a longer pause. Also, she sends Alicia a questioning look, before clicking her tongue. 'Mistress', Antenora's voice sounds, 'We need to talk now.'
[21:07] * Alicia raises an eyebrow at the telepathic communication. Antenora is full of strange abilities... 'Yes?' she 'thinks', trying to send the word back mentally.
[21:09] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> 'While exacting haste is not required, dalliance is a mistake as well. As wind of this failure reaches Hell, they will not be pleased, especially if they understand she may atone.'
[21:09] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> After a moment, Antenora's face twists into an unpleasant grimace, 'The next will be stronger, or better prepared, or have s upport or...' Antenora's face goes on, 'They will not make the same mistake twice.'
[21:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 I didn't study enough in church
[21:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0I didn't study enough in church --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{9}
[21:13] <Alicia> 'You're right,' Alicia replies. 'I'll try to speak to Lord Salman at first light. Then... It's not enough for her just to repent her deeds or make amends, is it? She needs to be absolved by a powerful intermediary of the Gods.'
[21:14] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> 'Yes.' Antenora inclines her head, 'Mere regret will not dissolve a soul pact.'
[21:16] <Alicia> 'I'll petition Mystra myself,' Alicia states with mental firmness. 'If She won't hear me... well, there are others who are closer to grace than I. I'll try with them, if I have to.'
[21:18] <Tiny_MechaKo_Army> ----