B 001

[Corwin]

[23:10] * Anastasia is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
[23:16] * Infinite_Ko_Loop is now known as Kotono
[23:24] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[23:24] <Kotono> -----
[23:24] <Kotono> ---Rabbit Ko goes here--
[23:25] * Kotono sets mode: +o Demedais
[23:28] <Kotono> Thus Demedais summons his noble steed and arrainged for some time away.  He heads north to the Temple of Helm in Pilltain, riding Horse. The day pass in the trip, though Demedais makes better time than mundane travellers. As he goes...
[23:28] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 15."12 [1d100=15]
[23:32] <Kotono> It's a very peaceful trip. A warm, red cloak keeps him dry from the occasional rains and the ploughed fields are full of those who look at him with wide eyes. As the ground becomes hillier in the north, less people are seen. There is a solitude that enwraps Demedais as he travels. (More)
[23:36] <Kotono> The approach to the temple brings a misty fog around. The temple is wrapped in deep mist, obscured. The air is cold, but amazingly clear. It's like breathing in the most purified air you could imagine.
[23:39] * Demedais inhales sharply, patting Horse's neck. "It expands this far...? Good. This is gladdening to see." With that, he continues to the edge of the temple, looking for a sign of life.
[23:43] <Kotono> As you ride forward, the mists wrap around you in a moment. The visibility is null now - all you can see are the mists.  Horse snorts softly and keeps going, however. As he does, you hear a distant song. It's words are inaudible, but it's tune echos in your mind. "Great Watcher, protect what must be protected! We shall enforce your will to protect what must be protected! Glory to your name and greatnness to the world once more!" This simple s
[23:44] <Kotono> Glory to your name and greatnness to the world once more!" This simple song echos and echos.
[23:48] <Demedais> "Heh. The Guardians of the Mist choose their songs wisely." Demedais murmurs, before beginning to softly sing as he follows the tune and the road.
[23:50] <Kotono> As you press forwards, the mist parts. From the sea of mist you can see the gateway to the Temple. Two men in full plate armor stand guard. Greatswords are in hand for each of them, and a voice challenges Demedais as he approaches, coming from them! "Demedais of Helm. What is your duty here?"
[23:53] * Demedais raises one gauntlet as he approaches. "I have come to speak with your High Priest regarding possible assistance that I may provide over time, as well as to raise a concern of my own."

[Corwin]

[18:13] <Kotono> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[18:16] <Kotono> REturning to her nestled away magical school, Seira finds it bustling with activity. A shipment of supplies comes in by wagon, as the grounds have people wandering. It seems to be going rather well as she settles into the Headmaster's office, an older woman listening. "So, you want to talk to each of them?" she asks. "Any preference in the order?"
[18:19] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[18:19] <Seira> "I have their progress reports," Seira responds, leafing through the papers in her hands as she settles behind her desk comfortably. "I need to speak to Ragnar before meeting Wayne, and it would be nice if Ren followed Elby. Jillia and Grenseal... I wish to meet them together, if possible."
[18:21] <Kotono> "Right, I'll sort those out while I send in the rest," she says, "Just wait and I'll start filtering them in."
[18:22] * Seira takes a moment to decorate her office with some faerie light as she waits.
[18:23] <Kotono> "Oooooh! Pretty!" You get a giggle as the first one enters within a minute. It's little Gwenn, a shocker lizard draped around the back of her neck. It's blue sparks join the faerie fire around the room. "Oh..." she look sto Seira, "I'm not in trouble, am I?"
[18:24] <Seira> "You weren't told why I wanted to see you?" Seira asks, gesturing towards a comfortable armchair that faces her desk. "Please have a seat." She marks off something on a sheet of paper set before her.
[18:24] <Seira> "How have you been, Gwenn?" Seira asks, looking back at the girl.
[18:26] <Kotono> "Oh..." Rubbing her lizard's head, "I was walking outside and I got told to come in here right away." She stops, "It's nice here. I miss Mom and Dad a lot, but I learn lots of fun things like they wanted me to."
[18:26] <Seira> "When was the last time you saw them?"
[18:27] <Kotono> "Not since I came here. They send letters," she reaches into her dress, pulling out a well worn sheet of parchment. "I can even read them and some of the big words Mom uses now!"
[18:28] <Seira> "You know," Seira says, placing her elbows on the desk and leaning closer to the girl, "my dad is pretty far away, too. He's so far, in fact, that I can't even send a letter to him because no one delivers all the way where he's at. But with magic, I can talk to him just fine, or see him... or even pop in for a visit!"
[18:29] <Kotono> "Oh!" He reyes light up, "Can you show me how to do that?"
[18:30] <Seira> "Of course! But you might have another option," Seira muses then. "Did you ever try asking a pigeon or some other bird to deliver a message for you to your parents? Or take them a small present you made?"
[18:32] <Kotono> "I could try. What do you think," she look sto the lizard on her, then nods. "He says it's a good idea!"
[18:34] * Seira smiles. "I'll make you a deal! If you succeed by next weekend, I'll ready a fun surprise for you! How does that sound?"
[18:35] <Kotono> "Okay!" Gwenn agrees brightly. "It's a deal!"
[18:36] * Seira extends her hand over for Gwenn to shake. "I look forward to it."
[18:37] <Kotono> The hand is tak-ow! A slight shock ripples through Seira's arm as the hand is shaken. "Okay!" she says, skipping off and out the door.
[18:38] * Seira is well-protected against electricity, and even if she weren't, she'd hardly show any pain or surprise at this. She follows Gwenn to the door, and waves her assistant closer discretely.
[18:39] <Seira> "Please spend a few moments to explain to those getting called in that I merely want to talk to them," she requests quietly. "It wouldn't do to get everyone antsy for no reason."
[18:43] <Kotono> "Of course," she bows her head to Seira before departing out. It's a few minutes until the next enters. A teenaged boy, a light pair of spectables perched on his nose, "Ah. Headmaster?"
[18:45] <Seira> "Hello, Leonard," Seira greets him. "How do you find the school so far?"
[18:47] <Kotono> "Oh, ma'am," he nods, "It's very interesting, I'm learning new things every day."
[18:52] <Seira> "I'm glad to hear that. At the same time, I worry that we are missing you with our approach. As you well know, we are only starting out, and it would take time until we adjust the curriculum to properly fit every student's talents."
[18:52] * Seira looks contrite. "I'm sorry about that. To correct the situation, I would like to offer you an opportunity over the break. It would mean not going home or staying here for the duration, but spending time studying under my friend Amman. Would you like to give it a chance?"
[18:54] <Kotono> "Ah..." The young man blushes, blurting out, "I can do better, I'm getting it, it just takes ti-eh?" He takes a breath near the end of that, "Aaah...do you think that Amman is a good teacher?"
[18:57] <Seira> "To focus one's efforts on learning, research and the power of knowledge," Seira quotes from memory. "Wouldn't you agree with that as a worthy goal, perhaps even a motto? If so, then I would like you to give this a try. Amman's talent for storytelling is great and engaging...
[18:57] <Seira> and if you learn enough to be able to resist the flair's effects on you, only to put them to paper, recreating them for future generations...." Seira smirks. "Magic will come to you before you even notice it, magic specially tailored to aid you in your chosen path, no less."
[18:58] <Kotono> "Storytelling?" SCratching his head, Leonard nods nonetheless, "Okay, if you think it would hlep, I'd like to try, Headmaster."
[18:59] <Seira> ""Stories hold great power," she tells him seriously. "Very well. I will arrange for your family to be informed, then, unless you'd prefer to handle that part yourself."
[19:00] <Kotono> "Aaah...go ahead, ma'am," he allows.
[19:01] * Seira nods. "Well, that is what I wished to discuss with you. As Amman is effectively staying with me, you could also come to me with any issues you might have. Are there any you would like to raise now?"
[19:03] <Kotono> "N-no, not right now. Except..." Blushing, "Can I ask you something?"
[19:04] * Seira gestures at him to continue.
[19:05] <Kotono> "Did Gwenn say anything about me," he asks. "I saw her coming out of here."
[19:06] * Seira leans back in her chair. "Ask again in two years," she tells him with a smile.
[19:06] <Kotono> "Oh...okay," He nods quickly, hurrying out.
[19:10] <Kotono> Next enters a man with dusky brown skin. He slightly nods to Seira as he enters, "Kemal, ma'am," he supplies, a slight accent to his voice. "You wished to see me?"
[19:12] <Seira> "I had," she agrees. "Please take a seat." Seira picks up a folder from her desk, glancing at its contents as she waits on him.
[19:12] <Kotono> He sits down. "What do you want to talk to me about?"
[19:13] <Seira> "Tell me, Kemal," Seira asks at that, observing him over the top of the folder in question, "what are your plans for the future? How far do you intend to take your talent? Your studies? What do you wish to do with your life?"
[19:15] <Kotono> "Well..." he scratches at the side of his head, "My father was a merchant, but our family before that worked at Wetwind Harbor as masons and craftsmen. The bug skipped a generation, but I have it strong.
[19:18] * Seira nods. "As long as you don't intend to neglect the magical part of the crafting, and continue to seek to combine the two arts, I believe I could help with your progress considerably. Would you be interested in participating in professional specialization over the break?
[19:18] <Seira> To work under accomplished magical artificers and craft your own wares for sale? Your abilities and style would be polished, and gaining expertise and money along the way, perhaps even securing a firm place in the community in advance if you do exceptionally well/|
[19:19] <Kotono> "I would," he answers breathlessly, eyes shining, "That's what I've been studying - it's still a bit away for me, but I think I can do it soon. I've already managed to brew a few potions successfully. But I want to build things of iron and stone and glass."
[19:21] <Seira> "Grand things will have to wait," Seira says bluntly. "You realize this, of course? Before we fly, we walk, and before that we learn to crawl. It is my belief that this opportunity would help in your transition to walking firmly as a crafting mage."
[19:23] <Kotono> "I get that. It took me a good year to make a wood carving I wasn't ashamed of,"  Kemal agrees readiily. "You don't craft something righ ton your first try, or even your tenth.
[19:23] <Kotono> :"
[19:24] <Seira> "Most people would respond 'unless you use magic' to that, but we know better," Seira adds, nodding in agreement herself. "It takes time to get things right."
[19:26] <Kotono> "Magic's just as hard, but it's a shortcut for when you have learned it." Kemal agrees to that, "Where would I train on this, then?"
[19:28] <Seira> "You are familiar with Countess Stronger, perchance? I have inquired with her in advance, and the opening is there if you wish to take it. And once you complete your education here, a more permanent job offer could be arranged, or a letter of recommendation, depending on your preference."
[19:30] <Kotono> "I'd like to," he says, "She's becoming the best known magical crafter from here to the end of the desert."
[19:31] <Seira> "And farther than that, soon enough," Seira adds with a satisfied smile.
[19:31] <Kotono> "Thank you," he stands, offering Seira his hand. "I was hoping I could contact her after this to inquire about learning from her, so this is wonderful."
[19:32] * Seira takes his hand as she stands up in turn, shaking it firmly. "I am quite pleased to hear that."
[19:33] <Kotono> "Thanks...I'm going to go prepare now," he promises, heading off and away. It's not long for the next one - a young boy, not even ten. Ragnar looks up at Seira, the old woman escorting him in. "Ooooh! It's brain hurt gir...ow!" After getting thumped on the back of the head by the old woman, "I mean the Headmaster!"
[19:37] <Seira> "You could call me Seira if you'd like," she offers. "I like that you've remembered your experience, though whether you've learned from it remains to be seen." Seira tilts her head as she looks at him. "What do you think? Have you learned?"
[19:41] <Kotono> Rubbing the back of his head, "I still get yelled at alot, but it's not fair! There's so many interesting thoughts around! For example, Biggs always thinks of outdoors and nature now, so it's better than being at a window! Grenseal thinks about wrestling a lot and that's fun, even if it's with a girl and cooties! Or about how Gwenn thinks and talks to her pet."
[19:43] * Seira can't entirely control the slight twitch her left eye makes. "And while talking to me about this is well and expected, do you share those thoughts with others as well?"
[19:45] <Kotono> "Not really. I get yelled at even more when I do..." he shuffles down and stares at the floor.
[19:46] <Seira> "I'm glad you've learned that lesson," Seira says, nodding in approval. "But let's try to get another right without excessive yelling?" She waves him over.
[19:47] <Kotono> He comes over, looking up at the half elf. He nods, and as he does, "You look funny," he says out loud, "You kind of remind me of Gwenn pet now. Scaly!" He says that with a little giggle.
[19:49] <Seira> "That's because I'm a dragon," Seira explains. "Dragons are very cool." She chants a few words before tapping the boy squarely on the forehead. "This is like a test," Seira says, and points towards a corner of the room behind her desk. "Do you know what you're supposed to do?"
[19:58] <Kotono> "...No," he says, shaking his head as he vanishes from view.
[20:03] * Seira taps the side of her face, indicating the eye. "Watch." She runs her finger up her lobe all the way to its point, before touching the temple lightly. "Listen. Learn." And with a conspiratorial smile, she brings her index finger over her lips, remaining silent.
[20:04] <Kotono> There is a moment, then, "OW!" Ragnar whimpers, a thump her. "OWWWIE!"
[20:05] * Seira looks at him, the words for the spell to see past invisibility passing her lips.
[20:08] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "You thought I wanted you to read my mind, and made you invisible for that purpose?" she asks him. "Being impulsive like that can get you into a world of hurt, as you've discovered." She crouches next to Raggar. "Can you go on, or do you need to see a healer, now?"
[20:08] <Kotono> Ragnar is kneeling on the floor and holding his head. "I'm okay..." he whimpers, "I need a little time!"
[20:09] * Seira nods, tapping his head for good measure, as a healing spell is cast to soothe his pains.
[20:09] <Kotono> He perks up at that, "Thanks! But most people don't make me go like that. You're just special and scary like that!"
[20:10] <Seira> "There will be a time for compliments. For now, just try to remain quiet and think about what I want you to learn here?" Standing up, Seira heads towards the door, calling for Wayne.
[20:12] <Kotono> It takes a few minutes before the old woman peek sin. "I'm sorry, Wayne seems to have skipped off today, we can't find him," she shakes her head, a tsk-tsk of disapproval.
[20:13] <Seira> "Hmm," Seira muses. "Who would you say is closest to Wayne amongst the students?"
[20:15] <Kotono> "I hear he flirts with Abagail at times," she answers back. "He also nearly got poor Grenseal in trouble."
[20:17] <Seira> "Please send in Abagail, then," Seira decides, and pauses to briefly refresh the spell on Ragnar before seating herself behind her desk once more.
[20:18] <Kotono> Ragnar stays quiet. Abagail doesn't take long to come. She has fine black hair and wears a red cloak, with a little leaf clasp. She bows deeply, "Oh, Headmistress! It's an honor."
[20:19] <Seira> "The honor is mine, it seems," Seira responds, inclining her head, "since I am meeting our star pupil."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Indeed," She smiles vastly to Seira, sitting down. "I've heard much of you, of course. How magnificent the stories are!"
[20:25] <Seira> "Stories rarely compare to the rare thing," Seira muses, gazing at her with a calculating look. "Do you consider yourself the best, without question? Is failure an option for you? Is there an obstacle that cannot be surmounted?" she asks, question following question. "Abagail, when faced with the impossible, what do you do?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "Yes, no, and no." She answers smiling back, "I beat, and at worst, I come back with the tools I need to. Just like the stories I hear of you and Alicia's magic," Tossing her hair back, "I've begun to understand third circle magic, while others struggle with the second circle or the first."
[20:31] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that you fully controlled a spell of the third circle. Was I... mislead?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "Oh, of course not. I just know there are far more spells in the third than the few I've learned," She snorts, "I will have them in due time."
[20:35] <Seira> "Yes. You will." Seira smiles, and reaches for the elaborate dagger sheathed at her belt. She places it on the desk, and slides it over to Abagail, handle first. "Do you know what this is, Abagail?" she asks.
[20:41] <Kotono> "No, not offhand," she answers.
[20:42] <Seira> "A graduation gift. An erinyes warlock had it, but she was out of luck. It's pretty, isn't it?" Seira slides her hand across the jewels embedded in the dagger's hilt, before withdrawing her hand.
[20:44] <Kotono> "My...!" She looks over the jewelled dagger, marvelling. "It's a lovely weapon. Wait, you mean I've graduated?" she asks, looking to Seira.
[20:47] <Seira> "From the basic courses? Quite." Seira leans her elbows on the desk, making a rough triangle with them as she looks over its tip at Abagail. "We would naturally support you in your quest for knowledge and higher learning if that is your choice.
[20:47] <Seira> The library here, magical section included, won't lose to any other, even if they belong to royals. And we do have some unique artifacts available for study." She pauses briefly. "However, I believe that what you really want from life is the practical, to test your skills in real world situations."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Mmmm." She leans back in  her chair, "Let me think about it a little bit. I've been so lost in my studies that I haven't decided what I'd do next."
[20:59] <Seira> "The winter break is the perfect time for that," Seira tells her, mirroring her posture. "Abagail, with your skills it would not be difficult for you to fit in either the Guard or the civillian society. However, if you really want to surpass the impossible, the best way to do that is staring you in the face quite literally.
[20:59] <Seira> This offer would remain open to you until your formal graduation, so consider it carefully."

[Corwin]

[18:40] <Kotono> "That's everything," Grenseal says in a slight daze, "You really helped set that up?"
[18:41] * Seira shrugs. "We didn't know what door we opened at the time, but it seemed like the right choice to make. Nothing thus far made me doubt it."
[18:46] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[18:47] <Kotono> "I see..." Jillia murmurs, "Oh Helm...yes, we'll go tomorrow. Thank you."
[18:47] <Kotono> Grenseal stands, offering his hand to Jillia. "There's much for us to still do to prepare then. We'll see you then, Headmaster."
[18:47] <Seira> "Grenseal, would you mind waiting a moment?" Seira requests, standing up herself.
[18:49] <Kotono> Jillia departs, but Grenseal lingers. "Yes?" he asks, shifting back and forth.
[18:49] * Seira approaches him. "Two things. Would you know where Wayne has gone off to?"
[18:51] <Kotono> "I may have an idea," his expression screws into a look of resignation. "He's skipped off again today?"
[18:52] <Seira> "Why does he stay here?" Seira asks curiously.
[18:56] <Kotono> "You know, I asked him that myself," Grenseal scowls now, going back to sitting. "He has magic enough. He barely studies but he keeps up. Anyway, for what it's worth, he said it's because he wants to be."
[18:57] <Seira> "To be a real mage?" Seira nods to herself, a thoughtful expression coming over her face. "Alright. You said you had an idea of where he was?"
[19:00] <Kotono> "Yes. There's a farm a few miles down the road. Outside of it is an orchard. He's made friends with the farmer there and gets free fruit and a place to relax in exchange for arranging a few helpful spells."
[19:01] * Seira nods. "How enterprising of our Wayne. Alright."
[19:01] <Kotono> "Is that all, Headmaster?" Grenseal asks then.
[19:02] <Seira> "Ah, I did say there were two matters I wanted to discuss," Seira comments. "You are aware that Jillia is married, correct?"
[19:03] <Kotono> Grenseal looks Seira in the eye, unblinking, "I know."
[19:05] <Seira> "Just checking!" She pats him on the shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow morning for the trip."
[19:08] <Kotono> Grenseal nods and exits the room. It takes a few minutes for Elby to arrive after this, wearing well worn overalls as he sits down. "Yes'm?"
[19:11] <Kotono> OOOC - Strike.
[19:11] <Kotono> Grenseal nods and exits the room, giving Seira a bit of time alone.
[19:13] * Seira request her assistant to hold on the interviews, before closing the door and gesturing at the armchair facing her desk. "Now is the time to see what you've learned," she tells Ragnar, waiting for him to take a seat.
[19:15] <Kotono> Ragnar goes and does just that. "Seira?"
[19:16] <Seira> "Yes?" She takes a seat opposite him, waiting calmly.
[19:18] <Kotono> "Grenseal was thinking about strange foggy things," he supplies, "And then Jillia at the very end."
[19:18] <Seira> "In what way?" Seira asks curiously.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Just of her face." Scratching at his nose, "That was it."
[19:20] * Seira nods. "And what of Jillia and Abagail?"
[19:22] <Kotono> "Abagail was thinking of money and...uh..." he scratches his head, "What's the grown up word...positio-no...uh...uh...status! That's it! Like how a duke's important, right?"
[19:23] <Seira> "To some," Seira agrees, waving him to continue.
[19:28] <Kotono> "Jillia was thinking of Helm and those books she reads," Ragnar finishes.
[19:29] * Seira snorts. "Okay. When you read their surface thoughts, were you able to feel any particular attachment to any of them on their side? When Abagail was asking for time to think, was her decision already made? When Grenseal answered my last question, did he feel upset to you?"
[19:34] <Kotono> "Grenseal thought of Jillia like that. Attached, isn't that the word?" Ragnar asks.
[19:35] * Seira nods once more. "Merely reading people's thoughts is not enough. You have to study them, and get any extra information that would prove useful later, even if you don't see how it would, at the time."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Okay," he agrees to that, "I'll try that the next few days and see how I do at it!"
[19:38] <Seira> "Now, let's cover the true point of the lesson -- or test, we could say," Seira continues. "You went unseen, and read their thoughts while I naturally drew their attention to myself and evoked certain thought patterns in them. A proper setup is quite important to success, and so is preparation. Do you understand what I'm getting at, here?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "...oh!" Ragnar blinks, "Is that like when the teacher has us set something up so that another thing happens...like a chain reaction, isn't that the word?"
[19:42] <Seira> "That's part of it," Seira comments, nodding yet again. "It's also important to observe the situation you are in, and the tools at your disposal. Also... just because someone isn't thinking of something interesting doesn't mean you can't get to those thoughts. All it often takes is a harmless nudge in the right direction, delivered casually in conversation." (more)
[19:43] <Seira> Pausing, Seira withdraws a scroll from a pouch at her belt. "Now, I've gotten reports that you have been getting caught far too often while reading minds, and you've admitted as much to me yourself. Please remember that not getting caught is quite important, if you're about to break the rules."
[19:44] <Seira> She hands the scroll to him, continuing, "This would allow you to become invisible once, if you really need it. I would be upset if you wasted it pointlessly, though."
[19:49] <Kotono> Ragnar smiles brightly, "Thanks!" he tucks the scroll away, "I won't get caught them, I promise!"
[19:52] <Seira> "Good luck!" Seira wishes him. "The rest of the spells will come in time, so just learn to use what you have right now to the best of your ability! And don't embarrass people pointlessly, though I don't think I need to tell you that."
[19:53] <Kotono> "I promise!" Ragnar smiles, "Yeah, embarrassing people...being stuffed in a closet all day isn't fun!" Ragnar shivers.
[19:55] <Seira> "Show me what you've learned next time I visit, and I'll teach you how to get out of tough spots like that," Seira promises with a conspiratorial smile.
[19:56] <Kotono> Ragnar nods and exits the room. It takes a few minutes for Elby to arrive after this, wearing well worn overalls as he sits down. "Yes'm?"
[19:57] <Seira> "If I were mean and asked if you knew what this was about, how would you answer?" Seira asks curiously, and her smile is disarming, right then.
[20:03] <Kotono> "I reckon that means you want me to figure it out another way, like by waving my hands," Elby raises an eyebrow, "And that you want to see me getting my hands dirty?"
[20:03] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-176-146-43.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:06] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-176-146-43.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
[20:06] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[20:07] <Kotono> "I reckon that means you want me to figure it out another way, like by waving my hands," Elby raises an eyebrow, "And that you want to see me getting my hands dirty?"
[20:10] <Seira> "Answering with a question of your own? I see." Seira picks up a folder from her desk, writing something down. "Foregoing evocation was a very bright choice for you. The sheer visual effect of fireballs aside, the school is weaker than the others, if they're wielded properly."
[20:15] <Seira> "I have a challenge for you," Seira tells Elby. "It is my wish to pair you off with another student, and have you help them get a stronger grasp on their talents. In effect, it would add to your workload, and your goal would be to succeed where our conventional teachers haven't had much success to date."
[20:22] <Kotono> Nodding along, "Sure. Which one?" he asks, "Some more work never killed anyone."
[20:25] <Seira> "Ren," Seira responds. "Abjuration is very good, but forcing the issue seems like the wrong approach to me. Birds or whatever might throw their young off a cliff to teach them to fly but we're not that desperate. Or animals." She shrugs. "In any case, it will come in time. But for now, I fear his talent at divination is getting neglected.
[20:25] <Seira> Also, perhaps you might be able to spot what exactly is blocking him from using his powers in anything but an instinctive fashion."
[20:27] <Kotono> "Aye, aye," her rubs his chin. "I can give him a toss at that."
[20:28] <Seira> "That's the spirit!" Seira agrees. "Well, with that out of the way, is there anything you would like to discuss? Something you'd like to bring up yourself, perhaps?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "Not really," he wipes at his head, "I like what I'm doing now. It's good hard work and it's useful."
[20:34] * Seira nods. "I happen to agree. Would you wait outside until I've talked to Ren?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "Sure," he stands up, dusting off his overalls. OOC - Go on to Ren then?
[20:37] <Seira> OOC: Yep
[20:42] <Kotono> There's a decent pause before Ren enters. He's a bulky man, rubbing his head as he sits down. "Headmistress?"
[20:44] <Seira> "Hello, Ren," Seira welcomes him with. "I've decided to alter the focus of your studies a bit, after reviewing your progress. Do you have any comments, suggestions or requests on the matter, before we proceed?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "Well, y'see, I've been trying. But it's like trying to squeeze water from a rock. Ntohing happens." He shrugs, "It happens when it wants to."
[20:52] <Seira> "Maybe we can coax the power out in another way. I've talked to Elby about working together with you, as your talents overlap in certain areas. Maybe Elby would have some insight that others lack at the moment, or you could gain a better understanding of the way these powers work from such an arrangement."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Right," he nods, "Do you think he'll see the future for it or something, ma'am?
[20:57] <Kotono> "
[20:58] <Seira> "That's a possibility," Seira agrees. "But only one of them. Observe Elby, and try not to push yourself. We should try it this way for a while."
[21:02] <Kotono> A nod, "Sure thing. I wanna succeed, I wanna know how to do this. It's strange."
[21:03] <Seira> "I guarantee success," Seira says firmly. "Anyone can learn magic in some form. There is only a matter of wanting to improve. As long as that exists, the entirety of my commitment would be backing those people up."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Okay," He nods, "I'llt ry my bed, Headmaster." He stands up at that, "I know I can do this."
[21:06] <Seira> "We'll review your progress again in a few months, to see the effects of this new approach," Seira tells Ren. "This is hardly the only idea I have to try."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Alright," he agrees again, "...I'll succeed. I know I can and I don't want to go back to the mines."
[21:13] * Seira smiles genuinely at such dedication.

[Corwin]

[15:30] <Demedais> [13:26] <@Anastasia> "I don't know. I never see the same image twice, however." The spirit informs Demedais, "I've seen millions as I walk this path. I've seen things that chilled my very soul and things that have made my soul sing with light."
[15:30] <Demedais> [13:29] <@Demedais> "Amazing..." Demedais murmurs. "...Does Uatu respond to you directly, when - or if - you visit?"
[15:30] <Demedais> [13:39] <@Anastasia> "No. Not like you mean, I think. I think it knows I'm there, but it's...reserved and protected, as it should be."
[15:30] <Demedais> [13:40] * @Demedais nods once. "Then... well, Helm can tell it I say 'Hi, keep well', then."
[15:31] * Kowork is now known as Kotono
[15:35] <Kotono> "
[15:35] <Kotono> "Very well. Then what do you wish here now, Demedais?"
[15:35] <Demedais> A small pause. "For organization's sake... Where would you like me to send messengers to, if I feel I must contact you regarding a possible danger? Sending them straight here... seems to defeat the point of hiding Uatu, personally."
[15:40] <Kotono> "There is a village within a day's travel to the west. Send letters to Monta at the Enzo Inn there." The spirit replies. "He is in our understanding and will do what is needed."
[15:41] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods once, noting this mentally. "And... awkward moment; I do not know your name."

[Corwin]

[18:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Aaaah..." he stretches out, pocketing the two coins in a tattered pair of trousers. "'cause you're not getting what you hoped for?"
[18:56] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[18:58] <Seira> "I always get what I want," Seira insists firmly. "Draw whichever conclusions from this that you wish." She shakes her head. "No, what upsets me is how someone clearly smart enough to seize an opportunity where he sees one happens to be letting it slip. I would like to hear why, because I don't really like mysteries."
[19:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Aaah. It must be my lucky day." Wayne glances up at Seira with a disinterested smile, "After all, getting you out here is really fortutious. Who can say that they get a half dragon's attention so easily?" With a smooth movement he's standing up, brushing his bangs awayf rom his eyes. "All you need to know is to leave me be."
[19:06] <Seira> "This is your withdrawal notice, then?" Seira asks, raising an eyebrow.
[19:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Do you want it o be?" he asks back, bangs hidinghis eyes and falling back into place. With a light shrug, "Aaah, I'll be fine either way. I can feel it burning in my veins now - the magic, that is. I do wonder what it was that sparked it in my bloodline...but I suppose it hardly matters."
[19:11] <Seira> "The seals on this world collapsing, most likely," Seira supplies helpfully. "In any case, my goal is to teach people control so that they don't hurt themselves or others by accident, and to let anyone interested in achieving more than that the opportunity. The former has been accomplished with you. The latter depends entirely on you, as it happens."
[19:11] <Seira> She inclines her head at Wayne, before starting to slowly walk back. "Good day."
[19:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Heh..." Wayne chuckles, "See ya then." He goes back to sitting.
[19:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The rest of the day passes without incident. The next morning is a rainy one, as Seira gathers Grenseal and Jillia in her office. They look on at her, waiting.
[19:23] <Seira> "I won't insult you by asking if you're prepared with the right spells," Seira tells them, extending her hands to the pair. "I'll aim to get us next to the temple's entrance."
[19:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A nod passes from Grenseal, "We have and we're ready."
[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d100
[19:26] * Seira activates the ring!
[19:26] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
[19:26] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[19:26] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d100
[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 67."12 [1d100=67]
[19:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Woosh! The world twists and vanish-ack! There's a strange sensation, then the three appear. You appear just in front of a deep wall of mist. Ahead of you is nothing but white, the air chilly and the sky gray.
[19:32] <Seira> "Feel any different?" Seira asks, peering into the mist.
[19:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Is...this it?" Jillia asks, drawing a cloak closer around her. The mist is impenetrable, yet it seems to be splitting apart in the center, as if making a path to walk down further into it.
[19:35] <Seira> "There is more. I did say I'll land us next to the entrance. It's only proper to actually walk inside as we're invited, rather than force the issue." Having said that, she begins heading down the path, making sure to keep her pace slow enough the other two can catch up.
[19:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You're right, I..." Jillia hurries into the mist, Grenseal's face flashing surprise before he follows! Into the mists the three go! The embrace of the chill is long, yet only passing as you see a gate ahead. Two perfectly armored guards stand watch, greatswords ready.
[19:41] * Seira waves at the guards. "So, the mist," she mentions. "Is it going to engulf the entire world one day?"
[19:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Seira of Balmuria..." One of the guards intones, his voice carrying in perfect clarity. "Why do you come to the domain of Uatu?"
[19:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Jillia shivers all over, leaning heavily against Grenseal. "This feeling...it's..." she murmurs, "Oh my Lord."
[19:46] <Seira> "I'm visiting. We're old pals, don't you remember?"
[19:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> There is apause before the guards part, the gates opening. "Come, Seira. Come...Grenseal and Jillia."
[19:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Grenseal stares ahead, licking his lips. "d...Do you feel that? How did I miss this before? It's so obvious."
[19:51] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira leads them inside.
[19:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Seira..." Jillia breathes as she slowly walks along, "This place...I..." she shakes her head again.
[19:54] <Seira> "Yes?"
[19:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Jillia stops, kneeling down. "I'm sorry, I need a little time. It's overwhelming."
[19:59] * Seira shrugs. "Sorry. I think it only speaks to people who like Helm. Maybe. Not that I hate him. We're actually sort of friends. Yes, take your time, I'll just be quiet over here."
[20:00] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Grenseal kneels down, offering Jillia a hand. They're like this for a bit, as...
[20:01] * Seira doesn't show any outwards signs of change, content to wait for the two to gather their senses.
[20:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It takes perhaps five minutes. Jillia rises up again, smoothing her dress. "I'm ready," she says, holding Grenseal's hand as she heads deeper in.
[20:08] * Seira proceeds happily herself.
[20:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> To the front door you go - which is already open and cloaked in mist. Th efeeling goes stronger as you enter - into a broad room. Here there are several crystalline, transparent coffins. Each one has a man at rest in them, clad in perfect full armor. Far ahead you can see a crystalline stairway going down, sharp looking and misty. "You've come," A voice says from that stairway, something coming up from it.
[20:12] <Seira> "I... guess?" Seira chances, looking for the source of the voice.
[20:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The man is young, wearing full armor. HIs body is transparent and cloaked in mists, which follow him. "Welcome. What is your business here with Uatu?"
[20:23] <Seira> "Just wanted to visit, myself. It's been a while, and I wanted to stay in touch while I had some free time." She gestures at the pair of students. "And my friends here receieved an invitation, so it was the perfect opportunity. I'm not sure if the one who extended it was Helm or Uatu, though. Any thoughts, yourself?"
[20:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The figure approaches Grenseal and Jillia. His expression is unshowing and kept as he looks to them, "Welcome. You are two that have been gifted and drawn to this place, the realm of Uatu. In his wisdom Helm has bestowed on you a great duty, one that will span eternity."
[20:36] <Seira> "Hel-lo?" Seira waves at him for good measure. "What's this gift about? What do you mean by eternity? Is this the gift that keeps on giving? And who are you, mister transparent spokesperson?"
[20:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I am the head of this place, the one whom Helm has tasked with protecting Uatu. His touch is on these two, for they are destined to join me one day to ensure that Uatu is not harmed, for such would be disaster unbridled." He speaks to Seira, "A ravage akin to the worst catastrophe that must never be allowed."
[20:44] <Seira> "Huh. Last time it was a very nice old priest that was the head of this place. I wonder what happened to him?" As she speaks, Seira glances at Grenseal and Jillia. "Sounds like a worthy cause, don't you think?"
[20:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a growing smile, "I am him," he says with a bit of warmth, "Such is how I was in my youth. My body rests here, so there is no need for the apperence of great age."
[20:49] <Seira> "Huh. That's new. Are you, like, a ghost now?" Seira tilts her head. "And come to think of it, shouldn't you be welcoming me back more warmly, then? I thought you liked me! And we had nice chats a few times when I was here. Hey, I actually found my old man, too! Anyway, I get that this is a very serious mission and that Helm is a very serious deity, but this is a bit much."
[20:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Grenseal and Jillia gawk, "I'm pleased to hear that. My duty has consumed me - the gravity of protecting Uatu is vast." He answers this with a hint of warmth back in his voice, "For I have seen and been shown much since we last met."
[20:54] <Seira> "Will they be consumed before their time if they join, too?" Seira feels the need to ask for her students. "Since they need to be making an informed decision about all this, after all."

[Corwin]

[18:17] <Seira> [22:48] <Seira> "Huh. That's new. Are you, like, a ghost now?" Seira tilts her head. "And come to think of it, shouldn't you be welcoming me back more warmly, then? I thought you liked me! And we had nice chats a few times when I was here. Hey, I actually found my old man, too! Anyway, I get that this is a very serious mission and that Helm is a very serious deity, but this is a bit much."
[18:17] <Seira> [22:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Grenseal and Jillia gawk, "I'm pleased to hear that. My duty has consumed me - the gravity of protecting Uatu is vast." He answers this with a hint of warmth back in his voice, "For I have seen and been shown much since we last met."
[18:17] <Seira> [22:54] <Seira> "Will they be consumed before their time if they join, too?" Seira feels the need to ask for her students. "Since they need to be making an informed decision about all this, after all."
[18:25] <Kotono> ""When it is their time they will come to lay here." He gestures to the transparent coffins. "As to when - when you feel you have learned enough and are ready."
[18:30] * Seira wishes she could express the dissonance in feeling content and horrified at the same time. "I see," she says instead. "Some people might like to have their entire lived mapped out like this, all the way to the grave and beyond. I guess." She shrugs for good measure.
[18:30] <Seira> "Did some Helm-worshipping guy come here recently?" Seira asks then to change the topic, giving the priest Elle's description of the man. "I heard something about him traveling here, I think."
[18:33] <Kotono> Grenseal looks conflicted at listening, shaking his head, "I'm not that old yet," he murmurs defensively, "But...I want to be here, too. Is that because we're supposed to be here?"
[18:34] <Kotono> Jillia smiles a little, "It has to be. This place feels so right."
[18:36] <Kotono> "He did," A solemn nod comes from the head priest. "He felt Helm's calling and accepted it."
[18:37] <Seira> "See, I know this paladin of Helm, and he's all happy when he comes here... but he always goes away, too. In fact, there's plenty to do to protect Uatu in other places, too," Seira tells Grenseal. "And I doubt the people here would turn you away if you decided to come at some later point."
[18:39] <Kotono> "Demedais," The high priest nods solemnly, "He very recently came. You do not need to stay immediately, for you have only begun to learn. Come when your powers have developed."
[18:43] <Kotono> Jillia nods faintly, leaning against Grenseal with dazzled eyes. "I...see."
[18:43] <Seira> "So, wanna spend the night here and see how it is?" Seira offers. "Or we could go and say hi to Uatu in person. Is he accepting guests right now?"
[18:52] <Kotono> "If you wish, but do not disturb him lightly. His intellect is uncomprehending in many ways...I shall explain it as we go, if you wish."
[18:53] <Seira> "I won't bother him over petty stuff like teleporting back or anything. But meeting potential recruits sounds like the done thing, to me."
[18:56] <Kotono> "As you wish," The man begins to walk down the stairs, "Follow."
[18:58] * Seira walks at his side. "Now that I'm visiting and all, anything you'd like to tell me and through me to the rest of the world? From you, or Uatu himself? Requests, anything?"
[19:01] <Kotono> As the other two follow down the stairs, the images begin. A bombardment of them all around the stairway - from fair paradises to foul pits of flame, to endless gray battlefields and then great sweeping views of perfect clockwork towers larger than a continent. To a great forge deep in a mountain, to a cold, bleak wasteland where only shadowy figures wander. Grenseal and Jillia are fascinated, watching them as they walk. "Demedais bears the r
[19:01] <Kotono> "Demedais bears the relevant information, but in short again?" (More)
[19:02] <Kotono> "Uatu must be hidden and protected. It's power has grown, it's destruction would render a wasteland unto what lies south of the desert. We have been assigned by Helm to ensure that Uatu is not disturbed by mortal men."
[19:04] <Seira> "Right, then. Less social calls, aid you guys if someone attacks. That's the gist?"
[19:10] <Kotono> The other two are utterly captivated, watching the fleeting images of places far beyond this mortal realm. They say nothing, as, "Uatu is not disturbed lightly. Yet, in it's way, it tries to ape what it saw...simple human kindness." The priests's voice is reflective as you walk down the sharp crystalline stairs. "Should your duty require great travel beyond your ken, Uatu can help. But...bear in mind this is a being that thought manipulating
[19:10] <Kotono>  But...bear in mind this is a being that thought manipulating an entire carnival to come to Balmuria was proper, just to deliver a means to defeat the death it saw."
[19:12] <Seira> "I actually approved of the carnival, after the fact, and--" Seira stops abruptly. "Wait, death?"
[19:14] <Kotono> "In the past tense, Seira. Someone kind to it died." Thus he begins to walk again, "Uatu...has no sense of proportion and perhaps time. Not as we comprehend them, for it may destroy a city to save a single person in it's favor, should it be left unchecked. Dimensions are nothing but etherial barriers of no consequence to him. This is why we protect it and guard it."
[19:18] * Seira actually thinks that most people, if they're honest, would admit to having the same bias if the person is someone dear to them. And it would help if the city was filled with their enemies. But getting into a philosophical debate here might be a bad thing. "Right. Any idea if he's about to attempt another fix?"
[19:19] <Kotono> "We do not believe so." The head priests says. Around you images of a bloody battlefield flash - a horrible Balor charges through a crumbling line of Orthons without pausing.
[19:21] <Seira> "You know how there are times you wish both sides could lose?" Seira asks, gesturing at the scene. "This is a pretty good illustration."
[19:23] <Kotono> The Balor looms over the Orthons by a good twenty feet, crushing them with a single stroke of it's jagged blade of lighting. It lets forth a roar that shakes all the images around, flames wrapping it's body like armor. "The Blood War. I've been many of those images in my patrols of this hall. Zquujaj...is seen often, as are scenes such as this."
[19:27] <Seira> "Wow, so you could spy on them?" Seira asks the priest. "Have you seen Agares? He's some kind of duke in Stygia. Oh, and 'M', whomever he is. Some rival devil, I know I'll find out who that is if I relax and think it over one day, but even on vacation I'll probably be too busy for that."
[19:28] <Kotono> "I don't know if there's any way to control them, no." Gesturing at the images, as Grenseal and Jillia stay spellbound, "What is Agares? What does he look like? Perhaps if he is a duke of hell and notable his apperance is memorable?"
[19:31] <Seira> "I saw him a bit, and Alicia did describe him before," Seira muses thoughtfully, recollecting the image she saw moving towards them through the gate and describing it to the best of her ability.
[19:32] <Kotono> "A giant, gaunt black skeleton?" Recalling that and thinking, "Mmmm. I do recall that once - it was a cold vista, where that figure had dozens of it's underlings about it."
[19:33] <Seira> "If you happen to see anyone unique or memorable around him... or him dying a painful death, really--" Seira shrugs. "Just let me know?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "As you wish," A slight upward smile on his face, "I have seen Zquujaj. The Blood War...what a horrible thing."
[19:45] <Kotono> The steps continue on. Down and down they go, as if plunging to the very heart of the world. Each step cuts into your feet yet leaves you unhurt, to the bottom. Here lies Uatu - the end of the wall is a small floor that ends in a misty abyss. Floating high and away in that abyss are several walls and barriers of transparent material, Uatu in the center of them all. Two ghostly knights in full armor stand guard near it, unblinking.
[19:46] <Seira> "Hello!" Seira greets Uatu with a pleasant smile. "It's been a while, hasn't it? I suppose time or distance don't really matter to you so you could see me whenever you wished, but it's different for me so I had to come in person and all that. How have you been?"
[19:55] <Kotono> The crystalline mass in the center seems to glow slightly different at those words. Grenseal and Jillia look on with open mouths, staring ahead.
[19:56] * Seira opts to wave, trying to return the feeling of contentment she's been enveloped in ever since arriving.
[20:00] <Seira> "I meant what I said about protecting you if you need it," Seira says, thinking back to the determination she felt when she formally offered her services to Waukeen. "If you need me personally, or I can help somewhere, call on me. You're one of the few I'd help, no questions asked."
[20:02] <Kotono> There is a soft glow from Uatu.
[20:05] <Seira> "There might have been surprisingly little I wanted to say, but it was best said in person," Seira muses. She nods at Uatu. "If you're looking, then you know we only want to restore the world. You know what we're doing to accomplish that. If you agree with our steps, and have the means to help without sacrificing anyone in the process, please do. I think you'll find us quite receptive."
[20:08] <Kotono> Uatu continues to glow softly. Images swirl around, a dazzling array. A plateau in the desert, purified in holy fires. A windswept wasteland, with a single tiny patch of green and a stairway heading into the scarred, ruined earth.  A burnt farmhouse, the remnants of broken whips lying in the grass.  A shattered noble's house, the dreams of a nation lying in ruin.
[20:11] * Seira focuses on the wasteland, only in her mind, the grass grows strong, overtaking the vast nothingness, as nature regains its foothold and the ghosts of the past withdraw with a content sigh.
[20:15] <Kotono> Uatu continues to glow, this time brighter.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Are you finding what you wish," the head priest asks.
[20:28] * Seira ignores him for the time being, thinking of what the celestial book claimed. A shard is needed, one of positive energy, but not so much it would damage the world. But opening a rift to the positive energy plane and closing it is beyond her powers, and she doesn't know where to find an artifact that would achieve the feat.
[20:33] <Kotono> Uatu glows even brighter, so much that you have to look away.
[20:34] <Seira> If it's effort that needs to be put, Seira has no objections to that. But she does lack leads, she feels, whether as to how to achieve the goal she brought up or how to communicate it any better to Uatu.
[20:35] <Kotono> The head priest squints his eyes, "Uatu is bright. WHat are you doing?"
[20:38] <Seira> "Talking." And Seira may squint herself, but she tells Uatu, "I know you understand concepts. That you communicate in images. I don't want you to play god, to depend on you for everything. But if you want to help, point me in the right direction? Show me where I must go, who I must meet, what I must do?"
[20:39] <Kotono> OOC: Mmm. Make a diplo check here, I think. +2 modifier.
[20:40] <Seira> roll 1d20+21
[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 34."12 [1d20=13]
[20:46] <Kotono> The images swirl around you. Yo usee a golden place, a white place. A place of life, endless horizons of raw energy. It swirls and flows in eternal vitality. Yet deep in this place, you see a single mote of odd color -  A serene blue, like a castle.
[20:48] * Seira focuses on that mote, no longer squinting.
[20:54] <Kotono> It's a blue castle amid the endless life. All the vital, positive energy crashes against it, yet it remains serene and unaffected in the endless tides.
[20:56] * Seira thinks of the castle having a prominent doorway, a gate, perhaps, and of it opening to show what lays inside.
[20:59] <Kotono> It is an endless castle. You can see into it, an endless way. There are halls, but they are empty, waiting...
[21:00] * Seira bites her lower lip. "Alright. Is there anything I should take with me? Anyone?"
[21:01] <Kotono> In the halls you see a small group walking. You can see Alicia and Demedais, notably.
[21:01] * Seira nods at Uatu. "Thank you. I'll be back before long, without fail."
[21:07] <Kotono> Thus Seira then returns to the school. The day still has hours in it as she goes back to her office, the time hers...OOC - Ball is in your court.
[21:11] <Kotono> OOC: Strike that line.

[Corwin]

[15:16] <Kotono> -----------------------------
[15:16] <Kotono> OOC - Where do you guys want to start?
[15:17] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[15:17] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[15:18] <Seira> OOC: Let's get horses and leave the city in the direction of the border
[15:18] <Demedais> OOC - Seira? There any pattern of search you want to tak- okay.
[15:22] <Demedais> OOC: Yeah. Head toward border, just start general search from there?
[15:23] <Seira> OOC: Maybe we'll be told the most up to date rumors at the border patrol station
[15:27] <Kotono> Four horses leave Balmuria and the warmth of the bay, heading out for the border of the Barbarian Lands. Seira, Demedais and Pollyanna are joined by a young woman in decent clothes and cloak. The first day passes in pleasantry as you head for the Barbarian Lands border. As the sun is well past noon you approach the start of it, as well as a brand new, green painted building. It's big enough for a few people, a pair of guards keeping watch on
[15:28] <Kotono>  keeping watch on food and with readied spear outside.
[15:30] * Demedais hails the guards cheerfully. "How fares the watch today?"
[15:32] <Kotono> The guards stiffen to attention, snapping off quick salutes. "Sirs!" they chorus at once. "The watch is uneventful this day, sirs!"
[15:32] <Kotono> Abagail sniffs, drawing her cloak closer around her and keeping quiet for the moment.
[15:33] * Seira returns the salute from horseback, though she lets Demedais take care of the questioning.
[15:34] <Demedais> "At ease." Demedais salutes as well, glancing to Seira with a slight nod. "Any new sightings as of late?"
[15:34] <Kotono> The soldiers relax, and once they do, "Of anything in particular, sirs, or in general?"
[15:36] <Demedais> "In general first, I'd say." Demedais says after a moment.
[15:38] <Kotono> "There were a few goblins yesterday, but we chased them offw ith arrows," The soldier reports. "The day before we had more travellers, who complainted of odd trolls again. A few days before that, we happened to catch sight of an elven ranger in travel, but we didn't make contact, sir."
[15:39] * Demedais looks to Seira at this, checking to see if she has anything she wants to inquire about.
[15:39] * Seira rolls her eyes, before jumping off her horse to be on the same level as the soldiers. "The odd trolls. Tell me more about them, please."
[15:40] <Kotono> "Sir." Dutifully saluting to Seira, "They're supposed to be very tall and very fearsome. They'll throw rocks and boulders with good accuracy."
[15:41] * Demedais grins a bit at this, staying mounted for a bit longer.
[15:41] <Seira> "Are we paying you? It must be too much since it lets you with enough free time to become a comedian."
[15:41] <Kotono> "...Sir?" The guardsmen stares at Seira in uncomprehension.
[15:42] <Seira> "We are going to look for those trolls, now," Seira says with patience. "I know what a troll is. Let us focus on where to find the trolls, and how they're actually different from other trolls, in case you possess that information as well."
[15:45] <Kotono> "We haven't left the station, so we don't have any idea on any nest, ma'am." The soldier gulps and goes on. "The throwing seems unusual - most trolls I've heard of or seen just charge in and maul with their claws."
[15:46] * Seira frowns. "It doesn't surprise me much, but I suppose. Alright." She studies the soldier. "Has anyone else shown interest in this subject recently?"
[15:48] <Kotono> "A few travellers who stop and talk have in exchange for information." The report back is quick, the soldier taking a breath out. "The most notable was a group of adventurers about a week ago. "
[15:49] <Seira> "Tell me about those."
[15:50] <Kotono> "Well, one was a big guy, one was a woman, and one was a strange,s mall man with blind eyes." Repeating back, "The woman was called J. They seemed competent, they talked about dealing with some goblins. They also mentgioned they were heading for Balmuria."
[15:51] <Seira> "Alright." Seira nods. "What about groups of humans spotted out there? Have there been any credible reports about that?"
[15:53] <Kotono> "Oh...yes, ma'am," The soldier's eyes light up slightly, "It's the strangest thing. A few have mentioned seeing beautiful women in leather armor in the forest. They're like illusions, seen and fading away when pursued."
[15:54] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has left #dunes
[15:54] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[15:54] * Kotono sets mode: +o Demedais
[15:54] <Seira> "Alright. Give me directions to the latest sightings of either. And if you can have a map made with all of the sightings in the past two months in a reasonable amount of time, that would be appreciated."
[15:55] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods lightly to all of this, as the soldier replies. "I can try, ma'am. Most of the sightings are second hand, so locations will be a lot of guesswork."
[15:56] <Seira> "That is enough. We can't really expect them to remain in the same spot waiting for us."
[15:56] <Demedais> "Sadly." Demedais notes with a wry grin.
[16:01] <Kotono> The soldier goes into the hut, coming back out with a map about a minute later. "Here," he says, several spots dotted. Most of the dots are about 2-5 days into the forest, here and there.
[16:03] * Seira accepts the map, and studies it briefly before placing it away. "Thanks," she tells the soldier, getting back in the saddle.
[16:05] * Demedais nods gratefully to the soldiers. "Shall we, Colonel?"
[16:06] * Seira takes the reigns, urging the horse onwards in the direction of the closest spot listed on the map.
[16:08] * Demedais keeps pace on the right, looking out for enemies.
[16:11] <Kotono> Abagail sniffs as the party starts to ride on, past the check point. "So are filthy goblins going to appear from the shadows now to try and steal from us?"
[16:12] <Seira> "They prefer to steal from people who can't fight back, actually," Seira responds. "But if they try anything, you can handle it, can't you?"
[16:13] <Kotono> "They'll burn to death if they try," Abagail snorts. "I have no intentions of letting a goblin have it's way with me."
[16:13] <Kotono> To that, Pollyanna shivers. "That image was particularly unpleasant," she observes.
[16:14] * Seira laughs. "The lack of half-goblins suggests they're not into humans, really."
[16:14] * Demedais grins slightly at this, before nodding.
[16:17] <Kotono> "Still, let's not givet hem the chance," Abagail spurs her horse onward.
[16:17] * Seira likewise heads onwards, amused.
[16:19] * Demedais just glances to Pollyanna with a raised eyebrow. "I figure we should keep close together, but do you want to take watch on the left while I keep an eye on the right?"
[16:22] <Kotono> "I'll do that," Pollyanna says with a slight smile, looking ahead at the two wizards. "Interesting times ahead..."
[16:24] <Demedais> "Indeed. This should be an interesting scouting expedition." Demedais grins.
[16:26] <Kotono> OOC - Just for reference, make a spot check, DeE?
[16:27] <Kotono> OOC - Deme, even.
[16:27] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 rightyo
[16:28] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 rightyo and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
[16:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[16:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[16:30] <Kotono> A day passes without incident. Midway through the second day, the travellers come to a slight rise in the forest. It gives one an excellent view ahead through the trees.  Down below you can see several tents and a few mud and straw huts, and several goblins teaming around.
[16:32] <Seira> "Let's proceed," Seira decides. "If we find no clues at our destination, we could return and nicely ask these goblins."
[16:34] <Demedais> "Nicely ask?" Demedais says, amused. "Very well."
[16:34] <Seira> "Diplomacy is very important!"
[16:35] <Demedais> "Indeed."
[16:37] <Demedais> "Skirt around the encampment, then?"
[16:37] * Seira nods.
[16:39] <Kotono> By the lay of the land, skirting around the camp is a bit more time consuming that you'd imagined. However, it's very safe, and soon you're travelling again. By sundown of the second day, you're very close to the first dot and to where these incidents are said to be happening. But on a glance, it's just more plain forest, at elast for now. In an hour the sun will have set, ensuing shadows and night.
[16:40] <Demedais> "Camp here and check the dot's general area in the early morning, or press on and try to determine it tonight?" Demedais asks, looking to Seira.
[16:41] <Seira> "Let's camp and see if we can manage to draw an ambush," Seira says, sounding excited at the prospect.
[16:42] * Demedais raises an eyebrow at this. "Very well. I'll keep watch through the night, then?"
[16:42] <Kotono> "Just as well. I'm tired," Pollyanna adds, stretching. "How are we going to do watches?"
[16:43] <Seira> "It's pointless for us to watch, and we need the rest the most," Seira says, glancing at Abagail. "You two divide the watches, and we'll have plenty of rest before leaving tomorrow? We're not on any particular schedule."
[16:43] <Demedais> "I can keep watch for most of the time; just need two hours of sleep before we get going. You want to trade off near dawn, then, Pollyanna?"
[16:50] <Kotono> "Sure," Pollyanna nods, as Abagail sighs a little bit. "Seira, is there a spell to do something about these bedrolls?"
[16:51] * Demedais nods cheerfully.
[16:51] <Seira> "Yes, but it's a bit above your current level," Seira responds instantly. "I don't mind trying to teach you once we get back."
[16:54] <Kotono> "Good," Abagail agrees quickly. She stops a moment, making a few gestures and murmurs. Her clothes become fresh, a pleasant smell coming from her. "At least magic can even make this far less bothersome.
[16:55] <Seira> "And things would be far less bothersome for you if you extend this simple courtesy to those less fortunate," Seira comments, eyeing Demedais and Pollyanna.
[16:56] <Kotono> "Excuse me?" Pollyanna puts her hands on her hips, eyeing Seira. "Are you saying we smell bad?"
[16:58] * Demedais bites his lip to stifle a smile. "Wrong implication, I think, Pollyanna. I think it was just more a reference of keeping things shipshape in general, not meant in that direction."
[16:59] * Seira jerks her head in Demedais's direction. "He always smells bad. You, however...." She walks over to Pollyanna, making a show to sniff the air around her. "I wonder...."
[17:00] * Demedais coughs at this. "Wait, what?"
[17:01] <Seira> "You actually smell nice," Seira whispers in Pollyanna's ear, smiling widely as she returns to Abagail.
[17:06] <Kotono> "Oh, good," Pollyanna smiles agreeably to that, going over to Demedais and sniffing a bit. "You do smell like damp armor," she murmurs.
[17:07] * Demedais coughs again. "I tend to not notice, honestly."
[17:11] <Kotono> Pollyanna lightly embraces Demedais, "I'm not picking on you...but let's go camp now, alright?"
[17:11] <Demedais> "Kay." Demedais shrugs. "If it's something you want to deal with and she's willing to use that spell on me, all's well and good. As I said, I don't notice."
[17:14] <Kotono> Thus the group makes camp. The half moon rises in the sky as Demedais keeps watch for his sleeping companions. Despite there only being a half moon, silver moonlight caresses the forest like an unearthly glow. In this Demedais keeps watch...OOC - Spot check, sure.
[17:14] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
[17:14] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[17:17] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save?
[17:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 asdf internet
[17:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 asdf internet and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
[17:19] <Kotono> Demedais feels faint a moment, like he's falling into a lull. However, the feeling passes. With it, you hear a soft footstep fading away, and a faint whisper on the wind. "...Your heart is to another...be wary, traveller. This forest holds dangers of it's own..."
[17:20] * Demedais turns quickly, looking. "...We seek to ameliorate those dangers for travelers. ...Who are you?"
[17:21] <Kotono> Demedais sees nothing but the wind, the camp and the silver light from the half moon.
[17:22] <Demedais> "...Right." Demedais says after a moment, keeping in a heightened state of alert.
[17:25] <Kotono> The rest of the night passes without incident. The party awakens in the morning, the sun not out. Heavy clouds have rolled in, a few droplets of rain starting to fall.
[17:28] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Broken pipe)
[17:29] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[17:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[17:29] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[17:30] <Demedais> "I think I heard one of those women in the night." Demedais says without preamble as they pack up. "Based on what she said - I didn't get a glimpse of the speaker - I would guess they're trying to keep travelers safe through this forest."
[17:32] <Seira> "And... you let her get away?" Seira asks mildly.
[17:32] <Kotono> "How do you know that?" Abagail asks, as she dusts off her clothes.
[17:34] <Demedais> "I had no reasonable way of knowing what direction the voice came from, Seira." Demedais replied back. "Had I seen it, I would have pursued to ask it, but it was either attempt to wake you all up while it gets away, take a wild guess as to its direction and leave without explanation, or some inefficient and ineffectual combination of the above."
[17:35] <Seira> "The waking us up choice, please take it next time." With that said, she focuses on packing her thinks.
[17:36] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs.
[17:39] <Kotono> Thus, the next day of travel begins. At about 10 AM, you happen to pass by a small downward cut into the ground. It's stone dotted and rather sharp, ending in a gash in the earth that looks like a cave entryway.
[17:41] * Demedais peers down into the cave entryway. "In retrospect, I should have asked what each dot corresponded to. But based on what they told us... probably a goblin cave?"
[17:43] <Seira> "The encounters various travelers had with trolls," Seira says. "And we're obligated to explore a cave that we find on our way, so close to the destination, I suppose. You'll go first, right?"
[17:45] <Demedais> "Sure, why not." Demedais shrugs, pulling out and lighting a sunrod as he carefully heads downward and into the crevasse.
[17:45] <Kotono> "I would hope so," Abagail sniffs, "Who knows what lies in there."
[17:46] <Seira> "Pollyanna, bring up the rear," Seira tells the archer, sticking near Abagail in the middle.
[17:47] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna once with this, sword out and armor called.
[17:47] <Kotono> Pollyanna takes the rear, bow out and drawn. "Right," she reports tersely. Thus, the party goes down! (More)
[17:50] <Kotono> The crevasse ends in a 20 foot opening in the ground. It's a very steep passage, pebbles and the like littering the ground. It goes on for about sixty feet, before straw and grass and the like litters the ground for the next twenty, then a turn. Lying on the side of the grass, at the wall, are a few animal bones, a bit of stained blood and rotting meat around them.
[17:51] <Demedais> "Looks likely something's in here." Demedais says, peering in before he moves on, trying to catch movement.
[17:51] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[17:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
[17:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[17:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
[17:59] <Kotono> Demedais doesn't see any movement, "I don't see anything, just... a lot of straw and an animal's den." Pollyanna adds.
[18:00] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais moves on ahead, sword at the ready.
[18:01] <Seira> "It's a dead end, then?" Seira asks. "Well, then it was a waste of time, let's go back."
[18:01] <Kotono> "There's still that turn," Pollyanna points past the straw.
[18:02] * Seira pats Demedais on the shoulder. "Let's look there first, in that case."
[18:02] * Demedais nods once to Pollyanna. "Let's see what's beyo- ...Right!"
[18:03] <Kotono> Demedais steps forward. As he steps on the straw, there are several very loud crackling and breaking noises, crunchy. They echo, a sudden onrush of sound. He feels something beneath his foot, under the straw.
[18:04] * Demedais carefully withdraws his foot and checks to see what he just stepped on. "Bones, likely..."
[18:05] <Kotono> Underneath the straw is a mix of old bones, some broken up pinecones and bits of glass.
[18:06] <Demedais> "Glass? Hmph." Demedais grunts, gingerly moving on as best he can in heavy armor.
[18:06] <Kotono> The sound is like shattering several times over. The sounds echo madly as Demedais crosses the straw. It's quite loud and caught, the weight of his metallic aided steps making a symphony of breaking.
[18:07] <Demedais> "... Well, I hope we weren't anticipating sneaking up on whatever's down here." Demedais grunts.
[18:08] * Demedais continues on, quickly moving to the other side of the straw, before trying to look down the hallway again.
[18:09] <Kotono> The hallway widens, the walls becoming smooth and polished. The ceiling goes up about a dozen feet, tons of clearance. On the walls hang several signs, and at the end, sixty feet away, is a sturdy, new wooden door.
[18:10] <Demedais> "Well, this seems remotely civilized." Demedais comments, waving the group up to him as he looks at the signs from a bit of a distance.
[18:12] <Kotono> The signs are in several languagues, including rough Common. They read: DANGER: DIRE BEAR. PROCEED ONLY IF YOU WANT TO BE BEAR FOOD; DO NOT DISTURB ON PAIN OF AN THRASHING; ENTERING WITHOUT PERMISSION GIVES ME PERMISSION TO LOOT YOUR COOLING CORPSES. Things like that, really.
[18:13] * Demedais raises an eyebrow. "Well then. This is interesting enough.
[18:14] <Kotono> "...I don't think whom ever this is wants to be bothered," Pollyanna adds helpfully. "Do yo uwant to check anyway?"
[18:15] <Kotono> "How garish," Abagail sniffs, "Though at least whatever it is has the cortesy to warn us."
[18:16] <Demedais> "It's up to Seira." Demedais shrugs. "Worst comes to worst, we make a note and come back here later, but we can also deal with it right now."
[18:20] <Seira> "There is an adventure coupon being handed to us," Seira speaks, eyes glittering. "Of course we'll take it! A dire bear? We'll skin the thing and bring home a rug! Let's go!"
[18:21] <Demedais> "And here we go. Check the door for traps, then?" Demedais says, nodding.
[18:21] * Seira takes out the Resort, before doing so.
[18:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 30."12 [1d20=7]
[18:22] <Seira> "Go for it," Seira tells Demedais, stepping back.
[18:23] * Demedais nods and opens the door, carefully looking in as he does so.
[18:23] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 false life
[18:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 false life and gets 11."12 [1d10=1]
[18:24] <Kotono> The door is amazingly heavy, straining Demedais to try and open! OOC - Str check.
[18:26] <Seira> "And, by the way, someone in armor is behing the door," Seira whispers, after connecting them all with Message.
[18:26] * Demedais blinks in surprise, before focusing himself completely to moving the door open, pushing as hard as possible!
[18:26] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (6+4 KENSAI SMASH)
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (6+4 KENSAI SMASH) and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[18:28] <Kotono> With a great effort, Demedais pulls the door forward! The hinges let loose nary a sound as the massively heavy thing is opened! Ahead is a fifteen foot long room, wider. Torches hang fromt hew all, another door ont he far wall, even bigger. Here and there, ont he sides, are spears , butt end embedded into the ground. On each is a head - goblin heads, troll heads and a half orc's head all decorate here. In a rusty red above the next door is th
[18:28] <Kotono> red above the next door is the following: LAST WARNING.
[18:28] <Kotono> As you stare ahead, one can hear a steady thumping of metal on metal ahead. Youc an't see anything, but it's a steady, pounding rhythm, even if muffled.
[18:29] * Seira rolls her eyes, casting Detect Magic and looking around.
[18:29] * Demedais pauses, looking around. "Something tells me what's in here may - emphasis on may - be more of an ally to us than not. A druid, maybe?"
[18:30] <Seira> "We're not going to stab people without talking, first," Seira responds with a shrug. "Anyway, next door, if you will?"
[18:31] <Demedais> "You look it over, first." Demedais grins. "Likely not trapped but I'm not in the mood to gamble it."
[18:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 32."12 [1d20=9]
[18:32] <Seira> "I think the real challenge is past it."
[18:32] <Kotono> "Wait a moment," Abagail says, quickly casting a spell around herself, touching her shoulders.
[18:33] <Demedais> "Probably. Although if it's actually somethign we want to kill and not, say, said theoretical druid's pet..."
[18:33] * Demedais moves to the door regardless and checks to see if he'll need to force it open again.
[18:33] <Seira> "Though you're not officially in the chain of command, listen to my orders if we get into combat," Seira tells Abagail quietly, before snorting. "Druids? Who collect the severed heads of sentient forest dwellers?"
[18:34] <Kotono> Demedais can tell it'll take an effort, yes.
[18:34] <Demedais> "Sentient evil forest dwellers?" Demedais counters. "Besides, killing one to get many to back the hell off may be the saner method of staking out territory."
[18:34] <Kotono> "It doesn't really track...the only druid I've really known wouldn't do this," Pollyanna adds quietly.
[18:35] <Seira> "Yeah, whatever, let's meet what's-his-face already."
[18:35] <Demedais> "Well, yes, but I'm not going to presume I know all the druids out there." Demedais notes, before moving to push the door open!
[18:36] <Kotono> OOC - STr check again.
[18:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 aid
[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 aid and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[18:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (kinda a formality, this, since I still pass on a 1, but DC 20 Concentrate check for Kensainess.
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (kinda a formality, this, since I still pass on a 1, but DC 20 Concentrate check for Kensainess. and gets 32."12 [1d20=13]
[18:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 push, push, push the door
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 push, push, push the door and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
[18:37] <Kotono> Demedais struggles, and can't budge the door! Ow! His muscles protest the failed effort. OOC - 1 point of strength damage, Deme, due to overstraining your muscles.
[18:38] <Demedais> "Ch... this one seems jammed or something." Demedais grunts after a moment, rubbing his neck.
[18:39] * Demedais then tries again, doubling his effort!
[18:39] * Seira leans against the door. "I could help. Just cry uncle, and I'll get it open!"
[18:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 lol doubling effort, I lose a point.
[18:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 lol doubling effort, I lose a point. and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[18:40] <Kotono> Demedais tries again! He does better - he doesn't budge it still, but at least he doesn't strain his muscles.
[18:40] <Demedais> "Yeah, if you've got a magic to make this work better, forcing it's not working at all." Demedais grunts in irritation. "If it's a scroll, remind me to pay you back for it later."
[18:41] * Seira snorts, and comes to stand in front of the door, reading from a scroll. "Just tend to yourself, and I'll have us past this in a flash!"
[18:42] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais mutters a prayer to Helm, relaxing his muscles as he does so.
[18:42] <Kotono> To the knock spell, the door opens! (More)
[18:45] <Kotono> This chamber widens out...wooooah. It's huge. Everything is oversized - an oversized bet in one corner, an oversized bookshelf, an oversized rug, an oversized cooking pot in a fire on the center of the room. In the back...is the biggest forge you've ever seen. Oversized weapons rest on a rack near it, as...(More)
[18:48] <Kotono> It's not really a man, even if it's humanoid. It's skin is faintly greenish tinted, rough bear hide armor worn over it's massive muscles. He's about twenty five feet wall and massively wide, a sharp gray beard on his face and a metal helmet. His eyes are green and he works at the forge. In his hands is the biggest hammer you've ever seen, the business end of it glowing red as he works on a giant slab of metal. However, this is all taken up by
[18:48] <Kotono> slab of metal. However, this is all taken up by something else. Coming right in front of the door...ack! It's just as big as the man! A massively oversized bear, waaaay too big! It roars at the party, it's claws like greatswords! As it obstructs the view and generally  menances, you hear the hammering stop. "Ah, dammit. No one reads anymore." It's a male voice from what you presume was the hammerer.
[18:50] <Seira> "Oh, I read!" Seira responds brightly. "I was really impressed by the number of languages you knew. How could I not visit, then?"
[18:53] * Demedais eyes the bear, one eyebrow raised as he ensures the other three stay back a bit. "Huh. ...Cool."
[18:53] <Kotono> "Then if you're so smart, explain what the hell you're doing here or you're bear food," the voice says gruffly, as the bear leans forward and roars again! A blast of warm breath buffets the party!
[18:55] <Kotono> "Uh..." Abagail takes a breath out, magical words on her lips. She stays well behind Demedais and Seira, looking ahead with careful, if shaky resolution.
[18:55] <Seira> "Yeah, about that. I'm a dragon. I just came to talk, but if you don't call back your pet you'll need to look for a new one," Seira tells him calmly. "As it so happens, we're on official business from the human country of the United Baronies. It would really please me to talk things through with someone intelligent rather than pointlessly demonstrate our strength again."
[18:57] <Demedais> "Yeah, I'd... actually hate to hurt this thing, I must admit." Demedais says. "It's impressive, to say the least. But we've come mainly to try and get a grasp of what goes on out here. I take it you're far more often bothered than you like?"
[18:58] <Kotono> "...dragon?" The voice suddenly sighs. "Oh Kossuth DAMN it. Move." At that word, the dire bear glares at the party, but does back off. This gives the giant man a look at the party, a snort. "Hmph. Four of you. Speak quickly, what do you want."
[19:00] * Seira takes a step forward. "We have received reports of unusually bright and powerful trolls and of strange women around these parts. Thus, we went to determine whether the reports were credible, and if the two were working together. Of more importance is whether either group wishes us harm." She smiles. "If the answer to that one is negative, then we would like to befriend them."
[19:05] <Kotono> "Hmph. I have nothing to do with any of that, unless some hare brain mistook me for a troll." He glares at Seira, "As I'm sure you noticed, I prefer to be left alone here and establish my forge in peace and solitude."
[19:06] * Seira shrugs. "Don't look for offense where none was offered, please. You live here. I specifically listed two groups we were interested in, and included you in neither. So, you don't know enough to point us in the right direction?"
[19:07] <Kotono> "I say that 'cause I bet some others like me might've came here recently. Who else would I sell too," he gestures to the weapons. "Idiots are probably raising hell and think they own the entire forest."
[19:08] * Demedais muses on this. "That'd explain the equipment some have seen, yes. Hm."
[19:08] <Seira> "Ah. I don't really care if they raise hell as long as they don't bother the travelers, or the friend I have living nearby."
[19:08] <Kotono> "Like hell.l I haven't sold anything yet, I didn't get here too long ago. Unless someone's trying to squeeze in on my turf..." he growls darkly at that.
[19:09] <Seira> "Who else would I sell to," Seira repeats thoughtfully. "I can guarantee that if you're as good as I think you are from simple observation, you'll make a nice sell in Balmuria. That's our home base, as it so happens, about two days' travel from here."
[19:10] <Demedais> "Oh? Alright, then." Demedais nods slightly. "I misunderstood; apologies for that. And... yes, Balmuria is always interested in excellent wares, if you've a mind to make them."
[19:11] <Seira> "We would be more than happy to arrange for suitable accomodations, but if you'd prefer to just keep it to trade, we can do that too."
[19:11] <Kotono> "Hell," The giant gestures at an absolutely massive sword on the rack, far bigger than the one Demedais uses. "Can anyone in your town use something like that? Are there giants there?"
[19:12] <Seira> "No, but I always thought that size didn't matter in crafting. You can always make smaller weapons, right?"
[19:12] <Demedais> "...Point." Demedais says with a slight grin, before letting Seira speak.
[19:13] <Kotono> "I could try, but that's like making a toothpick," the huge man snorts. "Gond in his craft, a sword like his really would be a toothpick for me."
[19:15] <Seira> "Well, where magic's involved, nothing's impossible. But if it's too much bother to you, we'll leave it at that." Seira steps forward once more, extending her hand. "I'm Seira. It was nice meeting you."
[19:16] <Demedais> "Mmm. For weapons of that sort, this really is the best area I can think of that we've seen. Demedais, myself. Apologies for intruding."
[19:17] <Kotono> The giant's hand reaches out, enwrapping Seira! She's lifted up with ease, shaken up and down in the handshake! "We'll see."
[19:17] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods, her bow lowered but staying back.
[19:17] <Kotono> Abagail watches, but seems to be starting to relax.
[19:18] <Demedais> "You have any pressing concerns in the area, idly?" Demedais says, offering his own hand with a slight grin.
[19:18] <Seira> "I was subtly hoping to get your name as well," Seira notes, not seeming bothered by the way she's shaken around.
[19:18] <Kotono> Demedais is lifted upa s well, the handshake more like being moved by something with a grip like steel. "Pressing concerns get a pressing spear out there," he gestures. "I can take care of myself."
[19:22] <Demedais> "Fair enough." Demedais grins wider at this, before waiting to see if Seira's more blunt comment gets a response.
[19:23] <Kotono> "Jobran," he answers after.
[19:24] <Demedais> "Very well, then. Good luck." Demedais nods.
[19:25] <Seira> "A pleasure," Seira says, before giving him a wave and walking outside.
[19:26] * Demedais gives one last amused look to the bear before following Seira, glancing to Pollyanna on the way out.
[19:36] <Kotono> Once the party is outside, Abagail sighs, "My word, that thing...it could've nearly swallowed one of us whole, or stepped on us by mistake!"
[19:36] <Seira> "It's my first time meeting a nice giant, I think."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Have you met an unfriendly one before," Pollyanna inquires.
[19:40] <Demedais> "I've not met a giant, though I've faced a troll or two before." Demedais shrugs. "This guy seemed far more congenial."
[19:42] <Kotono> "It makes me want to learn that spell that shrinks the target," Abagail murmurs.
[19:42] <Seira> "Not yet!" Seira tells Pollyanna. "In a way, I can't wait to see how quickly I could take a bad giant down. But if they're all as reasonable it'll remain a mystery."
[19:43] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Pollyanna shakes her head, "As long as Demedais doesn't have to suffer it's club or hammer while you do that."
[19:45] <Seira> "Speaking of spells that would work well here, anything that targets the giant's mind or presence might be able to fell them with one successful hit."
[19:45] <Kotono> "It's a good thought. I have a glitterdust, but that's not quite it," Abagail considers, as she starts to head along again. "I can change up tonight."
[19:46] <Demedais> "Eh. I wouldn't mind trying to stall against one of them, though taking it out in a straight fight would be quite a challenge...." Demedais muses.
[19:46] <Seira> "Well, then. Let's go look around some more? If we spend a week here, camping, we should be able to see more."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Yes, let's go," Pollyanna agrees. OOC - Move laong?
[19:48] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[19:48] <Kotono> The rest of the day passes without incident. The party stops to camp, Pollyanna stretching, "Do you want to do the same watch as last time?"
[19:49] <Seira> "No," Seira says to that. "I would like you both to take the watch. Demedais could then use the restoration spells on you two, or we could have you rest while it's day."
[19:51] * Demedais opens his mouth, before shrugging at this. "My restorations spells will not cover a full amount of time; we will need to rest during the day if we do this."
[19:51] <Seira> "Why not?"
[19:54] <Demedais> "I will need to recover my energy myself. Unless you mind loaning the pearl for the night." Demedais replies.
[19:54] <Seira> "You'll get it."
[19:55] <Demedais> "Very well, then." Demedais shrugs.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Alright," Pollyanna agrees to this, "You two rest well. We'll take care of it."
[19:56] * Seira gets her bedroll without further ado.
[19:57] <Kotono> Thus the night falls. As the now slightly more than half moon looms over, spilling silverlight again...Pollyanna sighs gently. "Demedais?" she asks.
[19:58] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais asks, looking over to her with some slight concern.
[19:59] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles a moment, coming over to lightly touch his arm. "Oh...I just thought it was lovely out here with the moonlight. Isn't it?"
[20:00] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais smiles, looking up for a moment as he listens. "You doing alright?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "I'm fine." She smiles a little, walking over to him. "Do you normally fight things that huge, or was that giant big even for you?"
[20:02] <Demedais> "Bigger than I'm used to, if more straightforward." Demedais smiles, looking around again.
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Spot checks, you two.
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[20:03] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 righty-o, then
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 righty-o, then and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
[20:03] <Kotono> "It's good you didn't have to fight it, then. That hammer was terrifying," Pollyanna shakes her head, as...OOC - Will saves and hate Hatbot time.
[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[20:04] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 well at least Pollyanna likely stays sane
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 well at least Pollyanna likely stays sane and gets 30."12 [1d20=18]
[20:04] <Kotono> There isa  momentary feeling of lull, like you're falling asleep. You see Pollyanna's head lean forward, as if she's sleeping, but she blinks it away at the last moment. "Wha..." Pollyanna blinks.
[20:05] * Demedais glances to Pollyanna. "You, too? Then that's not normal." Demedais notes, before saying in the same tone, if forcefully, "Seira!"
[20:07] * Seira wakes up! "What's wrong?" she asks, reaching for her sword.
[20:09] <Demedais> "I believe the same being as last time to have just passed nearby." Demedais says, turning to peer into the forests behind him. "Either that or it tried something and it failed to work; both myself and Pollyanna seemed on the cusp of falling asleep simultaneously."
[20:10] <Seira> "Alright." Seira stands up, pointing to her right and left. "And you Pollyanna, go and explore in those directions. Signal any way you can if you've made contact. Return here in an hour if there's nothing." She raises her voice slightly, now. "Abagail! You'll come with me." Seira indicates the forward direction for the one she picked for herself.
[20:11] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs, heading right with a nod to Pollyanna.
[20:11] * Seira waits on Abagail before heading out.
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC - Okay. Would each group please make spot or search checks, whichever is better?
[20:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 righty-o.
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 righty-o. and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
[20:18] <Seira> OOC: If Abby has +5 or more to the check, I'd like her to take 10. If she has +2 to +4, let her roll. Otherwise, I will.
[20:19] <Kotono> OOC - She's not up on search or spot. Roll
[20:20] <Seira> OOC: Oh wait search too? Taking 10 for 33 please.
[20:21] <Kotono> While Demedais and Pollyanna don't turn up anything, Seira has a little more luck. She finds a single footprint a ways from camp, a very faint trail that could be followed if anyone is so skilled.
[20:23] * Seira sends an array of colorful lights into the sky to draw the others to her location, before indicating the tracks to Abagail. "Let's find out where they lead, shall we?"
[20:25] * Demedais sees the lights after a moment, and abandons his search to go see what Seira has found.
[20:25] <Kotono> Abagail peers down at the trail, "You mean you can track that," she asks dubiously.
[20:25] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Demedais and Pollyanna come, the fairy lights doing their job.
[20:26] <Seira> "I can try, and go for a spell that'll let me do it better tomorrow."
[20:26] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
[20:27] * Demedais nods at hearing this. "Let's see what can be done, then?"
[20:28] <Seira> "Yes. In the meantime, unless anyone has a better idea, I'll just follow a vector from our camp that leads through this point.:
[20:29] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs.
[20:30] <Kotono> OOC: Going to try to hope and search for more tracks, Seira?
[20:30] * Seira executes her plan, stopping every five minutes to check around the area.
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Rolling or taking 10 or something?
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[20:34] <Kotono> Abagail helps out some as Seira searches. She spends some time poking around here and there, time passing. After about a half hour of work, she finds what might be another foot print. It's heading to the north, a very light and well hidden step.
[20:35] * Seira nods to herself, and fetches a map of the area, noting down their findings before looking whether the map handed to her indicates any caves and the like in the area.
[20:36] <Kotono> Nothing much around here, no. Just forest.
[20:37] <Seira> "Let's give this another hour," Seira suggests. "Same pattern. We'll know more by then."
[20:37] <Kotono> "If you want," Pollyanan stretches and cracks her neck, smothering a yawn. "Whomever this is is really good. You can barely see that print there."
[20:37] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais intones, a slight shrug.
[20:38] <Seira> "Or really slender!" Seira can't help but note.
[20:44] <Kotono> "Impressively so," Pollyanna murmurs in appreciation. OOC - Search check again.
[20:45] <Seira> OOC: I'm good with taking 10, really, as long as people aid
[20:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 sure why not.
[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 sure why not. and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[20:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[20:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Polly
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Polly and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
[20:47] <Seira> OOC: 37
[20:48] <Kotono> Seira spends a long time searching, helping with others. While she feels she's close and works hard...she just can't quite find another track. Wherever it is, she can't find a continuation.
[20:49] <Seira> "Alright. We'll move the camp here," Seira decides. "And start fresh the next day."
[20:49] * Demedais nods once, slowly.

[Corwin]

[18:28] <Seira> "I came here to meet you and I will not leave until I have," Seira says loudly, not overtly looking in that direction even as she observes the area for movement with her peripheral vision. "Let's make this easy on all of us? I won't harm you if you agree to talk to me."
[18:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You see the glimpsed figure - it's a figure that stays just out of vision, moving like the wind. Yet it's somehow close enough to...OOC - WIll save, +2 bonus.
[18:30] <Seira> OOC: Enchantment, evil, etc?
[18:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 19."12 [1d20=1]
[18:31] <Seira> OOC: Never mind, hate
[18:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Glaringly moot. Hatbot giveth and Hatbot taketh.
[18:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira hears some noise behind her as the others sleep, but...her mind goes malleable. Blank. She's aware of things from a place besides her body. She's aware of hands holding her. "Your beauty is remarkable, even with such an exotic heritage," A woman's voice is heard from faraway. "But your soul struggles in it's ways, and your heart dedicated to another-hm?"  (More and PM both.)
[18:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> From farther away, Seira hears, "What the hell? GEt away from her!" Abagail's voice, groggy but quickening. Seira can dimly see in front of her - a woman's body in delicate, beautiful leather armor, stitched with green threads. She is close, a hand on Seira's shoulder, but her face is turned away, towards the camp.
[18:36] <Seira> "I'm proud of my beauty," Seira murmurs. "And my heritage. Did you come to befriend me? That's why I'm here."
[18:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "This forest is not a safe place. Our Great Mother Jannath is not the only one to have come to this place. Please, travel safely..." Her voice is soft and light, "But you..." Her eyes turn to Abagail, as...
[18:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+5
[18:39] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[18:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...aaah..." The woman smiles, as you hear a male voice let out a surprised call. "What the hell is going on..." he says, as...Seira's mind goes blank a few seconds. When it clears, "...Oh hell no," Ellard's voice is sharp and irritated. Then, a shake on Seira's shoulder as her vision clears.
[18:42] * Seira looks around sharply.
[18:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Abagail is lying on the ground, dazed. Ellard is over Seira, shaking her shoulder. HIs bow is in his other hand, "You okay?"
[18:43] <Seira> "Oh hell no," she echoes Ellard. "There is a bitch in leather running away and we're going after her." She makes her way to Abagail, slapping her cheek lightly for a reaction.
[18:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Seira does this, Ellard peers ahead, already starting to study the ground. As this goes on, ""Ugh..." Abagail groans, blinking her eyes. "What happened?" she asks quickly, looking about with an abruptness.
[18:46] <Seira> "Did you come across the name 'Jannath' in your studies? Great Mother of something or other?" Seira asks, helping Abagail get to her feet.
[18:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[18:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[18:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Can't say as I have," Ellard grunts as he works along. "Sounds kinda elvish, maybe? As he does..."
[18:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31."12 [1d20=20]
[18:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[18:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Got it!" He calls a few seconds later, "Oh yeah, she left a trail. She's way better than goblins, buts he's not that good."
[18:49] <Seira> "She is so getting befriended," Seira promises angrily. "Let's go!"
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus the trail is followed! Ellard keeps the pace slow as he follows, but after about a mile...
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 using feat reroll
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 using feat reroll and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[18:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Dammit," he stops after about a mile, in front of a thickening bit of trees. "I can't tell if she went on or went around this," he gestures, the thickness so much that it would be  aserious feat to go through it.
[18:57] <Seira> "Would we see any signs if she did go through?" Seira asks, looking for any unnaturally broken branches or torn bits of leather.
[18:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's possible, but she's moving this well already, so I wouldn't bank on it," Ellard shakes his head. OOC - Seira, are you just looking or searching for those in earnest?
[18:59] <Seira> OOC: I'll totally search if I can
[18:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Go for it.
[18:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 38."12 [1d20=15]
[19:01] <Seira> "We go forward," Seira decides, pointing out her findings to Ellard. "If you can't pick up a trail yet, try again once it's less dense."
[19:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sure," Ellard agrees, taking the lead and starting to clear branches out of the way for easier travel into the thicket. Abagail follows, "Do all of your heroics involve sacrificing so much sleep time, Seira?" she asks.
[19:05] <Seira> "Usually, my enemies show the courtesy of sleeping during the night and facing me while the sun's out," Seira responds. "However, whenever an idiot comes that breaks the unspoken code, you just suppress all this anger until you see them again, when it would all be unleased."
[19:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It is rather bothersome. Fortunately, I didn't cast anything but prestigidation this past night." Sniffing the air as you press inward, "Ah well, I suppose we must make these bothersome sacrifices."
[19:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ellard leads you along perhaps a minute, before...the silver light grows stronger, even as the forest thickens. Yet straight ahead is a perfect path, as if carved out from the forest by a hand.
[19:09] * Seira signals them to stop. "This is where I cast the preliminary spells. Worst case, I've just wasted them for nothing and will have to meditate again. But if it turns into a nasty fight, I wouldn't want to be caught without them."
[19:10] * Seira recasts Mage Armor and calls upon Heroism afterwards, before deeming herself ready to proceed.
[19:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Abagail does the same, magical armor invoked onto herself. Ellard watches and shivers, "Damn," he murmurs, but continues onward. The party proceeds on the path! It twists and turns a bit, but stays solid even as the woods get thicker. After about three minutes...(More in PM.)
[19:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hm?" Abagail murmurs quietly. She looks ahead, cocking her head. "My word, what...is that?"
[19:17] * Seira frowns. "Alright. If there are too many of them at our destination than I can safely protect you from, I'll send us back by way of teleport. Don't stray too far from me."
[19:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...yeah..." Ellard murmurs quietly. "But...it's so beautiful. It's better than the songs Mother used to sing." He starts to walk forward, gaze focused ahead.
[19:17] * Seira draws her sword and proceeds.
[19:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+5
[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[19:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 24."12 [1d20=4]
[19:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ellard and Abagail pick up their pace, hurrying along!
[19:20] * Seira picks up her pace to match theirs.
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The path soon widens out to a field. This field is empty of trees, yet a large full moon shines over it. In this moonlight you can see it... dancers. Perhaps a dozen of them, women in leather armor. They dance and sing in the moonlight with an unearthly, flawless grace. AS soon as they see them, Abagail and Ellard approach them, beginning to dance as well. "Come yes," One of the women calls, "More revelers to revere Jannath! Come an
[19:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "More revelers to revere Jannath! Come and show her your worship this beautiful night!"
[19:29] * Seira snaps her fingertips, as catches the woman who had spoken and any unlucky flunky who might happen to be near with glitterdust. "Undo the spell on my companions. Stop trying to break my mind with magic. Resistance would lead to me wiping you out." Seira frowns, calling for stoneskin to augment her defenses. "You may keep on dancing, if you'd like."
[19:29] <Seira> OOC: DC22
[19:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
[19:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
[19:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
[19:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The dance stops as golden glitter covers three of the dancing women! They cry out as the beautiful melody comes to an end! One steps forward, a sad look on her face. "You have come to our home and come in with an attack in your heart?" she asks, voice heavy. "You bring great disrespect onto Jannath with your actions."  The woman spread out at this, watching, as Ellard and Abagail just stand still and stare.
[19:37] <Seira> "We clearly started on the wrong foot," Seira responds, her mouth a thin line. "It must have been when one of you came into MY camp and used mind magics on ME when all I asked for, politely, was to start peaceful dialogue with you. I don't take kindly to being targetted, and I like it when those under my care get ambushed even less.
[19:37] <Seira> Now, free my two companions, I will take off the painless, harmless spell I placed on your friends, and we just might have this peaceful chat after all. And hey, I'm not averse to dancing if it's of my own free will. But that free will part? Vital component."
[19:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have nothing but good intentions, for the forest is a dangerous, mystical place. Perhaps you are treading somewhere you are better not to?" The woman asks right back. "What is your interest in us, then, to seek us so?"
[19:52] <Seira> "I don't intend to hide anything nor lie," Seira responds. "But I would like to see a show of good will by returning my charges to their senses."
[19:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a diplo check here, Seira.
[19:55] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 31, please
[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There is a terse, tense pause, before Ellard and Abagail fall to their rears. They blinka nd look about in a dazed confusion, faces wide open. "Very well, I'll hear your words," the woman states.
[20:03] <Seira> "My intentions are likewise good," Seira tells them, sheathing her sword while allowing Abagail and Ellard to recover their senses. "I serve the human land of the United Baronies -- specifically, the city of Balmuria which borders this land.
[20:03] <Seira> There have been reports of travelers witnessing dangerous things; indeed, we have since discovered that those were giants, beings that we had thought extinct in the world. The other reports covered your group, and we had to know your intentions.
[20:03] <Seira> As for treading where I'm not supposed to? If anyone laid claim to this land recently, I wasn't informed, and I can defend myself adequately from any mindless monsters uninterested in sorting things out by dialogue. The safety of the travelers to and from our lands, as well as our own security made this expedition necessary."
[20:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have no desire in your lands nor to do them harm," The woman speaks in soft tones now, restful. "Our business is only in this forest. But, you have come into our home now."
[20:14] <Seira> "So I have," Seira agrees. "Could you please explain why one of you looked into my head to find my... loved one, you said? I think those were the words. My mind was a bit hazy, and that's another thing I'd like explained, if you will. I recall a mention of these lands being dangerous, but if you think so, would you truly be putting travelers off balance,
[20:14] <Seira> giving all those dangers to strike at them unopposed?"
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have a few other purposes here as well...but you are of no part of it." Smoothly going on, "It would be best if you left this forest. We have already done battle twice with forest giant and giant-kin, as well as several lesser encounters with trolls and goblins."
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - GAh, premature.
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have a few other purposes here as well...but you are of no part of it." Smoothly going on, "It would be best if you left this forest. We have already done battle twice with forest giant and giant-kin, as well as several lesser encounters with trolls and goblins." Stopping there for a moment, "Our Great Mother wishes for us to balance and combat these dangers, and thus we will."
[20:25] <Seira> "I don't intend to live here as a hermit, so I could accomodate you," Seira muses. "But I would need to bring information to my superiors, or they would send more expeditions. Lots of them, to no end. Settling things here would really be to the best of our mutual interests, wouldn't you agree?"
[20:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That would be folly, for it would only bring war and death to the forest." The woman's words turn sadder, "I would hope you would not insist on such folly."
[20:30] <Seira> "I hope so too!" Seira agrees, her demeanor becoming brighter. "Now, from what you're saying, the giants and other forest inhabitants are currently opposing you? What is the nature of the conflict? Territorial, religious?"
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "This is not a matter for those outside of this to worry overmuch of," she cautions. "We only wish to be left alone in this. But...it is natural. Many forest giants are nothing more than brutes, and thus destroy. Destruction is not the way of Jannath, thus we have come to oppose them."
[20:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh..." Abagail moans, holding her head. "Seira?" she blinks slowly, looking about.
[20:33] <Seira> "Forgive me for being lax in my studies, but could you tell me more about Jannath?" Seira asks. She gestures for Abagail to keep her cool but doesn't otherwise react to her. "My apologies, once more, for a disrespectful question like that."
[20:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Now her smile slightly increases, "Jannath is the true form of the Great Earth Mother. A few humans worship a misleading aspect of her, or so I have heard. Do you know of the scriptures of Chauntea?"
[20:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 no idea!
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 no idea! and gets 21."12 [1d20=10]
[20:36] <Seira> OOC: Do I?
[20:39] * Seira snaps her fingers, this time no malicious spell coming to pass. "Right! Now I'm connecting the dots. But wouldn't you fall more under, I dunno, Sylvanus's domain? Or Mielikki's?"
[20:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Jannath's true worship is one of the wild. What a few humans might remember is simply an incomplete, incorrect face. We hold to be the true service of the Great Mother." At this, the other woman behind her gather into a row, beginning to sing. It is the same hymn of praise as before, ascending and beautiful.
[20:45] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "Alright. Would you be willing to teach a few select representatives of ours more about your faith? I can assure you that I would only pick those who would be absolutely safe, even if they had to go one on one against a giant."
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There may come such a time as we do," The murmur is soft, the song picking up energy and beauty. "Do you wish to understand of her yourself?"
[20:54] <Seira> "Yes," Seira says curtly. "However, before that, I must understand you better. Could you tell me where you came from?"
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "This is our home and our home is this place." The full moon glows brighter, spreading it's benedictions down. "Look to the moon - Selune still sends her blessings to Jannath, even now. We come from here, this place of blessings."
[21:02] * Seira nods. "Alright, I'll have to take that as an answer. Would you have the time to teach me about Jannath tonight, or should I return? And if I return, do I come to this place, or do you travel from field to field?"
[21:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The first step to understanding Jannath...is to join us," Beckoning on, "Come. Praise Jannath with us under the moonlight."
[21:05] <Seira> "I'll try it," Seira agrees with a shrug, after a moment's thought. She gestures for her companions to stay back, before approaching the woman she'd been talking to. "I just have to copy you until I get the hang of it, right?"
[21:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," The woman smiles, as the dancing begins. "Just copy us."
[21:07] * Seira does her best to copy the woman, after making certain that Abagail has command of her sense and observes them from a certain distance.
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Dancing. Seira can't pin exactly when and how it was, but there was dancing. A smile comes over her face as her eyes open, the morning sunlight peeking through the treetops. Dancing. There was very much dancing. Like a festival all night, hazy like a faraway memory. A strange, contented joy flowers within her as she realises she is lying on the ground. She feels very much at peace.
[21:13] * Seira first and foremost makes sure she is still fully clothed, as she has sadly started to do whenever she returns from a trance-like state.
[21:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira is fully clothed. Lying to her left is Abagail, and lying to her right is Ellard. They are both blinking awake as well, wearing completely relaxed looks of happiness.
[21:15] <Seira> "You got drawn into it after all?" Seira asks them.
[21:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I...think so," Abagail laughs a little despite it, carefree. "Aaah...that was such fun...I think."
[21:18] <Seira> "When nothing is taken or missing, it's a good sign," Seira muses, lying back on the grass. "Well, I think we pretty much got what we came here for. I'd like to stay near this spot for a day to confirm if they'll return here or relocate, but after that we could just teleport back to civilization."

[Corwin]

[17:40] <Kotono> "Busy," Abagail looks about, dusting off the bottom of her chair with a few magical words before sitting.
[17:41] <Seira> "Better for us, as far as I'm concerned."
[17:42] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods once. "Lets us do what we came here for without issue."
[17:45] <Kotono> A waitress comes as the party settles in. "What do you want," she asks, as Pollyanna glances to Seira. "What are our plans after this?"
[17:45] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[17:46] <Seira> "Bring us the best wine and four glasses?" Seira asks the woman. "That should be enough to start with."
[17:50] <Kotono> "Fine," She nods and hurries off. Once she's gone, "Since I figure we'll go see Claris at some point on this?" Pollyanna sks.
[17:50] <Demedais> "That'd be nice, yes."
[17:55] <Kotono> Around you, the tavern buzzes. People seem to be quite talkative no matter what. "Aaah." Abagail sniffs again, "Do you think all of the people here will stay in line?"
[17:57] <Seira> "Now that's a wrong train of thought," Seira says with a smile. "You don't wait to see what happens, you guide people to act the way you want them to."
[18:00] <Demedais> "Hopefully, there will be little problems, and what there are can be circumvented." Demedais shrugs once at this.
[18:01] * Seira decides to listen to the other tables as she waits for her wine.
[18:03] <Kotono> The wine comes, put down quickly before the server hurries off. After that, "Yes, that's true. Something to ask this Claris about," Abagail agrees with a bit of a smirk. As Seira listens, she gets a few fragments. It's mostly talking about a reconstruction probject, which seems to be all the work on the old garrisons here.
[18:05] <Seira> "Excuse me," she asks after flagging the waitress over once more. "What's all the fuss about a reconstruction project?"
[18:07] <Kotono> The waitress stops just a moment, "It's what the new gov'ments doing.  They're turning all those barracks into other things and harvesting all the still good materials." She answers this in a blur, before hurrying back to work.
[18:08] <Demedais> "Mmm. Productive." Demedais inclines his head once in approval.
[18:08] * Seira serves the wine to everyone, taking a sip herself afterwards. "It's just not the same without decent rumors."
[18:09] <Kotono> Pollyanna cracks a smile at that, "Maybe one of us should try to pick up conversation and rumors while the rest of us go meet with Claris? I do wonder how the citizens of the new barony are coping."
[18:10] <Seira> "It would be nice to hear what they think about Malmuth and Balmuria both," Seira comments. "And find out just how much does the general public knows about the war and how it ended."
[18:11] * Demedais smirks at this. "The traveling or the wine, Seira?" A look to Pollyanna, nodding. "That might be a good idea if someone doesn't care much for going to see Claris, yes."
[18:11] <Kotono> Abagail just sips her glass, "I'll pass on rumor gathering, thank you," she asserts.
[18:13] <Seira> "Both," she tells Demedais.
[18:13] <Kotono> "I might if no one else does." Passing on the wine for now, "Claris is a nice enough fellow, but...I always get the feeling he's looking at me when I'm not looking." Frowning just a little, "I don't know."
[18:17] <Seira> "You think he likes you?" Seira rubs her chin thoughtfully. "You could be right. I'll be sure to ask him."
[18:17] <Demedais> "Mmm. If you feel you'd rather look into the current situation from the ground level, that, too, would be useful." Demedais nods a bit at this. "I would like to at least talk to him for a little bit, but I may excuse myself early and meet up with you."
[18:19] <Kotono> "Isn't he a man of the Gods?" Abagail's words are a little harsh, "Ah well, I suppose men are men no matter who they serve."
[18:19] * Demedais looks to Seira, one eyebrow raised.
[18:20] <Kotono> "Don't tease him too much," Pollyanna's face cracks a smile, "While it's fun, I don't want to bring any uneededed suffering to him. Nothing that'll distract him from keeping here in line and preventing another war."
[18:20] <Seira> "There's actually no pledge of celibacy, even for most paladins," Seira tells Abagail. "It's actually better that way, too, or all that pent up energy might force him to jump Demedais one day."
[18:21] * Demedais then looks to Abagail, slightly amused, before choking at Seira's words. "...I'd hate to be forced to knock him out, but if he ever tried that..."
[18:21] <Seira> "Oh, right!" Seira snaps her fingers. "Demedais, you're a paladin and you're not celibate, yes?"
[18:24] <Demedais> "Correct." Demedais nods once. "Then again, my vows are decidedly different compared to most, seeing as how I chose to follow Helm directly and not the forces of Good as well as Law. Strict in their hierarchy of duty, less so as to other actions."
[18:24] <Seira> "Good or law would make you do that?" Seira asks, raising an eyebrow.
[18:27] <Kotono> Pollyanna blushes deeply at all of this, bowing her head and murmuring something about non celibacy.
[18:27] <Demedais> "Not particularly. See Alicia. However, it would be more accurate to say... well, that I have a bit more moral leeway in some regards to ensure that Helm's will is excised, effectively. I believe most paladins aren't even allowed to really use poison on their belongings, but the shield is important enough to warrant locking the shield away with a fair deal of security."
[18:27] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna with a warm smile.
[18:28] <Kotono> "Mph." Eyeing Demedais, Abagail considers. "That's good to know."
[18:28] * Seira laughs. "Well, this has been fun, if for the wrong reasons. Let's go see Claris now, then?"
[18:30] * Demedais nods a bit. "Pollyanna, I take it you want to do some listening, then?"
[18:30] <Kotono> "Ah!" Still blushing, "Yes, I do. I'll stay here and then wander a bit and meet up with you later."
[18:31] <Demedais> "Very well. If I leave early I'll meet up with you around here, then." Demedais nods.
[18:32] * Seira leaves a few coins on the table. "I'll cover the bill if it ends up being more than that. Just let me know after, okay? And if we miss each other, meet me by the northern inner gates at dusk."
[18:33] <Kotono> "Right," Pollyanna nods her head, "Good luck."
[18:33] <Demedais> "Same to you." Demedais nods.
[18:38] <Kotono> Thus the party continues on! With a bit of checking the find out that Claris and the center of goverment has taken up residence not in the older homes of the wealthy in Valandia, but in the abandoned sections of the mid city. As you approach them, you see this previously dead section is now bustling with life, closed off shops being remade into something else. Despite the humbleness of the surroundings, a block of stout buildings makes up thi
[18:38] <Kotono> stout buildings makes up things.
[18:41] <Seira> "I'm kind of happy they've left my future summer home alone and made the seat of government some place else," Seira muses. "Think I should ask Claris to reserve it for me, or just go myself and purchase the property?"
[18:43] <Demedais> "I wouldn't know. You'd have to ask someone else." Demedais shakes his head. "I do approve of the tactical statement rebuilding here makes, however. He's likely well in favor with the common people right now, at least."
[18:48] <Kotono> "They'll think he's watching out for them. Acceptable, I suppose." As Abagail says this, you head down the street. A sturdy two story old shop is your destination, guards outside of it. They are dressed like Balmuria guards, and come to attention at seeing Seira and Alicia.
[18:49] <Seira> "Hey!" Seira greets them, waving. "Is Claris inside?"
[18:49] <Kotono> *Demedais
[18:51] <Kotono> With quick, snappy salutes, "He is, ma'am," the soldier choruses back. "Proceed inside."
[18:52] <Seira> "Thanks! Keep up the good work!"
[18:52] * Seira proceeds inside.
[18:52] * Demedais nods to the guards. "Knowing him? He may very well be." he notes, as an aside to Abagail as he follows Seira.
[18:56] <Kotono> You head to the second loor. Here, with a large window viewing the southern part of the city, is where Claris has his office. It's a few tables and desks, a recessed door on the side ajar. Claris looks over papers here, as three non descript men stand behind him. They salute once briefly as the trio enters. Claris himself looks up, before a smile takes over his face. "Demedais, Seira! It's been too long," he stands.
[18:57] <Seira> "That's what we thought, too! So we came to visit!"
[18:57] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods once, grinning as well.
[18:59] <Kotono> Coming around the desk, Claris offers his hand out to both of them. He wears his battle gear, looking noble and forthright. "Come, let's go talk somewhere pleasant." Turning back to the three men, "Handle anything that isn't major while I'm gone; don't disturb me for anything less."
[19:01] <Seira> "Heh, we're getting the royal treatment," Seira says, shaking his hand eagerly.
[19:01] <Kotono> "Good day to you," Abagail smiles sweetly, "I'm Abagail, serving under Seira." She offers a hand to him as well, "I've heard about you, Sir Claris."
[19:02] * Demedais shakes his hand as well. "Where do you have in mind?"
[19:05] <Kotono> "It's a pleasure," Claris smiles nicely to her, "There's a beautiful garden in the rich quarter of town that I visit. The sun shines down on it so pleasantly that I can't resist." AFter a moment, and a bemused smile, "It's not as if anyone can say no, I suppose."
[19:06] <Demedais> "Lead on, then." Demedais inclines his head.
[19:06] <Seira> "Say no?" Seira asks, ready to follow him.
[19:08] <Kotono> "Oh," Claris leads you outside, down the streets before replying. As people give you a respectful birth on seeing Claris with you, "A few people have been less than charitiable about my choices regarding Malmuth."
[19:10] <Seira> "That happens in politics. If some are too stupid to live, just let me know and I'll do something about that, okay?"
[19:12] <Demedais> "They feel you are being too leinient or something in your decisions?" Demedais inquires curiously, glancing to Seira with some amusement.
[19:13] <Seira> "One day, someone will take me up on my offer and thing will be all the better for everyone involved," Seira insists. "In fact, that someone could well be Claris and that time could be now!"
[19:13] <Kotono> "No." Claris shake shis head solemnly, "I understand why they do. They see me as little more than a traitor and now an accomplice. But let them think that, as long as they stay peaceful. They're entitled to believe what they want, I won't begin to persecute them for thinking that. There's always time for them to change...and I ahve time here to make sure that happens, Lathander willing."
[19:15] <Seira> "Some people see this understanding as weakness, but as long as you know when they cross the line and act accordingly, it's well enough."
[19:17] * Demedais seems about to say something, but stops and just nods at Seira's words. "Be careful as always, friend, but things should be alright from here, I hope."
[19:17] <Seira> "And if all else fails keep a Sending spell at hand, and I'll be able to provide support within ten minutes."
[19:18] <Kotono> "I think so. I've been working on it, with the help of the..ah, advisors the Baronies sent." Thinking on that, "Things like this," He gestures northward grandly, asyou pass into nicer streets and more pleasant surroundings. "Keeping them busy and paid helps prevent poverty from taking root in light of defeat...and ensures that if the city ever ends up in Malmuthian posssess again that it's not ready to be a massive springboard to Balmuria."
[19:19] <Kotono> *Possession.
[19:19] <Demedais> "Indeed. That then was part of what motivated the people, I take it?" Demedais asks, looking around.
[19:20] <Seira> "Wait, wait, what is this 'if we ever end up losing it' crap?" Seira asks with a frown. "I strongly oppose this and would fight the Malmuthian army if they decide to act up on this."
[19:20] <Demedais> "It's called planning ahead for all eventualities, even if you do not expect any of them to come to light." Demedais notes.
[19:24] <Seira> "I think we disagree, then. There are some eventualities that are simply unacceptable, so you plan on how to avoiding them rather than accepting them and lessening the damage."
[19:26] <Demedais> "Planning to avoid them is also quite useful." Demedais says, nodding. "But being overprepared is rarely detrimental. Underprepared tends to be far more problematic."
[19:27] <Kotono> "It's disabling a weakness and providing useful work and good to the people. That's enough for me," Claris states as you enter a row of vast, pleasant manor houses and mansions. Claris leads you to a walled off one, a vast, pleasant green garden here. Even in winter the sun shines on it with a certain warmth that belies the chill in the air. Winter roses blossom, with fountains in the shape of dryads, dragons and dwarves dotted about. Covered
[19:27] <Kotono> dwarves dotted about. Covered benches and secluded tables are dotted about as well.
[19:28] <Seira> "Oh, I do approve the work," Seira says readily. "Eliminating poverty? Building good will? That's totally stuff in the right direction. I just don't like hearing of any defeatist notions, even if they're some kind of unlikely backup plan."
[19:29] * Demedais blinks once, looking around with slightly wide eyes. "...Extravagant."
[19:30] <Kotono> "Sir Winston put money into this garden, or so I hear," he remarks, heading for a table. "BUt perhaps enough of that talk for a moment. You want this to be yours ummer home, Seira," Claris says lightly.
[19:30] * Demedais coughs lightly, letting the others sit first.
[19:31] * Seira nods slowly. "I have very fond memories of it, most of them related to golden dragons."
[19:33] <Kotono> Claris' face becomes somber, "Ah yes." He murmurs, having sat and looking thoughtful. "The city's moving on from those days. To be truthful, I don't think most entirely accept the changes yet. They may bow to them, but...it takes time to change a man's heart. I've made efforts to help it along."
[19:35] <Seira> "To be entirely truthful, change is why I want the house, too," Seira admits at his words. "When I first scried on it, I just decided that I would eliminate what's been going on here entirely with my own two hands, and build something different."
[19:36] <Kotono> "That's good," Claris smiles faintly, "Anything to help that along. Right now...no matter how just we are and how soft a touch we use, some will see us as nothing but a hostile occupation. I pray that my works are beginning to softne that sentiment, but..tell mew, aht do you have in mind?"
[19:37] <Seira> "This city needs a temple to Waukeen," Seira declares suddenly, nodding to herself. "I just realized this."
[19:38] <Kotono> "You're a little late," Chuckling to that, "I'm working on setting one up to Lathander as well. The balm and renewed guidance from the Gods will do much to help as well, I believe."
[19:40] <Seira> "It already has one?" Seira asks in disappointment.
[19:40] * Demedais sits as well, simply listening for now.
[19:44] <Kotono> "No, no. I meant inthat you weren't the first to think of a temple here." Putting that aside, "I won't stop you if you're interested. Even if I did, I suspect my advisors would insist that I change my mind in due time." With a wry smile, "As long as it helps the populace, I have no objection."
[19:44] <Seira> "Alright!" Seira is cheered up by his words. "Please select a good area where you think commerce needs to pick up, and I'll make it happen."
[19:45] * Demedais nods slowly. "So long as everything stays under control here, there should be little problem, I suspect."
[19:45] <Kotono> "The northern gates," He says instantly. "The southern gate si where we're focusing our military efforts...and the check in is far more bothersome there, since anyone entering is coming from Malmuth."
[19:47] <Seira> "I'll look at property later, then," Seira tells him, "and be certain to instruct whomever heads the project to coordinate with you."
[19:49] <Kotono> "Yes." Looking down a few moments, "There's also another matter of note. Did you notice how we had Balmurian guards around my work building?"
[19:50] * Demedais nods once. "I thought that was a bit peculiar. Reasoning?"
[19:51] <Kotono> "No one's quite sure who's trustworthy yet. AN assassination would risk setting off things rather spetacularly." With that, "So the advisors wanted Baronies natives who could be trusted, and certain matters are being resolved by outsiders or adventurers hired."
[19:52] <Seira> "That's... actually a poor idea, don't you think? Why not just vet a few of the locals?"
[19:53] <Kotono> "I've argued about it, but they argue ceaselessly about it." With a bit of a sour look, "Despite the situation, I've been told that on certian matters like security they can overrule me. I do think it sets off a rather mediocre image, don't you think?"
[19:55] <Seira> "I think...." Seira pauses, before smirking confidently. "I think you should show your advisors who's in charge! Don't let them push you around! If you can't trust your instincts, the reason you were put to administer this place, then what was the point? Just push your ideas through and make them listen!"
[19:58] <Demedais> "That is a bit difficult. Mmm." Demedais muses for a moment, before looking to Seira. "I am forced to agree, here. You need to be able to to keep a grasp on the populace, and that will be done far better if a lare majority feel they can trust you. Again, caution regarding who is hired, and... I personally would argue for a mix of people in the units to try and develop trust, but this is worth trying to press on."
[19:58] <Kotono> "I could. I could also have been being pointedly trying to get you to intervene to Commander Oberuth on my behalf, who can then buck it up the line." With a ghost of a smile. "They've stubborn on this point, so I'm hoping a more indirect approach would work better."
[20:00] <Seira> "You don't have to be indirect with me, just tell me things straight. If it's a request from a friend, of course I'll help!"
[20:01] <Demedais> "Details. Keep the pressure on your end and let us see what can be done on ours, then? And neither of us are the best with subtlety. Paladin and straightforward dragon, though the latter is far more capable with it than the former." Demedais grins.
[20:01] * Seira considers. "Actually, how about using mixed units? We are, after all, supposed to be under the same rule. It might help cohesion if both sides worked out their issues this way and gained better understanding."
[20:02] <Kotono> "It's on the table," Claris nods, "Once thing settle down a bit more. Between Balmuria and Valandia is perfect for exercises and even mixing units onc e things are better integrated."
[20:02] <Demedais> "Excellent." Demedais says, musing.
[20:04] <Kotono> Abagail has been listening quietly, "What about magic? I mean, is there much magic here at all?"
[20:04] <Seira> "Is there anything else you need our assistance with?" Seira asks then. "Finding out who's trustworthy or not among the powerful players, inspecting the troops? Even financial support?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "Not much. For now...just work on that temple and be ready if anything does go down. Unless you want to run around the new border and help take care of issues?" Claris asks. "We're using adventurers for that, but if you want to get your hands dirty?"
[20:07] <Seira> "Depends on the issues," Seira muses. "And Abagail brings up a good point. Advertise my school amongst the population, won't you, Claris? We've had enough time that our teaching methods have improved since it was created."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Easily done," Claris agrees. "AS for the issues? Most of the needed cleanup and relocation has been done. There were a few villages right on the border, and one was even bisected by it. We helped those sort out. More relevantly are minor things - occasionally border crossers, raiders, some bandits, that sort of thing. Even a few shocker lizards for the town nearest to the Galkass mountains."
[20:12] <Seira> "Pass on the latter," Seira says instantly. "I suppose we could try a brief patrol, though. Bandits and raiders... how long has it been since I punished those?"
[20:14] <Kotono> "It would be trivial to deal with them," Abagail agrees. "How can a few ruffians fight against magic?"
[20:15] <Seira> "Give us your best intel, and we'll leave in the morning."
[20:21] <Kotono> "I'll have it prepared." At that, "But...how are you, away from all of this business? How is Balmuria?" Claris asks.
[20:22] <Seira> "Strangely boring, after everything that's happened." Seira shrugs. "Figures."
[20:23] <Demedais> "Bustling." Demedais says. "But the growth is regulated, thankfully."
[20:25] <Kotono> "What of yourselves? What of Alicia? Engan? Pollyanna?" He asks, "I've not even had time to send letters properly, I've been so engrossed in this venture."
[20:26] <Seira> "You know me. Going around, building temples. The usual. Polly's actually here, but she decided to use this chance to sightsee."
[20:27] <Demedais> "Engan is busy training recruits. Seems to be enjoying it, too." Demedais grins.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Good, good." Claris smiles thoughtfully at all of that, "Well then, let's rest and I'll get you that information for tomorrow?
[20:32] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods once to this.
[20:33] <Seira> "If that information contains tidbits about mages or potentials, I'll be extra happy," Seira notes.

[Corwin]

[17:39] <Kotono> "Some of that and some of the ones that do know some don't always believe it," Pollyanna observes, "Okay, so the general thought is that the war by Ferdi was justified. Revaunchist attitudes permeated most people I talked to. You know, that the Baronies are a rightful part of Malmuth and all that?"
[17:39] <Kotono> Stopping a moment, looking ahead at the closed gate and rubbing her eyes again, "But you know that already, so let me get to the important stuff."
[17:39] <Seira> "Sure." Seira makes an effort to listen, not interrupting unless it's important.
[17:40] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[17:41] <Kotono> "No one seems to quite know that Malmuth brazenly started the war. Most people don't talk about it or seem to assume there was some aggression to help justify it. Whatever there," Waving a hand, "A couple mentioned hearing that MAlmuth started it after the fact, though they didn't put much weight into it. They're still thinking like Malmuthians, yeah? Anyway, as for Ferdi's last stand?"
[17:44] <Kotono> "Most people have heard that the Crimson Guard did it." Steepling her hands together, "That's where it all diverges. A few believes that - and some of those that did claim they had divine or infernal help, or that it was the Gods, or whatever. Some claim it wasn't and it was an internal coup, and some saw a massive dragon in the skies. That was a popular one. A few are even claiming Lathander did it to pave way for Claris." There's a long dra
[17:44] <Kotono> " There's a long drawn out shrug there, "A few are even saying that it's all a set up, to make the Baronies off guard for the glorious return of HIs Majesty."
[17:45] <Seira> "Ah, yes," Seira comments, nodding. "The old 'by killing me, you've made me more stronger than ever' approach to world domination."
[17:46] <Kotono> "In essence, you have a lot of confused people who don't want to believe or can't believe the truth. Then there as the seige..." Shaking her head, "The city got off lucky, apparently. The seige broke before they got started with serious destruction beyond some damage to the southern and eastern sections of the city."
[17:46] <Kotono> That gets Pollyanna to giggle some more, "I wonder if that ever works?"
[17:48] <Seira> "If you ever want to give global conquest a try, I wouldn't recommend that particular tactic," Seira cautions Pollyanna, sounding quite serious. "If only because those who kill you will take all your stuff," she says, patting the Resort sheathed at her hip, "and will do unspeakable things to your corpse.
[17:48] <Seira> I'm certain I could come up with more reasons for why you shouldn't do this if you give me a bit more time."
[17:48] <Kotono> "Anyway, there's a lot of rumors about Olburt now, since no one seems to have an idea." Listing things off her hand now, "Some say he committed suicide for his failure and had his body spirited away for a private funeral, or that he had it cremated. Some say he escaped to out of Malmuth, or that he escaped deeper into it, or that he had an understanding with Queen Tant and is allowed a private, hidden life in exchange for fading away from his
[17:49] <Kotono> fading away from history."
[17:52] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Listening, "I'll remember that if Demedais ever takes over the world. But...there's another piece to that puzzle. There were a few people that mentioned seeing Olburt with a woman before he vanished. A beautiful woman who stood behind him on the last day or so." Looking up at that, "The two people who said it were both soldiers involved in Valandia's defense, for what it's worth."
[17:53] <Seira> This gets Seira to frown. "I believe we'll have to take a more direct approach with this, Pollyanna. I'll be leaving with first light tomorrow, and I would like you to handle this part in my stead. Find out whether Claris knows the real deal behind Olburt and the deal with Queen Tant, and impress upon him that we need to know the truth if he doesn't.
[17:53] <Seira> I knew Olburt, and I saw him at Ferdi's death. He was a crazy zealot and it's not an issue I want coming back to haunt us some time down the line."
[17:55] * Seira takes a few steps away from the gates, signaling the archer to follow as she heads towards a tavern Abagail is currently at. "As matter of fact, it would be prudent to find out what happened to those we had in our custody and extradited to Tant."
[17:57] * Seira also happens to think that on top of the official channels they should have better means of gathering intelligence, but that's not a subject she wants to involve Pollyanna with. "Alright. The other issue of the day is to educate the Valandia populace. Sure, they may not believe what happened with the war and with Ferdi, and there're aspects of the story we don't really want out,
[17:57] <Seira> like Daa-vid and the gnomes, but we can have an edited version out that mentions vaguely to fiendish rituals on Ferdi's part. It won't be too far from the truth, even, but most importantly it will show we're not ignoring their propaganda but facing it head on."
[18:01] <Kotono> "That makes good sense," Pollyanna agrees as she follows along, wobbling once ever so slightly. "Just as well. I still owe that little rat Pallan." HEr eyes narrow abruptly, "He gave it an entirely too good a go at trying to kill me. See if you can get him to go away forever if you look into that?"
[18:02] <Seira> "As far as you know, I won't be looking into it," Seira tells Pollyanna in a casual tone. "I would hate for there to be misunderstandings about that."
[18:03] <Kotono> "Oh good. Then make sure there's no misunderstandings...like say, him hanging from a noose?" WIth a pleasantly cold look, "What that damned fool did to his body, too...it made me throw up."
[18:06] <Seira> "I'm not disputing his foolishness. Fanatics are annoying to deal with." Changing the topic, Seira muses, "Perhaps something from the Illusion school could be used for a helpful demonstration? Ferdi's last moments, displayed for all senses but touch. If Claris can't make it happen, I'll check with Elle as to whether she can whip up something custom we could place at a public place.
[18:06] <Seira> Like a museum dedicated to war and peace and all the good stuff?" Seira nods to herself. "If we advertise it well enough, people would come in droves because epic battles and dragons sell."
[18:08] <Kotono> "Hehahahahahaha!" Pollyanna breaks into a content laugh, "That's brilliant...and you'd make money off it at once."
[18:08] <Seira> "Money makes the world go around!"
[18:08] * Laggy (~Laggy@adsl-68-126-193-115.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has joined #dunes
[18:08] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Laggy
[18:27] <Kotono> OOC: Seira, did you want to club a  few soldier helpers to come with you or go it with just hte two of you?
[18:28] <Seira> OOC: I'm good with the two of us, but if we need a guide I'm so getting one
[18:37] <Kotono> The next morning is sunny and with a vicious, chilly wind. Despite that the sky is clear, as three leave Valandia. A guide named Estaban goes with them, a young man with a greatsword and crossbow wearing a red uniform.  The information the pair got was the following:
[18:39] <Kotono> There is a village a days ride to the west named Balsath. Reports come in that bandits have been plauging this city, which is near the border between the Barony of Valandia and Malmuth.
[18:40] <Kotono> Abagail sniffs as you come out of the gates, "So, according to Claris, we're to go there and eliminate the threat?" she observes. "It doesn't sound that difficult; simple bandits will likely break apart and flee on seeing any magic at all."
[18:42] <Kotono> Estaban looks about, then eyes Seira and Abagail without any expression on his face, "That's right. I assume you've never been?" He asks.
[18:42] <Seira> "It's more like according to me," Seira corrects her with an amused smile. "We were in the neighborhood, and it's been a while. I felt nostalgic. Speaking of running, though, what makes you think I'm allowing any to get away?"
[18:50] <Kotono> "I like how yo uthink," Abagail snorts, "They should be dealt with one way or another, or they'll surely recur. They don't know any better."
[18:52] <Seira> "It's preferable to arrest the lot of them, but continued violent resistance after they've been allowed to surrender will only end badly for them." Having said that, Seira glances at their guide. "Do you know anything about this group that wasn't in Claris's information, Estaban?"
[18:54] <Kotono> "I've been a part of a few raids agaisnt them. Mos tof them aren't any more than peasants with a weapon." With a snort, "Anyone with decent training can hold their own against them. I've heard the ringleaders are a little better. They don't cause unneeded damage or destruction - they're mainly interested in looting valuables and occasionally food.""
[18:56] <Seira> "How noble of them," Seira says with scorn. "If they'd wanted to fight, they could become proper soldiers or even take up adventuring."
[19:19] <Kotono> Thus the day of travel occurs. This happesn without incident, Seira getting looks at the surrounding countryside. It's peaceful enough, a few villages passed by. It's a little before dusk that the party gets view of Balsath, the flat plains letting you see it from far off. It looks like a simple peasant town on a glance, little to make it stand out from this distance.
[19:21] * Seira intends to head into the town and observe for a while. They'll have the freshest information, anyway.
[19:26] <Kotono> The town is a slow moving place. People are finishing for the day, a single inn getting visitors for it's taproom. There is a single dusty street running through the village, most of the peasants wearing dirt stained clothes.  As you look about, you get a few looks back.
[19:27] <Seira> "Is there anything like a local representative of the government or law enforcement here?" Seira asks Estaban, just in case.
[19:32] <Kotono> "Yes. Most villiages in Malmuth have a mayor or at least an elder that handles these things. At this hour he'd likely be abed or in the tavern," He remarks.
[19:32] <Seira> "The tavern it is, then," Seira decides, before making good on her words.
[19:39] <Kotono> The tavern is bright with lanterns and people. Peasants relax after a hard day, chatting and discussing the world. Many do stop to look at the unmfamiliar faces, giving Seira long looks in particular.
[19:40] <Seira> "Any chance that the mayor's here?" Seira asks loudly, making her way towards the bar and signaling the barkeep.
[19:49] <Kotono> The barkeep looks up, a middle aged man with a fair paunch. He pours a few rough mugs of strong ale, as he looks at Seira. "You're looking at him."
[19:50] * Seira gives him the thumbs up, smiling widely. "I approve of your business sense! Ale, please!"
[19:54] <Kotono> Abagail looks about, before shaking her head and sitting at the bar - after dusting the seat off.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Right," he pours a mug for Seira and hands it to her. "What do you want, stranger?"
[19:56] * Seira pays for it, parting with her money rather cheerfully. "You have a bandits problem, right? I'm the solution!"
[20:00] <Kotono> "Adventurers?" With a raised look, "Maybe you'll do the trick and knock them out. Gods knows Valandia hasn't managed it yet," With an irritated snort, "I'll be up front with you. We aren't rich and we've been robbed a few times already. We can't offer you too much for payment. However, those bandits surely have a lot of ill gained loot."
[20:01] <Seira> "You misunderstood. I'm not here to ask for payment. All I need is the best, most recent information you can give me on this group and its leaders."
[20:02] <Kotono> Estaban snorts at that, but watches abit behind Seira. He glances around every so often, arms crossed.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Oh." With a bit of a coloring of his face "You will? That's superb! Just between you and me...I hear they're raid a village to the northwest tomorrow morning, Asmal. It's about seven hours by horse, so you could make it before sun up if you hurried."
[20:06] <Seira> "I... see." Seira decides not to question the information for the time being, drinking her ale before setting the empty mug back on the counter. "That's where we'll head, then."
[20:08] <Kotono> "Overnight," Abagail doesn't hide a look of exasperation, "I'll be asleep on my feet for that battle. Anything you can do about that, Seira?"
[20:09] <Seira> "I could," she muses, even as her voice turns teasing, "but are you really so fragile that a mere ride overnight and a few bandits would get the better of you, Abagail?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Hmph." Looking away and tossing her hair with a sharp movement of her head, "I think not. Still...I'm not so foolish as to fight at my worst. Are you?"
[20:11] <Seira> "That won't be me at my worst," Seira tells Abagail, her good mood evaporating. "It'll take more than that." She turns to Estaban. "Alright. I presume you know the way?"
[20:11] <Kotono> "I do," he agrees, "C'mon, just eat something before it and that'll perk you up," he says to Abagail, smirking a little. "It's not so bad. Once the adrenaline kicks in you'll be going full on anyway."
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC - Do you wanna skip along a bit?
[20:16] <Seira> OOD: y
[20:27] <Kotono> Thus the three ride out into the night. Night falls, the land around silent. Estaban leads the way through the inky black, only some moonlight letting you see anything.  As you travel, "Do you have nay sort of plan, Seira?" Abagail asks.
[20:29] <Seira> "We can't rely on bandits to remain nonviolent and avoiding getting civillians involved, so our first order of business would be to work on that. I'll try to achieve it by providing a more inviting target, as you two stay back and support. The rest depends on whether we beat them to Asmal, and their numbers."
[20:30] * Seira shrugs. "The best plan would be to used ranged spells to incapacitate or otherwise take the bandits out, perhaps while flying."
[20:34] <Kotono> "I have glitterdust, which can disable a few or their archers." Abagail observes, "I'd rather not kill them unless I don't have a choice, personally. Perhaps we can overimpress them and make them retreat or surrender."
[20:35] <Seira> "There won't be a retreat, but surrender is quite viable. I have glitterdust myself, as well as other useful spells."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Mmmm. That's a thought..." Abagail considers, "Alright. I know what I'll do then."

[Corwin]

[19:12] <Kotono> The rest of the second floor is without note. On the third floor you find many decadent but forgotten bedrooms and the like, with one having something of note. A small walk in closet has a rotted cloth hanging from a low ceiling beam, as well as another bouquet of silk flowers wrapped in word covered parchment beneath it.
[19:14] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:15] * Seira reads that one as well, before checking out the last floor.
[19:16] <Kotono> 'Rest well forever, my noble father. Jaspar Silverwind, 2 DK-42 DK.' The top floor is mostly empty - it looks like storage, some rotten furniture dotted about. One of the far windows is open, the dust disturbed there. STanding just outside of it is Abagail, a bit of light leaking through from the predawn.
[19:17] <Seira> "Isn't it interesting that there's reason to believe no one's been here for over three centuries?" Seira comments to Abagail, taking care to announce her presence so that she doesn't end up spooking her.
[19:18] <Kotono> "My word. There's probably some silly story behind it then," Abagail keeps her gaze out, the height giving a superb view of Balsath. The sun is just starting to rise now, spilling out light and banishing the long night. Smothering a yawn in her hand, "Aaaah. What did you find? No sign of bandits yet, by the way."
[19:19] <Seira> "I wouldn't expect there to be any, unless we've been drawn into an ambush," Seira responds, not sounding overly worried. "I'll have a little chat with our local guide, since this is something I would have expected him to know. Minor things like if a village still exists or not."
[19:26] <Kotono> "I don't know," Smothering another yawn, "I saw someone moving down there, but it looked like someone getting well water at th e start of the day. The rest of the village doesn't look so abandoned, just this home," Abagail adds. "Granted, I do wonder, since they're living in those and letting this house go to waste."
[19:28] <Seira> "That's nice to know," Seira agrees, heading back to regroup with Estaban.
[19:32] <Kotono> Down the stairs you go. Estaban is waiting, keeping a watch out. "Nothing?" he asks.
[19:33] <Seira> "Abagail saw someone get water, but that's about it," Seira tells him. "Let's go knock on a few doors?" She indicates the house to the left to him, before going to knock on the front door of the house to the right.
[19:34] <Kotono> There aren't any houses around until you return to the main street. A knock on that door gets you a sleepy looking man, "'lo," he says around a yawn. "Looking for something early, strangers? Must be if you're knocking on doors this early."
[19:35] <Seira> "Oh, yes!" Seira tells him. "I'm looking for the mayor! Where might I find him?"
[19:36] <Kotono> "Mayor's house," He gestures down the street, "It's at the end with a rose garden."
[19:37] <Seira> "Huh." Seira blinks. "Then what's that tall building?" She indicates the one she visited with Abagail.
[19:39] <Kotono> "The old mayoral building," He answers, not looking to SEira's gesture. Around another yawn, "Why don't you ask the mayor about it, ma'am? This isn't the time to play twenty questions when I need to get breakfast before I get to work."
[19:39] <Seira> "Sure thing!" she agrees, and gives him a wave before heading over to knock on the mayor's door.
[19:44] <Kotono> The mayor's house is a simple two story building with a rose garden. It's well kept, even if it's not blooming in the winter. The front door is already open, the smell of cinnamon and chicken wafting out. Inside, you find a middle aged man missing an arm, wearing a red tunic. "Good day to you!" he greets, "Ah, visitors so early? Good, the early ones always have the determination needed." He greets, "Are you looking for the mayor?"
[19:44] <Seira> "Quite so!" Seira tells him cheerfully. "Would that happen to be you?"
[19:46] <Kotono> "That would be me," His one remaining arm gestures, "Come into the kitchen and we can have breakfast and talk," he invites. "Cinnamon oatmeal and leftover chicken stew from last night. What do I owe the pleasure of such a unique visitor for?"
[19:48] <Seira> "You know those bandits that seem to be bothering everyone in these parts? They seem to be en route here, so I came to punish them for their evil ways." Seira is rather proud of herself for saying that with a straight face.
[19:57] <Kotono> The look on the mayor's face instantly changes, becoming worried. "Oh no, not again." He instantly comes to attention. "You know they're coming? Can you stop them then?"
[19:58] <Seira> "Why, yes!" Seira says quite confidently. "I would like to get any information on their numbers and typical behavior you believe would be useful, and then work together with me by getting people out of harm's way and preventing any panic."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Indeed," Abagail speaks up, "This would make our task quicker. Come on, out with it."
[20:01] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, for some reason I had it in my head that you had her come with you.
[20:04] <Kotono> "They come from an angle, raid into the city and loot," He answers, "They usually use the main road and number from 20 to 60. They act quickly, but they bring horses and enough to carry away their ill gotten goods."
[20:06] <Seira> "Alright," Seira says, taking that in. "Anything left on the street and a few doors might get damaged, but don't worry about that stuff. I'll take responsibility for any serious repairs. In fact, as long as no one ends up becoming a hostage, this bandit plague would be dealt with decisively today." She considers. "Would the old mayoral mansion be fit for the villagers to stay at temporarily?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "It's...not such a good idea. The villagers hold it's haunted. Not everyone believes it, of course, but some do. Even after a few centuries the old stories about it linger in town."
[20:08] <Seira> "Figures. Why isn't it getting torn down or burnt, then?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "No one's ever wanted to take the time and money to do that, I suppose," The mayor considers, as Estaban snickers ever so slightly.
[20:11] <Seira> "I can never have too many summer houses, so I'll buy it," Seira declares. "Well, that's for later. Just get people to be ready to get into their cellars or what have you? Estaban here could keep watch, and as soon as we see them ride over, we'll signal all of you to take cover."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Very well," The mayor nods in agreement, looking to Estaban. "From your uniform your'e from Valandia?"
[20:16] <Kotono> "Yes sir," Estaban answers. "We're here to deal with the problem firmly."
[20:17] <Kotono> "I see. Then both of you, good luck. I'll pass on those instructions."
[20:18] <Seira> "Thanks!"
[20:24] <Kotono> Thus Seira goes to the end of town, Estaban to the other end. About an hour passes, then...
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[20:28] <Kotono> "Seira!" The shout comes then, Estaban's voice noisy, "Company's incoming from this side!"
[20:29] <Seira> "Right!" Mage Armor is quickly recast, as Seira dashes over to Estaban. "How many?"
[20:31] <Kotono> As Seira dashes over, she can see what's coming - a dust cloud, kicked up on the horizon. Peering ahead, "At least a dozen in a charging formation," he answers, "They're still about four hundred feet away, give or take."
[20:35] <Seira> "Alright. I want you to guard the house Abagail's holed up at. We'll all be connected via the Message spell, which means merely mouthing something would make it audible for me." Seira takes aim at Abagail, pointing her other index finger at Estaban as she casts.
[20:35] <Seira> "If I seem to be getting overwhelmed, I'm really not. I'll try to lure them in and we'll seal off their movements by a few spells. Then, if all goes well, we demand their total surrender. Got the plan, you two?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "Right," Estaban nods, then Abagail, "I have it," she confirms.
[20:40] * Seira settles to wait for their guests to arrive as she stands a bit into the village proper, casting Shield and Fly on herself in the meantime.
[20:42] <Kotono> Seira hides behind the third house and quickly casts her magic! Within about a minute the horsemen come to the road! They ride three abreast and five deep - indeed, a dozen and three extra, 15 total. One at the head, a lean man with an eyepatch, "Too quiet," he's heard as oversaying.
[20:46] * Seira summons a patch of grease on the road ahead of the riders, just shortly before her own hiding place, waiting to see whether she would get spotted doing that before trying anything else.
[20:48] <Kotono> OOC: Hide check. What's your hide mod? Something good?
[20:48] <Seira> OOC: +21  >_>
[20:54] <Kotono> SEira casts it and blends into the shadows! The first few riders reach the patch of grease...
[20:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 DC, Seira?
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 DC, Seira? and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[20:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 DC, Seira?
[20:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 DC, Seira?
[20:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 DC, Seira?
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 DC, Seira? and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 DC, Seira? and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 DC, Seira? and gets 24."12 [1d20=20]
[20:55] <Seira> OOC: 21
[20:58] <Kotono> Three of the horses abruptly skitter and fall, legs splayed! The three riders are cast off, crashing to the ground! The fourth isn't, his horse able to come to a safe stop! "The hell?" The eye patched leader says, looking about. "Get your arrows ready," h e warns.
[21:00] <Seira> "You know, it might be too quiet here because I am your opponent," Seira speaks pleasantly, walking onto the main road to face even as the riders at the back become engulfed in sticky strands of web, as hopelessly blocked as those who tried to pass the greased patch. "Would you like to surrender now, or after you have been humiliated by a girl?"
[21:00] <Seira> Wrapped in the comforts of Stoneskin, she doesn't seem particularly worried even when outnumbered.
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 3#1d6
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3#1d6 and gets 11."12 [3#1d6 = 6, 1, 4]
[21:05] <Kotono> The webbing springs up, covering the advance and tangling the horses horribly! "W-what the hell?" The leader looks back and around, seeing the trap laid out. "Ah hell...wizard." He looks on with a baleful stare, seeing his reserves currently webbed up. He bites down, closing his eyes. "FUCK!"
[21:06] <Seira> "No thank you," Seira tells him firmly. "How does that surrender looks, now?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "...fine..." He swears again, tossing his bow and quiver down.
[21:09] * Seira claps her hands pleasantly. "Excellent! Now, how many of you remain at your no doubt secret hideout?"
[21:14] <Kotono> With a few more bitter swears, "About one hundred of us," he answers. "Give or take, depending on fatalities and captures.":
[21:15] <Seira> "Is that so?" Seira smiles. "It would please me greatly if we could bring them all in as the second category rather than fatalities. Would you happen to agree?"
[21:19] <Kotono> "...I suppose, considering you could just wave your hand and turn them all to toads," The bandit agrees after a few moments.
[21:20] <Seira> "My, the progress we're making!" Seira exclaims. "Are you their leader, Mister Eyepatch? Please come with me to get them to surrender so that they won't have to feel any undue pain or humiliation!"
[21:21] <Kotono> "I'm the raid leader," he answers, raising his hand as he dismounts and very, very carefully approaches over the edge of the grease and then to Seira.
[21:21] <Kotono> *hands
[21:23] * Seira turns her head into a cough, calling for Estaban and Abagail over as she briefly covers her mouth with a hand. "So who's the overall leader?"

[Corwin]

[18:20] <Kokokokokoko> Father Ceiar is found tending to a few of the faithful in the entry hall, just finishing a few moments after Demedais approaches.
[18:21] <Demedais> "Father, do you have the capability to use a Sending?" Demedais asks, after a slight wave.
[18:21] * Seira is now known as CC
[18:23] <Kokokokokoko> "I can get it done," He replies as he looks to Demedais. "I assume you need to contact someone?"
[18:24] <Demedais> "I'd like to contact Claris, yes." Demedais nods. "Also have a question for you, once it is done."
[18:25] <Kokokokokoko> "Come this way," Walking towards the back, "What's the message you need me to pass on to him?"
[18:28] * Demedais follows willingly, pausing for a second at Ceiar's words. "Olburt still alive. Woman confirmed to be present. Possible outsider. Suspect not friendly to Malmuth, Baronies. Do not know where; shadows amongst shadows. Hunch: demonic."
[18:37] <Kokokokokoko> After several minutes, the task is done. Ceiar returns, saying, "His message back was, 'Thank you, I'll make preparations."
[18:38] * Demedais nods. "Even if they prove irrelevant for Olburt, they should be useful in general. ...how have you been doing, Father Ceiar?"
[18:42] <Kokokokokoko> "Busy," With a warm smile, "Telling stories about those who come asking about the famous champion of Helm that stays in this Temple."
[18:43] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais shakes his head a bit, beginning to grin. "Should I establish a rule about no childhood or teenager stories?"
[18:44] <Kokokokokoko> "Too late." With a straight face, "I feel it's my duty to inform them of the champion to the best of my knowledge."
[18:46] <Demedais> "Tch." Demedais grins widely at this. "And how well do the stories of Demedais the bratty kid fly?"
[18:46] <Kokokokokoko> "Well enough. Many mothers gush that their sons ar ejust like Demedais at that age."
[18:48] <Demedais> "...I'm not sure whether or not to be terrified at that." Demedais says. "... An odd question... what is it like, being a priest of Helm?"
[18:54] <Kokokokokoko> "What do you mean?" Ceiar asks, a curious look passing over his face. "You should know most of that, you see us every day and you do some of the same things."
[18:56] * CC is now known as Teresa
[18:56] <Demedais> "...I'm not sure what I mean." Demedais says, making a slight face as he pauses in thought. "...what... what is it like to have that sort of a connection to Helm? I mean, I know what it is to be a paladin for him; but what is it like to be a cleric in his name?"
[18:58] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Demara
[18:59] <Demara> "...mmmm. I don't know if there is much of a difference for you. You're his Favored Servant here, so..." Thoughtfully, Ceiar considers. "It's hard. We do his will and his bidding and often only have the writings and our duty to comfort us."
[19:01] * Demedais bows his head at this, seemingly lost in thought. "I..."
[19:02] <Demara> "You're lucky," Ceiar's smile is rather strange, g uarded. "Helm speaks to you regularly from all accounts. For many of us, the Watcher was distant until just recently and even now..."
[19:04] <Demedais> "...even now, he seems to not speak to you?" Demedais says almost in a whisper, eyes closes. "That is not..."
[19:08] <Demara> "It's our lot," Ceiar interjects, "...you don't really understand that, do you?" His voice is guarded again, "Perhaps Helm has always been more responsive to you, but to us? ...yet even now, we are better off than before." With a pause after, "To all of us, your status as favored is obvious. You are his one, his special champion. It reaffirms us simply by your presence."
[19:14] <Demedais> "......then I have yet another reason to free this world from the cage enclosing it. It was never my intent to..." A shake of his head. "...I ask this, because... I wish to become a priest, Father Ceiar. ...I want to understand, and to help. ... " Demedais pauses at this, turning away a bit.
[19:18] <Demara> "You do?" Ceiar raises an eyebrow, "Then study. Study, pray and go over your devotions once more. Practice them and reach communion with the Watcher. Bulid your faith into a force that can move boulders."
[19:20] * Demedais nods at this, before grinning sadly a bit. "Understood. I will endeavor for this." Demedais looks at Ceiar's face after this, a bit sheepish. "I... thank you, Father Ceiar. For everything."
[19:21] <Demara> "When do you aim to begin," Father Ceiar's smile grows a little less guarded at the compliments.
[19:23] <Demedais> "...Heh. Tell the truth, I have been trying to remember much of it, but bratty Demedais didn't pay as much attention as he should have." Demedais says in reply, shaking his head. "...As soon as I can. If you could help me... it would be greatly appreciated."
[19:29] <Demara> "We can begin soon," Ceiar agrees, "Jsut go start by doing some readings."
[19:30] * Demedais nods once, looking Ceiar over to see how this is striking him.
[19:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar?
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar? and gets 26."12 [1d20=7]
[19:35] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar? reroll since I can likely do better
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar? reroll since I can likely do better and gets 34."12 [1d20=15]
[19:42] <Demedais> "...everything I have, has come from Helm... through you all. I can only hope to be able to repay this debt someday. Thank you again, Father Ceiar." With that, he turns and leaves, eyes half-closed.

[Corwin]

[18:44] <Alicia> [21:19] <Alicia> "We should've done this from the start!" Marie declares, before she notices the crack in the hammer. "Ohhh... that's not good," she whimpers, caressing the crack in a futile effort to make the hurt go away.
[18:44] <Alicia> [21:20] <Kotono> Eudard groans once, falling to hands and knees. He shivers and then vomits, emptying his stomach out.
[18:44] <Alicia> [21:21] <Alicia> "Euch..." Alicia skitters back a step to avoid the vomit. "Eudard...?" she asks hesitantly. "Feeling more clear-headed now, at least?"
[18:44] <Alicia> [21:23] <Kotono> No answer straight away. Eudard shakes a like a leaf in the winter winds, keeping his gaze to the floor.
[18:44] <Alicia> [21:24] * Alicia decides it wouldn't hurt to at least heal him a bit, since he's probably not a risk, now. Leaning carefully over the vomit, she rests a hand on his shoulder to bestow some portion of positive energy. Still... "What on earth was that? It sure wasn't a Corruption Devil, but such evil as I've rarely felt before..."
[18:44] <Alicia> [21:25] <Alicia> OOC: 3 or 4hp lay on hands, whichever's needed
[18:50] <Demara> OOC: 4.
[18:50] <Alicia> OOC: duly noted
[18:52] <Demara> Eudard shudders a few more times, coughing. "Torm..." he murmurs. "What...what just happened?"
[18:54] <Alicia> "I just hammered the badness right out of you!" Marie chirps happily, before giving said hammer a sad look. "It hammered back something fierce, though..."
[18:54] * Alicia just shakes her head. "I don't even know. It's like you were possessed... for it to corrupt the holy water and damage the hammer of the shard, whatever it was would have to have been of both law and evil in their most pure forms."
[18:56] <Demara> Eudard tries to sit up, but instead falls onto his rear end. He sits, eyes dazed. "...I feel..." he licks his lips. "Alicia? Alicia Reynes?" He asks, looking at her.
[18:57] * Alicia nods slowly, wondering how much he even remembers. "That's right - what's the last thing you remember, Eudard?" she asks gently, as if afraid to startle him.
[18:59] <Demara> "It's...conflicted. The last clear thing I remember...I remember meeting you," he struggles with the word. "Then...The revelation of Torm. Then...I just remember being so angry and seeing eveyrthing through a cloud of that. Slow building, vast anger...directed at you and your ward."
[19:02] * Tai{slwwpwr} (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:02] <Alicia> "So... that really was Torm? Or at least some aspect of him?" Alicia asks in disbelief.
[19:02] <Alicia> "It has to be, Alicia," Marie nods slowly, sounding awfully surprised herself. "It was totally axiomatic and profane as any Pit Fiend, there's no denying that, but couldn't you feel the hatred it held towards the Baatezu?"
[19:04] <Demara> "I don't know," Eudard murmurs this, voice sounding rather dazed.
[19:07] * Alicia casts prestidigitation to clean up the vomit and then offers Eudard a hand up. "I just can't believe it... I'd been so sure you were being manipulated by either a demon or a devil. But Torm, the True... how could he be an embodiment of such vileness? It makes no sense at all."
[19:11] <Demara> Eudard takes it, standing on wobbly legs. "It's impossible," Eudard says in a shaky voice. "It...it must have been another."
[19:14] <Alicia> "You seemed sure, before," Alicia points out. "I suppose we could perform a divination? I'm afraid Shankar doesn't have access to that level of magic, yet, but I think the head priests at Helm and Waukeen's temples might."
[19:16] <Demara> "Helm," Licking his lips, "The Great Watcher...Demedais as well." Straightening himself, "I...I was told I would likely have to kill you." He says this with a conflicted, shameful voice. "That you had taken the devils in your home and that you were worthy of nothing but judgment."
[19:19] <Alicia> "She's only taken one devil!" Marie pipes up helpfully, then. "'Taken'? That actually sounds pretty wrong..." and upon seeing Alicia's horrified look, "I'll shut up, now."
[19:19] <Alicia> "Uh..." Alicia continues to give her familiar a weird look for a moment longer before shaking her head. "Anyway, Antenora no longer belongs to the Hells. She has proven her commitment to righteousness beyond any doubt."
[19:23] <Demara> "Ugh." Wiping his face with his gauntlet free hand, "But the worst is...I still feel so sure," Eudard elaborates. "That it was Torm. I've never been so sure of anything in my life."
[19:24] <Alicia> "Lets go to Vigilance," Alicia nods decisively. "Helm would have no bias either way, so if we get an answer, I think we can trust it."
[19:30] <Demara> "Yes, let's," Eudard agrees. He looks a bit shaky as he walks, but doesn't look to fall over. Thus the party heads to the Temple of Helm.  The doors are open wide, the eternal eye of the Watcher engraved to the altar. Father Ceiar is currently about, talking to the faithful and leading a session of prayer.
[19:31] <Alicia> It would be disrespectful to disturb prayer, especially when looking for a favour, so Alicia suggests Eudard hang back for now until the Helmites are done. Likewise Marie and her hammer wait outside so as not to cause any problems.
[19:35] <Demara> Ten minutes pass this way, then five more. The prayer at last breaks up, people coming and going past.  Father Ceiar looks about after this, and on seeing Alicia and Eudard, approaches himself. "Good day to you. May Helm's blessings come to you," he greets. "What does our humble temple owe the honor?"
[19:38] <Alicia> "Hello, Father," Alicia responds, smiling in spite of the troubling issue that brought them here. The clergy that helped produce a paladin like Demedais deserve her respect and consideration. "No need to be modest, for it is a wondrous temple you have here. Unfortunately, we come not for simple pleasantries - we seek Helm's wisdom on a matter most grave."
[19:38] <Alicia> "I think Eudard had best explain, for it affects him directly," she then defers to her companion.
[19:40] <Demara> "...I must speak to the Father alone a moment, Alicia. Eudard says, "There is a matter that may involve him that does not involve you, and I gave my oath not to lightly spread it."
[19:41] * Alicia blinks. "And this takes precedence over what just transpired?" she asks in blatant surprise. "Well..." she takes a step back, "If you two require privacy, then by all means, don't let me get in your way." She walks over to the door, near where her familiar waits outside.
[19:42] <Demara> Father Ceiar raises an eyebrow as well, but the two creep away and talk. It's not very long, before, "Alicia," Father Ceiar calls.
[19:43] * Alicia heads on over to rejoin the pair.
[19:43] <Demara> "This matter is complicated..." Father Ceiar breathes out. "What do you wish of us, Alicia?"
[19:44] <Demara> "I told him the fundamentals swiftly," Eudard murmurs to Alicia.
[19:47] <Alicia> "Quite simply, we're at something of a loss - we know that *something* possessed Eudard, claiming to be Torm. But whatever it was, it was clearly a primal force of malevolence and order - which points to a Devil. Yet - and this is hard to describe - we all could feel a palpable hatred for the Baatezu from the manifestation just before it was expunged."
[19:47] <Alicia> She sighs softly and shakes her head, "We need to know what it truly was, but we have no way to investigate. So, we were hoping you might have access to a divination spell powerful enough to unravel this tangled skein and point to the truth."
[19:49] <Demara> With a slight nod to that, "I understand your situation." He says at last. After a few long, heavy moments, "Among us, Demedais is the favored of Helm. I would believe it prudent to involve him in any attempt to discern the truth, for Helm shows his favor to him regularly."
[19:51] * Alicia nods. "Very well, if that is how you would do this - I did not expect you would have the spell ready at this exact moment, after all. Last I heard, he was investigating a disturbance in the Barbarian Lands, wasn't he?"
[19:54] <Demara> "He returned recently," Ceiar says. "We can meet for this tomorrow at dawn."
[19:57] <Alicia> "Fortuitous timing," Alicia smiles briefly. "Until tomorrow, then... is that alright for you, Eudard?" she glances at the other paladin(?).
[19:57] <Demara> Eudard nods after a few moments, "Yes, that's fine," he allows.
[19:59] <Alicia> "Okay. Until then..." she hesitates, about to offer a religious benediction before deciding it's perhaps inappropriate at this juncture, "Be well."
[20:09] <Demara> "Be well," Eudard returns that after a hesitation, Alicia walking out. OOC - Do you want to chat this over with anyone or anything, 'licia?
[20:11] <Alicia> OOC: I'll stop by Mystra's temple to get Shankar to cast Make Whole on the hammer and give back the two water breathing scrolls I forgot about, then go drop the hammer back off at the garrison. Then I'll give Anty an exciting update since all I can do is kill time till tomorrow.

[Corwin]

[13:56] <Kotono> ----------
[14:01] <Kotono> The next morning at dawn several people gather at Helm's Temple. As the first rays of dawn blossom outside, Eudard, Alicia, Demedais and Father Ceiar meet. Father Ceiar is solemn, while Eudard is silent, thoughtful. "Now then," Father Ceiar vocalises, "Everyone is here."
[14:02] * Demedais raises one eyebrow, having gotten a summarization of the summarization.
[14:03] <Alicia> Alicia respectfully left her familiar at home so she wouldn't cause a fuss. After the usual greetings but precious little time to catch up, otherwise, she turns her attention fully to the priest and waits for him to perform his divination.
[14:09] <Kotono> "Would you pray with me now, Demedais? This is a difficult question, I feel that any favor we can curry would be invaluable." Ceiar says. Meanwhile, Eudard looks at Demedais with guarded, conflicted expressions.
[14:10] <Demedais> "Certainly." Demedais nods once, looking to Eudard normally. "Would you lead in this, Father Ceiar?"
[14:15] <Kotono> "Naturally," Father Ceiar kneels before the altar, "Great Watcher, who guides us from beyond, guide your faithful watchmen with relevation and knowledge..."
[14:17] <Demedais> "Help us to discern the truth in the situation set forth before us here and now..." Demedais follows, kneeling beside Father Ceiar.
[14:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2 righty-o, here we go
[14:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 righty-o, here we go and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
[14:22] * RobertDowneyJr_IS_TonyStark is now known as Sierra_SemiLife
[14:22] <Kotono> "Your vigliance is what protects us and guides us. Oh Helm, deliver us into safety under your eternal gaze!" Ceiar's prayer is strong as he begins to cast, demanding supplication with overwhelming faith. (More)
[14:29] <Demedais> After a long moment, Demedais raises his head and looks to Father Ceiar, his face a mask.
[14:30] <Kotono> "Oh Watcher, now bless this effort!" Ceiar is deep in prayer, lost in it. But after a few moments of silence, he stops and looks to Demedais. He doesn't say anything, seeing his face instead and waiting solemnly.
[14:31] * Alicia looks between the pair curiously, wondering what's going on.
[14:33] <Kotono> Eudard waits a well, "What?" He even asks.
[14:35] * Demedais stands and looks to Eudard slowly, before to Father Ceiar. "I... am not surprised, now. That explains much. Thank you, Father Ceiar; I think it was due to your assistance that I was able to see that." Looking back to Eudard, "Shall I put this bluntly or explain what I know of the situation before I state it, Eudard?"
[14:38] <Kotono> "Explain." Eudard is crisp and to the point. "Has Helm shown you relevant information? Has he?" Those last words come off strongly, his voice rising.
[14:43] <Demedais> "Helm did, assuming I interpret the vision correctly. You were possessed by... a fallen avatar, formerly of Torm and now bitterly against him. This is why he was able to deceive you for so long; he understood your faith almost completely, even as he used it against you." Demedais says, turning to face him fully. "This occured back at the time the God-King was making his bid to overthrow the Gods." (more)
[14:46] * Sierra_SemiLife is now known as Sierra_Deadish
[14:47] <Demedais> "Torm led his armies, including his greatest warrior, Zariel, against the God-King in an attempt to end this. ...I do not believe any of the Gods anticipated fully the strength he had available to him... From the recounting, thousands of angels died at a wave of this being's hands. And when Zariel approached to try and strike him down... the God-King said but one word, apparently, and it turned Zariel completely." (more)
[14:51] <Demedais> "Torm, enraged like no other by this betrayal, sent Zariel downward. This is what I saw directly in my vision; the turning, and Torm's rage... smashing down Zariel into this world, through the entirety of existence. ...By implication, either Zariel, or some being in support of him, is the one that possessed you. It explains the situation perhaps all too well.": Demedais shakes his head at this.
[14:53] <Alicia> "But wasn't Zariel the former Lord of Avernus?" Alicia asks, confused. "The being possessing Eudard, we could all feel its tangible hatred for Devilkind. That doesn't seem to fit, to me."
[14:54] * Demedais doesn't respond initially to this, waiting for Eudard to react.
[14:59] <Kotono> Eudard's face flinches at all of that, before slipping into a solemn mask. However, this doesn't last, as it crumbles instead to open pain and confusion. "I..." He shakes his head, "What are you saying? It's Torm or his former servant or..." He says foggily.
[14:59] <Kotono> Father Ceiar purses his lips, "Tell me of exactly what you saw in this vision, Demedais? Such a matter sounds dreadfully important and that Helm has blessed you with a great insight."
[15:03] <Demedais> "I do not believe it was Torm." Demedais says. "The former servant, far more likely." A pause, before nodding to Father Ceiar. "I saw a forest of crystallized trees; the same one Seira and I passed through on our way to Irenes, and I heard a... force, speaking. Spiritual, telling of this event; of the battle between the God-King and the forces of the heavens. I saw Zariel turn against Torm, and Torm casting him downwards into the hells, even more angered by
[15:03] <Demedais> "...and Torm casting him downwards into the hells, even more angered by this than the God-King's impetus had angered him." (more)
[15:05] <Demedais> "...it was almost as if I could feel the rage - staring into the sun, almost. I heard Zariel's screams, felt his impact into the earth, and then... the very stuff of reality, twisting, as he plummeted." A pause, before looking to Alicia. "What, all fallen angels automatically like devils now?"
[15:07] <Alicia> "They do if they become second only to Asmodeus in Hell's hierarchy," Alicia returns. "I don't think you truly appreciate what being Lord of Avernus entails - it means Zariel was Hell's greatest champion in the war against the Abyss."
[15:08] * Demedais waits for Eudard's reaction again, not wanting the actual issue to get drowned out in semantics.
[15:09] <Kotono> Eudard manages to look completely lost and stunned.  He tries to speak a few times, before rubbing at his forehead. "On that point...Alicia's right. The hatred I felt...it was directed at the devils."
[15:10] <Kotono> Stopping a moment, "It was overwhelming. I twas all pervasive. The devils are worthy of nothing but judgment and destruction." He says, voice going into slightly dazed, drifty words.
[15:13] * Demedais muses on this for a moment. "While I understand the issue here, my only conclusion I can draw is that it was Zariel, in some form. ...you said Zariel was the former lord of Avernus? Could that have something to do with it?"
[15:16] <Alicia> "Perhaps Zariel survived being replaced by Bel and is bitter about it," Alicia shrugs, "Antenora did not know if the former Lord of the First still lived, but the feelings Eudard speaks of - judgement seems wrong for someone who fought alongside millions of baatezu over the centuries. Betrayal, perhaps, but it felt too... sanctimonious, for someone who had led devils and obeyed Asmodeus' will."
[15:16] <Alicia> She shakes her head slowly, "Unfortunately it seems we didn't get a clear answer, after all."
[15:18] <Demedais> "At the same time, remember; he did not go down to the Hells of his own choosing, according to this. In his position, he may very well hate everything, devils included. Especially if they seemed to not be appreciating his talens, it'd make sense." Demedais shrugs.
[15:24] <Alicia> "We just don't know," Alicia concludes. "It's all open to interpretation. I will posit this, though - Eudard's affliction occured at the exact moment we broke the seals, allowing the Gods to draw closer. Would Torm, the Loyal Fury - or indeed *any* deity, allow one of their important servants to be so completely deceived by an imposter? That just doesn't sit right, with me."
[15:25] <Demedais> "The Hells also started influencing things far more directly once the seals went boom, I'd like to note." Demedais says calmly. "It is entirely possible Zariel, too, was bound until those seals were broken."
[15:33] <Alicia> "Yes, but Torm would have been in a position to *do* something about it when the seals broke, that's what I'm getting at," Alicia protests. "There is no surer way to draw a God's wrath than to mock them by committing blasphemy in their name." She turns to the third paladin, "Eudard, did you ever feel any doubts? Any weakening of the force pervading you?"
[15:35] * Demedais stays silent for a moment, before shrugging. "I cannot honestly say, from there."
[15:37] <Kotono> "No. There was never any doubt...until the end." Eudard does stop there. "I remember a few flickers when you laid into me particularly hard."
[15:41] <Alicia> "I don't think Torm was working through me, though," Alicia mutters, before trying another angle. "Have you prayed since yesterday? Felt anything that way?"
[15:41] <Kotono> "Not yet. I've been...I've been too shaken," Eudard admits.
[15:42] <Demedais> "That would be worth it, I think, to do." Demedais says once, nodding
[15:46] <Kotono> "...Yes. In the meantime..." Eudard is long and thoughtful, "Ask the Erinyes about this. If she knows anything..."
[15:46] <Alicia> "I will," Alicia agrees, standing up and nodding to the two Helmites. "Thank you both for your efforts, Demedais, Father Ceiar. You've been very accomodating."
[15:47] * Demedais nods once to this, seemingly distracted with thoughts.
[15:55] <Kotono> OOC: AR eyou staying here to think, Deme?
[15:56] <Demedais> OOC: Unless Eudard has anything more, yes.
[15:57] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. You'll hop into #terror, Alicia'll stay in here.
[15:57] <Kotono> On returning home, Alicia finds Antenora in practice. She finishes what she's doing, leaving a broken pile of wooden dummies behind her. "Hm, Alicia?" she enquires to her.
[16:00] <Alicia> Marie also looks up from where she's been sitting on the windowsill and watching Antenora, floating down to join the pair. "Where there any words of wisdom from the Watcher?" she chirps brightly.
[16:00] <Alicia> *Were
[16:00] <Alicia> "Helm did see fit to give Demedais a vision pertaining to Eudard's problem, but it was sadly inconclusive," the paladin nods.
[16:00] <Kotono> Antenora glances at Marie without comment, "What was it?" she asks, right to the point. "Some sort of riddle again?"
[16:03] <Alicia> "Not a riddle, but it was ambiguous - Demedais was given a vision of the moment Zariel turned on Torm and was banished to Hell. Demedais took it to mean that Zariel was impersonating Torm to influence Eudard, but I don't think that idea really matches up with what happened," the paladin explains. "What do you know about Bel's predecessor, Antenora?"
[16:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[16:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 26."12 [1d20=10]
[16:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 does Marie know anything?
[16:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 does Marie know anything? and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
[16:06] <Kotono> "Bel rather neatly betrayed Zariel," Antenora says after some thought. "It's said his complex plan impressed even Asmodeus enough to promote him. But about Zariel?" She thinks a few moments.
[16:12] <Alicia> "Isn't Zariel imprisoned in one of Bel's fortresses?" Marie asks in confusion as she flutters between the two women before alighting on Alicia's head. "I heard that he was slowly devouring her bit by bit to gain all of her power and prolong her torment. I don't think she'd have the capability to influence anyone on the Prime in that position."
[16:13] <Kotono> "If she's alive, yes," Antenora agrees. "If Bel's letting her influence the outside world, he's doing something very wrong. If he's grown that daft, he'll end up a fatality in due time. Bel has a reputation as a superb general and planner, I can't imagine he'd let Zariel have any influence if she's still alive."
[16:13] <Alicia> "Her?" Alicia blinks. "Demedais kept saying 'he'..."
[16:14] <Alicia> "Woman last I heard, but you know how some outsiders go for that androgynous look," Marie waves it off blithely. "Not like us, right Antenora?"
[16:16] <Kotono> "It's not relevant," Antenora snorts, "If an Archdevil wants to be a certain gender, it will be. Or so I hear." With a slight shrug and a momentary smile to Marie, "Regardless of what he or she likes to be, that ties Hell into things again, doesn't it?"
[16:17] <Alicia> "I think that confirms it couldn't be Zariel," Alicia nods, her familiar adroitly shifting position to keep balanced on her head. "Still, just for some background - what sort of archdevil was Zariel? Bitter about her fall and contemptous of her new allies? Or did she throw herself into her role?"
[16:19] <Kotono> "Zariel was on another layer and largely before my time," Antenora elaborates. "But I heard that she was a respectable general, but that Bel outshone her considerably. Of course, no one's likely to speak well of a failed Archdevil." Going to lean against a wall and lowering her head, "I never heard anything about her being bitter, though. She bowed to Asmodeu sas all devils do."
[16:22] <Alicia> "She wouldn't last long if she didn't," Alicia nods thoughtfully.
[16:22] <Alicia> "She didn't last long, anyway!" Marie correects. "A reign of less than two millenia has to be some sort of record for a Lord of the Nine."
[16:22] <Alicia> "Be that as it may," Alicia goes on past the interruption, "How did she relate to the other Lords? I presume if Bel was her subordinate she can't have been too popular with her own followers."
[16:25] <Kotono> "A good record. A devil that lasts so short a time in that role sows chaos and weakness as things adapt again," Antenora has a ghost of a smile on her face. "Well, I heard she was not on terribly good terms with Mephisopheles."
[16:27] <Alicia> "With all the infighting and double-dealing that goes on there, I don't think we're seeing anything that marks Zariel as a great malcontent in Baatezu society, then," Alicia muses. "Based on all this, I'd say it's certain that Zariel could not have been the one manipulating Eudard. Which leaves open the more upsetting possibility that it truly was Torm."
[16:28] <Alicia> "He's done a spectacular job of keeping everyone fooled if that's what he's really like," Marie opines. "I've never heard anyone say a bad word against him up in the Heavens."
[16:30] <Kotono> "If I were an angel, I wouldn't want to spread around in gossip a God of light was falling," Antenora does point that out. "This reeks of divine business if your'e right about Torm...and something that's inherently and extrodinarily risky."
[16:33] <Alicia> "Wouldn't keeping it secret be worse?" Alicia asks. "Just the thought of all Torm's faithful - by and large good, forthright, and honourable people who believe the honestly inspirational doctrine put out by his church - channeling their worship to a being that makes a mockery of their ideals, it makes me ill to contemplate," she shudders softly, Marie almost falling off from the action but recovering admirably to keep her seat.
[16:35] <Kotono> "It really is terrifying," Antenora murmurs. "That means...if you're right, we've brushed against something that wasn't really meant to be found by mortals or even most outsiders. If the other Gods of good are keeping this a secret, then why?"
[16:37] <Alicia> "This is big," Marie agrees. "I mean, this is the sort of thing that can spark holy wars big." Leaning over Alicia's forehead so she can look the paladin in the eyes, "So what are you going to do about it?"
[16:40] * Alicia sighs. "I don't know," she admits. "If I publicly denounce Torm, it will sound like I'm decrying his message. It would cause a great schism between people who should have no cause to be anything except friends." Rubbing the side of her head and causing Marie to skitter away from her fingers, she goes on, "We don't even know for sure, this is all just supposition."
[16:42] <Kotono> "You coudl just forget about it and assume the other Gods will do with itw hat they will," Antenora poses. "This has an obvious advantage, as we have neough enemies already without courting a God's wrath." Her expression is somber, "But...Can you do that, Alicia? Will you? If not, what will you do? Look for information? Pray ot Mystra? Storm Torm's divine realm and demand an accounting?"
[16:45] <Alicia> "Hmph... when you have enough enemies, it eventually reaches a point where one more makes little difference. I will pray for guidance, but the Lady of Mysteries is... well, mysterious. I don't think I'm going to be handed an easy answer on a silver platter," Alicia reasons. "Perhaps when we use the Second Resort to break the next seal I'll have a chance to pose my questions more directly."
[16:48] <Kotono> "Mmmm. A bit of advice then. Don't spread word of this around," Antenora suggests. "Don't give it any chance to provoke what could be an unstable situation. If this information is indeed so hidden, it's hidden for good reason."
[16:50] * Alicia nods. "There were moments there when I was tempted to denounce the whole church, or at least provide clear warnings to Mystra's faithful regarding their dealings with Torm's followers. But since Eudard seems to be thinking for himself now, it's probably best not to force the issue." Her expression turns hard, "We will have to be wary of him having a relapse, though."
[16:50] <Kotono> After a moment, "That advice includes you, Marie."
[16:51] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes," Antenora considers. "Also, there's one point that doesn't quite play for me."
[16:51] <Alicia> Marie nods before asking, "What's that?"
[16:53] <Kotono> "Whatever this is, it hates devils to a fault. The God King set this in motion, why does it map so strongly to devils, let alone one that's trying to overcome being one?" Antenora frowns.
[16:53] * Teresa (~corwin@bzq-79-179-125-143.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
[16:53] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-179-125-143.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[16:53] * Teresa is now known as Seira
[16:53] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[16:55] <Alicia> "It didn't seem so keen on Marie, either," Alicia points out, "But yes, hatred of devils was the defining factor - even Hell Striker felt it was excessive," she reaches back to pat her sword. "So, what is an embodiment of Law and Evil that hates Devils more than anything else in all creation?"
[16:56] <Kotono> "Unless we're dealing with a banished devil of extreme power..." Antenora shakes her head at that.
[16:58] <Alicia> "Any former Lord of the Nine would qualify - even Zariel, but we're sure she's indisposed, right?" Marie suggests, laying on her stomach atop Alicia's head. "But why would any other random devil impersonate Torm, though?"
[16:59] <Kotono> "It doesn't make sense with what we know...but we clearly don't know everything about this, then," Antenora supplies that, "We're hitting on the edge of a big plot, surely."
[17:00] <Alicia> "That's why it's best we don't act until we have more information to be certain what's happening," Alicia agrees. "We're not going to drop this, but we need to learn more, first."
[17:02] <Kotono> "Then good luck with that," Antenora turns to go back to the wooden training dummies. "I'll need more time here, since this will likely lead to more conflict, will it not?"
[17:03] <Alicia> "Everything we do leads to conflict, it seems," Alicia observes while Marie cups her chin in her hands and gives Antenora a nice big smile.
[17:04] <Kotono> Antenora twitches visibly. "Alicia, your familiar says that it wants to build a nest atop your head," she says, "I hear that eladrin even lay eggs when they do that."
[17:05] * Alicia frowns and delicately picks Marie up off her head. "Hey, I'm allowed to lie, you're not! Stop defying your lawful nature!" Marie protests, shaking a tiny fist at the erinyes.
[17:07] <Kotono> "I haven't said a single lie, have I?" Antenora replies in a relaxed, sweet voice, as she gathers up the wooden dummies. "You'll make a cute bird one day."
[17:10] <Alicia> "I'd be impressed with your duplicitousness if you weren't using it on me," Marie pouts.
[17:11] * Alicia just shakes her head in weary resignation, gently tossing her familiar up in the air to allow her to take flight. "Why don't you two practice with each other instead of using stationary dummies?" she suggests, deciding to head inside and let the dynamic opposite-planar duo work out their differences.
[17:15] <Kotono> -----
[17:15] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia, what are you interested in redeeming?
[17:15] <Alicia> OOC: let's start with the orb of soul trapping, since it's most important
[17:21] <Kotono> Thus Alicia takes the six sided orb, it's segments like an endless, perfectly flowing loop. THus Alicia holds it, as Shankar looks over it. "What a horrible blight," he murmurs. "Alicia, are you willing to bear this?"
[17:23] <Alicia> "It seems beyond my means to destroy in its current state," Alicia admits. "If this is the only way to make it safe, so be it. I can't take the risk of it being used to threaten us again."
[17:24] <Kotono> Standing next to the altar of Mystra, "I understand." He reaches out, holding the vile thing. "I have prayed and prepared to Mystra. Are you ready to hold it and understand what sin you will have to bear and the duty to purify it?"
[17:26] <Alicia> "In Mystra's name, I am ready," Alicia affirms.
[17:29] <Kotono> "Then you take on a great sin, Alicia." He holds the orb up, a ray of light from the windows catching it. "To bear this, you will have to bear something no human ever should. The primal, deep hunger...not for food, or for water, but for the very essence of an existance. To purify this sin, you must bear it's desire to consume souls and resist it during your mission."
[17:32] * Steel_Nerem (~Ari@pool-71-252-160-236.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[17:34] <Alicia> "I will resist its urges," Alicia swears sollemnly, looking upon the loathesome sphere. "What is my mission?"
[17:34] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-252-160-236.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[17:37] <Kotono> "In the Barbarian Lands there will be a battle joined in three days. Travel to the northeast with speed and only stop to rest six hours at night. At the noon zenith of the third day you will come onto a battle. Eithe rprevent this battle...or ensure the right side wins."
[17:39] <Alicia> "Northeast following the coast, or from a point further inland?" Alicia asks, certain that just following the direction will be sufficient so long as she knows where to start.
[17:43] <Alicia> "And three days on foot or horseback?" she belatededly seeks further clarification.
[17:44] <Kotono> "Inland, avoid the coast," Shankar warns. "It is now just past dawn...and on horseback," Shankar clarifies. "Hurry." He offers out the sphere, "If you accept this, hold the sphere and place it in your bag. Do not lose it."
[17:45] <Alicia> "Any potions or scrolls of Lesser Restoration I could borrow before I set off?" Alicia asks as she takes the sphere in both hands.
[17:47] <Kotono> Shankar kneels before the side of the altar, removing two potion bottles. "Here," he passes them to Alicia. As she touches the sphere...a hunger wells within her. But it's not her stomach rumbling...it's her heart. Around Shankar she can see a faint but steady white glow.
[17:48] * Alicia puts the orb into her backpack and accepts the two potions, sliding them into pouches on her belt. "Thank you. I'll be back in a week," she promises before heading out to collect Marie and a horse before departing.
[17:59] <Kotono> Thus Alicia heads out on horse back. As she does, she finds the trip ot the southern gates...disturbing. Everyone she meets has a white aura clinging to them, an aura that makes her chest and heart rumble with a disarming hunger. By the time she passes through the gates, Alicia has to take a moment so that her mouth doesn't water.
[18:00] <Alicia> "You're even making me hungry," Marie whines from atop the horses's head as Alicia turns onto the East road. "You're not going to try to eat me or anything, are you? I get enough of those comments from Antenora."
[18:01] <Alicia> "You don't look tasty," Alicia reassures her familiar with a smile, trying to stay positive. She can hardly lose it at the very start of her quest, can she?
[18:12] <Kotono> Thus the trip begins. The first say is largley going past farmsteads and slowly expanding tree groves. Nothing of particular note happens this day, save for occasionally passing within sight of humans. Each time Alicia can see a white glow around them, her hunger stirring. Yet her stomach stays silent - she feels no desire for food or water, no stomach hunger or throat thirst. Making camp the first night in a small grove of trees si simple en
[18:12] <Kotono> Making camp the first night in a small grove of trees si simple enough. OOC - Are you doing any sort of watch system with Marie?
[18:13] <Alicia> OOC: Marie doesn't sleep at all, so she will keep watch while horsie and I rest.
[18:13] * Sierra_Deadish is now known as Sierra_Quest_VIII
[18:30] <Kotono> At around 3 AM, Marie hears something. In the not so distant air she hears the long, baying howling of wolves.
[18:31] <Alicia> Since animals are easy enough to spook, Marie sets up a perimeter of glowing humanoid figures around the campsite, conjured out of dancing lights. These will-o-wisps should deter any predators without disrupting Alicia's too short beauty sleep.
[18:38] <Kotono> The howls get a little closer, but not dreadfully much. The rest of the short sleep passes without any incident. The next day of travel begins, heading into the Barbarian Lands proper! As the morning wears on, Alicia finds herself heart hungry. While she still feels no desire to eat or drink, each beat of her heart reminds her that she wants to -eat-.
[18:41] * Alicia rubs her temples as she rides along, travelling North of the rising sun. "Marie, why don't you tell me about your life in Dweomerheart?" she asks her familiar, seeking a distraction from this damnable hunger.
[18:41] <Alicia> "Sure!" Marie chirps, launching into tale after tale of her exciting life as a general purpose messenger and flunky amidst the heavens.

[Corwin]

[17:30] <Alicia> [18:31] <Alicia> Since animals are easy enough to spook, Marie sets up a perimeter of glowing humanoid figures around the campsite, conjured out of dancing lights. These will-o-wisps should deter any predators without disrupting Alicia's too short beauty sleep.
[17:30] <Alicia> [18:38] <Kotono> The howls get a little closer, but not dreadfully much. The rest of the short sleep passes without any incident. The next day of travel begins, heading into the Barbarian Lands proper! As the morning wears on, Alicia finds herself heart hungry. While she still feels no desire to eat or drink, each beat of her heart reminds her that she wants to -eat-.
[17:30] <Alicia> [18:41] * Alicia rubs her temples as she rides along, travelling North of the rising sun. "Marie, why don't you tell me about your life in Dweomerheart?" she asks her familiar, seeking a distraction from this damnable hunger.
[17:30] <Alicia> [18:41] <Alicia> "Sure!" Marie chirps, launching into tale after tale of her exciting life as a general purpose messenger and flunky amidst the heavens.
[17:30] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af09a88.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[17:30] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[17:33] <Kotono> The hunger slowly subsides into a dull revere as the morning flows by. An hour or two before noon, Alicia comes to the bottom of a wide hill. It's not very tall - only twenty feet in elevation at the top, but it's very broad and a the incline is slow enough to really stretch it out. However, Alicia sees something - hiding in the underbrush are four faint but delicious white auras, making her heart hunger.
[17:34] <Alicia> "Goblins," Alicia murmurs, prompting Marie to look over in that direction as the paladin looks to see whether such tastiness hides a bitter core.
[17:35] <Alicia> OOC: detect evil
[17:37] <Alicia> "Want me to light them up?" Marie asks as Alicia changes course a bit to clear a wide berth around the undergrowth.
[17:37] <Alicia> "Lets leave them be, unless they're stupid enough to attack," Alicia suggests, deciding it probably better to avoid a confrontation. She's worried this perverse hunger might drive her to do something regrettable in the heat of battle.
[17:40] <Kotono> Alicia changes course! She can easily here some movement in the bushes as she begins to go around. The auras aren't moving much, though.
[17:42] <Alicia> Marie floats up onto Alicia's head to keep her eye on the creatures as they pass, making sure the goblins aren't planning to just burst out and chase them or anything like that.
[17:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20 since I don't have Hatbot in a secret GM room
[17:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 1,0since I don't have Hatbot in a secret GM room --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{4}
[17:48] <Kotono> As Alicia rides past and to the sides, the goblins rise up! Four of them, clad in filthy leather armor! They rise up, jeering as they fire arrows from shortbows at Alicia! "Stop!" one calls in guttural common, "No one passes the Toll Hill without giving Toll!"
[17:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[17:49] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{16}
[17:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[17:49] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{6}
[17:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[17:49] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{17}
[17:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[17:49] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{14}
[17:49] <Kotono> Oh, arrows are fired. None really come close to Alicia, though.
[17:51] * Alicia sighs. "Marie, would you dissuade them?" she asks and her familiar nods.
[17:51] <Alicia> "We don't give money to bandits, but you can have some magic missiles!" she calls back in perfect... whatever it is the language goblins speak, as she blasts a single magic missile at each of the four goblins.
[17:51] <Alicia> OOC: wait, strike that
[17:53] <Alicia> "We're not going to pay you anything you dirty little thieves!" the eladrin calls over in perfect goblinese as she wills them to fall asleep.
[17:53] <Alicia> OOC: DC 13, affects up to 4hd worth ot stuff
[17:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{16}
[17:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{18}
[17:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{14}
[17:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{10}
[17:55] <Kotono> One of the goblins wobbles and falls over asleep! The one next to him turns, a puzzled expression, "Gora! No the time to sleep!" he screetches, shaking his shoulder! "BAD!"  The other two jump up and down, short bows readied! "Hey, you pay toll!" they call again. OOC - Let's do initiative here since Hatbot hates you.
[17:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 goblins group
[17:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0goblins group --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{3}
[17:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
[17:56] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0Alicia --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{20}
[17:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 Marie
[17:56] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0Marie --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{14}
[17:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Marie>Goblins'
[17:57] * Alicia hangs back, ready to dodge any arrows that come her way, while Marie frowns. "No, you go sleep!" she yells back at the three remaining alert goblins, trying again.
[17:58] <Alicia> OOC: total defence for Alicia, DC 13 sleep on goblins from Marie
[18:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{7}
[18:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{13}
[18:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{17}
[18:02] <Kotono> One more goblin falls over, but two resist! "Hey," The third one calls in dismay, "Stop falling asleep on the job!" As they two, two more arrows fly - but not at Alicia, but at poor Marie! "Get the weird flying thing! It's as pirit bird!"
[18:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 AC, Marie?
[18:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0AC, Marie? --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{15}
[18:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 AC, Marie?
[18:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0AC, Marie? --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{16}
[18:02] <Alicia> OOC: 26 vs evil
[18:03] <Kotono> The arrows don't come close for a second time, whizzing by harmlessly! OOC - Alicia and Marie.
[18:06] <Alicia> "To hell with this," Alicia grunts as she turns around. Even if their attacks are somewhat useless, the simple fact is that they are trying to kill her. Drawing her sword as she wheels her horse around, Alicia charges the goblins, delivering a vicious smack with the flat of her blade to the head of one of the two remaining upright.
[18:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -4 nonlethal, DC 22 frightful presence
[18:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0-4 nonlethal, DC 22 frightful presence --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{26}
[18:06] <Alicia> roll 1d8+11
[18:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+11 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 ]4,0{16}
[18:07] <Alicia> OOC: DC 5 ride check to guide with knees, I can meet that on a 1 so no need to roll
[18:08] <Kotono> CLANG! Alicia rushes forward and clobbers the goblin's head! He keels over with his eyes crossing! The last one gapes at Alicia in raw terror, "Aaaaah! Devil woman!" he cries...as his delicious white aura is closer to Alicia. She can feel her mouth getting wet. OOC - Marie.
[18:08] <Kotono> OOc - Strike, that is totally the wrong scary word for it to use here, all things considered.
[18:08] <Kotono> CLANG! Alicia rushes forward and clobbers the goblin's head! He keels over with his eyes crossing! The last one gapes at Alicia in raw terror, "Aaaaah! Knight woman!" he cries...as his delicious white aura is closer to Alicia. She can feel her mouth getting wet. OOC - Marie.
[18:09] <Alicia> "Drop your weapon or be dropped yourself!" Marie yells down at the remaining goblin from atop Alicia's head, giving him her fiercest glare.
[18:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 intimidate (-4 for being a size category smaller)
[18:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0intimidate (-4 for being a size category smaller) --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{18}
[18:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{15}
[18:11] <Kotono> OOc - -2 but very moot.
[18:11] <Kotono> "AAAAAH! Spirit bird, don't make me fall asleep forever!" the goblin cries, dropping it's bow! OOc - Alicia.
[18:14] * Alicia rapidly backs her horse off, almost skittishly in fear of this vile hunger she fears. "Marie, disarm them and we can be on our way, we don't have time for distractions," she instructs a bit more snappishly than she would under normal circumstances.
[18:14] <Alicia> Sensing Alicia's discomfort, Marie doesn't make a fuss as she flies down to grab all the bows. "Robbing travellers is very bad - you should feel grateful we're letting you off this easily!" she lectures.
[18:22] <Kotono> The last goblin stares in fear, "Why you look at me like that," it says aloud, backing off.
[18:24] <Alicia> "Because she wants to eat you," Marie replies matter of factly as she gathers up all four shortbows. "Anyway, the two I knocked out will wake up easily, but the other one might need a few hours - you four need to find a new line of work," she advises, flying up onto the horse with her burden.
[18:25] <Alicia> "Thanks, Marie, that makes me sound like a real champion of justice," Alicia gripes at her familiar as she spurs her horse to start riding onwards to the northeast and away from tempting goblin souls.
[18:32] <Kotono> You hear a few shouts as you ride off, but the goblins don't pursue! Thus, Alicia rides on. The hunger in her heart r umbles for an hour, before it begins to fade down again. The rest of the day passes without incident, Alicia finding a hollowed out tree to rest in if she wishes.
[18:34] * Alicia breaks and discards the bows as they ride. Of course, why would she rest inside a cramped hollow tree when she's already suffering from limited sleep time? Using her survival pouch she sets out a tent and a campfire, proceeding to remove two of the logs from said campfire before she crawls into the tent to sleep. Marie knows that the campfire burns out after six hours, and that's when she needs to wake Alicia.
[18:36] <Kotono> OOC - Marie, make a spot check?
[18:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
[18:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{13}
[18:40] <Kotono> "Little eladrin..." This voice murmurs in the air, catching Marie's ears. "You're very far from home. Turn back for your safety." It's a woman's voice and kind, pleasant.
[18:43] <Alicia> "Can't," Marie whispers back, deciding that this person sounds nice so there's no need to disturb Alicia's beauty sleep just yet. "We're on a holy quest. What should we be wary of?" she asks, peering around in search of any magic that might help clue in where the voice is coming from.
[18:46] <Kotono> There is moderate magic behind Marie. Standing at her back is a woman in fine leather armor, a gentle smile on her face. "I see. A battle against forest giants is in the brewing." OOC  Make an K:P check, Marie. This is kinda relevant.
[18:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
[18:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{25}
[18:50] <Alicia> "Forest giants? What is the cause of this brewing battle?" Marie asks, guessing that this might be the battle they've been sent to prevent. She perches lightly atop Alicia's tent as they quietly converse, feeling somewhat at ease with this woman on account of how similar fey and eladrin can be.
[18:52] <Kotono> "They've been razing goblin villages to the point of near genocide. While we have little pity for goblins...we can't let an entire region be slaughtered. The giants claim this is their territory and find our interference an affront." With a sad look on her face, "Thus we come to a brewing battle."
[18:54] <Alicia> "Some goblins tried to rob us earlier, today," Marie admits. "But they were a lot easier to deal with than giants would be. I take it they've refused to listen to reason?" she asks, wondering if it might be better to help defeat the giants than simply delay the battle.
[18:58] <Kotono> "They claim it's their territory to do with what they wish," The woman admits gently. "
[18:58] <Kotono> "So far our words have fallen on deaf ears."
[18:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft on the moderate magic I forgot about
[18:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0spellcraft on the moderate magic I forgot about --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{8}
[18:59] <Alicia> "But the goblins were here first, weren't they?" Marie asks. "Where did these giants come from?"
[19:05] <Kotono> "We came from beyond to seed this land," The answer comes, "We believe it may be much the same with the giants. But...do not spread that information, little one."
[19:06] <Alicia> "Hey, I know all about being sent to the Prime on instructions from high above, so don't worry about that," Marie replies with a knowing grin. Her smile fades a bit afterwards, "So these giants have just been stomping around and killing everyone that gets in their way, huh?"
[19:10] <Kotono> "They're territorial as hell," With a faint smile back, the woman starts to fade back into the forest. "If you go on, protect yourself well. If the giants mark you as an enemy, you'll have to fight. While not all of them are complete brutes...you don't want to have to fight one head on."
[19:11] <Alicia> "Got it. Thanks for the warning - I'm Marielle, by the way. What's your name?" Marie asks before the nature spirit departs.
[19:14] <Kotono> "Elina," Her voice fades into the silence as she says that, gone lik ea ghost.
[19:15] <Alicia> "Bye, Elina," Marie whispers, resuming her watch. She can tell Alicia all this in the morning once they get going again.
[19:18] <Kotono> Thus the morning dawns...OOC - Ball's in yoru guy's court. Even if you're just going to travel on this day, say so.
[19:18] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-67-9-174-38.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[19:19] <Alicia> Marie explains last night's conversation to Alicia as they travel onwards to the Northeast, but Alicia refuses to commit to a particular course until the giants have a chance to put their side across. Even if what she's hearing sounds like it will go over poorly.
[19:35] <Kotono> Noon comes and passes. Alicia sitll isn't stomach hungry or thirsty in the least. However, her heart rumbles fairly often. A vile hunger gnaws at her stomach, teasing her innards. Further, at about two hours past noon - the horizon is just more cramped forest. However, she sees it. It's not like the goblin's auras and it's still mostly covered by the  forest. However, it's like a white inferno, an aura much more notable far ahead, about 200 f
[19:38] <Kotono> about 200 feet.
[19:39] <Alicia> Too far to detect evil from, but still, given the size of it... "Think that's one of our giants over there," Alicia points the thing out for Marie's benefit as she approaches. Now they'll see exactly what they're up against.
[19:42] <Kotono> Alicia's chest rumbles as she sees the aura, stirring into hungry life. It's not hard to see it - it's coming towards Alicia at a pretty open gait. At 160 feet away...!!! It's huge! It's like a tree in height, mammoth and over twenty feet! It's green skin is covered with hide armor, bulging with insane, massive muscles! A rough spear is carried, a long scar running down it's leg.  "You!" It stops and points at Alicia at that distance.
[19:44] * Alicia stops. This is a nice distance, she thinks. No need to get closer if things are going to turn hostile. "Yes, me!" she calls back inanely. "What do you want?"
[19:45] <Kotono> It's spear is pointed ahead like a javelin, longer than Alicia is tall. "Come no further! This is war territory," he declares.
[19:46] <Alicia> "I'm not at war with you," Alicia calls over reasonably. "Why shouldn't I be able to pass?"
[19:49] <Kotono> "I have my orders - and we're not letting in anyone to interfere," he calls back. "A huge battle is coming."
[19:49] <Alicia> "It's nice that he's talking and not just attacking outright, I suppose," Marie whispers. "But it sounds like this is the battle we're here to stop, isn't it?"
[19:50] <Alicia> "A battle with whom?" Alicia asks, nodding briefly to her familiar.
[19:50] <Kotono> "Yes," The giant's voice thickens with rumbling sarcasm, "I'm going to tell you every detail so you can sneak in and interfere better."
[19:56] <Alicia> "Paranoid, aren't you?" Alicia replies. "Look, I'm going to continue my journey regardless of your permission, but I'd much rather do so without any violence."
[19:56] <Alicia> "I've heard that your kind have been waging a genocidal war against all the other inhabitants of the forest, but the fact that you're actually taking the time to talk instead of launching a psychotic attack shows that you're not that unreasonable, so can't we talk about this?"
[19:59] <Kotono> Idly slinging his spear across his back, the giant grabs a nearby tree trunk! He rips it out with a great UUUUUMGH!, hoisting it in both hands. He tosses it like adart, far off from Alicia, but not that far! "I'd reconsider that first point," he warns. "It's our clan's business. We're dealing with an investation of vermin."
[20:14] <Alicia> While she does have a limited allotment of spells for this adventure, hopefully using just one will go a long way here towards gaining the giant's respect. Easily dismounting from her horse, she steps over to the tree and looks between it and the giant with a smile. Casting a brief spell, she shoots up in height and mass, though still falling about a third short of the giant's height.
[20:14] <Alicia> Theatrically dusting her hands together, she picks up the tree, holds it over her shoulder, then hurls it like a javelin with both hands to land off to the side of the giant.
[20:25] <Kotono> Woosh! The tree trunk is tossed by Alicia! She's not as apt or as skillful as the giant is with it, but the trunk still goes hurtling about 100 feet! It lands wiht a heavy thump against a nearby tree! "Impressive," The giant observes, "You got bigger, too."
[20:27] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia nods, glad that actually worked. "We can keep posturing, but I think we've both made suitable displays of our prowess to show that neither will be easily cowed. So will we come to a civilised arrangement, or will we go from tossing foliage to pitting blade against spear?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Come over here," The giant gestures with one of his mammoth hands.
[20:36] * Alicia approaches without fear, leaving Marie to look after the horse.
[20:41] <Kotono> Thus Alicia approaches. At twenty feet away, "You don't seem so stupid as a goblin," he admits. As Alicia gets closer, her hunger manifests. The white aura around him is much stronger, making her heart hunger wildly. "Everyone else in this forest is stupid or a goblin."
[20:45] * Alicia clamps down on her infernal hunger, calling upon her reserves of willpower to keep a calm facade up. "I've had some trouble with goblins and trolls in this forest, myself," she admits, having to crane her neck upwards even with her current increased stature. "But there are more friendly creatures I've encountered as well - I'm still trying to decide exactly where you fit in, though.."
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save, Alicia?
[20:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18
[20:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+18 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{29}
[20:46] <Kotono> "Goblins are worthless. Trolls...you can club them into line, at least," The giant grunts. "I'll tell you this much. We're here and we're making this part of the forest our territory. As it's only goblins, it shouldn't be a problem. Of course, it never works that easily."
[20:48] <Alicia> "The goblins were here first - I can't blame them for defending their homes, even if they are horribly outmatched," Alicia admits, content to keep some distance between them as she controls her vile appetite. "I'm Alicia, by the way. What's your name?"
[20:52] <Kotono> "Sandier," He crosses his arms, "SAndier the Great Thrower. The Green Boulder clan has lain claim to this land. Goblins are simply a vermin to be removed. A particularly irritating vermin, too."
[20:54] <Alicia> "Where did your clan come from before they got here, Sandier?" Alicia asks curiously. She knows what Marie said, but she wants to hear the story the giants themselves are handing out.
[20:57] <Kotono> "The Endless Forest. Recently, our chief demanded that we move...and we did, and we found ourselves here." His answer is short enough and to the point. "He said this is our new homeland."
[20:58] <Alicia> "And you'd kill everyone who's already living here?" Alicia concludes. "Or is it just the goblins who're being singled out?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Goblins are scum. Trolls can at least be tamed and used," There's a particularly nasty glint in his eye at that word, "With enough time and fire. Goblins breed and spawn and raise nothing but whimpering, smelly trouble. Fortunately, there's very few others around here."
[21:05] <Alicia> "If there's few of them around, why do you think a huge battle is coming?" Alicia asks, feeling some faint revulsion at the giant's callous speech. She's hardly fond of goblins, and trolls are even worse, but what the giant hints at is not inspiring any confidence.
[21:09] <Kotono> "It's not them, goblins are simple enough to defeat," Sandier growls.
[21:11] <Alicia> "Then what?" the paladin presses.