027.4 "The devils have been nothing but refined and peaceful!"

[Corwin]

[19:52] <Kotono> The five gather together the next day. Wounds have been healed and resources recovered, a night's rest washing away the physical pain of yesterday's ambush. Sylvie looks rested and prepared, Dana a little, vaguely irritated but there. The Master is there as well, serenely calm and waiting, sitting in patient wait. "If anyone needs or wants any sort of particular aid, speak up now," Sylvie
[19:52] <Kotono> says, "I have an entire set of spells memorized."
[19:59] <Kotono> Dana shifts back and forth on her feet, looking about, "Whatever, we'll kick all their asses if they try that again."
[20:01] * Ithea nods in agreement. "They'll have a lot more trouble ambushing us if they want to try their luck again. Hopefully that fallen solar is still licking his wounds though. Anyway, I'm ready to go when all of you are. I think my preparations are as good as they can get this time."
[20:02] <Kotono> "There's one more I want to cast, just in case," Sylvie announces, "Attune form. It will protect us all against local planar conditions - just in case something goes wrong. I've been saved by this spell a few times before."
[20:03] * Muirfinn nods. "I've used it several times myself for just such reasons."
[20:06] <Kotono> Sylvie goes around and touches everyone on the forehead, chanting the words of arcane power. Once done, "Alright, I'll shift us over now. I'm not as precise as Jaela, so I'll need to teleport us afterwards. Ready?"
[20:07] <Ithea> "Ready," Ithea agrees.
[20:08] * Muirfinn nods.
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 5d100
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d100 and gets 291." [5d100=34, 98, 91, 65, 3]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 58." [1d100=58]
[20:10] <Kotono> Earth. Earth, stone and soil are all around you. You stand in pitch blackness, only your light providing any illumination. The air is terribly musty here and thin, yet you find yourselves breathing easily. A small cavern, large enough for the five of you to stand and little else. Heavy gray, brown and tan rock forms the walls, natural looking bands of it. "Teleportation's next," Sylvie
[20:10] <Kotono> says, chanting anothe rset of arcane verses!
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 50." [1d100=50]
[20:11] <Kotono> In that instant you appear once more in Marambor. It is wher eyou first teleported to yesterday, the same gloomy, shadowed apperance. No earth elementals, xorn or other creatures are around at all. It's completely silent here.
[20:13] <Kotono> "Still as dawn's air," The Master observes, his gaze going around in a quick sweep.
[20:14] * Muirfinn nods. "I'd imagine it would make creatures of Air uncomfortable."
[20:15] <Ithea> "Alright, looks safe enough, let's hope it stays that way. First let's try to find information about Mirr," Ithea says, as she leads the way back towards the area of the city with the other catfolk so she can ask around about the whereabouts of their quarry.
[20:16] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 6." [1d100=6]
[20:18] <Kotono> You get about three blocks down before you come across them. It look sto be a dozen earth elementals, each one large as Willim was. They walk in formation, about 120ft away, at the other end of the street you just turned on. As soon as they see you, "Halt!" One rumbles, the sound of boulders clashing together to make that word. "Raise your hands up and identify yourselves!"
[20:19] * Muirfinn raises his hands easily, leaning his staff against his chest. He speaks up in Terran, "Muirfinn of the Shellscale Tribe."
[20:19] * Ithea does so, stopping and raising her hands. "My name is Ithea, from Aurora!"
[20:20] <Kotono> Sylvie does so easily, "Sylvie, just a wanderer from the Prime." Meanwhile Dana rolls her eyes, "Dana from Aurora." The Master follows suit, "I am from the Aurora as well."
[20:21] <Kotono> The earth elementals are armed, you note. Each has a club made entirely of what looks to be some sort of gray metal. As they approach, "You match the descriptions of one of the foreign groups involved in yesterday's incident."
[20:23] <Kotono> The elemental is spekaing Common, heavy and accented common, but Common.
[20:25] <Ithea> "Some of us were here yesterday. We were attacked by a group of orthons led by a fallen solar and some undead creature," Ithea admits. "We left to see to our injured and dead and are just now returning to Marambor."
[20:26] <Kotono> At this, the elementals fan out, starting to surround the party. "Under the authority of the High Rock, I'm ordering you all to come with us and account for this."
[20:28] <Muirfinn> "We have nothing to hide, all we did was defend ourselves."
[20:29] * Ithea frowns, but slowly starts to nod. "We're not looking for trouble. We'll come with you, but I don't see how we can be held accountable for any trouble yesterday."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Watch them find a way," Dana mutters low, keeping her voice down. "Just watch."
[20:33] <Kotono> At this, the elementals surround you and start leading the party along. Down various streets you go - all empty, save for a few more patrols of elementals. You are lead to one great, grand building, looming and taking up an entire street. It is made of pure, untarnished silver, veins of shiny black stone shot through it. It has story after story, reaching up terribly high into the shadows.
[20:33] <Kotono> Past the first few floors it is decorated liberally with stone gargoyles and various, large circles, runes and sigils.
[20:37] <Ithea> "Might I ask if anybody else was attacked besides us?" Ithea asks. The answer is very surely negative, but some discussion over the matter might help her better understand how the forces of Marambor are viewing the events of yesterday.
[20:41] <Kotono> "I heard the catfolk are complaining of a missing person," The elemental answers as you head in - broad halls and rooms, being lead to stairs going up right away. "I have not heard of serious injuries or casualities."
[20:43] * Ithea frowns at that. "I'm afraid there were casualties, actually. As I mentioned earlier, when we left yesterday, it was to see both to our injuries, and to our dead. If the missing person is a catfolk named Tom, he was one of those that died in that devil attack," she corrects. She doesn't want to be accused later of hiding information.
[20:44] <Kotono> "I think that was the one," The elemental replies as you go up, "The High Rock will speak to you of it. This way."
[20:46] * Ithea nods again. "Of course."
[20:49] * Muirfinn follows along, ready to help wherever he can!
[20:54] <Kotono> You are escorted up several stories of stairs. Six? Seven? No, seven. You come out and are lead ahead to a vast hall. Ahead is a divan made of stone and large enough for a gaint, its cushion thousands and thousands of what looks to be gemstones. Gemstones of all colors. The edge of the stone around these gems glows, causing light to play throughout all of them. Sitting on this divan is
[20:54] <Kotono> one figure. It is indeed the size of a giant, rivalling the Jarl. It looks to be made of pure gray stone, the crude image of a humanoid.  You are lead to it and then the elementals fall back as one, standing at attention to the sides. The giant of stone focuses carved eyes on you, the stone eyes turning just as easily as flesh would. "You are one element of the incident yesterday?" His
[20:55] <Kotono> voice is surprisingly human, a booming statesman's voice. He speaks in flawless Common, "A catfolk, a blonde human and a shelled humanoid-like creature."
[20:55] <Muirfinn> "A tortle, yes." Muirfinn helpfully corrects.
[20:56] <Ithea> "Yes, sir. The three of us were survivors of that incident," Ithea answers, gesturing to herself, Muirfinn and Sylvie. "Two others with us lost their lives during it, though."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Yes, I see no sign of the other catfolk nor the angel," The High Stone replies, "Now, what is the meaning of this? The devils have been nothing but refined and peaceful in their business in Marambor."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Bullshit," Dana snorts, but keeps her voice low again.
[21:00] <Ithea> "As I told our escort, we meant no trouble and were not looking for a fight. I cannot speak of devils being peaceful as it's not something I'm familiar with, but we did not seek any fight. As we were walking down a street, we were ambushed by a fallen solar, four orthons and some sort of undead creature, flanked from both sides. The solar declared we were meant to die now, and attacked."
[21:01] * Muirfinn clears his throat. "We had left the catfolk group and were eeking a friend when we were surrounded by Orthons and attacked. It was unprovoked."
[21:01] <Muirfinn> "It was a death knight, I beleieve Sylvie said."
[21:01] <Ithea> "Ah, that's right."
[21:02] <Kotono> "That's correct. All accursed things," Sylvie speaks up. "We did no wrong, and only defended ourselves against this unprovoked assault."
[21:03] <Ithea> "The only devil we encountered prior to all that was some ice devil at Earthforge, we ignored him and he ignored us," Ithea adds. "We weren't even expecting trouble at the time, and suffered for it."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Oh, Yigsarous!" The High Stone replies, "Yes, he is the diplomat who came to study Earth. He has assured us that Hell has no quarrel with Earth. In fact, he pointed that that even if they did attack you, surely there was something to provoke it and that your presence brought it into Marambor. Is this true?"
[21:07] <Kotono> "A friend with kind words hides the dagger behind his back well," The Master speaks up, "I have seen nothing but woe and manipulation from Baator's children."
[21:07] <Muirfinn> "I've never met any of them before." Muirfinn denies. "Have any of you?"
[21:09] <Ithea> "We did not. My people, the catfolk were forced to move here after our world was invaded by these devils. I was visiting old friends, chatting with Tom and seeking information about other friends when we were attacked. If anyone has reason to be provoked by devils it was us, and as you've said, catfolks have been living here for some time, and my group never even interacted with this Yigsarous you speak of."
[21:12] <Ithea> "I would ask that before you take heed of this devil's words, you also speak with the many catfolk we spoke with before this. Ask them of Lifasa, ask them of devils, ask them of what we spoke. You'd find that we speak the truth. No conflict was sought with the devils inside this city."
[21:13] <Ithea> Now devils -outside- this city...well, those were perfectly fair game. But Ithea feels this is better left unsaid.
[21:14] <Kotono> "I am aware of this." Speaking now, the High Stone says, "Yigsarous has also advised that this is naught more than a scam, and the result of the catfolk migration was a natural disaster. He has shown me several pieces of highly persuasive evidence supporting this. Ah, in fact, Yigsarous." The High Stone pointedly looks behind the party.
[21:15] * Ithea frowns as she turns to look behind them.
[21:16] * Muirfinn splutters. "Natural disaster!?"
[21:16] <Kotono> Yigsarous is familiar. The ice devil you saw in the Earthforge approaches, standing to the side the elementals at attention, keeping them between itself and the army. "High Stone, I had heard these people had returned to the scene of the crime." He glances at Muirfinn, "Indeed. A tragic thing for mortals, perhaps."
[21:17] <Muirfinn> "Infernal invasions are not natural disasters!" Muirfinn seems outraged.
[21:17] <Ithea> "Honeyed lies you speak. It would seem strange that every survivor of this so called natural disaster claims devils at the center of it," Ithea says.
[21:18] <Ithea> "One person, perhaps, might be mistaken. Or one devil, such as you. But two people? Three? Hundreds? That seems rather unlikely," Ithea states, turning to the High Stone as she speaks.
[21:19] <Kotono> "Quite frankly, they are the ones that are lying. I have shown the High Stone the evidence of the truth. Now then," With easy smoothness, mandibles chattering together, "Regardless of the cause of the incident, I have been informed that these people are wanted in Baator for acts of terrorism and assassination. Of course, they would be afforded a trial and a chance to account for these actions."
[21:20] <Kotono> "He has shown me much evidence," The High Stone agrees, "Can you support your claims at all," The stony giant asks, "Anything to support your position?"
[21:20] <Muirfinn> "We have an entire plane twisted and perverted by devils! Countless witness accounts of foul acts and muderous treachery!"
[21:21] <Ithea> "What proof could we provide that our home was invaded when you seem against listening to the voice of Lifasa's survivors?" Ithea asks back. "In fact, I'd like to ask what evidence he could show to support his claim over ours so strongly that you would ignore our words over his!"
[21:23] <Ithea> "And that aside, I'd also like to ask why it is that we, as those attacked, stand trial here! We did not attack anyone, two good people lost their lives in that ambush, including one of the citizens you are tasked to protect!"
[21:24] <Ithea> "We 'provoked' them, they claim? This is YOUR city, High Stone! If they had issue with us, attacking us and causing mayhem in YOUR city...I don't comprehend it!"
[21:25] <Kotono> The High Stone pauses, "Mmm yes, that is a fair point. The crime did occur here."
[21:25] <Ithea> "If anything, this diplomat of yours should produce the fallen solar and have him stand for his crimes against this city!"
[21:25] <Kotono> "If I may," Sylvie quickly speaks up, "Perhaps we can rely on higher powers to show us the truth? I'd be happy to pay for the services of a neutral augurer or diviner to assert the truth of all of this. A local priest, perhaps, to one of the Elemental Princes or Grumbar?"
[21:26] <Muirfinn> "Yes!" Muirfinn points at Sylvie. "An excellent idea!"
[21:27] <Kotono> Another pause, "I hardly see the harm in this," The High Stone confesses at last, "And there is also a fair point. Innocent or no, the other side should be held accountable as well. Yigsarous, would you contact your kinsmen and request the Fallen to come forth? We can try them all together."
[21:28] <Kotono> Yigsarous rubs his hands together, "It may be so," He replies, "I shall investigate this immediately then." The ice devil bows, mandibles chattering together again.
[21:29] * Ithea turns to look at the gelugon again. "Do investigate better than this 'natural disaster' of yours, if you don't mind," Ithea asks in a very polite and kind tone.
[21:29] * Muirfinn scoffs.
[21:30] <Kotono> "Of course. But perhaps we could be even simpler of it. The magic Discern LIes can be quite effective. I would be more than happy to be subjected to it, and we could solve this easily and without any further expense or problem. Far easier and far less grandiose than a full priesthood intervention, no? Why, we could be done with it within the hour."
[21:30] <Muirfinn> "Afraid of this being exposed for what it is?"
[21:31] <Kotono> Dana snorts, "Anyone want to bet you have a way of beating Discern Lies then, monster?"
[21:31] <Muirfinn> "Your aversion to a rock-hard solution makes you suspect!" Muirfinn accuses.
[21:32] <Ithea> "High Stone, is it possible for this evidence that Yigsarous provided for you to be presented for us? I know that this is a separate matter to the trial we stand for, but I am still curious," Ithea requests.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Now there's no need for that," The gelugon immediately answers, "Truly, this is nothing but a minor dispute being far outstripped. High Stone, allow us to quickly dispatch it and return to our business." OOC: I'm calling for opposed diplomacy checks here. Muirfinn'n'Ithea, do either of you have ranks in Diplomacy?

[21:35] <Muirfinn> OOC: Yes. I maxed it.
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: Roll a diplo check, Muirfinn. Ithea and everyone else can aid.
[21:36] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+29
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+29 and gets 33." [1d20=4]
[21:36] <Ithea> ooc: No. I have +8 modifier however.
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Dana aiding
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Dana aiding and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[21:36] <Muirfinn> OOC: oh god a 4
[21:36] <Ithea> roll d20+8+2 aid with ck
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+8+2 aid with ck and gets 30." [d20=20]
[21:36] <Ithea> ooc: *whaps forehead*
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 master
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 master and gets 11." [1d20=2]
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Sylvie
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Sylvie and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[21:38] <Kotono> OOC: Total of 41 then.
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+32 and make a spot check, all.
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 and make a spot check, all. and gets 47." [1d20=15]
[21:39] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+19 spot
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+19 spot and gets 31." [1d20=12]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Dana
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Dana and gets 19." [1d20=15]
[21:39] <Ithea> "I would not call minor a matter where the injured party is somehow under trial for provoking an ambush! How does someone go about provoking an -ambush-?" Ithea snorts.
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+37 Master
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 Master and gets 50." [1d20=13]
[21:40] <Ithea> roll d20+40+2 spoooooooot! with ck!
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+40+2 spoooooooot! with ck! and gets 53." [d20=11]
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 Sylvie (+15 inspiration)
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 Sylvie (+15 inspiration) and gets 34." [1d20=16]
[21:42] <Ithea> "...what spell did you just cast, Yigsarous? Did you think because you were behind us, nobody would notice?" Ithea asks. "Is this how you get your way? Is this why you want things so 'simple' and 'minor'?"
[21:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 High Stone
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 High Stone and gets 37." [1d20=17]
[21:43] <Ithea> "You've been accusing us of so many things today. I've kept a close eye on you from the moment the High Stone stated you were present!"
[21:43] <Ithea> roll d20+25 spellcraft
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+25 spellcraft and gets 36." [d20=11]
[21:43] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27 spellcraft
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 spellcraft and gets 45." [1d20=18]
[21:44] <Kotono> "Indeed, I saw the light and magic in his palm," The Master speaks up. The High Stone frowns deeply, "Now that you mention it, I thought I noticed something. I thought it was just a bit of light from the gems..."
[21:45] <Ithea> "High Stone! I implore you once more. Present this so-called evidence so we might take it apart! Demand the fallen solar, that he might stand and face justice! Do as Sylvie suggests! Do not take the easy ways of this devil, who uses magic to make things go his way!"
[21:46] <Kotono> "It was, nothing less and nothing more," Clearing his throat, "Truly, nothing more at all!" OOC: Another round of diplo checks, +7 bonus this time? Same set up as last time with Muirfinn rolling and the others aiding. +7 bonus applie sonly to Muirfinn's roll.
[21:46] <Ithea> "We have come in peace, we have acted in good faith, and we have hidden nothing! Let us prove ourselves against this devil's schemes and lies!"
[21:47] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+29+7 diplo?
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+29+7 diplo? and gets 40." [1d20=4]
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Dana aiding
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Dana aiding and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 master
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 master and gets 12." [1d20=3]
[21:47] <Ithea> "Examine the devil's belongings. I assure you, you will find a magic item that makes his poisonous words all the more honeyed!"
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Sylvie
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Sylvie and gets 20." [1d20=17]
[21:48] <Ithea> roll d20+8
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+8 and gets 21." [d20=13]
[21:48] <Kotono> OOC: Total of 48.
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+32
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 and gets 35." [1d20=3]

[21:49] <Kotono> Now the High Stone's frown deepens, "Indeed. I find this turn of events...troubling. Highly troubling. Guards," He instructs, "We'll setting this right away. Show me the hands of Yigsarous."
[21:51] <Kotono> The guards move in, even as Yigsarous begins, "This is entirely improp-" His words stop as his hands are grasped and held out, the gelugon surrounded by earth elementals. Each clawed hand is presented palm out, "The right one," The High Stone instructs! It looks just like a palm, no immediate sign of metal.
[21:52] * Muirfinn leans forward and examines!
[21:53] <Kotono> OOC: Spot check, Muirfinn.
[21:53] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+19
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+19 and gets 32." [1d20=13]
[21:53] <Ithea> "High Stone, do you have someone that can detect magic? I will be doing so myself," Ithea says, seeing how things are going and taking a closer look of her own.
[21:53] <Kotono> It's hard to tell, even up close - but Muirfinn can notice a slight abberation in the devil's cold, scaly skin. A spot where it becomes too smooth, rounded up and almost metal looking - like it is camouflaged.
[21:53] <Ithea> roll d20+40
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+40 and gets 54." [d20=14]
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 37." [1d20=17]
[21:54] <Muirfinn> "Aha!" Muirfinn points with a scaly hand! "It's hidden!"
[21:55] <Kotono> The High Stone rises and stomps over, peering close as well. He reaches out, tracing that point with one finger big as the gelugon's hand. "I see it," he confirms, voice grave, "We will settle this. Now." His voice is brisk and commanding, "Hold Yigsarous still. If he attempts to speak, silence him. If this is a misunderstanding, you will be fairly compensated for it, Yigsarous. If
[21:55] <Kotono> not..." He merely lets it trail off, as an earth elemental plods off and downstairs at the command of the High Stone.
[21:56] * Muirfinn belatedly casts Detect Magic, seeking other methods of treachery!
[21:57] <Ithea> roll d20+25 spellcraft to go along with my spot/detect magic?
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+25 spellcraft to go along with my spot/detect magic? and gets 39." [d20=14]
[21:57] <Muirfinn> Looking closely at the devil now, Muirfinn sees all! "It's some sort of item that improves your speaking skills. It looks like it might be powerful enough to bypass truth spells."
[21:59] * Ithea snorts. "Well that explains his confidence with requesting Discern Lies. Like we said before, can you still trust his evidence over the voices of the victims of their so-called 'natural disaster'?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "We will seen soon," The High Stone intones. Indeed, it is not long. Perhaps only a few tense minutes before a figure comes. It is a xorn, large and broad. It has three legs and three arms, colored a soft green. It's entire top is its mouth, large enough to swallow a small boulder. Its body is studded with gold, pressed into its body. One of those hands carries a simple rod of some sort
[22:00] <Kotono> of dull, lightless metal.
[22:01] <Kotono> "Wise one of the Earth," The High Stone intones, "There is magic in the right palm of Yigsarous. I would have you discern what it is," He commands. Meanwhile Yigsarous looks silently furious, looking about but held ever so tight by the elementals.
[22:02] <Kotono> From that huge mouth it is said, "By the will of Grumbar, it shall be so!" He comes forward, murmuring words and examining the creature's palm!
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 20." [1d20=5]
[22:03] <Kotono> "There is indeed magic," He pronounces after a long study. "Of what I know not, for Grumbar still hides it within the Earth."
[22:05] <Kotono> "I see." The High Stone does not hesitate, "Guards, remove this object from his palm. Rip it out if you must. We will get to the truth of this, no matter what must be dug up."
[22:06] <Kotono> "This is a-aaaaaaaaaaaaghhhh!" The words of Yigsarous are lost as the elementals immediately obey! There is a loud grind of metal on bone and a gush of frigid blood! A long, iron nail is withdrawn from the gelugon's hand! Once it is removed and exposed to air, you can see it is three feet long, more like a blade than a nail in size. As it is removed it no longer looks like the gelugon's
[22:06] <Kotono> skin. Instead it looks to be of iron, pulsing with ice-blue runes.
[22:07] <Kotono> Notably, the gelugon's hand is far, far, far form being three feet thick to hold that in there.
[22:07] * Muirfinn blinks. "That's not at all what I expected."
[22:07] * Ithea whistles at the sight of the item. "Okay, you're a lying scumbag, but hiding that in your arm like you did is kind of impressive."
[22:07] <Muirfinn> "Is that some sort of weapon?"
[22:08] <Ithea> "I'd have to examine it to see if it's more than what we already said it was, but I'll gladly leave it to the High Stone to investigate."
[22:09] <Kotono> "My hand!" Yigsarous screams as blood flows out like a spurting fountain, the High Stone grimacing, "Wise one, seal the wound. Guard, go fetch a janitor." A few words of magic seal over the wound with a scab, whilst another elemental runs off. "Until this is sorted out, all of you are going to be staying here at my pleasure. Escort both groups to holding rooms on opposite sides of the
[22:09] <Kotono> building. Whichever side is innocent will be compensated for the indignity."
[22:11] <Ithea> "Of course. High Stone, before we are escorted, can you have someone contact the catfolk Tom's family? I understand that he is currently thought missing. I wish for them to know the facts we spoke of earlier," Ithea requests, otherwise ready to be escorted again.
[22:12] * Muirfinn nods. "Thank you, High Stone." Muirfinn says in Terran.
[22:14] <Kotono> "It will be done," The High Stone says. From there the party is escorted to holding rooms. There's a few stone benches but little else, just enough space to not be on top of each other. The Master goes to sit, still calm, "A warrior that fights with words is often as dangerous as a berserker." he observes, "This victory does us all well."
[22:15] <Ithea> "We have more than enough enemies, we don't need more. Seeing that lying sack of shit's arm ripped open made the indignity worth it too," Ithea says in agreement.
[22:16] <Kotono> Dana goes to stand near the door, "It's all bullshit," she mutters, "How much do any of you want to bet that the damn insect-devil had the High Stone wrapped around his finger like a gay perfumed courtier? Urgh, I hate that type. All soft words adn diplomacy shit instead of fighting. Make culture and peace, not war."
[22:17] <Kotono> "There's nothing wrong with being gay or being diplomatic," Sylvie observes with a hint of a smile, "But we would've been fighting our way out if we'd resorted to violence."
[22:17] <Muirfinn> Appearing much calmer now, Muirfinn leans lightly on his staff. "Indeed. Perhaps we can generate allies within Earth before the end of the day." He blinks at Dana. "Though brash, you do have a point. The devil likely whispered honeyed words into the High Stones ear for many days before we came along. Hopefully we can undo the damage caused."
[22:17] <Ithea> "Oh, he seemed pretty happy to try to make war," Ithea comments. "I do agree about the High Stone, so it's just as well that we straightened that out. I wonder if that evidence really existed or it was just story telling Yigsarous made up, though."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Let's find out when this is settled," Sylvie replies, "I'd like to know, too. It makes sense if Hell's trying to keep neutrals out of Aurora's reach. Too much sense, actually."
[22:19] * Ithea agrees. "I'm sure Earth isn't the only place where devils might have spread their poison. Knowing how it's being spread will do a lot for preventing their success elsewhere."
[22:19] <Muirfinn> "Yes, we should see to the other elemental realms as well."
[22:20] <Kotono> "Yeah," Sylvie nods along, "It's good thinking. Obviously they can't attack Aurora head on and win, or they'd have done it already. Therefore, they're trying to strangle support and weaken us that way."
[22:21] <Kotono> "Waitasec," Dana turns to them, "If you all think Baator's doing this 'round, you mean that they're trying to make us the bad guys?"
[22:22] <Ithea> "Seems like it. Might be how that mess with Mechanus got started out of nowhere," Ithea replies. "Us being wanted for acts of terrorism and assassination against devils is hilarious though."
[22:23] <Ithea> "Well, hilarious when we can get the devil's arms ripped open, anyway. Would have been scary if the High Stone was -still- wrapped, how did you put it...like a gay perfumed courtier?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "It's much more dangerous than attacking us," Sylvie points out now, frowning all the way, "Poison Mechanus against us, get Earth and other elemental realms to stay out of it. Suddenly we have a whole lot more problems."
[22:24] <Kotono> "Like ass bandits," Dana says with a cocky grin, arms crossed. "Looked like he was getting more and more pissed off as the lies fell apart."
[22:25] <Ithea> "We'll have to send a warning to Adrian and the others as soon as we can. Hopefully Mechanus doesn't have a devil diplomat for them to deal with, but it might help keep them on their toes too."
[22:26] <Kotono> "...an unpleasant thought, both in the image of your metaphor and in the ramifications of these actions," The Master speaks up, "If you cannot attack head on, attack indirectly. If all of this is correct, they are throwing towards this. It may be wise to use any favor gained for this in promoting our cause to the High Stone and Marambor."
[22:26] <Muirfinn> "They likely will. And we should!"
[22:27] <Kotono> "Ithea, Tom died 'cause of this," Sylvie points out, "You should drive in that the High Stone owes a debt of a life for it. Further, can't yo ustir up your cat relatives with that? Are they just going to take another loss to Baato rsitting down?"
[22:28] <Ithea> "...I would prefer not to use Tom's death like that, but I had been thinking about it," Ithea confesses. "Making a martyr out of him for being in the wrong place at the wrong time..."
[22:28] * Ithea shakes her head.
[22:29] <Ithea> "Still, if it'll win us more help, I'll still do it."
[22:29] <Kotono> "Baator's not playing fair, so why should we," Dana adds, "Fuck 'em."
[22:30] <Kotono> "If you're going to do it, make theater out of it. Get Tom's body. Bring it to them. Make a point of showing how this is another body on Baator's tab." Gesturing a bit, "Make them angry and hurt all over again." Sylvie elaborates, "Ask them if this is finally too much. Ask them if it's alright that they did it again."
[22:30] <Muirfinn> "Better a martyr than a victim, Ithea. As a martyr, his death will mean something, and could strengthen your people."
[22:32] * Ithea nods to Muirfinn's words. "Well, one thing I'm hoping is that we can still lay a trap for that solar. Yigsarous made it sound like he could get in contact with him, though that was surely said as a lie, I don't doubt he actually could contact him. Make a show of how this is supposedly a sham trial that'll get us killed if he plays along, summon him here, and then deal with him.
[22:32] <Ithea> Would probably need to think over it a bit more, but I'd like to see him brought to justice for real."
[22:33] <Kotono> Suddenly Sylvie laughs, "...which, incidentally, I learned from someone who could pass as a gay, perfumed courtier." Shaking her head as she listens, "That's a good idea, too."
[22:33] <Ithea> "We'd also need to make sure he couldn't teleport away like that paeliryon did last time we tried setting a trap," Ithea adds.
[22:34] <Kotono> "Yeah." Nodding along, Sylive hums. "Dimensional Lock or Anchor could do it. I suppose the High Stone has some way of doing it, or Yigsarous would be gone already."
[22:34] <Muirfinn> "We should encourage dimensional shackling then." Muirfinn suggests.
[22:34] <Kotono> As you talk, there is a knock on the door. A moment later it opens, the High Stone entering.
[22:35] <Ithea> "Hello again. Finished your investigation?" Ithea says with a nod of greeting.
[22:36] * Muirfinn looks up as the High Stone enters.
[22:37] <Kotono> "Interrogations and magic have revealed much." Here he pauses for several moments, before bowing low. From this position, "You have my apologies." Rising, "That devil came as a traveler and lingered, claiming to be studying Earth. He was urbane, helpful and respectful at all times. In time the catfolk came here, and soon after he showed me the 'truth' of it. Several crafted illusions
[22:37] <Kotono> and documents proving all he said, and solid words supporting them. I see now it was nothing more than cold manipulation."
[22:38] <Muirfinn> "We could tell you the truth of it, from our perspective, if you wish." Muirfinn offers.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Speak," The High Stone commands, "Tell me the truth of it."
[22:48] <Muirfinn> Muirfinn takes it upon himself to tell his side! "Not so long ago, Lifasa was a paradise. Humans and more lived in harmony, the elements got along for the most part, everything was peaceful. There hadnt been war in a long time, and everyone worked together to keep it that way. My tribe of tortles lived along a long stretch of beaches that were mostly isolated from other races, but we
[22:48] <Muirfinn> got along just fine with those who traveled through. It was much to our surprise that we were invaded one day by countless numbers of devils. The sky turned red and devils attacked from the sea and sky almost imediately. We lost a few of our tribe, but we fought off the initial wave. When it seemed that more were coming, our elders banded together and created a portal to a place we might
[22:48] <Muirfinn> escape to. We escaped to Water, which welcomed us, but we did not all feel at home. Some stayed, but most left. From there we came here, to Earth. Again, some stayed but most left. We moved to Elysium, and many stayed there, choosing to take up a tranquil existance. None were begrudged their choices. In all, only 43 of us chose to leave that behind and moved to a Prime that appeared to
[22:48] <Muirfinn> have no humanoid life as of yet. We have traveled long and far, and finally I came across Ithea here in your city only yesterday. I hope to join with them, and perhaps learn their stories." Muirfinn finishes, motioning to Ithea and the others to tell their side.
[23:20] <Ithea> "The troubles the tortles faced were shared by everyone in our world. Many of our allies fought through much of the invasion before Lifasa fell. In my own home, while fires raged and people screamed as the priceless temple of Mystra was desecrated and brought to ruins, we fought back.
[23:20] <Ithea> I, myself, could do little to help at the time, besides watch and try to help those fleeing while the more experienced warriors tried to hold the line. I probably should have fled early on given my lack of power, but I wanted to SEE our world fight back, to muster everything we had and succeed. Instead I got to see the moment he entered our world, when everything blackened and all hope was lost, though I was not able to see Abigor. Perhap
[23:20] <Ithea> I still shook as his voice bellowed through the skies, following his entrance, carried throughout all of the lands. Everything was lost then. I don't recall actually stepping through the portal, perhaps I fled in sheer panic, perhaps someone carried me as I fainted, or who knows. All I know was that I did nothing of note as my world burned.
[23:20] <Ithea> We lost everything to the devils that day, and I had to restrain myself so badly when that gelugon spoke his lies. Because that was no natural disaster. That was hell, in all it's fury and madness. Our people were spread to every corner of existence. My people settled here in your city. I did not.
[23:20] <Ithea> I wandered much of the planes, though I've settled now, I've found friends and allies with those of Aurora, and I fight with them to STOP the devils from spreading their poisonous touch to any other world. Yigsarous was right about us being wanted by his people in some ways.
[23:20] <Ithea> We've fought against them many times, we still fight against them, and we'll fight against them for as long as we continue to stand. And one day, we can only hope, we can free our world from their clutches. And that's what the truth of what happened in Lifasa and it's survivors. We're not lying on the ground for them. We're fighting BACK."

[Corwin]

[21:07] <Ko> All of this is taken in with complete Silence from the High Stone. He bows his head by the end, voice subdued, "A tale of tragdey to wring tears from the coldest obsidian. It seems we were mislead...that I was mislead. Of Earth I know much, of realms beyond I know far less than I fancied myself to know. You have my apologies." Here he pauses, "For this, you deserve compensation. I have had Yigsarous's lodgings searched and his posessions taken. I offer them to you as a means of apology, as well as paying for appraisal and analysis."
[21:09] <Muirfinn> "We would be pleased to put the tools of evil to a better use." Muirfinn says, "If you would like to help, I believe the crew of the Aurora is recruiting. If you can spare warriors of any sort, I would bet that they would appreciate it."
[21:15] <Ko> "I understand," The High Stone nods with an utterly rock-hard and unreadable expression, "An honor guard will be assembled."
[21:17] <Ithea> "Thank you, High Stone. You more than compensate us between all that, and knowing most of my people are here in your care, especially now that you know the truth," Ithea says.
[21:18] <Ko> With that the High Stone nods and steps back, "You are free to go now. The possessions of that...devil are awaiting you below."
[21:21] <Ithea> "Did you contact Tom's family with the news?" Ithea asks as well. "I'd still like to talk to them in person either way, but I wasn't sure if you'd have had time with all the investigations."
[21:21] <Ko> "They are being informed as we speak," The High Stone replies.
[21:25] <Ko> Mirr isn't hard to find. He's back with the catfolk now, who are acting quiet and subdued. They're mostly inside - infact, you find Mirr exactly where you found the first lead to him. He sits next to the old catfolk, feet up by the fire as you enter.
[21:27] <Ithea> "Excuse me, are you Mirr?" Ithea asks, approaching the catfolk that matches the description they had of him.
[21:28] <Ko> "Eh?" Mirr looks up from staring into the fire, "Yeah." His answer is a bit on the curt side, "Heard someone was looking for me yesterday."
[21:30] <Ko> The Master hangs back, keeping his eyes open. Sylvie is slightly more relaxed, whilst Dana has a hand on her hip and  aglower on her face.
[21:30] * Ithea nods grimly. "That'd have been us. A big mess happened so we had to put it off. Sorry, I should introduce myself first. I'm Ithea of the Aurora," she says as she offers a hand.
[21:31] * Muirfinn stands with Ithea, nodding along cheerily.
[21:31] <Ko> "Ithea from Aurora?" Mirr blinks but takes the hand, shaking it up and down. "Wait a sec, were yo uth eones in that attack yesterday?"
[21:31] <Muirfinn> "Indeed. I am Muirfinn of the Shellscale tribe, formerly of Lifasa." Muirfinn introduces himself as well.
[21:32] <Ko> "Aurora?!" Mirr's eyes go wide, "THAT Aurora?"
[21:32] <Ithea> "Yes. Seems like the devils didn't have enough just taking our world," Ithea says. "And you've heard of us?"
[21:34] <Ko> "I heard the traders talking about it. A group of heroes who gave the devils a hard time and are still going. They found some legendary fortress and are really giving it to them. I thought your name sounded familiar!" Snapping his fingers, "Afine, Jaela, William, Adrian, that sort?"
[21:38] <Ithea> Ithea's face drops for a second at the mention of Willim (or 'William' anyway), but nods. "That's us. We were looking for information on Apasa, and we'd heard you'd know of him," she says, cutting to the chase. "Do you? Anything you could share might be of some help."
[21:42] <Ko> "Apasa? Yeah, what about him?" Mirr says, "Nice guy, go talong with him until a few years before the end. We drifted apart, he started hanging out with a human. Harkan or Harkin or Harken or something like that. I didn't like him, he was far too intense and had a violent streak, too."
[21:46] * Ithea frowns. "Harkin. You had good reason not to like that fellow, I'm afraid," she says with a shake of her head. "Anything else you can share about the two of them?"
[21:50] <Ko> "Yeah. Harkin was really good with this huge hammer he carried around. Biggest warhammer I've ever seen." Frowning a bit as he thinks, "Apasa didn't much like it - he was the sort to use magic and weapons both, but not the sort of absurd weapons like that. That always stuck out since it was hard to see that hammer and not have it stick in your mind. What else...he could hold his liquor
[21:50] <Ko> and got even more violent when he was drunk. Laid out a few of the town drunks but good. Later on the had a third in their merry band before I lost track. An orc, I think. I forget the name, started with an S I think. Strangest thing is that I heard he was a sorcerer. I've NEVER heard of an orc sorcerer except for that one time."
[21:53] * Ithea thinks on that for a second, running the name of the traitors through her head. "Silvber?" she asks. "Was that his name?"
[21:54] <Ko> "Yeah," Snapping his fingers, "How the hell did you know?"
[21:55] <Ithea> "Unfortunate luck, same as Apasa and Harkin, I have to say," Ithea says with a shake of her head. "Sorry to say, if you thought Apasa was a nice guy before he started hanging out with Harkin and friends, he wasn't so much after."
[21:55] <Muirfinn> "I understand that these people were instrumental in the devil's invasion of Lifasa, unfortunately."

[Corwin]

[23:46] <Kotono> "What? What the HELL?" Mirr sputters, feet falling as he rises up in a fur-twitching spasm. "What the hell? No! Apasa wouldn't do anything like that!"
[23:48] * Ithea pulls out the letter that Yigsarous had been writing and presents it to Mirr, pointing to the part where it refers to a general Apasa. "People change."
[23:50] <Kotono> "The hell..." Pulling out the letter and scanning it, "No...I don't..." Dropping it from suddenly nerveless fingers, Mirr falls back into his chair, "None of us would! Not after what Lifasa did!"
[23:53] <Ithea> "That's what I thought at first, it's why I wanted to find more information about this guy, try to understand what possible reason one of us could betray Lifasa like that. I don't know if he was misguided by Harkin and the others or what, but either way, this is pretty damning," Ithea says with a shake of her head.
[23:54] <Ithea> "Well, that and getting jumped by a squad of devils and having two good people killed didn't endear me to him either."
[00:00] <Kotono> "
[00:01] <Kotono> "I..." The only reply is for Mirr to hang his head. "Damn it, because of him, all of this happened?! Him and that bastard Harkin?!" Slamming a fist into the armrest of his chair, "Where is he?"
[00:03] <Ithea> "Somewhere in Hell, maybe even Lifasa if that was part of his price, who knows?" Ithea says with a frown. "Finding information on this guy and the rest of those bastards is all we can do for the moment in regards to them."
[00:09] <Kotono> "DAMMIT!" Slamming his fist down again, "You mean you don't know? Well, I'm going to go find out!" Mirr snaps, standing up.
[00:10] <Muirfinn2> "Do you know where he is?" Muirfinn asks.
[00:11] <Ithea> "Woah! Hold it, old timer," Ithea says, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If you were thinking of finding him and then picking a fight with him over this, you should know you're not likely to win, let alone make it out alive. Devils don't follow and call catfolk generals, Mirr."
[00:11] <Ithea> "Whatever the circumstances, your friend's gone."
[00:15] <Kotono> Mirr glares, "Dammit..." He exhales and rubs a hand over his face, "So how do you know all fot his, anyway?
[00:15] <Kotono> "
[00:19] * Ithea smiles a bit at this. "You get into enough fights, kill enough devils, save enough people, do the impossible enough times...you pick up a few things here and there," Ithea answers. "There'll be a reckoning, and they'll answer for their crimes. Learning a bit about him, not to mention Harkin and Silvber will help, I'm sure."
[00:21] <Kotono> Nodding, "Apasa learned elven style sword and sorcery. He was quite good at it, especially channeling magic through his weapon strikes. He's not a weak fighter, I can tell you that."
[00:26] <Ithea> "That's not entirely unexpected, I'd doubt even with the betrayal, he'd rise to the position of general if we -were- weak," Ithea notes as she crosses her arms, letting go of the old catfolk's shoulder. "Fortunately, none of us are weak fighters ourselves, and we're still growing stronger too."
[00:29] <Kotono> "When word of this spreads..." Mirr sighs, "It's not going to be good. Not good at all.?"
[00:29] <Kotono> Meanwhile Dana grunts, "Yeah well, it's a good reason to go kick his prissy little pussy ass."
[00:31] * Muirfinn2 blinks as he processes which of all that was an insult. "...yes. It will not doubt be a tough fight, but if we prepare properly, we shall prevail."
[00:33] <Kotono> "Damn straight we will," Dana huffs, crossing her arms, "What we're gonna do is take Ithea's big ol' polearm, grease it up good, bend Apasa over, and fuck him with it until it's poking out his mouth. Then we're gonna get to the business of fucking making him regret this shit he's pulled." Brushing a bit of her bangs aside, "Hey Ithea, think you can channel some fuckin' lightning in when
[00:33] <Kotono> yo udo that, too?"
[00:34] <Muirfinn2> Now quite sure which part of that is insulting, Muirfinn palms his face quietly.
[00:34] <Kotono> "Simply killing him will suffice," The Master says mildly, a bit of a twitch of his lips upward.
[00:34] <Ithea> "I doubt any catfolk is happy already after what happened to Tom," Ithea says with a frown, putting away the letter at Mirr's words. Then grimaces at Dana's words. "Except for the greasing and fucking part, sure. Carving him up will suffice for me."
[00:34] * Ithea nods with Willim's master's words.
[00:35] <Kotono> "Ah..." Mirr stops, "Is...is the point of this that you're going to get Apasa for this?"
[00:35] <Muirfinn2> "Yes."
[00:36] <Kotono> "We're responsible for this now," Mirr says, "If one of us helped the devils...we need to do something ot make it right. Lifasa gave us a home, damn it!"
[00:37] <Ithea> "Oh you bet we will. Look, if you can think of anything else about Apasa, Harkin, and the rest of his cronies, pass on word to us. I want to go see Tom's family after what happened, and then see if any other catfolks want to get back into the fight given the devils apparently didn't have enough of us already," Ithea says with a snort.
[00:38] <Kotono> "Get back into the fight..." Mirr frowns, "Can I borrow that letter, Miss?"
[00:41] * Ithea blinks at the request. "You're not still planning on searching for Apasa on your own, are you?" she asks.
[01:23] <Kotono> "On my own, no. But it sounds like you have an army, young lady," Mirr continues on, "Lifasa took us in, gave us a home. No right thinking catfolk is going to ignore that one of our own betrayed her."
[01:26] * Muirfinn nods, seeing where Mirr is going. "I'm sure the Aurora would be happy to host you if you are thinking of joining."
[01:28] * Ithea nods. "If you think you can help us, you're welcome to join us," she says, passing the closed letter back to the older catfolk. "I certainly wouldn't say no to having more of my people in Aurora, heck I'd love it if we could somehow get everyone, really."
[01:31] <Kotono> "I'm going to spread the word," He says, "We just wanted to live again, but now...it's on all our heads."
[01:34] <Ithea> "While I think we can trust the High Stone now that he doesn't have a devil whispering lies in his ear anymore, I can understand that sentiment after reading that letter myself."
[01:35] * Muirfinn nods. "It's very distressing."
[01:36] <Kotono> With that Mirr rises, as...

[Corwin]

[20:07] <Kotono> Tom's family is found in one of the many houses commendeered by the catfolk. A circle of presumably family and friends surrounds them. A female catfolk with fine black fur is clinging to a blonde catfolk male, sobbing her eyes out. The man's eyes are closed tight, tears leaking out as he holds her.
[20:09] * Muirfinn sighs at the sight and says to Ithea, "The agony of loss can be difficult to bear. Hopefully we can help them with their grief."
[20:09] <Kotono> Sylvie's face hardens, jaw setting as she quietly hangs back.
[20:10] * Ithea nods, stepping closer to the circle of friends. "Excuse me," she says as she gets closer to the group.
[20:15] <Kotono> A rather round catfolk waddles in front of Ithea, "They just had a tragedy befall them. Please don't disturb them. They just lost their son."
[20:17] <Ithea> "I'm aware of it, unfortunately, sir," Ithea says quietly. "I was there when it happened. I was unable to pass the news on myself, and had the High Stone do so, but I still wished to speak with them myself rather than have them hear the news purely from a second-hand source."
[20:19] <Kotono> "You were...alright," He steps aside, "Just be gentle."
[20:22] * Ithea grimaces. "I will try, though given the occurance..." she admits, before moving closer to the female catfolk. "Ma'am?" she says as she gets closer. "I don't know if you remember me, I'm Ithea. I'm...I'm sorry for your loss. Tom was a good man."
[20:24] <Kotono> The woman doesn't seem to notice you, lost in her heartbreak. The man does, "Ithea...you do look familiar." he says, "That means you escaped as well..." Patting his wife's back, "Thank you. Thank you, Ithea."
[20:25] <Kotono> Dana hangs back as well, "Shitty work," she mutters, shaking her head, "Damn shitty work."
[20:27] <Ithea> "I..." Ithea starts to say, pausing as she tries to think of how to put into words what happened. "I did escape Lifasa, I was coming here yesterday and met up with Tom. He was showing my friends and I around the city, catching me up on events, being a good host basically. He didn't have to take time out of his day to do so, and yet he did. I'm thankful he did, and sorry as well."
[20:31] <Kotono> The woman merely continues to sob, while the man exhales. "Were you...wait. You were the one in that incident, weren't you?!" Suddenly his gaze hardens, "There's even a waking turtle with you, just like the guard said!"
[20:38] <Muirfinn> "Now hold on a moment. Please don't blame us for Tom's death. We were ambushed by devils and were unfortunately unable to protect him. We lost one of our own as well. The devils are responsible for this, not us. Remember that they are the ones who invaded OUR home! My people were on Lifasa when the devils came, same as your own." OOC: Attempting to calm, rolling diplo
[20:38] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+30 diplo
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+30 diplo and gets 37." [1d20=7]
[20:38] <Ithea> "I don't know how much the High Stone's people were able to share of that, that's why I wanted to talk to you as well. Tom and another friend of mine died when we were attacked by a group of devils," Ithea says quietly.
[20:41] <Kotono> "Devils again..." Tom's father hisses, his wife going rigid in his arms, "Haven't they taken enough from us?"
[20:41] <Ithea> "The High Stone currently has prisoner the devil who might have been responsible for that ambush," Ithea adds. "That's one of the reasons I couldn't come and inform you myself, we had to deal with him as he tried to place the blame of that with us, even though they attacked us first."
[20:46] <Muirfinn> "According to what we've been able to find out, this devil was planning to pin the blame for what happened to Lifasa on the refugees. Namely, you, us, and everyone on the Aurora."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Bastards," Tom's father's shoulders stiffen, "Why do they hate us so much?"
[20:50] <Muirfinn> "They are devils." Muirfinn says matter-of-factly. "It is their nature to be hateful and vile. We must strive against them to regain our home."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Thank you for telling us," Tom's father says. "Thank you as well, Ithea."
[20:53] <Ithea> "Tom's body is currently buried in the Aurora, where I live. I had tried to see if he could be resurrected, but we weren't successful in the attempt," Ithea says, pausing a bit between words, this feeling more awkward to speak than when she had thought originally regarding this task.
[21:01] <Muirfinn> "Perhaps the afterlife he went to suited him well enough that he could leave life behind." Muirfinn offers.
[21:03] <Kotono> "I want...we want our son's body back," HIs father says, "Please."
[21:06] * Ithea winces at Muirfinn's words, finding them a bit much to say to someone who'd lost their son. No parent wants to outlive their child. She nods to Tom's father though. "Of course," she says. "It was always my intent to see Tom reunited with his family. I'm just sorry I couldn't truly bring him back from Aurora and spare you all this."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Thank you," Tom's father manages, bowing his head and kissing his wife's forehead. "Now please...we'd like to greive alone, Ithea."
[21:08] * Ithea nods again, moving away from the family.
[21:11] <Muirfinn> OOC: What's next?
[21:12] <Kotono> OOC: Did you want to htry and recruit catfolks? How so, Ithea?
[21:14] <Ithea> ooc: I'd let Mirr take the lead there, honestly. He's the one that knows people, and I still don't feel right bringing Tom up as a martyr to stir people up. If Mirr thinks he can get more people through the letter...
[21:16] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d100+15
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100+15 and gets 69." [1d100=54]
[21:21] <Kotono> Word spreads. Within hours, the group finds themselves being approached. The entire street is full of catfolk, lead by Mirr. "Ithea! Ithea the genius! Ithea of Aurora!" Mirr calls, "There she is! Ithea, talk to us! Tell us! Tell us all about Aurora!"
[21:22] <Ithea> ooc: Ithea the genius? Seriously? That's a horrible nickname!
[21:22] <Muirfinn> OOC: hahahaha
[21:22] <Ithea> ooc: Mirr, you suck!
[21:25] * Muirfinn chuckles at Ithea. "It seems you've made an impression."
[21:29] * Ithea groans at being labeled a genius, sharing an exasperated look with Sylvie, before clearing up her expression and taking a deep breath. "So! We're all survivors of Lifasa! We were planar wanderers, a race without a home until Lifasa took our ancestors in! We grew up in that world, we fought to defend it, we made it our own after not having one for so long! And then devils came and took it from us! We wanted to fight back!
[21:31] <Ithea> To take the fight to them and to tell them we're not going to stand for this! Even now, they keep trying to ruin things for our people, coming here, spreading lies, trying to take every last bit of dignity from us!" she exclaims, secretly wishing someone better at speeches was here. "Those of Aurora, all survivors of Lifasa, we say NO! We'll fight back with everything we have! We'll take back our home! Lifasa will be free! That's what Aurora is and what it stands for!"
[21:40] <Kotono> Sylvie returns that look with a chargrinned but entirely amused smile in return. The crowd listens to the short speech, nodding along in a few places as...OOC: Make a diplo check here, Ithea.
[21:42] <Ithea> roll d20+18+3 diplo+ck
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+18+3 diplo+ck and gets 37." [d20=16]
[21:49] <Kotono> To Ithea's speech the crowd grows more and more agitated, calling out and clapping!
[21:58] * Ithea takes a deep breath as she pulls out the letter Yigsarous wrote, raising it up. Not everyone will be able to see it, unfortunately, certainly a good few near the front or with superb vision might though. "It's a fine goal that most of you have started to make a new life after Lifasa! A fine goal that the devils oppose! They claim what happened in Lifasa was no invasion! An environmental accident at best! They planned to make us out to be war cr
[21:59] <Ithea> war criminals and liars! They would take you from your new homes and take you to hell to make you suffer eternal torment! That is what devils are! Persistent monsters that will stop at nothing until -all- of Lifasa is under their heel! No survivors!" Ithea exclaims,keeping the letter straight and unshaking so it can be read by those who are able to.
[22:00] <Ithea> "Can we let them get away with this?" she exclaims more loudly afterwards.
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC: Make another diplo check, +4 this time.
[22:03] <Ithea> roll d20+18+4 diplo
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+18+4 diplo and gets 30." [d20=8]
[22:03] <Ithea> ooc: Turtle, you should help, dammit!
[22:05] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+30 to aid i GUESS!
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+30 to aid i GUESS! and gets 49." [1d20=19]
[22:07] <Kotono> The crowd picks up noise at that, cheering and calling out! Mirr points at Ithea, "Ithea drove off the devils that came for us yesterday! Ithea can defeat Apasa! Ithea can lead us to revenge and victory!"
[22:16] * Ithea pauses and looks between her companions to see if any of them have anything to add.
[22:18] * Muirfinn has nothing to add!
[22:21] <Kotono> Sylvie shakes her head, Dana grins and the Master watches. But none add anything.
[22:25] <Ithea> Load of help they are! Bah! Should have brought Baleruk, at least he loves to talk! "Aurora is full of people who'll fight. As well as those who simply support us. As long as you stand behind our cause, any and all of you are welcome with us. Even if you wish to stay here in Marambor, knowing that we have your support is good. We are all one family, no matter how apart we are, wherever we all are, we all want Lifasa's freedom."
[22:33] <Kotono> Cheers rise again, "Aurora!" is chanted in the crowd.
[22:39] <Ithea> "...uhm, so I don't really have much more to say, honestly," Ithea says, scratching her cheek, and putting away the letter again, as she looks at the crowd, wondering if they have any questions, if they're all just going to follow them, if Sylvie can transport everyone, and so many more thoughts as she tries to figure it all out...
[22:39] <Kotono> In a low voice, Sylvie asks exactly that, "So...how are we going to get them all back, Ithea?"
[22:44] <Ithea> "...multiple trips?" Ithea says with a helpless shrug. "Get Tepen's help?Or maybe the others are back and we can get them instead? Multiple trips work if not, I guess..."