202. Eudard of Torm

[Corwin]

<Kotono> -------------------------(Ko)---
03* Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
<Kotono> So Demedais and Seira leave with Claris Brightsun. A peace settles into Balmuria for the moment. However, one cloudy, windy day, Commander OBeruth summons Alicia to the garrison. Once she enters, "Sit down," he waves absently.
06* Alicia does so, giving the commander her full attention.
<Kotono> "How much do you know about fire magic and magic to move the earth?" Commander Oberuth asks.
<Alicia> "I know *of* a few spells in such areas, sir," Alicia replies cautiously. "But my own talents are far more limited - I can cast one spell that strikes my foes with rays of flame and that's it."
<Kotono> "Countess Stronger's looking into the mess Mihail made and if it's viable to use ourselves at all. I don't know if you know enough to help her, though." AT that he leans back inot his chair, "If we can get those lava chutes working, they'd be a good last line of defense ifw e're driven back into the city."
<Alicia> "Lava chutes?" Alicia blinks. "I'm sorry, I haven't been kept up to date on what was found down there... how could they be of any benefit to us?"
<Kotono> "Oh." Rubbing his forehead, "Sorry. There are updrafts in th e ceiling, in the long passage leading to the altar room? I'm sure you saw them, yes?"
<Alicia> "Yes... I didn't recognise their purpose and had hoped to find out from Mihail," Alicia responds, frowning as she thinks of how badly that turned out. "I take it the Countess discovered their nature?"
<Kotono> "Yeah. The bastard wasn't aiming at us, he was aiming at 'invading bastards from the South.' This is something we can agree on, at least." Oberuth smiles wanly, "She's trying to see if she can find a way to make them work."
<Alicia> "Wh-what?" Alicia starts, stumbling over her words slightly. "But... but why would he have talked about sacrificing the city when Demedais heard him? Why didn't he refute the accusations levelled at him?" she asks in dim horror.
<Kotono> At that, Commander Oberuth sighs. "I honestly don't know. However, Stronger found his notes. He was extremely paranoid at a few things - about the bastards in the Guard stealing what is precious to him, and about the bastards in the south."
06* Alicia puts her head in her hands for a moment. "Damn him..." she mutters, sounding pained. "He needed help... that's why I tried to destroy the seeming cause of his obsession rather than just striking him down. Not that it did any good, in the end..."
<Kotono> "He needed help, and by all accounts, he was evil." Hellman speaks slowly, "Lord Salman was told about this as well. For now...for now we move on from what he did. There will be time for recriminations later."
<Alicia> Snorting, Alicia gives the commander a dour look. "The only account you have that he was evil is my word," she observes. "But knowing of his insane plans, I could at least be soothed that his death averted a greater tragedy. Now it turns out he had no such vile scheme prepared? It's a bitter pill, indeed."
<Kotono> "If we can trust the Crimson Guard, though..." Commander Oberuth spreads his hands wide. "You're our elite champions. IF we can't trust you, we have problems. However...this event with Mihail, it does call into question things. I had no personal love for the man, but..."
<Kotono> *can't
<Alicia> "And yet my vouching for Antenora counts for nothing," Alicia is compelled to observe, before sighing and shaking her head. "Forgive me, that was uncalled for. The situations are different, after all... but, go on - what is being brought into question, now?"
<Kotono> "It's not that I don't trust you, I don't trust a devil." Hellmen shakes his head, "I fought against Malmuth for years, and I'd rather have the worst of them than those damned devils again. Horrible, horrible things." But at Alicia's words, he nods and continues. "He ranted about his persecution at the hands of Seira and the guard, about the men watching him, and all of that. The situation it creates is unfavorable."
<Alicia> "Perhaps... though I think discreet surveillance hardly counts as persecution. And it was fully justified in light of the concerns raised by his neighbours at the rising temperatures in the area," Alicia reasons. "If he had been more forthcoming, this might have been avoided, but as things stood we could not afford to be lacking in our vigilance."
<Kotono> "Yes, I know. I had no problems with it at the time, just...feh." AT that, Oberuth stands. "....Alicia, don't blame yourself for this. You have too much on you already, and some of this happened before your time. There's enough real stress and blame to go around."
06* Alicia nods, though she still seems somewhat reserved. "I acted in good faith with the information available... Regardless, you were saying Countess Stronger needs help working on what's down there? If nothing else, I can dispel any dangerous magic still floating around."
<Kotono> "Go ahead and meet with her, then. She should be at her shop making preparations. Apparently the heat is moderating now, but it's still unsafe deeper in."
<Alicia> "I'll be on my way, then," Alicia stands and salutes to the commander before departing, intending to stop by her home and see if Antenora feels up to coming along before she goes to the Grand Shop Luna de Stronger.
<Kotono> Antenora is sitting and waiting, eyes closed in her room when Alicia enters. When she does, "What is it, Mistress?" she asks.
<Alicia> "I was wondering how you're feeling, and if you want to come and explore the lava-filled caverns below the city that Mihail dug out," Alicia asks openly.
<Kotono> "...of course, fire does not bother me. As you wish, Mistress," Antenora gets up, spear at the ready.
<Alicia> "You don't have to if you'd rather keep resting, you know," Alicia observes. "It's nothing really vital, I just thought you might like to get out and do something if you were getting bored and feeling better."
<Kotono> "Why thank you," Antenora smiles a little too sweetly, "I can tell you if it resembles any places I've been, like Avernus?"
06* Alicia resists the urge to roll her eyes. "There's no need for sarcasm. Come along, then, we'll be meeting with Countess Stronger before we head down there."
<Kotono> "Of course, MIstress," Antenora rolls her eyes back openly, "Shall we go then?"
<Alicia> Indeed, Alicia starts to head back out. "You're in a lovely mood, today," she comments, somewhat annoyed that Antenora lacked the good grace to mask her rude gesture as Alicia had done.
<Kotono> "I was just reflecting on my life, dear Mistress," Antenora begins, "Aaah, suffering is such fun at times, is it not?"
<Alicia> "Your capacity for looking on the bright side of life never ceases to amaze me," Alicia jabs back. "I suppose when your existence is built around inflicting suffering, you would have an expert's appreciation for being on the receiving end. Tell me, what suffering are you reflecting upon today, my dear?"
<Kotono> "Why yes," Antenora snaps, then stops. She puts her smile back on her face, "I apologise, MIstress. The current situation taxes my patience."
06* Alicia snorts. "You say you're sorry for a minor outburst like that, yet never a trace of apology for all the times you've pointed that spear at me with blood in your eyes?" She pauses and faces the erinyes. "I forgive you your tone, Antenora, just as I forgive you for a great many things."
<Kotono> "...then I apologise for threatening your life," Antenora says, not looking back at Alicia as she walks.
<Alicia> "Apology accepted," Alicia responds easily, starting to walk once more. She lets silence settle for a bit as they walk down the street together, only speaking as they enter the old town. "Still, don't you want to talk about what's bothering you? It's better than just letting it stew inside."
<Kotono> With a dark, unpleasant chuckle as they walk along, "Do you ever wonder if damned souls talk to the devils that tear them apart?"
06* Alicia is silent for a moment as she considers that. "To be honest, I'd assumed they'd be beyond talking once their... transformation, started," she admits.
<Kotono> "Oh no. The souls can still move - if their death didn't prevent that, say by losing their legs or being too old - and still talk. They can talk, beg, plead..." Antenora reflects, "Like desperate little children in front of an uncaring judge."
<Alicia> "I suppose they would..." Alicia frowns, "And considering what I saw of the Halls of the Vanquished, and what I've learned about the diabolic propensity for purchasing souls, I doubt all of those claimed by Hell are truly deserving of their fate."
<Kotono> "Of course." Antenora smiles grimly. "Do you understand, Mistress?"
<Alicia> "That Hell is not merely a 'necessary evil' as a repository for the souls of the wicked and unrepentant? That it greedily stretches its claws towards every soul it can reach, employing deceit, misdirection, and trickery the whole time?" Alicia asks incisively. "Yes, I've had that made abundantly clear to me."
<Kotono> Antenora doesn't reply to this at all. She seems to go quiet, following.
06* Alicia cocks her head at Antenora's silence. "You disagree?" she asks.
<Kotono> "...I don't know." Antenora stops sourly, glancing at Alicia. "I really don't know anymore. If I were still in Hell, at least I'd have been dispatched...even oblivion had the certainy of no doubt."
<Alicia> "But is it better?" Alicia asks probingly, also stopping. "I can perhaps understand the appeal of living in ignorant certainty when compared with an existence constantly seeking answers, even if I cannot respect it. But when compared with nonexistence, it seems a very poor trade."
<Kotono> "Of course it's better," Antenora says, after a deep breath out. "Anything's better than that, but at least I'd have certainy that way."
<Alicia> "Would you?" Alicia asks dubiously. "Has any outsider ever come back from oblivion to tell of what it's like?" Considering this is a question she's had asked about the heavens, it's refreshing to turn it on its ear.
<Kotono> "...yes." Antenora observes, "It's not...acceptable to ask about it."
<Alicia> "Really?" Alicia blinks. "That just makes it sound even more mysterious..."
<Kotono> "Let it lie." Antenora strides along up the hill, "We have business ahead."
<Alicia> "Very well," Alicia relents, falling quiet as they head to Elle's shop.
<Kotono> You find Elle just inside, carrying a few scrolls under her arm. She stops and smiles at Alicia, not even glancing at Antenora. "Oh, Oberuth said you might be here to help."
<Alicia> "That's right," Alicia nods. "I won't be much use manipulating the lava or the rock, but I can at least dispel anything that's causing trouble down there."
<Kotono> "That would be be great! I went through his personal rooms, but there's still an area I didn't get into," Elle starts to walk, and then, glancing at Antenora, "She shouldn't need protection, should she?"
<Kotono> "I'm fine, fire is no concern," Antenora answers, a lidded look at STronger.
<Alicia> "However hot it is down there, it won't be as bad as the boiling breath of that dragon turtle," Alicia agrees, following after the redhead wizard.
<Kotono> Mihail's house is cooler outside, almost normal. The street si still silent around it, Elle opening the door. "I took the time to disable the myriad traps in the front. The windows and fake rooms are still magicked up but they're low priority. This way," Elle leads you in, only warm in here, not even hot.
06* Alicia obligingly follows along.
<Kotono> On reaching Mihail's former lab, the head becomes noticiable. Here Elle casts spells, warding herself and Alicia from the head. At the edge of the way down a rope and stake have been placed. "It's not fancy, and I have a climbing spell to help, but you shouldn't silp and break your neck."
<Alicia> "Should be fine - I can cast feather fall at worst," Alicia replies, crouching down and lowering herself into the hole while holding onto the rope and descending from there.
03* Poof (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
02* Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03* Poof is now known as Taishyr
03* ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03* Taishyr is now known as Demedais
<Kotono> The trip down the hole isn't too hard now. On reaching the bottom, Elle heads for one of the side paths. "This one I haven't gone far into," she says, "I don't think you guys ventured this way, either, as the traps are intact."
<Alicia> "That's right, we headed straight down the middle," Alicia agrees after casting detect magic and following. "It made the most sense."
<Kotono> Antenora tags along, following behind the two human women. Going into the door, you see a narrow snaking path downward.  It's hotter here, beating against your skin. "It's just as well. I couldn't go very deep the first time, it was too hot. It's more bearable now, and I cleared the first layer of traps. I'll lead on to where I stopped."
<Alicia> "Yes, even with our protections on our first visit the heat was nearly painful. Nevermind having to jump through all those walls fo flame," Alicia shakes her head, sighing as she follows. "Do you know if that priest of Kossuth we found down here has given any information about the place?"
<Kotono> "Not much. I talked to him, but he's not been helpful at all. I haven't had the heart to really lean on him." Elle leads deeper in - the path is lit with small, flickering flames that float in the air. The heat increases even more, palpable.  There's not much light as you go on about fifty feet, until she stops. "Alright, this is where I stopped."
06* Alicia draws Hell Striker, which promptly erupts in flames of its own to produce lighting as she looks around for any magic signatures like the traps she's already seen.

[Corwin]

<Alicia> [18:45] <Kotono> Antenora tags along, following behind the two human women. Going into the door, you see a narrow snaking path downward.  It's hotter here, beating against your skin. "It's just as well. I couldn't go very deep the first time, it was too hot. It's more bearable now, and I cleared the first layer of traps. I'll lead on to where I stopped."
<Alicia> [18:47] <Alicia> "Yes, even with our protections on our first visit the heat was nearly painful. Nevermind having to jump through all those walls fo flame," Alicia shakes her head, sighing as she follows. "Do you know if that priest of Kossuth we found down here has given any information about the place?"
<Alicia> [18:52] <Kotono> "Not much. I talked to him, but he's not been helpful at all. I haven't had the heart to really lean on him." Elle leads deeper in - the path is lit with small, flickering flames that float in the air. The heat increases even more, palpable.  There's not much light as you go on about fifty feet, until she stops. "Alright, this is where I stopped."
<Alicia> [18:54] * Alicia draws Hell Striker, which promptly erupts in flames of its own to produce lighting as she looks around for any magic signatures like the traps she's already seen.
<Kotono> With a word light springs up into Elle's hand, a small little dot centered on a small stone. It helps the illumination considerably, the path continuing on. There's one about twenty feet ahead - a strong emaniation not too much farther ahead, but reaching farther than you can see.
<Kotono> Physically, the path continues downward, rugged but sturdy. No signs of springing water here, just steadily increasing heat.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 14."12 [1d20=7]
06* Alicia walks forward and stops about five feet before the aura. "Strong aura starting here," she points just in front of herself, peering onwards to see if she can see the end of it, now.
<Kotono> Waving her hand in a few easy gestures, Elle peers ahead as well.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 21."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> "Evocation," Wrinkling her nose disdainfully, Elle stops near Alicia. "It figures - probably something to make anyone who comes this way unauthorised regret it." Alicia can see that it extends a good thirty five feet, a large, long zone. The path continues past it.
<Kotono> Antenora hangs back, keeping her own council for now.
<Alicia> "Well, I should be able to bring it down. Just a second," Alicia asks, before sweeping a hand in front of her as she incants, "By Mystra's will, let the flow of magic here be still."
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10 dispel
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 dispel and gets 20."12 [1d20=10]
<Kotono> The magic resists Alicia's dispel attempt, simmering but not giving way. "It takes a few tries for these. Remind me to look into paranoia the next time I need to create an impenetrable fortress, its eems to have done well here."
<Alicia> "No," Alicia shakes her head, frowning. "It didn't help at all," she states sombrely, before repeating her spell.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> This time, the magic shudders and dissipated with Alicia's magic! "Good," Countess Stronger starts walking as the magical aura fades, "Nicely done, Alicia."
<Alicia> "I've been getting a lot of practice with this spell," Alicia shrugs, pressing onwards and keeping an eye out for the next trap.
<Kotono> As you walk downward, the heat growing stronger with each pair of steps, "If magic keeps growing, I'm starting to think I'll make good money simply passing out dispels. AFter all, someone has to clean up magical messes left behind." Ahead, you see a small, circular chamber. It's only ten feet wide on each side, but two green statues with a single roving eye sit on each side. They're pointed in the direction you come. Ahead, the path conti
<Kotono> Ahead, the path continues onward. (More)
<Kotono> The statues are vaguely humanoid, but the main feature is the eye on each of them. It glows red every few seconds, steaming in the air. Past all of this, down the path, you can see it continues on. The statues radiate magic.
<Alicia> "Guardians of some sort?" Alicia asks, looking between the two statues. "I suspect they'll shoot at us if we get too close."
<Kotono> "Likely." Elle carefully stops and takes a couple of steps backwards. "Four targets to dispel, too. Bothersome. How many dispels can you manage now? I have enough if need be, but it would be draining, and that assumes they all succeed."
<Alicia> OOC: how close are the statues together?
<Kotono> OOC: Two sets about five feet apart, the two sets are about 10 feet apart.
<Alicia> "Two left, though I think it'd be easier just to smash them apart and save the dispels for things we can't bypass so easily. Mihail seems to have been so awed by fire that he made all of his defences employ it, even though anyone who got this far would already be protected against it just from the surrounding temperatures," Alicia reasons. "Could you summon something to maybe run past them just to see what we're dealing with?"
<Kotono> "Easily enough done," Elle nods agreeably, "I was thinking along those lines. Hold on a moment." For a moment, Elle glances at Antenora, but doesn't follow it up, instead, "I summon you, celestial paragon of beetles! Serve us in penetrating these burning defenses!" With her words, Elle summons forth a single beetle, with glowing red eyes. It appears and bravely charges forward!
<Kotono> The fire beetle rushes forward! As it does, the eyes of the statue flare up! From it come small lighting bolts, four converging on the poor beetle!
<Kotono> roll 5d6
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 20."12 [5d6=5, 1, 5, 5, 4]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 15."12 [5d6=4, 5, 1, 1, 4]
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 11."12 [5d6=1, 1, 6, 2, 1]
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 19."12 [5d6=4, 1, 2, 6, 6]
<Kotono> roll 1d20
<Kotono> roll 1d20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 16."12 [1d20=16]
<Kotono> roll 1d20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 8."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> roll 1d20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 20."12 [1d20=20]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 7."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> The poor fire beetle tries to evade valiantly, but the bolts slam into him without mercy! It twitches a few times in electric death before vanishign with nary a trace.
<Kotono> "I suppose he wasn't that big a fool," Elle ventures after wincing at the beetle's demise. "Yes, destruction is probably the best option now."
<Alicia> "Have any form of protection against lightning?" Alicia asks, nodding at Elle's assessment. "Either that or any spells that can shatter them at range without risking ourselves?"
<Kotono> "I have a couple of undedicated resist energies left," Countess Stronger peers ahead, "But only two. Nothing else onhand."
<Alicia> "Well, I could probably use mirror image to take one or two at a time, then retreat to recast it and take down the remainder. The odds say I won't get hit any more than I can heal. But if you give me protection against electricity I can probably wreck all four without getting singed," Alicia suggests.
<Kotono> "Alright." Elle begins to cast, murmuring eldritch words as she gestures, "Electricity, be warded away and endured like a spring breeze!"
06* Alicia then casts mirror image just in case any hits sting more than Elle's protections can ward off, and follows up with True Strike so she can get a good start. "This shouldn't take long," she assures the other two before she springs forward, rushing to neatly bisect the first statue on the left with Hell Striker's flaming blade!
<Alicia> OOC: init? attack?
<Alicia> roll 1d4+3 MI
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4+3 MI and gets 6."12 [1d4=3]
<Kotono> OOC - Initiative.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 11."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 1d20
<Kotono> roll 1d20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 3."12 [1d20=3]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 12."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> roll 1d20
<Kotono> roll 1d20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 6."12 [1d20=6]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 4."12 [1d20=4]
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Statue 2>Alicia>Statues'
<Kotono> As Alicia springs forward, one of the statues shoots it's deadly lighting bolt at her, aiming at her!
<Kotono> roll 1d7 MI
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d7 MI and gets 1."12 [1d7=1]
<Kotono> OOC - Ref save.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 12."12 [5d6=1, 2, 1, 5, 3]
<Kotono> Alicia is grazed by the lighting bolt, but her agility and resistance prevent any serious damage! OOC - Go Alicia.
<Alicia> Ignoring the crackling electricity washing over her, Alicia delivers a diagonal cut with all her strength behind it to hopefully cleave through the statue before her!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+28 -8 power attack
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+28 -8 power attack and gets 33."12 [1d20=5]
<Alicia> roll 1d8+27+1d6
<Kotono> OOC - Hit.
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+27+1d6 and gets 29."12 [1d8=1][1d6=1]
<Kotono> The statue is hacked, a deep gouge in it! It's hurt but it's stony body isn't finished yet! As it does, the other three statues lock on and fire at Alicia!
<Kotono> roll 1d7
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d7 and gets 1."12 [1d7=1]
<Kotono> OOC - Ref save.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25."12 [1d20=13]
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 15."12 [5d6=1, 6, 3, 2, 3]
<Kotono> roll 1d7
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d7 and gets 3."12 [1d7=3]
<Kotono> roll 1d7
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d7 and gets 7."12 [1d7=7]
<Kotono> OOC - Strike the last.
<Kotono> roll 1d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 6."12 [1d6=6]
<Kotono> One bolt grazes the warded Alicia, while two images are fried! However, the gish warrioress is not harmed yet, only close to it as the first statue  weakly turns and fires on her again!
<Kotono> roll 1d5
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d5 and gets 5."12 [1d5=5]
<Kotono> Another image is vaporised, but Alicia isn't harmed!
<Kotono> "Are you alright, Alicia," Countess Stronger calls from her safe position, "Call if you need support!"
<Alicia> "Sturdier than they look, but I'm fine!" Alicia calls back, continuing to attack her current target.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -8 power attack, I'll full attack if this doesn't kill it
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 -8 power attack, I'll full attack if this doesn't kill it and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
<Kotono> OOC - Hit.
<Alicia> roll 1d8+27+1d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+27+1d6 and gets 34."12 [1d8=4][1d6=3]
<Kotono> Crack! This time the statue has had too much, shattering under Alicia's blade! Two large segments and several small chunks fall away, broken!
<Alicia> At that, Alicia moves up towards the next one on the left.
<Kotono> As she does, the statues fire further!
<Kotono> roll 1d4
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
<Kotono> roll 1d3
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3 and gets 3."12 [1d3=3]
<Kotono> roll 1d2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 2."12 [1d2=2]
<Kotono> The statues fire precisely, but instead cleave away her images, but leave Alicia herself unhurt! OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia delivers a pair of punishing strikes to rend her current target into rubble!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -8 power attack
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 -8 power attack and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+3 -8 power attack
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 -8 power attack and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
<Alicia> roll 2d8+54+2d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d8+54+2d6 and gets 75."12 [2d8=5, 4][2d6=6, 6]
<Kotono> Another savage fury tears apart the second statue, rending it into chunks of stone! However, the remaining two turn inexorably, firing at the now imageless Alicia! OOC - Two ref saves.
<Alicia> roll 2#1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2#1d20+12 and gets 37."12 [2#1d20+12 = 17, 20]
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 19."12 [5d6=1, 5, 4, 4, 5]
<Kotono> roll 5d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 and gets 19."12 [5d6=6, 4, 4, 3, 2]
<Kotono> Despite two shocks, Alicia is still up and uninjured at least for now. OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia moves to position herself between the remaining two statues, close enough to hit either. Her manner is almost relaxed as it becomes obvious they can't harm her, though she still strains her muscles a bit to slash into the bottom of the farthest one on the right to destabilise and hopefully topple it.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -8 power attack
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 -8 power attack and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
<Alicia> roll 1d8+27+1d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+27+1d6 and gets 31."12 [1d8=3][1d6=1]
<Kotono> With one slash, Alicia is just able to shatter the first one with her first blow!
<Kotono> The last statue fires, aiming at Alicia!
<Kotono> OOC - Ref save.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
<Kotono> roll 5d6 ow
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d6 ow and gets 16."12 [5d6=6, 3, 3, 2, 2]
<Kotono> This time Alicia is hit, a solid shock that makes her hairs tand on end! OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia ignores the last attack of that particular statue as she promptly finishes it off.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -8 power attack
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 -8 power attack and gets 25."12 [1d20=17]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+3 -8 power attack
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 -8 power attack and gets 17."12 [1d20=14]
<Alicia> roll 2d8+54+2d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d8+54+2d6 and gets 74."12 [2d8=5, 5][2d6=5, 5]
<Kotono> The statue breaks apart, savagely torn asunder! As it crumbles, Elle and Antenora advance in. "Good." Elle looks at the ruins, "Let's keep going - whatever's at the end of this must be important if there's these many bands of defense."
<Alicia> "You'd think so, but you never can tell with some people," Alicia observes as Hell Striker's flames vanish and she sheathes the sword, stretching her arms a bit to relax them after straining her muscles so.
<Kotono> Ahead, you go down another 100 feet, down stairs this time. The path down is steady and without magic, until you come to a solid dead end. Here a vast slab of rock blocks the way, a pillar full of burning red runes standing on either side. "Is this it...?" Elle looks about, "The pillars are magical, and so's the stone. Strong stuff."
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 33."12 [1d20=17]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 21."12 [1d20=5]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+7 pillar spellcraft
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 pillar spellcraft and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+7 stone spellcraft
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 stone spellcraft and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
<Kotono> Elle quickly busies herself, examining carefully and from a distance, but then slowly moving closer in. "Mmmm." She goes and kneels next to one of them, "I wish Seira was with us. She'd be useful here, she's better than I am at spellcraft and magical knowledge. Still, I think I have an idea."
<Kotono> Antenora hangs back, keeping to herself still.
<Alicia> "Can you read the runes?" Alicia asks. "I take it they're Ignan, but that's not something I can read." On a whim, she mentally asks, 'Can you understand Ignan, Hell Striker?'
<Kotono> "They're not any language in particular - they're just mystic runes of power. They're keyed to an artifact to fully open and close the stone passage here. But it's not overly complex, I can probably spring it from this side long enough for you and Antenora to go through, and open it when you return. If you're willing to go on alone, that is."
<Alicia> "That book was probably the key," Alicia notes distastefully. "I think we should be able to handle whatever's on the other side, if it comes to that. You okay to come along, Antenora?" she asks the quiet devil.
<Kotono> "If you wish it, Mistress. I did pledge you service," Antenora stays, stepping ahead. "It would not be suiting for you go alone."
<Alicia> "Okay, then," Alicia nods. "I'm not sure if Message could get through that slab, so how about you open it in twenty minutes if you don't hear anything from us?" she asks Elle.
<Kotono> "I will." Elle kneels down, starting to study intensely. "Shh now...this'll take concentration, and I'm not sure what'll happen if I fail. ...Alicia, would you have your healing hands ready if I do make a mistake, just in case?"
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Alicia> "It's not my specialty, but I can provide some relief if needed," Alicia confirms falling silent so as not to disrupt Elle's work.
03* Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-514c0c51.l1.c5.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
03* Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
Session Close: Mon Jan 07 22:15:24 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 07 22:15:24 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Statue 2>Alicia>Statues'
03* Set by Kotono on Mon Jan 07 21:28:50
<Kotono> The damage mends her wounds, as Elle shakes. "Damned, Abyss spawned trap!" she snaps with a venom, "You want to play with fire? You want to try and burn me?" With a vicious scowl, she stands, "Thank you, Alicia. But I will not be so humiliated by a mad mage's fiery concoctions."
<Alicia> "Just be careful," Alicia suggests sternly. "I don't have that much healing left in me."
<Kotono> Antenora gazes at the stone slab, approaching it. She touches it with her hand, eyeing it.
<Kotono> "I'll be fine. There's no way I'm going to make that mistake again." With that, she approaches the pillars intently, eyeing them as she begins to work.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{25}
03* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
<Kotono> This time, the stone slab glows red again! It seems to shrink into itself, becoming magma! A thin, transparent screen of it, a passage and stairs leading downward past a mere milimeter of superheated rock! "Got it!" Elle calls, "I have it, go!"
<Alicia> "See you in twenty minutes," Alicia replies, starting to hurry downwards. "Come on, Antenora."
<Kotono> The two go in! Here the heat is even stronger, making you buckle as you advance past the lava! The airs himmers like a wavy mural, the walls made of glowing red bricks. Antenora glances about as you hurry along, the entire view glazed red from the wall. "How lovely. A heat enough to melt mortal flesh to ash."
<Alicia> "Thank Mystra for magic, then," Alicia replies cheerily, trusting in Elle's protections to keep her safe as she descends at a good clip.
03* ChanServ sets mode: +o Corwin
<Kotono> Antenora's spear is out, her steps quick. "Do you think she listens to that, or simply hands it out to another mortal servant without even noticing?"
<Alicia> "I'm sure she hears, but Mystra has always allowed access to the Weave for all who seek it, without judgement or reservation... although I'm curious how that worked in the case of the gnomes, if She, along with all the other Gods, were so bent upon their utter destruction," Alicia admits.
<Kotono> "If they had a God on their side..." Antenora shrugs lightly, "The Great Lord Asmodeus has his own cults he grants power, as do the Great Lords of Nine." As Antenora speaks, you descend into a large circular cavern. Here there is space, over a hundred feet wide. There are several rises of stone here, each ten feet off the ground, giving the terrain a certain hilliness. The ground floor is pure black shiny stone, but very crumby beneath yo
<Kotono> but very crumby beneath your feet. (More)
<Kotono> In a few of the cracks you can see the cherry glow of magma, but the stone looks and feels more or less stable. Around the largest rise is a curtain of purple fire, which you can dimly see...something inside of there. It's not transparent enough to let you really gaze into it. But the heat that comes from there is overwhelming, like great battering waves.
02* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (betamax.dejatoons.net atarians.dejatoons.net)
03* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
<Alicia> "I suppose Daa-vid's power is undeniable, at this stage," Alicia concedes. "Hard to believe at times that we're expected to defeat him... but I suppose that's something to worry about in the future." Alicia keeps some distance from the purple flames as she circles the cave, looking to see if it has any other exits.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+7
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{25}
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{31}
<Kotono> The cave is a dead end on a casual glance. However, with the wavy, hot air, some time to examine everything may be in order. "Mortal heroes occasionally manage absurd feats." As she says that, Antenora's head twitches to the side. She casts her eyes down a moment, before, "MOVE!" she cries, diving to the side!
06* Alicia doesn't waste any time questioning, instead leaping in the same direction as Antenora without hesitation!
<Kotono> As the two spring away, the ground beneath the two erupts! It bursts out, a rain of black stone and magmadrops raining! The floor is only a few feet thick, a vast sea of magma beneath it glimpsed! However, you only see that a moment, as something rushes out! IT's a worm - a great, scaled worm! It's colors are red and purple, it's circular end a great mouth full of layered teeth!  Lava drips off it, it's body stickin ga good twenty feet up
<Kotono>  it's body stickin ga good twenty feet up and still going beneath! OOC - Initiative.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+4
<Misukibot> Alicia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
<Kotono> roll 1d20+5
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
<Kotono> roll 1d20-1
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{4}
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Worm'
<Kotono> OOC - Go, Alicia.
<Alicia> "Mystra's breath..." Alicia gasps at the gigantic beast that just erupted from the floor. Deciding to get some space, she casts Fly on herself and zooms off fifty feet further away in the same direction she was heading, and ten feet up.
<Kotono> Antenora takes to the air as well, going in the opposite direction as Alicia! "I dislike being stalked," she growls, spear at the ready. Still, her eyes are still wide in surprise, her expression not perfect. "Mistress, do you wish to fight it?"
<Alicia> "Leaving this thing below the city is just asking for trouble," Alicia replies. "But don't risk getting close - if it gets a hold of you you'll be finished. I'll whittle it down with ranged attacks."
<Kotono> "I have less than you to worry of, Mistress. The lava would cook you alive in an instant!" she calls back, flapping about fifteen feet above the air.  As the two of you talk, the worm looks about, making a skittering, screetching noise before it plunges back down beneath the surface and out of sight. OOC - Alicia.
<Alicia> "Well... not like I can shoot it if it's below the surface anyway," Alicia deflates a bit. "It probably tracked us by our footsteps - so long as we stay in the air we should be okay."
<Kotono> "Damn..." Antenora flies around slowly, at the ready, waiting. As you do...
<Kotono> roll 1d100
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=40 ]{40}
<Kotono> A twenty five foot segment of the floor shatters! The worm thrusts it's body upward, leaping about in a segmental thrash! A rain of stone and magma flies, deadly to anyone close! However, it seems to have missed both of you rather largely as it splashes into the magma, on the surface for the moment. It came up near the raised section with the veil of purple flames - you can see that isn't just a part of the surface, but a pillar of solid
<Kotono> pillar of solid stone that extends into the lava, thanks to the now torn up ground near it. (More)
<Kotono> From that, cracks run along much of the ground, crumbling stone under considerable stress! OOc - Alicia, you're up.
06* Alicia flies thirty feet to the left of her previous position and twenty feet up before holding position and waiting for the worm to reappear, intending to magic missile it when it does.
<Alicia> OOC: readied action to MM worm on appearance
<Kotono> OOC: Okay.
<Kotono> Antenora keeps moving as well, a cautious, careful movement around.
<Kotono> roll 1d100
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{74}
<Kotono> The worm erupts out again! It flails up, it's body missing Alicia! However, it's not far from her as it erupts up, chunks of stone and magma flying at her! OOC - Alicia, go ahead and take your readied action.
<Alicia> A series of blue bolts of magical force lance out to impact into the worm's bulk as it breaches the surface!
<Alicia> roll 5d4+5
<Misukibot> Alicia rolled 5d4+5 --> [ 5d4=14 ]{19}
<Kotono> The blue bolts riddle the worm with damage, tearing it's fiery skin! It's enough to make it's descent erratic, body jerking as stone and magma flies towards Alicia! OOC - Ref save.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
<Misukibot> Alicia rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
<Kotono> roll 6d6 fire halved and apply your resistance to this.
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 6d6 fire halved and apply your resistance to this. --> [ 6d6=17 ]{17}
<Kotono> roll 3d6 stone damage, halve this but do not apply fire resistance.
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 3d6 stone damage, halve this but do not apply fire resistance. --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Alicia=Worm'
<Kotono> The rain of fire and stone lashes Alicia, leaving some bruises behind! However, she's only mildly hurt, having taken far worse before! The worm splashes back down into the lava, the floor showing more holes and cracks thanks to it's rampage!
<Kotono> Antenora continues to fly around, waiting and looking at Alicia! OOC - Alicia, you're up.
06* Alicia flies 120 feet away from her current position, almost scraping the ceiling and coming to rest on the other side of the purple curtain of flame. "This could take a long time," she admits under her breath.
<Kotono> As she does, the worm does not erupt out! However, from the various holes in the ground, you can see the lava below starting to churn like a stormy ocean! Antenora looks about, and this time as she drifts a little towards Alicia, but still well far away, "Mistress, it's acting like an intelligent predator. Can we defeat it alone and in a terrain that completely favors it?"
<Alicia> "Not with magic missiles," Alicia admits, looking at the purple flames to see if she can see what's past them. There has to be something worth guarding down here, and she'd like to grab it before she leaves if at all possible.
<Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+1
<Misukibot> Alicia rolled 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{19}
<Alicia> "I'll try to dispel that field and then grab whatever's behind it, then we'll leave," Alicia suggests. "We can come back better prepared now we know what's down there."
<Kotono> AS Alicia speaks, however...
<Kotono> roll 1d100
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=72 ]{72}
<Kotono> Much of the ground -s ave for the purple cloaked platform - explodes out! Great pillars of lava erupt upward, sprays all over! On the surface the great worm thrashes about, it's full length seen! Fifty feet long, throwing it's bulk around in a deadly dance that throws stone and heat about! OOC - Ref save, both ofyou.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+11
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
<Misukibot> Alicia rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
<Kotono> roll 6d6 fire, no point for Antenora here, but you passed your save.
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 6d6 fire, no point for Antenora here, but you passed your save. --> [ 6d6=14 ]{14}
<Kotono> roll 3d6 stone, you can halve this but not apply resistance.
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 3d6 stone, you can halve this but not apply resistance. --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Kotono> The flames burst and stones pelt the two, both of them battered! Antenora winces a few times, starting to fly towards the exit. "I'll continue to keepd istance," Antenora calls. OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia circles around to the other side of the wall of flame and then casts dispel magic upon it.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
<Misukibot> Alicia rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
<Kotono> The purple field does not even buckle to this spell, staying quite intact. As Alicia casts...
<Kotono> roll 1d100
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=99 ]{99}
<Kotono> roll 1d2
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d2 --> [ 1d2=1 ]{1}
<Kotono> The worm buffets up again! This time fortune is with it - for it erupts up right at Alicia, it's body making a savage attack at her!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+15
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{21}
<Alicia> OOC: AC 22
<Kotono> OOC - Touch AC?
<Alicia> OOC: man, you suck. 14
<Kotono> roll 3d8+20
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 3d8+20 --> [ 3d8=14 ]{34}
<Kotono> Alicia is slammed into the ceiling, contact made! She leaves a painful imprint, the worm falling down after!  It leaves her painfully winded, vision swimming! "Mistress!" Antenora calls.
06* Alicia coughs up some blood, reeling somewhat from the blow. She doesn't waste time feeling sorry for herself, instead kicking off the ceiling and flying straight for the stairs back up!
<Kotono> Alicia flies back towards the stairs, making it in there! Antenora is a bit ahead of her, glancing back at the lava room. "How bad is it?" Antenora asks as she ascends upward.
<Alicia> "Put this way, another one of those and you'd be looking for a new Mistress," Alicia replies haggardly, healing herself what little she can as they head back up to the exit.
<Kotono> Antenora continues on at a hurried clip, "We should come back with ice and cold," she murmurs, "Lots of it." The exit is reached wtihout incident, the way ahead the back of the stone slab.
<Alicia> "My thoughts exactly," Alicia agrees, knocking on the slab with her fist. "Elle! If you can hear me, we're ready to leave!" she calls loudly, not really keen to sit around for fifteen minutes waiting here.
<Kotono> You don't hear anything, but...
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
<Kotono> Nothing happens at first...
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16
<Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{32}
<Kotono> After about a minute or two, the stone slab turns to a milimeter of transparent lava, the way out seen.
06* Alicia sighs in relief, hurrying out.
<Kotono> Elle looks the two over as they come out, standing, "How bad was it? The ground shook lightly a few times."
02* Misukibot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit
<Alicia> "Giant lava worm," Alicia explains eloquently, before deigning to elaborate. "There's some field of purple fire surrounding a pillar with some items on it - I couldn't dispel it on my first try. But the ground there was just a thin shell over lava, and we were attacked by this giant worm that kept splashing us with lava and rock." She rubs her chest, still somewhat pained, "Managed to catch me once and slam me right into the ceiling from
<Alicia> ceiling from below."
03* Alicia is now known as Ebiris
Session Time: Tue Jan 08 00:00:00 2008
02* Ebiris (WinNT@user-514c0c51.l1.c5.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (bedtime -=SysReset 2.53=-)
03* Kotono is now known as Koaway
03* Koaway is now known as Tiny_Ko_Army
03* Ebiris (WinNT@user-514dc163.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03* ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03* Ebiris is now known as Alicia
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > Elle looks the two over as they come out, standing, "How bad was it? The ground shook lightly a few times."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> * Misukibot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit
<Tiny_Ko_Army> <Alicia> "Giant lava worm," Alicia explains eloquently, before deigning to elaborate. "There's some field of purple fire surrounding a pillar with some items on it - I couldn't dispel it on my first try. But the ground there was just a thin shell over lava, and we were attacked by this giant worm that kept splashing us with lava and rock." She rubs her chest, still somewhat pained, "Managed to catch me once and slam me right into th
<Tiny_Ko_Army> <Alicia> ceiling from below."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Did you get it?" Elle asks, looking Alicia over as she staggers out.
06* Alicia shakes her head. "It was too hard to hit while it was beneath the surface - managed to hit it with a few magic missiles but spent most of the time dodging. It's not the sort of beast you'd want to get in a melee with," she explains.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Damn. Well then, we'll have to come back ready to fight." Elle thinks as she rubs her chin, "Unless you have any other good ideas of how to deal with it?"
<Alicia> "How are you with cold spells?" Alicia asks. "If we could cool the lava into rock, that would probably take care of it, but we'd need to lower the temperature a huge amount over a wide area."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Cone of Cold's good, and I can look into others," Countess Stronger considers, "The problem is getting me through that gate and then getting us back out."
<Alicia> "No way to hold it open for an extended period?" Alicia asks, looking over the slab. "What about using a spell like teleport or dimension door?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "It should work, but I'd need to study and research these first." Looking back at the glowing red pillar, "I don't see why not, but I'd rather not gamble with something when some effort could ensure there's no risk."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "After all, the man was paranoid enough to go to all this trouble."
06* Alicia shakes her head. "This goes far beyond paranoia - I've no idea how he got such a beast into the city, but we need to get it out. I can't imagine all its thrashing was doing the ground above any favours, and we're probably below people's houses."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Probably near the southern edge of the city, give or take. As for that...I have no idea. I'd guess that book or Kossuth, or maybe both. I'd like to know myself. You don't just casually summon something like that." Looking back at the plain stone slab now, "Let's go back and rest and try again tomorrow?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Or," After a pause, "You go back. I still have work to do with these pillars. I'm starting to be as air headed as..." With a tired shake of her head, "I need some fresh air. These caverns are sizzling my mind."
<Alicia> "The pillars will still be here later on. Come on, we can all get some fresh air - you said you had another resistance spell so you can still come back down here later today if you want," Alicia rationalises.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, you're right." Turning away and starting to walk swiftly, "I don't know how you and the others deal with it all the time. The constant stress and need to analyse complex situations. I'm much happier running a shop in peace."
<Alicia> "I like to think challenges bring out the best in us," Alicia smiles tiredly as they head back the way they came.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> A day of rest from that ordeal refreshes Alicia. Countess Stronger is waiting the next cloudy day outside of Mihail's former abode, a large sack carried along with her. Eyeing the two as they approach, "Rested? I do have a few ideas now."
<Alicia> "I'm all ears," Alicia replies, glancing at the sack curiously.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Let's see. In case it turns to a fight, I have a few scrolls of Cone of Cold. That should wither it should it need direct damage. Also some Ice Storm and Wall of Ice, for all that those will help. Unfortunely, the spell to freeze liquid solid is outside of my grasp, so I couldn't do much with that. Past that? CHarm Monaster and Tongues. If it can communicate and be charmed, it's worth a shot."
<Alicia> "It wasn't entirely mindless, though I'm not sure it's more intelligent than an animal," Alicia glances at Antenora, wondering what her thoughts are.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> On being looked at, "It's worth trying. ..." Antenora eyes Alicia a moment, "Mistress, do you particularly want a pet?"
<Alicia> "We had a dog when I was little. Mangy bad tempered creature... it loved Beth, always rolling over and wagging its tail for her... then growling and biting the hell out of anyone else who came near it," Alicia glowers at nothing in particular, before shaking her head. "No, I don't particularly want a pet. And I'd be happier if we just killed the beast so we don't have to worry about it rolling over and making a few houses collapse."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Touching," Elle eyes Alicia, "Well then, let's get going? It should be safe to dimension door past the pillars, so..."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora's lip twitches upward at that story, "It does sound lik ea good, loyal guardian and less a pet. But as you wish, Mistress."
06* Alicia nods and starts heading into the house. "I think before dealing with the worm we should check out what's behind those purple flames - so long as we fly and don't touch the ground, it probably won't know we're there," she suggests. "I can cast Fly on us both, at least," she adds to the resident wizard.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Good. That's definitely for the best, especially since this is becoming far more expensive than I hoped," AT that, as you head into the warm house, Elle Stronger's expression turns pensive. "Dispel the flames from above and see what's there?
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "
<Alicia> "I can make two attempts at it after getting us both airborne. Hopefully it'll be sufficient... if we're lucky we'll find something that'll help in dealing with the worm."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Then let's go," With that, the way is lead on. To the old laboratory and casted protections, then down the detrapped paths. Down deep into the tunnels of fire and towards the stone slab. Here Elle stops, "I'm going to cast the first Dimension Door now. Come close, both of you."
<Alicia> "One moment," Alicia holds up a hand, proceeding to cast Fly and Shield on herself and then stepping close to Elle to provide her with flight. "So we'll be ready to go on the other side," she explains.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Right," she says, and with that, casts the spell! "Doors of the universe, fly open and transport us to our destination!" With that, the three wink aside - this time to the other side. Antenora stretches her neck and looks downward in the hazy air, starting to walk.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Elle eyes Antenora as she goes, a grimace passing over her features. But she holds her tongue, starting to go as well. "Is it far down?"
06* Alicia follows along behind the erinyes. "Not too far," she replies. "Remember, once we reach the bottom, take off before stepping on the crumbly black rock - I bet it can pick up footsteps from below, so that should give us some time to investigate the warded pillar before dealing with the worm."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Elle nods, lightly taking to t he air as you descend. Antenora joins her, hovering just over the stairs. AS you descend, you can see the bottom. Here, a few pools of black rock have reformed, but the majority of the area is still open lava, as still as a silent sea.
06* Alicia draws Hell Striker just in case it becomes necessary, and then flies up towards the pillar in the centre, keeping her altitude around thirty feet above the broken rock and lava below.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Elle and Antenora follows, the latter taking up the rear and looking down. As you approach the pillar in the lava, "Pretty," Countess Stronger's comment is amused, "I do rather like it. Well then, Alicia?"
<Alicia> "By Mystra's will, let the magic be still!" Alicia chants, gesturing at the flames to dispel them!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
03* Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 23."12 [1d20=13]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Calling on the power of her Goddess, Alicia extinguishes the flames around the pillar! (More)
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The purple fire dissipates slowly, in choking gasps. It reveals what lies below - fragments of a workshop melded into a new one, surrounded by a black iron inlaid pool of magma. Here lies piles of tools and items, erratically placed about in a mad, yet somehow distinctly organized way. It will take time and sorting to get through those. However, the pool of magma as something lying in it's shallow depths. Made of darker magma, a bre
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Made of darker magma, a breastplate, leg greaves, supporting chain mail...a set of armor lies in it, made of elemental fire. It half pokes out of the surface of the magma pool, shimmering hot.
<Alicia> "What an amazingly inconvenient place to put a workshop," Alicia spends a moment just admiring the sheer balls out lunacy of Mihail. After that she casts detect magic and swoops in to take a closer look.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "It does have the charm of being incredibly suiting and...oh, I cannot think of the right word. Insane? Paranoid to the point of pyscosis? Madness? Still, I do rather like the style..." Letting herself observe the little laboratory around, Elle loses herself in it a moment.
<Alicia> OOC: taking 10 on spellcraft for 17 on all appropriate auras
<Alicia> "I recall he mentioned crafting some enchanted armour that he wanted to trade for the services of the Crimson Guard, a while ago," Alicia observes after completing her magical survey, deciding to keep an eye out for worms while the expert gives the workshop a proper examination. "Does Mihail have any next of kin, or will his assets be seized by the kingdom?" she wonders.
<Alicia> "I really can't help but think of the bad impression it would cause for the latter, considering the circumstances..."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I do rather wish to be compensated. Doing this for free leads to me going back on the road rather too quickly." Elle peers down at the stuff, murmuring a few words herself. "I don't know. I never heard about any family, but I'll ask. In the meantime?" Very slowly she descends, hovering over the laboratory. She gingerly starts to look through the items, lifting up a beaker full of smouldering black goo and then a few pages that look
<Tiny_Ko_Army> few pages that look ripped from a tome. "It'ls going to take a few minutes to even get the magical items out of this. Keep watch for me?"
<Alicia> "Doing so," Alicia replies, scanning the broken ground below.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Just for reference, make a spot check for me?
<Alicia> roll 1d20+1
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The lava is shiny. Very shiny, shiny shiny shiny bright bright bright hot hot hot. It bubbles occasionally. Lava is nice. That's about all Alicia can take away from her watchings of the still pool beneath, when at last, "I'm done. Let's see - spellscrolls, a few magical refinement tools, an arrow..." Putting the goods into her sack, "Nothing related to the worm, unless it's in the pool. Alicia, can you have that creature empty the p
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Alicia, can you have that creature empty the pool? The magma shouldn't hurt her."
06* Alicia turns towards Elle, not looking entirely thrilled. Bringing Antenora along had been partly intended to have her get to know someone else outside Alicia's own tiny circle, but it hasn't worked so well at all. "She does have a name, you know. Why don't you ask her yourself?" she suggests.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> At that, Elle looks towards Antenora, "Very well. Antenora, will you empty the pool?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora leans back, stretching. "Well, I suppose I can." With a heavy, too sweet smile, "After all, I live to serve you, wizard. I'll be happy to fluff your pillow next," she flies down past Elle, going to pool, "Or perhaps serve your tea with lunch."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Rolling her eyes, "You're a devil. You know damned well that only a fool wouldn't be keeping an eye on you." Elle shakes her head as Antenora goes down, "Or are all the stories just fluff put out by big, horrible angels to discredit your kind?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, those damned Solars are the worst thing in the world..." Antenora shakes her head, quietly. "Maybe I deserve it." With a light shrug, "But you're still being a bitch, and it doesn't take a devil to want to shove a spear in your ribs, does it? Or is this just fear, hm?"
<Alicia> "Keeping an eye on her doesn't mean you have to be rude," Alicia points out, hoping to defuse things now that Antenora has at least got in a reply to Elle's own harsh words. "Antenora has proven herself trustworthy, as far as I'm concerned."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "If I was afraid of you, I'd send you back whence you came," Tossing her hair, a hint of distaste comes in Elle's eyes. "Alicia speaks of you and speaks of you well." A sidelong glance at the paladin, but her attention stays on the Erinyes. "Even if so..." At that, Countess Stronger goes silent for now.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Why thank you, Mistress," Antenora picks up the pieces of armor slowly, carrying them in her arms. The armor stays solid, despite being magma. Her arms are full, the pool emptied. "I'll kill you quickly and make the Countess watch when I lead the forces of the Hells to take this city, then."
<Alicia> "You really must watch that sarcastic streak of yours, Antenora," Alicia sighs. "It does you no favours at all."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Charming as a brick," Countess Stronger retorts, "Go place that armor well upstairs, near the stone slab. We can deal with the worm after."

[Corwin]

<Alicia> [20:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "If I was afraid of you, I'd send you back whence you came," Tossing her hair, a hint of distaste comes in Elle's eyes. "Alicia speaks of you and speaks of you well." A sidelong glance at the paladin, but her attention stays on the Erinyes. "Even if so..." At that, Countess Stronger goes silent for now.
<Alicia> [20:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Why thank you, Mistress," Antenora picks up the pieces of armor slowly, carrying them in her arms. The armor stays solid, despite being magma. Her arms are full, the pool emptied. "I'll kill you quickly and make the Countess watch when I lead the forces of the Hells to take this city, then."
<Alicia> [20:43] <Alicia> "You really must watch that sarcastic streak of yours, Antenora," Alicia sighs. "It does you no favours at all."
<Alicia> [20:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Charming as a brick," Countess Stronger retorts, "Go place that armor well upstairs, near the stone slab. We can deal with the worm after."
<Kotono> Antenora does so, going back and forth twice with the flaming armor. On finishing, "Now what, Mistress?" she says, glancing down at the lava.
<Alicia> "Now I suppose we should lure out the worm so we can kill it?" Alicia asks. "I could try dropping some caltrops on the ground at some place while we're all in position further away so we can hit it as soon as it comes up to attack the noise?"
<Alicia> "Either that or a ghost sound cantrip would probably work to get its attention."
<Kotono> "I can be ready with Cone of Cold to get it as soon as it rears up," Countess Stronger asserts, "If we're lucky it will do it in with one shot."
<Alicia> "May luck be with us, then. Whatever happens, though, I suggest keeping your distance - if the worm manages to grab a hold of you, it'll be all over," Alicia cautions, floating a bit to the side of the pillar. "I'll aim for there," she points to the ground below, casting a cantrip to send a spray of shiny metal caltrops tinkling down to impact upon the surface, hopefully making the worm think dinner has arrived.
<Alicia> As soon as she casts her spell, she backs off sixty feet away horizontally, remaining thirty feet high in the air, and keeps an eye on that spot in readiness to attack as soon as the worm appears.
<Kotono> Countess Stronger flies up about twenty five feet away, ready and perched. Antenora keeps more distance, then, 'Mistress,' she asks silently, 'Will you wish for me to intervene?'
<Alicia> 'I'd suggest against it, unless you think you can get in to stab it and get away before it can retaliate. It could probably swallow you whole, given a chance,' Alicia warns.
Session Close: Wed Jan 09 20:58:32 2008

Session Start: Wed Jan 09 20:58:32 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora>Alicia=Worm'
03* Set by Kotono on Mon Jan 07 22:59:08
<Kotono> The ground ripples and shatters, the lava splashing outward! Lava and a few small chunks of stone fly, but none too close as the worm erupts up! "Now! Be frozen by a cylender of the harshest ice! May the Lady bind your soul with the embrace of the bitter cold!"
<Kotono> roll 10d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 29."12 [10d6=1, 1, 3, 6, 4, 1, 6, 1, 5, 1]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
06* Alicia looses off a barrage of magic missiles as soon as the worm emerges!
<Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 15."12 [5d4=1, 1, 3, 2, 3]
02* ShaiHulud (~corwin@bzq-79-178-79-204.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Kotono> On one side, magical missiles slam into the worm! It's fiery skin is pierced by blue bolts! IT starts to jerk from them, but on the other side, a cone of perfect frost envelops it! It's able to twist out of it slightly, but still thrashes wildly as patches of ice form over it's body! It lets loose an inhuman, vicious screetch at that, slinking quickly back into the lava!
06* Alicia moves forty feet to the right of her current position and keeps an eye out for the beast's return.
<Kotono> Elle quickly drifts upward and away, watching and waiting! Tense seconds pass, each one a little too long for peace of mind. The lava continues to stir around, starting to go quicker, faster. It churns in a clockwise, circular pattern, almost like a whirlpool.
<Alicia> "I think it's up to something," Alicia warns. "We should get some distance." Putting action to words, she flies back to ensure she's at least a hundred feet away from focal point of the whirlpool.
<Kotono> It's just off the center left of the area, a swirling pit. Antenora does the same, with Countess Stronger drifting back towards the stairs up. "I'm just ready to shoot at it again if I get another chance."
06* Alicia takes a moment to cast message so they don't have to yell to coordinate. That thing probably has great hearing. "Well, it's sure doing more than just hiding down there... but what's it planning?" she wonders.
<Kotono> The pool of lava continues to intensify! In the center is a twenty feet deep whirlpool, swirling like an inferno. Yet in the center, you can see something glowing a deeper red, a point of it. "Preparing to toss lava around? Elle ventures, "Or trying to suck us in?"
<Alicia> "I've no idea..." Alicia replies uncertainly, continuing to maintain a considerable distance.
<Kotono> The lava starts to churn like an unhappy ocean, a whirlpool of scorching rock! Faster and faster, swifter and swifter!  You catch a few glimpses of the lava worm, going about at a frantic, maddening pace! In the center, you can see the red light - it's not overly big - starting to shake!
03* CC is now known as Corwin
03* ChanServ sets mode: +o Corwin
<Alicia> If Alicia can see the lava worm, it's susceptible to magic missiles! And so she does indeed shoot it, hoping to throw off its rhythm.
<Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 17."12 [5d4=3, 2, 1, 2, 4]
<Kotono> Alicia fires quickly, lancing the swimming worm's side with bolts! THis makes it's movements become erratic, it's body thrasing about! The whirlpool ends abruptly, the lava swirl collapsing and then gushing about in a frantic storm! None of it is high enough to get at you, though, do to the falling whirlpool.
<Alicia> "That could've been really bad if it kept up," Alicia gasps, seeing the tumult of lava. "See if you can spot it and hit it with magic missiles if it doesn't breach the surface?" she suggests to Elle, keeping an eye out for further opportunities to attack.
<Kotono> "Mystra..." Elle murmurs, flying up a little higher. "Good shot, I wasn't thinking of that." She nods, as the worm is currently out of view. The lava starts to settle for the moment, a great rocking sea beneath you.
06* Alicia maintains her high altitude and begins to circle around the cavern, eyes scanning the lava below for her prey.

[Corwin]

<Alicia> [19:36] <Kotono> Alicia fires quickly, lancing the swimming worm's side with bolts! THis makes it's movements become erratic, it's body thrasing about! The whirlpool ends abruptly, the lava swirl collapsing and then gushing about in a frantic storm! None of it is high enough to get at you, though, do to the falling whirlpool.
<Alicia> [19:38] <Alicia> "That could've been really bad if it kept up," Alicia gasps, seeing the tumult of lava. "See if you can spot it and hit it with magic missiles if it doesn't breach the surface?" she suggests to Elle, keeping an eye out for further opportunities to attack.
<Alicia> [19:39] <Kotono> "Mystra..." Elle murmurs, flying up a little higher. "Good shot, I wasn't thinking of that." She nods, as the worm is currently out of view. The lava starts to settle for the moment, a great rocking sea beneath you.
<Alicia> [19:40] * Alicia maintains her high altitude and begins to circle around the cavern, eyes scanning the lava below for her prey.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The sea of lava continues to rock back an dforth, slowly settling. The small bits of formed floor are swept away from this, the pool once again uncovered. As it does, it seems to go silent, quiet. Restful and awaiting...
<Alicia> "It might be hiding until it recovers its wounds..." Alicia muses. "Any ideas to lure it out?" she asks her companions.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora looks downward, "Try throwing something into the magma?" she suggests, "See if that gets it's attention?"
<Alicia> "Worth a shot, I suppose," Alicia casts the caltrops cantrip again, sending a spray of glittering metal spikes downwards, some which clatter off the remaining rocks while others splash into the glowing lava below. She then promptly moves thirty feet away from where she just dropped them.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The caltrops splash below! The sound is heard along with a sizzling hiss! Then...like a hurricane erupting out, the worm bursts forth, spraying lava nearly to Alicia, a few flecks hitting her, but her wards good enough.
<Alicia> OOC: init or do we get a surprise round?
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Go ahead and act.
<Alicia> As soon as the worm bursts upwards, Alicia thrusts a hand in its direction, loosing off a spray of magic missiles that spiral out before converging to strike against its bulk in quick succession!
<Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 20."12 [5d4=1, 3, 3, 4, 4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Elle does the same, chanting, "Unerring missiles, just tear this pest apart!"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 5d4+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 5d4+5 and gets 19."12 [5d4=2, 3, 3, 3, 3]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Two sets of magical missiles sweep the lava worm, tearing into it's skin! It's body rocks back and forth as it begins to frantically toss around the chambers! It's recklessly going around, throwing lava and it's body everywhere! OOC - Initiative.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
<Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 13."12 [1d20=9]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+2
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20-1
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20-1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=14]
03* Tiny_Ko_Army changes topic to 'Stronger>Worm=Antenora=Alicia'
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Countess Stronger begins to chant, her fingers drawing misty-freezing runes in the air! "I call the wrath of the bitterest artic storms! Freeze and bludgeon this irritation to nothing!" Above, a hailstorm erupts, battering down on the worm!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 3d6
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 3d6 and gets 11."12 [3d6=6, 1, 4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 2d6
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 2d6 and gets 8."12 [2d6=4, 4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Steam gushes out as magical hailstones slam into the worm and lava, a storm that aseems to only drive the worm madder! But it's skin shows the injuries, the frozen parts turning an unhealthy looking shade of black-blue! OOC - Alicia and pretty  much everything is up.
<Alicia> OOC: my action is pending on what the worm does - if it lunges at me I'll stab it, anything else will result in magic missile spam
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d100 and gets 11."12 [1d100=11]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> In a blind fury, the worm thrases about! Luck is with Alicia, it's body doesn't come close to any of her friends or herself! However, gushes of lava fly about without mercy, spraying without discrimination! OOC - Ref save.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+6
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+6 and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 6d6
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 6d6 and gets 19."12 [6d6=3, 3, 3, 3, 1, 6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The laval is a steaming storm, but none of it is enough to get past the wards so set, and Antenora doesn't even look bothered! She does glance at Alicia, as...OOC: Alicia?
06* Alicia seems fairly unbothered by the few globs of lava coming her way as she gestures at the worm once more to hurl a barrage of magic missiles at it, before flying back sixty feet to expand the distance between them.
<Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 17."12 [5d4=2, 1, 4, 4, 1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> More magical missiles strike the worm! At this, it shudders and stops - with a last screetch, it splashes down and sinks into the lava, vanishing below!
<Alicia> "Think that killed it?" Alicia asks, peering warily at where the worm sank. Did it sort of go rigid or was it a deliberate dive under the magma?
<Tiny_Ko_Army> It did seem to go straight down, unmoving and a hard sink. "Maybe," Elle calls, "We did get several shots in."
<Alicia> "I expected it to take longer, but it did seem to sieze up," Alicia agrees. "If it's not dead, chances are it will be, soon."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Good," Elle looks downward, at the center pillar. Lava sizzles on it, splashes from the battle proper tossed about.
<Alicia> "Well, I suppose we're done, for now... we'll need to make sure this cavern isn't going to cause problems on the ground above, but at least we won't have a psychotic giant worm rolling around and making things worse."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Let's gather what we can and get out," Elle starts to descend towards the center carefully, "WE'll sort it out outside."
<Alicia> "Right," Alicia agrees, floating down towards the pillar and content to follow Elle's directions in what to gather up before they leave.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> ----------
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The next day is a quiet one for Alicia. On rising at the dawn, she can hear sounds outside - the sounds of steel and wood, focused and furious.
<Alicia> Such sounds are not entirely unusual outside Alicia's home, but they ususally come from her and Antenora sparring. Since one of them is definitely not outside, that makes the noise passing strange. Going to the window, Alicia opens the shutters and leans out to investigate.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Outside, you see Antenora practicing. Her spear is out as she works, determined. While she wears her illusionary ribbon, she does occasionally take ever so slightly to the air, seeming to practice going back and forth. Her mood looks sour, however, tearing into the wooden dummy with abandon.
<Alicia> Well, if she wants to stay in shape then good for her. Alicia doesn't let it interrupt her routine, cleaning herself and getting dressed as normal before she heads out to fetch some water, then returning to perform her own morning exercises prior to breakfast when Jessica gets up. "You're eager, today," she observes of the Erinyes, limbering up as she approaches the cleared area of her garden where they practice.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Several dummies are nothing but ruined wood by the time Alicia gets to Antenora. Antenora stops as she impales the head of another dummy, turning back to Alicia. "I may as well," she says at last.
<Alicia> "What's that mean?" Alicia asks after a brief glance at the trashed dummies. They're too far gone for Mending to help... but it's getting to the time of year where they need more firewood, anyway.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora replies by ripping her spear out of the dummy, a crude gesture that sends more wood to the ground. "It means that these dummies are useful."
<Alicia> "I suppose so..." Alicia murmurs, approaching the still mostly intact dummy and casting a brief spell to mend its 'wounds'. "Practice does keep the body and mind sharp, after all." She cocks her head towards the fiend, "Feeling restless after your spending so long in bed?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Close enough." Antenora turns to the next dummy, eyeing it balefully. "Dummies, if nothing else, are never confusing."
<Alicia> "So very true," Alicia agrees, giving Antenora some space to resume her efforts as she starts performing her own exercises.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> There is fighting and sparring to be had, Antenora quiet for most of it. After that breakfast is had, Jessica cheerful this morning as she talks about the book she's reading. After that, Alicia heads out to walk to the garrison. However, as she heads out, a young man in a gold colored breastplate approaches Alicia. "Miss Renyes?" he calls. "Alicia Renyes?"
<Alicia> "Reynes," Alicia corrects as she turns to regard the man. "How may I help you?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> He bows deeply and politely, "I'm in the employ of Eudard of Torm. He would like it if you came to the Temple of Torm he is having built when you have time."
<Alicia> "Very well, I will attend if my duties permit it," Alicia replies. "Thank you for delivering the message."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> He smiles at that, "Oh yes. He would ask for you to come alone. It is a private discussion, even if a ward may mean well."
<Alicia> "I understand," Alicia replies cooly, now rather certain that the discussion will resolve around said ward. "I will be along at the first opportunity, Mr...?" she trails off expectantly for the man's name.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Young." He shrugs a little, "Don't mind me - Torm's interesting and I'm learning, but it's also just a job." With a lopsided smile, "Honor to meet you, though."
<Alicia> "I hope you find what you're looking for in Torm's service, then, Mr Young," Alicia replies pleasantly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to be about my duties. Good day to you." Nodding at that, she then continues her walk to the garrison.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Are you going to go see him any time soon? What's next hinges on that.
<Alicia> OOC: It depends entirely on whether Obureth has anything for me to do. If not then sure I'll go right along. If not I'll do whatever I'm ordered to do, first.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Nothing out of the ordinary today, just your normal routine.
<Alicia> OOC: then lets drop in on the temple of torm~
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The being constructed Temple of Torm looks like it will be a modest but striking building. It is half done, a front hall loosely made and the rest being built. It is made entirely of white stones, yet has beginning to be inlaid streaks of gold, designed to resemble dragonscales. Workers go at it, laboring away all around. You walk inside the still undoored fron entrance, into the hall. Here you find an altar and about half a collect
<Tiny_Ko_Army> half a collection of pews. Eudard awaits, the workings eyeing Alicia. As she enters, they quietly stop working and shuffle out.
06* Alicia pauses in the middle of the pews, watching the workers file past her for a moment and feeling some vague misgivings. Still, she shouldn't assume the worst, and after that momentary pause, she resumes approaching. "Good morning, Sir Eudard," she greets him politely. "I received your message from Mr Young."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard turns, wearing armor and sword. He walks to Alicia, extending his hand out. "Good morning. I welcome you to the home of Torm in this land, even if it is still a humble construction."
06* Alicia grasps the extended hand and shakes. "Humility is commendable," she notes. "I prefer such understated furnishings, anyway. Has more dignity."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "The money's better used on more practical matters, but even so, some bits of lavishness are sometimes called for." The handshake is strong, a calloused and capable grip. "The matters of temple decor are not worth such time and discussion, though."
<Alicia> "I assume you requested my presence for more than idle chat, yes," Alicia replies expectantly.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, there's a matter that's come to my attention." Eudard lets his hand go back to his side, "Your ward, Antenora?"
<Alicia> "There's no need to be coy," Alicia says, idly leaning a hand on one of the nearby pews. "I could tell you looked, at our first meeting. If Torm illuminates evil for you as Mystra does for me, you clearly saw her shining like a rotten beacon."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, this does create a problem," Eudard listens, standing about five feet away from Alicia. "What is she?"
<Alicia> "Perhaps, though I am not sure that it is *your* problem," Alicia replies firmly. "As evil as she may be - and I have my suspicions that appearances can be deceptive - she has done nothing wrong in her time, here."
02* Tai{slwwpwr} (user@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "The radiance of evil is always my problem," Eudard's voice is steady, as is his gaze into Alicia's eyes. "Do you think I can stand aside to that?"
<Alicia> "What do you propose to do, then?" Alicia asks calmly, meeting that gaze.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I ask of you something. I implore you to answer honestly - why is this creature in your home and under your protection?" Eudard's eyes are hard, inquiring, as if to peer into Alicia's mind.
<Alicia> "Because she seeks to better herself," Alicia replies firmly. "That is all the reason I need."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Do you believe it, truly?" Eudard presses, not looking away, gazing deeper and deeper in. "That evil around her, she is no ordinary human, is she?"
<Alicia> "No, she is not. She is tainted by the lower planes, and has many black deeds to her name," Alicia's gaze is unflinching in return. "But, in the time she has been under my care, she has started to learn more of the world and herself. The way is long, and far from assured, but I believe in her potential. And as long as she walks towards redemption, I will walk with her."

[Corwin]

<Tiny_Ko_Army> <Alicia> "Because she seeks to better herself," Alicia replies firmly. "That is all the reason I need."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > "Do you believe it, truly?" Eudard presses, not looking away, gazing deeper and deeper in. "That evil around her, she is no ordinary human, is she?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> <Alicia> "No, she is not. She is tainted by the lower planes, and has many black deeds to her name," Alicia's gaze is unflinching in return. "But, in the time she has been under my care, she has started to learn more of the world and herself. The way is long, and far from assured, but I believe in her potential. And as long as she walks towards redemption, I will walk with her."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Do you believe that she tells  you the truth, or that it is just pretty words? Has she charmed her way into your friendship? Has she given you visions of glory  in the eyes of the Gods? Perhaps she has given you whispers of power, promising to show you things? Or perhaps..she has even stolen your heart and taken to your side? Can you say none of those are true and that her heart and intent are pure?" Eudard challenges, "Can you say
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Can you say that she means it truly and without reservation?"
<Alicia> "Of course not," Alicia counters without hesitation. "You can't expect someone to change overnight - especially someone of her nature. Every moment for her is a struggle against her 'natural' impulses - a struggle that she has nonetheless won, thus far." Her eyes narrow, "Let me tell you a little, Eudard of Torm, about just how Antenora has proven herself."
<Alicia> "When the paladin Demedais fell from a fast moving platform into a yawning chasm, she leapt after him without a moment's hesitation, injuring her arm severely as she arrested his fall. When an Assassin Devil was sent to slay me in my sleep, she gave me the warning that turned a fatal stabbing into a flesh wound, and then proceeded to slay the devil in my defence."
<Alicia> "When I was tasked to rescue the souls of innocent celestials and heroes from the 5th layer of Hell, it was her knowledge of the layout and defences of the fiendish museum that ensured our success despite overwhelming opposition."
<Alicia> Taking a deep breath, Alicia regards Eudard levelly. "Her actions have spoken louder than any pretty words ever could."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Your deeds speak well of you," Eudard begins, speaking slow. "Yet even with that, I fear you underestimate the danger you hold. Is Hell not persistant and devils not guileful? I worry, I worry that you walk a road that has an end covered in black. I worry for you, that your path of righteousness will lead to Hell by the best intentions." AT this, he stops, his eyes still locked with Alicia's. "What of the danger to those besides yo
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "What of the danger to those besides yourself?"
<Alicia> "Should Antenora turn on us, we have ways in which to bring her to heel," Alicia replies guardedly. "Until that happens, however, she enjoys the same protections as anyone else. I will not cause suffering to someone simply because they are a potential threat," she concludes resolutely.
<Alicia> "And I was discussing Antenora's deeds, not mine," she adds.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard is quiet, "Then what if she obscures your path in your trust. What if you begin to walk the same dark path as her? What if in her openness she slowly perverts your vision until you are as she is?"
<Alicia> "As she is?" Alicia raises an eyebrow as she repeats the phrasing. "As she is, Antenora is a very confused person, wracked with well-hidden guilt for her past, yet unable to meaningfully comprehend her future, desperately seeking some form of clarity and direction." She sighs softly, "But I know that's not what you meant. You meant what if I become as you *think* she is. And I have no good answer to that, for it is not something I can fo
<Alicia> eant. You meant what if I become as you *think* she is. And I have no good answer to that, for it is not something I
<Alicia> something I can forsee."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> This draws a silence at last, the half finished temple dreadfully quiet. For a moment, no sounds at all, like a ceasefire after a bitter battle. "Give me your word, Alicia. If you fear that you are falling from your path or realise, even if it's in a confused moment, that you are changing away from your calling? Come to me."
06* Alicia bristles a little bit. "My calling is between the Lady of Mysteries and myself. If I find myself doubting, I will seek counsel from within my own faith," she answers primly.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Alicia." Eudard's voice sharpens, "You consort with darkness, even with good intentions. Do not turn away from Torm as well. It is a small first step off your path."
<Alicia> "I am not turning away from a God I have never once regarded," Alicia fires back, honestly somewhat aggrieved. First Eladi said her oath was fragile, and now this? Does she really seem so weak-willed? "Do what you must, Eudard, but do not presume any responsibility for my path."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I will do what I must. May your choices be wise ones and not your downfall." At that, Eudard looks towards the door. "Go then. Torm will watch you."
<Alicia> There's something almost ominous in that phrasing, compared to the normal benediction of 'may so and so watch over you', Alicia reflects. Still, she's not some uncultured barbarian, and so manages a polite, "Blessings of the Weave upon you," in reply before departing.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The day passes. But at dinner, Alicia finds a pleasant thing. The meal is already made. Jessica smiles a bit, "It's not great, but it shouldn't be too bad," she says, "Eat a bit, sister."
<Alicia> "This is a nice surprise," Alicia smiles after a hard day of training guardsmen, settling down at the table. "Thank you, Jessica," she commends her sister, digging in.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The food's solid enough, not great, but edible. "I tried. I spent most of the day talking with Antenora," she says, "She's good for perspective."
<Alicia> "She does have a unique one," Alicia agrees, before gesturing at her meal, "This is good, by the way," she compliments before going on, "So, are you two getting along better, now?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "...at the end of the day, yes. She laughed at me a lot, though." At that, Jessica puts down her fork. "When I told her the box story, she thought it was hilarious."
<Alicia> "She... has an odd sense of humour, yes..." Alicia nods a bit awkwardly. "Though to be honest, it's one not entirely dissimilar to what yours used to be like. Very morbid."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Was it? I was like that? Ugh." Jessica's color drops a few shades towards white. "Then again...she gave me good advice, sort of."
<Alicia> "Really? What advice did she give?" Alicia asks curiously.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "She said 'Stop whining about someone thinking you're a thief. Knowing all the whining you did about it and with your sister, you'll end up an old lady drowning in grandchildren and waiting to be taken to Celestial or Elysium or wherever.' Then she looked at me and grinned darkly and..." Jessica shivers all over, "She made this image in the air and said, 'Unless you'd like to go there again?'. It wasn't...a  good place. But...It kin
<Tiny_Ko_Army> But...It kind of got the point across."
06* Alicia puts a hand against her face in despair for a moment. "She showed you that, again?" she asks, horrified. "By Mystra, the woman has no concept at all of tact." Sighing, she explains, "That was Hell, where you lost your memories. It's where the lawful evil dead go, but we went there to rescue innocent souls that had been unjustly imprisoned."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh. Well...I really don't want to go there," Jessica blushes, "She said as long as I kept that guilt and acted good I'd never see it. She said you were seconds away from dying to save me from that. Heh, she got kind of mad there and worked up. She said that I'd be just fine now, that it's in my blood to be good like my sister. She rather stomped off after that."
<Alicia> "Heh," Alicia smiles faintly. "Yes, I almost did die... it was the last thing you did, before losing your memories, rescuing me. I'd say that more than settles the score between us."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I don't like to think about it much," Jessica gets up, finishing her food. "Thanks, sister." Going into the kitchen and getting to work, "Anyway, Antenora went off. Said something about flying."
<Alicia> "It's best to put it behind you, yes," Alicia agrees as Jessica departs, polishing off the rest of her own meal before going to wash up.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> As Alicia rests, the early night is disturbed by someone knocking on her bedroom door.
06* Alicia sits up a bit groggily and rubs her eyes. Well, an assassin wouldn't knock, so that's a plus. Standing up out of bed, she tosses her nightgown on before softly calling, "Come in."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The door opens. Antenora is there, clad in her illusions. "Mistress," she looks Alicia over in passing.
<Alicia> "Evening, Antenora," Alicia replies, murmuring a brief cantrip to cast light upon her table lamp to provide illumination in the darkened room. "What brings you here, so late?"
02* Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (blahsickbaarnsaletrjhnb.)
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I ran into someone unfavorable," Antenora states, before closing the door and leaning against it.
<Alicia> "Really?" Alicia wonders if this will relate to her encounter with Torm's faithful. "What happened?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I was returning through the old section of Balmuria. A young man came up to me and asked if I lived with 'Sir Alicia'." Antenora's face twists into a smile then, "When I said yes, he spat on me and called me a worthless assassin. He said that I burn in the Hells."
<Alicia> "Damn... he must have thought you were my sister," Alicia shakes her head in annoyance. "I suppose it can't be helped that people would get their own ideas - rumours must spread from the guards easily enough." Straightening, she regards Antenora, "I'm sorry you had to put up with that. What did you do after he accosted you?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I laughed. Really, it was most amusing." Antenora continues on, voice almost light. "I walked away. He was nothing more than a casual irritation, and one not worth dealing with. He was rather shaken by my response and didn't follow." At that, she leans on the door, "Yes, it was aimed for your sister. You know now."
<Alicia> "I suppose from your perspective it may be little to be concerned with... I worry how Jessica would take such an encounter, however," Alicia muses sadly. "If it weren't for all this business with Daa-vid, it'd be far simpler to just leave Balmuria and not have to worry about such things."

[Corwin]

<Tiny_Ko_Army> ---
<Tiny_Ko_Army> <Alicia> "Damn... he must have thought you were my sister," Alicia shakes her head in annoyance. "I suppose it can't be helped that people would get their own ideas - rumours must spread from the guards easily enough." Straightening, she regards Antenora, "I'm sorry you had to put up with that. What did you do after he accosted you?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > "I laughed. Really, it was most amusing." Antenora continues on, voice almost light. "I walked away. He was nothing more than a casual irritation, and one not worth dealing with. He was rather shaken by my response and didn't follow." At that, she leans on the door, "Yes, it was aimed for your sister. You know now."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> <Alicia> "I suppose from your perspective it may be little to be concerned with... I worry how Jessica would take such an encounter, however," Alicia muses sadly. "If it weren't for all this business with Daa-vid, it'd be far simpler to just leave Balmuria and not have to worry about such things."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Why not? After all, running away worked for me." Antenora's expression turns darker, her smile twisting down.
02* Alicia (WinNT@user-5af24024.tcl120.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03* Alicia (WinNT@user-5af24024.tcl120.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Why not? After all, running away worked for me." Antenora's expression turns darker, her smile twisting down.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > ---
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > <Alicia> "Damn... he must have thought you were my sister," Alicia shakes her head in annoyance. "I suppose it can't be helped that people would get their own ideas - rumours must spread from the guards easily enough." Straightening, she regards Antenora, "I'm sorry you had to put up with that. What did you do after he accosted you?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > > "I laughed. Really, it was most amusing." Antenora continues on, voice almost light. "I walked away. He was nothing more than a casual irritation, and one not worth dealing with. He was rather shaken by my response and didn't follow." At that, she leans on the door, "Yes, it was aimed for your sister. You know now."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > <Alicia> "I suppose from your perspective it may be little to be concerned with... I worry how Jessica would take such an encounter, however," Alicia muses sadly. "If it weren't for all this business with Daa-vid, it'd be far simpler to just leave Balmuria and not have to worry about such things."
03* Alicia is now known as Ebiris
<Tiny_Ko_Army> > "Why not? After all, running away worked for me." Antenora's expression turns darker, her smile twisting down.
03* ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03* Ebiris is now known as Alicia
<Alicia> "Perhaps it did," Alicia admits. "But I don't think we can run far enough to be unaffected when Daa-vid returns. Since we weakened the seals, we're obligated to see this through to the end."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Quiet at first, no immediate reply from Antenora. When she does speak, it's after a slightly too stretched out pause. "Mistress," she asks, long. "...Good night." Antenora turns away, opening the door to leave.
<Alicia> "Before you go," Alicia speaks up as Antenora turns to the door, "I should return your warning with another - you remember that paladin of Torm that visited us a while back? Eudard?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes?" Antenora stops walking out, looking back to Alicia.
<Alicia> "He asked me to meet him at his new temple, the subject of discussion being you," Alicia explains. "I gave what I thought was a rather nice speech in your defence, but he wasn't impressed, and thought it more likely that I'll probably end up as some cackling villain," her expression is somewhat distasteful.
<Alicia> "I told him to do what he thought best, but the whole thing was rather ominous. Since you're spending a lot more time going out on your own, now, you should be careful if you run into him or any of his followers."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Very well, Mistress." Antenora listens at the end, before rolling her eyes. "Cackling villain?"
<Alicia> "It's a storied cliche, but one that isn't entirely outside of reality from what I've seen," Alicia shrugs, before eyeing Antenora levelly. "Don't say you wouldn't have enjoyed a cathartic laugh if you'd defeated us with your dominated dragon, that time."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh yes. If I'd subdued you and knew who you were? Surely my masters would be interested in those who unleashed Zquujaj to begin with,"  Her smile turns icy, frozen as Cania itself. "It might have been enough to make me go back."
<Alicia> "And on that charming note, good night and sweet dreams, Antenora," Alicia replies dryly. Before adding, "And I once again have to reiterate that I had nothing to do with the liberation of that pit fiend."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, yes. Maybe I'd have kept you as a pet?" Antenora's smile quirks up, oddly so. It looks almost...bright when she does that. "Sleep well, Mistress." With that she closes the door and leaves.
06* Alicia shakes her head ruefully, dismissing her light spell and climbing back into bed to sleep.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> A few days pass in peace. On a rainy, windswept day that has people avoiding going outside, Alicia is summoned to the garrison. Commander Oberuth meets her in his office, still wet from the weather outside. "Rest and sit down," he gestures to a chair. "Miserable weather."
<Alicia> "Rather reminds me of home," Alicia can't help but observe with a nostalgic smile as she seats herself.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Mmm. Does it rain much in Kelara?" Commander Oberuth inquires. "I've never been out that far west."
<Alicia> "We get hot and dry Summers, and it's warmer the whole year 'round, but it rains almost constantly in the other seasons," Alicia explains.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Ah." Putting that aside with a gesture, "Regardless though, I didn't call you here to get soaked and talk over pleasantries."
<Alicia> "I assumed not," Alicia nods, waiting expectantly to get to business.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'd like for you to get some familiarity with the borderlands in case the MAlmuthian situation degenerates further. Therefore, I want you to follow along with a border patrol today. You'l be sweeping from the plains to the edge of the Barbarian Lands."
<Alicia> "Alright," Alicia nods. "When will we set out?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Half an hour." Commander Oberuth stops at that, "If you bring Antenora along, make sure she dresses as some sort of unremarkable soldier. I'd normally rather not have anything like that along, but damned if I can think of a better place for her than with you."
<Alicia> "Her new armour is pretty fancy, but I suppose she can easily toss a cloak on. Can't do much about her spear, but it doesn't stand out too much at a distance, anyway," Alicia reasons. "I'll go pick her up then meet theh patrol at the gates or here?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Gates is fine. I'll havet them waiting for you," Oberuth waves a hand, "I don't think it'll be overly dangerous, unless you run into a war band or goblins."
<Alicia> "Hopefully no one will feel like running around causing trouble in this weather," Alicia hopes, standing up and saluting. "By your leave, sir," she offers before departing.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: SKip along?
<Alicia> OOC: surely
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The rain continues to fall. Antenora, despite a cloak, is soon soaked. So is Alicia but such things cannot be helped on a day like this. In the pouring rains, four guardsmen wait. They are lead by Biggs, all of them looking rather unhappy. "Sir," he salutes to Alicia. "The horses have been prepared. We'll leave at you're leisure."
06* Alicia salutes back. "Lets get moving, then. No sense standing around in the rain, after all."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> *Wedge. D'oh, got my low level guards mixed up. >_<
<Alicia> OOC: does it matter?
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: IN theory.
<Alicia> OOC: I guess Wedge is less likely to hit on us, so win.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The trip begins! For the first part, Alicia sees two things. Rain and plains, skirting around near the border. It's good land, plains and quite likely arable. However, most of it is empty, the border enforced. It's very empty - no traders on the road, just a silent land awaiting.
06* Alicia makes conversation in the absence of other distractions, asking her companions about the last war with Malmuth and what sort of tactics were used.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Wedge listens along, "Mostly massed formations versus gurella tactics. To be honest, a lot of the time they weren't that good," Wedge adds with his own little observation. "When we found out later that the situation in Malmuth had so completely degenerated, it explained things rather nicely."
<Alicia> "Makes sense," Alicia nods. "Hopefully things won't come that far, again, but... I find myself worrying it's a forlorn hope."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The guards shuffle at that, as you ride along the plains. Amid the steady, pounding rain Antenora listens as well, keeping a distance. "We can at least stand up to 'em better now," Wedge says. "If they want a fight, we'll give them one, sir."
<Alicia> "I'm sure they know that," Alicia replies. "That's the problem - it sounds like Malmuth was overconfident in the last war, but now, considering how we've dealt with foes that they couldn't defeat, you can be sure they won't take the Baronies lightly, if it comes to that."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> One of the other soldiers nods at that, a young man. "But we won't lose with you and the Crimson Guard, ma'am. Right?...ah, sir!" he adds at the end hastily.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "No, she's right," Wedge frowns as he says this. "If they take a really big swing at us, they're still a helluva lot bigger.":
<Alicia> "The Crimson Guard can't be everywhere. Although, that said, we're very lucky to have the mountains as a barrier," she gestures at the peaks looming up to the Southwest, "It gives us far less ground to defend, negating a lot of their numerical advantage."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Still...meh." WEdge shakes his head, "We can break for lunch then do the northern swing," he says, "With your leave, sir."
<Alicia> "This is your patrol, sergeant," Alicia demurs. "We'll do as you see fit."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Let's break," Wedge declares. Lunch goes without incident - it's just quiet out here in the rain. The second part of the trip passes slowly enough, coming to little clusters of trees to break up the plains. At this point, however, one of the men stops. "S-sir!" he says abruptly.
<Alicia> "What is it, Parsons?" Alicia turns towards the soldier, trying to see what's got his attention.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> He points at the far horizon, a set of trees about. "Did you s-see that?"
06* Alicia looks in the indicated direction. "See what?" she asks, peering through the rain.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I swear I saw it!" he says, "There was a white horse with a horn thataways," he points well to the side, towards a thick cluster of trees, "It was bleeding and there was something else at it, too!"
<Alicia> "That must be Rosamund, the unicorn. If something's attacking her we should help," Alicia declares, taking command. "Come on, lets hurry!" she urges the patrol, spurring her horse to gallop in the indicated direction.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora makes a face but says nothing, following along at the rear! The troops follow Alicia as she charges toward the cluster of trees! Here she sese a terrible sight! A unicorn is trapped in the center, bloodied and bleeding! It's body is big - bigger than Rosamund, a sharp horn on it's head. Despite it's wounds it stands proud, even while surrounded! Four trolls surround it, one on each side.
06* Alicia casts Shield on herself as she approaches before brandishing Hell Striker's flaming blade menacingly. "You, trolls! Stand down or suffer the flames of my blade!" Even if it's not Rosamund, it's not hard to figure out which party she should help in this confrontation.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Soldiers!" Wedge barks, drawing a spear, "Horseback formation! Thet rolls'll tear you apart if they get a shot at you! Don't let them!"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Thet rolls turn, leering at Alicia and the soldiers! They don't speak, but instead...OOC - Let's do initiative here, I think.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+3 unicorn
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+3 unicorn and gets 17."12 [1d20=14]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5 Miss Grumpy
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 Miss Grumpy and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+1 group soldiers
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+1 group soldiers and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+2 troll 1
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+2 troll 1 and gets 8."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+2 troll 2
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+2 troll 2 and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+2 troll 3
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+2 troll 3 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+2 troll 4
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+2 troll 4 and gets 4."12 [1d20=2]
03* Tiny_Ko_Army changes topic to 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora hangs backon her horse, watching the situation. Meanwhile, the unicorn defends itself, breathing harsh! OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia hops off her horse so she can maneuver properly around the battlefield, and points at the furthest troll as she calls out, "If you will not surrender, then burn!" as a pair of fiery beams lance out, hissing sharply in the rain as they strike into the green-skinned giant!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 29."12 [1d20=17]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Two htis.
<Alicia> roll 8d6 fiery pain
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 8d6 fiery pain and gets 18."12 [8d6=2, 5, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The twin rays scorch the furthest troll, steaming wounds in the rain! It looks at Alicia in fear, barking something unintelligable! With that, the third and first troll break off, charging Alicia!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+12 and gets 17."12 [1d20=5]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: AC?
<Alicia> OOC: AC 26
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Alicia rears her horse back, parrying one away and avoiding the other! She is safe for now, as the the other two close in on the unicorn!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 22."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 15."12 [1d20=5]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d6+7
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d6+7 and gets 13."12 [1d6=6]
<Alicia> OOC: I'm not on horseback
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: D'oh, I had it in my head you were. Strike that part.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The unicorn's flank is hit once, torn wide open! Blood spills out, the noble white beast shuddering! "Sir! Do you want aid or should we aid the creature?" Wedge asks quickly.
<Alicia> "Try to help the unicorn, but be careful - flank them and work together to make your hits count!" Alicia suggests as she fends off her attackers.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "You heard her," Wedge calls, "Charge! Aid the unicorn and work together!" With that, the soldiers peel out, horses spurred into action! Wedge leads the charge, spearing into the back of the unwounded troll!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+7
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+7 and gets 16."12 [1d20=9]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> HIs spear misses, as two other soldiers surround it's flanks, thrusting spears at it!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+3
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+3 and gets 17."12 [1d20=14]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+3
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10."12 [1d20=7]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Forgot +2 there. One hit.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+2
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+2 and gets 5."12 [1d8=3]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> One of the spears finds home, scraping across the troll's back! The last two soldiers buck up, Parsons leading a charge at the burnt troll, whizzing by him and spearing!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> But neither can land a solid blow, racing past! Antenora watches with distaste, "Do you require assisstance, Mistress?"
<Alicia> "I've said it before," Alicia replies, a bit harried as she keeps away from the nearby troll's claws, "You can use that spear as you see fit. I don't need assistance, but there are others here that do."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora looks on long, a scowl passing over her face. But she spurs her horse along nonetheless, going after the burnt troll with a charging haste!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+18
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+18 and gets 26."12 [1d20=8]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+9
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+9  and gets 14."12 [1d8=5]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora's strike is quick, piercing the side of the troll. SHe charges just past it, whipping her spear down as she does. Despite this, the unicorn looks on. "Thank you, humans!" he calls, still holding his defense up.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia backflips away from the trolls assailing her, buying some room with which to cast another spell as she gestures at the troll she's already burnt to send another lance of flame out at it!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
<Alicia> OOC: they get AoOs
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The two trolls lash out as Alicia's tumble slips in the nasty rain, but both are unable to strike her!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 23."12 [1d20=11]
<Alicia> roll 8d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 8d6 and gets 31."12 [8d6=5, 6, 3, 5, 6, 1, 3, 2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The sizzling beams fly out, hitting the burnt troll! It shudders and wobbles, dazed! However, the trolls aren't ifnished! The two at Alicia tear into it, trying to rip her to shreds!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 6."12 [1d20=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22."12 [1d20=17]
<Alicia> OOC: they don't get full attacks since I moved away.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - D'oh, my bad.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The two trolls follow and lash out, but neither can land a hit! Meanwhile, the beseiged troll sneers, before ignoring the others and concentrating on the unicorn!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 21."12 [1d20=11]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d6+6
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d6+6 and gets 12."12 [1d6=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: +1 more.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Once again the unicorn is clawed, this time it's face ripped! It's still up, however, defiant! Meanwhile, the last troll staggers but is somehow still up, staggering towards Antenora and making one attack!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> But it's assault is weak, batted away! To this, Wedge calls, "Get it! It's turned it's back to us!"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5 (+2 flanking)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 (+2 flanking) and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5 (+2 flanking)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 (+2 flanking) and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+2
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+2 and gets 6."12 [1d8=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The troll is staggered again, another weak blow to it! It draws blood, but it's flesh mends with a scary swiftness! Meanwhile, the two that charged charge again, racing past Antenora to spear at the troll!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+2
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+2 and gets 10."12 [1d8=8]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> This one goes through the troll's throat, ripping it out in a spray of blood! Burnt and injuried, it collapses to the ground in a dazed, unmoving lump!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora looks on, almost too long, before she sighs and hurries on! The troll attacking the unicorn is surrounded, so she does the next best thing. She hustles back to Alicia, spearing one attacking her from behind!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+14 (-4 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+14 (-4 PA) and gets 18."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 2d8+32
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 2d8+32 and gets 41."12 [2d8=7, 2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The back attack is a vicious spearing, with no lack of power! The troll's back is torn open, a critical injury! Meanwhile, the unicorn slowly steps back and away, then flees from the troll, galloping to make distance! OOC - Alicia.
06* Alicia once more dodges away from her two attackers, hoping she won't slip in the mud this time before she shoots another pair of scorching rays at the troll that was threatening the unicorn!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+13 tumble DC 15 unless modded
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 tumble DC 15 unless modded and gets 17."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: AS I was going to say before you rolled, I was adding a +4 to the difficulty due to the slippery ground and the like, so AoO time.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d6+7
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d6+7 and gets 11."12 [1d6=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Slipping in the mud, Alicia splashes her legs with it, as the trolls pounce on it! One claw scrapes across her chest, bringing blood trickling down to her stomach!  It's not a grevious wound, but it's still tinkling out blood!
06* Alicia staggers a bit from the wound, resolving to simply focus on her attackers after this. But for now, she'll focus on taking down that distant troll, first.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 23."12 [1d20=11]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
<Alicia> roll 8d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 8d6 and gets 21."12 [8d6=5, 1, 1, 6, 1, 5, 1, 1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The twin rays go through the rain, scorching the troll! Between this and it's spear wounds, it looks injured. However, with a vicious snarl, the two trolls split up! One turns to fully attack Antenora, while the other pursues Alicia!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 22."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22."12 [1d20=17]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora misses, her chain mail scraped against but not penetrated! Meanwhile, the other claws at alicia!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+12 chaaaaarge
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+12 chaaaaarge and gets 24."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> This one can't quite do it, close but deflected by a field of invisible force!  Meanwhile, the last troll growls, before tearing into one of the soldiers there!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d6+7
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d6+7 and gets 8."12 [1d6=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The soldier is hurt bad, stomach gouged! However, he leans back on his horse, even while bleeding, and stays up! Meanwhile, the downed troll stirs a bit, but isn't quite able to get up!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> First off, Parsons and the other soldiers approach the downed troll, stabbing at it!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+2
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+2 and gets 6."12 [1d8=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> It's speared again, it's restless motions stopping once more! "Help me keep this thing down!" Parsons says, not charging past it this time! The other soldier does the same, the two over it with spears stabbing!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Meanwhile, Wedge shakes his head, "Fall back!" he says to the wounded soldier, while his own spear works!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+3
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+3 and gets 15."12 [1d20=12]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The last soldier manages to disengage, spurring his horse on and back as he leans over in pain! OOC - Antenora is up.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora continues her work, this time attacking more methodically at the troll that strikes her!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+14 (-2 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+14 (-2 PA) and gets 17."12 [1d20=3]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+9 (-2 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+9 (-2 PA) and gets 15."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+13
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+13 and gets 15."12 [1d8=2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> She manages to wound it again, drawing more blood, as even some of teh wounds she inflicted before try to heal! Meanwhile, the unicorn gets some distance, and bows it's head...
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 2d8+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 2d8+5 and gets 19."12 [2d8=6, 8]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> It's wounds mend considerably at this! OOC - Alicia.
<Alicia> Seeing one of her men injured by that troll, Alicia decides that while she can stand melee with these creatures, the others probably aren't as fortunate. Ducking out of reach from her current dance partner, she puts herself halfway between him and her last target, firing off some more scorching rays into its back!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 19 tumble
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 DC 19 tumble and gets 28."12 [1d20=16]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 19."12 [1d20=7]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 ranged touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
<Alicia> roll 8d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 8d6 and gets 35."12 [8d6=6, 3, 6, 3, 5, 6, 3, 3]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The troll is rocked and burnt, seriously - no, critically - injured! As Alicia splashes through the mud, she can see it fall back, staggering away! Meanwhile, the troll on her continues the chase, claw out!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+12 chaaarge
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+12 chaaarge and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> But it's attack isn't enough, missing Alicia by a wide margin! Meanwhile, the seriously torn up troll against Antenora tries it's same trick!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+10 and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> But it can't quite hit her, even if a claw comes within an inch of her face!  Meanwhile, the downed troll stirs slightly, but is still very down! Parsons and his friend take advantage of this, driving spears into the unmoving troll's body, doing more damage! Meanwhile, Wedge calls, "Keep it up," he calls, the two following the wounded troll and charging!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+7
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+7 and gets 8."12 [1d20=1]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> But both go by, spears bouncing off it's too tough hide! Meanwhile, Antenora is a bit muddy and very wet, looking rather unhappy as she vents on the still upright troll in ront of her!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+13 (-3 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+13 (-3 PA) and gets 31."12 [1d20=18]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+8 (-3 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+8 (-3 PA) and gets 21."12 [1d20=13]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 2d8+30
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 2d8+30 and gets 44."12 [2d8=6, 8]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The troll's back is torn apart utterly, it's spine showing as it falls over! Meanwhile, the unicorn continues to heal...
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+5 and gets 7."12 [1d8=2]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Alicia.
<Alicia> OOC: how far away is the fleeing troll?
<Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: From you? 50 ft. You do have a troll currently in your face, too.
<Alicia> OOC: close enough.
<Alicia> Alicia steps back just a little from the troll next to her, gesturing in the air as flames lick off her fingers in a cascade of steam before she points upwards, a pair of fiery beams arcing off in seperate directions, one to hit the fleeing troll while the other burns the troll attacking her!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 fleeing ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 fleeing ranged touch and gets 27."12 [1d20=15]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 near ranged touch
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 near ranged touch and gets 21."12 [1d20=9]
<Alicia> roll 4d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 and gets 16."12 [4d6=2, 6, 4, 4]
<Alicia> roll 4d6
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 and gets 21."12 [4d6=6, 5, 4, 6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The fleeing troll is lanced down by a scorching ray, screaming as it plummets, body burnt beyond repair! The other troll is scorched, burnt, injured but still alive!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The last upright troll looks about, before turning tail and fleeing away from Alicia in a burnt hurry! Meanwhile, Wedge calls, "They're down! Make sure they stay that way," he calls, going to the downed fleeing troll and introducin ghis spear into it several times. The other soldiers do the same, keeping those two down - just in case. Meanwhile, Antenora turns away from her kill, "Do you want to bother with the last one?"
<Alicia> "Leaving it just means it'll hurt someone else, later on," Alicia replies, intending to run the troll down and kill it.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora begins to sigh, but listens to Alicia. With that, she charges after it as well, looking to spear it's back!
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+13 (-5 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+13 (-5 PA) and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 2d8+38
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 2d8+38 and gets 51."12 [2d8=7, 6]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Between that and the ray it already took, the troll collapses underneath Antenora's spear in one  forceful stroke!
<Alicia> With all the trolls downed, Alicia goes about the grisly business of decapitating each of them, using Hell Striker's flaming blade to cauterise the wounds and prevent them regenerating.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> As Alicia is busy, the lightly injured unicorn approaches the injured man. He holds his stomach, blood all over his front and saddle. "Here," the unicorn offers.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d8+5
06* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d8+5 and gets 9."12 [1d8=4]
<Tiny_Ko_Army> With a soft light from it's horn, the man's injury vanishes. Wedge watches on, smiling a little bit. "Thanks. You may have saved his life."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The troll's heads are cut off without incident, granted a final demise.
<Alicia> "Everyone okay?" Alicia asks after she finishes her task, seeing the unicorn having handled the healing, she uses her own powers to mend the light injury she suffered.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, ma'am," Wedge reports, "Soldiers, take formation behind me," he instructs, and then, "Sir, I think this is more your speed than ours."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora keeps a distance, one of the soldiers ooking back to her. He watched, but doesn't say anything, soon turning back to the unicorn.
06* Alicia nods and addresses the unicorn. "Hello, we're from the city over there," she gestures in Balmuria's direction. "I'm Alicia Reynes - I didn't know there were other unicorns in this forest besides Rosamund."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I thank all of you. I have been harried a few times on this journ-Rosamund?" His voice picks up instantly. "She is the object of my journey."
<Alicia> "She is?" Alicia blinks. "Where did you come from?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "From a beautiful place far away." He whinnes at that, something distinctly masculine about his voice. His eyes are pools of gold, his diction pleasing. "My Goddess sent me, but other forces interdicted. My Queen told me that any humans or elves I may meet could be dangerous, or simply unknowing of my nature. I am glad this was not the case."
<Alicia> "Unicorns are creatures of legend, really," Alicia agrees. "We found Rosamund trapped in the realm of a Cauchemar Nightmare, and she's been living in this forest ever since we freed her."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Are there not other unicorns?" This unicorn asks, looking about at the humans. The osldiers stare in interest and a bit of awe, while Antenora just looks away and keeps well distant. "But no matter, I must find her."
<Alicia> "You're the second one I've ever met," Alicia affirms. "But I've met only a few pixies and nymphs and other mystical forest creatures, so I suppose they're just very rare. I can give you directions to where Rosamund normally dwells - it's not too far from here."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Thank you so much, is it far," The unicorn asks.
<Alicia> "Not really," Alicia shakes her head, proceeding to give directions to the grove where Rosamund is most often found. "If she's not there then she should at least be somewhere nearby."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Thank you, human." The unicorn turns, galloping off. The men watch, Wedge speaking first. "Good work, all of you. No fatalities and four dead trolls. Keep it up."
<Alicia> "Trolls are horrible opponents, especially if you don't have fire," Alicia agrees. "Everyone worked well together and stayed safe, though," she smiles approvingly as she goes to get back on her horse, not bothering to cast prestidigitation for her mud problem, since the rain will wash it off, anyway.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The troops follow along, all smiles. This excepts Antenora, who looks vaguely grumpy as she follows along. You do note she gets a few long looks, even to the point of Parsons speaking up. "Ma'am," he asks as you ride along, near the end of the trip.
<Alicia> "Yes?" Alicia turns towards Parsons expectantly.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Your, ah, friend. Is she a new member of the guard? She fought really well, ma'am. She ripped the back out of that fleeing troll in one stroke." Parsons looks to Antenora.
<Alicia> "She doesn't have any rank, no," Alicia admits. She's almost tempted to say that Antenora can be thought of as Alicia's squire, but decides that she'd probably not take that too well. "But she's willing to help out, as you saw."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh, ma'am," Parsons agrees, as Antenora keeps her own tongue. The ride continues onward in the rain, but at last the city's gates are seen again. Everyone is relieved, WEdge ordering them to disband as he goes back to the garrison.
06* Alicia heads back to the garrison along with Wedge, intending to see if Obureth has anything more for her, today. "Are trolls that common around here? I remember when that possessed goblin brought along a group to the gates not too long ago," she observes.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Wedge falls in step, Antenora lingering behind. He wipes his face "Not really. Trolls occur on occasion, but it's fairly scarce. They've been a little more common lately."
<Alicia> "At least everyone handled it well... a victory like the one we had over Febras is the kind we can ill afford," Alicia muses somewhat dourly.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> As the rain falls and you walk alongin the old city, "You're a hell of afighter, ma'am," he says with agreement. "I heard about that battle, and you're as fearsome as the survivors said."
<Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia inclines her head graciously. "You and your men handled yourselves well, today, too."
<Alicia> OOC: rephrase that to 'did yourselves proud' since I just said 'handled it well' a sentence ago.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> The garrison approaches, Wedge saluting. "Ma'am, I'll see you later. Thank you for the help. I'd have hated to see those trolls win."
<Alicia> "Likewise. Take care of yourself, sergeant," Alicia returns the salute before going to find the Commander.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> Once inside, Antenora takes off her cloak and shakes it dry before following. "Mistress," she asks, no soldiers immediately nearby.
<Alicia> "Something on your mind?" Alicia asks, wiping her feet and giving her own cloak a bit of a shake without removing it, although she does pull the hood off.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Do you feel anything when you go on about 'helping others'?" she asks with a bit of a snort as she puts her cloak back on.
<Alicia> "Depends how I'm helping," Alicia shrugs. "In today's case, I have to say I felt pretty good about helping that unicorn. Stopping those who murderously prey on others out of greed always pleases me." She cocks her head towards the Erinyes. "What about you? Was it merely an unpleasant chore to you, Antenora?"
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Of course. Those unicorns disgust me," Antenora's face turns even more sour, like she just bit a lemon. "I didn't raise my spear for it."
<Alicia> "What's so offensive about them?" Alicia asks curiously.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "You wouldn't understand," Antenora starts to walk, her pace unusually quick. "They just...ARE."
<Alicia> "Try me," Alicia asks, following the fiend. "I certainly can't understand if you don't say anything, after all."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "It's like looking at a cockroach, only this cockroach has a radiance that turns your stomach," Antenora looks at Alicia, then shrugs and speaks.
<Alicia> "They look like pretty horses, to me..." Alicia murmurs, thinking that maybe she can't understand, after all. "But they're intelligent, thinking beings. Radiant or not, it's odd to compare them to mindless insects."
06* Alicia thinks for a moment, then smiles slightly as inspiration strikes, "Like for example, when I use my ability to detect evil, you're a pretty stomach churning sight - but, as I've come to know you, I realise there's a lot more to you than the surface impression you present."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Blah blah blah blah blah it's what's inside, right?" Antenora turns, her hair and face still wet. "I get it, but I'm starting to regret this conversation while I'm still wet. Later."
<Alicia> "Okay, I'll stop deconstructing your prejudices," Alicia relents. "Come on, lets drop in on the Commander and then hopefully we can go home." With that, she resumes searching for Obureth within the garrison.
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Lovely of you, dear Mistress," Antenora follows along. You find Commander Oberuth in the mess hall, sitting in front of a fire and eating warm stew, as he goes over a few scrolls. "How'd it go," hea sks as the two approach, a few soldiers here and there eating.
<Alicia> "We found a unicorn being attacked by four trolls," Alicia explains after a cursory salute. "We were able to slay all four with only minor injuries taken, which were healed afterwards between myself and the unicorns powers. It sounds like he was actually sent here from the heavens, and was searching for Rosamund - the unicorn we rescued from the ruins."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "I see." Hellmen listens to all of it, "Nice to know about it and that no one got hurt.  I assume the unicorn's friendly?"
<Alicia> "He was grateful for our assistance and freely provided healing afterwards, so I think so," Alicia nods. "Since he was looking for Rosamund, I told him where to find her, so I imagine she'll ensure he has a favourable opinion of us."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Good. It doesn't hur to get along with the neighbors." Finishing his stew, "I assume you also found time to examine the terrain?"
<Alicia> "Plains and isolated small woods before the large forest that goes into the barbarian lands?" Alicia asks. "Not very favourable terrain for defending on an army basis."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Not really. THe main advantage is that the mountains limit terrain. Balmuria's the real stopgap." Oberuth smiles a little bit, "Defending the plains is important, but we're fine as lnog as we don't lose Balmuria. If we do, the Baronies are wide open."
<Alicia> "That matches my assessment," Alicia agrees. "Between the farms to the West and having the rest of the Baronies to send supplies from, Balmuria makes an excellent place to stall any invasion from. If Malmuth were to breach it, the lack of other bottlenecks would give their superior numbers an overwhelming advantage."
<Tiny_Ko_Army> "Exactly." Oberuth gestures, "You get the idea now.  Go ahead and go home and dry out, then. You'v espent the day in that rain."
<Alicia> "Thank you, sir. I'll see you tomorrow," Alicia salutes before heading home.
03* Tiny_Ko_Army is now known as Kotono
<Kotono> Another day passes, the rains ceasing. It's distinctly peaceful - or it should be. But the sound of wood being knocked wakes Alicia up, AGAIN. This is the second time in a week, isn't it? Thist ime in the dead middle of the night.
06* Alicia rouses herself, knuckling back a yawn as she sits up and casts light, blinking in a bit of irritation as her eyes have to suddenly adjust to the illumination. "Yes?" she calls tiredly.
<Kotono> "Mistress," Antenora calls into the dark. "May I enter?"
<Alicia> "Come in," Alicia replies agreeably, sitting up fully with her back against the headboard, wondering what it is that couldn't wait till morning.
<Kotono> Antenora enters, leaving the door open behind her. "Are you awake now," she asks, looking the warrioress over.
<Alicia> "Unless this is a dream," Alicia shrugs. "Is anything wrong, Antenora?"

[Corwin]

<Infinite_Ko_Loop> > Another day passes, the rains ceasing. It's distinctly peaceful - or it should be. But the sound of wood being knocked wakes Alicia up, AGAIN. This is the second time in a week, isn't it? Thist ime in the dead middle of the night.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Alicia rouses herself, knuckling back a yawn as she sits up and casts light, blinking in a bit of irritation as her eyes have to suddenly adjust to the illumination. "Yes?" she calls tiredly.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> > "Mistress," Antenora calls into the dark. "May I enter?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Alicia> "Come in," Alicia replies agreeably, sitting up fully with her back against the headboard, wondering what it is that couldn't wait till morning.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> > Antenora enters, leaving the door open behind her. "Are you awake now," she asks, looking the warrioress over.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Alicia> "Unless this is a dream," Alicia shrugs. "Is anything wrong, Antenora?"
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 20:38:38 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 20:38:38 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No..." Antenora's reply is rather slow. "Ah, Mistress? Would you come with me?"
<Alicia> "Where to?" Alicia asks curiously, nonetheless shifting to the side a bit and then standing up from the bed.
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 20:49:53 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 20:49:53 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
<Alicia> Having gotten fully dressed and donned her armour and blade, Alicia just nods. "Okay, then, if that's how it'll be - lead on?" she offers expectantly.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora does she. She leads outside, the area dark and gloomy. Indeed, the city sleeps deep in the night, no vampiric predators or devilish assassins to disturb just sleep. Except perhaps for one, as Antenora sees no lights and no guard immediately about. In the darkness she gently removes her hair ribbon, before starting to fly upward and to the northeast.
<Alicia> Casting Fly, Alicia smoothly takes off to the air alongside the erinyes, deciding to just play along and see how this turns out.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> A few lights dot Balmuria as you take to the skies, torches and light glistening in the black-velvet covered city. To the northeast you fly, briefly over the water but soon towards the cliffs. A lightly forested sea cliff is found after a bit of travel, Antenora alighting there. It's most nice here, the smell of the wind, the sea and the forest all intermingling.
06* Alicia touches down next to Antenora, looking around for a moment to take in the surroundings while waiting her companion to break the silence.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> The sea is fourty feet below, dark and gently moving below. Behind you are lightly dotted trees, a few animals seen scurring away with haste. "I like this place..." Antenora begins, "Few animals and easy escape with a chance you won't be followed."
<Alicia> "It's peaceful, yes," Alicia muses. "Is this where you've been coming, when you go off on your own, lately?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Not always." Antenora says, "I tried the forest, but the fleeing of animals grew tiresome. The sky at night is far less bothersome."
<Alicia> "Mmmm..." Alicia tilts her head upwards. "It is nice... Are there stars in the skies of the Outer Planes?" she wonders. "I never saw any in Stygia, but that could've been day. I can't imagine Selune's realm without them, anyway..."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No. Not in the Hells," Antenora turns to Alicia, then looks up at the starry sky. The moon is just a sliver tonight, hidden more by the stars than anything else. "The horizon is often endless. In Caina? Snow and ice as far as you can see."
<Alicia> "I suppose if something isn't useful or dangerous, it wouldn't be in Hell, would it?" Alicia shrugs. "And stars are neither."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Mph." There isn't any coherent reply to that, Antenora instead looking outward. "They'll come for me, you know." she says, voice not very loud.
<Alicia> "Probably," Alicia nods. "Doesn't matter. Even if you weren't here, I'm sure they'd still come simply to expand their dominion. Whatever their reasons, we'll stop them," she declares simply.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hah, hah." Antenora's laugh is anything but pleasant, "You know, I didn't fight those trolls for that unicorn. The goal wasn't what motivated me, is it the same for you, Mistress?"
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 21:28:45 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 21:28:45 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
<Alicia> "Yes, though I didn't know Dawnbreak was innocent until we actually confronted you and you made your control plain," Alicia nods. "But that's the essence of it - I don't like seeing others suffer, and it's even worse when it's suffering I could prevent. That's why I fight."
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 21:37:18 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 21:37:18 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 21:45:26 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 21:45:26 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 21:53:37 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 21:53:37 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
Session Close: Mon Jan 14 22:01:45 2008

Session Start: Mon Jan 14 22:01:45 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02* Disconnected
02* Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03* Rejoined channel #evildunes
03* Topic is 'Antenora(24)>Unicorn(17)>Alicia(10)>Troll 3>Troll 1>Troll 2>Troll 4>Soldiers(3)'
03* Set by Tiny_Ko_Army on Sat Jan 12 18:31:50
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "So for a long time, you were a fool who didn't understand?" Antenora's lips twist up, tight. "Once you realised that, what did you do? What happened?"

[Corwin]

<Infinite_Ko_Loop> ----
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> A small set of days pass without incident. The ruse seems to be holding so far - no movement from Malmuth. This handful of days has been going over sundry defensive preparations, and this day is likely to be another for Alicia. Antenora follows along, her disposition having been somewhat withdrawn and quiet, but not hostile. However, this bright, slightly chilly day...(More)
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Excuse me!" As Alicia walks away from her house(And temple under construction behind it), a voice calls to her. A man is approaching - young but not a child, not too far from Alicia's age. He has brown hair and a good build, like a worker. "Excuse me," he calls. "Sir Reynes?"
06* Alicia resists the urge to grimace at being called 'sir', recalling that Antenora said she was spat on by someone who had referred to Alicia as that. But such feelings don't show on her face as she smiles pleasantly, "Something I can help you with?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora follows, glancing up at teh fellow, before looking back down. "Yes," he offers his hand to her. "There is. Can I beg a few minutes of your time."
06* Alicia delivers a firm handshake in reply. "Of course, has a crime been committed, mr...?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," he says, face dropping. "It's very serious, or I wouldn't take your time. I just don't want her to get hurt," he begins, before looking about. "Ah, can we talk about this somewhere besides the street?"
<Alicia> "Of course, lead on then," Alicia nods. "I'm sorry," she then adds since he failed to respond to her polite hint, "Could I have your name?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Dumas. I'm sorry, my mind is ...ah, you'll see." he begins to lead to a nearby, small eatery. It has a few tables near the door, as he goes to one to sit. Antenora follows along, glancing at him once or twice, but keeping her distance. Once he sits, "My beloved has been held against her will by another and...I fear she has been violated."
<Alicia> Alicia's expression hardens. "You should have gone to the guard right away," she tells him. "Who is holding her, and where?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I would, but he's said he'll hurt her if he sees any guards!" His fists, on her lap, tighten. His knuckles are white, fingers red. "His name is Clarence, a petty fool who livesin the southeastern part of Balmuria. We've been courting the same woman, Tianna, the past few months. She has rejected all of his advances as we've grown closer, and he's begun to make threats." (More)
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Two days ago, he came to Tianna's home and took her!" He shivers, "I was there and he made those threads - he had a sword, and..." He looks away, down. "I couldn't stop him. She was so scared, but he said he'd hurt her if she screamed or if he saw any guards coming to his home."
<Alicia> "You should have come to us two days ago, then," Alicia tells him firmly. "There is no benefit at all to waiting in such matters - trust in us to be able to deal with criminals such as Clarence swiftly and decisively." She leans on the table, "I'll need to know exactly where his house is."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'm sorry..." He blushes, "Just...I was scared." With that admission, Dumas looks to Alicia. "It's in southeastern Balmuria - the old city. It's on a corner, next to an open air vegetable stand. Please, make sure she's not hurt."
<Alicia> "Does Clarence live alone?" Alicia asks. "Describe what he looks like - and Tianna, too," she adds, wanting to get all the information in hand before she acts.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Clarence is a big man, he does manual labor. About six feet tall and knows how to use a club or a sword. Black hair, likes to wear brown tunics." A breath out, "My Tianna...she is fair, with black hair like the night. Her skin is flawlessly white, her bosom appealingly perfect. You can tell her by the innocence that alights her entire body...or the birthmark on her wrist."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> You can hear Antenora snort softly at that, but not overly loud.
<Alicia> It takes all of Alicia's self control not to roll her eyes at the lavish praise heaped upon the woman's perfect bosom. But this is serious. "Very well, Mr Dumas," Alicia nods and stands up. "I will investigate your accusations, and if things are as you say then Clarence will be brought to justice."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Thank you, thank you," He bows his head gratefully, "I know you of all of them can triumph, for you are a part of the Crimson Guard."
<Alicia> roll 1d20+6 sense motive, has he been bullshitting me, do I think?
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 sense motive, has he been bullshitting me, do I think? and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]
<Alicia> As she stands up, Alicia asks, "Is there anything else you want to tell me?" she asks, looking at Dumas. "Anything relevant at all?" She looks at him and she *knows*.
<Alicia> If he's evil or not.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'm sorry, I wish I did," he bows his head, "Just please hurry and help fair Tianna."
<Alicia> "I will," Alicia promises as she leaves the eatery, glancing at Antenora and tapping her temple briefly as she leaves.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora follows, 'Mistress?' she asks.
<Alicia> 'He was lying. His story didn't add up - why wouldn't anyone else report a woman being kidnapped from her home? Why leave it unreported for two days? Everything I know about reading people tells me he was lying. The nervousness, the overemphasis on minor details, the fact that he's evil.'
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> '...ah. And he came to you in particular?' Antenora observes as you walk along, past people looking on in respect to you, often clearing the way. 'Then what are you going to do of it, Mistress?'
<Alicia> 'I have to investigate, just on the off chance I'm wrong. But I don't like this - it feels like I'm either being sent into an ambush, or someone's wanting to distract me... Southeast Balmuria. That's about as far away from my home as you can get in the city... And since it seems people know about my sister, it leaves me ill at ease.'
<Alicia> 'Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but better safe than sorry - could you do me a favour and return home to watch over Jessica while I'm investigating this?'
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> 'Of course, Mistress,' Antenora says, 'I'll protect her for you.' Once you turn the corner, Antenora goes northward, starting to circle around.
<Alicia> 'Thank you, Antenora,' Alicia replies as she heads in the direction of Clarence's house.
<Alicia> Also!
<Alicia> She stops by the nearest guard to the eatery she just left and asks him to keep a discreet eye on Mr Dumas for her.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> This trip is a pleasant enough one. The day is vital and bright, soldiers saluting and citizens looking on at you in marvel as you walk. The guard you ask salutes and goes to do just that, as Alicia goes towards Clarences house! The city here is less nice than the others, older. You see children playing in the streets, dirty but carefree. Clarances house is near a open air vegetable stand, an old woman hawking her wares to all.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's a small little cottage, with a bit of grass in front of it. The door inside is closed.
06* Alicia approaches the woman at the vegetable stand, a brief glance over the house to see if she can detect any evil through its walls before she focuses entirely on the merchant. "Good morning, miss, might I have a moment of your time?" she asks nicely.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Why hello, of course. Would you like some carrots?" Holding up a few of them in her gnarled old hands, the lady peers at Alicia through foggy eyes. "Oh, a soldier?"
<Alicia> "I'm in the guard," Alicia smiles. "My name is Alicia, and I was wondering, do you know anything about who lives in that house," she nods her head towards the neighbouring cottage.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh yes..." she rubs her eyes, "Clarence does. He's a nice young man - he always helps me set up in the morning." She waves her hand happily, "His new fiancee's such a pretty girl, too. They always buy lots for their meals."
<Alicia> "His fiancee, does she have black hair?" Alicia asks. "Does she come out to buy food from you?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> The old woman points a finger at Alicia. "That's her. Tianna's such a nice young woman. She's perfect for Clarence!"
<Alicia> "Thank you very much, you've been most helpful," Alicia positively beams, "Good day to you," she bids farewell before she begins to circle the cottage, looking to see if she can see in any open windows if anyone's home.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> There's an open window on the side. The smell of breakfast comes from it - porridge and fruits. You can see inside - a pretty girl with black hair is filling a bowl, laughing as she turns to talk to someone inside.
<Alicia> It's pretty clear that she's been set up, but Alicia decides she might as well see if these two know anything about Dumas. Making her way to the front door, Alicia knocks twice.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> It takes a moment to answer - Tianna comes to the door and opens it. "Hello..aaah, what can I help you with, ma'am," she makes her voice respectful.
<Alicia> "Hello, miss," Alicia greets her pleasantly. "I apologise for bothering you, but I appear to have been sent on a fool's errand. Do you perhaps know of a man named Dumas?" she asks, following up with a description of him.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Her face darkens at that, "Clarence," she calls, "There is someone here asking about Dumas."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Clarence comes to the door - a good fellow, in good shape and with an easy smile. He puts a hand around Tianna's waist, holding her. "Dumas?" his face is set, only a look at Alicia breaking it away from stony nothingness. "What do you want to know about that wastrel?"
06* Alicia sighs. "He fed me a nonsense story about you kidnapping your lady friend, here," she tells Clarence. "It's clear, however, that nothing improper is occuring, so I was hoping you could at least shed some light on why he would concoct such a foolish tale."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "He's jealous..he tried courting Tianna while we were seeing each other, and the rejection did not go over well," The two hold each other, "I'm sorry you had to come here on such an absurd set of lies, ma'am. We love each other, kidnapping is ridicious!"
<Alicia> roll 1d20+6 sense motive, just in case
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 sense motive, just in case and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
<Alicia> "There's nothing to apologise for," Alicia shakes her head. "Rest assured that Mr Dumas will be properly censured for his slanderous accusations." She proceeds to bow formally, "I apologise for troubling you over such a frivolous matter."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Thank you. Do what you must, we won't vouch for him in any way," Tianna adds. "Were he any less principaled, I would worry he would attempt what he claimed!"
<Alicia> "Well, he'll probably face a fine for wasting guard time, but you can be sure we'll be watching him from now on," Alicia notes. "Anyway, I thank you for your patience and understanding. You've been most kind - please, don't let this disturb your day," she offers before departing.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two nod politely before heading back inside. OOC - Where are you going, Alicia?
<Alicia> OOC: First back to where I left Dumas to see if I can find mr guard for an update on where he went.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Heading back towards her own house, Alicia doesn't find the guard in the vicinity. However, her house looks quiet enough, nothing obviously wrong.
06* Alicia pops inside just to make sure everyone's okay and let Antenora know what happened.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora and Jessica are in the front room, armed. Antenora has her spear out, Jessica a bow and arrow from the practice grounds, but with real arrows. On Alicia entering, "Sister!" Jessica says, "What's the matter? Antenora said our home may be attacked!"
06* Alicia silently curses herself for not asking Antenora to be discreet. "It turns out I was being paranoid," she reassures. "Dumas certainly was lying, but it seems to be little more than the action of a spurned lover."
03* Demedais is now known as Tai{agolrgem}
02* Tai{agolrgem} (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good," Jessica sits down, "Just a man who wasn't happy at all? That's sad, not dangerous."
06* Alicia nods. "He'll probably get away with just a fine for obstruction of justice," she shrugs. "I had one of the guards keep an eye on him after I went to follow up on his accusations, so it shouldn't take too long to have him brought in. I just wanted to be on guard since it's better to be needlessly careful than to be lax and regret it."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Just as well," Antenora lowers her spear as well, "Do you wish for me to come with you as you find that guard, Mistress?"
<Alicia> "Mmm... it's probably nothing, but even so, why don't you both stay here for now?" Alicia asks. "Let's wait until Dumas has been taken into custody before we relax completely."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "As you wish, Mistress," Antenora says, while Jessica smiles a bit. "Good luck, Sister. Be careful, just in case."
<Alicia> "It's annoying having to be vigilant all the time, but we live in dangerous times," Alicia explains apologetically. "Hopefully I'll be back in time for lunch." Bidding the duo farewell, she heads to the garrison to find out if Smoot has checked in, there.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> Luck is with Alicia - she finds him about halfway, heading the same. "Ma'am," he salutes, then, "I followed him until he left the city through the west gate."
<Alicia> "Thank you, private," Alicia returns the salute. "Did he stop anywhere or talk to anyone?"
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No, he headed right out." He reports, "At a fairly good hurry, too."
<Alicia> "Did he keep heading West into the country from the gate or did he look like he was circling around or anything like that?" Alicia asks.
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "He kept going west. He kept a good pace, too," Smoot reports.
<Alicia> "Well, I doubt we'll track him down if he's left the city, now, with that sort of lead," Alicia sighs. "No matter, you've done all I could ask - I'll handle the formalities at the garrison, since if he is seen again he'll need to be charged for obstruction of justice."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes ma'am." He salutes Alicia, before, "What was that about, anyway?"
<Alicia> "He accused someone of kidnapping and violating his love," Alicia scowls a bit as she explains. "When I visited the accused, I found him and the 'victim' living quite happily together, and neither of them had anything nice to say about Mr Dumas."
<Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Wow, guy must be nuts or lovesick," Smoot shrugs, then turns to go. "G'luck, ma'am."
<Alicia> "Thanks, private," Alicia nods before heading off to the garrison so she can make a report to the captain in charge of the guard patrols to keep an eye out for Dumas, as well as perhaps make sure there's a patrol near Clarence's house for the next few days in case he tries something, there.

[Corwin]

<Kokokokokoko> ---
<Kokokokokoko> Alicia spends much of the afternoon making discreet inquiries. Well, as descrete as a famous person in the city, clad in armor and weapon can be. Her casual inquiries eventually find some results. In a little tavern in the southeeastern part of the city where you get more looks than usual, a burly woman with an eyepatch tending bar grunts. "You're asking about Dumas?"
<Alicia> "That's right," Alicia confirms. "Know him?"
<Kokokokokoko> "Yeah, I know him." She says after a moment, "Got himself in some trouble?"
<Alicia> "He's been trying to cause trouble for other people. Things have a way of circling back, though..." Alicia muses. "Does he often find himself in trouble?"
<Kokokokokoko> "Naw, but he's the sort for it..." Clearing her throat, "I can help ya, but how 'bout you buy a drink. A really nice one?"
06* Alicia represses a sigh. "I don't drink," she replies, putting five gold coins on the bar and sliding them across. "How about you have one for yourself?"
<Kokokokokoko> "Why thank you!" She smiles ear to ear, teeth in unusually good care. Big and white, no less. The coins vanish away, taken in quick hands. "Dumas isn't quite right. Gets really into things to things and loses himself. Heard it was a girl this time."
<Alicia> "That's right," Alicia nods. "Spreading tall tales about her and her fiance, and making the mistake of getting the guard involved," she tells the bartender. "Know where I might be able to find him?"
<Kokokokokoko> "Ain't seen him much the past few days." The barkeep scratches her chin, "He was saying he found something great the past few days when he got really drunk. If he ain't here or ain't lookin' at that lady he has an eye on, I dunno."
<Alicia> "Something great?" Alicia asks curiously. "Any idea what that could be?"
<Kokokokokoko> "Ah hell, I don't know. Probably relating to that girl of his. Once he gets on one, he'll do anything to get 'em or go down trying." After a moment, she coughs. "Aaaah, I think I need another drink..."
<Alicia> "I'll let you quench your thirst in a moment," Alicia responds dryly, having already spent more than the woman deserves. "Before I leave, though, do you know where Dumas lives?"
<Kokokokokoko> "'round here somewhere. I don't know where in particular. I can find out if you really want..." she trails off.
<Alicia> "Nevermind," Alicia waves it off. "I doubt he's home right now, anyway. Enjoy your drink," she nods briefly before departing.
<Kokokokokoko> "Thanks," the woman calls after, as Alicia heads out. OOC - Ball's in your court, doing anything else of note or should I move you along?
<Alicia> OOC: I'll go bug Tianna for the creep's address.
<Kokokokokoko> Tianna is found at her house, the smells of an early dinner wafting along. The scent of fresh vegetables and just a little meat, making Alicia's stomach rise up. "Oh...ma'am," she says on answering the door. "What can I help you with now?"
<Alicia> "I'm sorry to bother you again, miss," Alicia sounds apologetic as the woman answers the door. "I just thought since you are familiar with the man, you'd be the easiest person to ask - I just need to know where Dumas lives, if it's not too much trouble."
<Kokokokokoko> Her face colors at that, "I know of his house. Woe unto me that I do." With a long sigh, "It's eight down the next street. He has an old dog outside, you'll know it since it growls at everyone."
<Alicia> "Thanks very much," Alicia smiles. "Hopefully I won't have to bother you again - have a pleasant day, miss," she ducks her head briefly as she bids farewell to Tianna and follows the directions indicated.
<Kokokokokoko> As you walk down the street, playing chilren watch in awe. Murmurs pass through them, childish fingers pointed at Alicia. A few stray dogs and cats watcha s well, a few woofs joining the chorus. However, Dumas' house is just another, save for an old black dog on the steps. It's rather big, eyes open.
06* Alicia doesn't plan on wasting much time, simply looking over the house with her eyes attenuated for evil in order to see if he's currently within.
<Kokokokokoko> There's no evil radiated. As Alicia looks, however, the black dog there starts to growl at her. It's a low, nasty little noise.
06* Alicia snorts at the dog and keeps on walking, intending to head home for dinner. She can check tomorrow, and the guards will be keeping an eye out for him, anyway. Even if it's a minor crime, she's sufficiently annoyed at having her time wasted and worrying about her sister that she wants to pursue this to the end.
<Kokokokokoko> OOC - Skip along then?
<Alicia> OOC: sure

[Corwin]

<Blondezilla> ---
<Blondezilla> A few days pass without incident. No sign of Dumas comes up during those days, the entire matter seeming to hang in the air of uncertainty. One morning, on reporting to Commander Oberuth, the grumpy one behind Alicia, "Sit down," he waves. "Countess Stronger'll be along in a moment. It's about those lava tubes."
06* Alicia obligingly sits down and waits.
<Blondezilla> Antenora does the same. As you settle in, "While we wait, what was that incident that kept you away a few days ago about?" Oberuth asks. "Did a man reall come up to you with that sort of story?"
<Alicia> "Yes," Alicia nods. "He seems to have skipped town, too," she frowns. "I've passed by his house a few times the last couple of days but he's never been inside."
<Blondezilla> "What the hell? A loon?" Hellman nearly gapes at it, "A practical joke gone wrong? Why make such a blatant lie to you?"
<Alicia> "I honestly have no idea," she shrugs. "From what I've heard, he was rather unstable, though I've no idea where he went if he left Balmuria - he didn't look supplied for a long journey, and according to Smoot he just walked straight out of the city after sending me on that fool's errand. It's all very strange."
<Blondezilla> "Helloooo!" Countess Stronger calls as she walks in - urk! She's covered head to toe in black soot, her red dress utterly caked.  Despite looking like she fell down a chimney, a smile is on her face. The scent of ash and fire clings to her. "I just finished up."
06* Alicia blinks in surprise at the woman's appearance. "Ah... do you need any help getting cleaned up?" she chances.
<Blondezilla> Smothering a yawn, "I'm fine. I've just been at it all night in those damn chutes."
<Blondezilla> Oberuth raises an eyebrow, "Ah...go ahead and...sit." he gestures vaguely.
<Blondezilla> Antenora smiles a tiny bit, but otherwise keeps quiet.
<Alicia> "Okay, then... was it productive?" Alicia asks, half tempted to just cast prestidigitation and clean up the filthy redhead whether she likes it or not.
<Blondezilla> "I think so. See, the entire thing is lacking a trigger. It's meant for that artifact to set it off," Elle sits, "I can probably force if it I need to, but I won't be able to control it all the way. Realistically, ti'll work as designed, but only once. Once the lava cools, you'll have a thick layer of stone, which'll probably stop any other attempts without lots of work to clear them. Plus it'll mess up the countryside south of the c
<Blondezilla> south of the city good."
<Alicia> "There's no danger of the caverns collapsing, though, right?" Alicia asks, still not liking the thought of living on top of a subterranean lava lake.
<Blondezilla> "Not for now. It's going to need reinforcements in other sections, though, down the line a bit. Mihail was surprisingly good at magical engineering as far as it goes." Elle finally seems to notice, idly rubbing her face. IT doesn't really do much to the soot. As she does, there is a knock on the door. "Sir? Commander? Is Sir Alicia in there?"
<Alicia> "I don't think I'll ever get used to being called 'Sir'," Alicia grumbles as she stands to face the door. "I'm here," she calls more loudly.
<Blondezilla> That gets Commander Oberuth to crack a grin, but he doesn't say anything. "Sir, the man you had the guard looking for has been detained entering the city."
<Alicia> "Good," Alicia smiles. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll be along shortly to question him - I'd like to hear this, myself."
<Blondezilla> "Yes, sir!" the soldier says and goes off, "The garrison holding cells." Once he does, "Since Alicia's spoken for now, what's relevant to say? She can hear the minor details later."
<Blondezilla> Elle nods, "That's primarily it. Using them is ultimately a tactical matter - I'll need some prep time if I try it."
<Alicia> "Well, so long as it's no danger to the city, that's all I care about," Alicia nods.
<Blondezilla> "Yeah," Oberuth agrees to that, "Go on, Alicia. I'll pass on the mundane details later. Go see what Dumas was up to."
<Alicia> "I doubt it's anything terribly exciting," the spellsword shakes her head, "I'm just annoyed enough that I'd like to hear what he has to say for himself. I'll see you both later," she nods to Elle and then salutes to Obureth before she heads to the holding cells.
<Blondezilla> The holding cells are a rather unhappy place. The few people in them today look dirty or angry, including a merchant that shoots death glares at anyone that looks at him. But they're all not what Alicia's hear for. Instead, Dumas is in the last cell at the end, the same clothes on as a few days ago. His head is hung down as he sits on the floor.
<Alicia> "Hello, Mr Dumas," Alicia greets primly as she comes to a stop in front of that cell.
<Blondezilla> He keeps his head hung for the moment, "Miss Reynes," he says slowly. "...I'm sorry," he says. "I lied to you."
<Alicia> "Mrs," Alicia instinctively corrects before going on as if she hadn't said anything. "Yes, you did. You wasted my time and caused needless concern for two fine and upstanding people. Care to tell me why?"
<Blondezilla> "...I wanted Tianna, and..." he sighs, looking up. He looks rather tired. "I let it get the best of me. I'm sorry."
<Blondezilla> He slowly stands, walking to the near the bars.
<Alicia> "At least you recognise that... of course, you had to know what you had done was wrong from the start, or else you wouldn't have skipped town, right?" Alicia needles.
<Blondezilla> "Well yes, but..." He shakes his head, looking to Alicia. He looks abashed, offering his hand out to shake. "I'd just like to formally apologize to you. I'm sure you have more important things to do than go on a fox chase."
06* Alicia accepts the handshake through the bars of the cell. "Indeed. While I was wasting time on your errand, a true crisis could have occured and people hurt that wouldn't have been if I'd been present," she lectures as she grasps his hand. "The guard does not exist for your personal amusement and petty vengeance, Mr Dumas."
<Blondezilla> OOC - Make a will save, Alicia.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+17
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 and gets 23."12 [1d20=6]
<Blondezilla> Alicia feels dizzy as she shakes his hand. "I know." He smiles again, as Alicia's hand goes numb. Her head swims, vision tinting a strange, off purple. "I have a message for you," he goes on, leaning up against the bars. "They never forget or forgive."
06* Alicia yanks her hand back and immediately casts dispel magic on herself.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10 even though it's probably an uber CL
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 even though it's probably an uber CL and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
<Blondezilla> Alicia's words tangle as her head goes number and number. Her hand is turning a watery, dark purple, running up her arm quickly! OOC - You have an action, do what you will.
<Alicia> Another dispel magic!
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
<Blondezilla> "Mistress?" Antenora speaks up, blinking away a reverie. She rushes to her, as the purple arrests. From her fingers a few drops of fluid drip down. (More, PM.)
<Alicia> OOC: the purple is stopping, not going away?
<Blondezilla> OOC: It's stopping for the moment.
06* Alicia ignores both Dumas and Antenora as she casts detect magic just to confirm it is actually a dweomer affecting her.
<Alicia> OOC: just checking the presence of magic, don't care about strength or school
<Blondezilla> OOC: PMed.
<Alicia> "You *really* shouldn't have done that," Alicia briefly glares at Dumas, before she casts detect magic again to hopefully excise the malign influence completely from her.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
03* Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af07749.wfd102.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
<Alicia> OOC: dispel, I meant
03* Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
<Blondezilla> roll 1d20+16
<Rei-chan> 6,0Blondezilla rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{28}
<Blondezilla> As Antenora looks at Alicia's arm, Dumas looks on. He bows his head again, not responding.
<Alicia> Her last dispel magic before she needs to go seek help from someone else! She really hopes she can fix this...
<Blondezilla> The dispel magic fires, but the purple continues not to move. Alicia can't feel her hand, and her lower arm is half numb. It doesn't seem to be getting any wrose, at least.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+10
<Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{18}
<Blondezilla> More purple fluid drips down Alicia's hand. Drip, drip, drip it goes, running down. But Alicia can't seem to dispel the effect entirely!
<Alicia> Detect evil on her arm.
<Alicia> It's worth a shot, and she's somewhat desperate. Using her free and non-evil hand, Alicia roughly grabs onto her purple forearm, smiting it with holy power!
<Alicia> OOC: smite evil unarmed attack on myself, I guess. Do I roll damage?
<Blondezilla> OOC - No way your own arm is dodging, so roll damage.
<Alicia> roll 1d3+8
<Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d3+8 --> 6,0[ 1d3=3 ]4,0{11}
<Blondezilla> Slam! Calling on the holy power from the rest of her body, Alicia attacks her possessed arm! The purpleness recoils, coming off Alicia's arm in liquid chunks! Your arm begins to feel again as it runs down and away, the fluid trying to form as it falls. It half forms a hand, reaching at Alicia's fingers, but misses and instead breaks apart on the floor.
06* Alicia unsheathes hell striker and ignites the blade in holy flames, sweeping it over the vile liquid to boil it away into nothingness while she flexes her now liberated hand, glad of the renewed feeling within it.
<Blondezilla> As Alicia does, the liquid tries to resist! However, the fire and holy power is enough to do it. It tries to form a few times - a hand with barbs on it, little blobs that evade and then finally runny liquid, but Alicia's work is too through.
<Alicia> When she is certain it's all gone - and her divinely granted vision ensures there'll be no errors there - Alicia looks up at Dumas with fire in her eyes to match the still blazing Hell Striker. "Now," she hisses as she slowly extends the blazing swordblade through the cell bars, almost close enough to touch Dumas. "I think you owe me an explanation."
<Alicia> roll 1d20+15 intimidate you bitch
<Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0intimidate you bitch --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{19}
02* Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af07749.wfd102.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit
03* Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
<Blondezilla> roll 1d20+5
06* Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
<Blondezilla> Antenora steps forward, "Mistress," she says quietly, but stops as Alicia turns to Dumas. He keeps his head down, but flinches on those words. He looks up, shock showing on his face. "W-w-what?" he asks in a soft voice, eyeing Alicia's hand.
<Blondezilla> Guards approach, eyeing the situation with weapons out. "Ma'am, are you alright," one of them asks aloud.
<Alicia> "That purple filth, I've seen it before," Alicia goes on. "And what you said before clinched it, anyway - you made a deal with a Corruption Devil, didn't you?"
<Blondezilla> "You're not supposed to be able to stop it..." he says with wide eyes. Then he looks at Alicia, a whimper escaping from his shaking body. "Have mercy on me, please! Don't kill me!"
<Alicia> "Start talking," Alicia insists, eyes narrowed menacingly as she stares down Dumas, her burning sword still held perilously close.
<Blondezilla> He gulps audibly, hands shaking as he protects his face with them. "I-i-it said I'd get what I want and a bag of gold on top of it if I just did what it said! I-i-it hoped you'd make a mistake and kill C-Clarence! You'd n-never live down a brazen murder of an innocent!"
<Alicia> "What kind of *idiot* do you take me for?!" Alicia demands stridently, although her swordgrip remains like iron, Hell Striker not wavering even an inch before Dumas. "You think I'd take a transparent lie like that at face value and kill someone without even giving them a chance to explain?"
<Blondezilla> He whimpers again at that, "I-it was the other thing's idea! Then it sent me back with that! I just had to make contact w-with you, and..." He shivers.
<Alicia> "What other thing?" Alicia asks, voice dangerously quiet. "Who did you make a deal with? What did they offer you?"
<Blondezilla> "T-Tianna..." He whimpers again, as the guards watch from a bit away. "It looked like one of us with black wings. It wore expensive lo-lo-looking clothes. It-it had another, a nasty thing. I couldn't see it, but it was like a big c-c-cat."
06* Alicia turns towards the guards, though her blade remains between the bars and close to Dumas. "Get some guardsmen over to Tianna's house - ask Commander Obureth and Al'lamar to go, too. Even if the scheme failed, he still filled his end of the bargain, and the devil he dealt with could try to deliver payment." She proceeds to give directions to the address.
<Blondezilla> The soldiers quickly salute, hurrying off. They listend with wide eyes, now following Alicia's command. "Mistress..." Antenora murmurs.
06* Alicia taps her head briefly with her free hand. If Antenora wants to talk then telepathic conversation will do, but for now she wants to get as much information out of Dumas as possible. "What did you have to do in return? Host the Corruption Devil and touch me? Nothing else?" she presses fiercely.
<Blondezilla> He nods, "I-it said that y-you'd set me free once you were posssessed."
<Alicia> "Where did you encounter the devil?" Alicia asks, sensing that avenue has given all it can.
<Blondezilla> 'Mistress. It doesn't sound like a large party, but they may not have shown him all the forces, especially if his success was not certain.' Antenora's voice sounds, 'They're coming.....are you worried about Jessica at all?"
<Blondezilla> "An o-old farmhouse a day or so aw-away from the city to the west," he replies fearfully.
<Alicia> 'You're right,' Alicia admits. 'In all the excitement I got sidetracked - even if it's a low risk, it's still too much. Could you go and watch over her while I question Dumas?' she asks.
<Alicia> "Is that where you've been the last few days?" she then demands of the prisoner. "Did you leave the other devils there when you came here on your mission?"
<Blondezilla> 'I will,' Antenora turns away, a quick step away. Meanwhile, "Y-yes. They said they'd wait for me to come back with you."
<Alicia> "So, what exactly was the plan after I was 'possessed'?" she asks, Hell Striker's blade shifting forward half an inch to emphasise that he better give her a straight answer.
<Blondezilla> "I a-asked. They said...someone wanted you. THat you were p-promised and you were wanted for crimes against them." He looks down at that, shivering.
<Alicia> "Now, where exactly is this farm house?"
<Blondezilla> "Follow the road west for 15 miles, then go north. There's a lot of forgotten wheat fields around t-there." He gulps down again, eyeing Hell Striker. "It's big, three stories and still in g-g-gah..." He coughs, shivering in terror. "Still in good shape."
<Alicia> "Good," Alicia smiles, the flames winking out as she pulls her sword back. "Get comfortable, Dumas. Because you're going to be spending a lot of time indoors, from here out." At that, she turns and departs, intending to track down Obureth at Tianna and Clarence's house.

[Corwin]

<Alicia> [21:21] <Blondezilla> "I a-asked. They said...someone wanted you. THat you were p-promised and you were wanted for crimes against them." He looks down at that, shivering.
<Alicia> [21:23] <Alicia> "Now, where exactly is this farm house?"
<Alicia> [21:24] <Blondezilla> "Follow the road west for 15 miles, then go north. There's a lot of forgotten wheat fields around t-there." He gulps down again, eyeing Hell Striker. "It's big, three stories and still in g-g-gah..." He coughs, shivering in terror. "Still in good shape."
<Alicia> [21:25] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia smiles, the flames winking out as she pulls her sword back. "Get comfortable, Dumas. Because you're going to be spending a lot of time indoors, from here out." At that, she turns and departs, intending to track down Obureth at Tianna and Clarence's house.
<Blondezilla> Commander Oberuth is found at Tianna's house, along with Pollyanna. A few soldiers keep watch around, children and women watching from doors and yards. The soldiers eye Alicia and then salute as she approaches.
<Blondezilla> OOC - Gah.
<Blondezilla> Commander Oberuth is found at Tianna's house, along with Pollyanna. A few soldiers keep watch around, children and women watching from doors and yards. The soldiers eye Alicia and then salute as she approaches. Inside is Oberuth, his blade out, and an arrow pointed at the door from Pollyanna. "Oh, it's Alicia," he says, before, "Devils again? I want to hear what's going on."
<Blondezilla> Tianna sits between all of them, pale and shaking, sipping a cup of water slowly.
<Alicia> "We're going to need the Hammer of the Shard, sir," Alicia confirms, before seeing poor Tianna's state. "My apologies, miss, it appears that Dumas got in over his head - he pledged himself to the Hells in exchange for you and a bag of gold. This is for your protection until we remove the diabolic incursion," she explains, sympathetic but plain and forthright.
<Blondezilla> "Where are they?" Oberuth asks, "I'll get it myself. We'll ride as soon as possible."
<Blondezilla> Pollyanna lowers her arrow, a grim little smile to Alicia.
<Blondezilla> "What? I don't believe it!" She colors at that, "He's...he's a bigmouthed, dense fool, but a devil? A real devil, he sold his soul?"
<Alicia> "I don't think he actually sold his soul," Alicia admits. "Merely his services in delivering me to them. And they'll get me, even if not in the manner they'd hoped." Turning to Obureth and Pollyanna. "They're about fifteen miles West of town - at least one Erinyes and one Hellcat, although possibly more."
<Alicia> "If we get fast horses we could be there within a matter of hours, and chances are they don't yet know that the devil with Dumas is now dead, so we could even catch them by surprise."
<Blondezilla> "Good," Hellmen stands up, "I'm having Pollyanna lead the defenses here. What of your...What of Antenora? Is she reliable in this matter at all?"
<Alicia> "I believe so," Alicia nods without hesitation.
<Blondezilla> "Then fine, she'll come with us," he says, "Along with a few support troops, we'll root out the devils straightaway." Oberuth considers just a moment, "Oh, and Alicia. We may be able to get there even faster. Do you remember the pegasi we recently aquired from the carnival?"
<Alicia> "Oh..." Alicia slowly starts to smile. "I hadn't even thought of them. Yes, that would be ideal - the faster we get there, the more likely we'll catch them off guard."
<Blondezilla> "Yes. Meet me at the garrison stables in twenty minutes." Oberuth rises, then to Tianna, "I'm sorry, but we'll make sure you're safe and in your mind."
<Alicia> "Please just bear with us, this should only be a temporary inconvenience," Alicia reassures the poor woman, before she heads off to collect Antenora, as well as suggest to Jessica that she could spend the afternoon at Seira's inn, since it'll be less boring and also safe between the defences there and the proximity to Elle's shop.
<Blondezilla> You find Jessica save and sound, Antenora following along as you walk to the garrison. "What is your plan then, Mistress?" she asks.
<Alicia> "We'll be flying there with pegasi," she briefly gives Antenora a hooded look, "Please refrain from any 'cockroach' style comments around them, by the way. Upon reaching the devil's hideout, we'll try to get the lay of the land before deciding on the battleplan. The goal is simply to find out how they got here, how many others are active in the vicinity, and send them back to Baator. Any suggestions?"
<Blondezilla> "That this'll be contested at best," Antenora continue to walk, "Mistress, if the Erinyes is a competent leader, it'll have defenses in place."
<Blondezilla> After a moment, "I can fly well enough on my own." Looking to Alicia darkly, "Do you think a pegasus would deign to carry me?"
<Alicia> "No offence but they're a lot faster, and speed is of the essence. Let some of your winning personality through and I'm sure it can be convinced to give you a chance," Alicia suggests dryly. "Any insights you can offer into defences would be useful, however - besides a screen of weaker devils, I never saw much in their way at Kuurklaak's beachhead, nor your mountain hideout."
Session Time: Sat Jan 19 00:00:00 2008
<Blondezilla> "Fodder, using the terrain well, using advantages. For example, Mistress? Do you remember when we met at the volcano?" As you walk to the garrison, Antenora slows. "Were things different, I would have dragged you into the lava pool, that was my backup plan. I'd have places where you can't move well - if he knows he's facing a spellcaster and another Erinyes, flying is a factor. Things of that nature."
<Blondezilla> "Mistress, we're going to a devil's abode, not fighting an offense off. Those things are different, nor do we have confusion on our side for sure. This time, we're the attacker in every way that matters."
<Alicia> "Oh, speaking of that," Alicia briefly reaches into her backpack and hands a thin coil of silk rope to Antenora, "You can probably make better use of this than me." As they walk along she continues, "And yes, using the terrain is simple tactics for anyone - we can plan for that once we see the location."
<Alicia> "But what about traps, mechanical or magical? Do you expect them to be used? I remember one magical trap in the Hall of the Vanquished, but such a place is a far cry from a stolen farmhouse."
<Blondezilla> Antenora ties it around her waist, "I will," she promises, the silken cord in place. "If they have the capacity, yes. If not, they'll use more creative and mundane means."
<Alicia> "Might be best to try and force or lure them from the farmhouse if we can't rely on absolute surprise," Alicia muses. "We'll see what the situation is when we get there."
<Blondezilla> So the two find Commander Oberuth at the stables. Here three white, gorgeous pegasi await. They look on at Commander Oberuth tolerably enough. However, warm eyes go to Alicia. Antenora stays behind Alicia, out of easy view.
<Alicia> "Hello," Alicia greets the winged horses. "I've heard that you can understand speech, so I hope we can all get along. My name's Alicia," she respectfully approaches, making sure not to spook them.
<Blondezilla> One of the horses comes up to Alicia, rubbing it's head against her arm. However, as it does, the h orses look to Antenora. The other two seem to focus on her, snorting.
06* Alicia briefly pets the head of the horse that rubs her, before seeing the reaction to Antenora. "Give her a chance," she chides. "She's not as bad as she looks, and she's coming with us to help fight against evil."
<Blondezilla> Antenora sighs very long, giving Alicia a cutting, vicious little look before she smiles for the pegasus. "I need to use you for a little while. It's to do something important and good. Listen to her, she's telling the truth."
<Blondezilla> roll 1d20+7
06* Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
<Blondezilla> The horses snort again, but seem to settle down slightly. They're at least not charging her. At that, Commander Oberuth goes to mount the first one. He has his sword at his belt and the Hammer of the Shard slung across his back. "Coming?"
06* Alicia beams at both the horses and Antenora. "Now, was that so hard?" she asks pleasantly, before climbing up onto the one that's taken a liking to her. She then casts Message to link the three up so they can converse easily while travelling.
<Blondezilla> Antenora very slowly gets on the horse. Neither looks happy, both giving each other unkind looks. "Yes," Antenora says quickly, "Let's go." 'I loathe you at times.' Antenora adds, a sharp little mental comment.
<Alicia> 'You mention it frequently,' Alicia replies, unaffected. 'Really, though, I can't see what all the fuss is for. We're all on the same side, here.'
<Blondezilla> Antenora doesn't comment on that. However, as the trip goes, Alicia has the strangest feeling of eyes on the back of her head. The trip takes a little over an hour - speed is slowed down someone by making sure you find the right place. But soon you close in on it. It's an old, sturdy looking three story farmhouse with faded colors. A barn is there, having half fallen onto itself. The old wheat fields around it are overgrown, forgotte
<Blondezilla> overgrown, forgotten. (More)
<Blondezilla> It's quiet here - a few trees about, old oaks and weathered maples. They provide a certain shade to the entire affair. No farm animals remain, but you do see that the windows are dark and boarded over. There's a front door and a small side door that you see. No devils are immediately around.
<Alicia> "Okay, thoughts?" Alicia asks the other two, urging her mount to slow down as they maintain a high altitude some distance away, hopefully preventing easy spotting from inside. "I see two doors, although I doubt it'd be hard to smash through any windows. Or we could possibly smash through the roof and blitz them, that way."
<Blondezilla> "You've dealt with them a lot, too." Oberuth glances down, "What do you think? As long as it's something that'll give us an element of s urprise, I don't particularly care between methods."
<Alicia> "Realistically, I doubt the three of us could sneak in undetected, so a rapid assault makes the most sense. One solid hit from that Hammer should collapse a big enough section of roof for us to gain entry, and it would bypass any traps they've set up on the existing entrances," Alicia reasons. "We could swoop down, have the pegasi drop us on the roof and then fly up to remain safe above while we force our way in and work downwards?"
<Blondezilla> "It makes good sense," Oberuth agrees, reaching out and withdrawing the Hammero f the Shard. "Plus, if anything gets in the way of this, well..." He starts to smile.
<Alicia> "Any suggestions of your own, Antenora?" Alicia asks the resident erinyes.
<Blondezilla> Antenora quietly gets her spear out, "Anything to tilt the advantage to us whlie keeping our mobility works. While an Erinyes can fly, not all of it's servants will be able to."
<Alicia> "Okay, then," Alicia takes a moment to cast Shield and Mirror Image on herself...
<Alicia> roll 1d4+3
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4+3 and gets 7."12 [1d4=4]
<Blondezilla> Antenora prepares her spear, while Commander Oberuth hefts the chaotic hammer in his hands. "Well then," he gently nudges the pegasus with his knees, "Let's go!"
<Alicia> "You understand, right?" she leans over briefly towards the pegasus' head, "After you drop us off on the roof, just fly around above until we call for you, okay? That way you shouldn't get hurt."
<Blondezilla> The three descend down to the roof, Antenora getting off hers as soon as possible. The pegasus set each down greeably, flying back upward several hundred feet.
06* Alicia lands lightly on the roof, drawing Hell Striker and glancing downwards while detecting for evil as she waits for Obureth to make them an entrance. Also magic, since she cast detect magic before landing.

[Corwin]

[21:50] <Alicia> "Commander, they're airborne - come here so I can give you the power of flight!" Alicia tells Obureth, casting Fly on herself first and then reaching through the window so she can cast it on Obureth. She keeps her attention upwards, however, intending to cast feather fall on any of those jars she sees falling from above.
03[21:53] * Alicia_Reynes (WinNT@user-544306e5.lns4-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[21:53] * Alicia_Reynes is now known as Ebiris
03[21:53] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[21:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Commander Oberuth hesitates a moment, "Alicia, what are they?"
[21:54] <Ebiris> "Malmuthians on hippogriffs, they're dropping alchemist's fire!" Alicia tells him quickly, not wanting to linger on the ground any longer when she could be up there seeing off this threat.
[21:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With another swear, "Go! I need to coordinate things here then! Try and stop them, I'll get the archers organized! The two of you can fly?"
[21:56] <Ebiris> "Right, we're on it!" Alicia then takes off, ascending swiftly upwards towards the attackers with Hell Striker drawn!
[21:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora takes off as the archers return fire from below!
[21:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 8#1d20+3
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 8#1d20+3 and gets 87."12 [8#1d20+3 = 5, 19, 16, 7, 11, 10, 10, 9]
02[21:57] * Alicia (WinNT@user-544306e5.lns4-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+1
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+1
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+1 and gets 9."12 [1d8=8]
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
03[21:57] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arrows are counter fired as the hippogriff mounts whirl around for another go! Two arrows hit, one on the front and one on the farthest back! Minor injuries, but hits nonetheless! OOC - Let's do initiative here.
[21:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2 rider
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2 rider
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2 rider
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 rider and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 rider and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 rider and gets 11."12 [1d20=9]
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2 rider leader
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 rider leader and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1 archer pack
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 archer pack and gets 8."12 [1d20=7]
03[21:59] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'Antenora>Rider 1>Lead Rider>Rider 3>Rider 2>Archers>Alicia'
[22:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora soars up first, flying 100 feet straight up! As this happens, the first rider grabs two more jars from sacks and tosses them both down at the garrison!
[22:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3 (Crap AC, this is more to see if they manage to catastrophically miss)
[22:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3 (Crap AC, this is more to see if they manage to catastrophically miss)
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 (Crap AC, this is more to see if they manage to catastrophically miss) and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 (Crap AC, this is more to see if they manage to catastrophically miss) and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The jars go flying! One hits the garrison roof, making the flames spread out! One twenty foot segment is burning, with several smaller fires splattered around! The other jar he tosses hits the street, sputtering in weak fire on the ground there! Meanwhile, the lead rider comes around and does the same!
[22:02] <Alicia> OOC: I'm casting feather fall on them as they pass
[22:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Okay, you can get the one fallen one that hit, I suppose. Immediate action and all that. Strike my line.
[22:04] <Alicia> As the pots fall, Alicia utters a single word of arcane power, causing them both to begin drifting down at a gently and slow pace, hopefully slow enough to prevent them shattering.
[22:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The jars go flying as Alicia quickly invokes her power! One jar hits the street, simmering and doing little! The other flies but is slowed, landing safely on the roof and intact! Meanwhile, the lead rider gets two jars as well, tossing them down with abandon!
[22:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+4
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+4 and gets 23."12 [1d20=19]
[22:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+4
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[22:06] <Alicia> Alicia does exactly what she just did, hopefully showing them the futility of their attack!
[22:07] <Alicia> OOC: nevermind, no I don't
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two jars come flying down, crashing down hard! They slam down into the center of the fire, giving it more fuel! Smoke rises from the garrison's roof, as the archers below bolster and prepare! OOC - Other two are up. Nasty initiative split.
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12."12 [1d20=9]
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12."12 [1d20=9]
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> In the following sweep, three more hit the roof about! A few more minor fires spring up, a fourth landing in the courtyard! IT misses everything, mercifully, and only causes a training dummy to go up in flame! Meanwhile, the archers have gathered two more and prepare to fire!
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 10#1d20+3
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 10#1d20+3 and gets 130."12 [10#1d20+3 = 18, 21, 21, 17, 8, 6, 15, 10, 6, 8]
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 5#1d8+1
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 5#1d8+1 and gets 28."12 [5#1d8+1 = 7, 6, 9, 4, 2]
[22:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arrows fly! The hippogriffs and riders take arrows apiece, but none are downed but many are wounded! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:11] * Alicia flies up a mere 60 feet, unable to affect the battle for the moment.
[22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Alicia flies up, she can note more smoke rising into the sky from otehr parts of the city. From the east - Elle's shop? A great flash of lighting crashes down there as well. Another to the north - the harbor? OOC - Antenora is up.

[Corwin]

[21:53] <Kobrb> The arrows come flying, a deadly hail upward! Some miss, but many find fleshy marks to burrow into! The hippogriffs and riders are badly injuried, and the third rider slides out of his saddle! He hands upside down, bleeding and dying body held to the griffon only by it's footstraps!  Meanwhile, you hear an explosion to the east, a great flash of fire in the skies above Elle's shop.
06[21:54] * Alicia ascends up only thirty feet and decides it would be a good idea to take out the leader of this little sortie, gesturing upwards and firing off a barrage of magic missiles to take down his mount from under him!
[21:55] <Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 12."12 [5d4=1, 2, 1, 2, 1]

[Corwin]

03[19:41] * Alicia (WinNT@user-54411c51.l5.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[19:41] <Demedais> "Possible. I feel it more important to clear this ruin out and return to Balmuria with her. From there, our actions can be decided with more clarity, and there will be many eyes capable of helping us watch her if my fears are indeed the case." Demedais nods.
03[19:41] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
03[19:41] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[19:42] <Kotono> "Yes. I do not savor travelling the wastes with someone we may not be able to trust, though." AT that, Claris frowns. "Yet our options there are poor and worse."
[19:44] <Demedais> "At the same time, we have Seira's father, who seems talented in his own right, and... well. It is possible that the dragon may grant us a boon of quick return, if Saul himself cannot with his magic." Demedais muses.
[19:49] <Kotono> "Possible, but after this journey. Lathander surely wishes for me to consider the worst as well as the best, with all the troubles we have seen."
06[19:52] * Demedais inhales slightly. "This is true. But... All we should do now is keep watch. We are talking of a woman who has been looked upon favorably by angels, gold dragons, and their ilk. If..." A tired shake of the head. "Is there anything else you can think of that should be addressed.?"
[19:55] <Kotono> "For now, no." Claris rubs his forehead. "I admit this preoccupies me now. If Seira has been bound to something fould not of her own will, it is paramount we sever this unholy bond straight away."
[19:57] <Demedais> "Indeed. But if it is something more insidious..." Demedais shakes his head. "Regardless. I understand your caution about traveling with her, but I shall keep an eye on her myself, Helm grant me vigilance in this task."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Indeed." Clairs repeats, looking to the door away, where Saul and Seira talk. "We must wait for the moment, though."
[20:02] <Demedais> "...Indeed." Demedais says tiredly, waiting.
[20:40] <Kotono> ---
03[20:41] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:41] <Kotono> You stand in front of the head cleric of Waukeen's temple in Balmuria. Even here the great hall of Waukeen is bustling as news of war spreads! This noise is distant as you are in his private chambers, the spell cast. After a few moments, "Understood. Hold them off until morning. Will return victorious and with help. Call upon Celebrimbor's aid immediately. That's Seira's reply."
[20:43] <Alicia> "You've been most helpful," Alicia nods. "I'm sure you have your own preparations to deal with with a siege imminent, so I will leave you to them," she then heads off to relay Seira's reply to Obureth.
[20:45] <Kotono> Antenora follows, though she is quiet. As you go back, the city is complete chaos. Soldiers dominate the streets in order, while the few citizens out hustle about to get food and supplies.  You can hear talk as you go - talk of war, talk of evacuations perhaps pending, talk of the aerial attacks. The scent of smoke stays in the air asyo ureach the garrison. The fires are put out, albiet at moderate damage to the garrison's roof and sides.
06[20:45] * Alicia seeks out Commander Obureth upon arriving at the garrison!
[20:45] <Kotono> Colonel Khardon leads a regimen, a set of troops marching away. Inside a large hall you find Commander Oberuth, pages coming back and forth, senior military men with him as they discuss and work. "Report," his voice is terse as Alicia approaches.
[20:46] <Alicia> "Seira replied that she will return tomorrow morning 'Victorious and with help' using her words. She also suggested that we call upon Celebrimbor's aid immediately," Alicia relays the message.
[20:47] <Kotono> "It's already sent." Oberuth waves a hand as he uses the other to pass a scroll to a runner, who hurries off. "Now then. How much flying do you still have in you today, Alicia?"
[20:48] <Alicia> "I can cast it three times, each casting with a duration of just over ten minutes," she tells him.
[20:49] <Kotono> At that he scowls, a long pause. "Oh yes, I forgot. Take pegasi and get an aerial survey. A bird's eye view will help more than anything else right now. Don't engage them unless they take to the air as well, unless you get a golden chance."
06[20:50] * Alicia hesitates. "Sir, my talents do not truly lie in scouting. I will do this if it is your order, but a trained spotter would give a far more accurate summation of Malmuthian forces."
[20:52] <Kotono> "I suppose." He does draw at that, "Granted, you're more likely to return intact with a pegasus than a normal soldier." But at that, Antenora speaks up. "I can go," she says, "My eyes are sharper than...well, anyone's here."
[20:53] <Alicia> "No denying that," Alicia agrees. "If we both went we could probably get a solid idea of their forces, and be quite capable of eliminating any targets of opportunity to delay their advance."
[20:54] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth does grunt there, "Fine. If you're serious, don't bungle this," he says to Antenora. "Go on."
[20:55] <Alicia> "Lets go, then," Alicia salutes, heading off to locate a pair of pegasi.
[20:57] <Kotono> This goes without incident - a feat, considering the circumstances. Antenora looks distastefully at the pegasus a few seconds, but at least this time it doesn't seem to resent her as much. To the air the two go! (More)
[21:02] <Kotono> A bit of riding leads you south. A few hundred feet in the air is close to being invincible and gives you a lovely view. As you ride to the border, you can begin to see them. Vast columns of men and supply moving, taking up the horizon. One main group on horses entirely, with food soldiers following. A second group going to the west, clinging as close to the Galkass Mountains as possible, on foot. A third group of calvary takes to the eas
[21:03] <Kotono> A third group of calvary takes to the eastern flank, thinner than the others.
[21:04] <Kotono> OOC: Spot checks.
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 and gets 11."12 [1d20=10]
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 34."12 [1d20=18]
[21:07] <Kotono> 'Mistress,' Antenora's voice interjects, 'I can see the front leaders. Most of them are lead by men in full plate armor and carrying a blue banner. I don't see anyone that looks like a king, though.'
[21:11] <Alicia> "Probably officers. If Ferdi has any sense at all he'll be safe in Valandia," Alicia reasons. "Taking them out would be a good idea, but lets see what else there is... See anything like siege weapons or mages?"
[21:11] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 knowledge nobility on the blue banner!
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 knowledge nobility on the blue banner! and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[21:13] <Kotono> "No." Going into spoken speech, "It's all soldiers and archers in the rear. Nothing heavy yet."
06[21:14] * Alicia tries to make a comparison between the size of the army ahead and the forces available in Balmuria.
[21:15] <Kotono> Ballpark, this army is at least 10,000 people. Balmuria can call up in the range of 40,000 total.
[21:18] <Alicia> "Probably this group is intending to encircle Balmuria - they'll need reinforcements not far behind if they really expect to accomplish anything, though. Chances are the ones in the lead are just junior officers and standard bearers - we'd likely gain little by attacking them. I don't suppose you see anyone like..." she then proceeds to give a physical description of General Olburt from when she briefly met him in Valandia.
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 27."12 [1d20=11]
[21:19] <Kotono> Antenora peers down, "No, no one like that. I don't see anyone who looks that important. You're probably right, Mistress, it's just the front vanguard."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Lets go report back, then. Better to let them come in overconfident and then deliver a really hard blow instead of giving them cause to be more careful right now," Alicia reasons, wheeling about and heading back to Balmuria.
[21:24] <Kotono> The return trip is without incident. The city is preparing - defenses and engines readied, soldiers patrolling, the gates and wall sbeing fortified. On landing and reporting back, "Report," Oberuth says as he looks away from a conversation with a few petty officers.
[21:27] <Alicia> "Looks to be an advance force of ten thousand, arranged into three groups - mostly cavalry. One main center group, one slightly smaller group clinging close to the mountains, and a thin group on the Eastern flank. If anyone very important is among them, they're hidden amongst the common soldiers. No siege weapons in evidence," she rattles off the pertinent points before glancing at Antenora for agreement or anything she wants to add.
[21:28] <Kotono> "Yeah, just a frontal force." Commander Oberuth is silent until he says that, listening well. "That means they're just probing ahead or looking to flank for a main force." Antenora adds in at the right places.
[21:29] <Alicia> "So what's our strategy? Will we intercept them or settle in for a siege?" Alicia asks.
[21:31] <Kotono> "Ten thousands...we'd need to inflict at least a thousand casulaties to really give a frontal force like that pause, unless they're waiting to stop at the first resistance." Rubbing his chin, "The weak flank invites attack."
[21:35] <Alicia> "I don't think what happens to this army will determine the course of the war, either way," Alicia replies. "They're too small to pose a credible threat to Balmuria itself, but by the same token, I think Malmuth could afford to write them off - indeed, I almost wonder if that's the intention."
[21:37] <Kotono> "It might be..." Oberuth ponders that, "They can afford to choke us a little at a time. So, either we bite on it and try to rout them back here, or settle in for the siege." At that, Commander Oberuth speaks up. "Everyone but Alicia and her cohort, leave me for now." The soldiers all salute and hurry off, leaving them alone. Once they are, "Alicia. Do you feel confident that our best forces could lead a decapitating attack on Malmuth, sho
[21:38] <Kotono>  attack on Malmuth, should conventional warfare prove unsuccessful?"
06[21:40] * Alicia smiles, though it's not a very pleasant one. "Such a strategy was my preferred option - I am not a soldier, and I have no quarrel with the average Malmuthian. The leadership is another matter - I am fully confident in my ability to defeat any of Malmuth's best, and indeed King Ferdi. Seira, Demedais, and Antenora are all equally capable."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Frankly, not even the Guard can defeat a hundred thousand men. Not fast enough for it to matter even if you don't get killed." AT that, Oberuth looks to the two. "For now, I'm going to want aerial patrols every eight hours to see if we can find any leaders. If we do, the guard deals with them while the rest of us deal with the mundane slaughterhouse."
[21:45] <Alicia> "I do not know King Ferdi, but I have heard he is... obsessive, about controlling everything. If he has any sense at all he will nonetheless remain safe in Valandia, but if he appears within sight of our walls... well, this war will be over a short time afterwards," Alicia concludes. "But even without him, eliminating the generals and commanders may be sufficient to break their army, or at least ensure a far less costly victory."
[21:47] <Kotono> "Agreed. Without the leaders, they're just a bunch of scared men with weapons." Oberuth even nearly smiles at that, "Go get some food and a bit of rest - I'll want you to sweep again before sunset. We'll go over this again when the otheres return to morrow."
[21:48] <Alicia> "Yes, sir," Alicia salutes, before heading home to tell Jessica what's up and get some lunch. Probably have to be a bit more frugal with the food if a siege is imminent, but they'll make do...
02[22:25] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[22:32] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
03[22:32] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[22:34] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[23:21] <Kotono> ---