203. The Malmuthian War

[Corwin]

[21:08] <Kotono> Going to the garrison is an eye opening affair. Soldiers clog the streets, only a few vendors open. Many take food door to door, coin exchanged quickly. The city seems  somewhat locked down. On reaching the garrison, you can see that it has taken some fire damage, being repaired by a contingent of soldiers for functionality.  You are ushered into a meeting room as soon as you are seen. (More)
03[21:09] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:10] <Kotono> Inside there you find Commander Oberuth waiting. A line of senior non commissioned file out as you do, saluting. Inside you find Commander Oberuth, Alicia and Antenora waiting. "Welcome home. Success?" Oberuth asks, looking red eyed and black circled around his eyes.
06[21:10] * Seira laughs. "More than that! Irenes is dead, the old man is freed, and we have a means of routing the invading army without losses!"
[21:11] <Alicia> "Good news on all counts," Alicia manages a small smile. "What tactic or weapon have you found that will allow such a perfect victory?"
01[21:11] <Seira> "A dragon!"
[21:12] <Demedais> "Maybe."
[21:12] <Kotono> At that, Commander Oberuth does ook up. "You enlisted the assisstance of a dragon?"
[21:12] <Alicia> Alicia's expression becomes a bit more dubious. "Like the one that Demedais killed?" she asks. That pretty much says it all in terms of draconic invulnerability.
01[21:13] <Seira> "As a one-time thing," Seira responds, showing the golden statue. "But once is enough. And if we strike at their commander while they are in disarray, we will have won without harming the soldiers."
[21:13] <Demedais> "Maybe a dragon-blessed avatar to scare them off, or something blessed by the ghost of a really huge dragon. We don't know; he was too tired to tell us."
01[21:13] <Seira> "No. The ancient golden wyrm that was Zariel's mount."
[21:13] <Kotono> Antenora listens but hangs back, eyeing Seira.
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 20."12 [1d20=4]
[21:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 who's Zariel?
[21:13] <Demedais> "Nah, this one was killed by the God-King. His skeleton made good attempts at biting me in half, tho."
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 who's Zariel? and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
[21:14] <Kotono> "Zariel?" Antenora asks aloud, "Wait, are you talking about Zariel of Averus?"
[21:15] <Demedais> "Oh: Zariel, right-hand man of Torm, got mind-blasted by the God-King, brainwashed into fighting him." Demedais summarizes. "Sounds right. We met his mount, resurrected it somewhat, had a few chats."
01[21:15] <Seira> "No, I'm talking about Zariel, Torm's right hand... man? Whatever. Before his fall."
01[21:15] <Seira> "I used to have his sword!" Seira pipes in.
[21:16] <Alicia> "Zariel as in former Lord of the Nine?" Alicia asks dubiously. "I'm not sure at all that anyone connected with Zariel would make a dependable ally... Are you saying he was a servant of Torm?" Then again, she's not too fond of Torm, either... Or at least one of his servants.
[21:16] <Demedais> "And that's another story entirely." Demedais coughs. "We have time to tell all those, ah, -after- we handle the attempt at invasion, okay?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "I would like to hear this as well," Antenora speaks up, "Zariel had a relation to this world?"
01[21:16] <Seira> "We can get into all that later," Seira promises. "For now, how long do we have? And has the situation changed?"
[21:17] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth coughs lightly, clearing his throat. "The have a vanguard of about 10,000 troops in three thrusts. It's advancing at a decent clip as of last report. There's at least a few days away from the city, and we're engaging in delay tactics and ambuses for now."
01[21:17] <Seira> "What of the main forces?"
[21:17] <Alicia> "Well, speaking of Hell, its forces are invading through a functioning gnomish portal in the desert," Alicia explains. "A group of celestials are trying to contain them but they need help, so anything that can let us end this ridiculous war with Malmuth and focus on the real problem would be a blessing, I suppose."
06[21:18] * Seira considers. "The north of the desert?"
[21:18] <Kotono> "We don't know." Oberuth notes. "We used aerial means to scout, but we haven't pressed beyond the first wave of forces. They've shown aerial capacities of their own, using hippogriffs and alchemists fire to rain fire down on the city."
06[21:18] * Seira twitches at the mention of alchemist's fire, but does not comment.
[21:19] <Demedais> "..." Demedais pauses at this. "It doesn't ever just rain. It has to... shit lilacs and problems. By Helm, how irritating." At Oberuth's words, he listens intently. "Any way to detect their attempts early?"
[21:19] <Alicia> "Yes, I've been given directions of where to go before a servant of heaven will take us to the battle," Alicia nods to Seira. "But lets focus on ending this pointless conflict with Malmuth for now."
06[21:20] * Seira nods. "We heard of that conflict. I see. Yes, we should end it, decisively. And it will all end with King Ferdi. Have we managed to track down his location?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "We're working on it. From what I gathered afterwards," He stops there, also listening to Alicia. "They rode high in the sky and dove down when they were over the city. We didn't even spot them until they'd attacked the garrison, the ships and Countess Stronger's shop."
01[21:20] <Seira> "Not my inn?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Ferdi?" At that, Oberuth shrugs his large shoulders. "I'd imagine he's in Valandia, but we don't know."
[21:21] <Alicia> "It may have caught a few misaimed jars of fire, but the target appeared to be Elle's shop - I haven't heard of any real damage to your establishment," Alicia reassures Seira. "The only Malmuthian force we've seen so far doesn't seem to include any of their high level commanders. I don't imagine Ferdi expects it to do much besides wear us down for future battles."
01[21:22] <Seira> "That's because it's built fireproof! But ignore me, will they...." She continues to seethe.
[21:22] <Kotono> "It raises other isasues. IF Ferdi is willing to use 10,000 men simply as a first wave, his reserves are vast." Oberuth leans back, "We're all agreeing that a more pinpoint solution is needed. If we don't, they'll drown us in bodies sooner or later."
[21:23] <Demedais> "Walls of magic to interfere, rains of arrows to deplete their troops, magical assaults to keep them distracted..." Demedais muses. "I don't see how they plan to accomplish too much with our number of spellcasters here."
06[21:23] * Seira pauses at that. "Sir, what if we abducted a soldier and asked him what caused this move against us at such a time?"
[21:23] <Demedais> "But yes, the body count becomes an issue. I... do not know how to counter that."
06[21:24] * Seira frowns. "I am getting the feeling we are missing something, a key piece of information. They can't really be that stupid, can they?"
06[21:24] * Demedais looks to Seira for a long moment.
[21:24] <Kotono> "We have a few prisoners of war already trickling in. We're trying not to capture too much for mobility reasons, but we have a few. If they don't pan out, grabbing an officer is our next step there." At this, "I don't know."
[21:24] <Alicia> "Killing Ferdi is my preferred solution," Alicia volunteers emphatically. "We can hope he's foolish enough to lead from the front - what I've heard of his personality makes it possible. But if he has any sense he'll be at least as far back as Valandia."
[21:24] <Demedais> "Are we missing something you're seeing here?"
01[21:26] <Seira> "Maybe," Seira says. "The day we received the message of the attack was when we killed Irenes. I was about to send response both here and to Malmuth, to coordinate that meeting Ferdi requested with us and Claris. Coincidence? Regardless, why would they give up on such an easy trap for us and just use brute force?"
[21:26] <Alicia> "They must have been marching for some time before you killed Irenes," Alicia points out. "Valandia is a long way from the border."
[21:26] <Demedais> "...I would rather more political unrest not occur, but what must be must be - this is a clearly hostile move." Demedais nods. "We can't afford to lose ground or time here; in addition, we have what Claris and Engan have told us about his presence... this truly may never end until we have eliminated him."
01[21:27] <Seira> "This raises the question of why our scouts are so bad," Seira mutters with another frown.
[21:28] <Kotono> "We don't have much beyond our border since they've been so closed." At that, Oberuth shakes his head. "We do know now, at least."
01[21:29] <Seira> "We'll fix that with time," Seira says. "Well. I would prefer to have a couple days to go through what we found in the fortress. It did not belong to the gnomes, yet it was of a very advanced design. Human, perhaps?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "We can spare a few days - they're not close to the city and we're only in delaying actions right now. To be honest?" Oberuth says at this point, "If we attempt to end this with assassinations, then we're going to be stalling into a siege, most likely."
[21:31] <Demedais> "Also. Is there a way to activate magical walls across our terrain upon use of... I don't know, a command word and a seal?" Demedais muses. "To be able to interrupt anywhere they attempt to set up a base of operations on our terrain would be useful."
[21:31] <Alicia> "Speaking of where you were," Alicia adds to Seira, "I was given a book about the restoration of that area - I only skimmed it, but it'd probably mean a lot more to you than me. I'll drop it off at your inn, later, Captain. But for now lets focus on the immediate threat."
01[21:31] <Seira> "Let's try and win this decisively, then," Seira says. "One of the things we discovered was that the world used to be much larger, once upon a time. Now, great parts of it are just wastes, and I would like to focus on fixing that without distractions."
[21:31] <Kotono> "The sooner the better with information. We can spare a day or two, but longer and we'll be neck deep in Malmuthians." Stopping there to listen, "We have a one shot means of doing something like that thanks to Mihail," Oberuth says. "Can it be viable to put magical walls of stone or force of what have you far enough to slow an army?"
06[21:31] * Seira perks up at Alicia's words. "How useful!"
06[21:32] * Demedais looks to Seira and Alicia.
01[21:32] <Seira> "I'll research it, Sir."
[21:33] <Alicia> "I can't do any spells like that," Alicia shakes her head. "Elle probably could. And if worst comes to worst, she can use Mihail's lava tubes if the Malmuthians are at our gates."
01[21:33] <Seira> "I can cause hallucinations on a wide area," Seira says slowly. "Or I should be able to."
[21:33] <Kotono> "If we use that, it's our trump card. It'll surely put at least a good pause into any frontal assault. I'd rather not use them unless it's required." Oberuth agrees to all of that. "How wide an area?"
[21:34] <Alicia> "Best to save it for when all other hope is lost - so hopefully not at all," Alicia smiles faintly at Obureth.
01[21:35] <Seira> "Three and a half hundred cubic feet, give or take?" Seira ventures, mentally doing the calculations. "Not all that much, but still useful."
[21:35] <Demedais> "We have trained archers... the guerilla ambushes... magical capabilities - and anyone who can dispel them, we can strike at, hopefully disabling and taking prisoner - and multiple other trump. This is not hopeless by any means, though it will take planning."
[21:36] <Kotono> "It would be good for disrupting a good segment of a line..." Oberuth listens and ponders. "Yes, Pollyanna's leading a few in one of the harrassing actions now, actually, Demedais. Her group brought back one of the prisoners this morning."
06[21:37] * Demedais nods in approval. "Good to know."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Alright. Lord Salman has made station outside of Balmuria - in case we do get pinned here, it's important that he can rally the rest of the nation." Oberuth does continue, "We have stores to last at least two months in a siege, assuming our walls aren't breached. More if we can smuggle in supplies and evacuate civilians."
01[21:40] <Seira> "Umm. We can teleport and summon supplies," Seira mentions, raising a hand. "A siege is not an issue."
06[21:40] * Demedais looks to Seira. "You have that one barrel, right? Can that effect be duplicated?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Can we do that for enough for an entire city full of hungry soldiers?" Oberuth asks.
01[21:40] <Seira> "With effort. I won't be doing it alone, but we have other resources."
[21:40] <Alicia> "Most priests with magical abilities can conjure food, but we don't have enough to feed a city. It could be used to extend our supplies, at least," Alicia suggests.
01[21:41] <Seira> "And then, there are the elves," Seira decides to mention. "Are they here yet?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "Good. I'd still like to avoid a siege - they're nothing but bloodshed for each inch of ground," Commander Oberuth's look sours. "The elven mission passed on that they're readying. The force will have to march through the Barbarian Lands and that'll take at least a few weeks. They're debating between full relie of Balmuria or that and a secondary front towards Tauret. Individual reliefs should be along within a day or two."
06[21:44] * Demedais pauses, lost in thought.
[21:46] <Kotono> "There's another question - which of you are strongest in a flat out assault?" Oberuth asks, "For when we do attempt these eliminations, speed and overwhelming power are essential."
01[21:47] <Seira> "I can kill people without people killing me, does that work?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "That's the idea of the game," Hellman cracks a smile at that, "I mean, which of you can do the most harm to someone the fastest?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Before, say, a regimen of troops comes down on you like the wrath of Heaven?"
06[21:49] * Demedais looks at Seira and Alicia. "Depends, oddly. Each of us has damage potential, but in our own ways. I excel at the physical, Seira the arcane, and Alicia at mixing the two with precision. This being said... Seira could probably disable the target first, while I could hold the troops off the longest."
[21:49] <Alicia> "I think we've all proven that, Captain," Alicia notes dryly. "I will say that my entire combat style focuses on rapid movement and blending anyone foolish enough to remain within reach of my blades."
[21:50] <Demedais> "Alicia is talented at both, but her main skill is making sure she hits. As I learned, being on the receiving end of her favored spell at one point." Demedais winces.
[21:50] <Alicia> "And Antenora's spear seems entirely designed to kill anything she touches on an initial charge," she adds for the mostly quiet erinyes.
01[21:50] <Seira> "It might be best to keep us together," Seira proposes. "That way, at least one of us will complete the mission."
[21:51] <Kotono> "I can charge well," Antenora speaks up to that, "Killing a troll in one charge isn't impossible." Antenora does speak up at that, "I'd be glad to help as well. I want to."
[21:51] <Alicia> "You're still alive," Alicia notes to Demedais with some admiration noticable in her tone.
[21:52] <Kotono> "I imagine Claris isn't half bad at it," Oberuth listens to each of them, "I'm not sure if putting him against Malmuthians is remotely wise still. Pollyanna's more of a scout. Any others?"
06[21:52] * Demedais looks to Antenora with interest. "This is good to hear." Then, to Alicia, "Yeah, because he wasn't as good at it as you. Good god do I not want to face you when you're mad. There is Engan, who wouldn't hesitate to end Ferdi given half a chance."
01[21:52] <Seira> "Donald, our new friend if he could be convinced to stay longer... quite a few."
[21:53] <Kotono> "Good. Depending on transporation means when we get this chance, I want as many of you to eliminate your targets as fast as possible. Oh, and if it's someone big, bring their head back. Having that on a pike along the walls is a good morale breaker."
06[21:53] * Demedais nods.
06[21:53] * Alicia gives Demedais a smile. "Don't worry, you're one of the nicest people I know, Demedais. I shouldn't ever have any reason."
06[21:54] * Seira isn't quite sure when they deviated from her plan of routing the enemy into wholesale slaughter, but just shrugs.
06[21:55] * Demedais raises an eyebrow. "You missed me wholesale cursing everything and anything at the ruins, then. That's a story for people to get drunk on afterward, though. And I'm afraid I earned my neutral nature there."
[21:55] <Kotono> "Especially Ferdi. If he dies and we can prove it, we have good odds of ending the war then and there." Oberuth does continue. "Alright then. Now then - in short, what the HELL was Irenes doing there?"
[21:56] <Demedais> "Summoning demons. Lots." Demedais says. "Also had undead there, black doors to the Abyss, statues that wouldn't break, and, uh, some rather... creepy... experiments."
01[21:56] <Seira> "He was molesting them," Seira says solemnly. "In unspeakable ways."
[21:57] <Demedais> "I would disagree but with all that happened... that sounds quite possible." Demedais nods.
[21:57] <Kotono> Antenora's eyes turn to Demedais. "Demons?" Her expression becomes darker, far more intense.
06[21:58] * Alicia sighs. "Such lovely company my sister used to keep..." she mutters in distates. "I'm glad he's gone and she won't ever have to deal with him, again."
01[21:58] <Seira> "Unless the balor makes him a servant," Seira mutters quietly.
[21:59] <Alicia> That stops Alicia short. "Okay, a statement like that demands elaboration."
06[21:59] * Demedais looks to Antenora, then to Seira sidelong, then to Antenora again. "Yes, but that can be discussed later. Right now, it is of minimal relevance." he states firmly.
[22:00] <Kotono> "Wait." Antenora turns to Seira. "A BALOR? Do you know which one? A balor's about the demonic imitation of a pit fiend. They're leaders."
06[22:00] * Demedais sighs.
01[22:01] <Seira> "They are," Seira agrees. "I know which one, too. Gurlan's the name. Irenes made a pact with him so he's in the Abyss, now."
[22:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 planes does the name mean anything?
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 planes does the name mean anything? and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 21."12 [1d20=7]
[22:03] <Alicia> "And you think this Balor could cause trouble for us in future?" Alicia asks carefully. Bad enough all their devil troubles...
01[22:03] <Seira> "Almost certainly!" Seira says with eagerness. "And we'll kill him! Definitely!"
[22:06] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth rubs his forehead slowly, "A worry for another day. Let's worry about the army marching otwards us first.":
06[22:06] * Alicia wearily rubs her brow. "One thing at a time..."
[22:06] <Demedais> "I'd support the motion." Demedais growls. "But we need to focus on the problem at hand, okay? Perhaps caltrops can be made and dropped on the horse units from above to handle them?"
06[22:06] * Demedais looks to Oberuth and Alicia with a slight grin.
01[22:07] <Seira> "I think my time would be better-served studying what we found in the fortress," Seira muses. "At least for the day or two I asked originally. There might be something pertinent."
[22:07] <Demedais> "Alternately, can we counter with alchemist's fire of our own?"
06[22:07] * Seira chokes.
[22:07] <Kotono> "It's an idea. We have the pegasi, which have been extremely useful. Antenora can fly indefinitely, and Seira and Alicia can cast flying magic." Rubbing his forehead again, "Seira, are you alright?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "A true mage would never do that!" Seira exclaims. "It's the most stupid idea anyone's ever had!"
06[22:08] * Seira mutters about alchemical fire.
06[22:08] * Demedais eyes Seira.
[22:09] <Demedais> "You sound sick. The trip must have done something to you. Perhaps resting would be a good idea?"
[22:09] <Alicia> "Malmuth's own attack with alchemist's fire failed to inflict any real, lasting damage," Alicia points out. "I don't think it would work on them - in fact it would be even less useful against a marching army than against stationary buildings and ships."
01[22:09] <Seira> "That's because it's-- it's-- fire-lite! A fake fire! Not worth of being called fire at all!"
[22:09] <Demedais> "True... argh, there has to be some way to disrupt their advance. We want to wear them down as much as possible. Make them unable to fight back; make a siege unsustainable."
06[22:10] * Demedais looks to Seira with amusement. "Make real fire-in-a-bottle, then!"
[22:10] <Kotono> "The ships were an issue - the building damages are more irritants, and Stronger's shop had less problems anyway," Clearing his throat a moment, "No matter what it is, it still burnt well enough. What about summoning? Is there any way to summon enough to make any sort of serious impact?"
01[22:10] <Seira> "That's a waste of my valuable time, it takes me a week to do that," Seira tells Demedais with a frown.
[22:11] <Demedais> "Fair enough. Summoning... flying units that can wear them down, perhaps? Or tunneling ones to strike from below?" Demedais muses. "I don't know what's within the realm of possibility there."
06[22:11] * Seira frowns, then. "Well... we do have one alliance we haven't tapped into, yet," she says cautiously. "If the situation feels truly dire, we could try."
06[22:12] * Demedais looks to Seira in confusion.
01[22:12] <Seira> "We have a mostly-working portal to the elemental plane of water just a few hours away," she reminds Demedais. "And Oolu is quite old and knowledgeable, not to mention powerful, I bet."
[22:13] <Demedais> "And whimsical." Demedais muses. "Still, possible; he'd hate to lose Balmuria as an ally at this point. Perhaps he can help us harry the army if they try to resupply from the bay?"
[22:14] <Kotono> "The logistics of that aren't terribly feasible." Oberuth adds at that. "They can resupply from Valandia far quicker than any boat trying to go around could."
01[22:14] <Seira> "And the other planes have not been hit by the gnomish war of the past," Seira adds. "They still have their share of casters, who could be recruited."
[22:17] <Kotono> "It's a thought," Oberuth listens and agrees, "We need every shred of help we can get. Speaking of, I've been in contact with the churches of Waukeen and Helm, as well as Al'Lamar and the constructing temples of Gond, Mystra and Torm. We should have plenty of support from those quarters."
01[22:17] <Seira> "Waukeen's support for our cause is strong," Seira agrees. "You won't have any problems from that end, Sir."
[22:18] <Kotono> "I know. Helm's temple is agreeable as well. Honestly, there's been no problems on that. Even the temple of Torm, headed by a foreigner from the east, has agreed to help with the wounded as much as they can."
06[22:19] * Seira is ambivalent on the subject of Torm, though overall doesn't look entirely too pleased at those news.
[22:20] <Kotono> "Alright. Any other ideas?" OBeruth asks.
06[22:20] * Demedais nods. "The High Priest of Helm will have no problems assisting. He has the resources, or at least he should; I can assist coordination from that direction." After a moment, "...None currently, though this will take me much time to think over."
06[22:21] * Seira has an urge to sack the temple to Torm, but doesn't suggest it. "I think we should focus on our immediate defenses," she says instead. "If Mihail's creation directs lava to the area at the front, we should alter the landscape to force any invading forces to take that route.
01[22:21] <Seira> "
[22:22] <Kotono> "Yeah, we've been working on things like that. It's part of why we're delaying, reasonable works on that will take a few days." Then, "What about you, Alicia. Anything? If not, there are a few more matter sto discuss."
01[22:23] <Seira> "More ideas will surely come later."
[22:24] <Alicia> "I maintain my belief that if we eliminate the cause of the war - ie King Ferdi, then matters should be resolved swiftly in our favour and with minimal bloodshed. Until we find out where he is, I remain at your disposal," Alicia volunteers primly.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Well then." Oberuth nods to that at last, "Events weren't boring here. FIrst off, the unicorn at the grove has a mate now, thanks to Alicia and a detachment of the guard helping to dispose of some trolls."
01[22:25] <Seira> "Everyone's getting together now, these days," Seira muses, listening to Oberuth.
[22:25] <Alicia> "I'm sure we'll hear the pitter patter of tiny hooves in no time at all," Alicia adds dryly.
[22:26] <Kotono> "Secondly...we had devil problems again. It was rather unpleasant, albiet that we eliminated them without losses." At that, Oberuth look sto Alicia and Antenora. "This is more of your perspective, I was only there to smash themin with the hammer."
06[22:27] * Demedais half chuckles, half shivers. "What was this about?"
[22:27] <Alicia> "A group of devils took up residence outside of the city and made a contract with someone who intended to have me possessed with a corruption devil," Alicia explains. "After thwarting that, we tracked them to their lair and eliminated them. According to Latha, they came from the desert portal - she's one of the devas trying to keep them contained, though obviously they need help."
[22:30] <Kotono> "They're very dead now, yes," Antenora smiles a little bit, but it's not a nice smile. A hunter's smile, really. "Thankfully. After that, matters were...resolved. But HEll isn't going to rest against us now, too."
[22:30] <Demedais> "..." Demedais goes silent at this. "Balmuria has a penchant for attracting... those of far denser skull material, it seems. Still, now we have hell, the abyss, the God-King, and Malmuth."
06[22:30] * Demedais pauses in reflection.
[22:31] <Demedais> "Okay, once this meeting is done I think I'm going to start cursing again and not stop until I run out of breath."
[22:32] <Alicia> "The last is the most pointless but sadly the most immediate," Alicia laments. "No wonder the forces of the lower planes consider us ripe for conquest, if we waste so much effort fighting each other over one man's ego-stroking," she concludes scathingly.
[22:33] <Kotono> "Hell won't stop for just that reason. Humans - mortals, that is, are by and large easy to manipuate and dominate. Only a few can stand up to them at all. The majority aren't hard to mold into what they want, as they don't have the will to resist effectively. With a gate on the world, there won't be any peace until it's closed. Plus...Hell never forgets. Everything is recorded and remembered. Even if you kill the Cornugon or Pit Fiend or even
[22:34] <Kotono> Pit Fiend or even the Duke who spearheads this invasion, those that rise up or control him won't forget."
[22:34] <Demedais> "They consider us ripe for conquest no matter what happens here." Demedais mutters. "Any chance we can just teleport a huge rock over Ferdi's head and hope it causes him severe trauma?"
[22:35] <Alicia> "All the more reason to present a united front," Alicia declares in response to Antenora's speech.
06[22:35] * Demedais nods to Antenora. "Well said. ...You've become more loquacious on these subjects, it seems."
[22:36] <Kotono> "Yes. It'll make it easier...all three of you are known in Hell. It may not be in a day, a month or even a year. It may not even be in a decade, but Hell will remember. It may not even be on you, but your children or your children's children. I've known stories of towns massacred because the great grandfather of a peasant there killed a Pit Fiend."
[22:37] <Demedais> "Note to self - ensure any descendants of mine stick around with Helm for protection." Demedais mutters.
[22:38] <Kotono> Antenora looks to Demedais at that, "I have." She doesn't stop there, though. "A devil thinks like that. When you strike at a devil, you strike at his superior, and his superior's superior and all the way up the chain. Even to Lor-to Asmodeus if what you did merits his attention."
01[22:39] <Seira> "Clearly, we must invade Hell and seize control of it," Seira muses. "Something to do as a retirement project, perhaps?"
06[22:39] * Demedais pauses at this.
06[22:39] * Demedais looks at Seira.
[22:40] <Demedais> "Your retirement or ours?"
06[22:40] * Seira looks at him, distracted. "Hmm? I can share, if that's what you mean."
[22:41] <Demedais> "Not the point." Demedais looks back to Antenora. "That does make things problematic."
[22:41] <Alicia> "I wouldn't," Alicia tells Seira. "Even without the devils, the entire plane itself is inimical to goodness and justice. Even if you had the power, you may simply exchange one set of tyrants for another." The strangest thing is, if they can slay Daa-vid then they might even have that level of power, one day.
01[22:42] <Seira> "Well then. How about something equally ambitious, then?" Seira proposes. "Once we're done with the God-King, why don't we seal off Prime from the nastier planes of existence?"
[22:43] <Alicia> "So long as it doesn't result in evil people immediately rising as undead due to their souls having nowhere to go," Alicia replies thoughtfully.
[22:44] <Kotono> "If you could find a way..." Antenora considers...
[22:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 20."12 [1d20=6]
[22:44] <Kotono> She does shrug after a bit, "Easier said than done."
01[22:44] <Seira> "I'm good with one-way travel, I suppose," Seira muses. "Well. That's for later. That book you've mentioned, our ongoing plans and the magical equipment discovered all await. Unless there's anything further?"
[22:45] <Demedais> "Something to consider later, okay? We wandered off track again."
[22:45] <Alicia> "Yes, such grandiose plans are of no help in the here and now," Alicia nods resolutely.
[22:45] <Kotono> "Go on. I've spent too long here, there's matters for me to attend to," Oberuth rises. "I'll be calling on all of you for suervices or reports in a few hours. Until then, go rest up. Get some food and sleep if you need it."
06[22:45] * Demedais nods in gratitude and salutes.
06[22:46] * Seira salutes, seeming pleased, and decides to go and visit Elle.

[Corwin]

[19:39] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> ----
[19:40] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Later that day, Demedais catches Pollyanna returning. A squad of ten men follow her, two of them carrying back a body. They quietly go towards the garrison's interior, as Pollyanna looks about.  Her arm is wrapped in a white rag, a few blotches of blood showing.
06[19:41] * Demedais raises a hand to catch Pollyanna's attention as he walks over. "Don't let me distract you from reporting in - we can talk later, but I'm back. Finally. Somehow."
[19:43] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Pollyanna's eyes widen at this, "I'll catch up," she says to her men, going over to Demedais. She looks him over, up and down twice. "I don't see any burns, cuts, bashes or other problems, so that means it went well?"
[19:44] <Demedais> "After healing the undead dragon bites, yes." Demedais nods once. "And you? The guerilla tactics seem to be working?"
[19:49] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Fairly well. We're not unprepared, but when they can fire dozens and dozens of arrows, someone's going to get lucky," Pollyanna's face darkens as she reaches up to her arm. "Percy there caught an arrow in the skull as we fled. We hit them hard - at least three dozen casualities, they weren't prepared - but they still had longshots as we fled."
06[19:51] * Demedais nods sadly. "Why they chose now... To imagine this is only a vanguard."
[19:53] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "No force can take those sort of losses forever...right?" Pollyanna looks hopeful. "The archers I went with have been improving so much, too. Even if they prepare better I know we can get the better of them as they approach."
06[19:55] * Demedais nods. "And I am fairly confident we can prepare well for any attempts they make, given time... Still, this has to be some of the worst timing ever, not that it wasn't, in part, expected."
[19:56] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Lowering her voice, "How was your trip then? You speak of it being such bad timing...was there calamity? Failure? What of Captain Seira?"
[19:59] <Demedais> "The trip was actually a success. We killed Irenes and intended to send word of this... and then we got told instead that Malmuth was invading. Captain Seira got in trouble, got herself out of trouble. The trip itself... multiple dangerous points, but. We all survived it, and we possibly have another hand to assist us in the form of a guide that helped us through the wasteland."
[20:02] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "...good." Pollyanna listens to that, before scowling, "Undead dragons, though?" At that, Polly reaches towards her bandaged arm, "...nevermind. I do need to go report."
[20:02] <Demedais> "Very well. Do you wish to meet somewhere after that?"
[20:04] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Helm's temple," Pollyanna says, "I'll have rest period coming haead before I lead another group out for a night strike. I can swing by there easily enough."
03[20:04] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514de6a4.l4.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:04] <Demedais> "Alright. I'll meet you there, then." Demedais nods.
[20:09] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> An hour passes. Demedais finds himself at Helm's temple, bustling with activity. Soldiers come to pray, clerics work, peasants come to beg Lord Helm to watch over them and their homes. Still, he can easily get to stand near the altar. Being a paladin of Helm does have certain perks, after all. Pollyanna meets with him there, arm rebandaged with clean looking cloth. "So..." she asks as she steps up to him, "How wasi t?"
06[20:12] * Demedais looks up from the activity. "Tiring, but much was learned that none of us expected regarding the God-King. It'll... be a task to take him down. Do we have any declared reason from Malmuth regarding the attack?"
[20:20] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "I don't know. I haven't talked to the Commander except for mission briefings." Bowing her head, "I've been either sleeping, training the troops or leading them."
06[20:23] * Demedais nods. "Commendable, especially in this situation. I'll have to inquire myself... argh. This is just..." Demedais shakes his head a bit before patting Pollyanna on the shoulder, healing her a bit (OOC: -8 LoH). "You keep safe as well, alright?"
[20:25] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The wound heals, Pollyanna sighing. "Thanks," she murmurs. "Don't you dare get killed, or I'll get Helm to bring you back. Somehow."
[20:26] <Demedais> "Actually, I was guessing you'd find a way to hunt me down up there and beat me up for daring to die on you." Demedais says dryly.
[20:28] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "...that's a good idea, too. Helm Forbid it happens, of course." A slight smile from her, as she reaches and embraces Demedais. "Good luck out there."
06[20:29] * Demedais returns the embrace. "And you as well. Helm watch over you."

[Corwin]

[19:36] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> ----
[19:38] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Amid all of Seira's hurried rushes and work, she finds time to go home. As the city is in a disciplined panic all around her, she finds Berjand resting in an inn room. He lies there, looking up at the ceiling. Despite all the chaos, he looks to be simply resting.
01[19:41] <Seira> "How do you like it here?" she asks him without preamble, getting herself a decent drink at long last.
[19:42] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "It's temperate." He says this as he sits up, "The desert's always frying hot or freezing cold."
01[19:44] <Seira> "It could take some getting used to," Seira agrees. "Not that I'm implying you should. Although if you wanted to, I could surely afford to buy out your contract, as you're probably realized. Just say the word, then."
[19:47] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "It's done. You already did, you know." Berjand looks to Seira with an open look. "Thank you. I'm free of my former Master now."
01[19:50] <Seira> "Ah." She nods at that. "Well, you're certainly free now, yes. As such, we would like to extend an offer for you to stay around for a while, and consider a commission with the guard, here. You'd be surprised at how many travelers found their way to this place, and the conditions we offer are certainly above average." She smirks. "Plus, we never get bored, which is important in our line of work!"
[19:52] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Berjand lies back at that, "I'll consider it. Right now, I don't know what I'll do. I have a few ideas...maybe I'll go back to Arad and earn enough to get a good home and some sort of stable income. Maybe I'll go west and see how the Kelaran trade is doing and try to earn money there. But nothing's settled yet."
06[19:54] * Seira snorts. "You've already earned enough for a good home, trust me. That's what I really came to talk to you about before we got all derailed. Remember how I said there'd be a bonus if you participated in our strike against that loser wizard?"
[19:55] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Yes." Berjand's eyes go a little wider, "I do remember that now..."
01[19:58] <Seira> "A deal's a deal. We intend to give you magical armor above the entry level, so to speak, and push your own weapon up to those standards. It is mainly for those reasons that I would ask you to stay. This should be done here, in the city, and the mage in question would understandably be occupied with other matters right now." Seira shrugs.
01[19:58] <Seira> "Or you could just get the gold and buy yourself a house. Think you're ready to settle down just yet?"
[20:03] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Aaah." Berjand's eyes widen again, "If that money is half of what I think it is..." His voice is filled with marvel.
03[20:04] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514de6a4.l4.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
01[20:04] <Seira> "We treat our friends well," Seira says. "And our enemies... well, we try to give them a chance. But if they don't take it...." She shakes her head. "I'll leave you to think about this. If you do decide to leave, I only ask that you tell my bard a few stories to expand his repertoir."
03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:05] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "The burly, loud man out front?" Berjand smiles at that. "Where did you find such a strange bard?"
01[20:05] <Seira> "He happens to qualify," Seira says, a touch defensively, "though it puzzles me that you'd consider him remotely weird considering what I have for a maid."
[20:06] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "...mmm. A different life. Then again, you do fight those...demons?" Berjand's mood evaporates. "I'd heard the occasional mention of it growing up, but creatures like that exist?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "They exist, though we fight them quite rarely. And we certainly try to shield those in our command from facing things they are not ready to face."
[20:10] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Then is all of that true? About the planes? Great places of light and the Hells, where souls are desired?" Berjand shivers. "I never put that much stock into it."
01[20:11] <Seira> "There's more to it," Seira muses. "If you don't want to leave the Prime, there are ways to stick around longer, as long as you're not dying from old age. In the end, though, you need to be a pretty horrible or unlucky person to end up downstairs."
[20:11] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Like Irenes?" Berjand asks this, to the point.
01[20:13] <Seira> "He's firmly in the former group, yep. You were recovering when we exploring his... laboratory, I suppose. I won't repeat what we found there, and your imagination is likely insufficient. He's where he belongs, now."
[20:20] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Mmm. Then let me think on this offer. Will you be busy with the war in the meantime?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "I won't be too busy, and I expect to return home every day except in emergencies," Seira tells him. "You'll get plenty of chances to talk to me if you need to, but Donald would be a great substitute if I'm unavailable."
[20:25] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Alright. Is he your apprentence?" Berjand asks.
01[20:26] <Seira> "In many ways!" Seira agrees happily.
[20:27] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Aaah, I see then. Thank him for the aide for me." Berjand goes back to lying on the bed. "Also...I so missed real beds."
06[20:29] * Seira nods, resolving to herself to leave a short note for Donald explaining Berjand's situation. It would be quite nice if he helped her recruit the man inoffensively.
[20:31] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> A few hours later, Seira finds a moment to dash up the hill and to Elle's shop. A few soldiers are hustling along, carrying a heavy wooden box. Elle watches them, looking tired but calling, "And if you drop that, you'll be dead before you realised acid's eating your flesh away!" she warns.
01[20:31] <Seira> "Ah, acid, my favorite," Seira comments.
01[20:32] <Seira> "The very first spell I learned summoned bits of it. Did you know?"
[20:33] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Elle turns, rubbing her eyes. "Oh good. Just in time," Elle smiles at that, "I'll remember that. I assume things are taken care of if you're back? Oh, and in one piece, too! That's a better sign."
01[20:35] <Seira> "I was in pieces, but then I got better. Then the circle repeated." Seira frowns. "I don't like the desert."
[20:36] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Tell me about it," Glaring at the soldiers, "CAREFUL," she warns as one nearly drops the box. Elle sighs, before turning back. She reaches out and clasps Seira's shoulders, "I'd love to sit down and spend an afteroon catching up, but I'm so contracted to help our lovely town kill every one of the bastards invading. Or something like that." She even smiles at that, "So I'll get to the point."
06[20:38] * Seira nods, dejection melting away instantly. "I'll get to the point as well. But age before beauty."
[20:39] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> A loooong look at Seira, cracking a smile. "Remember how I told you I had a surprise lined up? Well, fate got in the way, so I'll get to it. Your helper Donald's a goodswordsman, but he also has a brain in there if you can get past his foot in mouth disorder. He came to me asking about magic since he was curious, so I ended up yelling at him and giving him the basics. He's a fast learner at it."
01[20:40] <Seira> "Finally." Seira nods curtly. "I was beginning to worry. He was holding himself back for so long, it just wasn't healthy."
[20:41] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Yeah. He complained about wanting to be a paladin at first, but...anyway, I worked tha tout for you since all this happened. Now, you rturn."
01[20:43] <Seira> "I heard about Mihail's legacy having a shot in it if all else fails?" Seira asks, continuing instantly, "Well, I have something quite like that. A onetime golden wyrm summoning, if all goes well."
[20:43] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Elle's face darkens at the mention of Mihail, but listens. "...Mystra, that is impressive."
01[20:44] <Seira> "I thought so, too," Seira agrees. "There's a lot we need to discuss. The magic I found, the history of the world-- even a trinklet that's faded away, now, but with a bit of work could become an artifact in its own right once more. I suppose that'll have to wait though, won't it?"
[20:47] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Yeah." Elle turns away, "We need to talk about Mihail and Alicia and other things, too. There really has been a lot going on." She half flashes a smile, "Take care."
01[20:49] <Seira> "There's something important, first," Seira says, catching up to her once more, before whispering, "How is your progress on our elf-inspired project?"
[20:50] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "About three quarters done," Elle's voice drops low at this. "It's not an easy thing to make at all. The components took time and effort to obtain and the actual casting is draining." AT that, "Do you need it?"
06[20:50] * Seira nods. "Yes. It will become particularly relevant if you happen to have a special mirror. Like the kind used for scrying, incidentally."
[20:52] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "I have another scroll if you  need it, but otherwise?" Elle shakes her head, "I can try to finish it if you need it, but Mystra only knows how fast I'll be."
01[20:52] <Seira> "The scroll would have to do," Seira decides. "But are you certain you don't have the mirror I mentioned? I'd only need to borrow it for a few minutes at the most."
[20:54] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Oh. Sorry." Elel shakes her head, "Yes, I do have one. It's in the back of the shop in my personal room. Go ahead and borrow it."
06[20:55] * Seira smiles widely. "I will tomorrow. Thanks a lot!"
[21:03] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> ---
[21:03] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> OOC: Seira, go ahead and set up your scrying attempt.
06[21:05] * Seira secludes herself in the back of Elle's shop, setting up a silent alarm about the perimeter before focusing on the task at hand. A handy coin with the monarch's likeness is placed before the mirror, shining after she polished it the previous night, and Seira glances into the mirror, casting the spell of Scrying.
[21:05] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> roll 1d20+16
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Uguu_Loop rolls 1d20+16 and gets 25."12 [1d20=9]
[21:05] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> OOC: DC?
01[21:06] <Seira> OOC: DC25, but he gets -2 to a roll
[21:06] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> OOC: I added that in already.
[21:06] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The spell is cast, but the mirror stays dark and unresponsive.
01[21:06] <Seira> OOC: :( try 2
[21:06] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> roll 1d20+16
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Uguu_Loop rolls 1d20+16 and gets 30."12 [1d20=14]
[21:07] <Ebiris> OOC: you can't scry on the same person twice in 24 hours if they save
01[21:07] <Seira> OOC: ...right, redo of second scry
[21:07] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> OOC: Eb's right, okay.
06[21:08] * Seira discards the coin angrily, before focusing her mind on the rogue she had fought beside in Kondrux's lair. The sneaky bastard just might be near his king!
[21:08] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Uguu_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[21:10] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The mirror grows clear! Pallan comes into view! He stands in a dark cell. In the shadows you see a broken man, cuts over his skin. "...sorry," Pallan shakes his head. "His Majesty's orders." He glances back, "...I'll tell him you cooperated. Your life will be spared."
06[21:11] * Seira listens in, trying to catch the man's response. Even if she's too far, she could attempt to cast Message or read his lips!
[21:12] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The man barely moves, just a groan given. Pallan raps on the door, a Malmuthian soldier opening it and saluting. "Sir." he says, as Pallan heads out.
06[21:13] * Seira keeps on watching, for now. The man may not be in any condition to talk, even if she promised him freedom.
[21:14] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Turning ot the soldier, "He cooperated, in accordance to His Majesty's wishes. Here." Pallan thrusts a small blue vial into the man's hands. "When he wakes up, have him drink this. As he cooperated, he's under His Majesty's protection, do you understand?"
[21:15] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Sir!" The soldier salues crisply. "Understood, sir!"
[21:16] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Pallan nods and walks away. The hallway is a dim cell block of bleak stone. He walks down this for a minute, then goes up a long flight of stairs. He comes up in a pleasant looking house, sunlight streaming in the windows. HE walks along this path, past servants and guards with golden breastplates.
06[21:17] * Seira intends to follow Pallan along, while mentally taking note of the surroundings. Claris would surely be able to deduce where they're staying, unless Ferdi is in hiding... and that doesn't seem to fit his attitude.
06[21:17] * Seira casts Detect Magic as she watches, however.
01[21:17] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 37."12 [1d100=37]
06[21:19] * Seira sweeps her eyes back and forth, hoping to catch as much of the area they're passing as she can.
[21:19] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> He goes to a set of stairs and goes up them, past a rich mural of a castle. On this second floor there are no windows, a long, well guarded hallway walked down. It's been two minutes total when he comes to a door that is opened by grim faced guards. In here are two men. In a high backed throne sits King Ferdi-Seira's head spins. There is an aura about him, a feeling of majesty.  The raw force he projects on looking at him is might
[21:20] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The raw force he projects on looking at him is mighty. Standing at attention before him is General Olburt. "He cooperated, Majesty," Pallan bows low.
06[21:21] * Seira listens, eyeing Olburt and comparing his aura to the one she saw previously, before studying the present area intently.
[21:21] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Good, good," Ferdi smiles faintly. "The first force is making slow progress from hit and run tactics, as well as from defenses. Pallan, form your force and prepare. I'd like you to try and catch them at it."
[21:22] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "'course, Majesty," Pallan agrees, "With five normals and five augumented soldiers, it shouldn't be too hard."
[21:24] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "Go on," Ferdi waves his hand, as Pallan turns to leave. He walks out, heading back down the hall.
[21:25] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> Most of the rest of the duration is taken up by Pallan walking. He walks out of the house, into a pleasant street. He goes to the next building over, squatter at to the point. Here a group of soldiers wait. they look to be in good shape and form. "We'll leave in an hour," Pallan says shortly. "Get prepared if you8 have anything else to do."
06[21:28] * Seira decides to wait out the spell. Using a message to communicate doesn't seem a good idea, under the circumstances. Perhaps Pallan will detail their route or go over their plan once more as they prepare."
[21:28] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The soldiers nod and go off. Pallan goes to sit, bowing his head as the duration reaches it's very last minute. He seems lost in thought.
01[21:29] <Seira> So is Seira, when the spell finishes and the mirror clears. Nevertheless, she picks up her coin, headed to a briefing.
[21:30] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The three direct members of the Crimson Guard meet together. Commander Oberuth looks them over, "Seira?" he asks, tired but alert despite black bags. "Report."
03[21:31] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[21:32] <Seira> "I might know where King Ferdi is," Seira opens with, before relating all that she had seen in the mirror. "It might be enough for a teleport, especially if we prepare properly. Or we might choose to prevent Pallan from executing his plan, first. As he seems to intend to set a trap for Pollyanna's group, we could take their place and fall into it."
[21:33] <Alicia> "If Pallan intends to strike at our skirmishers it must mean they are either close to the border or have their own teleportation abilities - do you know exactly where they are?" Alicia asks.
[21:34] <Demedais> "Do we have either a consistent way of getting back if we strike at Ferdi or a estimation of how close Pallan and Ferdi are?" Demedais asks, before looking to Alicia.
01[21:34] <Seira> "No, but we know where our group has been striking, and we could continue along those lines," Seira tells Alicia, before shaking her head at Demedais's question. "Nothing foolproof, but we do have a better than average chance."
[21:36] <Alicia> "Well, I don't mind upsetting their counterattack, but attacking Ferdi is our best shot at swiftly ending this war before it really starts," Alicia puts in her opinion.
[21:37] <Demedais> "...Have all our guerilla attacks been launced at the same areas of the units?" Demedais asks after a moment.
[21:37] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "It's one thing to go there, but getting out alive's a point, too." Oberuth shakes his head. "I'd rather you have some means of escape planned out before you go and try this."
[21:38] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "No. They're dispersed randomly," Oberuth adds. "No intentional pattern."
06[21:38] * Demedais nods after a moment. "Could this mean they have their own way of detecting or following our units?"
01[21:38] <Seira> "We have... less than twenty percent chance of failure at hitting our desired location," Seira muses, quickly running over the odds in her head. "Getting out... well, we do have our trump card, and it might do. If not, we could try that broom Elle has on sale."
[21:39] <Demedais> "Well, no. Then they would prevent the attacks." Demedais says after a moment. "Still, for Pallan to be that confident..."
[21:39] <Alicia> "I can cast Fly for all three of us, which would last long enough for us to get past any immediate pursuit," Alicia suggests.
01[21:40] <Seira> "In the end, if they have short-ranged flight or teleport capabilities, merely staying at the center of their main force and waiting on any attacks to come would be sufficient for a rapid response," Seira muses. "And, of course, he could have meant a direct attack on Balmuria."
[21:42] <Alicia> "They're probably intending a rapid response, perhaps with some sort of signal for when they come under attack," Alicia muses. "Attaching ourselves to the skirmishers would likely ensure victory despite any countermeasures they take, however."
01[21:43] <Seira> "It should also allow us a chance to estimate the enemy's 'augmented' forces without showing our hand or getting in too deep," Seira adds.
[21:43] <Demedais> "True. Mmm. This is frustrating, but yes, if we were to attend with the skirmishers, it would tip the balance, and it seems - for now - a far surer method than jumping at Ferdi currently. While that should be done soon... for now, yes, I'd go with this."
[21:45] <Alicia> "In the long run, defeating a small detachment in this manner will have no effect on the overall outcome of the war," Alicia shakes her head. "But it may give us something to do today if preparations are required before attacking Ferdi himself."
[21:46] <Demedais> "Also, if we catch Pallan, we may be able to gain more information in one way or another. He is one of their better men, it seems."
01[21:47] <Seira> "Not quite," Seira comments, before nodding at Demedais's words. "While they have men aplenty, they surely lack in capable commanding officers. Depriving them of one from King Ferdi's inner circle might be more crucial than it seems, especially if we do the same to Olburt later on."
06[21:48] * Demedais nods. "Depriving Ferdi of capable leadership other than himself may end the war quicker, as well as make it easier for us to carry out our tasks."
01[21:49] <Seira> "Irenes and my old man, Claris, now Pallan if all goes well... losing them are all slaps in the face to someone like Ferdi, so if we do this enough, it might push him into making a rash mistake and coming to us in person."
[21:50] <Alicia> "Tch... Pallan. I never liked that little weasel from the start," Alicia glowers. "I'll be glad to correct my leniency from our last meeting."
[21:50] <Demedais> "Mmm."
01[21:54] <Seira> "By correcting you mean taking him prisoner so we could interrogate him, naturally?"
[21:55] <Alicia> "Yes, Captain," Alicia replies stiffly. "What did you think I meant?"
[21:56] <Demedais> "Probably what I was thinking of." Demedais says with a wry grin. "Regardless, yes, capture him and handle things from there."
06[21:56] * Seira snorts. "The urge to take him out is strong, yes."
[21:57] <Alicia> "I have practice at resisting such urges," the paladin replies levelly.
01[21:59] <Seira> "There's just one matter to discuss, then," Seira mentions, ignoring the tone. "Do we really want to take others along, or should we serve as the decoy group ourselves entirely?"
[22:01] <Demedais> "I would say... take at least a few. Make the size match up to what they expect. It is riskier, perhaps, for those we take along, but we should aim to make it as similar as possible to the real situation."
[22:02] <Alicia> "And we should attempt to disguise ourselves so that they won't realise the true danger until too late," Alicia suggests.
[22:03] <Demedais> "Yes. For that reason... I should likely go unarmored, shouldn't I? They would know something was wrong if I went completely in full plate on such a mission, so."
01[22:03] <Seira> "Agreed." Seira nods at Alicia. She frowns, then. "Not if you placed a cloak over your armor."
[22:04] <Demedais> "My slow rate of movement would still be noticeable, no?"
01[22:04] <Seira> "On a horse?"
[22:05] <Demedais> "Would we be taking one for this? I would think that more noticeable, but if that is the method taken, a thick long cloak should work, yes."
01[22:06] <Seira> "What we should do is make sure we each have a decent bow, but nothing too obvious, as those augmented with energy." She shrugs. "I sincerely doubt our troops ran to the front lines and back, so yes, if we want to stick to the same pattern."
06[22:07] * Demedais nods slightly.
[22:18] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> The afternoon begins as Pollyanna prepares. The drably dressed Guard rides out with her, seven normal soldiers with her and Pollyanna on point.  The day is dim and dark here, clouds rolling in from off the bay. Hard riding is ahead, your goals looming...OOC - if you have anyhing to declare ro do, say so.
01[22:19] <Seira> "Pollyanna, you lead the last attacks, right?" Seira asks.
06[22:19] * Demedais just makes sure he's indistinguishable visually, with the cloak covering his entire body as a precaution.
[22:20] <Alicia> Alicia helpfully casts Message on the group as she rides with her cloak pulled up to cover her head and shadow her face, but saves any further spells for when contact with the enemy is imminent. "I've cast Message so you can speak to each other just by whispering and it'll carry, but you should give orders loudly like normal so they won't notice anything unusual," she suggests.
01[22:20] <Seira> "We'll follow you on a harrassing mission just like all the others," Seira tells her. "If we do manage to reel Pallan's group in, I want your team to fall back and provide us cover from a safer distance. Are there any problems with this?"
[22:22] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "None at all," Pollyanna agrees, "You're far better than the average soldier anyway."
01[22:24] <Seira> "Well, let's go bait us some enemy commandos, then," Seira muses.
[22:31] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> A few hours pass as you ride forward. You ride at a good pace, covering the ground swiftly. The clouds continue to rolli in from the north, the sun obscured. Pollyanna leads on, "We're about a half hour from where they should roughly be. We start looking for an advantage point to ambush them."
06[22:32] * Demedais nods slightly, beginning to scan around the group for such a place.
06[22:33] * Seira looks for favorable terrain as well.
06[22:33] * Alicia simply defers to the experts and keeps her head down.
[22:37] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> OOC - Spot checks.
[22:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 okgo
06[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 okgo and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[22:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 if mine matters
06[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 if mine matters and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
01[22:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 I think I'm aiding Deme
06[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 I think I'm aiding Deme and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]

[Corwin]

[20:07] <Alicia> [20:22] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> "None at all," Pollyanna agrees, "You're far better than the average soldier anyway."
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:24] <Seira> "Well, let's go bait us some enemy commandos, then," Seira muses.
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:32] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> A few hours pass as you ride forward. You ride at a good pace, covering the ground swiftly. The clouds continue to rolli in from the north, the sun obscured. Pollyanna leads on, "We're about a half hour from where they should roughly be. We start looking for an advantage point to ambush them."
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:33] * Demedais nods slightly, beginning to scan around the group for such a place.
03[20:07] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:33] * Seira looks for favorable terrain as well.
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:34] * Alicia simply defers to the experts and keeps her head down.
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:37] <Infinite_Uguu_Loop> OOC - Spot checks.
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 okgo
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 okgo and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 if mine matters
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:38] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 if mine matters and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 I think I'm aiding Deme
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 I think I'm aiding Deme and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
[20:09] <Kotono> The soldiers and company look about! Demedais is on the ball, quickly noting a little hill. It's only about ten feet up, but it's something to hide behind. "That should do," Pollyanna points as the skies shift grayer, the clouds heavy above.  "We'll stash the horses on the base and be kneeling down behind the hill. When I give the word, open fire with all you have."
[20:09] <Kotono> Starting to go over, "Whenever we encounter, anyway."
06[20:10] * Demedais nods slightly at this.
06[20:10] * Seira takes her own place, using the altitude for what it's worth.
06[20:11] * Alicia takes cover just behind the rise of the hill, adjusting the colour of her cloak to blend in with the surrounding foliage.
06[20:12] * Demedais sticks around Pollyanna, not used to these tactics and thus following the lead of others.
[20:15] <Kotono> Pollyanna perches near the top, the mundane soldiers using the cover more extensively. "Just wait...whatever you do, don't rise up. All it takes is one sharp set of eyes," she orders back. Time slips by - a half hour, the skies starting to drizzle down rain. Off and on splurts, currently stopped as at last, "Theyre' coming," Pollyanna squints ahead, "I see something on the horizon."
06[20:16] * Alicia looks in the same direction as Pollyanna, but mostly relies on the trained scout to let her know what's coming their way.
06[20:17] * Demedais keeps down, relying on Pollyanna to keep him notified.
06[20:17] * Seira prepares to cast Shield upon herself when Pollyanna announces that they're about to come within range.
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
[20:20] <Kotono> Peering ahead, one can catch glimpses of blue shirted soldiers on horses. "About two dozen on horses." Pollyanna waits a few, "Okay...light armor, spears and bows...two hundred feet away." Whispering back, "It's just a scouting group and a small one. With surprise it may not even be a matter of hit and run, since I don't see any support units immediately behind them."
06[20:21] * Alicia casts shield on herself. "Remember, they probably have reinforcements ready," she warns, waiting till Pollyanna gives the word before she attacks.
06[20:21] * Demedais nods slightly at this, bow at his side but simply waiting for the word.
06[20:21] * Seira casts Message on them all, to avoid any need to actually speak and give away their position by any chance as the scouting group would come closer. And then, of course, her Shield.
[20:22] <Kotono> Pollyanna readies her own bow, as the soldiers behind do th esame. "At 150 feet away," she whispers back. "Be ready."
06[20:26] * Seira notches an arrow.
[20:26] <Kotono> "Now!" Pollyanna calls, "Rise up and attack!"
[20:27] <Kotono> Pollyanna smoothly stands up, hands working as a flurry of arrows comes flying!
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 27."12 [1d20=18]
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 15."12 [1d20=6]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
06[20:27] * Seira rises silently, much like a shadow, seeking out her pray!
06[20:27] * Demedais rises and lets loose two arrows at one of the approaching soldiers!
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4+1d6
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4+1d6 and gets 11."12 [1d8=2][1d6=5]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4+1d6
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4+1d6 and gets 15."12 [1d8=8][1d6=3]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4+1d6
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4+1d6 and gets 16."12 [1d8=8][1d6=4]
[20:28] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 snipe?
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 snipe? and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
[20:28] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 snipe?
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 snipe? and gets 9."12 [1d20=2]
06[20:28] * Alicia stands up and quickly looses off a pair of arrows at the leader of this group!
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 (-2 if past 120 feet)
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 (-2 if past 120 feet) and gets 28."12 [1d20=17]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 (-2 if past 120 feet)
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 (-2 if past 120 feet) and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
[20:28] <Kotono> OOC - One hit, Deme and Alicia.
[20:28] <Demedais> OOC: ...right. Does mine still hit on 18?
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC - Yes.
01[20:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
01[20:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[20:29] <Alicia> roll 1d6 damage
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d6 damage and gets 2."12 [1d6=2]
[20:29] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 rightyo, then.
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+1 rightyo, then. and gets 3."12 [1d8=2]
03[20:31] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
03[20:33] * Kotono is now known as Ko-brb
[20:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d6 since I just noticed Dune say I got two hits
06[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6 since I just noticed Dune say I got two hits and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]

[Corwin]

[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] * Alicia stands up and quickly looses off a pair of arrows at the leader of this group!
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 (-2 if past 120 feet)
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 (-2 if past 120 feet) and gets 28."12 [1d20=17]
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 (-2 if past 120 feet)
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 (-2 if past 120 feet) and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] <Kotono> OOC - One hit, Deme and Alicia.
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:27] <Demedais> OOC: ...right. Does mine still hit on 18?
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:28] <Kotono> OOC - Yes.
[16:41] <Alicia> [18:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] <Alicia> roll 1d6 damage
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d6 damage and gets 2."12 [1d6=2]
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 rightyo, then.
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:28] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+1 rightyo, then. and gets 3."12 [1d8=2]
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:30] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:32] * Kotono is now known as Ko-brb
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d6 since I just noticed Dune say I got two hits
[16:42] <Alicia> [18:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6 since I just noticed Dune say I got two hits and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
[16:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 7#d1d20+4
06[16:45] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 7#d1d20+4 and gets 87."12 [7#d1d20+4 = 18, 18, 5, 16, 19, 5, 6]
[16:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 4#1d8+1
06[16:45] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 4#1d8+1 and gets 23."12 [4#1d8+1 = 4, 7, 3, 9]
[16:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> In the flurry of arrows six of the Malmuthian go down, the contingent caught off guard! Chaos spreads as the men fall, soldiers trying ot react! OOC - Initiative.
01[16:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[16:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06[16:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 13."12 [1d20=9]
06[16:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[16:48] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
06[16:48] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[16:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+7
06[16:48] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[16:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1 group soldiers on your side
06[16:48] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 group soldiers on your side and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
[16:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1 enemy soldiers
06[16:49] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 enemy soldiers and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
03[16:49] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Demedais>Alicia>Pollyanna=Enemy Soldiers(18)>Ally soldiers'
06[16:51] * Seira fully intends to continue showering the enemy soldiers with arrows until Pollyanna calls for a retreat, so that's what she does!
01[16:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
06[16:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 32."12 [1d20=20]
01[16:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 laf
06[16:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 laf and gets 26."12 [1d20=14]
[16:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Critical hit.
01[16:51] <Seira> roll 3d8+3 that's a crit!
06[16:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+3 that's a crit! and gets 19."12 [3d8=2, 7, 7]
01[16:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
06[16:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 24."12 [1d20=17]
01[16:51] <Seira> roll 1d8+1 that's not!
06[16:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1 that's not! and gets 4."12 [1d8=3]
03[16:52] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Demedais>Alicia>Pollyanna=Enemy Soldiers(17)>Ally soldiers'
[16:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arrows flying, one gets a Malmuthian scum in the throat! He chokes and goes down, body dead before he touches the earth!  His horse bucks back, freed of it's rider! A second arrow goes into the leg of a soldier a bit to the left, impaling his leg and lightly scraping it's mount's skin! OOC - DEme.
06[16:53] * Demedais looses two more arrows, one at the Malmuthian he previously wounded, and one at the Malmuthian Seira just wounded!
[16:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (-2 range)
06[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (-2 range) and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[16:54] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 I think I can safely say that hits? (Not a crit)
06[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+1 I think I can safely say that hits? (Not a crit) and gets 8."12 [1d8=7]
[16:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 (-2 range)
06[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 (-2 range) and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[16:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - It's down. Make your second shot.
[16:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Bare hit.
[16:54] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1  heh.
06[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+1 heh. and gets 3."12 [1d8=2]
03[16:55] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Demedais>Alicia>Pollyanna=Enemy Soldiers(15)>Ally soldiers'
06[16:55] * Alicia splits her attention, firing one arrow at the soldier wounded by Seira and following it up with one at the person just hit by Demedais a second earlier.
[16:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Firing at the wounded soldiers, Demedais picks off two more! They crumple down, one falling back on his horse's rear, the other going head down to the ground! The soldiers cry out, the leader pulling his horse back. "Ambush!" he calls. OOC - 'licia.
[16:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
06[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 and gets 27."12 [1d20=16]
[16:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[16:56] <Alicia> roll 1d6
06[16:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."12 [1d6=1]
[16:56] <Alicia> OOC: wait, hitting the one Deme just wounded since he killed the one Seira wounded.
[16:57] <Alicia> OOC: hell, just hit someone at random
[16:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia gets one arrow off successfully, grazing a soldier but doing little relative harm and missing a serious blow! Pollyanna readies her arrows once more, "Don't get too ground in - we won't be sticking around long enough to let them get close." But as she does that, flaming arrows fire from her bow!
[16:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 20."12 [1d20=11]
[16:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 13."12 [1d20=4]
[16:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+4
06[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[16:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+4+1d6
06[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+4+1d6 and gets 11."12 [1d8=6][1d6=1]
03[16:58] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Demedais>Alicia>Pollyanna=Enemy Soldiers(14)>Ally soldiers'
02[17:04] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (sebben.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
02[17:04] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (sebben.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
02[17:04] * Infinite_Ko_Loop (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (sebben.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
03[17:13] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
03[17:13] * Misukibot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[17:13] * Misukibot is now known as Anastasia
03[17:13] * Alicia sets mode: +o Anastasia
03[17:13] * Alicia sets mode: +o Taishyr
[17:14] <Anastasia> > AS another hapless soldier goes down, a burning arrow in his eyesocket, "We're being massacred!" The leader calls, "Defensive formation 3!" So he calls, the riders rearing back! They turn away, soldiers ducking low on their horses as they gallop off! As they do, the rank and file soldiers fire arrows at their retreat!
[17:14] <Anastasia> > roll 7#1d20+2
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 7#1d20+2 and gets 74." [7#1d20+2 = 11, 8, 6, 17, 15, 3, 14]
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Olorin (~OlorinThe@72-160-127-31.dyn.centurytel.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Alicia (WinNT@user-5442d608.lns2-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-180-45-244.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Hotaru (~draomir@75-161-141-227.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Devourlord_Sierra (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-116-12.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Gate-weekend (WinNT@c-69-181-167-16.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net batcave.dejatoons.net)
[17:14] <Anastasia> > roll 2#1d8+1
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 2#1d8+1 and gets 13." [2#1d8+1 = 6, 7]
[17:14] <Anastasia> * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (asdfgfdsa)
03[17:14] * Anastasia changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Demedais>Alicia>Pollyanna=Enemy Soldiers(13)>Ally soldiers'
[17:15] <Anastasia> Another soldier goes down, crumpling down from his second arrow! Another is greviously wounded, but the soldiers retreat back 100 feet! OOC - Seira.
01[17:15] <Seira> The leader thinks he can flee. Seira tries to see if she can change his mind!
01[17:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[17:15] <Anastasia> Seira rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{16}
01[17:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[17:15] <Anastasia> Seira rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[17:16] <Anastasia> OOC - One hit.
01[17:16] <Seira> roll 1d8+1
[17:16] <Anastasia> Seira rolled 1d8+1 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{2}
[17:18] <Anastasia> Seira fires off as the soldiers fall back. One arrow flies true, a grazing wound at far distance to the leader! "They're retreating, try to take af ew more down while watching our flanks," Pollyanna calls. OOC - Deme.
06[17:19] * Taishyr nods at this to Pollyanna and looses two more arrows to try and assist Seira's cause!
[17:19] <Taishyr> roll 1d20+8 (-4 range)
[17:19] <Anastasia> Taishyr rolled 1d20+8 (-4 range) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{13}
[17:19] <Taishyr> roll 1d20+3 (-4 range)
[17:19] <Anastasia> Taishyr rolled 1d20+3 (-4 range) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}
[17:20] <Anastasia> Demedais fires a few more arrows, but the distance is too much to score any hits! OOC - Alicia.
03[17:20] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[17:20] <Alicia> At this range Alicia's ability to target with a shortbow is rather limited, but she doesn't want to give the game away by using magic, and so merely fires a set of arrows in the rough direction of the retreating soldiers, more hope than anything behind whether they hit.
[17:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[17:21] <Anastasia> Alicia rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{16}
[17:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2
[17:21] <Anastasia> Alicia rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
[17:21] <Alicia> roll 1d6
[17:21] <Anastasia> Alicia rolled 1d6 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
[17:21] <Anastasia> Alicia plunks another soldier, a decent wound guessed at from this range! It doesn't quite down him, however, as Pollyanna glances about. Her eyes sweep the sides, before loosing off a few more arrows.
[17:22] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 (Forgot to add range mods to her last time.)
03[17:23] * Infinite_Ko_Loop (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[17:23] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5442d608.lns2-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[17:23] * Infinite_Ko_Loop is now known as Kotono
03[17:23] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5442d608.lns2-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has left #dunes
03[17:23] * Alicia sets mode: +o Kotono
02[17:23] * Anastasia (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Alicia> At this range Alicia's ability to target with a shortbow is rather limited, but she doesn't want to give the game away by using magic, and so merely fires a set of arrows in the rough direction of the retreating soldiers, more hope than anything behind whether they hit.
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Anastasia> Alicia rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{16}
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Anastasia> Alicia rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Alicia> roll 1d6
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:21] <Anastasia> Alicia rolled 1d6 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:22] <Anastasia> Alicia plunks another soldier, a decent wound guessed at from this range! It doesn't quite down him, however, as Pollyanna glances about. Her eyes sweep the sides, before loosing off a few more arrows.
[17:24] <Alicia> [15:22] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 (Forgot to add range mods to her last time.)
03[17:24] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5442d608.lns2-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[17:25] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[17:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[17:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{12}
[17:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[17:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{12}
[17:26] <Kotono> Neither flaming arrow finds a hit, like a glowing red bolt in the gray clad sky as they miss! Meanwhile, the soldiers retreat back another one hundred feet. At this point, "Alright, stop fire," Pollyanna says, "We've done enough now." Lowering her voice then, using Message, "Is that what you three wanted?"
[17:27] <Alicia> "No sense pushing our luck," Alicia reasons. "No sign of this supposed ambush, though - perhaps they intend to catch us on our way back to Balmuria?"
[17:28] <Demedais> "Hopefully, yes." Demedais muses. "But... Alicia has a point..."
01[17:28] <Seira> "The leader got away," Seira responds quietly in disappointment. "What would you do after an ambush like this, Pollyanna? We should follow the exact same pattern."
[17:29] <Kotono> "Normally we'd fall back in an irregular pattern to deter pursuit." Pollyanna's gaze sweeps about, over the left behind bodies and dying men. "Ordering us to linger around would probably beg Malmuth to send a followup. Otherwise, we can just follow and see if they're serious about that ambush."
[17:30] <Alicia> "I don't think we should break from our usual routine, otherwise they might suspect we have a trick of our own," Alicia replies. "Fall back, then?"
06[17:30] * Seira nods.
[17:31] <Demedais> "Indeed. Let's go."
[17:32] <Kotono> "Alright, time to go home," Pollyanna orders, raising her voice. She leads the group sharply towards the northeast first, making distance. "Everyone, keep your eyes open." OOC - Everyone, make spot checks.
[17:32] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
[17:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{15}
01[17:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[17:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[17:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{8}
[17:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+8 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{26}
[17:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11
[17:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{30}
[17:35] <Kotono> After about a half hour of zig zagging, Pollyanna lowers her head and slightly drops back, to be in range of the three heroes. "Something's kicking up dust well behind us. We're being followed."
[17:36] <Alicia> "Should we prepare an ambush for them?" Alicia wonders. "If we find a spot of cover, some of us could dismount and lay in wait for our pursuers to catch up, then flank them as they attack those of us still mounted?"
[17:36] <Demedais> "Hahaha... Either that's an aerial attack on Balmuria or on us, and I'm willing to think the latter." Demedais says, looking back down, and then to Pollyanna. "Both behind us and above us? Now I'm intrigued. Keep going as if we didn't spot them, or...?"
[17:37] <Alicia> "In the air as well? Hippogriffs?" Alicia asks Demedais as she scans the skies.
06[17:37] * Demedais coughs. "To clarify, we have a group of five on hippogriff above us."
01[17:38] <Seira> "How far is either group?"
[17:39] <Demedais> "The flyers are... three hundred or so feet above us?" Demedais notes.
06[17:39] * Alicia looks straight up.
01[17:40] <Seira> "Let's shoot the griffs and see what happens!" Seira suggests.
[17:41] <Demedais> "One option. However, doing so may ruin our chances to grab Pallan if he's among the ground pursuers and spots this." Demedais considers.
01[17:42] <Seira> "Not if we use the bows normally."
[17:44] <Demedais> "Would such an attack normally even be spotted? Besides, they may be counting on the element of air ambush."
06[17:46] * Seira coughs. "Whatever the case, we don't really want them to attack the city. And if they attempt to flee we could always go all out. What about the other group, though? How far back is it?"
[17:46] <Demedais> "True."
[17:49] <Kotono> "At least a few hundred feet back, all I'm seeing is kicked up dust," Pollyanna whispers back, as the paryt looks skyward. The hippogriffs are nearly directly overhead, three hundred feet up. They half blend into the gray sky, evading all but the sharpest looks.
01[17:50] <Seira> "Let's take them out, and use magic if either group flees to catch up to them," Seira decides. "Is there a decent position nearby to attack them from?"
[17:51] <Alicia> "I think we should refrain from magic unless we actually get into trouble or see Pallan himself," Alicia suggests. "No sense tipping our hand too early."
01[17:51] <Seira> "Pretty much," Seira agrees. "But we shouldn't let them get away, either."
06[17:52] * Demedais nods once.
[17:52] <Kotono> "Tell me when - I'll need to order the soldiers then," Pollyanna whispers.
[17:52] <Alicia> "My bow's useless at these ranges, I'll just keep ready for when they're close enough to melee," Alicia states, watching their backs.
01[17:52] <Seira> "Aim for the hippogriffs," Seira tells Pollyanna. "On my mark. One, two--"
06[17:54] * Alicia casts Shield once again in readiness for battle.
01[17:54] <Seira> Alicia's idea is decent enough, and Seira likewise recasts the Shield before aiming at one of the steeds.
[17:57] <Kotono> OOC - Let's do initiatives here for organizational sakes and since two of you buffed. Deme, are you doing anything beforehand?
01[17:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 init!~
[17:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0init!~ --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{8}
[17:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[17:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{7}
[17:58] <Demedais> OOC: Nah.
[17:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 kay
[17:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0kay --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{12}
[17:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[17:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{27}
[17:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 group hippos
[17:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0group hippos --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{4}
[17:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 ?????
[17:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0????? --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{14}
[17:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 ?????
[17:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0????? --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{26}
03[18:01] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>???2>???1>Demedais?!>Seira>Alicia>Hippogriff fliers'
[18:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{14}
03[18:03] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>???2>???1=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Alicia>Hippogriff fliers'
[18:04] <Kotono> Pollyanna raises her voice, "Eyes and arrows to the sky," she says as her horse stops, looking upward! Despite the distance she fires off two arrows to the high sky above!
[18:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[18:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{17}
[18:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{10}
[18:04] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4+1d6+1d6
[18:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+4+1d6+1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=2 1d6=5 1d6=4 ]4,0{15}
[18:06] <Kotono> A burning arrow stabs into the belly of one of the five hippogriffs, making it quail in the air! The hippogriffs carry heavy sacks full of ceramic vials, the riders getting them ready! Meanwhile, in the distance, the dust being kicked up solidifies. You can see a contingent of Malmuthian soldiers advancing, a gray cloaked, hidden man riding in the back! OOC - Allied soldiers are up.
[18:06] <Kotono> The soldiers take those orders, firing up into the sky!
[18:06] <Kotono> roll 7#1d20-2
[18:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 7#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{18}, 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{8}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{12}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{7}
[18:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2 crit check
[18:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-2 1,0crit check --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{17}
[18:06] <Kotono> roll 2d8+2
[18:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 2d8+2 --> 6,0[ 2d8=10 ]4,0{12}
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[18:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=2 ]4,0{3}
[18:08] <Kotono> One arrow flies like a divinely guided missive, impaling the already wounded hippogriff! It's body quails and starts to plummet, it's rider frantically shaking it's bleeding form! Gushes of red rain down on the plains as it falls...!
[18:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20 high is bad for you guys
[18:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 1,0high is bad for you guys --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{8}
[18:10] <Kotono> With a CRASH it lands behind the part, bursting into flames! A pyre is at your back now, bits of ceramic sharpnel flying! Another arrow lightly wounds a 'griff as well! OOC - Demedais.
[18:12] <Demedais> "I suppose there's the problem of 'they're carrying explosives' as well to handle, but frankly better to kill them now then before they can aim said explosives..." Demedais muses, loosing two arrows toward the wounded one!
[18:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 aiming for injured
[18:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0aiming for injured --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{23}
[18:14] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 kay
[18:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 1,0kay --> 6,0[ 1d8=7 ]4,0{8}
[18:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3 If that doesn't kill, this aims for it; otherwise hit another hippogriff.
[18:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0If that doesn't kill, this aims for it; otherwise hit another hippogriff. --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{14}
[18:16] <Kotono> One arrow flies up, hitting the wounded hippogriff! It lives on, the two arrows it's taken not enough to slay it! OOC - Seira.
06[18:16] * Seira targets the wounded hippogriff with a nod at Demedais, eager to take as many of them down as possible!
01[18:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 (-4 for distance, -3 for PA)
[18:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0(-4 for distance, -3 for PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{8}
01[18:16] <Seira> roll 1d20 ditto
[18:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20 1,0ditto --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{14}
03[18:17] * Devourlord_Sierra is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[18:18] <Kotono> OOC - Second hits them flatfooted.
01[18:18] <Seira> roll 1d8+7 Deme hit, too, then!
[18:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+7 1,0Deme hit, too, then! --> 6,0[ 1d8=2 ]4,0{9}
[18:19] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 okay?
[18:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 1,0okay? --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{2}
[18:20] <Kotono> Two moare arrows are shot, as Deme's second arrow alsof inally lands! The two hits greviously wounds the hippogriff, it's blood raining down but it lives on! OOC - Alicia.
[18:20] <Alicia> OOC: estimated time till the Malmuthians on the ground reach us?
[18:20] <Kotono> OOC - Couple of rounds. They're 200 ft away now and on horse.
06[18:23] * Alicia decides to do something to slow down the approaching Malmuthians, tugging her hood down further over her head, she glances back and subtly gestures in the direction of the blazing hippogriff corpse, conjuring forth a series of caltrops spaced apart on the grassy ground to force anyone coming directly at them to go over them and risk injury.
[18:23] <Alicia> OOC: Caltrops hit at +4 for anyone walking over them, which does one damage and forces a charging or running creature to stop moving, and halves their speed till they get healed. Ignores armour bonuses to AC but wearing shoes does give a +2 AC bonus.
[18:23] <Alicia> OOC: 5 squares filled, I've spaced them one apart, 3 on one side and 2 on the other (horses are large so they can't move between them)
[18:23] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[18:27] <Kotono> Caltrops appear at Alicia's mystical command, a defensive barrier between them and the horses! Meanwhile, the hippogriffs above reach over the party, dropping two ceramic jars each downward!
02[18:27] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[18:27] <Kotono> roll 8#1d20-4
[18:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 8#1d20-4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{7}, 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{10}, 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{1}, 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{16}
03[18:27] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[18:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20-4 crit check
[18:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-4 1,0crit check --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{-1}
03[18:27] * Alicia sets mode: +o Taishyr
[18:28] <Kotono> OOC: What are your touch ACs, people?
[18:28] <Alicia> OOC: 14
01[18:28] <Seira> OOC: 17
[18:28] <Taishyr> OOC: 13.
03[18:28] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[18:29] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[18:29] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[18:29] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=4 ]4,0{4}
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=6 ]4,0{6}
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=3 ]4,0{3}
[18:29] <Alicia> OOC: wait!
[18:30] <Alicia> Alicia casts feather fall as soon as the jars begin to fall down above them, slowing their descent to prevent injury!
[18:30] <Alicia> OOC: I can slow up to 10 objects
[18:30] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[18:31] <Kotono> The jars plummet downward, two well aimed in particular - one at Pollyanna and one at Demedais! But Alicia's immediate magic intervenes, the jars falling at a sedate rate down! They land without incident, sitting on the battlefield all about! OOC - Polly is up.
01[18:32] <Seira> "Hit a fresh hippogriff," Seira tells Pollyanna. "Demedais and I will do something about the wounded one!"
[18:32] <Kotono> Pollyanna glances to the sides, then in Message, "Is that them?" she asks, as she looses two more arrows at a new hippogriff!
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{22}
03[18:32] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[18:32] * thundarr.dejatoons.net sets mode: +v Hatbot
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{16}
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4+1d6
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+4+1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 1d6=4 ]4,0{11}
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4+1d6
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+4+1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=8 1d6=1 ]4,0{13}
03[18:32] * Kotono sets mode: -v Hatbot
[18:33] <Kotono> The third hippogriff gets two arrows in the belly and leg, shaking but somehow clinging onto life! Meanwhile, the soldiers continue to approach! One hundred feet away, still ahead of the blazing hippogriff and the caltrops. OOC - Allied soldiers are up.
[18:34] <Kotono> The soldiers follow orders, firing upwards towards your tormentors!
[18:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2
[18:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{17}
[18:34] <Kotono> roll 6#1d20-2
[18:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 6#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{14}, 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{0}, 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{-1}, 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{1}
[18:34] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[18:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{2}
[18:35] <Kotono> The soldiers aren't the best this round, but one arrow reaches the one Pollyanna critically hurt! IT lets out a deathwail and plummets down!
[18:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{11}
[18:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[18:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{22}
[18:35] <Kotono> roll 3d6
[18:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 3d6 --> 6,0[ 3d6=16 ]4,0{16}
[18:36] <Kotono> This griff lands to the side, near to the farthest left soldier! A few splashes of fire land on him! Yet his reflexes are stunningly quick, his arm going up! He burns and screams in pain, but he's still somewhoat upright! Somehow! OOC - Deme.
[18:38] <Demedais> "Pull back a bit!" Demedais barks to the soldier, before aiming at the one he injured with two more arrows. "No use falling here, for more is yet to come!"
[18:38] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 deme motivational speeches rock.
[18:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0deme motivational speeches rock. --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{11}
[18:38] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3
[18:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{12}
03[18:40] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Sierra_InaDeepForest
[18:43] <Kotono> Demedais fires off two more arrows, but both miss! The soldier is on fire from the alchemist's brew, burning merrily but alive for now! OOC - Seira.
06[18:44] * Seira tries to stay on her own target, fairly unconcerned over falling hippogriffs or fire. "Yes," she comments to the soldiers, "do get out of range of the dropping alchemical bombs."
01[18:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+8 wounded griff
[18:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0wounded griff --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{26}
01[18:44] <Seira> roll 1d8+1 die
[18:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+1 1,0die --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{2}
[18:44] <Kotono> OOC - It clings to life still. Epic.
01[18:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 unfair
[18:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0unfair --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{13}
[18:45] <Kotono> Seira fires as well, managing one hit! The second griff is on the very verge of death, somehow lingering just like the burning soldier below! OOC - Alicia.
06[18:46] * Alicia is distracted from their pursuers by the screams of one of their men, and quickly rounds her horse to pull up alongside him, ignoring the flames herself as she presses a hand against his chest to mend his flesh. "Roll on the ground to put it out!" she tells him urgently, at least giving him enough time to do just that with her healing.
[18:46] <Alicia> OOC: 8hp lay on hands gets him full, right?
[18:46] <Kotono> OOC - Yeah.
[18:48] <Kotono> His suffering lessens on Alicia's touch, his pain scarred face looking to her. "Yes m-ma'am!" He agrees to that quickly! Alicia's hand is lightly burned by the fire on him as she heals, , but nonetheless saves his life for now! OOC - Fliers are up.
06[18:48] * Alicia flexes her hand a little bit in faint pain as she pulls it back, but tries to ignore it. She's had worse.
[18:49] <Kotono> The three remaining hippogriffs aren't stopping! Instead they continue to fire downward, six vials thrown this time!
[18:50] <Alicia> Alicia repeats her previous trick, waiting till just before impact to arrest the fall of the ceramic vials without harm!
[18:50] <Kotono> More vials land safely down, the entire battlefield a pottery littered field now! Meanwhile, Pollyanna turns and starts working on another overhead griffon. "Soldiers, don't let them get our flank any closer," she commands, while still working on the air!
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[18:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{14}
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+0
[18:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+0 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{12}
[18:51] <Kotono> Neither arrow finds a home this time, however, fired up and missing, coming to a landing hundreds of feet away! OOC - ????es are up.
03[18:52] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>Gray cloaked man>Enemy ground troops=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Alicia>Hippogriff fliers'
[18:54] <Kotono> "...now," The hooded man whispers, looking up! Pallan's eyes go to the party, as...A column of power comes down! It's like Claris' Flame Strike, but instead of fire, acid fills the radius! IT strikes down at Pollyanna!
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[18:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{10}
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 9d6
[18:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 9d6 --> 6,0[ 9d6=26 ]4,0{26}
[18:55] <Kotono> Pollyanna is consumed in this power, acid eating at her clothes, her flesh, her mount! Caught in it, her warhorse can do nothing but die, Pollyanna tossed to the ground!
[18:55] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[18:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=5 ]4,0{5}
[18:56] <Kotono> Pollyanna landson her knees, gasping out in pain! She lives yet, calling, "I'm not down! Get them," she commands!
[18:57] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the other men go! There are 12 of them - 8 advance ahead, while the other four? (More)
03[18:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>Gray cloaked man>Golden Eagle=Enemy ground troops=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Alicia>Hippogriff fliers'
[19:00] <Kotono> One stops and points at Seira! A golden eagle appears 35 feet away and closes the rest of the distance towards Seira, beak out as it darts at her!
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[19:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{15}
01[19:00] <Seira> OOC: Miss
[19:01] <Kotono> It's attack is harrying but fails to land a hit! The secone waves his hands, waves of glittering golden dust enveloping the party! OOC - Will saves.
[19:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 don't 1
[19:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+18 1,0don't 1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{27}
[19:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 blaaaar
[19:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0blaaaar --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{29}
01[19:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[19:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{6}
[19:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{19}
[19:03] <Kotono> The burst targets the intrepid heroes of the party! While all three of them resist it, Pollyanna finds her eyes clouded by golden dust! Meanwhile, the third breaks into a mess of images!
[19:04] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
[19:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d4+1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}
[19:05] <Kotono> The last seems to do something, but you can't tell what! Meanwhile, the other eight charge and reach the caltrops! OOC - Alicia, roll for those?
[19:06] <Alicia> roll 8#1d20+4
[19:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 8#1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{10}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{23}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{23}, 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{7}, 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{16}, 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{22}, 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{8}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{10}
[19:06] <Alicia> OOC: 4 get their charges stopped cold
[19:06] <Kotono> OOC - The 16 and aboves hit.
01[19:07] <Seira> "I'm thinking... Demedais, help Pollyanna, while I fry most of those losers? Alicia could try to take out their leader. The rest retreat and keep on firing at the hippogriffs, particularly at the wounded beast."
[19:07] <Alicia> "Works," Alicia agrees tersely.
[19:08] <Kotono> Four of the chargers are stopped, while the other six close to within striking range of the party, staying ten feet back! Meanwhile, the allied soldiers turn! "Protect our leader," one of them calls, a hail of arrows meeting the approaching soldiers!
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 7#1d20+4
[19:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 7#1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{19}, 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{8}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{11}
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 3d8+3
[19:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 3d8+3 --> 6,0[ 3d8=3 ]4,0{6}
[19:09] <Kotono> The arrows fly, but all of them miss or score exceedingly minor wounds! OOC - Deme.
[19:09] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[19:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=2 ]4,0{3}
[19:09] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais nods to Seira as he dismounts and heals Pollyanna with his lay on hands, almost bringing her back to perfect condition! OOC: LoH, full 24 HP.
[19:13] <Kotono> After firing, the soldiers fall back on Seira's order! Meanwhile, Demedais heals a good part of Pollyanna's damage, but her eyes ares till glittering and blinded! OOC - Seira.
01[19:13] <Seira> "Hmph." Seira reels in her scorn for the soldiers lacking proper discipline, but eyes the cloaked man and the four would-be mages around him. Soon to be ex-mages, if all goes well, as she summons a fireball on their location!
[19:13] <Kotono> "Thanks..." Pollyanna breathes out in relief. "That's the target?"
01[19:14] <Seira> roll 10d6+3d6 extra fiery fireball!
[19:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 10d6+3d6 1,0extra fiery fireball! --> 6,0[ 10d6=31 3d6=8 ]4,0{39}
[19:14] <Demedais> "Yes, and that verified it. Hmph, he's gotten better..." Demedais growls.
01[19:14] <Seira> OOC: DC 24
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{17}
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{7}
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{10}
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{5}
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{25}
[19:17] <Kotono> The four soldiers are burned alive, falling! Pallan merely leaps up and to the side, nearly dancing on his horse as he avoids the flames! He resaddles unhurt, not even touched by Seira's potent fire! OOC - Alicia.
[19:18] <Alicia> Tossing back her hood, Alicia gives the opposing soldiers a feral smile as she spurs her horse into motion, smoothly drawing forth Hell Striker which ignites within her grasp, its flames burning away the concealing canvas to nothing as she holds the sword ready.
[19:18] <Alicia> Shaking the embers free, she wastes no time in charging past the front line of troops and leaping over the caltrops she placed as she barrels straight at Pallan and bludgeons him with the flat of the blade, though still scorching him severely with arcane fire!
[19:18] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 will save for anyone within 30 feet of me as I charge or shaken. I probably provoke a couple of AoOs which I don't care about, so resolve them first?
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{9}
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{18}
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{14}
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{24}
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 crit?
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0crit? --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{11}
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{3}
[19:19] <Kotono> Alicia's arm is lightly torn open as she sprints, charging ahead and past them, leaping over the obsticles in her way! OOC - Will saves now.
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{4}
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{3}
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{7}
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{12}
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{6}
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{21}
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{10}
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{10}
[19:20] <Kotono> The soldiers are rattled in Alicia's passing, most of them shaken! OOC - Alicia.
[19:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -4 power attack charge
[19:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0-4 power attack charge --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{21}
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[19:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{13}
[19:21] <Kotono> OOC - Whiff.
[19:22] <Kotono> Pallan looks shaken as Alicia approaches, but his reflexes are phenominal! He weaves back out of the blow, body moving more like the oily, super fast way Febras could, or occasionally sneaking fiends, or Seira! OOC - Bombers baove are up.
[19:23] <Kotono> Meanwhile, more bombs from above are fired, concentrated on the three still below and having not moved!
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 6#1d20-2
[19:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 6#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{10}, 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{16}, 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{18}, 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{9}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{4}
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2 crit threat
[19:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-2 1,0crit threat --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{17}
[19:23] <Kotono> OOC: Touch ACs?
01[19:23] <Seira> OOC: 17, and I don't care about fire
[19:23] <Demedais> OOC: 13,
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 1d3 1 Seira 2 Deme 3 Polly for attack 2
[19:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d3 1,01 Seira 2 Deme 3 Polly for attack 2 --> 6,0[ 1d3=3 ]4,0{3}
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[19:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=3 ]4,0{3}
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 1d3 1 Seira 2 Deme 3 Polly for attack 3
[19:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d3 1,01 Seira 2 Deme 3 Polly for attack 3 --> 6,0[ 1d3=2 ]4,0{2}
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[19:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=2 ]4,0{2}
[19:25] <Kotono> More fire rains down! Pollyanna and Demedais find themselves somewhat on fire, the alchemist's brew sizzling on them!  However, they live yet! Pollyanna staggers up, trying to extinguish the flames on her, blinded and having few other options!
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{27}
03[19:26] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>Gray cloaked man>Golden Eagle=Enemy ground troops(8)=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Alicia>Hippogriff fliers'
[19:26] <Kotono> She succeeds, beating them off her clothes!
[19:26] <Kotono> OOC - Pallan's up.
[19:27] <Kotono> Pallan's head is bowed, hidden. "It's an honor, Reynes," he says with a shaking hint of fear in his voice. "I o-owe you a few..." With that, despite his fear, lines come rustling out from his cloak! They strike out, gleaming white and crackling with lighting!
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[19:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{17}
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[19:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{25}
[19:27] <Alicia> OOC: AC 26
[19:27] <Kotono> OOC - AC minus armor or shield bonus, Alicia?
[19:27] <Alicia> OOC: AC 15, lamer
[19:28] <Kotono> roll 2d6+5+2d6 and make a fort save.
[19:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 2d6+5+2d6 1,0and make a fort save. --> 6,0[ 2d6=5 2d6=9 ]4,0{19}
[19:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19
[19:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+19 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{36}
[19:29] <Kotono> The strands cut through Alicia's armor like it doesn't exist! The blows leave her feeling weak, nearly drained! "Surrender and you don't have to die," he calls to Alicia! OOC - Eagle's up.
[19:29] <Kotono> The summoned eagle continues it's work, diving at Seira!
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{10}
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{18}
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{-1}
01[19:30] <Seira> OOC: Yeah, ac 27
[19:30] <Alicia> "Urgh..." Alicia grimaces at the wounds penetrating her arcane defences. "I think not... just be grateful we want you alive, fool."
[19:31] <Kotono> No blows touch Seira, easily abble to defeat the summoned beast! Meanwhile, the ground troops close in! One rushes Demedais, while two go for the dazed, weakened Pollyanna, and the last goes for Seira! They still shake but fight on!
[19:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Deme
[19:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Deme --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{5}
[19:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Polly
[19:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Polly
[19:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Polly --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{5}
[19:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Polly --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{22}
[19:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Seira
[19:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Seira --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{19}
[19:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Polly crit check
[19:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Polly crit check --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{21}
[19:31] <Kotono> roll 2d8+4
[19:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 2d8+4 --> 6,0[ 2d8=14 ]4,0{18}
[19:33] <Kotono> The blows are fought off save for one, a blade sliding into Pollyanna's side! Still dazed and blinded, she isn't able to seriously resist the blow! Meanwhile, the other four horses hobble along, slowed by the caltrops! As they retreat, the allied soldiers take shots at the griffs!
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 7#1d20-2
[19:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 7#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{6}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{2}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{8}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{11}
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[19:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=7 ]4,0{8}
[19:33] <Kotono> The wounded one, hit so many times, finally gives up the ghost! IT cries out and plummets...!
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[19:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{6}
[19:33] <Kotono> And lands well to the side, a fireball of no importance going off! OOC - Deme.
01[19:33] <Seira> "Get rid of the fodder, Demedais, and protect your girl," Seira says, dodging the best attempts of both man and beast with a casual dismissal. "I'll do something about the remaining hippogriffs once and for all, as the need for stealth had passed."
[19:36] <Kotono> "Am I?" Pallan's face darkens, "I heard what you did to Sir Claris!"
06[19:37] * Demedais curses under his breath. "This is what drives me nuts. Pollyanna! I'm standing next to you - inside my haversack is a potion that should heal you quite well. Take it and retreat or heal, as you feel best!" With this, Demedais moves in and begins cutting through the Malmuthian soldiers, calmly seeking to end this here and now!
[19:38] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA) first soldier near Pollyanna
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) first soldier near Pollyanna --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{26}
[19:38] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack --> 6,0[ 2d6=8 ]4,0{17}
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC - Cleave.
[19:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA) cleave - second soldier
[19:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) cleave - second soldier --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{16}
[19:40] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA) second attack since a 1 autowhiffs
[19:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) second attack since a 1 autowhiffs --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{20}
[19:40] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[19:40] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack
[19:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack --> 6,0[ 2d6=6 ]4,0{15}
[19:40] <Kotono> OOC - Cleave to the last one near you.
[19:40] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA) cleave 2 into final one
[19:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) cleave 2 into final one --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{27}
[19:40] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack
[19:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack --> 6,0[ 2d6=6 ]4,0{15}
[19:40] <Demedais> OOC: Nothing in shieldbash range?
[19:41] <Kotono> OOC: You could shield bast the Seira one if you wanted.
[19:41] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 sure.
[19:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+16 1,0sure. --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{25}
[19:41] <Demedais> roll 1d10+4
[19:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d10+4 --> 6,0[ 1d10=6 ]4,0{10}
[19:41] <Kotono> Demedais cleaves through three Malmuthians like nothing, his shield dispatching the fourth! OOC - Seira.
06[19:42] * Seira takes aim at the remaining hippogriffs, setting off another fireball in their midst!
01[19:42] <Seira> roll 10d6 griffs+riders whee~
[19:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 10d6 1,0griffs+riders whee~ --> 6,0[ 10d6=41 ]4,0{41}
[19:45] <Kotono> The explosion above is deafening! The remaining two riders burst into flames then explode out! All around flaming wreckage lands, a potent ephetah to the defeated soldiers! OOC - Alicia.
[19:46] <Alicia> "You'll see for yourself soon enough," Alicia promises, not really caring that her words could sound ominous as she rapidly bashes Pallan's face with one end of her sword, channeling flames through it before she reverses to impact his stomach with the other blade to much the same effect, and repeats the cycle to ensure unconsciousness.
[19:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 fire nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike
[19:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0fire nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{22}
[19:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 holy nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike
[19:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0holy nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{21}
[19:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 fire nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike
[19:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0fire nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{16}
[19:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 holy nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike
[19:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0holy nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{28}
[19:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 holy nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike crit
[19:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0holy nonlethal 3rd level arcane strike crit --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{16}
[19:46] <Kotono> OOC - One normal hit.
[19:47] <Alicia> roll 1d8+7+3d4 nonlethal
[19:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+7+3d4 1,0nonlethal --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 3d4=11 ]4,0{21}
[19:47] <Alicia> roll 8d6 fire
[19:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 8d6 1,0fire --> 6,0[ 8d6=24 ]4,0{24}
[19:47] <Alicia> roll 2d6 holy
[19:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 2d6 1,0holy --> 6,0[ 2d6=7 ]4,0{7}
[19:50] <Kotono> Pallan dodges most infuriatingly, the first two blows finding only empty space! The third doesn't even come close, as, "Oh, will-" His voice is cutoff as the flat of Alicia's blade slams into his chest! He's knocked back but still up! Meanwhile, Pollyanna rubs her eyes, grabbing Deme's hanging sack and falling back! OOC - PAllan.
[19:51] <Kotono> Gasping out, "Damn, youv'e improved too..." he breathes, as the glistening threads arc out again! "You're like a demon now...!"
[19:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[19:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{19}
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[19:52] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{25}
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 2d6+5+2d6 and make a fort save, Alicia.
[19:52] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 2d6+5+2d6 1,0and make a fort save, Alicia. --> 6,0[ 2d6=6 2d6=7 ]4,0{18}
[19:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19 fort
[19:52] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+19 1,0fort --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{23}
[19:54] <Kotono> Alicia feels her flesh torn again, body weakening - but at the last moment she toughens up and resists it! "C'mon," he breathes to Alicia, slowly. "....Let me see if you're that good." OOC - The four remaining troops are up.
[19:54] <Kotono> The last four, having at last reached the party, go for Demedais and Seira in equal numbers!
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{15}
[19:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{12}
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Deme now, should've mentioned Seira was first, but eh, they're 20 fishing either way.
[19:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Deme now, should've mentioned Seira was first, but eh, they're 20 fishing either way. --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{14}
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Deme now, should've mentioned Seira was first, but eh, they're 20 fishing either way.
[19:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Deme now, should've mentioned Seira was first, but eh, they're 20 fishing either way. --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{9}
[19:54] <Kotono> But the rain of swords does no damage to either of them! Lastly, the eagle keeps on Seira!
[19:54] <Kotono> orll 1d20+3
[19:54] <Kotono> orll 1d20+3
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{15}
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{22}
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{8}
[19:55] <Kotono> But again, Seira isn't struck! OOC - Demedais.
03[19:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>Gray cloaked man>Golden Eagle=Enemy ground troops(8)=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Aliciia'
03[19:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>Gray cloaked man>Golden Eagle=Enemy ground troops(4)=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Aliciia'
06[19:57] * Demedais nods once and steps into position to clear out the remaining four soldiers once and for all! "Seira, go assist Alicia if you can!"
[19:57] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA)
[19:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{28}
[19:58] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack --> 6,0[ 2d6=4 ]4,0{13}
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC: Cleave.
[19:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA)
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{21}
[19:58] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack --> 6,0[ 2d6=8 ]4,0{17}
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC: Cleave.
[19:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA) butter knife... of JUSTICE!
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) butter knife... of JUSTICE! --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{21}
[19:58] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack --> 6,0[ 2d6=10 ]4,0{19}
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC - Normal attack now for the last of maim.
[19:59] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -1 PA) second attack of the BUTTER KNIFE!
[19:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 Haste -1 PA) second attack of the BUTTER KNIFE! --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{18}
[19:59] <Demedais> roll 2d6+9 whack (assuming that hits, naturally)
[19:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+9 1,0whack (assuming that hits, naturally) --> 6,0[ 2d6=8 ]4,0{17}
[19:59] <Kotono> Demedais does what he vows, clearing the field and the last four normal soldiers! OOC - Seira.
03[19:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Polly>Gray cloaked man>Golden Eagle=Ally Soldiers>Demedais?!>Seira>Aliciia'
01[19:59] <Seira> "But of course," she responds with a smile. "Our own troops should remain a bit back and guard Pollyanna." And with that, she advances forward on her horse, casting manyjaws from her ring to assault Pallan and bring him down.
01[20:00] <Seira> roll 10d6
[20:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 10d6 --> 6,0[ 10d6=44 ]4,0{44}
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[20:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{32}
01[20:02] <Seira> OOC: He saves for half!
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC: Is it a ref save?
01[20:03] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[20:03] <Kotono> Pallan sees the teeth coming, bucking his horse! He weaves around the snapping bites, somehow evading each and every one of them! OOC - Alicia.
[20:04] <Alicia> "Seira, stop that! Are you trying to kill him?!" Alicia calls back as she moves in and presses her assault to render Pallan unconscious in a most painful manner.
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 nonlethal 3rd level arcane fire
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0nonlethal 3rd level arcane fire --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{30}
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 nonlethal 3rd level arcane holy
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0nonlethal 3rd level arcane holy --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{29}
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 nonlethal 3rd level arcane fire
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0nonlethal 3rd level arcane fire --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{14}
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 nonlethal 3rd level arcane holy
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0nonlethal 3rd level arcane holy --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{16}
01[20:05] <Seira> "He won't die from that, but back at'cha!"
[20:06] <Alicia> roll 2d8+15+6d4 nonlethal
[20:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 2d8+15+6d4 1,0nonlethal --> 6,0[ 2d8=9 6d4=15 ]4,0{39}
[20:06] <Alicia> roll 9d6 fire
[20:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 9d6 1,0fire --> 6,0[ 9d6=37 ]4,0{37}
[20:06] <Alicia> roll 2d6 holy
[20:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 2d6 1,0holy --> 6,0[ 2d6=9 ]4,0{9}
[20:19] <Kotono> Pallan is stricken twice! The two blows send him falling down hard, not moving! His horse snorts feriously, standing over his body and eyeing Alicia with a look. A look that inspires hatred, even from a simple animal. OOC - Deme, you're up.
[20:21] <Demedais> "Okay. He still alive?" Demedais growls, remounting Horse and moving quickly to them, jumping over the caltrops as he does.
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, you're up then.
[20:22] <Alicia> "Still breathing," Alicia confirms, eyeing the other horse dubiously. It's a lot smaller than that Nightmare she killed...
[20:23] <Demedais> "Let Horse try to explain the situation to Pallan's horse?"
06[20:24] * Seira looks at the fallen spy, then at his horse, before snapping her fingers, making the phantom jaws disappear. "We don't want to kill either of you," she tells the possibly intelligent horse, "but if you don't come along quietly that will happen. Your master, first, then yourself, as we cut our losses."
[20:25] <Alicia> "Explain the..." Alicia repeats, sounding vaguely appalled at reasoning with the dumb animal. "Alright, fine, but do it fast."
01[20:25] <Seira> "It's not just an animal," Seira says with a frown. "Shamal had a dog like that."
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC - Diplo check, Seira. -6 modifier due to circumstances.
[20:26] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais says once with a slight shrug. "Also, see Seira."
01[20:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+15 sure
[20:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0sure --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{31}
[20:27] <Demedais> "Okay. Ah, Horse? Please help me explain to Pallan and his horse that we wish to take him back to Balmuria, and that no further problems will result if both of them cooperate with us.
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia, you're up if you wanna do anythign.
[20:27] <Alicia> OOC: delaying to see how this wacky plan plays out
[20:28] <Demedais>  " Demedais says, sending the appropriate emotive reactions as well through Horse. Worth a shot, at a minimum...
[20:28] <Kotono> The horse snorts violently again, but at last? It slowly, slowly backs away, still in biting and kicking range of anyone close to Pallan.
06[20:29] * Alicia swiftly dismounts, putting her sword away and then picking up Pallan even as she eyes the horse, ready to really hurt it if it violently objects.
06[20:29] * Seira waves at Pallan's horse. "Come on. We'll take you back, and keep you around until we can have a chat with Pallan without spells flying all over."
[20:29] <Demedais> "Okay. Please explain that I shall make sure he is in stable condition before- right, never mind." Demedais says. "We'll take him back to Balmuria. Please follow us." He gestures to Pallan's mount, before remounting himself.
[20:31] <Alicia> "Your horse can handle the extra weight best, Demedais," Alicia notes as she hefts the comatose Malmuthian, lifting him up to set onto the other paladin's horse, hopefully with Demedais' help.
[20:31] <Kotono> The trip back to Balmuria is done in a drizzle. Yet the spirits of your soldiers are good. There is the energy of success in the air, Pallan taken along with you. You pass by a few contingents of allied soldiers passing along as you go, eventually returning home. The gates are so opened for the party...
01[20:31] <Seira> "Let's get him to the garrison and get Claris and the Commander," Seira tells the others. "It might be quite interesting to see his reaction to that."
[20:32] <Alicia> "He seemed to think we'd done something nasty to Claris," Alicia snorts, nonetheless agreeable to this plan.
[20:32] <Demedais> "Indeed. Relay the message to tell Claris to come without magical items, I think, then? To prove there is no mental compulsion?"
01[20:33] <Seira> "He'd be in for a surprise, then," Seira muses. "And no, why do that? I don't think he can cast spells to determine that, and we won't be letting him cast anyway. But getting your other Malmuthian friend might help."
[20:33] <Alicia> "He's probably pumped full of spellgems, so we need to keep a *very* close eye on him when he wakes up," Alicia warns. "Just tying him up won't stop him using them."
[20:34] <Demedais> "Fair. I'll get Engan as well, then. And I may choose to sit in on the discussion myself... Mmm. I do not know." Demedais nods slightly. "Which is why I want to be present."
[20:35] <Kotono> The party heads to the garrison. Pollyanna has largely recovered, leading the soldiers away. The three head to a meeting room in the garrison. Commander Oberuth arrives first, looking him over. "Good work," he says. "Going to secure him before he gets woken?"
[20:37] <Alicia> "We should strip him of all his gear and bind his hands," Alicia agrees. "It won't stop him using spellgem powers, but he'll be more managable."
[20:38] <Alicia> Casting detect magic, Alicia removes anything magical from Pallan without bothering to identify the auras. She lacks any rope of her own, however, so relies on someone else to do the binding.
[20:38] <Demedais> "That'd be preferred, yes. Still, this went... far better than I expected." Demedais nods. "Hopefully, Claris and Engan can elaborate; he seems to think we did something to Claris."
06[20:39] * Demedais pulls out handcuffs. "Seira, you plan on tying his legs?"
[20:39] <Kotono> The cloak is magical and removed. Beneath he wears leather armor, also magical. He has spell component pouches, a non magical small bag full of gold Malmuthian coins and a few minor, non magical knickknacks. However, as you removeall of this, you notice something. The glimmering strands he struck with aren't hand wielded, but instead, lightly lace through his skin at points. The cutting threads seem interconnected with his body.
[20:40] <Demedais> "...Now that's a bit creepy." Demedais muses. "I am suddenly far more leery of letting Engan or Claris within range of these... tentacles."
[20:40] <Alicia> "By the Gods... what has he done to himself?" Alicia looks disgusted at the deformity Pallan has subjected himself to in the name of hurting others. "I thought it was a property of his armour, but this will make holding him far more difficult.."
[20:41] <Alicia> "Or perhaps not. They striked directly through my armour without harming it, so I don't think he could use them to cut through cell bars, for example."
[20:41] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth grimaces, "Do you know if it's safe to remove those...?" he asks, "Is it possible?"
[20:41] <Demedais> "What has he done to himself may not be as accurate of a question of what Ferdi has had him do to himself."
[20:42] <Alicia> "Probably not without killing him," Alicia shakes her head at Obureth's question. "Lets take him to the cells and manacle him to a wall? That way we should be able to keep a safe distance as we question him."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Agreed." Oberuth turns out, "Drag him to one, I'll gather the other two."
06[20:43] * Alicia easily picks up the comatose form of Pallan, leaving his gear here as she heads down to the prison to have him secured.
[20:44] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais nods as he heads to assist Alicia if needed.
[20:45] <Kotono> The trip to a cell is without incident. Soldiers stand at the ready on either side as he's manacled and held in. As this is done, Engan and then Claris and Oberuth arrive. Engan snorts, though his color fades. "Idiot bastard..." he sighs, as Claris murmurs a prayer under his breath.
[20:46] <Demedais> "So what did Pallan say we did to Claris, again, Alicia?" Demedais asks for clarification.
[20:47] <Alicia> "Unfortunately I've used up all my healing abilities for today on people who deserve it, so will someone else do the honours?" Alicia asks. At Demedais' question she turns towards him, "He didn't specify, he just said 'I heard about what you did to Sir Claris!' after I told him we wanted him alive."
[20:48] <Kotono> "I'll do it," Claris volunteers, entering the cell. As he kneels next to his battered body, "I'd rather he not have to die if possible," Claris says, "...No matter how distasteful I find his methods at times."
[20:49] <Demedais> "That's cheerful." Demedais grunts, pulling out a wand of cure light wounds and looking to the other rank-and-file soldiers. "You may want to move away from this cell."
[20:49] <Kotono> roll 4d8+12
[20:49] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 4d8+12 --> 6,0[ 4d8=27 ]4,0{39}
[20:49] <Demedais> At Claris
[20:49] <Demedais> At Claris' action, Demedais puts the wand away.
[20:49] <Kotono> Pallan stirs almost immediately, though his eyes don't open.  Claris looks down at him, before stepping away and out of the cell.
01[20:50] <Seira> "Quit pretending to nap," Seira calls over to Pallan. "We need to talk and time's being wasted."
03[20:51] * Sierra_InaDeepForest is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[20:52] <Demedais> "Out of curiousity, what did you hear we had done to Claris?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Pallan very slowly opens his eyes, blinking. "......get on with it." He says this atfter a few moments, "I won't tell you anything. I won't aide you."
01[20:54] <Seira> "You're wrong about that," Seira tells him. "For one, Claris is here, alive and well. Demedais already asked you... what horrible tortures were we supposed to have inflicted upon him?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "Go on, tell us," Engan crosses his arms, "We aren't going anywhere, either."
[20:58] <Kotono> "I am," Claris says evenly. "If it was torture, you were misinformed."
[20:58] <Demedais> "Oh, and that's Engan." Demedais says after a moment. "Think you recognize that name, too."
06[20:59] * Alicia simply glares at Pallan with undisguised loathing, not sparing any words on him.
[21:00] <Kotono> Straightening up a bit, not much considering his position, PAllan...flinches a little bit. He looks away from Alicia. "I'm not going to help you," he repeats, voice cold. "....I've said all I'm going to say."
[21:01] <Alicia> "Then you're worthless to us," Alicia pronounces as she goes to stand directly in front of Pallan. "Did you know that an army of devils is invading our world right at this very moment?" she asks him. "But instead of being where I can be useful in sending them back, I have to stay here and fight a war for the sake of one man's vain ego."
[21:01] <Alicia> "That..." she takes a deep breath, seeming visibly offended at Pallan's existence and needing to control herself, "Offends me. Now, you can help us end this war swiftly so that we can deal with more important things, or you can rot in here for the duration, and a long time afterwards - I really and truly do not care."
[21:01] <Alicia> "But, as you rot, at least consider that far more is at stake here than the fortunes of two countries. Perhaps if there is some decency in you, you might wish to see this pointless conflict ended swiftly... perhaps not. I am done with you." And at that, she turns and departs.
06[21:03] * Demedais blinks at this, a bit too shocked to say the words half-formed on his tongue.
[21:04] <Kotono> OOC - Make an intimidation check, Alicia.
06[21:04] * Seira pleasantly waits for Pallan's response.
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17
[21:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+17 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{24}
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[21:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+18 --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{34}
[21:05] <Kotono> Pallan's face turns ashen, but he doesn't reply immediately. "..... ....I don't care," he says at last. "My loyalties lie where they are."
06[21:06] * Alicia has already left, having been quite sincere in her words.
[21:07] <Kotono> Claris bows his head, "Pallan, please. This isn't the time for your ego. I understand, but...Is His Majesty worth your life?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "....." No words from Pallan, instead closing his eyes as if to rest. "....Sir Claris, I am not a traitor to His Majesty. Not now, not ever." He speaks with a detached calm, his color returning. "Go to him and you'll understand. It's not too late for you."
01[21:10] <Seira> "Fine. Can you explain the sneak attack on our sovereign land?" Seira asks sternly.
[21:13] <Kotono> Pallan does not reply. As Claris scowls, Engan looks on with tired, drained disgust. "You'd rather serve a kinkiller? Look at yourself," he waves a hand towards Pallan's threaded body. "Just another person who's been taken in by him? Damned fool."
[21:14] <Kotono> After a moment, "I have nothing to say to any of you," he says, keeping his head low.
01[21:17] <Seira> "Well, then. I intend to kill King Ferdi if he intends to keep on fighting us without the opportunity for peace. This is your last chance of fulfilling your duty and saving his life," Seira states matter of factly. "And I'm only extending it because you came to aid us against Kondrux, back in the day. That thought counted."
[21:17] <Demedais> "...I'll be perfectly frank. Malmuth attacked us - while the Crimson Guard was out assisting Malmuth by killing Irenes, I'd note - he's dead now, by the way, we killed him so he wouldn't intervent at another meeting between the two countries - and we were going to have Claris notify you of this when we ourselves got notified, oh, hey, war." Demedais says softly, the steel re-entering his voice. "We do not know why King Ferdi has done this. We cannot, in poi
[21:18] <Demedais>  "We do not know why King Ferdi has done this. We cannot, in point of fact, figure out any of his motives." (More)
[21:18] <Demedais> "We have devils on the border, a wannabe god that would like nothing more than to kill us all, and a few other massive threats and pressing issues to deal with. We would like nothing more than peace and stability - something King Ferdi's attempts have now denied us. We have attempted to act peaceably, and in fact to assist you; instead we are met with a marching army. I am afraid even my patience begins to thin, with this.
[21:19] <Demedais> We want answers so we can end this as calmly as possible." (More)
[21:19] <Demedais> "I will be frank - if we cannot get answers from you, our next action may very well be to end this war with blood, for we know so very little here. This will send Malmuth into another stage of tumult, which I am not confident it can recover from, and it will end King Ferdi's life. If you can help us understand precisely what is going on, a peaceful resolution becomes far more possible. You hold both Malmuth's fate and King Ferdi's life in your hands, Pallan
[21:19] <Demedais> "Choose well."
[21:20] <Kotono> At that Pallan does look up, "Then I'll repay that favor. Beg for peace from him on any terms you can get. Otherwise you'll die." He looks rightin Seira's eye on that, "He's stronger than Kondrux. His Majesty is not unmerciful to those that are worthy, he'll listen to you if you plead to him in earnest." After Demedais speaks, "If you want peace, bow to him."
01[21:21] <Seira> "Ah, I see!" Seira claps her hands. "It's not loyalty, it's FEAR! Now I get it!"
06[21:26] * Seira shakes her head. "Isn't it amusing how things turn out? It's not charisma Ferdi wields, it's pure terror, and the weak bow down before him."
[21:27] <Demedais> "At this point, I've killed skeletal dragons, stared down a spectral gold dragon bigger than a small city and stood up to another gigantic gold dragon, as well as handled swarms of demons, stared down a bloody pit fiend, and had my actions cause Hell to pretty much go insane. Um. And I think I get all of this, now, though I don't like the conclusion I've come to."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Go challenge him then," Pallan dismisses. "Call it what you like....but I won't betray my lord."
01[21:34] <Seira> "So how do you know he's stronger than Kondrux?" Seira asks conversationally. "If it could be objectively proven, I might reconsider."
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC - Go 'head and make a general diplo check, Seira.
01[21:36] <Seira> OOC: Can I take 10 for 31?
[21:36] <Demedais> OOC: Also, will you allow me to aid?
[21:41] <Kotono> OOC: Sure on both if you want.
[21:42] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 aid another diplo
[21:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+16 1,0aid another diplo --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{36}
[21:42] <Kotono> LIstening, Pallan at last says, "...he killed the vrock in one single blow," he says.
01[21:43] <Seira> "What vrock?"
[21:46] <Kotono> After that, Pallan looks back down, saying nothing. "...you've had your warning. Beware."
01[21:48] <Seira> "But why are we being attacked?" Seira asks in frustration. "If we're supposed to get on our knees and beg forgiveness, what are we supposed to be apologizing for?"
[21:49] <Demedais> "Then you have sealed his fate." Demedais says at this. "You may continue to talk to him, Seira. I tire of this." With that, he leaves and heads thirty feet down the hallway before shaking his head, leaning against the wall.
[21:50] <Kotono> Engan snorts and follows. Claris looks on, "Call me if you wish to talk," he decides, staying for the moment. "I won't turn you away. Just like you said of His Majesty...we are merciful as well. You don't need to throw your life away...but I understand," he admits in the last. "A little longer and I'd have said the same, perhaps."
01[21:50] <Seira> "Whatever." Seira frowns. "Try to escape, try to harm any of those here, guards included, and your familiar will be made to pay for your mistakes. Play nicely and it will be taken care of. Is that understood?"
[21:51] <Kotono> Oh, that gets his attention. His eyes nearly blaze afire, his gaze turning up. "If you threaten or touch my companion...you'll die." He says it with a flat finality.
01[21:52] <Seira> "I left standing orders to care for him as long as you behave, and another set of orders if you don't," she continues without much care. "Don't misunderstand your position. We are already making more allowances for an unrepentant invader than we normally would."
[21:53] <Kotono> The look Seira gets is long and full of promised suffering, but Pallan says nothing else
[21:53] <Kotono> .
06[21:53] * Seira returns it with one full of contempt, before leaving.

[Corwin]

[20:56] <Kotono> ---------
[20:59] <Kotono> The party breaks up that evening for rest and preparations. Seira has issues on her mind, a chance to go talk to whom she wishes as the sun sets over Balmuria...
06[21:00] * Seira goes to bug her old man. He must be tired and in dire need of rest, which means she gets to be petty and spiteful and deny him that.
03[21:01] * Gate-temporaryexistance is now known as Gate-weekendness
[21:03] <Kotono> Saul rests in Seira's inn. Commoners flock here, getting food, drink and discussing in rapt, hurried words. Song filters out as Seira comes in, Donald keeping a watch over things. In the back she finds Saul, lying on a bed with a half eaten bowl of soup. He's awake, though still so horribly pale.
01[21:04] <Seira> "Hey," she greets him. "You look awful."
[21:07] <Kotono> "I feel worse," Saul agrees to that tiredly, "Doubtless that Irenes' magics worked a painful price on me."
01[21:08] <Seira> "Yes, prices and magic." Seira nods rapidly. "We've jumped straight to the topic I wanted to carefully breach. You know how I had to do some questionable things to kill him and save you?"
[21:11] <Kotono> That gets your father's attention. His eyes darken as he listens, "This saddens me, but yes."
01[21:14] <Seira> "It saddens me too," she readily agrees. "But that's in the past. I think we've all learned a valuable lesson, here." Seira frowns. "I think I made one bargain too many, though."
[21:15] <Kotono> "...I dislike the sound of that," Saul looks to Seira, "What did you bargain? Your services? Your wealth?"
01[21:16] <Seira> "My existence past death," Seira tells him. "The nice balor was really insistent and I wasn't ready to die quite yet. But I do have an out, now."
[21:18] <Kotono> A dead silence takes over the room. Saul's eyes darken even further as he slowly stands up. His legs are weak and a bit shaky, but they support him as he approaches his daughter. "You did WHAT?" he asks. "Did you pledge your soul to the Abyss?!"
01[21:20] <Seira> "Just a tiny bit," she tells him. "It's a shame you didn't stop me, what with being all mind-controlled by Unibrow and all."
03[21:20] * Devourlord_Sierra is now known as Sierra_WithingADeepForest
03[21:21] * Sierra_WithingADeepForest is now known as Sierra_WithinADeepForest
[21:23] <Kotono> "You can't SELL your soul a tiny bit!" Saul retorts. "Do you want to spend eternity as a mane and then most likely be absorbed into the Abyss?"
01[21:25] <Seira> "When the other choice was letting you rot and becoming a balor's plaything myself, I think it's quite obvious why I did what I did," Seira tells him with a huff. "Still. I did say there was a way out. I believed in one when I made the exchange, and turns out I was right."
[21:26] <Kotono> "What? Atonement?" Saul asks sharply. He then rubs the bridge of his nose, "Then what is it?"
01[21:28] <Seira> "You know how Commune works?" Seira shrugs. "I went straight to the source. Since the only real pledge I intended to keep was to her and it predated this, I figured I might as well ask. Well, I picked the right questions, it turns out."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Then...?"
01[21:33] <Seira> "A right donation will do wonders for my skin," Seira tells him, glancing sideways at the annoying mark the balor left on her cheek. "But there's a catch. I need to be at my best when we go after Ferdi. So it got me thinking -- I didn't bat an eye when I received aid from devils or the remnants of the god-king's power.
01[21:33] <Seira> And come to think of it, outside of Waukeen herself the celestial forces were pretty weak on that front." Seira shakes her head. "Nevermind that. Yes, I could die and that's a bad end for me, capital letters and all. But should I go face someone like Ferdi while weakened?"
02[21:35] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Client exited)
[21:35] <Kotono> "So..." Saul takes just a moment to gather himself, "This mark," He looks at Seira's cheek, eyes locked on it coldly. "Strengthens you by demonic power?"
01[21:37] <Seira> "To put it briefly, yes. You could check me for any devilish signs all you want, and there are none. But I still accepted the power willingly, and it's saved my life many times since. Why is this so different? I can't decide myself, and I came to the one I'd trust most to help me realize it."
[21:41] <Kotono> "LIsten to yourself." Saul looks at Seira levelly, "A demon's power isn't your own power. It's corruption and temptation - you're even saying you'd be weakened by losing this! Clearly, this power has begun to warp your thinking."
01[21:44] <Seira> "No, clearly, not using your brains for too long--" Seira frowns. "Listen. A golden dragon gave me a portion of his power. It's extra fiery! It's not mine but I kept it. Would I not be weakened by losing it? Or is that different because he's serving the right side?"
[21:47] <Kotono> Saul looks at Seira with a mix of sadness and disgust, stepping away from her. "You're rationalising to holding onto the power of the Abyss. If you have a way out, plead to Waukeen and take it! That power is only there to corrupt you."
01[21:51] <Seira> "I feel like I'm talking to the wall," Seira says, palming her face. "I use logic and you appeal to emotion. What exactly is wrong about relying on powers and abilities that come from the Abyss, if they're not inherently vile?" She gestures in agitation. "A paladin here kept a devil around, and fought alongside her! Is that all that different? Is what I said before?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "Tell me, when has a demon ever shown altruism?" Saul states. "It's that do you really think the Abyss is going to let you run around with it's power without a price? Do you think that the Abyss gives out power like candy drops to anyone brave enough to ask and requires nothing else of them? The only logic you're using that is of a deluded soul that's being ensnared by the promise of what the Abyss tempts with."
01[21:54] <Seira> "I think the balor I met was stupid and I can get away with it for a few more days until Malmuth has had a change of leadership," Seira responds. "It's not like I plan on keeping it forever."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Yes, just a few days. I need that power a little longer. Then just a little longer more - I can't be weakened before my next battle." Saul's eyes burn with an energy now, one that makes his weak, rail thin body trembling. "This is not a toy to be manipulated or a power to be used until it's convienent to be removed! Your life, your spirit and soul are all at risk."
01[21:58] <Seira> "He can slay a vrock with a single strike," Seira tells Saul flatly. "Tell me I'll return from that mission without the power and the edge it gives me, and it's gone. I'm placing my life in your hands."
[22:04] <Kotono> "Then you'll die. But you'll go to her Lady's side forever, not to the vile pits of the Abyss! Have you not kept up your studies? Are the passing whims of life, even a long lived one for us with elven blood, worth the eternities that lie beyond? You're trying to tell yourself that it's okay to trust in this demonic power, that you need it.  You're trying to make me feel guilt over it - but the truth is that it's the temptation of the power th
[22:05] <Kotono> temptation of the power that's talking now."
06[22:06] * Seira blinks. "...no, that's the desire to not die talking. Ah, let me get this straight. I'm going to die anyway so I better go to the fluffier place?"
[22:07] <Kotono> Saul looks on in complete disbelief, "Do you care nothing for your soul's fate, Seira?"
01[22:09] <Seira> "I have confidence in my skills, and even more of it the more of those I have." Seira snorts. "But hey, I did say you get to choose. I already set things in motion, and if we press it I could be back at my shiny state before I blissfully go off on my suicide mission. Just as a friendly notice? Don't call me back. I'm pretty sure that we both know what my answer would be to that."
[22:17] <Kotono> Saul looks on at Seira with a note of sadness, "...So this is what you've become to save me?" He says at last, after som ethought.
01[22:19] <Seira> "No, it's what I became after you ran off without a word and kept away for years as I struggled," she can't help but say. "A large part of parenting is, well, you know... being there? Hell, I wouldn't know myself, but I read about that somewhere. Whatever." Seira smiles, then. "I might pull through anyway. I'm really, really hard to kill, now that I think about it."

[Corwin]

[17:56] <Kobreakfast> ----
03[17:56] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
[17:57] <Kotono> The next day the four gather in the garrison. Mighty magics are used to protect themselves from harm and from death itself, weaving ittogether. When finished, Claris murmurs a prayer. "Lathander, aid us," he murmurs. You notice his hands do shake a bit, his gestures slow and careful.
[17:57] <Seira_> "Waukeen supports us," Seira pipes up. "I asked, just to make sure."
06[17:58] * Alicia has already made her preparations and left instructions with Antenora in case she doesn't return, now simply content to wait in stoic silence for the teleport to be done.
06[17:59] * Demedais looks to Claris with some remorse. "This will be tough for you, Claris, I know this. But..." At this, he falls silent, simply waiting for the spell.
[18:00] <Seira_> "You know, there's always a chance he allied himself with a bunch of devils," Seira muses. "The vrock, plus Waukeen didn't respond when I asked if King Ferdi was solely behind this madness."
[18:00] <Kotono> "You mean demons?" Claris shakes his head, "Vrock are demons, but..." He looks away. "Lathander forbid."
[18:01] <Seira_> "Yes, that." Seira shrugs. "Both are badness."
[18:01] <Alicia> "Guessing serves us little," Alicia notes. "Let's just go so we can end this."
[18:01] <Demedais> "This raises a decent point. Could the sword be chanelling a bit of the God-King? But... yes. We have nothing to go on. Let this be done."
06[18:01] * Seira_ withdraws her scroll. "Here we go! Hold on tight!"
[18:04] <Kotono> OOC - Casting, Cor?
[18:05] <Seira_> OOC: Yep
[18:06] <Kotono> OOC: Roll 1d100. I've been forgetting to enforce the possibility of error on teleport, but I really should start bearing it in mind.
[18:06] <Seira_> roll 1d100
06[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira_ rolls 1d100 and gets 79."12 [1d100=79]
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d10
06[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 6."12 [1d10=6]
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d1000 GM dice
06[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d1000 GM dice and gets 452."12 [1d1000=452]
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100 GM dice oops
06[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 GM dice oops and gets 84."12 [1d100=84]
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d10 multiple 2
06[18:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 multiple 2 and gets 10."12 [1d10=10]
[18:10] <Kotono> Woooosh! The distances fade and fold, telepor-ack! It's just a moment of complete and utter disorientation! You appear in the plains. However, these plans are not empty! You appear in what looks to be a base camp. Tents are around you like a city, Malmuthian soldiers all about! You stand in front of a normal tent, a few soldiers blinking as you appear.
[18:11] <Alicia> "Seira?" Alicia asks in a flat, level voice in those precious few seconds before all hell breaks loose.
[18:12] <Seira_> "The hell you want?!" Seira snaps back. "Get a refund from Elle, it's her scroll!"
[18:12] <Kotono> Claris starts abruptly, looking about. "Oh Lathander..." he sighs in a deep voice.
[18:14] <Demedais> "..." Demedais just closes his eyes at this point, hand on his sword.
[18:17] <Kotono> There are four soldiers nearby, gawking! More mill about, surely a moment away from reacting! OOC - Initiative here, I think.
[18:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 claris
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 claris and gets 22."12 [1d20=20]
[18:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[18:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 sure.
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 sure. and gets 10."12 [1d20=9]
[18:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20 generic soldier initiative
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 generic soldier initiative and gets 18."12 [1d20=18]
[18:17] <Seira_> roll 1d20+10 nerveskitter
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira_ rolls 1d20+10 nerveskitter and gets 21."12 [1d20=11]
03[18:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Claris>Seira>Soldiers>Demedais>Alicia Hino.'
[18:21] <Seira_> "This is where we demand to see their leader, right?"
[18:21] <Kotono> Claris looks ahead in a moment of complete trideptation, "Or cut a path through them," Claris does not look enthused at the idea at all. "Suggestions, anyone, in about two seconds?"
[18:22] <Seira_> "A path is fine too," Seira grumbles.
[18:23] <Demedais> "Or something akin will work." Demedais nods to Seira. "I like the leader option, personally. Information is more useful than a bunch of people trying to kill us and likely not doing a great job at it."
06[18:24] * Alicia doesn't quite roll her eyes, but instead favours the soldiers with her most winning smile. "We're here to negotiate with King Ferdi, but got a little bit lost. Would you kindly direct us to him?" she asks as nicely as 7 twelve foot tall paladins can.
[18:25] <Kotono> OOC - Uuuuuuuuuuh. Try a diplo check, Alicia. -5 circumstancial, since you'r ea freaking 12 foot tall paladin squad. I'll give you guys a chance before all hell breaks loose.
[18:26] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
[18:27] <Demedais> "Indeed. Assistance in this matter would be appreciated."
[18:27] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 woo diplo check
06[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 woo diplo check and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[18:27] <Seira_> "Hmph. Take me to your leader!"
[18:28] <Seira_> roll 1d20+16 laf
06[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira_ rolls 1d20+16 laf and gets 33."12 [1d20=17]
[18:30] <Kotono> The soldiers stare and gawk, breathless. "The C-C-Crimson G-G-gu-guaaard?" One of them manages to choke out. He points a shaking finger, "T-Th-that's Seira the destroyer and D-Dem-Demedais of H-Helm!" The expressions that spread on the soldiers faces are a mix of two things - abject terror and raw greed.
[18:32] <Kotono> "I am Claris Brightsun, of the Great God Lathander," Claris states, his gold lined breastplate rather striking on him. "We do not wish to wantonly spill the blood of all the innocent soldiers here."
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[18:33] <Demedais> "You get to be a destroyer. I admit to envy." Demedais remarks coolly. "I suppose the golden dragons we befriended in the wastes won't come to help us today? Ah well. If they insist on this road, Helm help them... because it'd be wasting their time and lives. The nickname does fit you, I'm afraid."
[18:34] <Seira_> "Destroyer?" Seira muses, seeminly unconcerned about the armed soldiers. "--of worlds?"
[18:35] <Demedais> "And of buffets, likely. May just be you being half-dragon speaking there, though."
[18:35] <Kotono> Claris twitches t that. "This isn't the time..." he whispers towards Demedais and Seira.
06[18:36] * Alicia drops the friendly act as the others make their veiled threats. "Quite bluntly, if you raise your swords you'll die. However, we have not come here seeking a battle. Choose your response carefully."
[18:36] <Seira_> "We will have words after destroying this camp," Seira tells Demedais. "They really want to die, I see no leaders appearing."
[18:36] <Kotono> There are two reactions. "C-C-c-c-c-c-caaaalll the General!" Two soldiers gasp in fear, while a few braver ones do withdraw swords hesitantly. You can see th egreed in their eyes, the hope...but they don't advance, not yet.
06[18:37] * Demedais looks to Claris with a slight grin. "If greed overwhelms common sense, then perhaps making them realize just what they'd be up against will work better, mm?"
06[18:38] * Alicia glares at the ones with their swords out. "I see those blades so much as twitch, it'll be the last thing you ever do," she warns icily.
06[18:39] * Seira_ merely holds her new bow while the soldiers decide if they want to die today.
06[18:39] * Demedais then looks to the soldiers with drawn swords with the same slight grin, before looking to Alicia. "I think she put it best, though I'd likely let you try and touch me as an example of how stupid of an idea it is. It'd take luck you likely don't have."
[18:39] <Kotono> "T-that one's A-Ali-cia," The same soldier stutters, as more soldiers turn to look. Without a doubt you're surrounded, in the middle of a military camp. "I he-he-hear sh-she's killed d-de-devils! Real devils!" The two with swords out even manage to glare backd espite the fear on their faces. But they hold back, as soldiers race and run, frantically shouting.
[18:39] <Demedais> "Devils, demons, we've toyed around with pit fiends. Know those, boys?"
[18:41] <Kotono> There's some bustling several tents away, soldiers swarming there. There's someone coming from there - with full plate armor, a well scarred and muscled man with a clean face. His eyes are alert, a blue helmet worn.  He approaches behind a wall of soldiers, "I am General Granzt. Why are you here?"
02[18:42] * Seira_ (~Seira_@p11811112.orange.net.il) Quit
02[18:42] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Broken pipe)
03[18:44] * NeremWo (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[18:45] <Demedais> "We intended to go meet with King Ferdi. However, magic is a thing full of wonder, and we got dropped here instead. So. Care to give us directions so we may be on our way?"
[18:46] <Kotono> The General eyes the party, "You want me to escort you to His Majesty?" he asks, bluntly.
01[18:48] <Seira> "We do want to talk to you a bit, General, now that we have the chance," Seira tells him.
01[18:48] <Seira> "Mind sparing us a few moments of your valuable time?"
[18:48] <Kotono> "Go on," Soldiers continue to surround the area, at least a dozen thick and back now.
06[18:49] * Seira is dismissive of the soldier presence. "From talking to Pallan, one of King Ferdi's inner circle as you may well know, being in your position, we have discovered that we are characterized as people who have abducted one Claris Brightsun and tortured him vilely. Is that correct?"
[18:50] <Kotono> There are murmurs amid the soldiers at that, but Geeral Granzt doesn't blink. "There are many rumors about Claris Brightsun and Balmuria," he says. "Sir Claris, it is good to see that you appear to be in good health."
01[18:52] <Seira> "He is. We happened to rescue him when he was betrayed over Irenes's rampage in the Malmuthian capital. An unfortunate yet unavoidable fact, as we have learned from both Claris and Irenes himself, before slaying him, that King Ferdi was the one who invited him there in the first place, allowing him to experiment on human beings in his pursuit of old magic."
[18:52] <Kotono> Claris smiles slightly. "Reports of my..." he begins, before stopping at Seira's words.
[18:52] <Kotono> The General's face stays stony, "Irenes....the man with a reward on his head," the general muses. "Go on. Why are you telling me this?"
[18:54] <Demedais> "Many rumors? Hmph. No doubt all incorrect, but." Demedais shakes his head a bit in frustration, before looking to Seira.
06[18:54] * Alicia simply keeps a stern eye on the surrounding soldiers to ensure they don't get any ideas. She's the least up to speed on things with Malmuth, so best to just let the others handle this.
01[18:55] <Seira> "Why indeed?" Seira shrugs, her voice raising ever so slightly. "Wave after wave of advance scouts assaults Balmuria in an unprovoked, unannounced attack even the Gods deplore. As they are turned away at heavy losses, so will the vanguard, so will the main force. Yet why are the soldiers marching? Are they being told the truth?
01[18:55] <Seira> Here, right beside me, stands living proof that the many rumors of Claris are untrue. What else is?"
[18:58] <Kotono> The soldiers seem awestruck and confused, watching without reservation. The General is far more reserved, "So the rumors are untrue. For the rest..." The General shakes his head. "My superior officer is not too far away. General Olburt commands the military operations in this area. Will you wait peacefully for him?"
01[19:00] <Seira> "If by peaceful you mean surrendering our weapons, no, due to the nature of Malmuth's sneak attack on us. However, if you set aside a part of the camp for us, I don't see an issue with the matter. As those that tried to slay Claris in the capital could attest, I don't lack a way to retreat and break off negotiations."
[19:00] <Demedais> "Also, we'd like to claim the reward on Irenes' head, but seeing as he was devoured by the Abyss upon death, proving as such will be harder. Unless you're willing to take a paladin at his word, which would be, I don't know, the -sane- thing to do." Demedais grouses, before perking up a bit. "A General Olburt is fine, too. If your soldiers do not attempt aggression upon us, I shall not in return."
06[19:00] * Seira snorts. "I can conjure a vivid image of his agonizing last moments as proof."
[19:01] <Kotono> The General listens, before giving a very short nod. "Stay there," he instructs. He looks to a fewof the men near him, murmuring commands. The soldiers don't move away ata ll, but keep a steady watch. "The General should be along within the hour."
[19:02] <Demedais> "'k." Demedais shrugs, before turning to Seira. "Was it the scroll or the nature of the magic?"
06[19:02] * Seira begins playing with fire to pass the time, summoning harmless flame to coat her fingertips and letting it dance there. "Which part?" she asks Demedais quietly.
[19:02] <Alicia> "Well, if it looks like we can be rational about things..." Alicia allows herself to visibly relax just a little bit, and then clearly dispels both her mirror images and increased size, rather than letting the spells run out on their own.
06[19:03] * Seira has no visible spells upon her, so doesn't see a problem with letting them remain.
[19:03] <Kotono> The soldiers watch, one of them eyeing Seira. "...is it true one of you cut a dragon's head off in one jump and swipe?" One of them asks aloud.
[19:04] <Demedais> "After it tried to fry me with lightning, yes." Demedais nods in affirmative. "Seira here is fond of turning devils and demons into dust as a hobby."
[19:04] <Kotono> "Quiet," An officer sharply interjects to that common soldier, even as the others listen in awe.
01[19:05] <Seira> "No, but I called a golden wyrm back from the celestial realms in a massive show of resurrection to bargain for his favor."
[19:05] <Demedais> "Oh, right. After breaking the undead skeleton of the poor thing. Devils are irritating at times."
06[19:05] * Alicia chooses not to join in with the grandstanding, instead silently communicating with her sword. 'Hell Striker, what's the extent of your sensory abilities?' she asks, having wondered about that ever since the sword detected her two rooms away while she was protected by all sorts of disguises in Stygia.
01[19:05] <Seira> "And it's not a hobby. I take my fiend-slaying very seriously, almost like a job."
[19:06] <Demedais> "Your job is increasing the number of things you're a half-breed of, I think. Any plans to expand into the realm of the fabled fire giants or titans?"
06[19:07] * Seira takes out her golden dragon statue, eyeing it briefly. "I could start a whole new legend right here if I let everyone's eyes feast on this!" she tells Demedais with a smirk.
[19:07] <Kotono> The soldiers are just staring, really. None of them seem to speak up, officers glaring at them. A few of the officers are gawking as well, though.
[19:08] <Demedais> "Eh, save it for now, mm?" Demedais says with a grin of his own. "Let sleeping dragons lie until they're needed. Balmuria having one that's willing to assist it is kinda useful; guess they're not all like Kondrux, some are actually intelligent."
[19:08] <Alicia> 'Nothing in particular, simply keep alert,' Alicia replies silently. 'I wouldn't like for an opportunistic Malmuthian to sneak up on us at any point during this in hopes of becoming rich.'
06[19:09] * Seira puts it away after a moment's thought. "I really did ask Waukeen, you know?" she tells Demedais. "The situation seemed to warrant a Commune spell, and she deigned to answer. She is worried over slaughter on a massive scale in both our lands, and wishes us to do something to stop it. And... yes, demons are probably behind the scenes in Malmuth.
01[19:09] <Seira> Maybe Irenes called them? They managed to charm the King, perhaps?"
[19:10] <Demedais> "We've no way of knowing without talking to people. Helm just said to do what needs to be done to kill the false god, so the sooner this is handled, the better."
01[19:11] <Seira> "We'll watch the way General Olburt's responds, then, not just listen to the answers themselves. Sometimes, that's just as informative."
[19:12] <Kotono> As the time begins to go by, finally one soldier speaks up. "Is-is it true that..." he begins, but cuts off. His superior officer just silences him with a look. Like this 40 minutes pass. In the distance you can see preparations - catapults being dragged in a perimeter around you, men preparing, lines of archers, that sort of thing. (More)
[19:14] <Kotono> At last the wait is ended. The waves of soldiers part, a vanguard approaching. General Olburt wears full armor, surrounded by competent, deadly looking soldiers in full plate. As he approaches, "It's been while, Claris," he calls, "You as well, Demedais. I thought you took your words to heart."
01[19:14] <Seira> "Hi there!" Seira calls over to him. "I'm glad you could make it. Listen, how about we call off this war before even more innocent men recruited into serving in the army die needlessly?"
[19:15] <Kotono> "That's easily done," Olburt bristles back, "Council your nation to surrender peacefully and not another drop of blood must be spilt."
06[19:15] * Alicia stands up to face Olburt, only dimly remembering him from briefly passing him in Valandia, and seeing no need to talk unless addressed or the situation seems to be moving out of control.
06[19:15] * Seira coughs. "Who has won every single engagement to date?"
[19:16] <Kotono> "You battle hopelessly against the very least of Malmuth's armies." Olburt doesn't even stop to dignify that, instead going on. "But I doubt you're here to agree to surrender."
[19:17] <Demedais> "Pallan was notified we'd be heading to meet King Ferdi." Demedais replies coolly. "Besides, without any reason or knowledge of why this war was begun? And no, we haven't. We want answers at this point. This is not the sort of thing Helm, Waukeen, Mystra or Balmuria want to be dealing with."
[19:20] <Alicia> "As a representative of Mystra, frankly I don't care," Alicia puts in coldly. "This petty war is a distraction from far more important concerns. But do not mistake my distates for an unwillingness to fight against an unprovoked attack."
01[19:20] <Seira> "Yeah, answers would be great," Seira agrees with Demedais. "Plus, you weren't here for this when I said the Gods supported our cause. Well, they actually decided to intervene on our behalf. Fitting, is it not, as Irenes played with demon summonings at King Ferdi's commands, and Pallan spilled the beans on vrock frequenting the King's court?
01[19:20] <Seira> Only the desire to avoid bloodshed on the part of your soldiers who are being forced to march on us has stayed our hand thus far."
[19:21] <Kotono> Olburt is silent a few moments, "Regardless of that..." He looks about, "This is hardly a place to discuss these matters. I offer you my temt, where we can discuss matters."
06[19:22] * Seira shrugs. "The catapults and archers wouldn't be able to target us there, for all the good they'd do. Sure thing, I promise not to strike first."
[19:23] <Kotono> "We both know they aren't relevant to us," Olburt smiles just a little bit, a grim smile. "Break the circle," he instructs, soldiers scurrying away to give the four a path to walk on.
[19:23] <Demedais> "That will do just fine." Demedais says calmly.
06[19:24] * Seira is ready to follow where the man leads, even if it is a blatant trap.
[19:25] <Kotono> It's about a five minute walk to a large, empty tent. THere are a few chairs and the like around, though General Olburt doesn't sit. Six men follow him inside, lining the tent's pitched walls. The same men as before, fully armored and watching impassively. "Perhaps there are means to still come to an agreement that does not require further war," Olburt says.
01[19:26] <Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees. "It would also interest you in particular, General, that the last question I asked of my goddess was about yourself."
06[19:27] * Demedais inclines his head, before blinking bemusedly at Seira.
[19:27] <Kotono> "His Majesty's goals are not incompatable with your own," The General goes on. "It simply stands that the Baronies are essential to Malmuth's prosperity. The minerals and iron are indispensible on a mundane front, and...the ruins near Balmura are of paramount importance."
01[19:27] <Seira> "Of whether your mind was being clouded by unnatural, outside forces, or if you could be able to see reason. Her response... she said it wouldn't be easy, but nevertheless achievable." Seira glances at Claris. "That is the main reason I wished you to come, to be honest, but I did not want to get your hopes up in case it would not happen."
02[19:28] * NeremWo (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:29] <Demedais> "Okay. So, this is for resources." Demedais says flatly. "That, and the ruins, which we both agree are important."
[19:29] <Demedais> "Am I correct on this? Is this truly all?"
[19:30] <Kotono> Claris sighs, "It is true. The stories of our iron reserves being expended are entirely accurate. What lies left is beyond our means to harvest. Olburt, you know..." he begins, before deciding to go quiet.
06[19:30] * Seira blinks. "And the peace conference, where we agreed to share both research into the ruins and regulate the flow of resources? Malmuth got all it wanted, and it still wasn't enough?"
[19:32] <Kotono> "The iron is important, make no mistake." Olburt says, "But the ruins are the goal. His Majesty has decided that the ruins are too valuable." Olburt shakes his head at that, "...That was always his Majesty's goal. The conference was an unavoidable neccessity due to Irenes and other factors. His pressures and then repeated failures against the Crimson Guard greatly complicated our situation."
01[19:33] <Seira> "But you offered it." Seira seems quite frustrated. "What did you think we would do if you didn't call for a peace meeting, attack and invade you?"
[19:34] <Kotono> "The meeting wasn't for the Baronies," Olburt snorts. "His Majesty did wish to meet with the Crimson Guard, however. Further, the secrets of the ruins are being unvelied to the world. HIs Majesty has decreed that we must be the ones to control that."
[19:35] <Alicia> "What makes you think you can handle those ruins better than we can?" Alicia asks, breaking her silence and staring down Olburt. "When its come to great threats, like Irenes, Febras, Kondrux... all of them were able to do as they pleased against Malmuth, and were only stopped by our hands. What makes you think you can be better stewards of those ruins?"
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[19:38] <Kotono> "His Majesty's power grows with the day. With the Second Resort in his hand, he has become stronger than dragon." A stop there, "His Majesty believes that it is his right to see in the ruins, for he possesses rare power and capacity. Do you not understand? Those who unseal the ruins directly influnece the world."
[19:39] <Alicia> "How many dragons has he killed?" Alicia asks pointedly. "I've killed one. So has Demedais," she adds as if it's the most mundane thing in the world.
01[19:39] <Seira> "Huh. Well, we have one of the keys and he can't open the ruins without it. And I'd rather take it with me to some fiendish realm than hand it over out of sheer spite, and those knowing me would also realize I'm being quite serious."
[19:40] <Demedais> "We're well aware of that. They directly influence the world by working to free the God-King." Demedais notes. "Who -will- kill King Ferdi, just like he killed THE ENTIRE HEAVENLY HOST over a millenia ago."
01[19:40] <Seira> "Oh yes. Evocations spells a mile wide, angels burning by the hundreds. I remember that story. All gone in a second, right?"
[19:41] <Demedais> "Yep. Brainwashed Torm's head man, thrashed Torm himself... yeah, one man against the God-King won't go well."
06[19:41] * Alicia blinks and glances briefly at Seira and Demedais in surprise before schooling her expression. Not the time to get sidetracked.
01[19:41] <Seira> "Well, to be perfectly fair, Torm kinda--" Seira shakes her head. "Never mind, tangent."
[19:43] <Kotono> General Olburt smiles thinly at that, "He knows that. Claris, you know of His Majesty's presence as well." Olburt goes on, "He is our leader and more than that. With the tools Irenes developed and his own power, he greatly auguments those that serve him." For a moment, the mood in the room changes. General Olburt seems...different. It makes your hair brustle, your breathing sharper. "This is why he is the one who must lead the battle."
01[19:44] <Seira> "Did he augment you? If you come with us, I could probably fix you back," Seira offers. "You're free to return afterwards, I wouldn't try to recruit you to our side or anything."
[19:45] <Alicia> "Like he augmented Pallan?" Alicia refuses to show any reaction to Olburt's change. "I beat him senseless even while holding back to avoid killing him, and now he's languishing in our dungeon. You badly overestimate yourselves, and underestimate us."
01[19:46] <Seira> "But more than anything, people keep on telling me borrowed power is all kinds of fail," Seira adds. "Some helped me with my problem, I could do the same for you."
[19:47] <Demedais> "Is he making you as powerful as Torm, Helm, Mystra, and all the gods?" Demedais says flatly, before thinking about the situation for a moment and turning to Claris. "Remember in the ruins when I broke down cursing and ranting?"
[19:47] <Kotono> "It's your choice - His Majesty would not turn you away from him if you offered..." He says, "But the ruins and Balmuria were lost by his incompetent predecessors. He will have it back." He listens to the words the party speaks, "He has made me potent. He can do the same to you."
[19:48] <Kotono> Claris shakes his head, his color draining. Almost without energy, "...yes?" he asks Demedais.
06[19:48] * Seira tilts her head. "What if one of us beats you easily without taking your life... with one hand tied behind their back, so to speak, despite your augmentations? Would you be willing to reconsider your path?"
[19:48] <Alicia> "Mystra's grace and my own skills are all I need," Alicia replies haughtily. "I'll refrain from polluting myself with power derived from gnomish secrets that will probably just make me all the more vulnerable to Daa-vid when the time comes."
[19:50] <Kotono> "Are one of you challenging me to combat?" Olburt asks in return, looking them over.
[19:50] <Demedais> "Yeah, well, I think I'm going to need to do that again fairly soon. If I forget, remind me, okay?" With that, he turns to Oberuth. "This is all well and good, but I have to ask a very simple question first."
02[19:50] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[19:50] <Seira> "If there is something worthy in the outcome," Seira returns. "I have no reason to fight you just to prove something to myself I already know. It's you that I want to make a point to."
[19:52] <Demedais> "Did any of the minds in this entire situation ever consider just... you know... ASKING US?!?" Demedais bellows suddenly. "WHY GO TO WAR OVER SOMETHING WE BOTH AGREE ON, BY HELM'S ALL-SEEING EYES?! THIS HAS THE BE THE MOST SILLY THING I'VE EVER HEARD OF! I... no, don't respond. Answer Seira. I don't think my brain could take the response at this point."
01[19:52] <Seira> "Ah, the infamous rant," Seira comments with a smile.
[19:53] <Demedais> "Sorry, I just it just none of this makes any sort of coherent sense, by Helm!" Demedais growls. "But I interrupt. My apologies. Let's move on."
01[19:54] <Seira> "Yes, let's," she agrees.
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[20:02] <Kotono> An eyebrow is raised at Demedais, but Olburt holds his position. "Whatw ould that be, then?" he asks Seira.
01[20:04] <Seira> "If you can't even beat a tiny, incomplete dragon, or two people who have just told you slew adult dragons... well, that puts a whole new spin on your King's story, doesn't it? If he's right and has augmented you properly, you could kill any one of us in a duel. Don't you want to test the firmness of your faith in King Ferdi? Maybe he is not as deserving as it, not quite as blindly?"
[20:05] <Kotono> "I have no doubts. If you want to see a display of my power, I'll entertain any of you." His eyes to drift towards Demedais a bit at that. "I do owe you in particular for Tauret..."
01[20:05] <Seira> "Since in a duel we both bet something... one of us would bet his life, but as we would be fighting to subdue you instead, you must provide something of equal value," Seira points out.
[20:07] <Demedais> "Sorry, a bit too angry to engage in a coherent fight." Demedais says. "I do not think I could currently competently aim for subdual. Seira seems itching for a fight, however. And what do you owe me for Tauret, again?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Fine, Seira," He shrugs at that, "If you win, I'll take you to see His Majesty."
06[20:07] * Seira considers, and looks at the others.
[20:08] <Kotono> Claris nods. "It's better than hacking our way out," he does note. "General Olburt, I do hope I you understand what you're getting into."
06[20:08] * Alicia gives Seira a little nod. Things have gone very strangely, and this is probably the best they can hope for.
06[20:09] * Demedais shrugs to Seira. "At some point I would like an answer to the question, but that can wait until we talk to King Ferdi, so."
02[20:10] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[20:12] <Seira> "As a fair warning, you find yourself facing, well, me!" Seira exclaims. "You'll take us to see your king, unmolested? I can live with that. Do go all out as you fight -- that would be the only way to show you how inadequate your augmentations truly are."
[20:14] <Kotono> Olburt draws his weapons - a long sword in one hand, a mace in the other. He moves them with stunning skill, seeming not the least awkward using both at the same time. "Then...!" He says, as...OOC - Initiative.
01[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 nerveskitter + pearl
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 nerveskitter + pearl and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10."12 [1d20=2]
03[20:16] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Olburt'
[20:17] <Kotono> The tent is about thirty feet wide circular. Six soldiers in full plate stand at intervals around it. A few chairs are about here and there.
01[20:17] <Seira> OOC: Is there... an exit?!
[20:18] <Kotono> There's a single exit, guarded by soldiers.
06[20:18] * Alicia steps away from Seira at the sudden commencement of combat, observing Olburt's form as he fights.
01[20:19] <Seira> "Mind if I take this outside, to ease up on collateral damage?" Seira asks Olburt.
[20:19] <Kotono> "I do mind. No need to stir up the men," he says intently.
06[20:19] * Demedais also steps back, sword in scabbard at his side.
01[20:20] <Seira> "Okay, then." Seira becomes invisible, and circles the room to make a bit of distance between them.
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Where are you in regard to him?
01[20:22] <Seira> OOC: Say to his left and back?
[20:22] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:23] <Alicia> 'Hell Striker, can you still follow Seira's movements?' Alicia asks as the captain vanishes. If it can discern her nature past Judgement's illusions and through two walls, hopefully, but she'd like confirmation it can locate an invisible opponent.
[20:23] <Kotono> Seira vanishes from sight! Olburt smiles, his face tight, taunt. He doesn't seem tod o anything right away, but...OOC - Seira, what are the effects you have active on you right now?
[20:24] <Alicia> 'Excellent,' Alicia smiles thinly.
01[20:24] <Seira> OOC: Greater invis CL11, spider climb CL11, stoneskin CL7, MA CL1
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
[20:25] <Kotono> OOC - Go Seira.
06[20:26] * Seira grits her teeth, but the act is not done in anger. Ten pairs of phantom jaws seek out Olburt's blood, while she comments, "Not bad. Not good, per se, but not bad." She takes care to move again, this time to Olburt's front and right, in a polar opposite of the one she occupied.
01[20:27] <Seira> roll 10d6 force
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 force and gets 40."12 [10d6=5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 2, 6, 4, 4]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
01[20:27] <Seira> OOC: Fail
[20:28] <Alicia> 'I don't really know,' Alicia admits. 'If it were devils, I'm sure Latha would have warned us. And Irenes was cast out by Malmuth, and he seemed to be the one most involved with the Abyss... but it would be foolish to assume demons would act in unison. It could be another faction,' she reasons as she silently watches Olburt be assailed by Seira's magic.
[20:29] <Kotono> The teeth tear into General Olburt! His full plate armor tints strangely red, however, as the bites don't draw much blood. Even what they do seems to be sealing up rapidly! "Is that it?" He asks, as he still does not move.
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 27."12 [1d20=17]
[20:30] <Kotono> The manyjaws shudder and vanish away, winking out of existance.
06[20:30] * Demedais raises a lone eyebrow.
01[20:31] <Seira> A lance of ice impacts against the general, as Seira moves silently to be to his front and left.
01[20:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 24."12 [1d20=7]
01[20:32] <Seira> roll 6d6+3d6
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d6+3d6 and gets 25."12 [6d6=1, 2, 1, 5, 1, 4][3d6=5, 1, 5]
01[20:32] <Seira> OOC: Fort please
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 18."12 [1d20=3]
01[20:33] <Seira> roll 1d4
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[20:33] <Alicia> 'Even if no fiends act here, hopefully we will finish soon and battle the devils invading the desert. Whether we can finish this bloodlessly, though, I cannot say... Though Seira looks to be finishing up,' she concludes as Olburt is stunned by the icelance.
[20:34] <Kotono> The ice lance hits Olburt, seeming to knock him off balance and stunning him! His mace and sword drop to the ground, even as his wounds continue to heal! OOC - Seira.
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06[20:38] * Seira uses the exciting scorching ray spell!
01[20:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch 1
01[20:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch 2
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch 1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
01[20:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch 3
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch 2 and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch 3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=10]
01[20:41] <Seira> roll 4d6+3d6+3d6
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6+3d6+3d6 and gets 43."12 [4d6=6, 3, 4, 6][3d6=5, 2, 5][3d6=3, 5, 4]
01[20:41] <Seira> roll 4d6+3d6
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6+3d6 and gets 17."12 [4d6=2, 4, 2, 4][3d6=1, 3, 1]
01[20:41] <Seira> roll 4d6+3d6
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6+3d6 and gets 15."12 [4d6=1, 1, 3, 1][3d6=1, 2, 6]
[20:42] <Kotono> The assault batters General Olburt, who looks dazed, stunned and torn up, but isn't out yet despite the barrage of assaults on him! OOC - That's his second lost round, you have one more. Go Seira.
[20:42] <Kotono> The soldiers in the room watch on in surprise, the battle going on around them.
06[20:43] * Demedais grins. "And such a spell is child's play to the God-King, I have no doubt."
06[20:44] * Seira is lucky she has the appropriate pearl, and repeats her attack! "Yes, yes, mock my mighty prowess," she grumbles, casting.
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch 1
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch 2
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch 1 and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch 2 and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch 3
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch 3 and gets 30."12 [1d20=17]
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 4d6+3d6
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6+3d6 and gets 29."12 [4d6=3, 5, 6, 2][3d6=6, 2, 5]
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 4d6+3d6
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6+3d6 and gets 19."12 [4d6=1, 3, 1, 4][3d6=1, 4, 5]
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 4d6+3d6
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6+3d6 and gets 28."12 [4d6=1, 4, 6, 6][3d6=5, 3, 3]
[20:45] <Alicia> "Have to admit, I'm somewhat impressed at his endurance," Alicia grants. "But she might kill him at this rate..."
02[20:45] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:45] <Kotono> General Olburt is stricken again! Despite these injuries he's still up! He's still dazed, his body trying to mend the grevious, massive damage done to him! OOC - Seira.
[20:46] <Demedais> "No, I note that what we're going against is immensely frightening and could rip us apart if we don't damn well work together with all our resources instead of squabbling like idiots."
01[20:46] <Seira> "I feel really bad doing this, guys," Seira admits. "But he just won't fall! And my best put-down spell cover an area, while he insisted on staying close to everyone."
[20:47] <Alicia> "We appreciate your consideration," Alicia calls supportively. "I'm sure the Malmuthians do, too, even if they're too shy to say it."
[20:47] <Demedais> "If this doesn't count as a loss I have no clue what does. You have far more than this, but you're not aiming to kill - he should know this."
06[20:50] * Seira sends five magic missiles at Olburt, trying to stay true to her word. If that makes him fall, well....
01[20:50] <Seira> roll 5d4+5
06[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d4+5 and gets 14."12 [5d4=1, 4, 1, 2, 1]
[20:51] <Kotono> The five missiles slam into Olburt! THe first four aren't enough, only rocking him back! But the fifth hits his hand - it's a passing minor injury at best, but it's finally too much! General Olburt shivers and falls over in a heap! OOC - Take your move action now.
06[20:52] * Seira moves over, and presses the tip of a notched arrow to the general's forehead. "Do surrender, Sir. You are beaten fairly."
[20:53] <Demedais> "And to think that Seira has dragon blood." Demedais muses at this.
[20:54] <Kotono> He's only down for a moment, his injuries refusing to stay in place and unhealed. "Ugh..." he makes a few exhausted, wet sounds as he shakes his head, eyes rolling up to see Seira. "...damnations..." he breathes.
03[20:55] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
06[20:55] * Seira becomes visible, arrow at his forehead! "No, I actually cut any ties with that stuff," she responds. "All clean, Waukeen-following dragon in training girl!"
06[20:55] * Demedais steps in to look over Olburt, trying to judge if he needs healing before moving to do so himself. At his awakening, he steps back with a shrug. "If you didn't hear my comment as she was flinging spells at you, I can repeat it."
[20:56] <Kotono> Olburt's injuries are healing before your eyes. You notice blood seeps out from underneath his armor - dark, half dried blood, like sludge. "Ugh." he coughs again, "I don't believe it. I couldn't even get up."
[20:56] <Alicia> "And the captain never even took so much as a scratch," Alicia comments. Just in case anyone failed to grasp it.
06[20:56] * Demedais uses Detect Chaos on a whim on seeing the blood.
01[20:56] <Seira> "A simple magical trick," Seira informs him, finally putting the bow away. "I learnt it a few months ago. You'll be happy to know I got Irenes with it, too!"
06[20:57] * Demedais blinks for a few, long, seconds, before looking Olburt himself, and then the other soldiers, over.
06[20:58] * Demedais turns and walks to Alicia, before whispering in her ear, "Please check Olburt's blood for evil."
06[20:59] * Alicia blinks and then duly checks the immediate vicinity for evil.
01[20:59] <Seira> "You know," she says conversationally, "while you could dispel my little phantom jaws, what if I had used them after immobilizing you? To be consumed alive only to regenerate, a neverending cycle of pain and madness. That's child's play to either the God-King or the forces King Ferdi toys with."
06[20:59] * Seira snorts. "Bet you weren't told about that, no. You were invincible, right? And your monarch could never be wrong."
[21:00] <Demedais> "Child's play to what King Ferdi toys with, which is child's play to what the God-King can do." Demedais grunts.
[21:00] <Kotono> "Ugh..." WIping at his face as his wounds continue to heal at a marvelous rate, "Fine, you're strong. But if you're just a little stronger than I am, how are you going to stop what you're talking about?" He looks pale, tired despite it.
06[21:00] * Demedais idly takes Alicia's shoulder. "Lemme guess. Yes?"
01[21:00] <Seira> "Remember the in-training part?" she reminds him. "How about the 'gods decided to intervene in our favor' part?"
01[21:01] <Seira> "I don't want to brag, but I've met Waukeen face to face. Can Ferdi lay claim to that?"
06[21:01] * Alicia frowns and nod in reply to Demedais. "Excuse me, General Olburt?" she speaks up.
[21:01] <Kotono> "Ask him yourself," Olburt says, "I'll take you to him then." He sits back, an exhausted, angry scowl on his face. "Yes?"
[21:01] <Demedais> "And I, Helm." Demedais says, still with one hand on Alicia's shoulder waiting for a response. At that, he turns to Olburt. "Have you, ah, been notified -how- King Ferdi gave you this power?"
[21:02] <Alicia> "I've heard tales of you before, that you wield a legendary holy blade of some power, is that correct?" she asks, glancing towards his sword.
06[21:03] * Demedais looks to Alicia. "Answer her question first. It's a better way of handling this."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Yeah," The sword on the ground is a golden blade, of fine make.
[21:03] <Demedais> "Yes to which question?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Hers," Waving his hand to Alicia, Olburt slowly begins to stand up.
[21:04] <Alicia> "Really? And have you perhaps found that the blade doesn't quite serve as well as it used to, by any chance?" she presses.
[21:04] <Kotono> For a moment you see just a hint of surprise on Olburt's face - or perhaps it wasjust in your mind. "Of course not. My skills have only improved."
[21:04] <Alicia> 'Hell Striker, you can sense goodness, right? What of that blade?' Alicia silently asks her own sword before responding to Olburt.
06[21:05] * Seira moves over to Claris quietly, and nudges him. "Pallan was also altered, and the ways he was touched by the unnatural doesn't make me confident about Olburt's augmentations. Think you can help convince your friend there let us help him?"
[21:06] <Alicia> "Because weapons of the heavens rebel when used by those tainted by the lower planes," Alicia explains. "Your blood stinks of the evil and chaos of the Abyss, but you yourself do not seem to be a figure of malevolence. I would question the nature of Ferdi's gifts, and the effect they will have on your woul."
06[21:06] * Demedais looks to Alicia for a moment, before looking to Olburt. "Mind answering my question?"
[21:06] <Kotono> Claris has been looking on, silent and reserved. "I can try," he lowers his voice, so as not to carry. "I..." he begins, before looking away. HIs voice catches, "Excuse me a moment," he turns away.
[21:07] <Alicia> soul*
[21:08] <Kotono> "His Majesty's wisdom is without doubt," he says without a hesitation, "This is the power he has given me and I will not turn it away."
[21:08] <Demedais> "In other words, uh, Irenes probably gave you an injection of demon-ness." Demedais says, before eyeing Olburt.
01[21:08] <Seira> "I could replace it with something better," Seira offers, before pointing at herself. "Like Alicia said, not a scratch!"
[21:08] <Alicia> "Even if it consigns you to an eternity of suffering in the Abyss?" Alicia asks in shock. "You are as mad as Pallan. Has this entire country lost its mind?!"
[21:09] <Demedais> "Alicia?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "If I am to die for His Majesty, then I welcome it," Olburt starts to walk, looking at Claris once, the two not meeting eyes. Then he looks back to the party, "He is the one who will restore our kingdom and make it teh greatest to ever be."
[21:10] <Alicia> "What?" the female paladin turns to Demedais, looking like she'd quite enjoy hitting something. Or someone.
[21:10] <Demedais> "...Hold that thought." Demedais says after a moment, before turning to Olburt. "And what if King Ferdi was being manipulated by a demon himself?"
01[21:10] <Seira> "I suggested that before!" Seira agrees. "Totally possible!"
[21:11] <Kotono> "It's not possible. Irenes was the gateway, wasn't he? There are none left." Olburt shakes his head, "The one that remained and attempted to raise trouble was dispatched by His Majesty in a stroke."
[21:11] <Demedais> "Not possible. Probable; in fact, bloody likely." Demedais says. "Your king is wise, but he is currently at the mercy of forces and powers that seek dominion over his soul and desire to wreak havoc over the land. Are you willing to let this happen to your Majesty?"
[21:12] <Demedais> "No. The ways are opening again. In the west of Balmuria, devils have found a way through; demons can do the same. Furthermore, there are far more subtle ways of causing havoc and discord..."
[21:13] <Demedais> "Or would a war with the neighboring country to wear away both before a demonic invasion consumes both -not- be a valid end course of this madness?"
01[21:13] <Seira> "The amusement of sending us clashing into conflict alone could be the reason," Seira adds, nodding.
[21:13] <Alicia> "I'd be fighting those devils if not for this idiotic conflict," Alicia comments acidly. "But if demons have truly gained a foothold here, at least this may not be a complete waste of my time. I'd rather deal with them than have to fight soldiers simply doing their duty."
[21:14] <Kotono> Olburt hesitates, then shakes his head. "You'll see him soon," he says after long moments. "Once you do, you won't have any of these doubts."
[21:14] <Demedais> "You cannot afford this, General Olburt. You claim your duty is to King Ferdi? Then you cannot ignore the clear and present danger inherent in this. You risk far too much."
[21:15] <Demedais> "I do not even think I need to see him, Olburt." Demedais says sadly. "Something has gone very wrong here. Or is there a good answer for why you simply did not ask?"
[21:16] <Demedais> "There is far too much strangeness for there to not be foul play involved. This is all far too twisted, I am afraid. Please. Olburt... Trust us. Your liege is in grave danger, if this is truly the case."
[21:17] <Kotono> "......" Olburt stops there, lingering. "I will take you to see his Majesty," he says at last. "If you're correct and the Gods walk with you and a demon walks with us, then..." He starts to walk out again, "We'll see."
06[21:17] * Demedais inhales. "How far is it?"
[21:18] <Kotono> Olburt is out, but one of the soldiers on the wall inclines his head. "About half a day's ride."
[21:19] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais nods courteously. "I'll be blunt; you may want to keep this close to your chest. If we're right... a panic won't help matters right now."
[21:19] <Kotono> Claris looks to the door, "Lathander, what was I close to..." he murmurs. HIs voice is soft, like he's talking his thoughts out loud.
06[21:20] * Demedais looks to Claris. "Hmm? You feel a pull from this?"
01[21:20] <Seira> "No, he's just regretting things. We know how that goes."
[21:20] <Alicia> "You had a lucky escape, indeed," Alicia tells Claris. "No abyssal gifts would ever be able to make up for losing touch with your God."
06[21:21] * Demedais follows Olburt quickly, gesturing to the party to follow.
[21:21] <Kotono> You get a start from Claris, looking back. "Yes. I was so close to demons and evil, yet I never saw it...or did I choose not to see it?" He looks away, "Perhaps...perhaps it was Lathander's will then? These trials and ending up on this path?"
06[21:21] * Alicia picks up the pace, following Demedais out the tent.
01[21:21] <Seira> "You're getting the chance to fix things. Shouldn't that make you happy?" Seira asks Claris.
[21:21] <Demedais> "Perhaps." Demedais nods. "We can try to do what we can, from here."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Yes." Claris does agree to that. "Still, if this is true and I had known, perhaps we would not be here."
[21:22] <Kotono> Outside, you find horses being ready. A whole 100 person strong group, slowly filling up. In the center are a few empty horses, awaiting.
06[21:23] * Demedais calls upon Horse. "If it is true and you had known, it likely would have moved to kill you sooner. ...Corruption demon?" Demedais muses.
06[21:23] * Seira keeps her staff near, as is proper for her image, and smiles brightly at the soldiers as she approaches one of the empty horses.
06[21:23] * Alicia obligingly saddles up on one of the prepared horses, ready to depart.
[21:26] <Kotono> You find you are north of Valandia. The half day's trip has you passing by countless military encampnets and marches, tens of thousands of soldiers glimpsed as you ride along. If they don't look, surely they would imagine that great nobles or warriors ride in the center, not hotly contested enemies. Yet General Olburt rides at the head of the pack, none interfering at the sight of his face. (More)
[21:28] <Kotono> The sky is turning orange with the start of the sunset as you arrive. The weather is borderline cold. The gates into Valandia are opened without incident as you head in.  You are lead deeper in, deeper. Deep in Valandia is a fine house with a few plainer houses around it. Here is where the caravan ends. General Olburt dismounts, then to the party, "This way."
[21:30] <Alicia> Alicia dismounts, attentive for any evil as she follows Olburt, while Hell Striker guards her against any foes she herself can't percieve.
[21:30] <Kotono> You are lead into a rich house. Ahead of you is a pleasant stairway up, leading to a second floor. It's quite rich...OOC - Make wisdom checks, all of you.
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:30] * Demedais keeps an eye out for chaos, himself.
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[21:30] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2 asdf this won't be pretty.
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 asdf this won't be pretty. and gets 10."12 [1d20=8]
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d20-1
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20-1 and gets 6."12 [1d20=7]
[21:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[21:32] <Kotono> As he walks, Claris falls in step with Alicia, who happens to be the cloestest to him at the time. "This place.." he murmurs. "This place is..." He breathes out, "I can feel the energy. I can feel His Majesty. Lathander...the feeling's grown so strong."
[21:33] <Alicia> "Be strong," Alicia whispers. "Lathandar walks with you, and He is greater than anything Ferdi can offer."
[21:34] <Demedais> "..." Demedais pauses for a long second, considering, before putting up Protection from Evil as he prepares for the demon lying ahead. "Not worth the risk..."
06[21:35] * Seira walks next to Demedais, hands clasped over her staff as it swings from side by side. "Isn't this place grand? I want a summer house like this."
[21:35] <Kotono> Claris nods as you walk up the stairs. A rich hallway is ahead, lit by occasional lamps and with soldiers aplenty. They all stand guard here, alert and eyeing. They do salute the General, however.
[21:35] <Demedais> "I thought Irenes' hideout was going to be your summer palace."
06[21:35] * Seira releases the staff briefly to wave at them before catching it. "No, you silly! It's my secret hideout!"
[21:36] <Demedais> "Ah, right. And Kondrux's lair?"
01[21:36] <Seira> "Too drafty."
[21:36] <Kotono> You walk down to the end, a heavy double door. Two soldiers salute, the door openingly slightly. Olburt turns to the party, "Are you ready?"
06[21:36] * Seira contemplates giving an honest answer.
06[21:37] * Demedais uses detect chaos and looks around himself carefully before turning back to Olburt.
06[21:38] * Demedais blinks ahead. "I already dislike the fact that detect chaos fails to work ahead."
[21:38] <Alicia> "I suppose casting any protective spells at this juncture would be seen as a lack of trust," Alicia muses. "Perhaps they won't even be necessary... but I haven't lived this long by being reckless. A simple spell of protection will have to suffice, for now." At that she casts shield, worrying about what lies beyond the magic blocking barrier.
06[21:38] * Seira mirrors Alicia's action happily!
06[21:39] * Demedais looks to Olburt calmly. "Once they are done... let us go." And to Claris, "Can you see the invisible?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "I can reveal them if I must," Claris breathes out several times, looking ahead.
[21:40] <Kotono> Olburt scowls. "Enough of that. Do you think I'm going to stand here and watch you cast spells before going to meet His Majesty?"
[21:40] <Demedais> "That may be needed." Demedais muses, looking ahead. "You two ready?"
01[21:40] <Seira> "Pretty!" Seira glances at Demedais. "Sure thing!"
[21:40] <Alicia> "I'm sure Ferdi has more than enough protections of his own to rival ours," Alicia replies levelly. "Let us proceed."
[21:41] <Demedais> "...You are saying we should walk in unprepared when we believe your liege's life is at stake?" Demedais returns. "Open the door, and let us see."
01[21:41] <Seira> "We are forever safe from the evil magical missiles," Seira whispers to Demedais conspiratorially.
06[21:42] * Demedais eyes Seira. "Congratulations."
06[21:43] * Seira giggles to herself.
06[21:49] * Demedais raises an eyebrow.
[21:51] <Kotono> The doors open! Ahead you see strong, stout guards in full plate armor about, ten of them. There are two more at either side of Ferdi's throne. But that's not what gets your attention. Instead, it washes over you. A feeling of awe, a feeling of raw presence so mighty as to make you look at it, make you see it. Ferdi sits, wearing elaborate full armor. He sheds no light yet looking at his face is somehow difficult and yet oh so desirable on an
[21:51] <Kotono> oh so desirable on another level. "Your Majesty," General Olburt deeply bows. "They'v arrived."
[21:52] <Alicia> 'Can he even be called a man, any more?' Alicia wonders, calling upon all of her discipline to school her expression, not wanting to give anything away to Ferdi.
06[21:52] * Demedais tries Detect Chaos again, still wondering.
06[21:53] * Seira leans back and forth, looking all over the place in awe.
[21:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 I think this is right.
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 I think this is right. and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
[21:54] <Kotono> "You've come." King Ferdi smiles, "I had hoped you would have come before, but that is in the past now."
01[21:54] <Seira> "Minor delays," Seira tells him distractedly. "Sorry!"
06[21:57] * Demedais raises one eyebrow, steeling himself against this effect. "We have come to understand your interest was not in Balmuria, but in us?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "I'm honored," Ferdi goes on, his voice sounding like the only thing in the room. IT seems to naturally drown out other sound, dimming your awareness if you listen to it too intently. "One of my interests are the few people in this world both powerful and competent. You more than fulfill both those."
[21:59] <Alicia> "And the rest are mere chaff to be sacrificed in your unprovoked war?" Alicia asks, focusing all her hatred at this disgusting man to overpower his grandiose presence in her mind.
06[22:00] * Demedais raises the other eyebrow, letting Alicia speak for now as he focuses on keeping his mind as clear as possible.
[22:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 and gets 25."12 [1d20=7]
[22:00] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 go away, evil miasma!
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 go away, evil miasma! and gets 24."12 [1d20=8]
[22:00] <Alicia> OOC: +2 if magic circle helps
[22:02] <Alicia> 'Hell Striker...' Alicia silently pleads with her sword, 'If I lose control, I want you to overpower me like you did when I first held you, and don't stop until Ferdi is dead, do you understand?'
06[22:03] * Demedais softly growls, waiting for a response.
[22:03] <Kotono> "I regret that there are casualties..." Ferdi does admit that, "But change is never without bloodshed. With the Gods having withdrawn so long ago, we are on our own to change the world."
[22:03] <Kotono> (More)
[22:04] <Kotono> "The world was once different until the war against the God King. Now, we are given a chance to change that and remake the world again. Once again it will be our blood, sweat and tears as we do, but we have the chance. I will do so."
01[22:05] <Seira> "This is not strictly true," Seira interjects, still looking at the walls with admiration. "The gods are present, especially nowadays."
[22:06] <Demedais> "Correction: I have talked to Helm face to face, Seira's spoken to Waukeen, and angels fight devils in the Desert Kingdom. Clearly we have some backup." Demedais says calmly. "We have a chance to do so, yes. It will take much, yes. A war is an incredibly stupid way to do it. I asked Olburt, but I get to ask you now!"
[22:06] <Alicia> 'Better dead than betraying everything I've fought for as his... slave,' Alicia replies grimly, clenching her fists tight enough to turn her knuckles white as she maintains her presence of mind, letting Demedais handle the talking for the moment. Perhaps reason will prevail.
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
01[22:06] <Seira> "What Demedais said," Seira agrees, leaning on his shoulder while placing the staff against the ground.
[22:07] <Kotono> "Due to your works." Ferdi agrees to that. "However...the ones in the Baronies are not suitable to it. Due to the incompetence of Malmuth's previous rulers, they splintered away. I do not blame them for it at the time. My newphew even let this stand, frittering away Malmuth's rights to the most important place in the world." (More)
[22:10] <Kotono> "However, I am far more suiting. Malmuth is meant to be the ones in the ruins, freeing the Gods and gaining this great favor." Ferdi stands up at this, the Second Resort hanging at his belt in a simple sheath. "I am to set right what went horribly wrong before, and I ask of you to help me. You have shown your skill time and time again and over. I bear none ofyou four any malice, but instead ask that you stand with me." The feeling in the room
[22:13] <Kotono> The feeling in the room grows stronger, overwhelming. "In his mad works, Irenes found many a thing and worked on others. He consorted with demons, dissected creatures and plumbed long forgotten knowledge. At the height of his work, he discovered a tiny shard of the God King's power." His smile grows, "This...and this..." His hand goes to the Second Resort, "Further mark me as the one."
01[22:14] <Seira> "Actually, if the most qualified mortal is to rule all of the Baronies and Malmuth," Seira asks innocently, "then shouldn't it be me?"
[22:14] <Alicia> "What can be set right when you embrace the perversity of the Abyss?" Alicia growls. "We have seen the nature of your 'gifts' to General Olburt, even as they proved lacking to our own skills. Turn away from this insanity, King Ferdi, while you still ca-" she then cuts short, all steam knocked out by Seira's statement.
[22:14] <Demedais> "Did any of the minds in this entire situation ever consider just... you know... ASKING US?!? Without war, without bloodshed, without violence? We could've just, you know, worked together to do this? This war is completely nonsensical. If you wanted to take part, there are three little magical words. 'Let me help'! It's that blessedly easy." (more)
[22:15] <Kotono> Claris licks his lips, "Your Majesty," he looks on, "What have you embraced, though? Irenes was a heretic and the face of evil desire! What have you done to Pallan and General Olburt?!" He says, but stops at Seira's words. "...uh..." Between that and Demedais, his words are neatly cut off.
[22:16] <Demedais> "Furthermore, by asking us and getting permission, you pretty much not only have a direct hand in the activities of the ruins, but the events unfolding therein, even if you believe Balmuria, for some bizarre reason, to be incompetent - something I'd hotly contest! Idly, ignore Seira, this is her sarcastic side. I think." (More)
01[22:18] <Seira> "My honest side, they sound a lot alike so I don't blame you," Seira interjects.
[22:19] <Demedais> "Thirdly, I hate to have to point out the obvious, but, uh, taking upon the powers of a mad wanna-be god is not exactly the wisest road to power, you know? As bad as a demonic bargain..." A look to Seira, revealing nothing, "...if not worse, and just as stupid because it quite possibly gives said evil crazy god a foothold into this world. Does this make sense?" Demedais says in frustration, glaring him dead with all the fury he has.
[22:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
[22:22] <Kotono> To that, Ferdi simply smiles. "You hold one of the tokens of the God King yourself," he says, looking at the Fifth Resort near Demedais. "I see not the Gods striking you down, either."
06[22:23] * Seira hefts the staff, slinging it over one shoulder. "He's still in control of his faculties, though. Perhaps due to my stellar example?"
[22:23] <Demedais> "I refer to the part you apparently ingested. Remember, the Resorts were used by the Gods to seal him in for his idiocy."
06[22:23] * Demedais eyes Seira for a long second.
01[22:23] <Seira> "Can't it be the stellar example? Just this once?" she not quite whines.
[22:24] <Demedais> "I... you... no. No, it can't. Maybe another time, but no."
[22:25] <Kotono> "Then..." Ferdi bows his head. "You mean that you will stand apart from me, then?"
01[22:25] <Seira> "Getting back on track," Seira says with a pout. "How about we call this war off? Good times will be had for everyone!"
03[22:25] * NeremWo (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
06[22:26] * Seira snaps her fingertips. "Please undo the nasty stuff you did to Pallan and Olburt, too."
[22:27] <Kotono> "That sounds entirely like a no," Ferdi observes. "You seem to have chosen your own paths?"
02[22:27] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[22:28] <Seira> "You do admit that you've done something unnatural and demonic to those two, then?" Seira asks him suddenly. "Well, that's one question answered. Out loud. Not that I didn't know the answer to it or anything."
[22:30] <Demedais> "You chose yours with this pointless war." Demedais says. "Doesn't even feel like you're listening to us at all. Which further reinforces my belief that something very dangerous is moving your hand for you." Demedais tries one last time to sweep for chaos, guessing it'll be futile since he should at least be able to detect Seira.
[22:31] <Kotono> General Olburt still stands just in front of the party. "No, I think that I must do it this way. I apologise for your sakes, but this must be done...!" At that, the feeling in the room grows overwhelming! The raw sense of presence is too much! OOC - Make will saves, all.
[22:31] <Alicia> OOC: sec, I was lining!
01[22:31] <Seira> "Once we perish in utter agony for not submitting," Seira mentions to Olburt, "go and seek out the temple of Waukeen in Balmuria. Drop my name and they'll fix you up!"
[22:31] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, sure, line away then.
[22:32] <Alicia> "I would never serve one such as you," Alicia seethes. "My will is my own, and will not be suborned by the machinations of the Abyss." As she speaks, her sluggish mind whirls. He's on the same steps that lead to Daa-vid, perhaps a far lower level, but even so... a power that rivals the gods suffuses him. She fears no mortal, but this pressure is beyond anything mortal could achieve.
[22:32] <Alicia> Reaching for her belt pouch, she opens it and slides a hand inside to flip open the tiny lead box within, fingering an unadorned ring. 'This is what you were built to fight,' she says in her head, hoping the artifact can understand her. 'I may not be strong enough on my own, but I'm the only mortal that stands a chance at preventing another Daa-vid that's in a position to use you.'
[22:32] <Alicia> 'I've fought dragons and greater fiends without flinching, I've stolen away innocents from the depths of hell itself... and I slew your unworthy previous master myself. If that doesn't qualify me, nothing will. So help me, dammit!' she urges, before slipping the Ring of Eternal Celerity around her finger.
[22:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 oh f***ing hell, making this role while they line just for reference.
06[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 oh f***ing hell, making this role while they line just for reference. and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
[22:35] <Alicia> roll 1d20+40
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+40 and gets 50."12 [1d20=10]
01[22:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20."12 [1d20=9]
[22:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+40
06[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+40 and gets 59."12 [1d20=19]
[22:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 will
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 will and gets 20."12 [1d20=2]
[22:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18."12 [1d20=7]
[22:50] <Kotono> Claris goes slack, staring and going to a knee. "Good..." Ferdi looks at Claris, as he looks at the other three, waiting.
[22:51] <Alicia> Alicia's expression goes blank for a second, before her expression settles into one of grim, though slightly detached, determination. Smoothly she reaches back to draw Hell Striker, a golden ring glittering on her finger as she whips the blade forward into a ready stance, embers trailing behind it.
[22:51] <Alicia> OOC: raging
06[22:51] * Seira lowers slowly, staring at the floor. She places her staff before her, kneeling with her head touching the floor.
[22:51] <Demedais> "All you are - ALL YOU ARE - is a foolish human!" Demedais says slowly, but clearly. "You dream of standing amongst the gods, committing the same folly the false god did. All you are is mortal - perhaps powerful, but Ferdi, a mortal human. And the only one to whom I will bow is Helm! Prepare to end here!"
[22:52] <Kotono> OOC - Initiative.
[22:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[22:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 diediediediedieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ferdikin~
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 diediediediedieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ferdikin~ and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[22:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Ferdi
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Ferdi and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
[22:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 group for standing soldiers
06[22:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 group for standing soldiers and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[22:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Olburt
06[22:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Olburt and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
03[22:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Ferdi>Soldiers>Alicia>Demedais'
[22:56] <Kotono> OOC - Roll an initiative, Seira.
[22:56] <Kotono> OOC - IN case it's needed.
01[22:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
06[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
03[22:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira>Ferdi>Soldiers>Alicia>Demedais=Claris>Olburt'
01[22:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[23:01] <Kotono> Ferdi smiles as he watches, "Come then," he says, as power flows around him! He seems to grow stronger, more intimidating! Meanwhile, the soldiers race out! The two in front of Ferdi stand guard, while the other ten act! Two go to Demedais and Alicia, while six go to the doors, openining them!
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Deme 1
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Deme 1
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Deme 1 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Deme 1 and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Alicia 1
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Alicia 1
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Alicia 1 and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Alicia 1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
[23:02] <Kotono> The blows are deflected for now, however! OOC - Alicia.
06[23:03] * Alicia tumbles away from the soldiers, gaze focused on Ferdi even as she mechanically proceeds to cast a spell, doubling her size once she's sufficiently far from all of them to avoid further attack and provide a straight line to Ferdi.
[23:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
06[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
[23:04] <Kotono> Alicia expands, the spell cast as she dives away! Ferdi looks on, "Do you think simple magic can defeat me?" he asks of Alicia, raising an eyebrow. OOC - Deme.
06[23:06] * Demedais unleashes an unearthly growl, remembering the sound of the golden dragon's call and trying to match it as best he can while diving headfirst into melee with the two soldiers!
[23:06] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 (+1 Haste -3 PA)
06[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 (+1 Haste -3 PA) and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
[23:06] <Kotono> OOC - The two soldiers around you? Also, crit check of ow.
[23:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 (+1 Haste -3 PA) crit check, I would hope this hits, also yes, the two around me.
06[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 (+1 Haste -3 PA) crit check, I would hope this hits, also yes, the two around me. and gets 23."12 [1d20=10]
[23:07] <Kotono> OOC - Crit.
[23:07] <Demedais> roll 4d6+26
06[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+26 and gets 39."12 [4d6=5, 4, 3, 1]
[23:07] <Demedais> roll 2d6 holy maybe?
06[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6 holy maybe? and gets 9."12 [2d6=4, 5]
[23:07] <Kotono> OOC - Cleave.
[23:08] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 whack whack whack
06[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 whack whack whack and gets 22."12 [1d20=9]
[23:08] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[23:08] <Demedais> roll 2d6+13+2d6 (last 2d6 is holy)
06[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+13+2d6 (last 2d6 is holy) and gets 18."12 [2d6=1, 1][2d6=2, 1]
[23:09] <Kotono> OOC - Attack 2.
[23:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
06[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
[23:09] <Demedais> roll 2d6+13+2d6 (last 2d6 is holy)
06[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+13+2d6 (last 2d6 is holy) and gets 27."12 [2d6=4, 4][2d6=1, 5]
[23:09] <Kotono> OOC - Downed, no more targets in range
[23:09] <Kotono> .
[23:09] <Demedais> OOC: Did my roar maybe trigger the statue? >_>;
[23:12] <Kotono> Whirling like a tornado, Demedais strikes down both of them at once! They go down, but there are many more! General Olburt turns, drawing his weapons and advancing to Demedais! He only has position to lash out once, however. "You..." he says slowly, voice slow. "I won't let you hurt His Majesty!"
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 25."12 [1d20=7]
[23:12] <Kotono> But the blow clangs off the Fifth Resort, deflected by it's gem covered front! OOC - Seira.
01[23:12] <Seira> "USURPER!" Seira roars with a voice not her own, launching to a crouch. Snarling, she reaches for her pack towards the golden dragon statue, revealing it, before another roar escapes her. She remembers not when she heard it, or how, but knows well its purpose -- to summon the strongest vessel to slay the vile God-King with! "KILL HIM!" she shrieks in a dozen languages mixing together. "KILL HIM!"
[23:13] <Demedais> "Does this sound like the king you pledged your loyalty to, Olburt?!" Demedais challenges. "Is this the man you have known?"
06[23:13] * Demedais then pauses momentaraily. "Well, that works. Was hoping my attempt to call him would work, but hey, you know."
[23:16] <Kotono> roll 1d2
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 2."12 [1d2=2]
03[23:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Seira=Gold Dragon>Ferdi>Soldiers>Alicia>Demedais=Claris>Olburt'
[23:18] <Kotono> The dragon statue shines, shimmers...and breaks in the last rays of the sunset!  IN a moment, the ceiling explodes outwards! Sunlight's last gasps come racing in as rubble falls down! For what displaced it is a large golden dragon! "Who has summoned me?" it bellows. OOC
[23:19] <Kotono> The dragon statue shines, shimmers...and breaks in the last rays of the sunset!  IN a moment, the ceiling explodes outwards! Sunlight's last gasps come racing in as rubble falls down! For what displaced it is a large golden dragon! "Who has summoned me?" it bellows. OOC - Dragon's here but it's assessing the situation and trying to get the what's up.
[23:20] <Kotono> Ferdi looks up, honest surprise as the ceiling rains down around you, shattered! "Dragon?" he says, almost dumbly a moment.
[23:20] <Demedais> "We have, sir dragon! The being in front of you - the man with the powerful magic sword - seeks harm against this world! We request your assistance in defeating him, or if there is demonic force upon him, removing it here and now! Yes! Dragon! The Crimson Guard may be mad to take on you without the support of our army, but we aren't dumb, by Helm!"
[23:21] <Kotono> "YOU!" The dragon's voice is like a terrible bellow, rocking all around! "THE WRATH OF THE GODS FALLS ON YOU, HERETIC! BEGONE FROM THIS WORLD!" With that, it draws up and a great flaming cone of fire erupts at Ferdi!
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 24."12 [1d20=7]
[23:22] <Demedais> "Well, okay, maybe idiocy chips in, but to suggest we don't have a trum- ...kay."
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 24d10
06[23:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 24d10 and gets 141."12 [24d10=5, 10, 4, 4, 5, 9, 3, 9, 9, 2, 5, 2, 6, 3, 5, 9, 4, 10, 5, 7, 8, 5, 4, 8]
[23:25] <Kotono> The blast of fire erupts around Ferdi! Everything behind him is melted slag as far as you can see, the building devastated! Ferdi himself is burnt up but lives, staggering! He shudders all over, but marshalls his power! "Bow to me," he calls to the dragon!
[23:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+33
06[23:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+33 and gets 37."12 [1d20=4]
[23:25] <Demedais> "Also, good to know he -was- a God-King emulation. Figures as much." Demedais continues muttering, realizing no one else is speaking in embarrassment.
[23:26] <Kotono> But the dragon does not seem impressed at all! OOC - Making frightful presence saves for the soldiers now.
[23:26] <Kotono> OOC - ...'cept I don't thinkey can make it. Oi.
[23:26] <Kotono> The soldiers, seeing this mammoth sight, do the logical thing! They turn and flee in complete terror, will broken! OOC - Alicia.
[23:27] <Alicia> Hell Striker feels some satisfaction at the appearance of such an ally, but stays true to its grim purpose of fighting in Alicia's stead, charging Ferdi to flip the sword from his hands with one powerful upward stroke!
[23:27] <Kotono> OOC - You have reach, don't you?
[23:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 channeling 3rd level spell, opposed attack rolls
06[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 channeling 3rd level spell, opposed attack rolls and gets 42."12 [1d20=16]
[23:27] <Alicia> OOC: I do
[23:28] <Alicia> OOC: so no AoO
[23:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28
06[23:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 and gets 32."12 [1d20=4]
[23:29] <Kotono> Blasted by fire and dazed horribly, Ferdi can't hold on! Alicia disarms him with one swipe of her sword, sending the unscorched Second Resort to the half melted ground! OOC - Demedais.
[23:31] <Demedais> "Sorry, Olburt, but... Gold dragon and crazy Seira confirms your king's been replaced by a false god. 'fraid I can't let that stand." Demedais says with a slight grin. "My most sincere of apologies, but..." With that, he sidesteps past Olburt and quickly moves to end this with one final slash at King Ferdi!
[23:31] <Demedais> OOC: If this triggers an AoO, I take it.
[23:40] <Kotono> OOC - It does.
[23:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[23:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 35."12 [1d20=17]
[23:40] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[23:41] <Demedais> OOC: Hit. AC 31.
[23:41] <Kotono> roll 1d8+11
06[23:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+11 and gets 15."12 [1d8=4]
[23:41] <Kotono> "No further!" Olburt counters with a slash into Deme's ribs, but it's not a deep wound.
[23:43] <Demedais> "Yeah okay." Demedais growls at the connect, before continuing to move past Olburt, before finally breaking into a sprint and charging at the other side of King Ferdi, imbuing his blade with as much of Helm's divine power as he can to pierce Ferdi's side and end this once and for all!
[23:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 (+1 Haste +6 Smite +2 Helm +2 Charge +2 Flank -10 PA) going for broke!
06[23:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 (+1 Haste +6 Smite +2 Helm +2 Charge +2 Flank -10 PA) going for broke! and gets 21."12 [1d20=3]
[23:45] <Kotono> Demedais charges, but his blade glances off Ferdi's scorched armor! OOC - Alicia.
01[23:45] <Seira> OOC: Alicia?
01[23:45] <Seira> OOC: Not Olburt, then me?
[23:45] <Kotono> OOC: Oh sorry, brainfart.
[23:45] <Demedais> OOC: Claris -> Olburt -> Seira, yeah..
[23:46] <Kotono> Olburt turns and stares, "Your Majesty," he calls, charging Demedais as...OOC - Making the will save now.
[23:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[23:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[23:46] <Kotono> Despite his shaking, he lashes out at Demedais!
[23:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (Charge and shaking cancel out)
06[23:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 (Charge and shaking cancel out) and gets 32."12 [1d20=14]
[23:47] <Kotono> roll 1d8+11
06[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+11 and gets 16."12 [1d8=5]
[23:47] <Kotono> It's a blow to Deme's back, slashing his shoulderblade open!
06[23:48] * Demedais grimaces, before looking over his shoulder. "Do I have to knock you out until this is over, Olburt?"
01[23:48] <Seira> 7"USURPER DIE12DIE4DIE7," Seira wails, clawing at Ferdi wildly from a distance as a fireball explodes in his face!
01[23:48] <Seira> roll 10d6
06[23:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 32."12 [10d6=4, 5, 6, 1, 1, 1, 6, 1, 2, 5]
[23:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 reflex
06[23:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 reflex and gets 32."12 [1d20=20]
[23:48] <Kotono> OOC - Pause there, late as hell.
[23:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 lol reflex?
06[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 lol reflex? and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[23:49] <Alicia> OOC: 6/3/5/3 (spells left so I don't forget)
01[23:49] <Seira> OOC: DC17, so Deme saves. But Olburt and Ferdi need to roll!
01[23:50] <Seira> OOC: And dragon goes on my init whee shared kill?

[Corwin]

[17:32] <Kotono> <Seira> "USURPER DIEDIEDIE," Seira wails, clawing at Ferdi wildly from a distance as a fireball explodes in his face!
[17:32] <Kotono> <Seira> roll 10d6
[17:32] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 32." [10d6=4, 5, 6, 1, 1, 1, 6, 1, 2, 5]
[17:32] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 reflex
[17:32] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 reflex and gets 32." [1d20=20]
[17:32] <Kotono> > OOC - Pause there, late as hell.
[17:32] <Kotono> <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 lol reflex?
[17:32] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 lol reflex? and gets 17." [1d20=9]
[17:32] <Kotono> <Alicia> OOC: 6/3/5/3 (spells left so I don't forget)
[17:32] <Kotono> <Seira> OOC: DC17, so Deme saves. But Olburt and Ferdi need to roll!
[17:32] <Kotono> <Seira> OOC: And dragon goes on my init whee shared kill?
01[17:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21."12 [1d20=10]
[17:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 21."12 [1d20=4]
03[17:34] * Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
[17:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 31."12 [1d20=18]
[17:35] <Kotono> The explosive blast levels all around! It's not in th eleague of the DRAGON'S breath, but it does batter everyone there but Demedais! He is not even heated up, let alone burned! However, the dragon's not done yet! It's great, huge neck rears down as it attempts to chomp King Ferdi in half!
[17:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+51
06[17:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+51 and gets 71."12 [1d20=20]
[17:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+51 oh dear God.
06[17:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+51 oh dear God. and gets 53."12 [1d20=2]
[17:38] <Kotono> roll 8d8+32
06[17:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 8d8+32 and gets 65."12 [8d8=2, 1, 3, 2, 2, 8, 8, 7]
[17:42] <Kotono> Ferdi is bitten! He is chomped in hal-no! Despite his front and back gushing blood out, just like Seira not long ago, he manages to rip himself out of the dragon's grasp! He wobbles despite the heavy wounding, still alive! "Guh..." he coughs weakly, a burst of energy over his wounds! It seems to soothe them, somewhat undoing the damage done!
[17:42] <Kotono> roll 4d8+14
06[17:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+14 and gets 34."12 [4d8=6, 4, 3, 7]
[17:42] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia.
[17:44] <Alicia> Ferdi is still alive, and per Alicia's orders, Hell Striker cannot rest until that is rectified. While Alicia may pace herself more to be ready for future battles to come, the sword has no such considerations, and freely expends as much arcane power as her body can channel, the words to a spell passing her lips to turn its blades into insubstantial mist as she slashes at Ferdi with a grim fury.
[17:45] <Alicia> OOC: casting wraithstrike, chanelling 1 level 3, 1 level 2, and 4 level 1 slots.
[17:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20 fire
06[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 fire and gets 34."12 [1d20=14]
[17:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19 holy
06[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+19 holy and gets 28."12 [1d20=9]
[17:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 fire
06[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 fire and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[17:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 holy
06[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+14 holy and gets 25."12 [1d20=11]
[17:45] <Alicia> OOC: any SR or fire resistance?
[17:46] <Kotono> OOC - Four hits. No SR. Roll the fire damage seperately.
[17:46] <Alicia> roll 8d6+34+4d6+36d4+5d4+5 slashing and holy and force
06[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 8d6+34+4d6+36d4+5d4+5 slashing and holy and force and gets 188."12 [8d6=3, 5, 3, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1][4d6=6, 3, 6, ][5d4=3, 4, 4, 2, 1]
[17:46] <Alicia> roll 4d6 fire
06[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 fire and gets 20."12 [4d6=5, 6, 4, 5]
[17:46] <Alicia> roll 4d6 fire
06[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 fire and gets 18."12 [4d6=5, 4, 4, 5]
[17:47] <Alicia> roll 1d6 fire
06[17:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d6 fire and gets 4."12 [1d6=4]
[17:47] <Alicia> roll 1d6 fire
06[17:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d6 fire and gets 3."12 [1d6=3]
[17:48] <Alicia> OOC: add 8 slashing damage, forgot rage
[17:50] <Kotono> The smaller bursts of fire don't work so well. They don't seem to do much, but the arcane infused sword does far more! Having been pushed to his limit by th erest of the party, Hell Striker/Alicia's savagery is too much! Ferdi's ribs are shattered, his legs severed, his chest torn open, his neck sliced! His body is falling apart, torn to it's limit. "No..." he gasps out, "...!" He tries to say something else, but instead topples back! For a m
[17:50] <Kotono> but instead topples back! For a moment there is pristine, flawless calm in the air...(More)
[17:53] <Kotono> Then Ferdi gets up. His body is ruined, many parts missing. Insteadit glows with light, filling in the gaps. His face is a twisted mask of agony as he stumbles forward once, reaching out for the Second Resort! But this lasts only a moment, before the light fades and he collapses. (More in PMs for a few of you.)
[17:54] <Kotono> "Noooo...!" Into the dusk sky, Ferdi's moaning voice is heard, and then once again great silence.
01[17:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[17:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
[17:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[17:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
06[17:55] * Demedais looks to Olburt at this, wordlessly, for only a moment, before looking to the great wyrm. "So he was an agent of the God King?"
06[17:57] * Seira reaches out to the second resort, willing it over silently, hilt first.
[17:57] <Kotono> "My duty is done..." The great golden dragon rumbles. "A shadow of the power of the Fairest Star."
[17:58] <Alicia> As Ferdi expires, Alicia blinks a few times, her body seeming to visibly sag as she leans on the blade of her sword, sweat slick upon her brow while her chest heaves with deep breaths of air. She doesn't appear entirely aware of her surroundings.
06[17:58] * Demedais inclines his head once. "And we thank you for it, sir. That power... had devoured him?"
[17:58] <Alicia> OOC: rage ended, now fatigued until encounter ends
[17:59] <Kotono> The Second Resort flies to Seira without incident, coming into her hand.
01[17:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[17:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
06[17:59] * Seira stares at the sword curiously, swinging it a few times with a strange lethargy.
06[18:00] * Seira caresses the metal surface with a whimsical smile.
[18:00] <Kotono> Olburt turns and looks. He just stares, unbelieving.
[18:00] <Kotono> Out past the destroyed, burnt backhouse, you can see Valandia. The cit looks to be in some sort of panic, soldiers rushing baout like mad.
[18:01] <Kotono> "Ugh.." Claris's voice can be heard, as he slowly begins to get up.
[18:01] <Demedais> "Also..." Demedais looks to his allies, to Olburt, and the toward the door. "...I suspect my allies are still disoriented from Ferdi's attempt at brainwashing... I would request assistance in healing them if it can be provided. Seeing as how you and I seem to be the only ones capable of anything resembling speech currently."
[18:01] <Kotono> The dragon's shape shimmers in the last bits of natural light, before fading away into whence it came.
01[18:02] <Seira> "It's... fine," Seira says slowly. "The soldiers... stop them instead, Olburt. We don't want to kill any more of them, who follow the Usurper unknowingly."
[18:02] <Kotono> Olburt continues to stare at what's left of King Ferdi, before falling to his knees. "Your Majesty..." he says weakly, in a voice of great pain.
[18:02] <Alicia> "I did it..." Alicia murmurs, holding up a hand that bears a simple golden ring, while the other still clutches Hell Striker tightly. "I did it without any of your help, you bastard, and you still say I'm not good enough?" she hisses, glaring murderously at her ring finger. "I don't *need* you."
[18:04] <Demedais> "Or you could go now. I guess that'd work. Thank you, sir dragon." Demedais says with a half-shrug, before looking to his allies, first Alicia in confusion and then Seira in agreement. "Do you need help, Claris, Alicia, Seira... Olburt?"
01[18:04] <Seira> "Demedais," Seira calls over to the paladin. "Got a restoration? If Olburt doesn't listen to me, I'll need to do it myself."
[18:04] <Kotono> Claris gets up, looking at Ferdi before murmuring a prayer. "I'm fine."
[18:05] <Demedais> "Do what yourself?"
[18:05] <Demedais> "Or rather, I should ask; who do you want restored? Olburt?"
01[18:06] <Seira> Eyes shining with a touch of madness, Seira drags herself unsteadily over to Ferdi's corpse, before bringing the resort on his neck. "Make the soldiers listen with a prop."
[18:07] <Alicia> "To hell with you," Alicia scowls, plucking the ring off and replacing it back in its lead box. "He's dead, but we'll need to thoroughly destroy the body before we leave," she tells Seira. "Unless you want to find out what a competent necromancer could do with such an empowered shell." 'Thank you, Hell Striker,' she silently tells her sword. 'You certainly saved me from a fate worse than death.'
[18:08] <Demedais> "Seira, put his body down. The soldiers will listen." Demedais says calmly, if steely, as he puts his hand on her shoulder and pulls her away a bit, releasing a restoration magic into her at the same time. "Are you okay, Seira?"
01[18:09] <Seira> "They better," she says, sighing at the magic. "If I am forced to slay them by the hundreds as I retreat, I am quitting this job and putting it all behind me."
[18:09] <Kotono> Alicia realises something - The ring isn't coming off. It's like trying to rip away part of herself.
06[18:10] * Alicia fiddles with the ring for a moment longer before just giving up in complete exasparation. "What now?" she hisses, turning away from the others. "I passed your little test to justify my existence, didn't I?"
[18:11] <Kotono> Claris looks at Alicia oddly, then at SEira, before tiredly shaking his head. "What in the Hells are going on now?"
01[18:11] <Seira> "I did not sign up to kill people for no reason, you know?" she tells Demedais, looking out into the panicking city. "It was to protect and to lead, but not in a pointless conflict like this. Hmph."
[18:11] <Kotono> Olburt turns at last, looking at Demedais and then Seira tiredly. "Congratulations," he says, voice sounding hollow.
06[18:12] * Demedais looks to Alicia for a long moment. "Alicia, are you alright?" Then to Claris. "No clue." Finally, to Olburt, "Even the dragon saw the taint of the God-King seeming to devour Ferdi. He was, I do not think, the man you swore your allegiance to any longer."
01[18:13] <Seira> "Hey, General? I thought it over, and just leading us over here is not a sufficient enough wager when pitted against my own life. We are here, now, and we're not leaving until the war is stopped for good, and you are going to do that to cover your bet."
06[18:13] * Alicia clenches her fist in absolute fury, still not turning to the others. "I'm fine," she replies tersely to Demedais. 'What demand?' she asks incredulously. 'I already did what it asked!'
[18:15] <Kotono> Olburt looks back once, before drawing his weapons. "With the authority as a General of Malmuth, I'm placing the four of you in my custody." His voice is cold, very cold and very very tight. "Don't resist - the only way out is through an ocean of blood. This matter...it has to have justice and the law brought to it now. There's nothing else with...His Majesty gone."
06[18:17] * Seira throws her head back and laughs bitterly. "So you've chosen to make me slaughter all those who have no chance against me?"
[18:18] <Alicia> 'What more can I do?' Alicia asks despairingly. 'Gah, nevermind, I'll settle it later.' She turns towards Olburt, "General, our two countries are currently at war. We came on a mission of peace, and were instead threatened with enslavement. We defended ourselves, and put lie to the myth of Ferdi's invincibility. Do you believe you have either the right or the power to detain us?" she asks harshly.
[18:20] <Kotono> "You are guilty of regicide. I have all the reason in the world to detain you," he responds. Then, for a moment, "...please. I can't let you walk away from this and be an officer of Malmuth. I know full well you'll take down dozens and dozens and dozens as you attempt to escape. Perhaps the new King will be merciful."
01[18:21] <Seira> "Waukeen was wrong. You are a fool," Seira tells him coldly, glaring. "Regicide? Killing the head of an enemy state in self-defense?"
06[18:22] * Demedais stares at Olburt, coldly, before shaking his head once, practically wordless, as he moves to Alicia to restore her as well, seeing some exhaustion there as well. "We can actually probably get out without killing many. Seira is good like that. But that is beside the point... Is your duty to vengeance, now, or to the people of Malmuth? Again, I pose such a question; this will send the country into chaos. ...Would the King Ferdi you once knew have want
[18:23] <Demedais> " ...Would the King Ferdi you once knew have wanted his country to survive the chaos of his death?"
[18:24] <Alicia> "Hmph, I heard Ferdi became king by murdering his cousin," Alicia snorts, before giving Demedais a grateful nod at his restoration. "Does that make me Queen, now? I wonder who could stop me if I declared myself such?" She then runs a hand over her form, the scorch burns on her flesh vanishing in an instant. "Don't be a fool, General."
[18:25] <Kotono> "Olburt, please." Claris steps forward, "They're right. With what I've seen over the past months, I know that His Majesty lost himself to his power. These three saved our Empire and are still needed and still important for so many things. If you must, take me. I'm still of Malmuth and I'll answer to any crimes a new king sees fit to lay. But let these three go - with His Majesty gone, they're the ones who have to finish things and the ruins."
[18:30] <Kotono> Olburt listens toa ll of it, before letting his mace fall to the ground. He looks at all of them, death in his eyes. "Bastards..." he says, "...fine, go. This war is as good as lost with His Majesty dead." He sounds bitter, angry and sharp.
[18:31] <Alicia> "You reap what you sow," Alicia tells him. "As a word of advice, I'd look into getting rid of any favours Ferdi bestowed upon you. Useful as they are now, you may find they serve you far worse in the next life."
01[18:32] <Seira> "They weren't terribly useful," Seira says with a snort, and then casts a simple spell, looking around the room.
06[18:32] * Demedais looks to Olburt once, before nodding silently. "Thank you." To Seira, "Do you have spells of invisibility prepared, to leave without hassle?"
01[18:33] <Seira> "The armor," Seira says instead, pointing at Ferdi's fallen form with the Resort. "Is it evil and must be destroyed?"
06[18:33] * Alicia takes a look.
[18:34] <Kotono> Claris begins to pray, meanwhile...
[18:34] <Alicia> "No," Alicia shakes her head. "But I meant what I said earlier - that body has a spark of divine power in its bones. We can't risk a necromancer ever getting hold of it."
01[18:35] <Seira> "Right, then," Seira announces. "Demedais, get the armor off, it'd get in the way. Olburt, look away if you must."
[18:35] <Kotono> General Olburt glares and then marches out of the room.
06[18:36] * Demedais inhales once, looking at Olburt sadly, before taking the armor off.
01[18:36] <Seira> "I asked Claris to prepare several holy and fire spells, a combination of which would rid us of a future problem. Let's just wait until he is ready."
[18:37] <Kotono> The armor, while burnt, is fundamentally undamaged.  What's left of Ferdi's body is rather torn up. "I'm casting the Sending now," he calls back. "We'll do that after and then go back."
[18:37] <Alicia> Since they have a moment, Alicia decides to resume her previous conversation. 'Okay, it said it'd leave me alone if I killed Ferdi - well we did, and now we're finishing the job to make sure he never comes back. It can't just start making these sorts of demands, now!'
06[18:38] * Seira nods, and is prepared to grab the body if Claris is called back before he has a chance to do so.
[18:42] <Kotono> A tense ten minutes pass, then Claris rises. He looks to the body, "Lathander have mercy," he intones, "Good men are sometimes led astray. May the dawn's light lead to correction and rebirth once more." His head bows as he mrumurs, a pillar of fire erupting down from the heavens. The Flame Strike burns what's left of Ferdi's body, leaving only a few bits. Then, "Light of the Heavens strike to wipe away impurity," he casts, as a Holy Smite des
[18:43] <Kotono> as a Holy Smite destroys what lingers.
01[18:46] <Seira> "There's nothing more for us here. May I never return," Seira intones.
[18:46] <Alicia> By now having returned to her normal size, Alicia mutely watches as Ferdi is destroyed. "May we never have reason to," she agrees with Seira.
06[18:47] * Demedais inclines his head. "Helm watch over Malmuth and guide them peaceably through the trials ahead, and assist Olburt in helping Malmuth recover." he murmurs, before looking to Claris.
01[18:47] <Seira> "Fools, what fools."
[18:48] <Kotono> "Seira," Claris very gently speaks now, "They may have been. But this isn't a land of nothing but fools and soldiers, either." He says that, then, "Countess Stronger should begin momentarily."
06[18:49] * Seira nods curtly. "Once it's safe, you should return yourself. Leaving the country in the hands of a man touched by the demonic and not even seeing it himself is madness."
[18:50] <Alicia> "I'd offer assistance, Claris, but I do not think I will ever be welcome in Malmuth," Alicia puts in after Seira's suggestion. "If I ever do come here, again, you can be sure it will only be because things have gone horribly wrong. Again."
06[18:51] * Demedais blinks at this commentary, before looking to Claris.
[18:51] <Kotono> "I know." He smiles to all of them, "I think I will go back in time if I am able. I'd like to see Malmuth become a better place once more. Lathander willing, the long night is coming to an end and the dawn is breaking."
06[18:52] * Demedais nods slowly. "This is not how I had hoped it would go, but..."
[18:53] <Kotono> With moments, it begins. First Alicia, then Seira, then Claris and then at last Demedais. All four appear in Countess Stronger's shop, the redhead looking them over. "Whew." She says as the last appears, "You had us all worried. Wasn't this supposed to be quicker? What happened?"
03[18:53] * Gate-sleeper is now known as Gatewalker
[18:54] <Demedais> "We appeared half a day away from Ferdi." Demedais says simply.
[18:54] <Alicia> "We arrived off target, took us a while to reach Valandia," Alicia explains. "Ferdi was... more powerful than we had expected. But in the end, he was still just a man."
01[18:54] <Seira> "I think the war is stopped, at least."
[18:58] <Kotono> "Good..." Countess Stronger lets out a sigh of relief. A night of rest passes. In the morning, the party gathers with Commander Oberuth. The mood is light, for reports say that the Malmuthian army is falling back. As the group sits, "Congratulations," he says to them, "With Ferdi dead and if this works...you've saved countless lives." he looks toe ach of them in turn.
01[18:58] <Seira> "And we witnessed a tiny portion of the God-King's power," Seira says dejectedly. "That thing is crazy."
06[18:59] * Demedais nods slightly to Oberuth, still silent.
[19:01] <Kotono> "You've done everything in your duties and defeated Malmuth. If this is the end of them...perhaps..." A long sigh out of relief. "This long, drawn out crisis is over. Lord Salman is going to want to see you soon as well for that. As our heroes, you'll be honored greatly." At that, his tone changes, "Still, there are more mundane matters to see to."
[19:02] <Kotono> "Like the God King's poer, for example," He looks to Seira at that, "Was it that incredible?"
[19:03] <Alicia> "He blew away my consciosuness in an instant," Alicia explains unhappily. "It was my body that struck the killing blow, but only because Hell Striker took over for me," she holds up her ornate blade to display.
06[19:05] * Seira shrugs. "The stories are all true. I had no reason to doubt them, but seeing is... believing, I suppose."
[19:06] <Kotono> "Wonderful," OBeruth observes that long, "Then all of you will have a lot of work to do to prepare for later and facing him one day?"
[19:06] <Demedais> "And he granted General Olburt powerful demonc regeneration." Demedais nods.
[19:06] <Demedais> "Yes. It will take a lot, I think, but... ch."
[19:07] <Alicia> "We're a long way from being ready," Alicia grimaces, clenching her fist with the ring on her finger as an unwelcome reminder of her failure to meet the standards demanded.
01[19:07] <Seira> "A mortal can never be a match for that," Seira states firmly. "It's as simple as that."
[19:07] <Demedais> "Not as things stand, no."
01[19:08] <Seira> "I think it is time to revisit Zariel," Seira continues. "Torm's right hand... man? Angelic being? Converted in an instant to the God-King's side, to literally strike back at his former master. While the God-King eliminated the lesser angels over miles with that same single word, in the same time."
06[19:09] * Seira then points to herself. "Me? I have fireball."
[19:09] <Alicia> "We have more pressing concerns for the moment," Alicia comments. "It's no good preparing for the God King if we get swarmed by the Nine Hells long before being ready to face him."
01[19:10] <Seira> "So we're going back to the desert, then?"
06[19:10] * Demedais looks to Oberuth to see if he has any comments.
01[19:10] <Seira> "I'll need a couple weeks here, first. I am ill-prepared for another lengthy journey."
[19:11] <Alicia> "Yes, we have to end this invasion as quickly as we can," Alicia nods. "Past that, Latha seemed to think that we'd find some thing relevant to the God King in the ruins the devils are spilling forth from, so it's still going to be useful in that regard."
[19:12] <Kotono> Oberuth listens to it long, "Your'e the strongest people I know," he admits. "At this point, I trust in the Gods and assume they have an idea on what's going on. So...when things are finalized, no one's going to complain if you go to stop Hell. You'll have our blessings on it. Will you need aide?"
01[19:12] <Seira> "Just that you allow Countess Stronger free time for her to complete my special request."
[19:13] <Demedais> "Possibly, since no one here can wield the Hammer."
06[19:13] * Seira raises an eyebrow, but doesn't speak up at this.
[19:13] <Demedais> "Well, Seira can, I suppose, but."
06[19:13] * Seira smiles in contentment.
06[19:14] * Demedais looks to Seira. "You holding that hammer looks like a child with a toy that's actually a grand piano."
01[19:14] <Seira> "Devils are stupid and underestimate short people who carry a large mallet."
[19:15] <Kotono> "Are you going to take it then, Seira?" Oberuth asks.
[19:15] <Alicia> "Perhaps Donald?" Alicia suggests. "No offence captain, but time you spend hitting things with weapons you're barely practiced in is time you're not casting spells which can be far more useful."
01[19:16] <Seira> "None taken," Seira says with a shrug. "Donald could do the trick, possibly."
[19:16] <Kotono> "He'd be the best chance there. Honestly, I couldn't get away without a lot of effort and probably more time than you'd like to wait. I can try if you feel it's that important," OBeruth's face darkens, "I have no desire to see those devils unchecked, either."
06[19:17] * Demedais returns his gaze to Oberuth, nodding slightly at this. "We will see, perhaps?"
[19:17] <Kotono> "THought...how many are you planning on taking?" Oberuth pauses at that, curious.
01[19:17] <Seira> "Ah!" Seira exclaims. "You may not know what I asked Elle to work on!"
[19:18] <Alicia> "Antenora will certainly be coming," Alicia volunteers. "That's about it from my end, though."
01[19:18] <Seira> "See, it's a ring of teleportation. Our best guarded secret, or so I hope, since it's just plain unfair our friends have those and we don't. So by waiting here, we'll actually end up getting to the desert faster."
[19:19] <Kotono> "Less travel time as well?" Oberuth enquires. "Good. It's a long trip as is from here to the desert.
[19:19] <Kotono> "
[19:22] <Kotono> After saying that and thinking, "Alright, we'll finalise that later. There's other matters. Seira, Celebrimbor came yesterday. We still have the elves cautiously advancing for now, though hopefully this won't be needed." He does stop to reach into his pocket, withdrawing a few letters. "For you and one for your father."
06[19:22] * Seira nods, taking them all.
01[19:23] <Seira> "We might as well have the elves train with our troops, Sir, to increase their experience."
[19:24] <Kotono> "It's a good chance to," Oberuth smiles a bit, "I'll let you know when more news comes from Malmuth. Go and get some rest, all of you have earned it."
06[19:25] * Demedais salutes slightly, before watching the other two for any further commentary.
[19:26] <Alicia> "Thank you, sir," Alicia stands up and salutes, before heading off to deal with the unwelcome squatter on one of her magic item slots.
[19:30] <Kotono> ---
[19:31] <Kotono> Alicia heads back home. Antenora's around back, practicing while Jessica's at the half finished temple. Plenty of time to do what she wants if she wishes...
[19:32] <Alicia> Having already seen both yesterday and reassured them of her continued survival, Alicia has no need to bother either. Sitting within her study, Hell Striker lays horizontally over her lap while she holds up her ring finger and glares balefully at what resides there. "We need to talk, you and I."
[19:36] <Kotono> Ther ing is so warm compared to Alicia's chilly insides. But it doesn't seem to deign to talk immediately.
[19:38] <Alicia> "I know you can talk, so you'd better start right now," Alicia tells the ring, steel in her tone. "I can ask Hell Striker to act as a go-between if you'd rather talk to someone less... animated, but we both know that isn't necessary."
[19:40] <Kotono> No response at all. The ring doesn't seem to be particularly chatty. It just throbs warmer.
06[19:41] * Alicia sighs. "Hell Striker, can you get its attention?" she asks her sword.
[19:42] <Kotono> 'If you wish.' Hell Striker answers dutifully. There's several moments of pitched silence, before the following words echo in Alicia's mind, repeating in a distant cadence. 'Become stronger and master me, or find me a mortal who is worthy.'
02[19:44] * NeremWo (~Ari@pool-71-164-207-139.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:44] <Alicia> 'Yes, about that,' Alicia replies in the same mental manner. 'If you can only be worn by the strongest mortal, shouldn't you already know who's stronger than me? That way I can take you right to this *worthy* individual with none of this nonsense. Because if you don't know who's stronger than I am, where do you get off saying I'm not good enough? What do I need to do to prove myself?'
03[19:49] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-164-226-192.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[19:50] <Kotono> 'Become stronger.' The voice is cold, yet fille dwith warmth. Your warmth. 'Your arrogance blinded you to your inperfection. You are not yet ready.'
[19:54] <Alicia> 'Fine, I'll get stronger. Not like I was going to stop doing that unless I die - which you've so kindly threatened to help me with, I note,' Alicia replies sourly.
[19:54] <Alicia> 'So here's how it'll work - I'll keep wearing you, and suffering this horrible ache inside that you cause, so long as you employ your defences against divinations so I don't have to worry about devils or anyone else peeking at me. If you won't do that, then you come off. Is this acceptable?'
[19:55] <Kotono> 'It's already done.' The voice says that, and then says nothing else.
[19:56] <Alicia> 'Good. Then I'll tolerate your continued presence,' Alicia replies, considering the discussion ended.
[20:07] <Kotono> A little while later, the rest and reverie is disturbed. Antenora enters the study, wearing her armor and gear like she just got off a battle. "Mistress," she bows her head.
[20:09] <Alicia> "Hello, Antenora," Alicia puts aside the book she'd been writing in and nods to the Erinyes. "I've spoken with the others - Seira's commissioned a ring of teleportation from Countess Stronger, so once that's completed we should be able to go to the desert."
03[20:19] * Gatewalker is now known as Gate-cannotbraintoday
[20:19] <Kotono> "Good." She nods, "Mistress..." Antenora begins, "No, aaah. Should I call you Alicia now?"
[20:21] <Alicia> "If you like," Alicia shrugs. "You have called me it before, in unguarded moments," she notes. "In all honesty, it matters little to me. Alicia is fine if it makes you more comfortable."
[20:24] <Kotono> "Alicia." Antenora tries it, "I feel torn between two directions in which I could go now."
[20:24] <Alicia> "Want to talk about it?" Alicia invites, gesturing to a free seat.
[20:26] <Kotono> "It's what I came here to do," Antenora does sit. "Mistress, the vows you've taken, the vows of a paladin? I admit...I find some appeal to them. I see now that those rare, sacred warriors who fight on are comptemptable, deludued mortals, but instead important champions."
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC: Strike, painful typo.
[20:28] <Kotono> "It's what I came here to do," Antenora does sit. "Mistress, the vows you've taken, the vows of a paladin? I admit...I find some appeal to them. I see now that those rare, sacred warriors who fight on are not comtemptable, deluded mortals, but instead important champions."
[20:32] <Alicia> "My," Alicia leans on the desk she sits at. "You'd go so far, Antenora?" she asks in faint wonder. "Naturally I of all people would support you in this... if most people were to ask, I'd attempt to dissuade them at first in order to verify their sincerity, but in your case I feel that would be pointless."
[20:32] <Alicia> "You have the potential to be a potent force for good in the world - likely far greater than I, in the long run. And with the sacred grace bestowed from training as a paladin, you'd only be more formidable."
[20:33] <Kotono> Antenora smiles at that, far different than she did before. It looks sincere, the sort of thing that warms a heart. "But...there's something else, too."
[20:34] <Alicia> "Go on," Alicia nods encouragingly.
03[20:48] * Ko-UGUUHARDER (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
02[20:49] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
02[20:49] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[20:50] * Ko-UGUUHARDER is now known as Kotono
03[20:50] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[20:52] <Kotono> "There's anger. A lot of anger," Antenora's words are sedate despite it. "Every thing I think about the devils. It builds up the more I think about it, into something...palpable."
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03[20:53] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[20:53] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[20:59] <Alicia> "Nothing wrong with that," Alicia tells her. "People will often say that such feelings are unbecoming of 'good' people, but that's complete nonsense. My hate and anger give me the strength to stand against such atrocities... but it is true that we must be careful not to let rage consume us. It may be trite to say, but embrace and master your feelings, don't let them master you."
[21:01] <Kotono> "I feel like it'son the verge of becoming something else. Something inspired," Antenora agrees to that. "I'm not sure which path I should follow."
[21:03] <Alicia> "Interesting..." Alicia looks thoughtful for a moment. "You're in a rather unique position, Antenora... I've heard that outside the rigid caste system of the Baatezu, some Outsiders simply take new forms and grow as suits their temperaments and the needs of their home plane. If, as you say, this feels like being on the cusp of some discovery, I think it may be worth pursuing."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Then I will. I have to prepare for the devils," Antenora stands up now, "I'll answer this calling then."
[21:06] <Alicia> "Want to get some sparring in?" Alicia asks. "I could stand to work on my form when it comes to airborne combat, and I think things are quiet enough today that I can spare a few spells on simple practice."
[21:07] <Kotono> "That's where I was going," Antenora strides off, before stopping. "...besides, there was another matter I wanted to talk to you about."
[21:09] <Alicia> "Before that," Alicia notes, getting up and following, "I've got enough money right now for a few purchases - if you like we could ask Elle about getting a ring of sustenance for you, so you won't need to eat and will only need a couple of hour's sleep a night?"
[21:10] <Kotono> Antenora's eyes show interest, lighting up. "I would," she agrees, "Thank you, Mistress."
[21:11] <Alicia> "I'll ask about it, tomorrow," Alicia promises as they head outside. "Now, what was the other matter you wanted to talk about?" She then blinks and cocks her head, "Also, Alicia, remember?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Ah." Antenora colors slightly as she heads outside, "Of course, Mistress Alicia. No, I wanted to talk to you about Demedais and Seira."
[21:14] <Alicia> "You can keep calling me Mistress if you want, I meant when I said it didn't matter to me either way," Alicia shrugs, going to grab a quarterstaff. "So what about them?"
[21:19] <Kotono> "I'll be fighting with them a fair bit, won't I?" She picks up a quarterstaff as well, spinning it about. "But all I know of Seira is that she stabbed me in the back and Demedais is amazingly hard headed." A starting jab just as Alicia readies, quick and to her stomach. "Before, I never took them seriously beyond that."
06[21:25] * Alicia jumps back a bit to avoid the jab and then busies herself with casting Flight before starting to hover upwards. "Well, try talking to them a bit more? Both seem to have taken my word for how you've changed, so I doubt they'd object. Even if conversation has been limited, you've travelled with them both a fair bit, I'm sure you've at least drawn some conclusions, just as they have about you."
[21:26] <Kotono> "Mmm." Antenora busies herself a bit, careful and swift flying loops. Her speed and manuverability seem to have improved a bit, especially going up. "Perhaps I will," she murmurs, before lashing out at Alicia.
06[21:26] * Alicia attempts to parry and shift to the side, hoping Antenora's momentum will keep her going and expose her unguarded rear to a counterattack.
[21:28] <Kotono> It does just that, Antenora overcommitting. "Until then..." she says, readying her quarterstaff and trying to recover! OOC - Do you have anything else here?
[21:29] <Alicia> OOC: not really
[21:32] <Kotono> OOC: Gimme a minute then.
[21:36] <Kotono> ----
[21:37] <Kotono> A few days pass. This mid winter'sd ay is warm thanks to the bay, the sun and clouds a pleasant background. Come the early afternoon, the three members of the Guard are summoned by Commander Oberuth. The pages have a short but simple message: A Malmuthian ambassador has come to discuss the end of hostilites.
[21:37] <Kotono> (More. Doh.)
[21:38] <Kotono> On entering the meeting room, you find a single Malmuthian here. Ambassador Almand is here, his head bowed as you enter. Commander Oberuth smiles widely as the Crimson Guard enters. "He came under a flag of truce," he says to them.
01[21:39] <Seira> "It's happened before," Seira notes neutrally. "But we hold the higher ground now, don't we?"
06[21:40] * Demedais says nothing, understanding perhaps in part Almand's situation.
[21:41] <Kotono> Almand raises his head, a polite smile on his face. "The circumstances have indeed changed. With..the situation as it is, Malmuth is interested in a status quo peace settlement."
01[21:41] <Seira> "May I translate, Commander?" Seira requests.
06[21:41] * Demedais looks to Seira a bit coldly.
06[21:42] * Alicia refrains from commenting, as her personal views likely do not match the political stance of the Baronies, and this falls to Lord Salman to render judgement on.
[21:43] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth's smile grows. "I'd tell you that this sounds like...oh, go on, Seira," Oberuth agrees.
01[21:43] <Seira> "With their demon-worshipping leader gone, and the state in disarray, while the army is riddled with persistent rumors of this and knows it cannot win a war against us and our allies... they believe they can bluff us into accepting a status quo. The status quo that held us under a constant threat of armed conflict,
01[21:43] <Seira> and indeed allowed for a sneak attack that wasn't detected until our borders were breached."
[21:43] <Demedais> "What is currently being discussed?" Demedais says, looking between Almand and Oberuth, before hearing Seira and shrugging, stepping back once.
01[21:46] <Seira> "Cede us the land from Valandia and to the pre-conflict border," Seira continues. "We'll turn it into a demilitarized zone while gaining strategic depth to prevent future incidents such as this. On your side, you would know that we have no intentions of invading or conquering Malmuth, so you would be quite safe from something along those lines."
[21:48] <Kotono> Almand's color is slightly off, Seira's words hitting hard. "That is completely unacceptable!" Almand exclaims! "You want us to give you land? You're facing down an army several times larger than your own!"
01[21:49] <Seira> "I want to let you know how much trouble I am having right now, preventing myself from laughing," she tells him flatly. "Would you like me to resummon the great golden wyrm to face your massive army?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "Are you trying to intimidate us?" Almand sputters out. "First you murder his Majesty," Heavy contempt are in those words, "Then you demand tribute?!"
01[21:52] <Seira> "Yes," Seira says bluntly. "I have received correspondence from the elven court that suggested just that. Their thoughts on tribute... weren't quite so mild." She glares at him, now. "Do you have any idea what can of worms you've opened? Even the isolationists are on the move, and they're moving on you. Only we can stop their march."
[21:52] <Alicia> "Better to kill one man than a hundred thousand," Alicia puts in coldly. "We followed this strategy in order to spare your army - and their wives and children back home. Be grateful."
[21:52] <Demedais> "Demonic wanna-be god posing in your king's body." Demedais corrects.
06[21:53] * Seira shrugs. "Elves, though... to them, you humans are not how the Balmurians see you. Their professional army would not be so keen to spare your men."
[21:55] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth looks him over. "You know it's true, too, Almand. You can hiss and bitch as much as you want, but the fact is that Ferdi's dead and you probably don't even have a crowned King right now.:"
01[21:56] <Seira> "If I were taking it personally, I would be demanding to claim the reward for killing Irenes," Seira adds. "This is entirely professional, and be grateful for that."
[21:57] <Kotono> Almand stiffens up, his back rigid. "I think we've said enough," he stands, "We'll be in contact again." Without sparing any other words, he stomps off and out of the room.
06[21:58] * Demedais eyes Almand as he leaves, attempting to gauge this...
01[21:58] <Seira> "If they take too long the elves will conquer them, probably," Seira says non too quietly.
[21:59] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15
06[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 and gets 22."12 [1d20=7]
[21:59] <Alicia> "Probably. It sounds like they committed their whole army to this front. I doubt they left anything to defend their flanks," Alicia agrees.
[21:59] <Kotono> "If the elves push into them, I'm sure we'll get a much better offer." Oberuth agrees, "I'm not sure we can get Valandia out of them unless we spend the blood to take it, but some strips of land would be quite useful. I wouldn't give away Valandia unless I had to, if I were in their position."
06[22:00] * Demedais nods once, quietly.
01[22:00] <Seira> Once she is reasonably certain Almand is nowhere in hearing range, Seira snorts, and lowers her voice. "They're not really as bloodthirsty or imperialistic as I made them out to sound, but the elves really would stick to the plan now that they've gone this far."
[22:00] <Alicia> "I think Valandia would be a strategic liability, anyway," Alicia muses. "Balmuria makes a far more defensible border."
01[22:01] <Seira> "I agree. But I want a border within stone-throwing distance from Valandia, metaphorically-speaking," Seira voices. "Let them know how it feels like."
[22:01] <Kotono> "I figured," A nod to Seira, "I wouldn't mind the elves getting something for the trouble, though. Hmmm..." H e thinks at that a moment, "I agree, though I wouldn't turn down Valandia if they offer."
06[22:01] * Alicia nods. "A buffer makes excellent sense, certainly."
01[22:01] <Seira> "I respectfully request that we agree to nothing less, while on the surface pushing for Valandia itself as well. It would allow us to make consensions."
[22:02] <Kotono> A nod, "There's also a third idea Lord Salman's been considering. If they're willing to give up Valandia, it may be more expedient to make a small free city-state of it under our influence instead. To be honest, I'm not thrilled about getting a ton of new people in our nation who don't want to be here."
06[22:03] * Seira looks happy at the prospect.
[22:04] <Alicia> "To be honest, I think most of Valandia's citizens would prefer our stewardship to Malmuth's, once they had a chance to see the benefits," Alicia notes. "Especially with the impending succession crisis Malmuth must be facing. Stability makes a persuasive argument in our favour."
[22:04] <Demedais> "All I know is that the proposal got him rather mad. Will they agree to it? Maybe. ...We walk a fine line here, as well, but it's one we have the advantage on."
01[22:05] <Seira> "Any of us appearing on the front lines would be cause for a rout," Seira states, "and their commanders know this well. Especially Olburt."
[22:06] <Kotono> "Speaking of that, I was talking to Claris. I've asked him to be asking favorable people in Malmuth to pass on information on what the hell's going on there. If it's a weak king or a regency council or even a new bloodline, odds are that it'll be easier to push around than if a General or a seasoned noble takes over."
[22:07] <Alicia> "Olburt didn't strike me as the type to lead himself, and I understand Ferdi murdered many of his potential strong rivals," Alicia murmurs, rubbing her chin briefly. "I doubt Malmuth will have confident leadership for some time after this disaster, regardless."
01[22:07] <Seira> "Maybe they'll splinter," Seira suggests.
[22:08] <Alicia> "Entirely possible. It is a very large Empire, and the Baronies themselves make an inspiration example of what independence can offer," the paladin agrees.
[22:09] <Kotono> "It's our hope they do," Oberuth admits this after a moment, "Five or six nations aren't a thing compared to the Malmuthian Empire. Even if we end up at war with a new southern neighbor, it would be a war easier to win. Still..." Oberuth stands. "We won't know anything until they send a new missive, probalby not for a few days."
01[22:10] <Seira> "They can take their time," Seira says with another shrug. "The longer they wait, the stronger our defenses become, and the more chances the elves can make inroads into their territory."
[22:11] <Kotono> "Yes. Until then, back to work. I'll send for you when we get or hear anything useful."
06[22:11] * Demedais salutes.