207. Kagan Blackcloak of Kelara

[Corwin]

[21:28] <Kotono> ------
03[21:29] * Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
[21:36] <Kotono> As the days pass by, not all is pure rest and recovery. The three are called by Commander Oberuth. With a red cloak around his shoulders, he greets each of the three by handshake. "It's good to have you back," he says. "I read what you put in about the devils. Glad to hear you gave them a bloody nose and a trip back to Hell. Anyway, sit down and relax. You've been out of the loop a bit and a lot happened while you were dealing with the devils
[21:36] <Kotono>  dealing with the devils."
06[21:37] * Alicia sits down as invited. "Has General Olburt's rebellion been quashed by Malmuth, yet?" she asks, not having heard any updates on that situation since she got back.
06[21:38] * Demedais sits as well, listening to the dialogue for now.
[21:39] <Kotono> "That's the first order of business," Oberuth goes on. "It's over, yes. While you were gone, Queen Tant mobilized her forces and marched to Valandia. It looked like it was going to be a seige, but the forces collapsed. From what we've heard, it's partly from dissent in the ranks and partly due to a morale issue caused by General Olburt vanishing."
[21:41] <Alicia> "Vanishing?" Alicia raises an eyebrow, wondering if his demonic 'gifts' caught up with him.
01[21:41] <Seira> "How unpleasant," Seira comment sourly. "Will he swear revenge and try to kill us in our sleep, now, destroying costly property?
06[21:41] * Demedais closes his eyes for a moment. "I'm not sure his disappearance bodes well in this regard, but there is little we can do about it right now, I would guess. At least this resolves that issue."
[21:44] <Kotono> "We don't know. I hope...my hope is that a few of his wiser men did what needed to for him to vanish from history," Oberuth closes his eyes, "For the sake of peace. As far as other matters go, Valandia's a mess right now. Malmuth is starting to withdraw as per the treaty, but we're not going to move in our full forces until they're gone. No need to risk either side letting anything happen. Once that's finished, we're going to establish the si
[21:44] <Kotono> Once that's finished, we're going to establish the situation there as the Barony of Valandia."
[21:44] <Kotono> *what was
06[21:46] * Demedais nods once. "At least the situation will be far more defensible, now."
01[21:47] <Seira> "What about Claris?" Seira feels compelled to ask.
[21:48] <Kotono> Getting up, Oberuth takes out a scroll. "Here's the map we've drawn up for it. We're annexing the area straight east from down until the Barbarian Lands border directly in - no more hedged border, there's no need. As for the rest? We could try and press the southern and eastern border more, but the fact is that we can defend Valandia - but we can't defend every gap on the longer border. So we're going to focus on making Valandia able to withs
[21:49] <Kotono> Valandia able to withstand being enveloped if need be, while Balmuria is still the main stopgap -a nd the springboard for counter offensives now."
[21:50] <Alicia> "Makes sense," Alicia nods after peering at the map.
06[21:50] * Demedais nods once in approval at this stratagem. "Sounds quite good."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Funny you mention him," Oberuth glances to Seira with a pleased smile. "One of the things we've been discussing is about him. You three know him the best out of us, do you think he's trustworthy?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "Yes, though I find that concepts challenging to his worldview need to be presented properly," Seira says bluntly.
06[21:51] * Alicia has only really met him in passing, so withholds comment.
[21:52] <Demedais> "Seconding Seira." Demedais nods.
[21:53] <Kotono> "He's being talked about as a govenor for Valandia. It cuts two ways, good and bad. On one hand, he has ties to Malmuth while being friendly and proven to us. Someone who knows both sides fits with the current mood of better relations after the war. But, it cuts the other way. People in Valandia no doubt think this means they can use him to have more influence in Valandia than they should."
01[21:54] <Seira> "Then Countess Stronger was found lacking?" Seira asks, keeping her disappointment out of her voice.
[21:55] <Kotono> "We talked about it. She wasn't sure she could manage the time requirements and keep up her magic. She chose her magic in the end," Oberuth states. "To be honest...I think there's some sentiment to want to keep her here, too, if she's making all these magical items."
01[21:56] <Seira> "In that case, I can't find a better person for the job," Seira states. "Well, I probably could, given time, or even done the job better myself, but Claris will be great at it."
06[21:56] * Demedais muses. "I... am unsure. If he is willing, then he might be one of the better candidates. I cannot think of one that relates to both sides better."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Yes. I do hav ea few personal reservations about possible loyalty..b.ut no matter who we install, the people in Valandia will take time to stop thinking of themselves as Malmuthians. There will be ties that connect them to Malmuth for a long time, both of blood and commerce."
[21:59] <Alicia> "He's a priest of Lathander, isn't he?" Alicia asks, "But from what I've gathered, he's more of an itinerant type - has he ever ran a temple? Does he have a proven talent for administration?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "Whomever we install will be getting a few hand selected helpers who are proven competent and will ensure that there aren't any miscommunications in the new barony," Oberuth continues here. "He was mostly involved in the court scene from what I understand."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Speaking of that," Oberuth stops here a moment.
01[22:00] <Seira> "He could handle the politics while allowing people more competent to do their job at the administration, right?"
[22:01] <Alicia> "Experience in the courts would serve him well," Alicia nods, seeming mollified, then pausing and waiting for Obureth to continue.
[22:02] <Kotono> "One of them is going to be Khardon. He was busy on other affairs by and large during these. However, he's also told me that he's going to resign his commission and make a home in Valandia. That he's had enough of this and it's time to put down some roots. He wants to pass along the Third Resort to you on a permanent basis - but he wants some manner of compensation for it."
01[22:02] <Seira> "A good deed is its own reward!" Seira responds brightly to that.
[22:03] <Kotono> Chuckling to that, "If you can make him believe that, I'll buy you a drink." Oberuth cracks a smile. "He's in Balmuria right now, so go look him up on the matter."
06[22:05] * Seira glances at Alicia and Demedais. "Maybe later?"
06[22:05] * Demedais shrugs once at that.
[22:05] <Demedais> "Sounds like a plan."
[22:06] <Alicia> "I already have a weapon that serves me well," Alicia replies ambivalently.
[22:07] <Demedais> "Still probably a good idea to have it handy for treks in the ruins." Demedais notes.
[22:07] <Kotono> "Now then...Queen Tant looks like she's going to hang on in Malmuth, for as much as we've heard. I wouldn't be surprised if things are icy in Malmuth proper, but we're not seeing any overt signs of an overthrow. Past that, a few of the city states east of Malmuth sent congratulations through Torm's temple
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
01[22:07] <Seira> "It would be good to have a key to the ruins, if nothing else," Seira comments, nodding at Demedais.
[22:07] <Kotono> "Now then...Queen Tant looks like she's going to hang on in Malmuth, for as much as we've heard. I wouldn't be surprised if things are icy in Malmuth proper, but we're not seeing any overt signs of an overthrow. Past that, a few of the city states east of Malmuth sent congratulations through Torm's temple. Privately, they were rather pleased to see Malmuth knocked down a notch."
01[22:09] <Seira> "Are any Malmuthian vassals pleased enough to break away from the empire?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "If they are, we're not hearing about it." Oberuth answers, "These arrived within the past few days, I'm surprised they were that quick with the distance involved." After a moment, "From the Desert Fiefdoms...apparently,d espite all the rumors starting to leak out, they're officially saying that nothing unusual is happening there."
[22:11] <Alicia> "Can't blame them for not wanting to admit to weakness in these troubled times," Alicia observes. "I suppose they'll never know who they owe their survival to..."
01[22:12] <Seira> "It's hardly something they can admit to, yes. Though they should know quite well about what went on, and one day we might be able to collect on that."
[22:12] <Kotono> "This next part is unofficial and doesn't leave the room." Oberuth's voice hardens. "Unofficially, there were discreet, preliminary feelers for an alliance in 'case of a mutual threat' while you were in the desert. They weren't pursued as anything but feelers."
06[22:13] * Demedais nods once, listening to this carefully.
[22:14] <Alicia> "My lips are sealed," Alicia promises. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if feelers will draw back now that the threat is eliminated and the Pasha can safely retain his aura of infallibility."
[22:14] <Demedais> "And the response?" Demedais inquires after a moment, nodding once in agreement with Alicia.
01[22:14] <Seira> "From them?" Seira asks in surprise. "Who specifically sent the feelers?"
[22:15] <Kotono> "Naturally." Oberuth smiles just a little bit, "But Seira's right. If they know who saved them, it's a chip on the table. If not...well, I'm sure you can show them." After listening, "The feelers were through unofficial channels - well connected traders making contact with officials in the capital."
01[22:17] <Seira> "There could well be a different threat to the Pasha's hold on power, one unrelated to devils. How certain are we the mutual threat refers to them?"
[22:17] <Alicia> "A good point," Alicia acknowledges. "These are uncertain times we live in, after all."
[22:18] <Kotono> "We aren't one hundred percent, but if they're more worried about another threat? It doesn't track, unless they have a gate to the Abyss there, too. If the Pasha's more worried about some court scheming than devils, he's a damned fool. But..." Oberuth does agree at last, letting himself nod. "It's good to bear a bit of skepticism in mind."
01[22:20] <Seira> "A human assassin can end his life just as well as an outsider one," Seira concludes. "But the previous question was very important. Did we give an answer?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "No. It didn't go far enough to make us tip any sort of hand. If it had..." Oberuth shrugs lightly. "You were already there. If you didn't contain the devils with the help you had, I'm not sure both our armies would've mattered much, anyway."
06[22:23] * Seira nods curtly, resolving to listen to what else Oberuth has to say on this matter or any others.
[22:24] <Kotono> "As for other matters? There's a bit of news from your homeland, Alicia," Oberuth looks to her. "We're hearing news from Kelara recently - bandit problems, bandits that are stylising themselves as rebels. This isn't anything overtly of note to us, but it's worth keeping our eyes on things. With the Desert Fiefdoms a bit rattled, our neighbor's neighbor could make trouble for us indirectly."
06[22:26] * Demedais nods slightly to this, glancing to Alicia for a reaction.
[22:28] <Alicia> "I heard that myself," Alicia nods, not seeming very affected. "From what it sounds like, they're nothing more than glorified brigands."
[22:29] <Kotono> "For PAllanth? Things are friendly, though their attention is inward as they settle with Malmuth as well. This is a case of no news being good news. Oh yes, there's been a few more reports of sailors seeing 'pointy eared water creatures' in the bay. There's also murmurings from the Barbarian Lands about...things. We know about unicorns, but about trolls as talls as trees. Stories of women in leather armor being seen from afar in the groves, t
[22:29] <Kotono> afar in the groves, too." (More)
[22:31] <Kotono> "Nothing that's too beyond the relative pale, but I'm passing it onto you. I don't know how much you pay attention to the casual gossip, but it's recurring enough to be mentioned." Steepling his fingers together now, "But even despite all of this, we're at peace, ascendant and bustling. We're getting immigration from other parts of the Baronies and from further west, and I imagine we'll get some from Valandia, too."
01[22:31] <Seira> "Wait, hold. Women... in leather armor?" Seira blinks twice. "An actual army on our border with the Barbarian Lands?"
[22:32] <Kotono> "Seira," Oberuth stops there, "There are recurring rumors of a few women in leather armor being seen. I'd think there were adventurers or mercenaries, even if they exist."
[22:32] <Kotono> "I wouldn't mention this normally, but they're interweaved in things we know ar emagical and real. With the past year, I'm not inclined to dismiss them entirely out of hand immediately."
01[22:33] <Seira> "This might seem incredibly sexist, but do all these reports come from lonely men on patrol?"
03[22:33] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
02[22:33] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[22:33] * Alicia sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[22:33] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[22:34] <Kotono> With a few snickers, "That's not impossible, either." Oberuth's face twists into as mile. "I'm not mobilizing against an army of leather clad women."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Well, I'll go check out these rumors," Seira volunteers. "Maybe see about the trolls, too, while I'm at it."
06[22:37] * Alicia refrains from asking what Amaryl would think about Seira chasing after these women of mystery.
06[22:38] * Demedais blinks at Oberuth, a slight smile on his face before he shakes his head. "Looking into the troll issue would also probably assist as Valandia settles down, too."
01[22:38] <Seira> "Oh, and I guess I have news from Pallanth," she adds with a shrug. "They're mostly fighting over who gets the biggest piece of the pie from that Malmuthian tribute, and debating the merits of isolationism versus contacting the world. Same old, except their ruling council is about to go on a recess. Incidentally, that's when I submitted a request for some personal time off. It'll get approved, right?"
[22:38] <Kotono> "As you will. There's one more matter, though." OBeruth looks to them. "The new class of the Crimson Guard'll graduate in the not too distant future. Between you three, them and the various allies you've enlisted to help us, we have a pretty exceptional defense force. However, the capital would prefer something a little more orderly and hand out offical ranks in the Guard. This would expand it a bit - and you'd have them under direct command
[22:38] <Kotono> direct command officially. Not that it would change much, there."
[22:39] <Kotono> "That's what I would figure." Oberuth listens to them, "It will onc ethe treaty's final soon. With Malmuth defeated soundly, there's no reason not to."
01[22:40] <Seira> "Great! Please don't Send for me except emergencies and invasions when it's time!"
06[22:40] * Demedais nods once. "Having worked with them, I can say they've definitely got talent; it will be good to have more assistance in the days to come."
[22:41] <Alicia> "You mean you want to enlist Antenora?" Alicia asks in surprise, before blinking. "Oh, and speaking of new allies, I've made another new... friend, you might say. She's a surprisingly good archer, but you might be a bit off-put when you meet her..."
[22:41] <Kotono> "We won't. Gods willing, we won't have a reason to." Stopping there and getting a scrap of parchment, "Since you're all of high rank now, they want us to give Ensign rank to most of them, and Lieutenant to one or two. Pollyanna and Donald are tangled enough with the Guard anyway, so they're in. Alicia..." A long look next, "Not many know about Antenora's nature, though more than that have heard about a woman that fights with you."
[22:42] <Kotono> "I have a lot of reservations. Frankly, I dislike it a whole lot, nor do I trust her." A scolw sets into his face, "I need a plausible reason to keep her out of the official guard to send back."
06[22:43] * Demedais looks to Alicia, bemused. "Mmm? Well, whoever your new ally is, it can't be worse than the fairies that attempted to paint my face at the camp. A Lantern Archon, perchance?"
01[22:43] <Seira> "I'll find the time to scout a few of the graduates," Seira muses, before she tilts her head. "We could probably get a celestial vouch for her. That should do."
[22:43] <Kotono> "Another one? Who?" Alicia gets another look as well.
[22:44] <Alicia> "She might say no," Alicia replies reasonably. "You can't conscript her if she refuses, after all. As for the other... ah..." she gives Demedais a sidelong look. "Mystra has favoured me with a divine servant, so to speak. Er... there's no real way to dodge this, Demedais, since she is a fairy, of a sort. But I'll ensure no face painting occurs, I can promise you that," she concludes with an authoritative nod.
06[22:44] * Demedais looks to Alicia.
06[22:45] * Demedais closes eyes slowly.
[22:45] <Kotono> "...A Fairy?" Oberuth does stop there. "Why would you have a fairy?"
[22:45] <Kotono> "Check that," Oberuth corrects himself, "Why would Mystra send you one?"
01[22:46] <Seira> "Was it as reward or punishment?" Seira adds curiously.
[22:46] <Alicia> "Well," Alicia coughs, having had this lecture drilled into her by her new familiar, "She's a fairy that generates a protective aura against evil around herself, can translate any language, can fly better than Antenora, shoot a bow as well as anyone I've ever seen, and turn herself incorporeal to pass through walls and such. She's assured me that she'll be very useful."
[22:47] <Alicia> "She said I'd need all the help I could get, and given recent events, I can't really refute that," she adds, sighing softly.
[22:48] <Kotono> "You make it sound like you aren't happy with it yourself?" Oberuth eyes Alicia, "Not that it's any of our business between you and your Goddess, but...a fairy?" Going on from that, "Still, there's also Engan in some capacity as well, and I need to go over the list. Any other suggestions?"
06[22:49] * Demedais keeps his eyes closed, before turning to Oberuth again. "To me, the best course of action is simply to inquire with Antenora if she officially wants in. If she does, um. Not sure what to tell you... but odds are, based on what I know of here, that she would simply prefer to act as support for Alicia. Engan, you would need to ask; as for others... I do not know. ...Has Pallan had anything to say, lately?"
01[22:50] <Seira> "It might help if we planned to receive a few graduates from the magical academy, though it might be a bit farther ahead than this class of the Guard."
[22:50] <Alicia> "I actually like her," Alicia admits, "But reactions such as this one - to say nothing of Antenora's hostility - do wear thin."
[22:50] <Kotono> "No." With a snort, "We made sure he and Almand were as harmless as possible and returned them to Queen Tant via a special guard. They can rot in Malmuth, or get shortened by a head if that's what she wants. That's also a thought. I need to talk to you about that later, Seira."
01[22:51] <Seira> "I have another idea, too, so we could discuss it then," she agrees.
[22:51] <Demedais> "My aforementioned incident with fairies has left me a bit disillusioned." Demedais nods to Oberuth's comment. "Probably wise."
[22:52] <Kotono> Stopping midway as he changes subjects and then finishes talking, Oberuth's words become more distant. "Yes, I suppose we should be using them. That's the point of the academy. Also...the three of you are living heroes in Balmuria now. Lord Salman has instructions on this matter, actually." He stops there a moment.
[22:54] <Kotono> "With the force we're building, the three of you are both famous and amazingly powerful.  WE-ah, I. I." Oberuth stops and lets his face go into a look of irritation, "Let me paraphrase instead of repeating exacts. He says that with our defenses growing and with the duties he knows lies on all of you, that you have free travel to anywhere you wish in furtherance of your duties. He doesn't want you feel pinned down here when you need to go beyo
[22:54] <Kotono> pinned down here when you need to go beyond this city to pursue various matters."
01[22:55] <Seira> "I so shouldn't have taken the time off," Seira mutters to herself.
[22:56] <Demedais> "Uh?" Demedais doesn't react further than this for a moment. "Amazingly powerful? Ah. I could see that being applied to Seira and Alicia, but..." A pause. "Your thoughts on this, Commander?"
[22:56] <Alicia> "It's nice of him to be so understanding, although I suppose we are making the world a safer place and enhancing the image of the Baronies when we're abroad, anyway," Alicia nods agreeably.
[22:57] <Kotono> "I've seen all of you travel to Pallanth, Malmuth, the deserts, the ocean, and even the wastes. I know full well all of you often get dragged away from the city...and there are still more REsorts out there as well, arne't there?"
06[22:57] * Seira pats Demedais on the shoulder patronizingly. "You are amazing, too."
[23:00] <Demedais> "I'm good at taking hits and falling down into pits. You guys are the ones with the offence." Demedais shakes his head. "And... yeah, two more Resorts, I believe. Still." A look to Oberuth. "By the same token, if we are needed, there are methods to contact us, now, and ways for us to return quickly."
[23:02] <Kotono> "Yes." At that, Oberuth rises, "That reminds me. I'll be away soon myself - after this war and all the fighting, I want to go visit old friends and do their memories honor. I'll be going by Shamal's grave at some point. Is there anything either of you would like me to leave there besides flowers?"
01[23:03] <Seira> "I'll tag along," Seira offers. "We can talk on the way, too."
[23:04] <Kotono> "I'll do that first, then." With a slight look, "I mean a trip of a few weeks to various graves across the Baronies, Seira. I lost a lot of friends in the previous war."
01[23:06] <Seira> "No offense, but I hope I'll avoid that fate myself."
06[23:06] * Demedais stays solemn at that. "Very well, sir."

[Corwin]

[18:50] <Kotono> ---
[18:52] <Kotono> Once the meeting has broken up, Seira and Commander Oberuth linger. "Alright," he says out loud, "What did you want to tell me, Seira?"
01[18:54] <Seira> "The efforts with the magically-inclined prisoners got me thinking," she starts without preamble, outlining her proposition. "We kept them in the dungeons, and then offered them a chance to work for us to contribute to society and redeem themselves. All but one took the offer, not all that enamoured with their cells, and have behaved adequately since." (more)
01[18:56] <Seira> "So why not extend the process further, to the rest of the prisoners?" she asks then. "We can create a framework that would give them a chance to reform, while at the same time keeping an eye on them. There are magical means to ensure certain guidelines are followed, on top of that, to lower the chances of a betrayal. While in jail, they are only a burden on the state. Do we need such a burden?" (more)
01[18:57] <Seira> "In the end, if even a devil can be redeemed, or a hardened assassin, what's to stop us from applying the same methods to our criminals? Why not give them the same chance at making a better life for themselves and others?"
[19:06] <Kotono> "I've been paying attention to that," Commander Oberuth listens to Seira. "I'm not going to speak for that devil or assassin, but the prisoners seem to have laid quite low and acted responsibly since their release. Mmm." Listneing to that and thinking, "AT root what you're saying is twofold. Sure, we save money that way, but we also get valuable resources on success?"
01[19:08] <Seira> "If this program is to be sold, as a manner of speaking, to the highers ups? Yes." Seira hesitates, before adding, "But there's also the element of actually turning people's lives around that is quite compelling, if not to the bureaucrats."
[19:23] <Kotono> A slight nod there as he listens. "Especially in the future if you capture more competent foes?" Oberuth inquires.
01[19:24] <Seira> "Well, yes," she admits, "though slowly turning society around until there are no longer jails is a far more pleasant goal."
[19:26] <Kotono> "Good luck with that," Commander Oberuth smiles a little wistfully, "At least you aim large, but...how would you actually do that, seriously?"
01[19:28] <Seira> "Some people get jailed because they're genuinely rotten. We can't really do much about them without a liberal application of magic. But others made a wrong choice in life, perhaps more than once. We'll aim to fix that, by redirecting their efforts to something they are good at, something that benefits society and they could take pride in doing.
01[19:28] <Seira> Competent people would be around to supervise, and in some cases, we could place a minor geas on the volunteers to make certain they don't stray as they're starting out."
[19:31] <Kotono> "The security's in the magic, you mean?" Oberuth asks neutrally. "Wha twould this lesser geas mean? What does it do?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "The security is in them making the choice for themselves," Seira corrects him. "I am, after all, talking of approaching people who have been convicted of crimes and asking them if they'd prefer an alternative to spending their time in a dungeon. Magic, should we use it,
01[19:33] <Seira> would merely be used to ensure their truthfulness, so that an adventurous soul wouldn't merely lie to get out of a punishment without being willing to give their redemption even a token effort."
03[19:35] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5442ea31.lns3-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[19:36] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[19:36] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:37] <Kotono> "That is the main concern, especially if it's against anything particularly strong," Oberuth agrees to those words, "Alright. What I was going to ask is: From reports your magic school's doing decently. Should it have any decent casters in a few months?"
01[19:38] <Seira> "I would be very cross if the answer is anything but yes."
[19:38] <Kotono> "I see. I'll leave that in your hands ans ask again then," Oberuth agrees, standing. "The pressure's minimal right now, since everyone's focused on the recent victory against Malmuth. You have time to get that right and get them trained without pressure."
03[19:40] * Tai{napd} is now known as Taishyr
06[19:40] * Seira nods. "Was that what you wanted to talk to me about, then?"
03[19:40] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[19:44] <Kotono> "That was it. Go on for now," Oberuth says.
06[19:46] * Seira nods once again, departing.
03[19:47] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[19:49] <Kotono> --------
[19:52] <Kotono> Just before noon, many gather in the Temple of Helm on request. Pollyanna, Alicia, Seira, Commander Oberuth, Donald, Antenora, Engan. People mill about and wait, some light discussion had as noon creeps closer.
[19:53] <Kotono> Donald stays towards the back, keeping to himself on it. Commander Ob eruth is more talkative, going about and waiting.
[19:55] <Kotono> Antenora stays still, but aloud, "Do you know exactly what this oath'll be?" she inquires.
[19:56] <Alicia> "The invitation didn't have many details," Alicia admits. "Maybe he's renewing his devotion to Helm? I'm not that familiar with their customs..."
[19:57] <Kotono> "Like getting new wedding vows," Donald lazily calls from his position.
[19:57] <Kotono> Pollyanna keeps quiet, "It's about his oath as a kensai," she supplies with just a bit of force in her words. "It's important."
[19:58] <Alicia> "If it's important to him then it's important to us," Alicia gently reassures the younger girl. "You can't blame us for speculating with all this buildup, though."
06[19:58] * Demedais looks up at the sky, seeming tense, before looking at the people assembled. "Ah. It's... noon now." A sharp inhalation, before he turns marches to the altar and kneels, blade and scabbard in hands in front of him. A pause, before:
[19:59] <Demedais> "My vow, as a Kensai sworn to Helm and his will here in this world; To undertake, fully, exactly and with as much preparation as needed, the tasks that Helm has and will set before me, in conjunction with if possible, and supercedeing if necessary, all other oaths placed before me." (More)
[19:59] <Demedais> "The prime of which is to slay Daa-vid, the False God-King, and to in doing so reopen this world to the Gods. As the Crimson Guard seek to solve the mysteries of the False God's prison, and protect my home city of Balmuria, I stand with them; foremost amongst them Commander Oberuth, Colonel Khardon and Seira, and Captain Alicia; Pollyanna, Engan, Antenora, Donald..." (More)
[19:59] <Demedais> "...as well as those soon to graduate the Academy, in defense of Balmuria and Lord Salman. Beyond this, I shall serve Helm to the utmost of my capability, acting as his blade in this plane and beyond, as he sees fit; Helm, please watch over me and guide my steps, to help ensure your duty and will are excised properly; and thank you again, Evervigilant One, for this chance that you have given me, this fortune you have bestowed upon me."
[20:00] <Demedais> Having said this, he bows at the altar deeply, seeming to catch his breath before closing his eyes slightly in prayer.
06[20:01] * Seira claps! "Very short and to the point. Nice!"
[20:02] <Kotono> Donald shrugs before he claps as well, though he keeps his commentaries to himself.
06[20:02] * Alicia respectfully joins in the applause.
[20:02] <Kotono> "Nicely said," Engan raises his voice as he joins in with the clapping. "Not thinking small, either."
01[20:03] <Seira> "This is the part where we celebrate with lots and lots of wine, right?" Seira asks Pollyanna, looking around for any food or drink.
[20:04] <Kotono> "It won't be boring with that sort of oath," Antenora murmurs to herself as she claps. "It's a good oath, too, since it'll involve defending against Hell."
06[20:05] * Demedais stands, slowly, before looking at the rest of the group and the assembled members of the Temple with a slightly sheepish grin. "I wouldn't normally do something like this - too... ah... showish? But this is the sort of oath best taken in front of witnesses, and, well. Those united in the cause... Oh, and I covered for the food and wine at your inn, actually, with Donald earlier." Demedais notes.
[20:06] <Kotono> "It's a good excuse to have some fun today," Donald adds in quickly, looking away.
06[20:06] * Seira nods. "Good call. Think Helm's going to respond?"
06[20:07] * Demedais retains a straight face at this, though at Seira's words, he shrugs. "He's already said once or twice that I know my duty, and what needs to be done. This is, in a way, oaths reflecting that."
[20:08] <Kotono> "You did fine," Pollyanna approaches and puts an arm on Demedais' shoulder.
06[20:08] * Demedais looks to the altar once, seemingly lost in thought for a second, before shrugging.
06[20:09] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna and rubs the back of his head. "Ah. Thank you."
[20:10] <Kotono> Laughing a bit, "Yeah, you did fine. C'mon. The celebration afterwards is great, too."
06[20:12] * Demedais nods once. "You guys go ahead. I want to grab something from my room, first. All of you are invited, just follow Seira if you don't know the way."
[20:20] <Kotono> -------
[20:22] <Kotono> As Alicia briefly enjoys the rests of home, she goes to see Elle Stronger. She finds her in her shop, a robed and hooded person running things, while she positions and polishes a new suit of gleaming adamantine plate mail. She whisles as she works, turning, "Oh, Alicia! Looking to buy something today?"
[20:23] <Alicia> "Not so much buy, no," Alicia replies, "But I need you to prepare two Sending spells, is that possible?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "Sure. It's not any harder than teleport," Elle turns away, heading to the back. "Have you figured out what you're going to say?"
06[20:25] * Alicia nods. "I've got the same message for two recipients," she replies. "Do you have the spells available now or should I come back in the morning?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "I can prepare them." Led into the back, Alicia is taken to a quiet interior room, with restful chairs and good lighting. "I'll be back in a half hour. How was the desert, by the way?"
[20:29] <Alicia> "Cold and filled with devils," Alicia replies, easing into a chair. "Fortunately we killed most of them and sealed the portal. Seira and Demedais should be back in a few days with more than a few things we'll be looking to sell, which you might find interesting."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Good." She shuffles out at that, raising her voice as she goes. "I'll talk to you about it later - if you came right way for sendings I imagine they're important."
[20:30] <Alicia> "We found out a few people have been targetted by hell's assassins," Alicia nods. "My sister being one of them, which is why I came back before the others. I want to send warnings to the other two we read about."
[20:32] <Kotono> It's just about thirty minutes when Elle returns. As if picking up where it left off, "Good reason. Who's the first person, Alicia, and what's the message?"
[20:32] <Alicia> "First one is for Kagan Blackcloak, of Kelara. Here's the message," Alicia hands over a piece of paper where she's written: Message from Alicia Reynes, Mystra's servant in Balmuria. Devil named 'M' seeks your death. Beware Dogai, they hide in shadow and can teleport short distances.
[20:39] <Kotono> Elle reads and then draws arcane symbols in the air, her fingers weaving! "....." She is silent for several seconds, then, "Kagan Blackcloak says: Thank you for the warning. Attempt One was repulsed. They are persistant. We will perservere in our purpose."
[20:41] <Alicia> "Wonder what his purpose is?" Alicia muses rhetorically. "Oh, well, I can't really expect you to hold a conversation with that sort of magic. The warning's been given and heeded. The next recipient is Ezri Estu, of Armasea. Exact same message."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Right," Elle gets back to work! This one lasts a few moments, before, "I got a reply too. Ezri Estu says: M'lady's guard will be increased. I am the protector of the Dutchess of Armasea. She is capable, but alone she is vulnerable."
[20:45] <Kotono> "That sounds like someone I know," Elle adds on after that. "It was before your time, but I imagine the devils might have reason to go after her or anyone she might care in the least about."
06[20:45] * Alicia nods in approval. "Forewarned is forearmed - hopefully neither will fall to a devil's blade now that they have an idea of the danger. What do I owe you for the spells?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "I'll pass Lyselle on a warning in more depth," Elle smiles a little, "Since from the stories I got out of Seira, she was with her when that Pit Fiend was released. Normally I'd charge gold, but..." She thinks, "Owe me a favor instead. I might need one down the path."
[20:48] <Alicia> "If you like," Alicia smiles bemusedly, "But you know, as one of Mystra's faithful, you only have to ask to receive my help, favour or no."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Yes, but..." She smiles back, "If I have both you and Seira owing me favors, I can get a serious piece of work done out of it. With all the comissions I'm getting, I have less and less time these days."
[20:50] <Alicia> "Well, if it helps you spread magic, I certainly can't object to doing you a favour," Alicia nods, holding out her hand to shake.
[20:51] <Kotono> The hand is shaken, "Good luck," she says. OOC - Were you and Seira and dmee going to teleport to either of them like discussed?
[20:52] <Alicia> OOC: I now defer to my colleague Seira to handle such arrangements
01[20:53] <Seira> "So! There's some dubious person in Kelara who already pushed them back once, and Lyselle. It doesn't sound like a difficult choice of where to teleport. Who's coming along?"
06[20:54] * Demedais shrugs. "Saying the guy's dubious without meeting him's a bit sketchy, but he sounds like he has it under control. Lyselle works."
[20:55] <Alicia> "Elle said she's going to talk to Lyselle, anyway, but if you two want to go there by all means. Let me know when you're headed for Kelara, though?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "I can wait until after Elle's had her chat, then," Seira says with a shrug of her own. "Want to go to Kelara first, then?"
[21:00] <Alicia> "I don't think we can go all the way there on one teleport, but if we stop in Arad for the night I can take us there," Alicia agrees. "Antenora can look after Jessica while I'm gone in case any assassins show up here, at least."
01[21:01] <Seira> "I'm covered, myself. Let's go? I can take us halfway there, at least."
06[21:02] * Demedais nods once.
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC - Where in Arad are you teleporting, Seira?
01[21:03] <Seira> OOC: The spot I studied carefully for an hour the other time
01[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d100 go!
06[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 go! and gets 36."12 [1d100=36]
[21:03] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, make your rol-okay.
[21:04] <Kotono> Seira invokes her ring! Balmuria is left behind in a flash! In it's place is the afternoon chill of Arad. You can hear the sounds of vendors hawking their wares from the shadowed alleyway you appear in. The wind smells of salt and ice, yet has a deep grit to it that irritates your noses.
01[21:05] <Seira> "We spend the day at an inn, and have another jump the rest of the way?" Seira proposes.
06[21:06] * Alicia nods. "I'll take us to the temple of Mystra, tomorrow morning," she volunteers.
[21:06] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs.
[21:10] <Kotono> As the party walks down the chill streets, past people wrapped in white against the cold? On one street corner a small crowd is gathered under the shadow of a whitewashed two story building. About three dozen people, listening to a woman amid them. "Now! Now! Now! Now! Now!" The people wear ragged clothes and carry sticks, throwing rocks at the building in front of them. Other people on the street veer away. The woman leading this throws a fe
[21:10] <Kotono> Other people on the street veer away. The woman leading this throws a few rocks herself, clattering off the front.
[21:12] <Alicia> "What's going on, here?" Alicia asks one of the rock-throwers as she approaches, eyeing the group and the ringleader in particular.
06[21:12] * Demedais himself stays back a bit, not terribly interested in the drama.
[21:14] <Kotono> Rocks fly! One of the rock throwers turns, a snarl on his face. "They cheated us! Our contract said that we were to be given 2 gold each for the work, and the son of a sandworm says he -meant- to us total! Like hell we're going to let that stand!"
[21:17] <Alicia> "Do you think throwing rocks like this is going to get you paid?" Alicia asks, supporting his sentiment, even if she thinks the reaction is an unwise one. "Acting like this is only going to get you arrested."
01[21:18] <Seira> "What's the work in question?" Seira asks curiously, joining the conversation.
[21:28] <Kotono> "Fuck their authority! They won't do a damned thing," the man scowls, as more rocks fly! As the normal people flee away, "Give us our money you promised or you're gonna get it!"
[21:28] <Kotono> From amid the rock throwing crowd, Seira thinks she hears, "Hauling stone out past city limits. LIke hell that's safe now, 'specially since it's so cold!"
01[21:31] <Seira> "Are we getting involved?" Seira asks Alicia, glancing at the crowd.
[21:32] <Alicia> "They might not care about a labour dispute, but they will if it turns violent," Alicia warns the man, before turning to Seira. "A lot of people could get hurt if this turns into a riot, or the guard decide to run these people down."
01[21:33] <Seira> "So who's the cheapskate?" Seira asks the people in the crowd, once Alicia's answered.
[21:34] <Demedais> "Can we not just ask the city guard to step in? We don't - well, I don't know laws or methods of handling such debates here." Demedais shrugs as he speaks, stepping back to let Seira talk.
[21:35] <Kotono> "Come on out, you bastard! We'll take what you owe us outta ya!" One man calls, as the thudding of rocks continues. You hear noises inside, bustling. "Good!" The woman calls to Alicia, "We'll show them that we're not going to be treated like this!"
[21:37] <Alicia> "The guard don't get involved much with the poor in Arad, but when they do it gets bloody," Alicia quietly tells Demedais. "Listen!" she speaks up in reply to the woman, "Calm down and we can talk this out. Violence isn't going to solve your problems."
01[21:37] <Seira> "And it would still be nice to know who this guy is!"
06[21:40] * Demedais exhales once. "I see." After a moment of consideration, he softly murmurs to the group, "I'll be right back."

---

[22:00] <Kotono> Demedais rushes ahead! THe inn is where he remembers it. It has a certain appeal to it - the cold feels lesser close to it, a warmth beckoning from it. The door is ajar and open, as if inviting.
06[22:02] * Demedais steps in, looking around for any of the familiar faces from past visits.
[22:05] <Kotono> Inside, bright and vibrant people are around. A friendliness permeats the air. A large man lingering in the inn notes Demedais immediately, coming over to him. "You're back soon," he says breathlessly, "What's the matter?"
06[22:07] * Demedais nods once to the man. "We were stopping in town on our way to Kelara, Seira and Alicia decided to get involved trying to stop a mob, I decided to see if someone who actually knows the politics and people around here could assist us."
[22:08] <Kotono> "I do a little. The name I'm using here is Justin, it'll do," he offers a hand to Demedais. "I was told you might peek in here. What's the mob angry about?"
06[22:10] * Demedais shakes the hand. "Apparently they feel they've been cheated out on wages. Wouldn't surprise me, but attempting to break the house down with rocks didn't look like the best method. If I thought Seira and Alicia needed help defending themselves, I'd have just stayed with them, but... as is, yeah. Rather someone who knows the area helped out."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Damn." he shakes his big head, "Things have been a little unsteady here from all reports. Odds are that if it gets violent the city police are going to get involved, and that'll end nastily to the rioters, no matter if they're right or wrong."
[22:13] <Demedais> "Yeah, that's what Alicia said." Demedais shakes his head as well. "You want to try and go quell the mob, then?"
[22:13] <Kotono> "Take me. At worst...we can prevent any fatalities if we're too late," Justin starts to move, "It's a pleasure to meet you face to face, by the way. I've heard some of the stories."
06[22:15] * Demedais blinks. "Ah, a pleasure as well. I'm afraid that with that name, I mistook you for someone else."
[22:22] <Kotono> "A young trumpet archon?" As you hustle down the street, "I heard some of the stories about your swordsmanship from him."
[22:23] <Demedais> "Ah, yes." Demedais nods, as they keep moving. "He seemed to think highly of my style. Alicia possesses a far more powerful brand of fighting, however."
[22:27] <Kotono> "Humble. I approve," The human(?) is amused as you race on! As you soon reach the building again, you find it surrounded by a waiting mob. No sign of any guards immediately here, but you can see several spearmen coming down the other side of the street, about 200 feet away.
[22:28] <Demedais> "More like sanely commenting." Demedais snorts. "I'm more comfortable on defense, thanks."
[22:32] <Demedais> "Also, mrf, there come the guards. If they're as vicious as you say, we want them dismissed quickly, no?"

---

[21:41] <Kotono> "Isuro! Isuro the greedy!" The crowd chants! "Come out and face your punishment, you bastard!"
01[21:42] <Seira> "Mind giving me a chance to talk to the greedy guy?" Seira asks them. "You don't really care how you get paid, as long as you do, right?"
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC - Both of you can make a diplo check if you want, since you're trying to talk the angry crowd down.
01[21:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 sure
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 sure and gets 35."12 [1d20=16]
[21:44] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 and gets 38."12 [1d20=20]
[21:49] <Kotono> Alicia and Seira both work the crowd. With great charisma both apply themselves, taking the attention! "Yeah..." One of the people slow at this, "I got a kid to take care of." he says, rubbing the back of his head. A few follow suit, as another listens. "Maybe...both of you an dher speak well, and you look rich. Maybe you can talk to him in the fancy words the better class uses?"
[21:49] <Kotono> The woman leading this scowls at the crowd, "C'mon! Have some gumption! These bastards cheated you!"
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
[21:50] <Kotono> Her words, while powerful, seem to pale in comparison to what Seira and Alicia said.
01[21:50] <Seira> "So they did. Why exactly can't we be the ones to handle the matter?" Seira asks of the woman. "You're free to tag along to keep us honest."
[21:51] <Alicia> "You can get more with a kind word and a stick, than with just a kind word or a stick," Alicia suggests, not wanting to alienate the apparent spokesperson of the group.
[21:53] <Kotono> "Hmph. Fine." She says, brushing back her hair. "You'll see the truth in there anyway." The crowd seems to be stopping the rock throwing, merciflly.
06[21:53] * Seira heads up to the doors to the building and knocks on them!
[21:57] <Kotono> The doors are scarred up from the rocks thrown now. From inside, "Go away! The guard's going to get you as soon as it catches wind of this, you vandals!" A male voice calls, angry.
[21:58] <Alicia> "We're not vandals, but you can thank us for getting them to stop the rock throwing," Alicia calls through. "We want to negotiate on behalf of your employees."
[21:59] <Kotono> "They're not anything like that now! Even if I was still using them, they're FIRED!" The man calls back out. "I paid them, but the ingrates have no respect!"
[22:00] <Kotono> The crowd murmurs angrily at those words, bustling.
01[22:01] <Seira> "Listen up, I'm coming in and it's up to you whether you still have a door once I'm done," Seira calls over. "Be nasty about it, and we'll see whether you still have a house."
[22:02] <Alicia> "They seem to disagree about what their wages were," Alicia replies, trying to keep things civil even as Seira makes with the threats. "Five coppers each? Really? I have a hard time believing anyone would take on a job for that, unless it came with some sizable perks."
[22:02] <Kotono> "What?! I'll have you arrested with the rest of them!" The man calls in mounting rage! "You...you do not any respect in your words!" OOC - Yeah, you can try an intimidation check if you want. You're only using your words since you can't see each other, so I'm assessing a -2 mod on your roll, Seira.
01[22:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 sure
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 sure and gets 28."12 [1d20=10]
01[22:03] <Seira> "I don't need respect. I have fire!"
[22:04] <Kotono> "They should've listened to what I said...not what the silly contract said!" his voice is angry, but it deflates. There's a pause, before the doors crack open. "Fine, come in, you...you...!"
01[22:04] <Seira> "Seira, servant of Waukeen," Seira tells him with a frown, stepping inside. "I'm sure you can see why what you have just said disturbs me."
[22:05] <Alicia> "Contract? You mean what was signed backs up their side?" Alicia tuts and shakes her head as she follows Seira inside. "What's written is what was agreed, sir. If you want to argue over words, its your word against the words of three dozen, and that math does you no favours."
[22:05] <Kotono> Inside is a pleasant office. A real wood desk is in the back, a few plants, and several golden and silver statuettes about, as well as stone carvings. "Damn right!" The woman insists, "You just can't stand that some peasants beat you at your own little game!"
[22:07] <Kotono> The man in question is large - not fat, but honestly large. If he wasn't lean, he'd be massively bulky and overwhelming. As if, he's broadly slender, big shouldered but not carrying any extra weight. His dusky skin is hidden by soft white cloth over his body. His face is screwed into a look of distaste, though he eyes Alicia and Seira. "...hmph. Why ar eyou helping them? You don't look like you have a low station...or that you're from here."
01[22:08] <Seira> "Are you particularly slow? Did I not just state my reason?" Seira asks, frown deepening. "Stop darkening the good name of merchants everywhere and abide by the contract."
[22:08] <Alicia> "I saw what looked like the beginnings of a very sad and violent story," Alicia volunteers. "I decided to try and steer it towards a happier ending - Alicia Reynes," she offers her hand.
[22:09] <Kotono> The hand is taken. "Let me guess, adventurers?" he asks the two of them. Without waiting for a reply, "Aaah, Waukeen. Hmph, you clearly don't understand the situation. I MEANT for them to only get the pay I gave them, not what was written in that silly, overly complex contract they dredged up!"
[22:11] <Alicia> "Clearly *they* meant to get the pay that was agreed in the contract - if you disagreed with it, surely you should have presented a new contract rather than signing it?" Alicia suggests. "Ignorance is never an excuse."
[22:13] <Kotono> "Yes!" The woman points a finger right at Isuro. "You signed it fair and legally. It's not our problem if you didn't read it!"
01[22:13] <Seira> "Then you are incompetent," Seira states bluntly. "Leaving a paper trail like that? I'm ashamed of breathing the same air. And not reading something you're leaving your signature on?" She palms her face, visibly in pain.
[22:14] <Kotono> "How was I supposed to know one of them knew enough about the law to make a binding one?" His scowl deepens even more. "Who'd you get to help you? Was it a competitor? There's no way a serf like you managed that!" He stares daggers at the woman.
01[22:16] <Seira> "This is just sad. Wouldn't the world be a better place if someone set him on fire?" Seira asks Alicia.
[22:17] <Alicia> "Sir, you keep repeating your ignorance as to the contents of the contract if it has any relevance. The only thing that matters in the eyes of the law is the fact that the contract *was* signed, and *is* binding," Alicia lectures, giving Seira a minute shake of her head.
[22:17] <Alicia> "Now, you may like to think that 'serfs' do not have the clout to see to the proper enforcement of the contract, but my friend and I do know our way around official channels, and we're now involved. You can't just hide and hope the problem will go away, now."
[22:21] <Kotono> "Grr..." He shakes his head with an irritation, "Was it one of you two and you're going to take a skim off the top?" He asks, going to a desk. He fishes around, using a key to oepn a lockbox. "33 times 3 is...99 gold coins." With a look of disgust, "Fine, here," he tosses several handfulls in front of the woman. "Take them and go."
06[22:23] * Alicia turns up her nose at Isoru. "Consider it a costly lesson. I'm sure from now on you'll be more careful about exploiting your workers to ensure it doesn't repeat," she tells him distastefully. "Wasn't it two gold, each, anyway?" she then adds.
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, honest GM typo.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Grr..." He shakes his head with an irritation, "Was it one of you two and you're going to take a skim off the top?" He asks, going to a desk. He fishes around, using a key to oepn a lockbox. "33 times 2 is...66 gold coins." With a look of disgust, "Fine, here," he tosses several handfulls in front of the woman. "Take them and go."
06[22:25] * Alicia turns up her nose at Isoru. "Consider it a costly lesson. I'm sure from now on you'll be more careful about exploiting your workers to ensure it doesn't repeat," she tells him distastefully.
[22:25] <Kotono> Kneeling, the woman scoops up the coins in both hands. "Thanks," she says to him, "Glad that you have some sense in that head of yours."
01[22:26] <Seira> "Please curb your dangerous stupidity in the future," Seira tells the man, before dismissing him entirely from her mind. "So what's your name?" she asks the apparent leader. "And did you organize the contract like he said?"
[22:28] <Kotono> "Got a friend who's working for a contract writer," She keeps her voice low as she turns around and walks out. "Nara." As she stands a moment in the doorway, "Good timing, though. I t hought the idiot would never listen."
06[22:28] * Seira shrugs. "Let's go and distribute the gold." She steps outside. "Do leave me a way to contact you in the future. I might have an interesting job offer."
[22:30] <Alicia> "He was foolish, but if we hadn't come along there's good odds you and a few of your friends would wind up bleeding or in the cells," Alicia comments as they leave to ensure everyone gets their fair pay. "I'm glad we were able to avoid that."
02[22:38] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[23:05] <Kotono> As you exit out, you find all eye son you...and the gold Nara has in hand. Cheers spring up amid them.
[23:07] <Alicia> "Well, lets make sure everyone gets their fair share?" the paladin suggests, letting Nara handle the details and soak up the praise from her fellows, content simply to ensure everything passes peacefully.
06[23:09] * Seira merely waits for Nara to be done, herself.
[23:10] <Kotono> The gold is passed out swiftly, as you can see the guard approach. They eye the crowd, but..."Justice is done," Nara calls, as people take the money and begin to hurry away from the uncoming guardsmen.
01[23:12] <Seira> "So, interested in a job some time down the line?" Seira asks her.
[23:13] <Kotono> Glancing at the guardsmen, "Check out Ahmed's Tavern," she says quietly to Seira, starting to hurry away herself.
[23:13] <Kotono> "I'll be there."
06[23:14] * Seira nods to herself, and glances at Alicia. "Let's move on to the inn?"
06[23:14] * Seira follows her own suggestion, at that.
[23:14] <Alicia> "Where did Demedais go?" Alicia asks, looking around worriedly. "Perhaps we should wait here for him?"
01[23:15] <Seira> "He knows where we're all going, so if he doesn't find us here, he'll head there as well."

[Corwin]

[17:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The rest of the day passes in rest at the celestial's inn. While pleasant, nothing of note occurs. The next morning comes, the party gathered again inside one of the inn rooms.
[17:12] <Alicia> Borrowing Seira's ring, Alicia teleports the group onto the road leading from her family's estate into Kelara itself, about half a mile from the city gates. Hopefully.
[17:12] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 93."12 [1d100=93]
[17:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> In a blink the party appears! It takes amoment to get your bearings, for it is raining. A steady rain falls, wetting your clothes and armor in it's deep, chilly touch. To be precise, it's frozen rain, a few rills of snow and ice about. You are on a well travelled path. In one direction lies a faraway estate house, distantly seen in the rain. Ahead, you can see city walls of stone.
[17:17] <Alicia> "Brrr, can tell Winter's starting," Alicia shivers, pulling her cloak around her after handing Seira her ring back. "Come on, city's just ahead - we can ask around about Kagan Blackcloak, there."
06[17:18] * Demedais nods once and raises the hood on his cloak as he follows.
01[17:18] <Seira> "Anything we need to know, while we're here?" Seira asks, placing the ring away.
[17:20] <Alicia> "Kelara isn't that different than Balmuria, culturally," Alicia offers. "There aren't any strange laws you need to worry about accidentally breaking or anything like that, if that's what you're worried about."
06[17:21] * Seira nods. "We'll be fine, then. First stop, a temple to Mystra where we could ask around?"
[17:21] <Alicia> "Uh... though I suppose you might draw a few stares, Seira," she then adds. "Might want to keep your features covered?"
01[17:22] <Seira> "What, the humans are racists?" she asks, blinking in surprise.
[17:23] <Alicia> "There are a few elves that live here that are well known," Alicia clarifies. "Scaled people with claws and really big teeth, though? You're going to cause alarm from people that don't know you."
01[17:24] <Seira> "They're not too big," Seira says defensively, touching a tooth. "Just right, wouldn't you say?" she asks Demedais.
[17:25] <Demedais> "Get working on your djinn half to balance them out." Demedais comments wryly in reply. "Or, wait, you weren't still interested in that, were you?"
01[17:25] <Seira> "Dry up and die."
06[17:25] * Seira stalks ahead.
06[17:26] * Demedais raises one eyebrow before following.
[17:26] <Alicia> "Just don't blame me if someone thinks you'd make a good cloak," Alicia mutters, picking up her pace as they approach the gates.
[17:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The rain keeps falling as the party walks. It's drifting into a steady snowfall as they walk, the sun not even glimpsed. The sky is a mantle of gray, the grass and road becoming frosted with white. There are a few main gates, each one well manned. There are short lines of carts, wagons and travellers in front of each, slowly being admitted. A fair few soldiers, too.
[17:27] <Alicia> "More of a military presence than I remember," Alicia notes approvingly. "Hope that means they're taking this bandit uprising seriously... though whether outlying towns get this sort of protection is dubious," she trails off, mood turning sour as she joins the line.
06[17:28] * Demedais joins the line as well, shrugging a bit. "We're in no rush."
06[17:29] * Seira merely waits quietly to be admitted inside.
[17:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You fall in line behind a large open top wagon full of sealed barrels and boxes, covered by gray cloth. It takes about fifteen minutes to get to be next in line. The guard in front asks the wagon driver, "Do you have a city pass?" A scroll is passed to him in return, which the guard reads and passes back. "Alright, continue on. Keep your nose clean."
[17:30] <Demedais> "City pass?" Demedais asks idly. "This familiar to you, Alicia?"
[17:31] <Alicia> As the wagon moves inside, Alicia steps up to the guard after shaking her head to Demedais. "I'm Alicia Reynes, knight errant of the church of Saint Alastor. It's been about five years since I was last here, so I don't have a city pass. Is that going to be a problem?"
[17:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The guard, a well kept man with dark hair and a helmet that shades his facial features into a shadow, "Yeah, it's gonna. Saint Alastor, eh? Got anyone that can vouch for you there, or anyone important in the city?"
[17:34] <Alicia> "You can ask Dweomerkeeper Taldeer," Alicia replies. "Or really, anyone who's been at the temple for longer than five years. My family owns the vineyard about a mile that way," she points in the direction of the Reynes estate.
06[17:35] * Demedais leans back and waits.
[17:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> His eyes squint as he looks out, "Huh, I was wondering about that name." He scratches his side through a small gap in his armor, "What's the current owner's name?"
[17:37] <Alicia> "It's jointly owned by Arthur and Beatrice Reynes," Alicia replies, "Unless they've retired and passed it onto Charles since I last saw them."
[17:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> He grunts to that, "Yeah. Alright then, c'mon. Hey, Hugo! Cover my gate, I got a couple of passless wonders to escort in!" He calls, turning towards the gate. "Follow me. We'll get this confirmed quickly enough, ,a
[17:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Gah.
[17:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> He grunts to that, "Yeah. Alright then, c'mon. Hey, Hugo! Cover my gate, I got a couple of passless wonders to escort in!" He calls, turning towards the gate. "Follow me. We'll get this confirmed quickly enough, ma'am."
06[17:39] * Demedais nods once and follows Alicia, musing on this system.
[17:39] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods agreeably. "I had a letter from the temple a few weeks ago, they didn't mention anything about passes, but I take it the increased security has to do with these so-called rebels that are springing up?" she asks as they head into the city.
[17:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yep." You walk throught he main gate. The first building to the side is a fairly large compound of soldiers and such, fortified. The streets are cobblestones, slippery in the falling snow. "For all we know you're some bandit who wants to raise hell, so I ain't gonna say any more on it yet.":
01[17:41] <Seira> "Isn't it kinda bad since we've been let into the city already?" Seira mutters quietly to Demedais.
[17:41] <Alicia> "They're really that much of a threat?" Alicia frowns a bit, but doesn't press further, respecting his right to his suspicions if times are so dangerous.
[17:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You are lead inside and to a plain room with a couple of wooden benches and a grated, sealed off fireplace. A small fire burns there, keeping you warm. There's only one entrance into the room and no windows, and a few guards outside. "Make yourselves comfortable. 'tshouldn't be long.:
06[17:43] * Alicia sits down without any complaint. They haven't confiscated their weapons or anything, so it's clear they're not prisoners. Just need to be patient for the formalities.
06[17:44] * Demedais looks to Seira a bit askance. "This would be to ensure that we can be ejected without problems if needed, and/or within arm's reach of their own support. Still, this sort of room reminds me of the Malmuth incident, but without any indication they'll act the same..." Demedais leans against a wall, himself.
[17:44] <Demedais> "Of course, they don't account for the fact that you're a wizard because this is naturally something hard to account for."
[17:44] <Demedais> "Also they don't know this."
03[17:45] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[17:45] <Alicia> "Don't worry, even if it's been five years since I've visited, I'm still a respected member of the community," Alicia smiles. "For a non-noble, anyway. We shouldn't have any trouble."
01[17:45] <Seira> "I'm not worried. We can always pull the diplomats card. I'm just... annoyed. Sort of."
[17:47] <Demedais> "Relax. Formalities will help the lesser beings cope with your presence once you're fully a dragon." Demedais says good-naturedly as he looks to the fire.
[17:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> About a half hour passes until the door to your room opens. It open sa crack for just a moment, then, "Alicia!" A young, spry voice calls. He has black hair that's been let grow long, nearly trailing the floor.  His almond shaped green eyes and pointed ears tell of his inhuman origin. HE wears fancy robes of purple with a pattern of seven stars.  The guards outside wait until his expression changes for the better, then respectfully
[17:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop>  vacate away.
[17:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Strike.
[17:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> About a half hour passes until the door to your room opens. It opens a crack for just a moment, then, "Alicia!" A young, spry voice calls. She has black hair that's been let grow long, nearly trailing the floor.  Her almond shaped green eyes and pointed ears tell of her inhuman origin. She wears fancy robes of purple with a pattern of seven stars.  The guards outside wait until her expression changes for the better, then respectfull
[17:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> respectfully vacate away.
[17:53] <Alicia> "Dweomerkeeper!" Alicia smiles happily in reply, standing up to greet her priest. "It's good to see you again!"
06[17:54] * Demedais stands up and waits calmly for the formalities to be over.
[17:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It is." Her smile grows as she goes to Alicia, just a bit of snow lingering in her hair. "It's not been that long...though for you, it's been...too long." She lightly embraces Alicia, "You've grown in spirit, if the letters back about your efforts for Mystra in Balmuria were not enough indication."
[17:55] <Alicia> "I've been very busy," Alicia nods, before correcting, "We've been busy. I'd like you to meet Demedais, and Seira," she indicates the two in turn. "They've helped a great deal with recent challenges."
01[17:56] <Seira> "Hello, pretty elf person," Seira greets her, waving casually.
[17:56] <Demedais> "A pleasure." Demedais says, bowing to the Dweomerkeeper."
[17:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> She nods respectfully to Demedais, though her eyes drift to Seira. "My word. Is that...Ah, I'm sorry." She corrects herself. "Yes, it's a pleasure to meet both of you. Come," she turns away, walking out.
06[17:57] * Demedais grins slightly at this, but follows the Dweomerkeeper out.
06[17:57] * Seira follows as well, humming to herself.
[17:59] <Alicia> "Thank you for the support you've sent for our new temple in Balmuria, Dweomerkeeper," Alicia goes on as they head out of the guard building. "I hope you can come see it in person, someday."
01[17:59] <Seira> "Is there a temple to Waukeen here?" Seira asks suddenly.
[18:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The Dweomerkeeper leads you outside and deeper down the streets of Kelara. Amid the snow, you get a good view of the city. The roads are cobblestones and reasonably well kept, if also well travelled. The buildings are two or three stories each, wooden and stone constructs with classical apperances. High spires often accent the skies. The streets are relatively quiet, only a few out in the snow. "Perhaps I shall." As she leads you fu
[18:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As she leads you further in(More)
[18:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As she leads you further into the city, "There's a small one by traders, I believe. The Church of Mystra is the main one in this city, though the servants of Kelemvor have been increasing their size recently, and there are a few others."
01[18:04] <Seira> "Kelemvor?" Seira shudders. "Clearly, the small temple must be expanded."
06[18:05] * Demedais nods slightly. "And of Helm?"
[18:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There's been a group establishing a church here, of varying strenght." As you are lead on, towards the nicer parts of town, "Kelemvor had an inspired man in town receive visions recently, thus the rise. There have been a few others as well, though the rebels..." A tsk-tsk of her tongue.
[18:09] <Alicia> "Everyone keeps talking about them," Alicia notes, voice low. "Just how big a danger are they?"
01[18:10] <Seira> "And have you, by chance, heard of Kagan Blackcloak?" Seira asks, equally quietly.
[18:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fairly. That gate pass business is because they sent in a few assassins." She lowers her voice, then in a moment, wiggles her fingers and utters an arcane word. Now under her breath and whispered, yet loud and clear to the three of you, "They're flourishing by all reports, getting stronger where the reach of Kelara is weak."
[18:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I know him. He buys reagents and potions from our temple on occasion."
[18:14] <Alicia> "Assassins?" Alicia blinks. "Bandits don't send in assassins... it sounds like there's a lot more going on here than I realised."
[18:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a shrug, "They looked like bandits and fought like them, but acted intelligently. In fact," Stopping to eye Alicia, "Your father was near one of the attempts. It failed, but I hear he got a good shake up out of it. Wrong place, wrong time."
06[18:15] * Demedais stays quiet, just listening at this point.
06[18:16] * Alicia nods slowly. "I haven't visited home yet... in truth, Seira's question is the main reason we've come here. But I might want to look into this 'rebellion', myself..."
[18:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Mmmm. Come, his home's not far from here. I can take you to see him personally." Taldeer swerves down a side street, shivering against the snow that continues to weep down from the skies.
01[18:18] <Seira> "Could the two be related? I can't believe someone unrelated being targetted by Hell, so conveniently."
[18:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Taldeer stops there. "Hell?" she asks, a note rising in her voice.
01[18:19] <Seira> "Yes. You were taking us to meet him, right?"
06[18:19] * Alicia coughs. "Recently we've come into conflict with devils. Lots of them. After recently closing a portal to Baator in the desert fiefdoms, we found correspondence there indicating that Kagan Blackcloak was targetted by their assassins," she explains.
[18:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...ah." Picking up her pace now, hurrying down the street, "Yes, I am. Mystra in her heavens, the last thing any of us need is a devil being seen in Kelara. It would throw everything into a panic."
[18:21] <Alicia> "Apparently Kagan has already fought off one of them - we sent a Sending from Balmuria to warn him a few days ago, only to find he'd already dealt with one attack and that his 'efforts would continue'," Alicia goes on.
[18:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You are lead down a street of pleasant houses with lawns, all snow cloaked. One in the middle, no more or less remarkable than the others, is stopped at. "This is it," Taldeer announces, the three story building ahead of you. "I have pressing business elseware, but come see me once this is resolved, Alicia?"
[18:24] <Alicia> "Of course," Alicia smiles. "We've got a lot of catching up to do, after all. Blessings of the Weave upon you, Dweomerkeeper," she bids Taldeer farewell.
[18:25] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais bows again, before letting Alicia take the lead.
06[18:25] * Seira waves at the elf as she leaves.
[18:26] <Alicia> Since it doesn't hurt to be cautious, Alicia scans the dwelling for any signs of evil as she walks up to knock on the door.
[18:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door is knocked on! There's a pause of about twenty seconds before there's anything, and then, from behind the door, "What is you want?" A female voice challenges.
06[18:28] * Demedais follows, glancing for chaos seemingly unconcernedly before looking to Alicia. "You explain?"
[18:28] <Alicia> "My name is Alicia Reynes - is Kagan Blackcloak home? My friends and I would like to meet him," the paladin asks pleasantly in reply.
[18:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh!" You hear latches and bolts being thrown and undone, several of them. The woman opening the door is rather average in apperance, red hair in a braid. Not the best face, but what lies a little below is quite large and appealing. "Kagan mentioned you, come in. Quickly."
06[18:30] * Alicia smiles in reply as she steps inside. "Thank you."
01[18:31] <Seira> "Hello," Seira greets her, stepping inside after Alicia.
06[18:31] * Demedais bows slightly to the woman before following Alicia in and stepping to the side.
[18:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> She wears a warm winter's dress, though you note it's studded with dozens of small pockets. Once the three are inside the warm entrance, the door is closed and relatched. It's a really nicely made home and hearth ahead of you, a stairway seen in the corner. "Kagan told me about your sending," she begins. "Thanks for the warning - he's resting upstairs right now."
[18:33] <Alicia> "A pity it was too late for the first attack, but I'm glad he was able to fend them off, regardless," Alicia nods. "This is Seira and Demedais," she introduces her companions, "They were with me when we found the letter the devil's had written naming Kagan as a target."
06[18:35] * Demedais nods once at this, staying relatively calm.
[18:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There was a second one late last night, which is why he's resting," she explains, leading you to the room before the stairs. There are warm chairs arrainged around the fire there. "What's worse is that he has an injury that isn't healing from this one." She shakes her head, "I was just researching it, it's called a vile injury."
[18:38] <Alicia> "It can only be healed on consecrated ground," Alicia supplies, "Take him to a temple and they should be able to heal it easily."
06[18:39] * Seira nods in agreement.
[18:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'll look into it, yes," she says, "Sit here, I'll go see if he's up to visitors right now."
[18:40] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods and sits herself down.
06[18:40] * Demedais stays standing, waiting patiently.
[18:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's about three minutes before the woman returns. "Kagan will be down shortly," she announces, "Would you like some warmed wine while you wait?"
[18:44] <Alicia> "Not for me, thanks," Alicia demurs, "I don't drink."
01[18:44] <Seira> "I'll try it," Seira responds.
06[18:45] * Demedais blinks a moment. "I will take half a cup."
[18:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, I forgot. My name is Meryet," she smiles to them, before heading off and out of the room. "It's a pleasure again."
[18:47] <Demedais> "Ah. A pleasure, Meryet, and thank you."
[18:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> At that, she bustles off, giving the PCs a few moments amid themselves.
06[18:50] * Alicia is content to quietly wait until Kagan is up to speaking with them. Although she's going to suggest he get himself to the temple for proper healing at the first opportunity.
06[18:51] * Demedais leans back. "A second attempt? But there haven't been attempts at... you think they have another entrance?"
[18:51] <Alicia> "A lot of devils got through before we closed the portal, remember," Alicia points out.
[18:52] <Demedais> "True. Maybe they'll dry up soon, then."
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A few minutes later the two glasses of steaming wine are brought by Meryet. "Do enjoy," she smiles, "Let me go up and make sure Kagan's doing alright. I'll bring him down with me.
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "
01[18:54] <Seira> "We can just come up with you," Seira offers, tasting of the wine.
06[18:55] * Demedais sips the wine a little, before looking to Seira and Meryet.
[18:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's good and warm, banishing away the winter chill. "It would be better if not," she chides gently. "Kagan's woven a protective spell around his room and it's not keyed to any of you."
06[18:58] * Demedais nods once.
[18:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With that, Meryet heads back upstairs.
[18:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's about three minutes before Meryet returns. She helps a man come down - a man wrapped in a black cloak. His hair is gray but his beard still clings to a bit of black. He walks with a cane down the stairs, a bandage wrappeda round his arm, lightly red tinted. He peers about, resting on Meryet's arm. "Aaaah...which of you is Alicia?"
[19:00] <Alicia> "That would be me, sir," Alicia rises in greeting. "I'm sorry our visit couldn't find you in better health, though I'm glad you saw off the last attack, regardless."
01[19:01] <Seira> "Your name suits you very well," Seira says, nodding at the man in greeting. "Nice to meet you!"
[19:02] <Demedais> "I'm Demedais of Helm; this is Seira, of Waukeen." Demedais introduces the other two more formally, a bow to Kagan as well. "Our pleasure."
[19:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> He extends his hand out to Alicia, long white fingernails kept smooth. "It's good to meet all ofyou." He goes right for a chair, slumping down in it. "Damned Baazetu! I assume you've had problems with them as well?"
06[19:04] * Alicia shakes his hand, taking care to be gentle. "They've been very active all over, it seems. You weren't the only one mentioned in that letter, but it seems none of the other targets have been attacked - it listed two others, but did say 'or' rather than 'and', so it seems they're focusing on you to the exclusion of the other two. At least among that particular group."
[19:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Tymora's luck frowns on me," He settles into the chair, shifting a few times. THe bandage on his arm gets a bright red spot in the center as he does. "How'd you get a hold of a devilish correspondance? I assume the bounty of a successful battle?"
01[19:07] <Seira> "Speaking of battles, your vile wound? Why not go right now and treat it on consecrated ground?"
[19:07] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais looks to the bandage. "I would be inclined to say we go treat that as we talk, but yes, the result of a... rather long... battle."
[19:07] <Alicia> "There was a portal they were coming through in the Desert Fiefdoms," Alicia nods. "Fortunately now closed, but a lot of devils who came through before that now linger abroad on our world." Pausing, she goes on, "Sir, before we continue, I really suggest we go to the temple so we can heal your injury."
[19:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Meryet just found out how to treat it before you arrived. I haven't had the chance." Yet his eyes sharpen at Alicia's words, "So that was the source of them? I'm fine for now - it's not life threatening. Information's more important. Do you know anything else about these dogai?"
[19:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meryet lingers just behind the chair Kagan sits in.
[19:10] <Alicia> "They have common baatezu traits - spell resistance, resistance to weapons unless they've been blessed, immunity to fire and so on," Alicia begins. "The really pertinent parts were in my message - they can turn invisible and teleport short distances. They're somewhat skilled, but still seem likely to abandon melee combat against anyone who can fight back, preferring to make surprise attacks instead."
[19:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That all plays out with what I saw," Kagan agrees. "They're fast, almost impossible to detect with my regular senses alone, and deadly if they surprise you. However, this time it had a surprise." He reaches to his arm, "This one has a bastard sword and it flashed green when it gave me this wound. I was lucky it was only a graze."
[19:13] <Alicia> "Probably an enchanted weapon - inflicting vile damage isn't a natural trait of theirs," Alicia surmises.
[19:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Lovely." He stops there, "While I thank you again for your efforts, I do ask - why have you come here? Are you hunting the devils that have slipped into our world?"
01[19:16] <Seira> "Hey, someone who's made him some devil enemies? We totally want to be friends!"
06[19:17] * Alicia smiles briefly at Seira's exuberance. "Plus we were naturally curious as to what you might have done to earn their focused ire in such a manner."
01[19:17] <Seira> "And we did want to help if they came in numbers for attempt number three."
[19:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Then we can come to some sort of agreement," Kagan eyes the two with a certain tired openness. "Simply stay here until they attack again - they seem hellbent on it. If you can kill the dogai, I'll reward you for your services."
[19:19] <Demedais> "I came along to keep them out of trouble. If they choose to stay, I'll assist as well." Demedais nods once.
01[19:19] <Seira> "Only if you get treated first. I don't really waste my time on people that don't help themselves," Seira voices. "That's not an issue here, though, is it?"
[19:20] <Alicia> "What was the length of time between the last two attacks?" Alicia asks.
[19:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "About a week," Answering that as he stands, "And very well, I'll go get treated. Come, Meryet."
[19:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As he struggles to stand, "Oh, and you said your name was Reynes?" He asks as an after thought to Alicia.
06[19:22] * Alicia nods. "I'm from Kelara originally, but this is the first time I've been back in five years."
[19:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Do you have a sister named Beth?" He asks, as Meryet goes and gets a warm looking coat for Kagan.
[19:24] <Alicia> "Yes..." Alicia replies slowly. "Did you enchant her sword, by any chance?"
06[19:24] * Demedais pauses near the door, listening.
[19:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Her sword? No. I am familiar with her...we had..." He stops and just shakes his head. "It's old history. Shall we go?"
[19:28] <Alicia> "Very old," Alicia agrees sternly, heading out.
06[19:29] * Demedais follows slowly, keeping pace with Kagan.
[19:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The trip to the temple is without incident. The snow is stacking up nicely, the streets becoming emptier and emptier.  The church in question is a seven steepled temple with statues and frescoes dotting it. Colored lights dance around those steeples, like spirits frolicing in the snow. You are taken inside past a court yard and into the main worship area. At the entrance to this place Taldeer awaits.
[19:51] <Alicia> Once inside the temple and within twenty feet of the altar, Alicia reaches over and rests a hand on Kagan's arm, bestowing as much healing as needed to restore his health.
01[19:51] <Seira> "It does occur to me that Alicia's question on what you did that made you a target was never really answered," Seira points out.
[19:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The wound mends, the white bandage falling away. "Aaaaah..." he sighs as he ru bs is now intact arm. "In short...I came into conflict with a wizard that summoned hellspawn - including a Gelugon that took the fool's own life. Before they could break out, I was able to disrupt the summoning circle, sending them all back to Hell on the cusp of an escape."
[19:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 sense motive why not
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 sense motive why not and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[19:56] <Alicia> "Fortuitious timing," Alicia notes, nodding to Taldeer in greeting.
[19:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "..ah." Taldeer smiles, "Alicia, could I pry you away for a short time?"
01[19:57] <Seira> "Doesn't really seem on the same scale," Seira muses quietly to herself.
[19:57] <Alicia> "Of course, Dweomerkeeper," the paladin agrees. "If you'll excuse me?" she tells the others as she ducks away.
06[19:58] * Demedais nods once to Alicia, before looking to the man and then to Seira. "On the other hand, they seem to be willing to aim for anyone who has opposed them in any manner. This doesn't surprise me too much."
[19:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hm?" As Alicia and Taldeer depart away, Kagan asks Seira.
[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOc - #evil, Alicia.

---

[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ---
[20:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia is lead to private chambers - a grand room of meditation, the walls covered with a long prayer to the Mother of Magic. Taldeer sits on the floor, facing that. "Is this a visit, or are you returning to Kelara for a longer time?"
[20:02] <Alicia> "Just a visit, really," Alicia admits as she sits next to the elf. "I have too many responsibilities in Balmuria to linger long, although I expect I'll be here at least for a few days so I can catch up with people and hopefully help Kagan with his problem."
[20:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Mmmm." She nods to that, "Your family does well. Last year's harvest and stock was superb; their coffers are richened. Your brother lives with his wife and stays quiet. Your mother and father are the same, though their stock is rising. After nearly being too close to an assassination, Arthur donated a large sum to the country's defense. It's why you didn't end up being taken to a dungeon cell for not having a city pass."
[20:05] <Alicia> "They'd really do that?" Alicia looks fairly alarmed at the thought of being imprisoned over something so bureaucratic.
[20:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a thin frown, "They would. Oh, if your story and source checked out they'd issue a city pass and free you in due time, but..." She shakes her head firmly. "This rebellion is serious and well coordinated. It's not reached this far yet, but there's some worry Kelara's about to come apart at the seams. Money's being borrowed from nobles, wealthy merchants and the neighboring Desert Fiefdoms as troops are raised and mercenaries
[20:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> raised and mercenaries are purchased."
03[20:09] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
02[20:09] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[20:10] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[20:10] <Alicia> "Mmm... I've never particular cared for the ruling classes, here, but to see my home turned over to brigands..." Alicia frowns and shakes her head. "I may see about extending my stay in order to look into this rebellion further." Sighing, she puts that aside for the moment, "At least my family is doing well," she smiles lopsidedly, "Mother will be thrilled if they can buy their way into the nobility."
[20:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Don't you have duties in Balmuria?" Taldeer questions, but lets it rest a moment. "Beatrice will be, yes. It's rather likely if this works out well. Baroness Alicia...hmmm." She lingers over that, "What of your sister, Beth? She's not been seen around Kelara in some time, or even mentioned."
[20:17] <Alicia> "I do, but I can make the time if it's important," Alicia acknowledges. "As for Beth, there lies a long and sordid tale..." she cocks her head, "Are you sure you have the time?"
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I do. I'd rather like to hear what happened to her." Taldeer invites. "I...I hate to ask, but did her deeds finally catch up to her, Alicia?"
[20:21] <Alicia> "In a big way," Alicia nods, sighing. "When I was travelling East, intending to visit your homeland, I heard tales that the Archbaron of the United Baronies had barely survived an assassination attempt, with the one responsible identified as Beth Reynes."
[20:21] <Alicia> "By sheer luck, I happened across the Archbaron himself while heading to Balmuria to investigate. I... said some rather rash things, and wound up having to swear myself into his service in exchange for leniency for Beth. Fortunately he's turned out to be a just and fair ruler, and I still advance Mystra's will in his service. Unfortunately, Beth was hardly grateful for my efforts..."
[20:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I see." A shake of he rhead, "...was? ...I'm sorry." Taldeer reaches over to clasp Alicia's shoulder.
[20:24] <Alicia> "Things were very acrimonious between us, until eventually I couldn't stand it any more and withdrew my plea for mercy on her behalf. Then, before her execution... she sold her soul to a devil. In exchange for killing me," she barks out a sharp laugh at the concept.
[20:24] <Alicia> "After I fought off the first assassin, I went straight to her, and found out she'd only agreed to go with the devil's bargain after Shar herself had offered to free her and make her into a favoured servant. She just didn't care about anything, anymore."
[20:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Shar..." Taldeer shivers all over at that name, "The Black Bitch is never content at leaving us be, is she?"
[20:31] <Alicia> "No... anyway, I somehow finally got it into her head how badly she'd screwed up, and she agreed to look for a way out with me. Mystra guided us to a being called Judgement who would allow her to atone and void the contract she'd made, but only if she were to rescue to innocent souls from the Halls of the Vanquished, on the Fifth Layer of Baator."
[20:31] <Alicia> "I went with her, and we succeeded, but earned some powerful enemies in the process. Worse than that, Beth herself was exposed to the waters of the River Styx, losing all of her memories..."
[20:31] <Alicia> *two innocent souls
[20:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "She's still alive, then?" Taldeer asks, but otherwise listens, attention rapt.
06[20:36] * Alicia nods. "She's not Beth, not anymore. But she's happy, which I suppose is a lot better than it could have turned out," she explains, feeling a bit better for having gotten all that out. It's practice for when she talks to her parents, anyway...
[20:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "She's living with you in Balmuria now?" Taldeer asks, thoughtfully.
[20:38] <Alicia> "Yes. I have a friend looking after her while I'm here," the paladin replies. "That's a whole other story..."
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Alicia..." Taldeer looks at her, "And you're thinking of staying here for a time?"
[20:42] <Alicia> "Not for too long," Alicia clarifies. "But I don't feel like I can altogether ignore what's happening in Kelara, either. If I can do something about these brigands but don't, then I'd be as bad as I was before..." she trails off, hesitating until she just blurts it out, "Before Hans and Felix were killed."
[20:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Mmmm." Taldeer listens to that before starting to smile. "It's good to hear you say that. But..are you planning to just execute them all?"
06[20:45] * Alicia snorts. "No. I'd like to try and find out more about them - whether they have any legitimate grievances or if they really are just nothing more than bandits. I don't want to act without knowing the full story."
[20:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Alright. I have some eyes working in them already. I can let you know about that once you finish with the business with Kagan?"
[20:50] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia smiles gratefully. "When I heard about this from Arnaud I couldn't really get involved being so far away in Balmuria, but now that I am here..." she trails off. "Of course, if the army would actually act themselves, I wouldn't need to."
[20:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a snort, "Oh, good to know Arnaud's keeping busy," she murmurs, but then, "They're preparing, but if they don't crush it right away...no one can pretend it's not a civil war. Politics." With a lithe shrug as she stands, "It's good to see you again."
[20:52] <Alicia> "Likewise," Alicia smiles, rising to her feet. "I'll be sure to stop by again, tomorrow," she promises, going to rejoin Seira and Demedais.
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - #dunes.

---

06[20:01] * Seira shrugs. "Never mind. So, what do you do for a living?"
[20:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I study magic. My father was a wealthy trader who died rich." With a slight look, Kagan looks about, some benches for prayer along the walls. He goes to sit on one. "What of you?"
06[20:03] * Demedais follows Seira and Kagan toward the bench, vaguely looking over the prayers.
01[20:04] <Seira> "I study magic and dragons. It's pretty fun."
[20:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There are devotees praying on other benches, as well as some written in books on shelves built into the sides of the benches. "Worthy pursuits..." he ruminates on that a moment, before his eyes widen. "Wait...do you come from Balmuria? The place where a blue dragon was recently slain?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "Ah, Kondrux," Seira reminisces fondly. "We made a robe out of him."
[20:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Remarkable," Kagan marvels, "So that means...Demedais the Dragonslayer?" He looks at Demedais full on. "You killed a dragon...with a SWORD?"
03[20:09] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
02[20:09] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
01[20:10] <Seira> "Is it more impressive than killing a dragon with an axe?" Seira asks at that.
03[20:10] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
03[20:11] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[20:11] <Demedais> "A sword, some tricks, and a lot of luck and support."  Demedais says, before muttering a curse under his breath. "You mean the stories have come this far?"
[20:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "A few of them, though I confess to keeping my ears to the ground about the world," His interest picks up, eyes alight. "Well, well. No wonder the three of you are hunting devils. You're clearly capable of it."
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As the pause in the conversation stretches on, "...aaah. Have I offended in some way?" he asks, looking to the two.
01[20:17] <Seira> "Not really," Seira says, shrugging. "I'm just quiet sometimes. It happens."
[20:17] <Demedais> "Ah, no. I'm just thinking of how I'd rather not be well known, but it seems Kondrux's caused me problems even beyond his death." Demedais shakes his head.
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Then let us wait for Miss Reynes?" He asks of them, half closing his eyes.
01[20:18] <Seira> "I don't really care about being known, and it's even fun to hear about it. But actually talking about myself is different, you know?"
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Strike my line.
[20:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You're famous enough. I should've remembered as soon as I heard your names. Even meeting part of the guard's noteworthy, even I hear there's others. A blonde haired warrior, a caster in touch with nature  and a bard?"
01[20:20] <Seira> "That's a bit out of date," Seira says curtly.
[20:21] <Demedais> "Mhf. Amusingly enough my problem's the opposite. I've got little to nothing I keep secret about myself, but... to hear people know me is discomforting." A pause at Kagan's words. "That... has its own story. I will explain it some other time, if needed." A sympathetic look to Seira.
[20:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Ah." He doesn't press that instead, "You said the devils came from the desert?"
[20:22] <Demedais> "Yes. An old summoning circle they reactivated, apparently." Demedais shakes his head.
[20:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "An old summoning circle in the desert? An old wizard's tower, perhaps, or a madman's hideaway?" He muses on this, "What unfortunate luck. Aaaah, Tymora, you damn us a swell as save us."
01[20:24] <Seira> "Incidentally, if you hear of other portals being opened from our plane elsewhere, do let us know. We would appreciate keeping an eye on these things."
[20:26] <Demedais> "It keeps these two busy." Demedais nods once.
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I shall," Kagan promises to that, "Mmmm. This snow may be a boon.  If it's still here tonight, it'll make snowbanks and easy tracks for the next few days, at least."
01[20:28] <Seira> "You mentioned an exciting reward?" Seira asks brightly, then. "Normally, I wouldn't ask for one in this situation, but I also tend to accept things when people give them to me. What did you have in mind?"
06[20:29] * Demedais occupies himself with looking over the temple.
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's very nicely made. Worshippers come and go, praying before a statue of Mystra. There is a smaller statue of well as a human, a few do study in it's shadow. Occasionally flickers of lights play about...mmm. In the ceiling, one of the flickers of light seems to shift. (More, moment in PM, Deme.)
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I have a suit of enchanted armor that I'm not doing anything with. You heroes could find something to do with it, I'm sure."
06[20:34] * Demedais turns, looking straight at the shifting light in clear confusion.
06[20:35] * Seira nods. "Sounds great. I considered wearing one, you know? Just because armor looks cool. But it ended up being too much trouble."
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I know someone who's tried, but it's too much trouble for me. If I need to be protected by armor, I've done something wrong," Kagan snorts.
01[20:37] <Seira> "Yes, magic is way better at it. But did I mention that some armors just look very, very cool?" Seira nods again for good measure.
06[20:37] * Demedais glances toward the people in the shadow of the second statue, one eyebrow raised as he zones out the conversation. After all, he's not wearing armor currently.
[20:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes, well..." Kagan cracks a slight smile at that. "Better casting magic than looking well and not."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Except during ambushes, I suppose," Seira says, though she doesn't really argue over the point. "Say, which is the strongest spell you know?"
[20:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fourth circle magic. I recently had a breakthrough and found my efforts becoming far more progessive and successful," Kagan reports with his own look of pride.
06[20:41] * Demedais turns back to the conversation and shrugs to himself. "Eh, armor's useful for those of us without any real magical talent." Demedais comments. "'course, magic's useful to get the stuff on."
07[20:42] * Ginrai has left IRC
02[20:42] * Laggy (~Laggy@adsl-68-126-206-151.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net sebben.dejatoons.net)
03[20:43] * Laggy (~Laggy@adsl-68-126-206-151.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has joined #dunes
03[20:43] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Laggy
[20:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah," Kagan agrees to that, "You don't look to be the mage sort yourself."
01[20:45] <Seira> "What about Meryet?" Seira asks. "Is she a mage, too?"
[20:45] <Demedais> "Paladin and kensai. No training in magic." Demedais nods.
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "She is, but she's never been very talented. She can cast second circle magic, and only recently." He nods to Demedais at that, "Paladins can invoke some divine magic, can't they?"
01[20:48] <Seira> "His training skipped that part. And all parts that aren't stabbing dragons." Seira shrugs. "She's your daughter, or just an apprentice?"
[20:48] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais pauses at this. "I... suppose? I don't think of it even as divine magic, so much as it is just indirect assistance from Helm. ...though... that's the same thing, isn't it."
[20:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Kagan looks at Seira levelly. "She's my wife."
07[20:49] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
[20:49] <Demedais> "I beg your pardon, Seira, but my training also taught me how to stab other things!" Demedais says with mock indignation.
01[20:50] <Seira> "Huh. I was sure that in that case she wouldn't be that far behind you in the arcane arts. Sorry?"
06[20:51] * Demedais rubs head for a few moments.
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Her talent takes to her to where she should be," Kagan replies, not commenting past that, going quiet.
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's not long past that when Alicia returns, however...
[20:54] <Alicia> "Sorry for the delay," Alicia says upon rejoining them. "Shall we?" she then looks towards the exit.
01[20:56] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees. "I just insulted our host, but I'm sure we'll get past that soon enough."
[20:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes, let's," Kagan gets up, "I'll take us to my home and show you the grounds, so you know them."
06[20:56] * Demedais nods. "Thank you, sir."
[20:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As you return, the snow showers have turned into a snow storm. The wind is picking up, sending freezing sprays of snow about. It's not frigidly cold, but it's cold enough for snow and to freeze water. A few inches are on the ground by the time you get to Kagan's home once more. There is a small front lawn - about 40 feet by 120 feet, and a small back yard that's fenced in with a high, towering wooden fence ten feet tall. On inside a
[20:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop>  On inside and it's warmth(More)
[20:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> On inside and it's warmth, "Aaah. For the inside? There's the front door, a side door off the back storage room, and several windows. The upper floors only have windows and those are our personal quarters."
06[21:02] * Demedais nods once. "Alright."
[21:04] <Alicia> "Hmm... Demedais, you can pray for restoration spells so we won't get tired?" Alicia suggests. "Since Seira and I have all our spells anyway, we won't need to worry about restoring them until after we fight off the assassin, and that'll let us stay up all night if need be."
01[21:06] <Seira> "Sounds like a plan to me," Seira agrees. "I also have a scroll ready for the chance it goes invisible, and I could glitterdust is afterwards."
[21:07] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods once. "My primary time is around dusk; I will do so then?"
[21:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have some wards upstairs to help, though it's shown ability penetrate them," Kagan warns. "Are you going to stay inside or keep watches outside as well?"
[21:08] <Alicia> "Being seen outside might scare it off, unless it teleports directly inside from afar without seeing whomever's keeping watch outside," Alicia posits. "It's only been a single dogai each time, right?"
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," Kagan confirms, as in the kitchen, you can hear Meryet fixing up some food.
[21:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: ARe you going to have any other precautions on you or whatever beyond just waiting at your stations? Official chance to declare anything on, like detect evil or others.
[21:19] <Alicia> OOC: detect evil is go
[21:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Okay. Going once...
[21:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Going twice...
[21:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Okay, let's go.
01[21:20] <Seira> OOC: Let's go~
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The snow falls for the rest of the way, and keeps going at night. Nearly a foot is on the ground as night takes over from day, the party preparing in places. Meryet brings warm drinks and hot foot early in the night, before going to bed. For Demedais, he stays in vigil in the upstairs hallway of the third floor, just outside the door of the master bedroom. Alicia mans the front door, Seira the side door.
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> (More)
[21:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The midnight hour has just passed, when...OOC - Alicia, would you make a caster level check for DE?
[21:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2 lol
06[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+2 lol and gets 11."12 [1d20=9]
[21:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 23."12 [1d20=12]
[21:27] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 uber dogai?
06[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 uber dogai? and gets 16."12 [1d20=3]
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The night seems to linger on...Upstairs, Demedais waits in front of the door to the bedroom. Yet abruptly...
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+22
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+22 and gets 23."12 [1d20=1]
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+17
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+17 and gets 21."12 [1d20=4]
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+12
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15."12 [1d20=3]
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Flatfooted AC, Deme?
[21:32] <Demedais> OOC - Uh. Presuming I had armor called on (reasonable)... 30. >_>
[21:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> In a startled moment, a lashing of blades glances off Demedais' royal armor! OOC -Initiative between you and it, Deme.
[21:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 yeah, good luck to me on this.
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 yeah, good luck to me on this. and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[21:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
03[21:34] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to '?????>Demedais of Miko'
[21:34] <Demedais> "Gh?! What the hell-?" Demedais chokes out, turning toward where he thinks the blades lashed out...
[21:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Before Demedais can react, blows lash out again! This time, there is a flash of sickening green to it's blade as it strikes out at the still unprepared kensai!
[21:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+22
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+22 and gets 32."12 [1d20=10]
[21:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+17
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+17 and gets 32."12 [1d20=15]
[21:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+12
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25."12 [1d20=13]
[21:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Still 30 for flatfooted?
[21:35] <Demedais> OOC: Yeeeeeeep.
[21:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 2d8+14+6d6+6d6
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 2d8+14+6d6+6d6 and gets 60."12 [2d8=2, 1][6d6=5, 4, 1, 1, 3, 6][6d6=6, 3, 4, 2, 4, 4]
[21:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Demedais tries to right himself, the flash of green fades as it slices into his body! The wounds are perfect, precise and deadly! They leave aching, screaming wounds, mamking Demedais' stomach want to empty it's contents here and now! OOC - Deme.
[21:38] <Demedais> "Kh... We have company! Up here!" Demedais bellows, before lashing out at where he guesses the enemy is based on his own wounds, attempting to ignore the roiling pain!
[21:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -3 CE)
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -3 CE) and gets 19."12 [1d20=3]
[21:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -3 CE)
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -3 CE) and gets 30."12 [1d20=14]
[21:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (+1 Haste -3 CE)
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (+1 Haste -3 CE) and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[21:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (+1 Haste -3 CE)
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (+1 Haste -3 CE) and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[21:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - One hit. Roll 1d100 for miss chance based on invisibility.
[21:40] <Demedais> roll 1d100
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 and gets 46."12 [1d100=46]
[21:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Demedais lashes out, drawing up his defenses! HIs body aches as he lashes out, not able to connect! OOC - I assume each of you heard the shouts. It's one round of full moving to get to the third floor hall for Alicia, and two rounds for Seira. Roll initaitive and I'll add you in.
[21:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12."12 [1d20=7]
[21:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> From the bedroom sounds are heard, bustling and moving!
[21:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+4
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[21:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=8]
03[21:42] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to '????=Kagan>Demedais>Alicia of Miko'
03[21:42] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to '????=Kagan>Demedais>Alicia>Meryet of Miko'
01[21:42] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 nerveskitter
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 nerveskitter and gets 16."12 [1d20=4]
03[21:43] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to '????=Kagan>Sei-ra>Demedais>Alicia>Meryet of Miko'
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There is only one lashing strike out at Demedais this time, thankfully, as the unseen figure...
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20 and gets 12."12 [1d20=12]
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC 22+12 is 34. What's your AC now, Deme?
[21:44] <Demedais> OOC: 35: +1 Dex +1 Haste +3 CE
[21:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Invisible negates your AC mod to AC. See #elysium.
[21:45] <Demedais> OOC: ...okay, 34.
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+7+6d6
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+7+6d6 and gets 30."12 [1d8=3][6d6=4, 3, 6, 5, 1, 1]
[21:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The blow is like a surgeon's knife, slicing into Demedais kidney with a sickening precision! Meanwhile, from the bedroom, you hear chanting! OOC - Seira.
06[21:47] * Seira instantly reads her scroll of See Invisibility, before rushing up the stairs towards the sounds of combat, both of her swords drawn!
[21:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Alicia.
06[21:48] * Alicia doesn't waste time with any defensive spells, simply bounding up the stairs as fast as she can with her enhanced speed, drawing Hell Striker as she reaches the third floor!
[21:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira hurries along, reaching the bottom of the first floor stairs at the end of her partial move. She can't see it yet, needing to climb the stairs.
[21:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia sprints up thes tairs! She reaches the top with her move, seeing a greviously wounded Demedais and no sign of an assassin! From the bedroom you hear more chanting, this time in Meryet's voice! Yet...no more attacks immediately come to assail Demedais, but there is more chanting from inside the room! OOC - Seira.
[21:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - I'm sorry, hold your action, Alicia. My fault, I skipped over Deme in the order.
[21:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Strike my last line and Alicia's. Deme, you're up.
06[21:51] * Demedais grunts before striking out four more times with quick lashes, aiming to try and nail this thing or at least block the attacks from hitting again!
[21:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -4 CE)
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -4 CE) and gets 24."12 [1d20=9]
[21:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -4 CE)
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 (+1 Haste -4 CE) and gets 27."12 [1d20=12]
[21:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (+1 Haste -4 CE)
06[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (+1 Haste -4 CE) and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[21:53] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 (+1 Haste -4 CE)
06[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 (+1 Haste -4 CE) and gets 6."12 [1d20=1]
[21:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: 1d100 for the one hit.
[21:53] <Demedais> roll 1d100
06[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 and gets 47."12 [1d100=47]
[21:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Demedais swings viciously about, but he doesn't connect with anything but the air of the hallway! OOC - Alicia, now you're up.
06[21:53] * Alicia doesn't waste time with any defensive spells, simply bounding up the stairs as fast as she can with her enhanced speed, drawing Hell Striker as she reaches the third floor!
[21:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia sprints up thes tairs! She reaches the top with her move, seeing a greviously wounded Demedais and no sign of an assassin! From the bedroom you hear more chanting, this time in Meryet's voice! Yet...no more attacks immediately come to assail Demedais, but there is more chanting from inside the room! OOC - Seira.
06[21:54] * Seira goes up the stairs!
[21:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira reaches the top of the stairs! OOC - caster level check on see invis.
01[21:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 13."12 [1d20=10]
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira doesn't see a dogai about, but she does see Alicia and a gravely wounded Demedais! OOC: Deme.
06[22:06] * Demedais grunts. "No attacks...? Stupid invisible devils, can't see a damn whit of what it's doing...!" With that, a moment of pure focus as Demedais' arms clench, before his blade lashes out once with shocking force toward the guessed square!
[22:06] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (+4 Kensai RAAAGE +1 Haste -11 CE)
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (+4 Kensai RAAAGE +1 Haste -11 CE) and gets 22."12 [1d20=10]
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Demedais swings hard and defensively, but only cuts the air! OOC - Alicia.
[22:09] <Alicia> "Invisible?" 'Hell Striker, can you detect it?' Alicia asks, taking one hand off her sword as she weaves a spell through the air before her. "Mother of Magic, heed my call, break the spell before me!"
[22:09] <Alicia> OOC: area dispel
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 27."12 [1d20=17]
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - What's the second roll for?
[22:10] <Alicia> OOC: I'm assuming the Dogai has at least 2 spells on it (improved invis and nondetection). Tell me if I should keep rolling, since I'm meant to stop as soon as I've dispelled one. Then I can check against Seira's see invis.
[22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia casts dispel...but nothing seems to happen! More chanting from Meryet, as...nothing from the unseen dogai at all. OOC - Go ahead and go into free actions.
01[22:12] <Seira> "It ran away?" Seira asks, looking around.
[22:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Is ther eanything?" Kagan calls out from the bedroom.
[22:14] <Demedais> "Ghg." Demedais leans against the wall, clutching his side for a moment...
06[22:14] * Seira approaches Demedais, sheathing a sword before placing a hand on his shoulder.
[22:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The last wound heals, but the other wounds continue to ache and throb, unmending.
01[22:15] <Seira> roll 3d8+12
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+12 and gets 29."12 [3d8=8, 7, 2]
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The rest of the injury heals, but two of the injuries are unaffected at all. These glow with a vile black and green aura, seeming to leech life out of the nearby flesh.
06[22:15] * Demedais inhales. "Scout out the rest of the area. Kagan, it seems to have disappeared; bypassed Seira and Alicia somehow. Only stopped here since I was in front of the door.
[22:15] <Alicia> "It must have teleported away - but it's only a short range one, we might still be able to find it," Alicia suggests, not wasting any time as she casts Fly then goes to open a nearby window and fly outside, attempting a spiral search pattern like she used to catch the first Dogai she encountered, relying on Hell Striker and her ability to detect evil to try and find it.
[22:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a spot check, Alicia.
06[22:16] * Seira nods to herself. "Demedais, will you be alright here?"
[22:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 I didn't say I'd rely on my eyesight...
06[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 I didn't say I'd rely on my eyesight... and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[22:17] <Demedais> "...Maybe?" Demedais hazards. "Put frankly, its initial assault was beyond what I expected, but... I should be okay for now. Make sure it doesn't escape."
06[22:18] * Seira nods, and rushes outside herself!
[22:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Go ahead and make a caster level check on DE and see invis, you two.
[22:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[22:22] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 14."12 [1d20=3]
[22:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: #evil, Deme?

---

[22:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meryet opens the door, looking to Demedais. "The same wound..." she breathes out, "Do you want bandages at least?"
[22:25] <Demedais> "That'd... be nice. Make sure I don't bleed over your floor..." A slight grin. "Alicia and Seira are pursuing."
[22:27] <Demedais> "You two are alright?"
[22:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Kagan comes out w ith bandages, a field of etherial force in front of him. "It didn't reach us, thanks to your protection," he says, starting to bandage. "This'll hurt a bit, but it'll keep the bleeding in check."
[22:29] <Demedais> "That's fine. Just irritated I didn't get a blow in on it, but the last one we encountered was visible, so I anticipated this one would be as well, at least at first." Demedais growls.
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There is pain as the wounds are tied, the injuries screaming at Demedais in pure tones of agony. "They're a little too smart for my likings, then. Or this one is."
[22:31] <Demedais> "Probably just this one." Demedais grins slightly again before wincing.
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The wounds are bandaged in due time, the pain under control. "I hope your friends get it. Are they careful?"
[22:44] <Demedais> "...Careful?" Demedais asks, standing upright again.
[22:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Careful. It's a sneaky assassin," Kagan says, looking about the hall. "Bah, afraid in my own home!"
[22:50] <Demedais> "If you mean in regards to general safety? No. Which is perhaps why they're best off pursuing it. Devils don't expect opponents to go berserker instantly." Demedais tries to maintain his grin.
[22:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "What about demons doing that?" Kagan murmurs, "Don't they fight in some sort of war?"
[22:54] <Demedais> "There's a reason I handle the demons fairly well." Demedais grins. "But they consider most humans frail, fleshy targets."
[22:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Most are." Kagan murmurs as he looks about a few times. "You're not. You took two deep wounds from that sword and you're still kicking."
[22:57] <Demedais> "I got lucky his first set of attacks bounced off my armor." Demedais shakes his head. "Which I won't be taking off until those two tell me the dogai is dead, idly."
[22:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meryet comes over with a glass of some sort of spirit, smelling strong. "Drink this, it'll dull the pain."
06[22:59] * Demedais drinks a bit of it, looking down into it afterward. "What is it?"
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It makes Demedais feel...nice. His throat burns, but his wounds feel distant. "It's a mix of a few natural compounds and a magical agent. It'll dull the pain."
06[23:00] * Demedais inhales for a moment, before drinking the rest. "Thank you. It'll help me focus if that damn thing returns."
03[23:01] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.112.23.198) has joined #evildunes
[23:01] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 and gets 30."12 [1d20=14]
06[23:02] * Demedais inhales. "And now is when I am glad I don't have any prohibitions against alcohol, I take it."
[23:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Heh," Smiling at that, "Glad you enjoy it." Meryet smiles, "Just stand guard and hope that's the last we see of the dogai."
[23:07] <Demedais> "It is potent, and it has been a while since I've actually had a drink, aside from the warmed wine. ...3 or so months?" Demedais muses.
[23:08] <Demedais> "And over a year since I've had alcohol." Demedais adds after a thought.
06[23:11] * Demedais pauses for an even longer length of time. "And... about a year since I've eaten anything more than a bite? Huh."
[23:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Curious. An ascetic lifestyle?" Meryet inquires.
06[23:13] * Demedais holds up his right hand, showing the pale band on the fourth finger. "A gift from my temple. Made it so my need to eat, drink or sleep was greatly diminished. I don't mind, but I tend to, ah, forget nowadays."
[23:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, I think I know what that is," Kagan peers at the ring. "Don't you miss it?
[23:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "
[23:19] <Demedais> "...On occasion?" Demedais shrugs. "Though... I went on a pilgrimage in Malmuth for five years, cleaning up old temples and getting rid of some goblins in a few of them. Found the ring in one of them, it helped me out. The only dishes I make well are fish, everything else... edible, but not good. So I kinda got used to not eating or drinking much, saving money."
[23:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I suppose. Still...it keeps you in fighting shape?" Meryel says with a teasing smile. "It must make all the ladies at the temple swoon."
[23:25] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais rubs the back of his head, face flushed a bit. "It seems one in particular likes it a lot, yes."
[23:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Listen check, Deme.
[23:26] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 oh, hell
06[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 oh, hell and gets 31."12 [1d20=18]
06[23:32] * Demedais seems to pause for just a moment, before swaying slightly toward the couple in the doorway, standing to block the way in accidentally as he braces against the wall with his sword just a bit before he gently shakes his head. OOC: Holding until whatever I hear approaches to within 5 ft.
[23:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The footstep comes closer, and a faint shinck of drawn metal! OOC - Deme?
06[23:34] * Demedais grins slightly. "Hah!" With that, he pivots again, and sends two sweeping slashes at the source of the sound, followed by an upward slash and a finishing downward sweep!
[23:35] <Demedais> roll 1d20+20 (+6 Smite, +1 Haste, -5 CE)
06[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 (+6 Smite, +1 Haste, -5 CE) and gets 35."12 [1d20=15]
[23:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+22 (+6 Smite, +2 Helm +1 Haste, -5 CE)
06[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 (+6 Smite, +2 Helm +1 Haste, -5 CE) and gets 37."12 [1d20=15]
[23:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (+2 Helm +1 Haste, -5 CE)
06[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (+2 Helm +1 Haste, -5 CE) and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[23:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (+2 Helm +1 Haste, -5 CE)
06[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (+2 Helm +1 Haste, -5 CE) and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[23:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - First two hit. Roll a d100 for both.
[23:37] <Demedais> roll 1d100 first
[23:37] <Demedais> roll 1d100 first
06[23:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 first and gets 61."12 [1d100=61]
06[23:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 first and gets 78."12 [1d100=78]
[23:37] <Demedais> roll 4d6+18+16+2
06[23:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+18+16+2 and gets 48."12 [4d6=3, 6, 2, 1]

---

01[22:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
06[22:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[22:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Alicia flies out, her magic avails her little. However, she does see something - deep, obvious footprints left in the snow, racing out of the yard and down the snow covered cobblestone road.
[22:24] <Alicia> It's all she's got. Counting on her speed, Alicia races after the footprints!
[22:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Snow continues to come down - it's lessened but it's windy, a sharp but not overhwelming gust of wind.
01[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=8]
01[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 reroll!
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 reroll! and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
06[22:26] * Seira pauses just long enough to cast haste upon herself so she could overtake the fleeing devil, before following the footsteps.
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two follow! The path leads to the end of the street, before going down it and down the next. Even with the falling snow, it's no difficulty at all to follow these.
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 17."12 [1d20=6]
[22:27] <Alicia> 'Just like this ring...' Alicia thinks balefully, clenching a fist as she flies along, intending to throw a dispel magic at the ground as soon as she reaches the end of the trail. Especially if she sees it continuing to be made at that point.
[22:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The trail goes just a bit down this street, before hooking into a very narrow alleyway. It's rather dark in there, the torchlight here and there provided by the city not illuminating into it at all.
06[22:29] * Alicia flies down low, only fifteen feet above the ground and igniting Hell Striker to provide illumination as she doggedly follows the running footsteps in the snow.
06[22:30] * Seira is hardly bothered by the darkness, intending to follo the trail till its end!
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The trail ends at about midway in the alley. You can see it from your skyperches above.
[22:31] <Alicia> "Let the spell be broken!" Alicia calls, throwing her dispel magic downwards!
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
06[22:32] * Seira aims about twenty feet above the spot the trail ends, covering the area in glitters right after Alicia's spell had gone off!
[22:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The spell is flung! While the creature doesn't appear...OOOC - PMs, both of you.
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - I'm calling iniative here.
[22:35] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
01[22:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 nerveskitter again!
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 nerveskitter again! and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[22:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 20."12 [1d20=11]
03[22:36] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'Dogai>Alicia>Seira'
[22:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Moment, I missed Seira's glitterdust in the action.
[22:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+15 DC, Seira
06[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+15 DC, Seira and gets 27."12 [1d20=12]
01[22:37] <Seira> OOC: Pass
[22:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As the party prepares to act, you can see the dogai(Or the aura) is covered with pretty golden sparkles and dust all over it's form! It's there a moment, before vanishing away! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:38] * Alicia promptly flies up a bit above the roof of the neighbouring buildings. "It can't have gone far!" she calls to Seira, again adopting a spiral search pattern to find the now cheerfully sparkly devil in the dark.
[22:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia sees that the dogai is now 200 feet away, at the other end of the street! It's golden glitter can be seen easily from here, even in the snowstorm! OOC - You just moved, so are you doing anything else?
[22:40] <Alicia> Seeing the creature easily, Alicia hurls some bolts of blue magical force at it, since it's just in range!
[22:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 SR
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 SR and gets 28."12 [1d20=17]
[22:40] <Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 17."12 [5d4=1, 3, 3, 3, 2]
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The magic missiles spray out and dart at the visible dogai! They strike it's body, or so Alicia thinks! OOC - Seira.
06[22:42] * Seira becomes invisible herself, before following the magical attacks as she draws her second sword, hoping that the devil would not be able to spot her approach.
[22:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - How far can you move like that total?
01[22:43] <Seira> OOC: 60ft
[22:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira gets closer, only 140 ft away now! She can see it's blank head turn towards the direction the magical missiles came from! It doesn't do anything else but vanish again, however! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:45] * Alicia flies a bit higher and towards the direction it was last in, assuming it's more likely to have teleported away from her than not, making use of her vantage to hopefully spot it more easily.
[22:46] <Alicia> OOC: full move, say 100 feet towards it and 5 feet up
[22:46] <Alicia> OOC: ten, even
[22:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia flies upward, but doesn't see it! The only sign of note are the simple pair of tracks it left where it was standing! OOC - Seira.
06[22:47] * Seira follows the same logic, deciding to run in the direction she had seen the devil last, continuing onwards.
[22:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Spot checks, both of you.
[22:50] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
06[22:50] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
01[22:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7."12 [1d20=5]
[22:53] <Alicia> Spotting their foe, but sadly not knowing where Seira went and not willing to yell loudly for fear of alerting it that they're onto it, Alicia flies down towards the shop in question, keeping out of sight of the window itself so hopefully the dogai won't see her.
[22:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's a simple storefront. It sells arms and armor, notably. Alicia descends down, reaching the door! OOC - Seira.
06[22:55] * Seira follows Alicia, hopefully not visible to their opponent!
[22:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira follows Alicia, touching down as well! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:57] * Alicia leans against the door and puts a hand on the handle before she braces and pushes, trying to force the lock.
[22:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 strength
06[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 strength and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
[22:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door's lock does not give.
[22:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It makes a bit of noise, a metallic and wooden resistance to the effort.
06[22:58] * Seira goes to look inside through a convenient window, to spot their target.
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira goes to the window! She can see the glittering dogai heading for the front door, readying it's blade! OOC - Alicia.
[23:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - You can take your standard action first if you want, Seira.
06[23:00] * Seira casts Message on Alicia, before whispering to her, "It's right by the front door."
[23:00] <Alicia> "Directly in front?" Alicia mouths back.
01[23:00] <Seira> "Yes. It's ready to strike once you go in."
[23:01] <Alicia> With a silent apology to the owner of this shop, Alicia rears back a bit before she issues a powerful kick to slam the door open, hopefully right into the dogai's face!
[23:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[23:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make an attack roll with the door, I suppose. Improvised weapon.
[23:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 i hope it's flat footed
06[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 i hope it's flat footed and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
[23:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door goes flying in! You see an evil aura(Seira sees the dogai) and glittering body of a dogai fall back just out of range of the door! OOC - Alicia, doing anything else
06[23:03] * Alicia takes a few steps back after that, holding her blade ready. "You can keep running, but you'll just die tired," she warns the fiend.
[23:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Seira.
[23:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You see a glittering golden smile form on the dogai's face, like a sadist's grin as it rips the legs off an innocent kitten!
06[23:05] * Seira moves inside, intent on getting within range of the devil and stop it from teleporting away again, if that's its desire.
[23:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Moving in range to threaten with a held attack, basically?
01[23:07] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[23:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira advances within range! She readies her weapon against the dogai...who lashes out at her first...OOc - Are you going to take your held action if it attacks you, Seira?
01[23:09] <Seira> OOC: Yep
[23:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Go 'head.
01[23:10] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 smite
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 smite and gets 30."12 [1d20=11]
[23:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOc - Hit.
01[23:10] <Seira> roll 3d8+5+6d8
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+5+6d8 and gets 52."12 [3d8=7, 8, 8][6d8=3, 1, 6, 1, 8, 5]
[23:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+20
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29."12 [1d20=9]
[23:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOc - AC, Seira?
01[23:11] <Seira> OOC: 28 right now
[23:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d8+7
06[23:11] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d8+7 and gets 10."12 [1d8=3]
[23:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two exchange blows! The injury Seira takes is only a graze, not a serious hit! However, the dogai is carved into ! The first part of the injury fades instantly, but the followup leaves a gash down it's arm! After that, it falls back into the shop, behind a rack of freestanding spears! OOC - Alicia.
[23:13] <Alicia> Entering the shop, Alicia quickly moves into position on one side of the rack, Hell Striker lashing out at the fiend's neck to decapitate it!
[23:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20 -3 pa smite
06[23:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 -3 pa smite and gets 37."12 [1d20=17]
[23:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOc - Hit.
[23:13] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+2d6
06[23:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+2d6 and gets 29."12 [1d8=4][2d6=6, 1]
03[23:14] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'Dogai=Seira>Alicia'
[23:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia brings the wrath of Mystra down on the dogai, slicing into it's shoulder! She misses the neck, but it's an injury that glows white with sacred power! OOC - Both you and the dogai are up now, Seira. Declare you raction.
01[23:17] <Seira> Now that Alicia is next to the devil, Seira follows until she can flank it with her, ready to prevent the devil from teleporting by carving it up should it try to do so.
01[23:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+21 healz
06[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 healz and gets 23."12 [1d20=2]
[23:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira lunges at the creature, but it's too fast! It tumbles backwards and vanishes! OOC - Alicia.
01[23:21] <Seira> "It has to be on its last legs!" Seira exclaims in frustration. "Let's find it again."
[23:21] <Alicia> "Damn!" Alicia curses, not wasting any time before she races out to resume searching for the fiend!
[23:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia rushes outside! She doesn't see the fiend immediately! OOC - Seira.
06[23:23] * Seira follows at a more sedate pace. Alicia can find it better than she, from her vantage. Instead, Seira uses the time to cast Heroism.
[23:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Alicia.
[23:23] <Alicia> Flying upwards a bit, Alicia starts searching for the dogai, relying on a combination of sight, esoteric senses, and her sword. It can't stay hidden from all three for long!
[23:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> No signo f it from any right away, Alicia flying a bit up but eyes and magic not seeing it! OOC - Seira.
06[23:25] * Seira decides to retrace her steps, heading back towards the house, while calling a shield about herself.
[23:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira rushes down the street on haste, still about a block away from Kagan's house! OOC - Alicia.
[23:26] <Alicia> Spiral search pattern. It's worked before and it'll work again!
[23:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia begins her spiral, but it'll take time! OOC - Seira.
01[23:28] <Seira> "I'll go back in the other direction and take a look," Seira tells Alicia via Message. "If I don't find anything, I'll get back."
01[23:29] <Seira> And with that, she decides to continue farther back, looking around for a glittering, visible devil.
[23:29] <Alicia> "I'll keep fanning out from here," Alicia replies, continuing her search pattern.

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Tiny_Ko_Army> --------
03[20:21] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A day after the dogai is slain, Alicia braves the snowy path to her parents estate. Snow lies heavy on the ground, the path partially clear. Yet as Alicia comes closer, she has to slog through a fair deal, chilled and wet as she approaches the manorhouse. It being winter, the yards are quiet and sealed up for next year.
[20:32] <Alicia> Hopefully she remembered to get a city pass before leaving the gates! Walking up the meandering path to the Reynes estate, Alicia allows herself to wax nostalgic as she remembers her childhood, playing hide and seek amidst the grapevines, running away from Beth's dog, helping to mash the grapes with her feet... it wasn't a bad childhood, really. She certainly never felt stifled or treated poorly... So why has it been five years since her last
[20:32] <Alicia> Perhaps it was that simple ambivalence - her parents were never cruel or harsh to her, but there was always a certain distance compared to how they treated her little brother. Beth surely felt the same, considering how quick she was to flee home and never look back. Thinking back, she remembers how distraught she was after her husband and son were killed, and how no one back home seemed to know what to do with her.
[20:32] <Alicia> Of course, they said the properly expected things to console her, but it was almost like an afterthought, going through the motions before the big drama of Charles impending wedding diverted all their attention. Recalling her reunion with Beth, a shiver of dread courses through the paladin as she knocks on the door, hoping her memories here aren't as faulty as they seemed to be with her sister...
[20:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The manner house is well kept - solid stone from top to bottom, from quarries to the further west. One could imagine the giant, classical building looming over Alicia like a forstalled fate. Yet, as she does, the door opens. A young man in black liviry opens the door, "Yes?" he asks. "This is the Reynes estate."
[20:40] <Alicia> 'Where's Johnas?' Alicia thinks indignantly, recalling the old butler. Deciding to indulge her taste for whimsy, she replies, "And this is the Reynes daughter. May I come in?"
[20:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The young man's grey eyes sweep over Alicia, before he nods. "How shall I announce you, ma'am?"
[20:52] <Alicia> "The younger daughter. Alicia," the paladin prods. Don't they still have her portrait up? Even with the passing of a few years, it'd be pretty hard to mistake her for Beth.
[20:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Right," he nods and leads her inside. Past the classical foyer, up the stairs. To the third floor, lead along. "Ma'am and sir are at tea. Sir Charles and Madam Rose are with a tailor for a new dress for the madam," he answers as you walk along.
[20:56] <Alicia> "Well, I'm sure I can catch up with my little brother, later," Alicia responds, wiping her feet on the doormat before she follows along. "Did Johnas retire?" she then asks the apparent replacement.
[21:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "He's dead." The answer comes, "Died a year ago in his sleep." You're lead along the third floor, a few windows on the hall that let in dazzling sunshine and snowglare.  He leads Alicia along to the upstairs sitting room, the door closed.
06[21:02] * Alicia looks crestfallen at that news. "At least it's a peaceful way to go..." she consoles herself. "He was a good man."
[21:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ""Yes, ma'am," he goe to the door, opening it. As warmth floods out from the room, "Sir and ma'am, Miss Alicia Reynes is here to see you."
06[21:09] * Alicia takes a deep breath to centre herself, smoothing out her... armour. Hmm, that just looked silly, she realises belatedly as she steps inside to see her parents.
[21:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Arthur Reynes looks up from his chair, a cup of tea put aside. His hair is gray and his body is old, but his back is still straight. "Ah?" He looks on, "Why, if it isn't Alicia."
[21:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Beatrice Reynes puts down a book, her chair in front of the warm fireplace. As logs crackle inthe lifegiving flame, "Alicia? It's been years!" She looks her daughter over, "Armor and all, I see."
[21:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It suits her," Arthur says with a firmness in his voice. "She wears it like a soldier, like she's not really wearing armor."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Hello, father," Alicia replies demurely, leaning over to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "And mother, too," she repeats the same affectionate gesture with Beatrice before she straightens up. "Yes, well, I do hardly ever take it off, I admit. Considering how dangerous things are, lately, it'd be remiss if I wasn't prepared at all times. I hope you're both well?"
[21:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh, I'm very well." Arthur stands up into the embrace, patting Alicia's back. "It has been a long time. Nearly 5 years, has it not?"
[21:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Alicia's mother lightly returns the mebrace, "You smell like a woman still," she says with a bit of mirth. "Good. I was afraid you'd bring the smell of blood and iron with you."
[21:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Have you been well in the east, daughter?" Arthur continues on past that, sitting again. "Come, sit. Jeorg, get Alicia some tea. Oh, and some warm food as well."
[21:26] <Alicia> "With all the rain I hardly needed to bother washing myself," Alicia admits, removing Hell Striker from its baldric on her back and setting it on the floor by one of the chairs before she sits down. "I've travelled far - across the desert to the United Baronies, the Empire of Malmuth, even to the Elven Kingdom of Pallanth. Nowhere does it rain quite as much as here," she notes, falling back on the old conversational standby of the weather.
[21:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, it's the one treasure of Kelara that none other will ever have." Arthur's lips curl up at that, "I'd heard rumblings from the nobility about stories of an Alicia from the east. The details matched you. Dear, what HAVe you been doing in that new kingdom?"
[21:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> AS Beatrice settles back down, "'twould be worse. No rain at all is far, far worse. I hear the brown skinned men of the desert value water more than gold. Is that true?"
[21:30] <Alicia> "Life in the desert is all but nonexistent away from the sparse oasises," Alicia nods in reply to her mother. "The only things that live in the deep desert are fierce creatures that would just as soon kill you for the moisture held within your flesh." She shakes her head, putting that unpleasant topic aside, as ,"Stories?" she raises an eyebrow. "I wonder if the truth will match up to rumour... what do these stories say about me?" she asks
[21:30] <Alicia> about me?" she asks
[21:31] <Alicia> .
[21:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Arthur, has the nobility been talking about dearest Alicia again? Did I miss new stories?" Beatrice scowls at him, "Ah, I knew that tea party I missed would be an undoing!"
[21:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "They're faint and garbled." Arthur sits down, "But the interest went up in them when word of a war in the east came to us. A knight of magic and steel was fighting in the United Baronies named Alicia. There are tales - that you slew a rakhasha in single combat, that you faced down an army of electric beasts, that you had a hand on slaying a dragon."
[21:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "My word..." Beatrice breathes out, "Are those true?"
[21:35] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Meanwhile, the bulter comes back with a steaming teapot and warm meat and potatoes. He sets them next to Alicia on a tray, before bowing and departing.
[21:37] <Alicia> "Rakhasha?" Alicia blinks. "I've never even seen one of those... I did fight a lot of shocker lizards while helping to find a dragon's lair - the dragon had already been slain by the defenders of Balmuria before I arrived, mind you. But I have slain two other dragons since then!" she concludes with some not undeserved pride. "The first was a dragon turtle that guarded some ruins under the sea," she pauses to pour herself some tea,
[21:37] <Alicia> "The other... it was a fierce Pyroclastic Dragon in the service of the Nine Hells, that had invaded with a legion of fiends through a portal in the desert. It was a mercenary, if you can believe that, fighting alongside devils for nothing more than gold."
[21:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Remarkable," Arthur listens, "I heard you fight with a dragon as well. Is it your special mount of choice, perhaps? I also heard you fight with a living wall of steel, with a barrier of gems in front of it."
[21:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The Nine Hells? Aaah?" Beatrice blinks, "Pyroclastic dragon? Shocker lizards? What are all those horrible, wretched sounding things?"
[21:42] <Alicia> "I don't really have a special mount... I had a horse named Robert, but I had to leave him behind in Malmuth," Alicia admits, deflating a bit at how underwhelming that sounds. "Shocker lizards are little more than vermin, mother," she then explains, "Cat sized lizards that can deliver a stinging electric shock if you get too close."
[21:42] <Alicia> "As for the dragon - well, picture a red dragon from a storybook. Now imagine it's made out of molten rock and lava? That's entirely it."
[21:46] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh, I remember that! The lovely illustrated story of the red and gold dragon dearest Arthur got me years back!" Blushing at that image, "My word! The red dragon in that book loomed over an entire village!"
[21:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Aaah, what stories," Arthur smiles, "You will have to tell us them, Alicia. Perhaps over dinner?"
[21:48] <Alicia> "This one was a little bit smaller. It could certainly loom over our house, though," Alicia assures her mother. "And I'd love to stay for dinner - I'll want to catch up with both of you, as well as Charles. Before that, though..." her demeanour becomes more serious, "I found Beth."
[21:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The look on your mother's face becomes pained, while your father nods. His nod is without humor, "I see. What did you find of her, Alicia?"
[21:55] <Alicia> "Her life continued along much the same path she had already started, after leaving us," Alicia begins, deciding to spare them most of the unpleasant details, "However, when we joined forces to rescue innocents who were being held and tortured unjustly, she risked her life to save me as I fell in battle against their jailer. She did save me, else I would not be here, but in doing so she suffered a curse that stripped her memories bare."
[21:55] <Alicia> Taking a deep breath, "She is in good health, and perhaps even happier now that she has been absolved the burden of remembering all her sins, but she is no longer truly Beth."
[21:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Her..." Beatrice begins, before wiping at her eyes. It's not her that speaks then, but your father. "She's lucky she got that. We had a few local miscreants caught poking around the grounds for her. HEr sins were coming home to her."
06[22:00] * Alicia nods. "Even in Balmuria, she had someone from her past attempt to collect an old debt..." she shakes her head slowly, "Ironic, since I'm certain that the old Beth would have hurt him badly if he had approached her as he did, but as she is now, she was terrified and ran. I had the man arrested, and one of my friends is looking after her while I'm here, so she should be safe."
[22:04] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Annou-" Suddenly the butler speaks, but it's cut off. "Father! Mother!" A male voice - your brother's slow, lazy voice, albeit raised. "Father, Mother." Charles steps in past the butler.
[22:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Arthur listens intently, though his attention does drift. "What is it, Charles?" he asks. "Oh, Alicia's returned." he adds on.
06[22:05] * Alicia stands up to greet her little brother. "Hello, Charles," she favours him with a smile.
[22:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh hello, sister," Charles looks her over briefly, "Father, Rose is adamant that we all go to her family's estate tomorrow night. I do say that she is not bending in the least."
[22:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Beatrice listens, shaking her head. "Beth..." she murmurs quietly.
[22:10] <Alicia> No hug? No kiss? Rather underwhelmed, Alicia simply goes to her mother and clasps her hand reassuringly, speaking softly while the menfolk talk. "I'll try to bring her to visit, soon, mother," she promises.
[22:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Tell Rose that I cannot attend. I have to meet with General Monterry. It would be a terrible slight to the General to cancel at such an hour to go to another's." Arthur shakes his head.
[22:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "That fool of a child," Beatrice shakes hier head, "A bad seed, but at least she's sounding better now. Alicia, is she happy, at least? Not the cruel happiness she showed before?"
[22:12] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Aaah...I suppose. I'll tell Rose," Charles shrugs. "Excuse me then, Father." He slightly bows to him, then with a glance at Alicia, "Sister, I say, you do look older."
[22:14] <Alicia> "She's had a second chance and is taking it," Alicia assures her. "At first she was almost like a child, even though she retains all her skills. She's wholly innocent, and it shows."
[22:14] <Alicia> Standing up, she turns back to Charles, "You still look the same, little brother," she favours him with a backhanded compliment in return for his uncomplimentary words. "Keeping busy, I hope?"
[22:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I am. I don't suppose you've remarried yet?" he asks as he lingers in the room.
[22:18] <Alicia> "No," the dark-haired woman replies stiffly, narrowing her eyes at the perceived low-blow.
[22:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Ah well." He shrugs. "Life goes on." With that he walks out of the room.
06[22:21] * Alicia represses a sigh, knowing better than to criticise her brother in front of her parents. "You said you were meeting General Monterry, father?" she enquires, smoothly changing the subject.
[22:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 nobility, who's he?
06[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 nobility, who's he? and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[22:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes. That bothersome issue of bandits does need to be addressed. I've contributed a fair deal of gold to the defense fund." Arthur agrees with a slight smile, "It's reflected fairly onto our entirely family.
[22:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "
06[22:30] * Alicia sits down again. "Yes, I hadn't planned on staying too long, but since hearing about recent events, I've been thinking about involving myself. Letting outlaws run rampant over Kelara isn't something I can easily abide."
[22:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It is barbarism," Beatrice agrees, "Can we talk of another matter? This endless fretting about the rebels is best left to the menfolk, don't you think?"
[22:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "And Alicia," Arthur says with a slight smile, "But Alicia is special like that."
[22:36] <Alicia> "It's not as rare as you might think," Alicia replies easily, "When we fought those devils in the desert, there were two men and four women including myself in the group. But yes, lets talk of something more peaceful - I heard from Dweomerkeeper Taldeer that last year was a good one for the wine business?"
[22:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh yes, we made akilling on it! Oh, you should break down and try some of this vintage, it's superb," Arthur rubs his hands together. "The best we've had in a few decades, surely. The heat was just right, the grapes came out superbly."
[22:41] <Alicia> "Perhaps I'll have a taste," Alicia allows diplomatically, taking a sip of her tea. She doesn't want to offend her parents, but the taste of alcohol has just never agreed with her. To say nothing of the deliterious effects it has on the mind.
[22:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Now then..." Arthur stands, "I'll make arraingements for dinner. You can regale us with stories of these faraway deeds."