208.8 Alicia and the Servants of Jannath

[Corwin]

[17:57] <Kotono> On returning home, Alicia finds Antenora in practice. She finishes what she's doing, leaving a broken pile of wooden dummies behind her. "Hm, Alicia?" she enquires to her.
[17:59] <Alicia> Marie also looks up from where she's been sitting on the windowsill and watching Antenora, floating down to join the pair. "Where there any words of wisdom from the Watcher?" she chirps brightly.
[18:00] <Alicia> *Were
[18:00] <Alicia> "Helm did see fit to give Demedais a vision pertaining to Eudard's problem, but it was sadly inconclusive," the paladin nods.
[18:00] <Kotono> Antenora glances at Marie without comment, "What was it?" she asks, right to the point. "Some sort of riddle again?"
[18:02] <Alicia> "Not a riddle, but it was ambiguous - Demedais was given a vision of the moment Zariel turned on Torm and was banished to Hell. Demedais took it to mean that Zariel was impersonating Torm to influence Eudard, but I don't think that idea really matches up with what happened," the paladin explains. "What do you know about Bel's predecessor, Antenora?"
[18:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[18:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 26."12 [1d20=10]
[18:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 does Marie know anything?
06[18:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 does Marie know anything? and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
[18:05] <Kotono> "Bel rather neatly betrayed Zariel," Antenora says after some thought. "It's said his complex plan impressed even Asmodeus enough to promote him. But about Zariel?" She thinks a few moments.
[18:12] <Alicia> "Isn't Zariel imprisoned in one of Bel's fortresses?" Marie asks in confusion as she flutters between the two women before alighting on Alicia's head. "I heard that he was slowly devouring her bit by bit to gain all of her power and prolong her torment. I don't think she'd have the capability to influence anyone on the Prime in that position."
[18:13] <Kotono> "If she's alive, yes," Antenora agrees. "If Bel's letting her influence the outside world, he's doing something very wrong. If he's grown that daft, he'll end up a fatality in due time. Bel has a reputation as a superb general and planner, I can't imagine he'd let Zariel have any influence if she's still alive."
[18:13] <Alicia> "Her?" Alicia blinks. "Demedais kept saying 'he'..."
[18:13] <Alicia> "Woman last I heard, but you know how some outsiders go for that androgynous look," Marie waves it off blithely. "Not like us, right Antenora?"
[18:16] <Kotono> "It's not relevant," Antenora snorts, "If an Archdevil wants to be a certain gender, it will be. Or so I hear." With a slight shrug and a momentary smile to Marie, "Regardless of what he or she likes to be, that ties Hell into things again, doesn't it?"
[18:17] <Alicia> "I think that confirms it couldn't be Zariel," Alicia nods, her familiar adroitly shifting position to keep balanced on her head. "Still, just for some background - what sort of archdevil was Zariel? Bitter about her fall and contemptous of her new allies? Or did she throw herself into her role?"
[18:19] <Kotono> "Zariel was on another layer and largely before my time," Antenora elaborates. "But I heard that she was a respectable general, but that Bel outshone her considerably. Of course, no one's likely to speak well of a failed Archdevil." Going to lean against a wall and lowering her head, "I never heard anything about her being bitter, though. She bowed to Asmodeu sas all devils do."
[18:22] <Alicia> "She wouldn't last long if she didn't," Alicia nods thoughtfully.
[18:22] <Alicia> "She didn't last long, anyway!" Marie correects. "A reign of less than two millenia has to be some sort of record for a Lord of the Nine."
[18:22] <Alicia> "Be that as it may," Alicia goes on past the interruption, "How did she relate to the other Lords? I presume if Bel was her subordinate she can't have been too popular with her own followers."
[18:25] <Kotono> "A good record. A devil that lasts so short a time in that role sows chaos and weakness as things adapt again," Antenora has a ghost of a smile on her face. "Well, I heard she was not on terribly good terms with Mephisopheles."
[18:27] <Alicia> "With all the infighting and double-dealing that goes on there, I don't think we're seeing anything that marks Zariel as a great malcontent in Baatezu society, then," Alicia muses. "Based on all this, I'd say it's certain that Zariel could not have been the one manipulating Eudard. Which leaves open the more upsetting possibility that it truly was Torm."
[18:28] <Alicia> "He's done a spectacular job of keeping everyone fooled if that's what he's really like," Marie opines. "I've never heard anyone say a bad word against him up in the Heavens."
[18:29] <Kotono> "If I were an angel, I wouldn't want to spread around in gossip a God of light was falling," Antenora does point that out. "This reeks of divine business if your'e right about Torm...and something that's inherently and extrodinarily risky."
[18:33] <Alicia> "Wouldn't keeping it secret be worse?" Alicia asks. "Just the thought of all Torm's faithful - by and large good, forthright, and honourable people who believe the honestly inspirational doctrine put out by his church - channeling their worship to a being that makes a mockery of their ideals, it makes me ill to contemplate," she shudders softly, Marie almost falling off from the action but recovering admirably to keep her seat.
[18:35] <Kotono> "It really is terrifying," Antenora murmurs. "That means...if you're right, we've brushed against something that wasn't really meant to be found by mortals or even most outsiders. If the other Gods of good are keeping this a secret, then why?"
[18:37] <Alicia> "This is big," Marie agrees. "I mean, this is the sort of thing that can spark holy wars big." Leaning over Alicia's forehead so she can look the paladin in the eyes, "So what are you going to do about it?"
06[18:40] * Alicia sighs. "I don't know," she admits. "If I publicly denounce Torm, it will sound like I'm decrying his message. It would cause a great schism between people who should have no cause to be anything except friends." Rubbing the side of her head and causing Marie to skitter away from her fingers, she goes on, "We don't even know for sure, this is all just supposition."
[18:42] <Kotono> "You coudl just forget about it and assume the other Gods will do with itw hat they will," Antenora poses. "This has an obvious advantage, as we have neough enemies already without courting a God's wrath." Her expression is somber, "But...Can you do that, Alicia? Will you? If not, what will you do? Look for information? Pray ot Mystra? Storm Torm's divine realm and demand an accounting?"
[18:45] <Alicia> "Hmph... when you have enough enemies, it eventually reaches a point where one more makes little difference. I will pray for guidance, but the Lady of Mysteries is... well, mysterious. I don't think I'm going to be handed an easy answer on a silver platter," Alicia reasons. "Perhaps when we use the Second Resort to break the next seal I'll have a chance to pose my questions more directly."
[18:48] <Kotono> "Mmmm. A bit of advice then. Don't spread word of this around," Antenora suggests. "Don't give it any chance to provoke what could be an unstable situation. If this information is indeed so hidden, it's hidden for good reason."
06[18:50] * Alicia nods. "There were moments there when I was tempted to denounce the whole church, or at least provide clear warnings to Mystra's faithful regarding their dealings with Torm's followers. But since Eudard seems to be thinking for himself now, it's probably best not to force the issue." Her expression turns hard, "We will have to be wary of him having a relapse, though."
[18:50] <Kotono> After a moment, "That advice includes you, Marie."
[18:50] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes," Antenora considers. "Also, there's one point that doesn't quite play for me."
[18:51] <Alicia> Marie nods before asking, "What's that?"
Session Close: Sat May 03 18:53:05 2008

Session Start: Sat May 03 18:53:05 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[18:53] * Disconnected
02[18:53] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[18:53] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[18:53] * Topic is 'Inuga > Arisa'
03[18:53] * Set by Ebiris on Sun Apr 27 22:29:13
02[18:53] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-179-125-143.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[18:53] * Teresa is now known as Seira
03[18:53] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[18:55] <Alicia> "It didn't seem so keen on Marie, either," Alicia points out, "But yes, hatred of devils was the defining factor - even Hell Striker felt it was excessive," she reaches back to pat her sword. "So, what is an embodiment of Law and Evil that hates Devils more than anything else in all creation?"
[18:56] <Kotono> "Unless we're dealing with a banished devil of extreme power..." Antenora shakes her head at that.
[18:58] <Alicia> "Any former Lord of the Nine would qualify - even Zariel, but we're sure she's indisposed, right?" Marie suggests, laying on her stomach atop Alicia's head. "But why would any other random devil impersonate Torm, though?"
[18:59] <Kotono> "It doesn't make sense with what we know...but we clearly don't know everything about this, then," Antenora supplies that, "We're hitting on the edge of a big plot, surely."
[19:00] <Alicia> "That's why it's best we don't act until we have more information to be certain what's happening," Alicia agrees. "We're not going to drop this, but we need to learn more, first."
[19:01] <Kotono> "Then good luck with that," Antenora turns to go back to the wooden training dummies. "I'll need more time here, since this will likely lead to more conflict, will it not?"
[19:03] <Alicia> "Everything we do leads to conflict, it seems," Alicia observes while Marie cups her chin in her hands and gives Antenora a nice big smile.
[19:04] <Kotono> Antenora twitches visibly. "Alicia, your familiar says that it wants to build a nest atop your head," she says, "I hear that eladrin even lay eggs when they do that."
06[19:05] * Alicia frowns and delicately picks Marie up off her head. "Hey, I'm allowed to lie, you're not! Stop defying your lawful nature!" Marie protests, shaking a tiny fist at the erinyes.
[19:07] <Kotono> "I haven't said a single lie, have I?" Antenora replies in a relaxed, sweet voice, as she gathers up the wooden dummies. "You'll make a cute bird one day."
[19:10] <Alicia> "I'd be impressed with your duplicitousness if you weren't using it on me," Marie pouts.
06[19:10] * Alicia just shakes her head in weary resignation, gently tossing her familiar up in the air to allow her to take flight. "Why don't you two practice with each other instead of using stationary dummies?" she suggests, deciding to head inside and let the dynamic opposite-planar duo work out their differences.
[19:15] <Kotono> -----
[19:15] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia, what are you interested in redeeming?
[19:15] <Alicia> OOC: let's start with the orb of soul trapping, since it's most important
[19:21] <Kotono> Thus Alicia takes the six sided orb, it's segments like an endless, perfectly flowing loop. THus Alicia holds it, as Shankar looks over it. "What a horrible blight," he murmurs. "Alicia, are you willing to bear this?"
[19:22] <Alicia> "It seems beyond my means to destroy in its current state," Alicia admits. "If this is the only way to make it safe, so be it. I can't take the risk of it being used to threaten us again."
[19:24] <Kotono> Standing next to the altar of Mystra, "I understand." He reaches out, holding the vile thing. "I have prayed and prepared to Mystra. Are you ready to hold it and understand what sin you will have to bear and the duty to purify it?"
[19:25] <Alicia> "In Mystra's name, I am ready," Alicia affirms.
[19:28] <Kotono> "Then you take on a great sin, Alicia." He holds the orb up, a ray of light from the windows catching it. "To bear this, you will have to bear something no human ever should. The primal, deep hunger...not for food, or for water, but for the very essence of an existance. To purify this sin, you must bear it's desire to consume souls and resist it during your mission."
03[19:32] * Steel_Nerem (~Ari@pool-71-252-160-236.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[19:34] <Alicia> "I will resist its urges," Alicia swears sollemnly, looking upon the loathesome sphere. "What is my mission?"
02[19:34] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-252-160-236.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:36] <Kotono> "In the Barbarian Lands there will be a battle joined in three days. Travel to the northeast with speed and only stop to rest six hours at night. At the noon zenith of the third day you will come onto a battle. Eithe rprevent this battle...or ensure the right side wins."
[19:39] <Alicia> "Northeast following the coast, or from a point further inland?" Alicia asks, certain that just following the direction will be sufficient so long as she knows where to start.
[19:43] <Alicia> "And three days on foot or horseback?" she belatededly seeks further clarification.
[19:44] <Kotono> "Inland, avoid the coast," Shankar warns. "It is now just past dawn...and on horseback," Shankar clarifies. "Hurry." He offers out the sphere, "If you accept this, hold the sphere and place it in your bag. Do not lose it."
[19:45] <Alicia> "Any potions or scrolls of Lesser Restoration I could borrow before I set off?" Alicia asks as she takes the sphere in both hands.
[19:46] <Kotono> Shankar kneels before the side of the altar, removing two potion bottles. "Here," he passes them to Alicia. As she touches the sphere...a hunger wells within her. But it's not her stomach rumbling...it's her heart. Around Shankar she can see a faint but steady white glow.
06[19:47] * Alicia puts the orb into her backpack and accepts the two potions, sliding them into pouches on her belt. "Thank you. I'll be back in a week," she promises before heading out to collect Marie and a horse before departing.
[19:58] <Kotono> Thus Alicia heads out on horse back. As she does, she finds the trip ot the southern gates...disturbing. Everyone she meets has a white aura clinging to them, an aura that makes her chest and heart rumble with a disarming hunger. By the time she passes through the gates, Alicia has to take a moment so that her mouth doesn't water.
[20:00] <Alicia> "You're even making me hungry," Marie whines from atop the horses's head as Alicia turns onto the East road. "You're not going to try to eat me or anything, are you? I get enough of those comments from Antenora."
[20:01] <Alicia> "You don't look tasty," Alicia reassures her familiar with a smile, trying to stay positive. She can hardly lose it at the very start of her quest, can she?
[20:12] <Kotono> Thus the trip begins. The first say is largley going past farmsteads and slowly expanding tree groves. Nothing of particular note happens this day, save for occasionally passing within sight of humans. Each time Alicia can see a white glow around them, her hunger stirring. Yet her stomach stays silent - she feels no desire for food or water, no stomach hunger or throat thirst. Making camp the first night in a small grove of trees si simple en
[20:12] <Kotono> Making camp the first night in a small grove of trees si simple enough. OOC - Are you doing any sort of watch system with Marie?
[20:12] <Alicia> OOC: Marie doesn't sleep at all, so she will keep watch while horsie and I rest.
03[20:13] * Sierra_Deadish is now known as Sierra_Quest_VIII
[20:30] <Kotono> At around 3 AM, Marie hears something. In the not so distant air she hears the long, baying howling of wolves.
[20:31] <Alicia> Since animals are easy enough to spook, Marie sets up a perimeter of glowing humanoid figures around the campsite, conjured out of dancing lights. These will-o-wisps should deter any predators without disrupting Alicia's too short beauty sleep.
[20:38] <Kotono> The howls get a little closer, but not dreadfully much. The rest of the short sleep passes without any incident. The next day of travel begins, heading into the Barbarian Lands proper! As the morning wears on, Alicia finds herself heart hungry. While she still feels no desire to eat or drink, each beat of her heart reminds her that she wants to -eat-.
06[20:41] * Alicia rubs her temples as she rides along, travelling North of the rising sun. "Marie, why don't you tell me about your life in Dweomerheart?" she asks her familiar, seeking a distraction from this damnable hunger.
[20:41] <Alicia> "Sure!" Marie chirps, launching into tale after tale of her exciting life as a general purpose messenger and flunky amidst the heavens.

[Corwin]

[19:32] <Alicia> [18:31] <Alicia> Since animals are easy enough to spook, Marie sets up a perimeter of glowing humanoid figures around the campsite, conjured out of dancing lights. These will-o-wisps should deter any predators without disrupting Alicia's too short beauty sleep.
[19:32] <Alicia> [18:38] <Kotono> The howls get a little closer, but not dreadfully much. The rest of the short sleep passes without any incident. The next day of travel begins, heading into the Barbarian Lands proper! As the morning wears on, Alicia finds herself heart hungry. While she still feels no desire to eat or drink, each beat of her heart reminds her that she wants to -eat-.
[19:32] <Alicia> [18:41] * Alicia rubs her temples as she rides along, travelling North of the rising sun. "Marie, why don't you tell me about your life in Dweomerheart?" she asks her familiar, seeking a distraction from this damnable hunger.
[19:32] <Alicia> [18:41] <Alicia> "Sure!" Marie chirps, launching into tale after tale of her exciting life as a general purpose messenger and flunky amidst the heavens.
03[19:32] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af09a88.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[19:32] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[19:34] <Kotono> The hunger slowly subsides into a dull revere as the morning flows by. An hour or two before noon, Alicia comes to the bottom of a wide hill. It's not very tall - only twenty feet in elevation at the top, but it's very broad and a the incline is slow enough to really stretch it out. However, Alicia sees something - hiding in the underbrush are four faint but delicious white auras, making her heart hunger.
[19:36] <Alicia> "Goblins," Alicia murmurs, prompting Marie to look over in that direction as the paladin looks to see whether such tastiness hides a bitter core.
[19:36] <Alicia> OOC: detect evil
[19:39] <Alicia> "Want me to light them up?" Marie asks as Alicia changes course a bit to clear a wide berth around the undergrowth.
[19:39] <Alicia> "Lets leave them be, unless they're stupid enough to attack," Alicia suggests, deciding it probably better to avoid a confrontation. She's worried this perverse hunger might drive her to do something regrettable in the heat of battle.
[19:42] <Kotono> Alicia changes course! She can easily here some movement in the bushes as she begins to go around. The auras aren't moving much, though.
[19:44] <Alicia> Marie floats up onto Alicia's head to keep her eye on the creatures as they pass, making sure the goblins aren't planning to just burst out and chase them or anything like that.
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20 since I don't have Hatbot in a secret GM room
[19:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 1,0since I don't have Hatbot in a secret GM room --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{4}
[19:50] <Kotono> As Alicia rides past and to the sides, the goblins rise up! Four of them, clad in filthy leather armor! They rise up, jeering as they fire arrows from shortbows at Alicia! "Stop!" one calls in guttural common, "No one passes the Toll Hill without giving Toll!"
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{16}
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{6}
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{17}
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{14}
[19:50] <Kotono> Oh, arrows are fired. None really come close to Alicia, though.
06[19:53] * Alicia sighs. "Marie, would you dissuade them?" she asks and her familiar nods.
[19:53] <Alicia> "We don't give money to bandits, but you can have some magic missiles!" she calls back in perfect... whatever it is the language goblins speak, as she blasts a single magic missile at each of the four goblins.
[19:53] <Alicia> OOC: wait, strike that
[19:54] <Alicia> "We're not going to pay you anything you dirty little thieves!" the eladrin calls over in perfect goblinese as she wills them to fall asleep.
[19:54] <Alicia> OOC: DC 13, affects up to 4hd worth ot stuff
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{16}
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{18}
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{14}
[19:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{10}
[19:57] <Kotono> One of the goblins wobbles and falls over asleep! The one next to him turns, a puzzled expression, "Gora! No the time to sleep!" he screetches, shaking his shoulder! "BAD!"  The other two jump up and down, short bows readied! "Hey, you pay toll!" they call again. OOC - Let's do initiative here since Hatbot hates you.
[19:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 goblins group
[19:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0goblins group --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{3}
[19:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0Alicia --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{20}
[19:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 Marie
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0Marie --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{14}
03[19:58] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Marie>Goblins'
06[19:59] * Alicia hangs back, ready to dodge any arrows that come her way, while Marie frowns. "No, you go sleep!" she yells back at the three remaining alert goblins, trying again.
[19:59] <Alicia> OOC: total defence for Alicia, DC 13 sleep on goblins from Marie
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{7}
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{13}
[20:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{17}
[20:04] <Kotono> One more goblin falls over, but two resist! "Hey," The third one calls in dismay, "Stop falling asleep on the job!" As they two, two more arrows fly - but not at Alicia, but at poor Marie! "Get the weird flying thing! It's as pirit bird!"
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 AC, Marie?
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0AC, Marie? --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{15}
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 AC, Marie?
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0AC, Marie? --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{16}
[20:04] <Alicia> OOC: 26 vs evil
[20:04] <Kotono> The arrows don't come close for a second time, whizzing by harmlessly! OOC - Alicia and Marie.
[20:07] <Alicia> "To hell with this," Alicia grunts as she turns around. Even if their attacks are somewhat useless, the simple fact is that they are trying to kill her. Drawing her sword as she wheels her horse around, Alicia charges the goblins, delivering a vicious smack with the flat of her blade to the head of one of the two remaining upright.
[20:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -4 nonlethal, DC 22 frightful presence
[20:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0-4 nonlethal, DC 22 frightful presence --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{26}
[20:08] <Alicia> roll 1d8+11
[20:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+11 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 ]4,0{16}
[20:08] <Alicia> OOC: DC 5 ride check to guide with knees, I can meet that on a 1 so no need to roll
[20:09] <Kotono> CLANG! Alicia rushes forward and clobbers the goblin's head! He keels over with his eyes crossing! The last one gapes at Alicia in raw terror, "Aaaaah! Devil woman!" he cries...as his delicious white aura is closer to Alicia. She can feel her mouth getting wet. OOC - Marie.
[20:10] <Kotono> OOc - Strike, that is totally the wrong scary word for it to use here, all things considered.
[20:10] <Kotono> CLANG! Alicia rushes forward and clobbers the goblin's head! He keels over with his eyes crossing! The last one gapes at Alicia in raw terror, "Aaaaah! Knight woman!" he cries...as his delicious white aura is closer to Alicia. She can feel her mouth getting wet. OOC - Marie.
[20:11] <Alicia> "Drop your weapon or be dropped yourself!" Marie yells down at the remaining goblin from atop Alicia's head, giving him her fiercest glare.
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 intimidate (-4 for being a size category smaller)
[20:11] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0intimidate (-4 for being a size category smaller) --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{18}
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[20:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{15}
[20:12] <Kotono> OOc - -2 but very moot.
[20:13] <Kotono> "AAAAAH! Spirit bird, don't make me fall asleep forever!" the goblin cries, dropping it's bow! OOc - Alicia.
06[20:16] * Alicia rapidly backs her horse off, almost skittishly in fear of this vile hunger she fears. "Marie, disarm them and we can be on our way, we don't have time for distractions," she instructs a bit more snappishly than she would under normal circumstances.
[20:16] <Alicia> Sensing Alicia's discomfort, Marie doesn't make a fuss as she flies down to grab all the bows. "Robbing travellers is very bad - you should feel grateful we're letting you off this easily!" she lectures.
[20:23] <Kotono> The last goblin stares in fear, "Why you look at me like that," it says aloud, backing off.
[20:26] <Alicia> "Because she wants to eat you," Marie replies matter of factly as she gathers up all four shortbows. "Anyway, the two I knocked out will wake up easily, but the other one might need a few hours - you four need to find a new line of work," she advises, flying up onto the horse with her burden.
[20:26] <Alicia> "Thanks, Marie, that makes me sound like a real champion of justice," Alicia gripes at her familiar as she spurs her horse to start riding onwards to the northeast and away from tempting goblin souls.
[20:34] <Kotono> You hear a few shouts as you ride off, but the goblins don't pursue! Thus, Alicia rides on. The hunger in her heart r umbles for an hour, before it begins to fade down again. The rest of the day passes without incident, Alicia finding a hollowed out tree to rest in if she wishes.
06[20:35] * Alicia breaks and discards the bows as they ride. Of course, why would she rest inside a cramped hollow tree when she's already suffering from limited sleep time? Using her survival pouch she sets out a tent and a campfire, proceeding to remove two of the logs from said campfire before she crawls into the tent to sleep. Marie knows that the campfire burns out after six hours, and that's when she needs to wake Alicia.
[20:38] <Kotono> OOC - Marie, make a spot check?
[20:39] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{13}
[20:42] <Kotono> "Little eladrin..." This voice murmurs in the air, catching Marie's ears. "You're very far from home. Turn back for your safety." It's a woman's voice and kind, pleasant.
[20:44] <Alicia> "Can't," Marie whispers back, deciding that this person sounds nice so there's no need to disturb Alicia's beauty sleep just yet. "We're on a holy quest. What should we be wary of?" she asks, peering around in search of any magic that might help clue in where the voice is coming from.
[20:47] <Kotono> There is moderate magic behind Marie. Standing at her back is a woman in fine leather armor, a gentle smile on her face. "I see. A battle against forest giants is in the brewing." OOC  Make an K:P check, Marie. This is kinda relevant.
[20:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
[20:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{25}
[20:52] <Alicia> "Forest giants? What is the cause of this brewing battle?" Marie asks, guessing that this might be the battle they've been sent to prevent. She perches lightly atop Alicia's tent as they quietly converse, feeling somewhat at ease with this woman on account of how similar fey and eladrin can be.
[20:53] <Kotono> "They've been razing goblin villages to the point of near genocide. While we have little pity for goblins...we can't let an entire region be slaughtered. The giants claim this is their territory and find our interference an affront." With a sad look on her face, "Thus we come to a brewing battle."
[20:55] <Alicia> "Some goblins tried to rob us earlier, today," Marie admits. "But they were a lot easier to deal with than giants would be. I take it they've refused to listen to reason?" she asks, wondering if it might be better to help defeat the giants than simply delay the battle.
[21:00] <Kotono> "They claim it's their territory to do with what they wish," The woman admits gently. "
[21:00] <Kotono> "So far our words have fallen on deaf ears."
[21:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft on the moderate magic I forgot about
[21:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0spellcraft on the moderate magic I forgot about --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{8}
[21:01] <Alicia> "But the goblins were here first, weren't they?" Marie asks. "Where did these giants come from?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "We came from beyond to seed this land," The answer comes, "We believe it may be much the same with the giants. But...do not spread that information, little one."
[21:08] <Alicia> "Hey, I know all about being sent to the Prime on instructions from high above, so don't worry about that," Marie replies with a knowing grin. Her smile fades a bit afterwards, "So these giants have just been stomping around and killing everyone that gets in their way, huh?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "They're territorial as hell," With a faint smile back, the woman starts to fade back into the forest. "If you go on, protect yourself well. If the giants mark you as an enemy, you'll have to fight. While not all of them are complete brutes...you don't want to have to fight one head on."
[21:13] <Alicia> "Got it. Thanks for the warning - I'm Marielle, by the way. What's your name?" Marie asks before the nature spirit departs.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Elina," Her voice fades into the silence as she says that, gone lik ea ghost.
[21:17] <Alicia> "Bye, Elina," Marie whispers, resuming her watch. She can tell Alicia all this in the morning once they get going again.
[21:19] <Kotono> Thus the morning dawns...OOC - Ball's in yoru guy's court. Even if you're just going to travel on this day, say so.
03[21:20] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-67-9-174-38.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[21:20] <Alicia> Marie explains last night's conversation to Alicia as they travel onwards to the Northeast, but Alicia refuses to commit to a particular course until the giants have a chance to put their side across. Even if what she's hearing sounds like it will go over poorly.
[21:36] <Kotono> Noon comes and passes. Alicia sitll isn't stomach hungry or thirsty in the least. However, her heart rumbles fairly often. A vile hunger gnaws at her stomach, teasing her innards. Further, at about two hours past noon - the horizon is just more cramped forest. However, she sees it. It's not like the goblin's auras and it's still mostly covered by the  forest. However, it's like a white inferno, an aura much more notable far ahead, about 200 f
[21:40] <Kotono> about 200 feet.
[21:40] <Alicia> Too far to detect evil from, but still, given the size of it... "Think that's one of our giants over there," Alicia points the thing out for Marie's benefit as she approaches. Now they'll see exactly what they're up against.
[21:44] <Kotono> Alicia's chest rumbles as she sees the aura, stirring into hungry life. It's not hard to see it - it's coming towards Alicia at a pretty open gait. At 160 feet away...!!! It's huge! It's like a tree in height, mammoth and over twenty feet! It's green skin is covered with hide armor, bulging with insane, massive muscles! A rough spear is carried, a long scar running down it's leg.  "You!" It stops and points at Alicia at that distance.
06[21:45] * Alicia stops. This is a nice distance, she thinks. No need to get closer if things are going to turn hostile. "Yes, me!" she calls back inanely. "What do you want?"
[21:47] <Kotono> It's spear is pointed ahead like a javelin, longer than Alicia is tall. "Come no further! This is war territory," he declares.
[21:48] <Alicia> "I'm not at war with you," Alicia calls over reasonably. "Why shouldn't I be able to pass?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "I have my orders - and we're not letting in anyone to interfere," he calls back. "A huge battle is coming."
[21:51] <Alicia> "It's nice that he's talking and not just attacking outright, I suppose," Marie whispers. "But it sounds like this is the battle we're here to stop, isn't it?"
[21:51] <Alicia> "A battle with whom?" Alicia asks, nodding briefly to her familiar.
[21:52] <Kotono> "Yes," The giant's voice thickens with rumbling sarcasm, "I'm going to tell you every detail so you can sneak in and interfere better."
[21:57] <Alicia> "Paranoid, aren't you?" Alicia replies. "Look, I'm going to continue my journey regardless of your permission, but I'd much rather do so without any violence."
[21:57] <Alicia> "I've heard that your kind have been waging a genocidal war against all the other inhabitants of the forest, but the fact that you're actually taking the time to talk instead of launching a psychotic attack shows that you're not that unreasonable, so can't we talk about this?"
[22:01] <Kotono> Idly slinging his spear across his back, the giant grabs a nearby tree trunk! He rips it out with a great UUUUUMGH!, hoisting it in both hands. He tosses it like adart, far off from Alicia, but not that far! "I'd reconsider that first point," he warns. "It's our clan's business. We're dealing with an investation of vermin."
[22:16] <Alicia> While she does have a limited allotment of spells for this adventure, hopefully using just one will go a long way here towards gaining the giant's respect. Easily dismounting from her horse, she steps over to the tree and looks between it and the giant with a smile. Casting a brief spell, she shoots up in height and mass, though still falling about a third short of the giant's height.
[22:16] <Alicia> Theatrically dusting her hands together, she picks up the tree, holds it over her shoulder, then hurls it like a javelin with both hands to land off to the side of the giant.
[22:26] <Kotono> Woosh! The tree trunk is tossed by Alicia! She's not as apt or as skillful as the giant is with it, but the trunk still goes hurtling about 100 feet! It lands wiht a heavy thump against a nearby tree! "Impressive," The giant observes, "You got bigger, too."
[22:29] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia nods, glad that actually worked. "We can keep posturing, but I think we've both made suitable displays of our prowess to show that neither will be easily cowed. So will we come to a civilised arrangement, or will we go from tossing foliage to pitting blade against spear?"
[22:37] <Kotono> "Come over here," The giant gestures with one of his mammoth hands.
06[22:38] * Alicia approaches without fear, leaving Marie to look after the horse.
[22:43] <Kotono> Thus Alicia approaches. At twenty feet away, "You don't seem so stupid as a goblin," he admits. As Alicia gets closer, her hunger manifests. The white aura around him is much stronger, making her heart hunger wildly. "Everyone else in this forest is stupid or a goblin."
06[22:46] * Alicia clamps down on her infernal hunger, calling upon her reserves of willpower to keep a calm facade up. "I've had some trouble with goblins and trolls in this forest, myself," she admits, having to crane her neck upwards even with her current increased stature. "But there are more friendly creatures I've encountered as well - I'm still trying to decide exactly where you fit in, though.."
[22:47] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save, Alicia?
[22:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18
[22:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+18 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{29}
[22:48] <Kotono> "Goblins are worthless. Trolls...you can club them into line, at least," The giant grunts. "I'll tell you this much. We're here and we're making this part of the forest our territory. As it's only goblins, it shouldn't be a problem. Of course, it never works that easily."
[22:50] <Alicia> "The goblins were here first - I can't blame them for defending their homes, even if they are horribly outmatched," Alicia admits, content to keep some distance between them as she controls her vile appetite. "I'm Alicia, by the way. What's your name?"
[22:54] <Kotono> "Sandier," He crosses his arms, "SAndier the Great Thrower. The Green Boulder clan has lain claim to this land. Goblins are simply a vermin to be removed. A particularly irritating vermin, too."
[22:56] <Alicia> "Where did your clan come from before they got here, Sandier?" Alicia asks curiously. She knows what Marie said, but she wants to hear the story the giants themselves are handing out.
[22:59] <Kotono> "The Endless Forest. Recently, our chief demanded that we move...and we did, and we found ourselves here." His answer is short enough and to the point. "He said this is our new homeland."
[23:00] <Alicia> "And you'd kill everyone who's already living here?" Alicia concludes. "Or is it just the goblins who're being singled out?"
[23:01] <Kotono> "Goblins are scum. Trolls can at least be tamed and used," There's a particularly nasty glint in his eye at that word, "With enough time and fire. Goblins breed and spawn and raise nothing but whimpering, smelly trouble. Fortunately, there's very few others around here."
[23:06] <Alicia> "If there's few of them around, why do you think a huge battle is coming?" Alicia asks, feeling some faint revulsion at the giant's callous speech. She's hardly fond of goblins, and trolls are even worse, but what the giant hints at is not inspiring any confidence.
[23:11] <Kotono> "It's not them, goblins are simple enough to defeat," Sandier growls.
[23:13] <Alicia> "Then what?" the paladin presses.

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Alicia> [21:00] <Kotono> "Goblins are scum. Trolls can at least be tamed and used," There's a particularly nasty glint in his eye at that word, "With enough time and fire. Goblins breed and spawn and raise nothing but whimpering, smelly trouble. Fortunately, there's very few others around here."
[20:52] <Alicia> [21:05] <Alicia> "If there's few of them around, why do you think a huge battle is coming?" Alicia asks, feeling some faint revulsion at the giant's callous speech. She's hardly fond of goblins, and trolls are even worse, but what the giant hints at is not inspiring any confidence.
[20:52] <Alicia> [21:09] <Kotono> "It's not them, goblins are simple enough to defeat," Sandier growls.
[20:52] <Alicia> [21:11] <Alicia> "Then what?" the paladin presses.
[20:58] <Kokokokokoko> "There's an order of fey in the forest opposing us. They look like beautiful women and are trying to protect the goblins." With a long scowl on his face, "I mean...why...but that put aside, it's looking to rise to a confrontation as the truce to talk ends at dawn."
[21:02] <Alicia> "I think they want to help them because the goblins can't help themselves," Alicia reasons. "Isn't there any chance of giving ground on this - I'll be honest, as a member of one of the human kingdoms neighbouring this forest, I can't help but wonder where your people will set their sights next if you wipe out the goblins."
[21:06] <Kokokokokoko> "Eh,"
[21:06] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - Gah.
[21:07] <Kokokokokoko> "Eh," Wiping his forehead with the back of his forearm - hungry, heart hungry, the white aura around him still making Alicia hungry - "The humans I've met so far have been reasonably tough and reasonably smart." Looking Alicia over, "Plus you wear steel, both of you."
06[21:14] * Alicia briefly looks down at her armour, glad to be looking at something besides that damnably alluring aura. "Mithral, actually," she notes. "But that's besides the point. The thing is, Sandier, your people seem to be invaders - the goblins and trolls may be irritating, but we have them figured out. They know their boundaries with respect to us, and things have been in balance for thousands of years."
[21:14] <Alicia> "Then your people come in out of nowhere and start indiscriminately wiping them out - not just warriors, but noncombatants and children, too. You brazenly claim that their territory is now 'yours', when none of you had set foot here until what, a few months ago?"
[21:14] <Alicia> "How do we know you won't decide our farmland is 'yours' a few years from now? If this is how you conduct yourselves, it might be better for us to strike against you before you have a chance to really establish yourselves, don't you think?"
[21:15] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - Diplo check here, +3 bonus since you argued that out nicely.
[21:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 and gets 26."12 [1d20=5]
[21:19] <Kokokokokoko> "Mghs," Making an incoherent noise as he listens, "Dammit, you're making too good a point," he scowls. "You're a good talker too." Lowering his head a moment, "I want to know something. Are steel wearers nobles in your clan, too? You speak like a silver tongued leader."
[21:22] <Alicia> "I am something of a leader," Alicia admits. Even if she lacks any title, lots of people do indeed look up to her, "But there are others I follow in turn. Any warrior who values his life will wear steel armour, however. But someone who doesn't wear steel and still seems unafraid?"
[21:22] <Alicia> "That person is either a fool, or someone to be very wary of," she warns. "Perhaps if I could speak to your chief I could help mediate things with the servants of Chauntea?" It's fairly obvious that this is the battle she was sent to stop, but if she keeps on travelling till noontime tomorrow, chances are she'll have no choice by then but to simply pick a side and seek an ending to the fight.
[21:25] <Kokokokokoko> "Only nobles are allowed to wear steel in our clan. It is a mark of honor," Sandier listens to Alicia slowly, "Only chieftain leaders or those with the blood of a giant king are allowed to learn how to properly craft it. With those words and that steel, you may just impress the chief."
[21:29] <Alicia> "I hope so," Alicia offers a smile, "Let me get my horse and you can guide me to the chief, Sandier?"
[21:40] <Kokokokokoko> "Yeah," Sandier gestures a giant hand towards Alicia's horse.
06[21:43] * Alicia goes over towards her horse and dispels her enlarge spell so she can climb on without breaking the poor thing's back. "Are you sure you should be doing this, Alicia?" Marie whispers. "Weren't you told to keep travelling Northeast till the zenith of the third day?"
[21:43] <Alicia> "If I do that then there probably won't be any chance to stop the battle," Alicia replies. "The truce ends tomorrow. This is our best chance of reaching a peaceful arrangement." Having made up her mind, she spurs her horse to trot on over towards Sandier, keeping a respectable distance so she won't be too distracted by his aura.
[21:45] <Kokokokokoko> Sandier leads a swift path through the forest. For a giant he's not completely immobile, making his way through the forest with an easy familiarity. He moves more like a ranger than a plodding giant; reallly, it's rather impressive to watch. Combine that with the white aura around him and Alicia fins ite asy to focus on him as they go...
06[21:46] * Alicia does her best to avoid focusing on the aura, hoping she can keep control of herself until this is over with. If she flips out while discussing peace with the chief things will not end well.
[21:53] <Kokokokokoko> A few hours later, Alicia is lead to a large clearing in the forest. Here a few dozen giants are gathered, logs and small trees gathered up. Most of them come and go, denuding the forest in a slowly growing circle of all upright trees.  Most of them also only wear hides, though one overwatching them wears a crude but well polished iron breastplate and greaves. He sits atop an ancient pine tree, felled over. "Chief!" Sandier calls loudly
[21:53] <Kokokokokoko> He sits atop an ancient pine tree, felled over. "Chief!" Sandier calls loudly, "Sandier the Great Thrower returns with an honorable human guest!"
[21:55] <Alicia> "Mystra, give me strength..." Alicia prays quietly as Marie gives her a supportive smile, before she dismounts from her horse. "My name is Alicia Reynes, Knight of Mystra, lieutenant of the United Baronies," she introduces herself with all the presence she can muster, defying her diminuitive stature in comparison to these giants.
[22:00] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - Alicia, give me a will save to see how you're doing on this.
[22:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 (+2 vs evil)
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 (+2 vs evil) and gets 37."12 [1d20=19]
[22:06] <Kokokokokoko> The armor wearing giant stands up. He scrapes near thirty feet tall, casting a deep shadow over Alicia and Marie. He has a massive hammer, picked up in one hand with a great oomph! He slings it over his shoulder, using one hand to keep it in place. "There'd better be a damned good reason you got Sandier to take you here. I thought I told him to chase off any wanderers. So..." He leans in, looming over Alicia. "Little human, speak. Why a
[22:06] <Kokokokokoko> So..." He leans in, looming over Alicia. "Little human, speak. Why are you here?" Even as his face cracks into a foreboding smile...
[22:06] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+17
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+17 and gets 37."12 [1d20=20]
[22:06] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - Intimidation check.
[22:07] <Alicia> OOC: I can't beat that, so I guess I'm shaken for 1 round?
[22:07] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - Go ahead and RP that, yeah.
[22:21] <Alicia> "I-I'm here about your invasion of our world," Alicia replies, cursing herself for how her voice briefly cracked like some pathetic schoolgirl's. He's just big, that's all - even if he looks like he could step on her, she's perfectly capable of shredding him into giblets if she so desires.
[22:21] <Alicia> Still, all her carefully prepared words are forgotten in that awful instant, and it takes her far too long to regather her thoughts. "I know how you've sought to wipe out all the goblins and enslave the trolls. And how the servants of Chauntea have tried to counsel balance and been rebuffed - so that now they will almost certainly join your list of enemies around your new home."
[22:21] <Alicia> "As a member of one of the neighbouring human kingdoms, I have no desire for such a bloody conflict on our borders. As I told Sandier, we *know* the goblins and the trolls. Irritating though they are, they know their place with respect to us and avoid causing trouble - we have no such assurances with your people, and cannot know that you won't turn on us after securing your position."
[22:21] <Alicia> "This," she takes a deep breath, at last recovering her poise, "We cannot allow. And so I have come to counsel peace, and suggest that you reconsider your current position as newcomers to our world."
[22:27] <Kokokokokoko> Those words are heard by the giant creature, who backs away slightly once Alicia catches her poise again. "You speak big...despite being afraid," The chief says this in a moment, then, "Get back to work, all of you!" As the other giants stop any obvious listening, "You're brave for such a small one...and a woman, no less!" He goes back to the tree and sits, making his form far less imposing. "So you don't want us to come knocking on you
[22:27] <Kokokokokoko> your door in warfare?"
[22:27] <Kokokokokoko> Sandier lingers back, arms crossed as he watches.
[22:35] <Alicia> "You have more presence than others of your stature I have faced," Alicia admits. Oh, well. The knock to her pride might at least gratify the giant that she isn't impertinent. "But look at it this way - there's been a simple balance here for thousands of years - even if goblins and trolls and elves and humans aren't always friends, we still co-exist together."
[22:35] <Alicia> "You've disrupted that balance by your very arrival - now, perhaps a new balance can be found... but not if you continue your current ways. Fighting with your neighbours as you work out the new order of things, that's understandable to any race. Even the Fey would not object to that, I think."
[22:35] <Alicia> "But you go beyond mere fighting - not just killing warriors, but slaying every goblin noncombatant and child, and burning their villages?" She shakes her head, "This goes beyond war and into genocide - and marks you as a potential threat to every sentient race you encounter. And that is why - even though we don't particularly like trolls and goblins - you may find yourself in conflict with humans as well, before you have a chance to
[22:36] <Alicia>  before you have a chance to become a threat to us."
[22:41] <Kokokokokoko> "Mmmm." The giant leader listens well, "Do you care of the goblins at all? Does your clan see them as anything beyond vermin and pests? In our old homeland, we waged countless wars against goblinkind, for they are foul, base and ultimately a plague that spreads out like rats. To us, killing goblins is a duty for peace."
[22:49] <Alicia> "We sometimes trade with them, though it's fairly limited," Alicia admits. "They do occassionally steal from people, but that's mostly the extent of it - we have little love for them, and they know well enough the wrath they could earn if they were to push their luck with us."
[22:49] <Alicia> She pauses for a moment to think before starting again, "Goblins make far better neighbours than trolls, I don't think any human would argue that point. The reason being that trolls produce nothing to trade with, and have no fear of reprisals for they tend to operate more like roving predators, rather than people with homes and families to protect."
[22:52] <Kokokokokoko> "Ah yes, the problems with trolls." Glowering, "I suppose I understand that...if the goblins are as you say you are. Perhaps you've finally cowed a group of them into fearful submission, I can respect that." He stops there, "Do you want peace in your lands so badly, then? There aren't many goblins left - if you can move the last few groups and get the fey to relent, we won't have any reason to go any farther with this fight."
[22:57] <Alicia> "I think I can get Chauntea's servants to relent, but you will have to compromise yourself; if I remove the goblins from their homes, it's no different than if you wiped them out yourself - you're still getting exactly what you wanted. You're going to have to give a little by leaving the remaining goblins alone."
[22:57] <Alicia> She meets the giant's eyes with a steady expression, "Nobody's asking you to roll over for them - if goblins give you trouble, deal with them as you see fit. But no more indiscriminately and totally annihilating their villages - the response must be proportionate to the offence. That is how things work on this world."
[23:17] <Kokokokokoko> "I see." The chief listens, in fact, he listens well. "You have strong principals and you appear to be a warrior. Your words aren't easily discarded even before your eloquence comes into play." He thinks a few, "Most humans we meet expect giants to be uncapable of speaking intelligently or doing much beyond throwing big objects and fighting to the death. The encounters with the humans here so far show no such view..."
[23:25] <Alicia> "I've heard stories, but I've learned how unreliable those can be," Alicia admits. "As for personal experience, the closest things to giants I have met would be trolls and ogres - and you're not much like either." She glances over to Sandier, before returning her attention to the chief, "From speaking with you, I do think that peaceful co-existence is possible, but it will require you to change your ways."
[23:25] <Alicia> "Perhaps life in the Great Forest was an all or nothing proposition, and you really did have to wipe out your enemies simply to survive - but I'm telling you that not only is that unnecessary here, it's outright dangerous. I'm not committed to 'balance' in the metaphysical sense like those Fey are, but there is a balance of power that does exist between societies here."
[23:25] <Alicia> "If you understand and respect it, you can prosper. If you don't, you'll be reviled and hunted by all, just the same as the trolls are."
[23:35] <Kokokokokoko> "MMmmmmmm." He listens further to Alicia, "I suppose I could challenge you to combat to prove the strength of your words or some such way...but you seem to have courage enough. I have an offer - go talk to those women for us."
06[23:37] * Alicia nods. "That was my intention - I think it's somewhat likely that one will find me simply when I camp for the night, but just to make sure I don't miss them, do you know where I could find them?"
[23:39] <Kokokokokoko> "Go out into the forest at the night. Our truce with them will le tyou find them easily until the morning," The chief answers. "You will go in our name and be offering a peace. See what they'll accept and what they want, then return."
[23:40] <Alicia> "Understood," Alicia smiles slightly, hoping that the fey will be an easier sell than the giants. From what she's gathered, this was the hard part. "Before I depart - do you have a name besides 'Chief'?"
[23:46] <Kokokokokoko> "Autumnus." He answers this ably, even as Alicia's heart rumbles again. The aura around him...Alicia can smother it with a thought, her will still holding strong.
[23:47] <Alicia> "Chief Autumnus," Alicia nods as she gets on her horse, Marie having been silent throughout. "I will return in the morning, then." At that, she spurs her mount to the Northeast, intending to ride out for a couple of hours before setting camp.
[23:51] <Kokokokokoko> Alicia finds that the hunger swells with her as she finally gets away from them. There's a distant ache of loss within her, an occasional stab of desire to turn around and gallop back to the giant's camp.
[23:53] <Alicia> "Urgh..." Alicia leans forward onto the horse's neck, loosening her armour a bit to snake a hand below her breastplate and rub her chest. "This is horrible... I'll be so glad when this is over and the damnable hunger is gone."
[23:53] <Alicia> "There, there," Marie floats up onto Alicia's head in an effort to console her. "I'll make you a super-big meal once we get back!"
[23:55] <Alicia> "Mmm. Thanks," the paladin murmurs, getting herself under control and fixing her armour back in place. "Just need to hang on a little bit longer and we'll be done," she sighs as they ride along through the forest.
[23:57] <Kokokokokoko> Thus Alicia beds down for the night. As the sun sinks down, night falling over as Alicia settles in, "Little Eladrin..." This voice is most obvious this time, close by and quite aloud. It's in common, Alicia easily able to understand.
[23:59] <Alicia> "Hi! Is that you, Elina?" Marie asks, before looking down towards the tent. "Wake up, Alicia, we've got company!" Having barely been dozing, Alicia gets up easily enough and crawls out of the tent to look around for their visitor.
Session Time: Wed May 07 00:00:00 2008
[00:02] <Kokokokokoko> It strikes Alicia like a thunderbolt. The white aura around this woman - Elina - is incredible. Her entire body breaks into a sweat, hunger rippling. "It is," Elina calls. "You came and went from the giant's war encampment." She glides towards the tent, "And you made camp most openly here."
06[00:05] * Alicia takes a deep breath to centre herself as she stands up, taking a half step back as Marie looks worriedly between the two. "Hell, Elina," she manages after regaining her composure. "My name is Alicia Reynes - you've already met my familiar," she nods to Marie, who gives a wave in reply. "We are servants of the Lady of Mysteries, and Mystra has bid us to prevent the coming battle between your sisters and the giants."
[00:06] <Alicia> *Hello
[00:18] <Kokokokokoko> "I am Elina, servant of Jannath. You are of the Crimson Guard?" She asks gently. "By all accounts you are a well respected mortal hero."
[00:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 religion, do I know that Jannath = Chauntea?
06[00:20] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 religion, do I know that Jannath = Chauntea? and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[00:22] <Alicia> "If you feel that way then hopefully this will go smoothly," Alicia offers the other woman a smile. "Do you speak for all of Jannath's servants here, Elina, or is there another who leads?"
[00:22] <Kokokokokoko> "I can speak for us in good faith. Others of your guard have proven to be good hearted and well meaning, so we will gladly hear your words."
[00:25] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods, closing her eyes for a long moment as she marshalls her will against the nigh all consuming hunger that pervades her. "I understand that the point of contention between your sisters and the giants is their attempt to completely exterminate all of the goblins from this forest, would that be correct?" she asks, wanting to make sure they're all on the same page before she goes further.
[00:26] <Kokokokokoko> "It is. We have little love for goblins, but we cannot allow them to be massacred." Elina admits. "Even creatures such as they have a right to exist."
[00:31] <Alicia> "I agree," Alicia looks up once more to meet Elina's eyes. "And I believe I have impressed upon the giants that they cannot expect to settle on a new world and seek the annihilation of a group already present here without facing severe repercussions. Chief Autumnus saw the wisdom of my words, and asked me to deliver a message of peace to you on his behalf."
[00:31] <Alicia> She spreads her arms briefly, "I do not expect there will be peace between giants and goblins, not after what has already transpired. But I think they at least now understand that certain lines cannot be crossed. If they manage to keep their heads down, the goblins should be safe, for the most part."
[00:34] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+13
06[00:34] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+13 and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
[00:35] <Kokokokokoko> "...?" Elina doesn't speak, but instead looks into Alicia's eyes. "....!" Carefully she takes a step back, "Your words are kind...but why are you...?"
06[00:37] * Alicia likewise steps back, guessing that Elina has perceived something wrong with her thanks to the sphere's influence. "I mean you no harm, I promise," she assures earnestly. "This is my curse to bear, and I shall endure it without endangering anyone else."
[00:38] <Kokokokokoko> "Explain yourself!" Elina's words are quick, her eyes narrowing.
03[00:41] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[00:42] <Alicia> "I carry an item of great evil - a prison, fashioned by the Baatezu to capture the souls of six of their hated enemies. Myself among them." With slow and obvious movements, Alicia opens her pack and takes out the orb to show to Elina. "Mystra has tasked me with bearing it's curse, so that it might be redeemed..."
[00:42] <Alicia> She shakes her head, wincing, "I don't fully understand it, but being around others makes me hungry in a way I can't quite describe, even though I'm not quite sure *what* I can do to alleviate this hunger, I don't think it would be anything good."
[00:43] <Kokokokokoko> Holding the sphere, it feels almost alive in Alicia's hands...OOC - Goa head and make another will save here, I think.
[00:43] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 (+2 vs evil)
06[00:43] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 (+2 vs evil) and gets 25."12 [1d20=7]
06[00:45] * Alicia takes another step back. "Though, I think physical contact between us would be a very bad idea, right now," she adds as she struggles with the perverse feeling within her.
[00:46] <Kokokokokoko> "What...what is that?!" Elina takes another step backwards. "A soul prison of the Baatezu?" Her voice is full of pained alarm, "...yet I see no evil on you at all, but the look in your eye..."
06[00:48] * Alicia puts the orb back into the backpack. "Hunger," she states plainly. "I think... I think this curse would have me consume your soul. I give you my word that I would die before that would come to pass, however."
[00:50] <Kokokokokoko> "Go then. I will go to the giant's camp myself," Elina pronounces, "Cursed one, travel away. If what you say is true, then I will seek peace with them and you can ake that curse away. But if I find you have lied...then by Jannath herself, I will hunt you and end your existance." A hardness comes into her voice, "The Earthmother will not tolerate a soul eater in her lands. I pray that my instincts are right and that you are telling the t
[00:50] <Alicia> "You can trust her, Elina," Marie pipes up supportively. "Mystra wouldn't have given her this burden if she couldn't handle it."
[00:51] <Kokokokokoko> the truth, hero."
[00:55] <Alicia> "I do not lie," Alicia replies firmly. "I have brought no death since setting foot into this forest, and am not about to start, now. I will remain until my quest is complete, one way or another - I pray for all our sakes that you and Autumnus can find peace together."
[01:04] <Kokokokokoko> "Even with that curse you bear? ARe you not tormented by it and tempted?" Elina presses, looking to Marie. "Can you restrain her if the urges overtook her?"
[01:06] <Alicia> "Of course I'm tempted - the whole point is that it's hard, that I have to overcome the evil that I bear," Alicia replies heatedly. "I haven't eaten since I left Balmuria, but my stomach doesn't bother me at all - it's all here," she thumps her chest, "But it doesn't matter that it's hard, or that I'm tormented - I took on a job, and I'm going to see it through!"
[01:07] <Alicia> "I can't really do much," Marie shrugs helplessly, "But her sword can take over if she loses it."
[01:09] <Kokokokokoko> "But...what if you lose control here?" Elina asks aloud, but then shakes her head at Alicia's heated words, "Then no...we must hurry then if youa re going to insist. We will go straightaway to the giant's camp together, if you will not relent."
03[01:10] * Sierra_Workhellishness is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[01:11] <Alicia> "I'm stronger than this thing. I won't lose control," Alicia insists as she dismisses her camp and feeds her horse a lesser restoration potion before she mounts it. "But I won't object to getting this over with sooner rather than later."
[01:14] <Kokokokokoko> "Let us hurry," Elina keeps a good distance from Alicia, her pace quick in the forest.
06[01:15] * Alicia is quite happy to keep a decent distance between them so she isn't overly tempted, though she somewhat has to rely on Marie for directions in the darkness when her own night vision fails.
[01:18] <Kokokokokoko> The trip continues onward. Alicia's hunger continues, gnawing at her innards and chest. The aura she sees around Elina is like sweet, sweet nectar, just denied to her. By the time she reaches the giant's camp, her chest wants to eat so badly...but she's made it. A few giants are on watch, calling out, "Alert, a messenger...and the human!"
06[01:19] * Alicia feels somewhat light-headed from hunger as she dismounts, Marie fluttering worriedly beside her. "Nearly done - don't worry, we'll get through this," she whispers with an encouraging smile for her familiar.
[01:22] <Kokokokokoko> Coming from the shadows is Autumnus, calling, "Hail and welcome," he says, as Alicia struggles to keep control. Elina nods to him, "For reasons I will keep this simple. Are you willing to spare the goblins?"
06[01:23] * Alicia hangs back, hoping that Elina and Autumnus can indeed keep things direct and to the point.
[01:25] <Kokokokokoko> Giants gather - Alicia feels her head go light. "We are...under this world's circumstances," Autumnus states. "Alicia has acted to meditate a peace, and we are not adverse to avoiding pointless bloodshed." AS the giants come out, there are more and more auras. Alicia struggles...OOC - Will save again, I think.
[01:26] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 (+2 vs evil)
06[01:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 (+2 vs evil) and gets 31."12 [1d20=13]
[01:26] <Kokokokokoko> "Then...we have no reason to do battle," Elina says, "As long as you keep your word."
06[01:28] * Alicia claps her hands together once, the sound ringing through the giant's camp to get everyone's attention. "So say we all," she pronounces, finalising negotiations. Hopefully.
[01:28] <Kokokokokoko> "Very well then." Autumnus says, "There will be no battle. For now, we'll return to our village. Pas-" He stops at that, "Well spoken, human."
06[01:29] * Alicia offers Autumnus a slight smile. "There's been lots of words, today. Sometimes it's nice to be direct," she explains.
[01:30] <Alicia> And the sooner this is over the sooner she can head home and be lifted of this curse, yes indeed.
[01:31] <Kokokokokoko> "We can celebrate another time. Alicia has to go," Elina speaks up, looking righ to her.
[01:32] <Alicia> "Indeed," Alicia goes to mount her horse, Marie following her and looking relieved. "For now I'll simply welcome you both as new neighbours, and hope we can get along so well in the future."

[Corwin]

[20:49] <Cute_Maid_Kochan> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[20:53] <Cute_Maid_Kochan> Alicia returns to Balmuria! Such thing is worthy of praise this late afternoon, just before the sun sinks into night. For Alicia still hungers, even if subdued now. Her head throbs, a steady headache having formed. But nonetheless she has made it back from the wilderness.
06[20:53] * Alicia makes her way with haste to her church, not wanting to labour under this curse for a moment longer than she has to.
[20:58] <Cute_Maid_Kochan> The guards. The people on the street. The workers. The m erchants. All of them are surrounded - no, suffused - with food thatm akes Alicia's chest ache. But her will is strong and has held this far. It holds a little further as she approaches the Temple of Mystra. The sun is just starting to set now, hints of night onrushing.
03[20:59] * Cute_Maid_Kochan is now known as Kotono
[20:59] <Alicia> Marie flutters through the air beside Alicia as she dismounts her horse and ties it to a post - she can stable it back at the garrison afterwards - before striding into the temple and looking for Shankar.
[21:05] <Kotono> Inside, you find the way to the altar without incident. After nodding past a group of worshippers exiting, you see Shankar by there, talking to Commander Oberuth. The former immediately makes a few quick words to him, before hurrying over to Alicia. "Mystra's Mercy," he goes to her, "You've made it back. Come, let's take this burden off of you."
06[21:06] * Alicia gratefully produces the scintillating orb from her pack and holds it out to Shankar. "Wouldn't it be funny if it turned out there was a fight occuring out there completely unrelated to the giants and fey that you were supposed to stop?" Marie opines innocently. Then upon catching Alicia's baleful glare, she shrinks back, "Or maybe not so funny," she squeaks.
[21:11] <Kotono> "To the altar," Shankar takes Alicia by the hand, aiding her along. While the hunger is there, blossoming...it seems to be lesser as you view the altar of the Mother of all Magic. Commander Oberuth steps back at all of this, keeping his mouth shut. "Oh Lady of Magic..." Shankar intones, "Alicia, put the orb onto the altar."
06[21:12] * Alicia is only too happy to comply, gently setting the vile sphere down upon Mystra's altar.
[21:19] <Kotono> The moment it does, wracking hunger and thirst throttle Alicia! Yet even amid t hat, her clarity of mind stays intact. "Oh mother of Magic..." Shankar intones! As he does, looking up to the heavens...OOC - More, PM.
06[21:31] * Alicia waits to see what the orb could become if its potential were turned away from its current purpose. Considering how the sword of grief turned out, she has reason to be optimistic.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Mystra...." Shankar prays, as the orb begins to spin! The six segments whirl like a storm, crackling! The gems look as if they are going to shatter, lines running through them! From these lines hisses of black steam out, vaporizing as they do!  In these jets of steam, Alicia can see images - images of herself, of Demedais, of Antenora, of Donald, of an Astral Deva and of Seira.
[21:37] <Alicia> Marie flies up to perch herself on Alicia's head for a better view, making suitable oohing and aahing noises at the spectacle.
06[21:37] * Alicia is more reverently silent as she watches Mystra's power unfold.
[21:39] <Kotono> The orb shakes! The lines grow, as if to break - but then seal! From the altar rises up a flash of white, sealing the orb with lines of white all over it's surface. From it radiates a gentle, protective feeling.
[21:40] <Alicia> "Praise Mystra," Alicia breathes out, smiling as she reaches over to pick up the reformed sphere.
[21:48] <Kotono> The sphere is warm in Alicia's hands. It makes her ravenous hunger...well, it doesn't do much to it, nor her thirst, but it does at least distract her with it's gentle feeling.
[21:50] <Alicia> "Ahh, I think this could be useful," Alicia muses happily, slipping it back into her backpack, before she rests a hand over her churning stomach. "Now, I desperately need to go get dinner - anyone care to join me?" she invites Shankar and Obureth.
[21:51] <Kotono> Oberuth steps forward, "I'll come with you...especially since you look like you'll pass out. Shankar, we'll finish this another day."
[21:52] <Kotono> Shankar nods severly, "Let Mystra's will be done...but I must head back, for your housemate is helping in the kitchens again. While I appreciate her aide..." He seems to want to say something, but cuts himself off. "It's a minor matter of no concern to you. Go eat."
06[21:55] * Alicia nods. "Okay, then. Just need to stop by home so Marie can get changed," she briefly nudges the eladrin on her head, "Then we'll go visit an inn - I'm too tired to cook, right now." Giving the priest a wave, she starts for the exit. "I'll see you tomorrow, Shankar."
[22:05] <Kotono> The trip to home and then an inn is without incident. Alicia admittedly doesn't entirely register it - the hunger goes from ravenous to consuming, her throat like a desert. Once in the nearest little eatery at the end of the block, Commander Oberuth takes care of getting some food. Once meat, salad and cheese is up in front of Alicia, "Did you run out of supplies and couldn't catch game, or was it more unusually caused?"
[22:07] <Alicia> "I just... wasn't hungry," Alicia admits after eating a few mouthfuls and then pausing to let her stomach settle. "Not for food, anyway. Part of the curse I had to bear."
[22:07] <Alicia> "She was hungry for souls!" Marie whispers conspiratorially, leaning across the table between them. "Luckily I'm not delicious, apparently, or I might have been in trouble."
[22:13] <Kotono> "One vampire was bad enough," Oberuth says agreeably, settling back with a mug of something that smells quite strong. "What did that feel like?"
[22:15] <Alicia> "Like a hunger that starts in your heart and not your stomach," Alicia rests a hand over her chest. "It physically hurt at times, just begging me to lose control and do... something, regrettable." She sighs and resumes eating her meal at a more reasonable pace. "Fortunately I was able to resist it."
[22:22] <Kotono> "You know, that sounds like what you'd imagine it to be. Some sort of endless hunger that wears you down and pleads until you can't resist it." With a canny look at Alicia, "You don't feel it anymore now?"
[22:23] <Alicia> "Only hunger I've got is the normal kind," Alicia assures him with a smile. "But, I know what you mean - I only had to endure that for a few days, but I can imagine how bad it would get if it continued."
[22:25] <Kotono> A waitress passes by, putting down a bowl of fruit next to Alicia before heading to the next table. The people there are middle aged, but one could note they're looking at Alicia's table. "You took a helluva risk." Oberuth sips again, "Oh, speaking of risks. Do you know a mercenary named Serge?"
[22:28] <Alicia> "He's one of the ones you told me to meet at the Dawn Pointe Inn," Alicia nods, focusing more on Obureth than the other patrons. "Dwarf, follower of Kossuth. Why, has he gotten in trouble?" she asks, a bit surprised. He seemd a good sort.
[22:28] <Alicia> Marie helps herself to some fruit as she listens to the conversation, preferring something sweet to real food. Not like she has to eat, anyway.
[22:30] <Kotono> "Not at all." Sipping away again and glancing at Marie, "He was looking for you and he stopped by the garrison. This was a day ago when you were out, but I happened to deal with it personally."
[22:32] <Alicia> The currently aasimared eladrin gives Obureth a smile, but doesn't interrupt the conversation. "He's still staying at the Dawn Pointe? I can stop by after this, I suppose - did he say what it was about?"
[22:35] <Kotono> "He wanted to talk to you about some business deal or another. I think it was a mercenary job from the way he was cagey about it." Another waitress passes by, going to a nearby few tables with drinks. Amid the warm chatter, "I'm rather glad I saw him. His eyes and the way he moved said a lot about him. You don't think they're dangerous at all?"
06[22:38] * Alicia shakes her head. "They're mercenaries, with all that entails, but fundamentally I think they're good people. And very skilled, too, if their tales are any indication. I think having them around will be good for the city," she affirms.
[22:40] <Kotono> "Alright. I agree, the way Serge handled himself said he was deadly if he wanted to be. Anyway, he asked me to pass onto you that he'll be in the Dawn Pointe Inn, same room as last time." There's a pause here, as another waiter comes over. This one bears a chocolate cake with white icing. "Compliments of another table," he says to Alicia.
06[22:41] * Alicia blinks and looks over to the other table in faint surprise, her familiar following the gesture.
[22:43] <Kotono> Three people are at tha ttable. They're normal looking people, eating a meal. One raises his glass to Alicia with a solemn look, and then mouths, "Thank you, Captain," to her.
[22:45] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia replies, raising a utensil in a similar salute before she starts on the cake, cutting up servings for herself, Obureth, and Marie. "That was nice of them," she can't help but observe, mood brightened.
[22:47] <Kotono> "It happens." Oberuth drinks again, smiling as well. "With the reputation the Guard has now...I had a week where I couldn't buy a drink for myself before someone else paid."
[22:50] <Alicia> "It's nice to be appreciated," Alicia nods as she bites into her cake. "Mmm... good cake, too. You should try some," she recommends. "Anyway, yes, I'll stop by the Inn after this to see what Serge wants."
[22:52] <Kotono> Biting into it himself, Oberuth only has a little before putting it aside. "Oh, there's one more thing."
[22:53] <Alicia> "Hm?" Alicia gives him a curious look as Marie reaches over towards Obureth's slice.
[22:53] <Alicia> "You going to eat that?" she asks nicely.
[22:58] <Kotono> "....Go ahead," Oberuth resists letting any emotions show. Instead, "Do you remember that fellow you caught just before things went south with the war, the one that was after your sister?"
[22:59] <Alicia> "Oh, yes," Alicia allows some displeasure to mar her features as Marie helps herself to more cake. "What happened with him?"
[23:03] <Kotono> "He wants to talk to you at some point," Oberuth lets a scowl go as well, "It's up to you if you bother."
[23:05] <Alicia> "Pff," Alicia makes an unhappy noise. "He can talk to the magistrate. I've got nothing to say to him."

[Corwin]

[20:03] <Kotono> - - - - -
[20:06] <Kotono> A few days of rest and recovery pass. After eating plenty and recovering her energy, Alicia heads towards the Dawn Pointe Inn. A nameless man is holding down the desk position, nodding respectfully to Alicia as she passes. On going to the room where the mercenaries are staying, she finds the door opened by Rods. "Oh Alicia," Rods looks her over, beckoning her inside. "Serge told me you might stop by."
02[20:08] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:10] <Alicia> "I heard he was looking for me while I was out in the Barbarian Lands," Alicia nods as she enters, followed by a petite elfin girl with striking violet hair attired in what would be a nice dress if not for the jarring clash of colours caused by multi-coloured patches sewn seemingly randomly across it.
[20:10] <Alicia> "Hi!" the currently aasimar-shaped eladrin waves as she follows Alicia. "You're Rod, right? I'm Marie - we met at Torm's temple, except you probably don't recognise me since I was a lot smaller back then, and had wings."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Serge was, yeah....oh, you." Scratching at his head curiously, "C'mon in. J and Serge are out getting supplies. What the hell was all that about? I thought I was just gonna go get a job for us and the next thing I know that priest is arguing with a fairy."
06[20:14] * Alicia gives Marie a faintly irritated look as she heads inside. "Eudard's having to work through a lot of problems," she allows diplomatically, not really wanting to spread around what happened to the poor man. "He seems to be doing better, now."
[20:16] <Alicia> Marie flounces on in after Alicia and takes herself a seat. "I was just meant to be keeping an eye on him, but then when he started saying all those horrible things I just couldn't let it go!" she insists. "Anyone who says bad stuff about Alicia reflects badly on me, too! And Mystra as well!"
[20:19] <Kotono> "Right..." Sratching at his head further, Rods goes to plop down on the messy bed. "Aaaah..." Falling back and stretching out, "Anyway, I know what Serge wanted to ask you."
[20:20] <Alicia> "I'm listening," Alicia replies pleasantly as she sits down primly, not following the overly relaxed example of the other two present.
[20:22] <Kotono> "Since the job we had lined up fell apart," Looking up and craning his neck to get his head to be able to see over his body, "We had to dig up some other work. WE found two really good jobs, but we only have the manpower to do one...unless we get a bit of help. We wanna know if you're interested in doing some freelance with us."
[20:22] <Kotono> After a moment, "And if not that, if you have any friends that might bite. We hear there's some competent people in teh city and all that crap."
[20:26] <Alicia> "Possibly," Alicia allows as she regards the prone warrior. "The Baronies don't pay us that much, so we pay for most of our gear through adventuring profits, so the other members of the Crimson Guard might be interested too - depending on the job, that is." She leans forward, "So what is it?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "Well, J and either me or Serge is gonna go deal with some problems down south," Waving a hand, "J wants in on it, and I know you and here didn't see eye to eye. The other one's heading up towards the mountains in the northern Baronies. There's some ass that needs to be kicked  - in particular, I hear it ain't human. 'pparently it's just making it here now on the travels, since it's only hitting the highest up settlements they got."
[20:29] <Kotono> "The Church of Gond is gettin' into it. I dunno why, but they're offering a good pile of gold to go deal with it."
[20:31] <Alicia> "I liked J just fine," Alicia insists. "But anyway, do you have any specific details on these problems, or whatever's in the mountains?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "The reports are really good and mixed, but I hear it's just human sized, but it's got the ugliest face this side of Malmuth. I don't know why the Church of Gond is in it and they  aren't sayin', but they just want it dead. If the rumors are right, it can make fires and lightning somehow or another."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Really? Well, I guess, but J got all bitchy about it, I remember. Then again...women," Rods shrugs. "Y'know."
[20:36] <Alicia> "It was just a little disagreement," Alicia waves it off as Marie snickers merrily. "Anyway, I and some of my friends might be interested - any more information you have about it?" She can always go ask directly at the church herself, but might as well get all she can for now.
[20:39] <Kotono> "That's it. I got the outpost names somewhere here and a map." Rods yawns, "If we can get another person in a day or two we're gonna set out straight away. It would suck to lug our asses up there and find out the job's already done; I've had that happen and it does nothing but ruin a good week's time."
06[20:41] * Alicia nods as she stands up. "Alright, I'll ask around a bit myself and see if anyone I know is interested, then get back to you tomorrow?" she suggests.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Thanks." Rods looks up, "If either of the other two big members of the Guard are game, let me know. We'll take anyone who can hold up their end of things, though....and hey, at worst, what about the fairy girl? Can you fight at all?"
[20:45] <Alicia> "Sure!" Marie chirps, "I smacked that Eudard guy around but good - you should've been there, it was great!"
06[20:45] * Alicia gives her familiar a level stare, causing Marie to look a bit flustered and add, "But it wasn't that interesting and I probably shouldn't talk about it, because I'm sure no one wants to listen."
[20:47] <Kotono> "You smacked him around? No shit?" Rods sits up and blinks, "No, I wanna hear. A little fairy beat up that guy in armor?"
[20:49] <Alicia> Marie blushes and looks between Alicia and Rod, seemingly unsure what to do before Alicia just sighs and looks away. Accepting her tacit permission, the eladrin goes on, "He was about to attack Alicia so I smacked him right in the chest with a hammer and he fell down. Of course, I wouldn't have needed to if Alicia had been a bit faster with casting dispel magic, but it all worked out in the end."
[20:51] <Kotono> "No shit?" Rods repeats, eyeing Marie. "You used a tiny little fairy hammer to knock him out? Crap." Staring away, "Hit me. If you're so strong as to do that, I want to see how hard you hit for a little floaty fairy thingy."
[20:52] <Alicia> "It wasn't a little tiny fairy hammer - do I look tiny right now?" Marie asks, gesturing down at herself, before looking up at Rod and sighing. "Okay, maybe in comparison to you, but I'm huge by my standards!"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Ooooh. Still, damn." Rods looks to Alicia, "Where'd you dig up her, anyway? Are there more of her? A transforming, hammer swinging fairy could be useful or sell for a ton of money to the right person."
[20:55] <Alicia> "You can't sell people!" Alicia replies quickly. Why does everyone think it's okay to talk about buying Marie, anyway?
[20:55] <Alicia> "Yeah, that's the second time someone's talked about me like I'm some sort of commodity. Would you try to buy or sell a Solar, too?" Marie asks, eyeing Rod suspiciously.
[20:55] <Kotono> "A solar? What the hell does the sun have to do with this?" Scratching at his head again, "Look, nevermind then. I'm just saying that people would be fascinated and interested in getting one of you."
[20:56] <Alicia> "Solars are the most powerful type of angel," Marie explains as if talking to a small child. "You know, like I might become if I do a good enough job with Alicia, here."
06[20:56] * Alicia covers her mouth and resists the urge to laugh at the concept espoused.
[20:57] <Kotono> "You're an angel?" Rising, Rods looks to Marie all over. "YHou don't have wings and you don't look like one. Well, I mean, you do have wings, but you look like a fairy...wait, does that mean fairies and angels are the same thing?"
[21:00] <Alicia> "Right now she's in the form of a human with celestial ancestry - aasimar is the technical term," Alicia explains, deciding to head this off before Marie blows up. "She's actually an eladrin, which isn't quite the same as an angel but they're close enough for it not to matter much. The long and the short of it is that she's a direct servant of Mystra, who was sent from the heavens to aid me."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Ooooooooh," Rods says slowly, "That's a bit over my head, but okay." Going back to sit, "Nice to meet you."
[21:03] <Alicia> "Just remember that outsiders have feelings too - treating us like property is no different than slavery," Marie huffs, before heading for the door.
06[21:03] * Alicia lingers a second longer. "Theatrics aside, she does have a point. Anyway, I'll stop by tomorrow, so until then," she waves and then heads out after her familiar.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Sorry 'bout that," Rods apologies to the fleeing Marie, before nodding. "Drop on by whenever."
[21:12] <Kotono> Ignoring the light drizzle that has blown in from the bay, Alicia heads ot the Temple of Gond. As she approaches, she walks amid tradesmen and blacksmiths, often lugging their product right along. The Temple of Gond is a semi open air mini market, with several sturdy, small stone structures attached. The ring of worked metal and the sound of sawing wood fills your ears as you approach. Interestingly, Alicia notes Antenora lingering by tone of
[21:12] <Kotono> Interestingly, Alicia notes Antenora lingering by tone of the buildings as she enters. Past all of the entryways is the altar, a great forge consecrated to Gond.
06[21:14] * Alicia isn't in any great hurry, so she and Marie head on over towards the erinyes. "Hello, Antenora," she greets. "Looking for anything in particular within Gond's house?"
[21:17] <Kotono> Antenora turns, wearing her armor and having a mundane spear at her side. "Yes, I'm waiting for the proprietor of this metalsmithing shop to return."
[21:19] <Alicia> "What you going to buy?" Marie asks curiously, leaning over to see if she can see inside any of the windows or door if it's open.
[21:20] <Kotono> There are a few windows. You can see little metal works and statues inside. They often curve together in a graceful, orderly symmetry. "I requested something from him and it's due today."
[21:23] <Alicia> "Mmm," Alicia decides not to press Antenora if she doesn't feel like elaborating. "Well, I've heard that there's some creature of fire and lightning in the mountains to the North that Gond's clergy want dealt with. I'm going to ask about that - think you might be interested in a trip if we go after it?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "My spear should be done soon...so perhaps," Antenora answers after a moment. "Are you going, Mi-Alicia," Her face catches into a scowl at that, "Sorry."
[21:28] <Alicia> "Been a while since you did that," Alicia notes with a slight smile. "Like I've said, it doesn't really bother me what you call me, there's no need to apologise. Anyway, I might do - we'll be leaving within a day or two if we do go, though, so you'll have to make do with an ordinary spear if you come along."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Yes, but I wouldn't want to give poor Marie the wrong idea," She says with the faintest smile herself, "I'll talk to yo uabout it tonight then."
[21:31] <Alicia> "It's not what you say, it's how you say it!" Marie butts in as Alicia replies.
[21:31] <Alicia> "Alright, I-" she pauses and gives her familiar a long suffering look, "We'll catch up with you later, then." Giving said familiar a nudge, she heads into the temple itself.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Oh...ALICIA..." Antenora isghs dramatically as the two turn away, full of deep feeling. Ahead is the temple itself and the altar. A burly man with brown arms and muscles works at the altar-forge, hammering away at a long sheet of iron.
06[21:36] * Alicia cringes even as Marie turns and gives Antenora a thumbs up before they vanish out of sight and into the temple. Heading up to the altar, Alicia stands a respectful distance back and waits for the priest to finish his work.
[21:40] <Kotono> His hammers are from a heavy smith's hammer, one hand using tongs to hold the metal in place. He cocks his head to the side while working, "Captain," he says in a respectful voice, hammering away and shifting the metal. "I'll finish up in a moment."
06[21:41] * Alicia nods. "Take all the time you need, sir," she allows. "I'm not here on official business."
[22:02] <Kotono> The hammering continues for perhaps five minutes. As you wait people come and go - more goods being bought and sold, as well as loads of iron from the mountains being dragged in. Amid this the priest finishes, "Captain Alicia. I'm honored," he offers a calloused, sturdy hand to her.
[22:06] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia shakes his hand with a firm grip. "This is a fine church you've built here - it does credit to the Wonderbringer," she compliments warmly, looking around their surroundings.
[22:08] <Kotono> "I'm not the head of this church," With a shake of his head, "My name's Smith - yes, it's purely a coincidence of a name. What can I do for you, though?"
[22:09] <Alicia> "Ah, sorry," Alicia looks slightly abashed as she withdraws her hand. "Anyway, hopefully you can still help me, Smith. I've heard that Gond's church is putting a bounty on a creature in the Northern mountains, and I'd like to know more about it."
[22:13] <Kotono> "WE just started to spread word on this, yes. Come with me," Smith offers, taking the metal sheet out and then dunking it into a nearby pool of water. As it steams and cools, he goes to place it on a cooling rack. Thereafter, "WE can talk in more comfortable surroundings."
06[22:15] * Alicia follows amiably enough while her familiar minces along after her.
[22:17] <Kotono> In back, past all the forges, are comfortable rooms. Alicia finds herself in front of a fire, a mug of warmed apple cider passed to her. AS the smell of apples and cinnamon fills the air, Smith sits down opposite Alicia. "Yes. North of Armasea and Pilltain there's been a problem. A beast has been raiding the highest stationed colonies and they can't handle it themselves. We're looking for somoene to go and eliminate this thread directly."
[22:20] <Alicia> "What do you know of the beast?" Alicia asks after taking a sip from her cider, "All I've heard is that it is hideous to behold and has powers of lightning and fire."
[22:25] <Kotono> "It's quite ugly by all reports and misshapen; it even has a hunchback if the stories are true. I've heard it set fires or spewed lightning, though reports disagree with each other at times. It has claws for hands that can cut through a person with ease."
[22:26] <Alicia> "And it's been attacking settlements on the mountains? Any word of casaulties?" Alicia asks, wondering just what sort of creature it could be.
[22:27] <Kotono> "A few injured and a few killed," The answer is terse, "If you're going to take this, we'd request that youg o as soon as possible to help avert any more casualities."
06[22:29] * Alicia nods. "I think I will - I heard about this from the Salamander Company, so I'll likely be heading up along with them. Anything else you've heard that could be useful?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "I heard it's skin shrugged off a mace blow. You may want to look into special weapon materials,"  he recommends. "This could just be the creature's flesh being scaly or strong, but...one never knows what they're dealing with."
[22:31] <Alicia> "Or I'll just have to put some muscle into it," Alicia counters with a grim smile. Draining the rest of her cider, she stands up, "Alright, I've heard enough. You've been a great help, Smith."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Good luck...and oh, you didn't even ask about how much the bounty was," he observes.
[22:36] <Alicia> "That's not really important," Alicia admits, pausing. "Still, since you brought it up...?"
[22:37] <Kotono> "Since such a famous servant of the city si going, I'd rather be up front and clear about it. Bring back the head of the bounty and we'll reward your group with 5,000 gold. It's quite a lot, but we believe that this thread is a clear and present danger."
[22:38] <Kotono> *threat
06[22:39] * Alicia nods. "If the risk matches the pay, I'm sure it'll be quite a task," she agrees. "Thank you for your time, Smith." At that, she and her familiar depart.
[22:39] <Kotono> OOC: Where are you heading now, 'licia?
[22:40] <Alicia> OOC: if I know Seira and Deme are around I'll hit up them to tell them about what's going on and see if either want to bite, but otherwise I'm pretty much done for the day.