210.2 Seira and the Rogues of Arad

[Corwin]

[18:52] <Kotono> --------
[18:53] <Kotono> Seira finds Abagail resting at her own inn. She's sitting in her own room, a lightly bandaged arm as she sips a bowl fo soup. Donald is just leaving the room, carrying a tray and whistling to himself. "Hi," he says nicely to Seira as he passes by her. "Coming to visit, eh?"
01[18:55] <Seira> "A far too brief one, I'm afraid," she admits, before gesturing inside. "Stick around for a while, please," Seira tells him, before raising her voice as she addresses Abagail, "Mind if we come in for a few moments?"
[18:57] <Kotono> "Sure. I need to talk to you anyway," Donald stays just in room, balancing against the back wall and holding thet ray. Abagail looks up, "Of course," she says and then winces lightly. "It's only a minor wound now, thanks to healing magic."
01[18:59] <Seira> "That's good to hear, because I'm all out at the moment," Seira agrees, stepping inside the room and commandeering a chair. "Congratulations are in order. I was worried, of course, when I was told of the injuries, but quite proud at the same time."
[19:00] <Kotono> "We had it well in hand," Abagail agrees, sitting up and putting her soup aside. "The beast was fast and fought like a cornered rat, but it was entirely doomed." Sniffing slightly, "And thank you, but I doubt I'd lose against an overgrown cat of a hellspawn."
01[19:03] <Seira> "While that's true, putting it down with minimal harm to everyone involved is quite a feat," Seira counters. "Far too often, such matters involve sacrifices on the part of the defenders, and I'm very pleased that it wasn't the case here."
[19:06] <Kotono> "Yes. The teamwork once we marshalled forces was acceptable." As she looks to Seira, "The Commander was quite pleased himself. There were only injuries to a few Crimson Guard members and aides and no civilian fatalities."
[19:08] <Kotono> "That and he got to smash in it's head with the Hammer," Donald laughs. "That put him into a decent mood as well."
01[19:08] <Seira> "All in all, a very auspicious start to what might well be another phase in our war against the fiends," Seira concludes. "And speaking of phases... does any of you feel any different since the third seal was broken a short while ago?"
[19:09] <Kotono> "Yeah," Donald speaks up. "Ah hell, I guess you won't blab your mouth," he glances at Abagail. "I had a few dreams after it happened."
01[19:10] <Seira> "Please feel free to share your dreams unless they involve me inappropriately," Seira tells him.
[19:13] <Kotono> "Hahahaha." After a moment of mirth, "I had two of them. The first, I was walking with a few children in a huge city. They told me to be nice to Gramma Elle." Rubbing the back of his head, "I sure wasn't any older, either. Yeah, this whole elf thing is still new to me," he adds in defensively. "But the entire thing felt...I dunno, right. It was overwhelming. It was where I was supposed to be now."
06[19:16] * Seira can't help herself, she laughs heartily. "Gramma Elle? Oh, I've got to use that one!"
[19:17] <Kotono> "Yeah." Nearly chuckling himself, "The second was more serious. It was...it wasn't so much a dream as it was an interactive vision."
01[19:19] <Seira> "Ooh, I love those!" Seira leans closer to him, almost at the edge of her seat.
[19:22] <Kotono> "It's funny. I was back to when I was trying to become a paladin," Donald begins slowly, "But I knew I couldn't succeed. But then...there was a man there. He looked a bit like Claris, but he had...something about him. Something overwhelming. He said it was fine since I found a good place for myself anyway and that I'd been true to my own beliefs." (More)
[19:23] <Kotono> "So...After staring a bit, I asked him what the hell was going on." Donald scowls here, "He said that he had a message for me...well, he said that after grinning like I amused him. Anyway, that I needed to pass this onto you - the angels are finished with the work in Arad and that the palace situation is complicated, but they have a way in there."
01[19:25] <Seira> "The timing couldn't be more perfect," Seira admits. "It is part of why I wanted to see you two together -- I was planning on leaving for Arad to check up on things, and then continue to take care of some unfinished but related business in Pallanth. Now, it seems I have all the more reason to go, and soon."
[19:27] <Kotono> "Good luck then," Donald says, "I'll keep things running while you're gone."
06[19:31] * Seira nods. "And you're more than enough to handle our prisoner program," she tells Abagail, "so I'm feeling quite confident about the entire thing. Please rely on the temple to give me a call if you ever need my opinion on something, or even to recall me outright."
[19:32] <Kotono> "I shall, if I need help. With any forture, I doubt I will," Abagail says, "Good work should set them straight."
[19:38] <Kotono> AFter this, Seira heads to the Temple of Waukeen. It's overflowing and bustling, traders and money changing hands with abandon. Seira has to wiggle past more people than expected to get into Waukeen's Temple. Past the large open air courtyard, she finds herself towards Gilartil's visiting rooms. He's there, a willowy elf and a battlescarred human deep in discussions. Something about lumber and salt, though the high priest quietly excuses hims
[19:39] <Kotono>  Something about lumber and salt, though the high priest quietly excuses himself and Seira out. "Aaaah, business prospers," he says agreeably.
03[19:41] * Laggy is now known as Aya
03[19:41] * Aya is now known as Ko
01[19:42] <Seira> "I should hope so!" Seira agrees happily. "And after the recent boost in the return of magic to our plane, new opportunities should appear. Has anything already made its presence known to us, or is it still too early?"
[19:44] <Kotono> "A little. We've had a few new clerics in training and some general growth, especially in light of teh day it happened," he explains, walking towards his own private quarters, back in theq uiet, nice halls of the Temple.
06[19:47] * Seira follows, easily keeping up with him. "I'm expecting to see more mages as students, myself," she informs him. "Hopefully, more would be interested in what Waukeen has to offer than Helm. Not that I have much against him, but some of his methods are pretty disturbing and really, just because you're all with the fighting and the martial and the laws, does it mean you get to be worshipped more?"
01[19:47] <Seira> Frowning, Seira asks, "Maybe you would like to have someone at the school offering classes to even things out?"
[19:48] <Kotono> "It's a fine idea. Spreading the word of Waukeen only leads to profit, after all." Stopping a moment before his door, "Our coffers are flowing up very nicely, we can easiliy afford more efforts of our own as well."
01[19:54] <Seira> "That couldn't have been said at a better time," Seira tells him, waiting to be let inside. "I'll be headed for Arad, as the Waukeen compound there is nearing completion, but work on the Valandia temple has only just started. If we could extend our aid to our sister barony at this time, even, perhaps, at a temporary location as an open air market, it would aid our cause greatly, I feel."
[19:55] <Kotono> With his own piercing look, "You want us to help boot the cost of it, you mean?"
01[20:00] <Seira> "Quite so!" Seira agrees with a smile. "But even selecting competent clerics that are ambitious enough to compete with an established temple to Pelor, while amiable enough to get along with its faithful, which include the man in charge of Valandia... well, that alone would go a long way towards our success there."
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Pelor? <_<
01[20:03] <Seira> OOC: Chalk it up to me working on 4e stuff all day today
01[20:04] <Seira> OOC: I'd add a 'correct it in the logs please' notice but there are no logs!
[20:04] <Kotono> OOC: <_<
03[20:04] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af1b8aa.tcl123.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:05] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:05] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes, Claris..." Gilartal murmurs, "Very well, that's a good reason to strike before the iron goes cold."
01[20:08] <Seira> "And there is an even better one," Seira continues. "Ferdi's fall is being misrepresented quite badly in Valandia. No doubt this isn't gaining us any friends, and I don't need to tell you about how it affects any dealings we have with that population, or the Malmuthians. However, this also presents an opportunity.
01[20:08] <Seira> At this market I'm proposing we arrange, a show -- an attraction, if you will -- displaying what truly happened in that battle should both draw customers and faithful alike, and alter their perceptions of their supposedly just war and king."
[20:16] <Kotono> "It's worth a shot, though I doubt it'll affect any diehards," Gilartal says as they enter his quarters. He goes and sits, fixing himself a glass of wine. "I've been listening to what I can from the Valandian and Malmuthian traders since the war. There's still a lot of shock regarding it and disbelief."
03[20:17] * Ko is now known as Laggy
01[20:18] <Seira> "Magic is still treated as wondrous by most people," Seira muses. "That will soon pass, I think, but if we act soon enough we could still sway the majority. And, hopefully, the travelers to and from Malmuth. If they, in turn, could spread the word back in their country? Well, perhaps we could avoid the next war outright."
[20:19] <Kotono> "If you avoid it long enough, people will eventually grow old, die and the new generation won't have the attachment to Malmuth." Agreement comes there, "It's not changing all of them, it's holding it down long enough until a new generation identifies as part of the Barony of Valandia and not of the Malmuthian Empire."
01[20:22] <Seira> "And hopefully remembers that dealing with god kings and assorted fiends is something you really, really shouldn't attempt even under the best of conditions. Or the worst, I suppose." Seira shrugs. "In any case, there's little chance of me arranging all of this at present. I'm tied up with several touchier situations at once, and can't really spare the time or energy to this venture.
01[20:22] <Seira>  But that doesn't mean others couldn't pick up the slack, right?" Seira glances at Gilartal.
[20:24] <Kotono> "...mmmm. You know, I'd normally charge an arm and a barony for this service. But damn..." He thinks as he leans back, "I can't really turn away from constructing a new temple to The Lady. Not as the head priest of a temple myself. No, that wouldn't do for decorum, nor would Waukeen be amused, I imagine. Alright."
01[20:27] <Seira> "I'm hardly washing my hands off the project," Seira adds at that. "My attention is elsewhere at present, but it won't stay the same. And I have quite a lot in the way of what I could offer towards its success."
[20:28] <Kotono> "I know. Still, it's only natural to reflect on lost profit." After that, he extends his hand, "But in the long run, spreadin gthe Lady's word will generate even more profit."
01[20:30] <Seira> "And it needn't be the long run, either. Did I mention how the area is undeveloped, despite being a natural trading hub, much like Balmuria? Or how it fits even more than us to be the place where Malmuthian and Baronies trade and import-export meet? Or how the attraction I mentioned would doubtlessly draw yet more people to it, people who would buy things at the market where it would be shown?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "That's all true, in a good case outcome," Gilartal says after listening to Seira's words. "Alright then. I'll set things in motion."
06[20:36] * Seira nods. "That, and a few clerics you could spare for the Arad venture would cover this part of my visit," she tells him. "In the latter's case, I feel that the higher positions would be supplied directly by Waukeen herself guiding a few of her servants my way,
01[20:36] <Seira> but I believe that it would foster better relations if we had a kind of an exchange program between the established temples to promote unity." She tilts her head curiously at that. "And thinking about it, didn't we get one such visitor recently? I believe the Commander mentioned something along those lines."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Do you mean the few visitors from Malmuth?" Gilartal asks.
01[20:44] <Seira> "That must be it," Seira agrees.
[20:48] <Kotono> "Yes, they cam eon the day the wave occured," Gilartal goes on. "We were all caught up in it, people flocked in and the virtues of the Goddess were gone into most in depth. They just happened to be here, but they got most into it."
01[20:51] <Seira> "How did they seem?" Seira asks curiously. "And did they bring any news of their land or queen?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "They were quite into the service. I talke dto them later. They hail from Purinn. From what I got out of them, the situation behind the border is settling thanks to judicious use of the surviving armed forces. Queen Tant seems intent on ruling and not brooking casual dissent."
01[20:56] <Seira> "Well, that's... entirely unsurprising. What about the priests themselves? Do you think we can count on our friends across the border to work with us to try and maintain the calm, if the need ever arises?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "Isn't it?" With a slight bit of amusement there, "Possibly, yes. AT the end of the day we want to make money, not quibble over national boundaries, unless it's profitable. It usually isn't."
06[20:58] * Seira nods once more. "I might visit them in person some day to see for myself, then."
[20:59] <Kotono> "One day..." Idly swishing his wine around in the glass, "Was there anything else, Seira? If not, I really should go back to those negoiations, they paid good coin for our mediation."
06[21:04] * Seira raises her hands. "No, and thank you for your time. I'll be leaving this evening, so if that would be sufficient time to select a few delegates for Arad, they can meet me at my residence to leave along with me."
[21:07] <Kotono> "I'll grab a few," He says, "Until then, then."
03[21:07] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:14] <Kotono> That evening, two other people come to join Seira at her inn. Two men, one middle aged and with a slight gut, but with eyes like a hawk. The other is a younger man, wearing fine robes of gold spun cloth. "Good day, ma'am," he says respectfully to Seira on meeting her inside.
01[21:15] <Seira> "Evening," she greets them, smiling amiably. "Would you two like a drink before we leave?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Certainly," The big man says quickly, while the younger man shakes his head. "I'd better not just before going. I'll regret it, I'm sure."
06[21:19] * Seira arranges for a beverage of his choice, saying, "I'm Seira, as I'm sure you've been told. I prefer to work on a first name basis, and to know the capabilities of those who travel with me. I also like to cut to the point, and am somewhat blunt, I've been told."
[21:21] <Kotono> "It's a pleasure," The big one offers his hand out, eyeing Seira. "Wow, is it true you're...wow." he says. "Then I'll be blunt. You're really dragon blooded now?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "Pretty much," she agrees.
[21:27] <Kotono> "Fascinating..but we're heading to Arad?" He asks, "That's what the high priest said."
01[21:29] <Seira> "That's true," Seira confirms. "That land really needs our guidance, so we'll need to work hard for a better future for everyone!"
[21:32] <Kotono> "We're getting there by magic," The younger interjects at that. "And sure. As long as I can make som emoney at the same time."
01[21:34] <Seira> "Of course," she retorts, sounding almost offended. "After all, if you only give and give, how long can you really sustain whatever beneficial programs you are running?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "By taking and taking," The young man's eyes gleam at that. "The Lady smiles on those who makes a profit and t rades well."
01[21:38] <Seira> "Also true," Seira agrees. "But too much taking and the angry, hungry peasants revolt and that's the end of it. Since one can trade and make a great profit even when everyone is better off--" Seira pauses mid-sentence. "In fact, if everyone is better off, it means they have more money to spend on things they purchase.
01[21:38] <Seira> So, as you see, making a profit while channeling some of one's time and energy into works that better society really just helps them back in the process."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Itneresting point," The young man murmurs, as th eolder one drinks away. "That'st rue. It's like mining a mine out right away. You get one big lump, but nothing else."
01[21:44] <Seira> "And it collapses or releases poisonous gases. Or explodes. That's always the exact opposite of fun." Seira shrugs. "But hey, if we're ready to travel, let's go and see how things are in Arad."
[21:46] <Kotono> Both rise, "This should be good," The older one says, "I've heard of teleportation, but 've never had it firsthand."
06[21:48] * Seira nods. "All you need to do is grab a sleeve, each. We'll be going in three, two, one--"
01[21:48] <Seira> Once the two have complied, Seira thinks back to the area of Arad she had studied for her previous trip, and calls upon her ring.
01[21:48] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 57."12 [1d100=57]
[21:49] <Kotono> OOC: Do you mean the alley Elle uses to teleport in or another place?
01[21:50] <Seira> OOC: Yeah, I studied it with Elle that hour
[21:52] <Kotono> The evening light is settling in as you appear in Arad! A few torches are lit, helping hold off the pleasant night. Only a few people are about, the market stalls closed for the dya.
01[21:52] <Seira> "Not bad, is it?" Seira asks happily. "A shame that I couldn't bring a pegasus along, but my teleports right now have limitations."
[21:55] <Kotono> "Impressive," The younger murmurs, "This is really Arad?"
01[21:57] <Seira> "A part of it. We'll be going to check up on an acquaintance I have here, first, and then head for the temple itself. That works?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Of course. Lead on," The older smiles from ear to ear, "I wnat to see this now."
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC - Moving on to where now? Stupid moment.
01[22:04] <Seira> OOC: I want to check up on that woman I met the other time? She gave me a place to reach her, so I'll give it a try.
[22:05] <Kotono> OOC: Ahmed's Tavern, yes.
01[22:05] <Seira> OOC: Sounds right when you say it
[22:06] <Kotono> It takes a little searching, but it's easy enough. Despite guard patrols, Arad isn't too hard to get arounda t night as long as you look not-poor, which the three are. Most guards simply smile and nod. Ahmed's Tavern is a shabbier part of town, worn buildings and people hanging out ont he streets. It's name is on a large wooden sign over the entrance, the sound of bawdy laughing and singing heard.
[22:10] <Kotono> The large one sniffs th eair, "Mmm, I smell booze. Cheap booze, but still booze."
01[22:12] <Seira> "Booze in a tavern. Sounds right to me," Seira comments, walking inside. She gives the premises a glance, scanning for the woman she's there to find.
[22:13] <Kotono> The tavenr is packed and busy! It's also very noisy, though it does seem to take notice of the three interesting fellows that just walked in. Especially Seira...She also doesn't see Nara on a glance, though admitteldy it's a very busy and filled up tavern, so that's not unexpected.
01[22:14] <Seira> Well, she can certain spend half an hour there, scanning the crowd and the comers and goers. Should that not prove fruitful, she'll just have to ask the barkeep."
[22:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 16."12 [1d20=9]
[22:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 20."12 [1d20=12]
[22:16] <Kotono> OOC - Make two spot checks, Seira?
01[22:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 what spot?
06[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 what spot? and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
01[22:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 what spot?
06[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 what spot? and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[22:19] <Kotono> It takes a few minutes to start looking around, mixing in. As Seira does...
06[22:22] * Seira stands up and makes her way to the exit, signaling for the pair of priests to stay back and wait for her.
[22:22] <Kotono> By the time Seira makes it to the exit, the woman is out to the street. She's wearing a dress and cloak, head down as she's walking away in a decent but not overwhelming hurry.
[22:22] <Kotono> She's about fourty feet away from Seira right now.
06[22:23] * Seira checks to see how many people are sharing the street with them!
[22:23] <Kotono> About twenty here and there. They're very spread out, in small gaggles or alone.
06[22:25] * Seira gestures just ahead of the woman, the words of a simple spell coming to her lips. The effect won't be noticed straight away, she figures, since a summoned small puddle of grease shouldn't draw immediate attention.
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
[22:27] <Kotono> OOC - DC? Also wow.
01[22:28] <Seira> OOC: It's just lvl1, so 21. Well, init? Or she makes a balance check walking?
06[22:29] * Seira heads after the woman, naturally.
[22:29] <Kotono> OOC - Lemme go ahead and have her reacting to not slipping, then we'll do initiative.
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[22:31] <Kotono> The woman steps forward into the field! She slips forward and slides, arms waving out, "Waaah!" It's not exactly a quiet noise, but with surprising grace, she manages to right herself...and then fall flat on her back trying to move forward! OOC - Initiative here, sure.
[22:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 ow
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 ow and gets 13."12 [1d20=10]
01[22:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19."12 [1d20=7]
03[22:32] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Thief'
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead.
06[22:34] * Seira approaches the patch of grease and the downed thief, and observes her coolly. "Didn't anyone teach you not to steal from wizards?" she asks disapprovingly. "Now, you're going to be entirely too helpful and follow me around until I get tired of you... or you're going to be around until I get tired of you, anyway, and then I'll toss you in a dungeon and throw away the key."
06[22:34] * Seira shrugs. "But you get to choose, of course. Free will is important."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Ugh..." The woman groans, her face a mask of disoriented pain. She struggles and tries to get up! OOC - Do you want to take that held action right off or wait and see if she can even move in the grease?
01[22:39] <Seira> OOC: The latter
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[22:40] <Kotono> The woman reacts with rather surprising speed, getting upa nd starting to move easily through the greasy surface! OOC - Seira, wanna go on her now?
06[22:42] * Seira rolls her eyes, and the hard-headed thief finds another patch of grease beneath her feet, courtesy of a pearl that glows briefly.
[22:45] <Kotono> As the woman stumbles forward, a second patch of grease appears!
[22:45] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[22:45] <Kotono> This time, she's so offbalance that she falls instantly, going down face first! "Aaaah!" she cries, a loud thump as she lands.
01[22:46] <Seira> "Please, this is embarrassing." Seira shakes her head.
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, go ahead and go. You two are on the same tick now, so.
01[22:46] <Seira> "Do we need to use fire?" Seira asks as she moves around the greased road, her hands igniting. "We can use fire."
[22:48] <Kotono> OOC - Trying to Intimidate her?
01[22:48] <Seira> OOC: She gets to act, presumably, so next standard action unless you give me the check for free
[22:50] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and make the check now, I'll give yo usome leeway. +2 bonus for being quite notably controlling and scary.
01[22:51] <Seira> "You have just slipped upon grease. Twice. Your body and clothing are covered with it." Seira tilts her head, projecting curiousity. "Is it really such a good idea to annoy the wizard with the fiery temper?"
01[22:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 41."12 [1d20=19]
[22:52] <Kotono> The poor thief is just trying to struggle to her feet, but she slips and falls onto her hands and knees. From ehre she looks up at Seira, "Gaaaah! Don't cook me and eat me!" she cries, "Fine, fine, just don't hurt me!"
[22:53] <Kotono> At this point, most of the casual street goers and hangerouters are looking towards Seira and the downed woman, watching with obvious awe and interest.
01[22:54] <Seira> "My stuff," Seira tells her with a smile that doesn't really reach her eyes. "Give it back. Now."
[22:55] <Kotono> "I-I-I didn't take that one, it was my partner who was going for the other thing!" she blurts this out in a moment, "I went for the other one and it was too hard to get and you saw me but I think you didn't even notice her! She got clean away with it by now!"
03[22:56] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
06[22:58] * Seira shakes her head. "No, the right thing to say is that she is living on borrowed time unless things are resolved to my satisfaction. Incidentally, I am not satisfied and that makes your prospect of living quite bleak." The flames in Seira's hands dance quite menacingly, distorting the air around them. "You will now deposite any weapons or ill-gotten gains you have on you.
01[22:58] <Seira> Then, you will take me to your partner. Then, once I have been reunited with my things, I will decide on your punishment." Seira's smile turns quite evil, now. "Also, I require a lock of your hair, and I don't have the time to waste. Get to it."
[22:59] <Kotono> "A...aaaah..." Shaking all over, the woman haltingly takes out a small knife. She stares at Seira, but reaches out and cuts away a small lock of black hair.
[23:00] <Kotono> "Holy hell...by the Pasha... A real dragon wizard?" The murmurs from the watchers are all heard.
01[23:01] <Seira> "Drop it," Seira says, indicating the knife. "And work on the rest." The flames extinguishing in an instant, she bends down to pick up the strand of hair.
[23:04] <Kotono> The knife clatters to the ground. The hair is picked up as well, the woman staring in open terror.
[23:06] <Kotono> Her face is visible from here. She's a slightly attractive woman, still youngihs and with dark hair and dark eyes. Her skin is well tanned.
01[23:07] <Seira> "Me having this means that I can cast a spell on you from anywhere," Seira states, gesturing for the woman to rise to her feet slowly as she pockets the hair. "As the old cliche goes, you can run, but you wouldn't be able to hide. Now, your name."
[23:10] <Kotono> "Esra..." The scared woman gasps out, as you can see more people coming out of buildings, watching.
01[23:10] <Seira> "Let's go. We are returning to the tavern. You will tell me about your partners along the way, and then we will go and find all of them. Is that understood?"
[23:12] <Kotono> "J-Just Jale," Esra answers as she finally manages to get up. "S-she won't be at the t-tavern now."
01[23:14] <Seira> "But my companions are," Seira explains, as if to a small child. "We are not far. We'll go in, collect them, and you will lead me to Jale, describing her along the way. If I get my things, the chances of you two escaping with your lives are quite high. Do you understand, or must I speak slower?"

[Corwin]

01[18:39] <Corwin> [23:07] <Seira> "Me having this means that I can cast a spell on you from anywhere," Seira states, gesturing for the woman to rise to her feet slowly as she pockets the hair. "As the old cliche goes, you can run, but you wouldn't be able to hide. Now, your name."
01[18:39] <Corwin> [23:10] <Kotono> "Esra..." The scared woman gasps out, as you can see more people coming out of buildings, watching.
01[18:39] <Corwin> [23:10] <Seira> "Let's go. We are returning to the tavern. You will tell me about your partners along the way, and then we will go and find all of them. Is that understood?"
01[18:39] <Corwin> [23:12] <Kotono> "J-Just Jale," Esra answers as she finally manages to get up. "S-she won't be at the t-tavern now."
01[18:39] <Corwin> [23:14] <Seira> "But my companions are," Seira explains, as if to a small child. "We are not far. We'll go in, collect them, and you will lead me to Jale, describing her along the way. If I get my things, the chances of you two escaping with your lives are quite high. Do you understand, or must I speak slower?"
03[18:40] * tiredofthis (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
[18:40] <Kotono> "I-I understand," The woman whimpers, as many of the watchers and ob servers hang well back and away from Seira. "Just d-d-don't kill me."
03[18:41] * Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-20-165.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #evildunes
03[18:41] * tiredofthis is now known as Taishyr
03[18:41] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[18:41] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
01[18:41] <Corwin> "What you did is a capital offense back home," Seira lectures her as she heads the short distance inside to collect the pair of priests. "And probably here as well!"
03[18:42] * Corwin is now known as Seira
[18:45] <Kotono> The thief doesn'ts ay much of anything to that. As you enter again, you find that you're given a wide bubble of respect, no one coming close to your personal space. The two clerics are waiting, also given quite a lot of space even in the cramped tavern.
01[18:45] <Seira> "Do you still have all of your belongings?" Seira asks the pair rather bluntly. "Please check, and then we should leave."
[18:46] <Kotono> The two check quickly. "I do," The older confirms, as the younger man merely nods.
06[18:46] * Seira nods herself. "Alright," she tells Esra. "Lead the way."
[18:50] <Kotono> Esra leads you out into Arad. The night is darkening, but none get you in you way as she leads you deeper into this quarter of the city. The buildings are old and shabby, people loitering about and often sleeping on the streets.  There is a vaguely sour smell in the air, many people staring at Seira with open fear, envy or even greedy lust.
06[18:52] * Seira glares at those periodically, content for the most part to merely follow Esra. The darkness doesn't bother her much, after all.
[18:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
05[18:56] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[18:56] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.135.18) has joined #evildunes
[18:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[18:56] <Kotono> Esra leads you down a long street. About midway, you catch sight of something. A woman in a cloak is idly standing by the side of the road, perhaps 100 feet away. She's chatting with someone, but she happens to glance your way. On seeing Seira and company, she turns and flees forward like the wind! OOC - Go ahead and make a reaction and we'll see what's needed from there?
01[19:00] <Seira> This has gone on long enough! That suspicious woman is probably guilty of something, so with a snap of her fingers Seira covers the street behind the woman in strands of web, taking care to catch the fleeing suspect with the edge of the spell.
[19:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 ref
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 ref and gets 24."12 [1d20=20]
[19:04] <Kotono> Weaving about, webs appear between the buildings and ensnare the street! In the last 5 feet the running rogue is caught! She's not entangled, somehow expertly weaving between webbings! OOC - She's in the last 5 feet like you wanted in PM. Roll initiative.
01[19:05] <Seira> OOC: So there's still 35ft of it between her and escape. Sure thing.
01[19:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 21."12 [1d20=14]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
01[19:08] <Seira> "The web you find yourself surrounded with is flammable, and I am a wizard that likes fire." Seira glares at Esra with an obvious suggestion to get her quarry to surrender quietly and quickly. Seira clenches her left hand into a fist, raising it into the air for all to see, where it becomes surrounded by faerie fire. "This would be the time to stop moving. At all."
[19:21] <Kotono> OOC - Make an intimidation check? +2.
01[19:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 41."12 [1d20=19]
[19:24] <Kotono> The cloaked woman freezes on seeing Seira's display of power! Instead, in a scream, "Get away from me, devil! I'll not be dragged down to Hell tonight!"
06[19:25] * Seira glances at Esra again. "Is this your friend or just someone who decided to run away and prolongue my annoyance?"
[19:26] <Kotono> Esra's face is shocked, needing several moment sto speak. "Jale! Stop! Please!" she calls. "It's not worth it! I don't want to get hurt!"
01[19:27] <Seira> "Excellent!" Seira nods to herself, approaching the strands of web. "You," she tells Jale. "Shut up! You are not allowed to talk yet! All you can do is wiggle a bit to return me my stuff, as a start."
[19:28] <Kotono> "Fuck you," she retorts back, her voice shaking. "Who the hell are you to act lik ethis? You're not the fucking Pasha!"
01[19:36] <Seira> "Fuck you," Seira echoes. "Huh. You wanted hell, you thieving bitch? How about a taste of it, then? It's not too gentle." This time she chants, the phantom flame in her hand extinguishing as horrendous tentacles burst from the ground, making a mockery of her web and assaulting the thief. "Unconditional surrender or a fate worse than death. Those are your only options now that you've stolen from me!"
01[19:36] <Seira> OOC: Grapple~
01[19:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 39."12 [1d20=20]
[19:37] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. I'm ruling the webs are going to give a pretty decent mod down but fuck you just 20ed anyway.
[19:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 23."12 [1d20=19]
01[19:37] <Seira> roll 1d6+4 rape
06[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d6+4 rape and gets 10."12 [1d6=6]
[19:39] <Kotono> It's quite a mess. Sticky webs have the woman entangled as tentacles attack! The effectiveness is considerably muted thanks to the webs catching some tentacles, but the ones that get through are utterly relentless! She's grappled, grabbed and whipped, beaten massively with the black tentacles! Under this assault she goes limp, dazed! OOC - Goa head and free act, you pounded the snot outta the poor girl.
01[19:40] <Seira> OOC: Poor? She didn't surrender when the wizard that caught her rolled above 40 on intimidation. That's just wrong.
01[19:41] <Seira> A snap of Seira's fingers banishes the monstrous tentacles, and she approaches, withdrawing her sword. It ignites upon command, and she uses the blade to cut her target loose of any webs still clinging to her, before patting the thief down for any weapons or ill-gotten belongings.
[19:42] <Kotono> OOC: It's relative. She's not the brightest bulb, but I feel for ner anyway.
[19:44] <Kotono> The girl's down, the webs burning away. She looks badly bruised up from the tentacles and is unconcious. Esra w himpers aloud, watching, "J-J-Jale? Jale...?"
01[19:46] <Seira> "I am ever so glad that you didn't feel the need to experience hell before acknowledging the power difference between us," Seira tells her. "But she's alive," she continues, cutting a lock of Jale's hair with the now-extinguished sword.
01[19:46] <Seira> "Making me invest all this time and energy into hunting the two of you down and you committing a capital offense means your lives belong to me, now. We can either go to court and have you cash those in with the executioner, or you will serve me until such time I no longer require your services. As before, the choice is yours."
[19:48] <Kotono> "D-Do we have a choice?" Esra ways with a shaky voice.
01[19:50] <Seira> "Yes," Seira replies with a tired patience. "You can be executed after a trial is had, or you could serve me. What did you think would happen if you stole over twenty five thousand gold in magical items?"
[19:50] <Kotono> The older cleric pats his belly, "Damn," he marvels. "That's effective debt collection."
01[19:51] <Seira> "The key is not to use excessive force off the start if it could be avoided, and then not really aim for the kill," Seira tells him. "My life was never in danger, after all, and I could see ways of turning the nasty situation in my favor."
[19:54] <Kotono> Seira pats down the thief. You find a dagger, a sap, a bag of coins, and tucked in that bag, your ring.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Oh Jale..." Esra whimpers quietly, "Perhaps...perhaps we should go to thea uthorities and plead for mercy," she says, eyeing Seira.
01[19:57] <Seira> Thieves have no need for weapons or coins, and certainly not for rings belonging to her. "Yes, I'll be sure to use my diplomatic clout to plead on your behalf," she tells Esra, rolling her eyes.
01[19:57] <Seira> She kneels by Jale, pressing her palm against the woman's forehead to heal her before standing up. "Explain the facts of life to your friend, and that forcing me to find her again would just take too much of my valuable time."
[20:01] <Kotono> Ersa kneels next to Jale, the two whispering quietly as Jale stirs and awaken.s
[20:01] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the streets have emptied rather abruptly, people starting to melt into homes.
06[20:02] * Seira watches the pair, and ignores the civillians for the time being. Should there be a hint of organized presence, though, that would be quite interesting.
[20:04] <Kotono> No sign of that, but the two thieves rise. Jale has her head bowed, while Ersa smiles shakily. "Alright."
06[20:07] * Seira nods, treating this as a foregone conclusion. "Before I turn in for the day, I want to find Nara. I'm certain I don't need to tell you two where I was told I could meet her. As someone who has decent organizational skills, I would expect her to have a name for herself. Have you heard of her, then?"
[20:08] <Kotono> Jale nods, and speaking slowly, "She should be there. She was in the back, she knows the owner."
01[20:09] <Seira> "Figures. I was willing to wait and not make any waves, but such is life, filled with surprises as it is. Let's return and see if she's still there or the commotion means I won't get a chance to meet her again tonight."
[20:11] <Kotono> The tandem returns to the bar. The entire streets seem much emptier now, oddly silent. Even the bar is subdued, on entering you find it's barely half full now. However, Nara's easy to find - she's sitting at a table, listening to a slender, willowy human man speak.
06[20:12] * Seira approaches her, glancing down. "Is this seat taken?" she asks, placing a hand on an empty chair.
[20:16] <Kotono> "Ye-Oh!" With a sharp look, "Seira..it was you behind all that ruckus?"
06[20:24] * Seira takes the seat with a smile. "I was an innocent victim trying to recover what she was cheated out of. Reminds me of our last meeting, in some way."
[20:25] <Kotono> Lowering her voice to a sharp whisper, "But word's spreading that the guards might be coming, since everyone was saying there was magic of some sort going on! No one wants to be around for that."
01[20:26] <Seira> "I figured." Seira shrugs. "How long do I have, and how much do they know?"
[20:26] <Kotono> "I don't know." A shake of her head, glancing up. "I'm not invovled so I'm probably safe unless a guard takes exception to me, but..." With a shake of her head, "They'll want to take you in for questioning at the very least, and that's if your lucky."
01[20:29] <Seira> "They'll need to find me, first," Seira muses. "But I suppose I will take care of that if it becomes a chore to avoid the guards. Now, do you remember what we talked about last time? Of how I would be back with a business opportunity?"
03[20:31] * Demedais is now known as InfiniteOregano
[20:32] <Kotono> "Of course I'm interested...but not if working for you is gonna get me arrested," Nara lowers her voice even lower, "Look, the guard's been on edge lately for whatever reason. Some bottom feeding dreck tipped them off to something last week and they came in with nearly 100 men. The person that did it got enough gold to never have to come here again." Keeping her voice very low and careful, "You got any pull? If you don't you're gonna need
[20:32] <Kotono> "You got any pull? If you don't you're gonna need some to smooth things over. They're -really- serious right now."
02[20:32] * InfiniteOregano (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Corwin fanservice, away!)
03[20:33] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:34] <Seira> "I have that," Seira agrees. "But I'll need to touch base with my people here, first, and discover the changes in the situation. I don't suppose you have five nondescript cloaks we could borrow to fit in better?" Seira lowers her voice, for Nara's ears alone. "In any case, I would like you to come to the temple to Waukeen tomorrow and ask for me."
[20:37] <Kotono> "...alright. On one condition. If the guards find out I aided you I could end up locked up too. If this happens you have to promise to smooth that out too." Tkaing a breath and glancing back at the two thieves and the two Waukeenites, "I'll come by tomorrow."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Of course," Seira says, sounding almost offended. "That is par for the course." She stands up, and gestures for Nara to lead the way to wherever she might have those cloaks in store.
[20:40] <Kotono> "Go around back outside," Nara does rise, "Wait 5 minutes by the back door."
[20:40] <Kotono> *does not rise
06[20:42] * Seira shrugs, and leaves to do as she's been asked, gathering her party along the way. It seems counter-productive to gain a way to avoid detection by visibly hanging out there for the five minutes, but if she intends to have Nara work for her, she needs to know if Nara could be trusted.
[20:43] <Kotono> The side of the building is darker and somewhat secluded. The back door is fully in the back, pinned near to the back of an opposite building. Here, after five minutes, the door opens, five white cloaks tossed out.
06[20:44] * Seira puts one on, gesturing for the others to do the same. "Now, all that's left is to take a roundabout route to the temple and see if we get followed, and whether anyone comes looking for us," she muses, intending to do just that.
[20:46] <Kotono> The young cleric shakes her head, "I hope you can talk out of this. If the locals think we're crooks, it'll make everything have to be black market. That's irritating."
[20:46] <Kotono> *his, du r.
[20:47] <Kotono> Jale keeps her head down, putting the cloak on after dropping her old one. She hasn't said much of anything since she's been dragged along.
01[20:47] <Seira> "True," Seira admits. "But I'm not the public face for this temple. In fact, I'm just here to visit. And if the reason I've been given to come at this time is as I suspect, it would certainly prove to the locals what we are really about."
03[20:49] * Ebiris_ (WinNT@user-5af1ccc2.tcl125.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:50] * Ebiris_ is now known as Ebiris
03[20:50] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
02[20:55] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af1ccc2.tcl125.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[20:55] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:00] <Kotono> "Yes," The bigger one agrees. "Let's go then."
06[21:00] * Seira leads the way!
[21:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22."12 [1d20=17]
[21:04] <Kotono> The two head along the back streets. About ten minutes into the walk, Esra looks up and quickly ushers the group down a dark alley. Onc ethere, about six lines of at least a dozen soldiers come past at a good clip, armed well and lightly armored. "The guard..." she hisses.
01[21:07] <Seira> "Good catch," Seira tells her. "I'm not quite ready to deal with them, yet. Or at all, if they come up empty in their investigation."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Nearly 100 of them there alone...they're so worked up." Esra breathes out deeply once they're not coming past your alley now. "The Pasha's been very assertive lately."
01[21:12] <Seira> "It's probably because of all the devil sympatizer issues I'm here to deal with," Seira muses. "Well, we'll get it sorted out in no time."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Devil..." Jale hisses at that. But thus, the five continue on...
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 83."12 [1d100=83]
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
03[21:18] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Sierra_Comatose
[21:19] <Kotono> Deeper on, you come to a quiet side street. The five of you are walking down it, when rather abruptly, a group of about a dozen guards come out from a side alley. They're moving at a good clip, no chance to avoid bbeing seen by them. They're about sixty feet away and coming own the street in your direction.
01[21:21] <Seira> "Take lead if they stop us," Seira whispers to the older cleric, allowing him to pass her as they continue along their way. As far as Seira knows, walking down a street is not a crime yet, and she finds it unlikely these guards have a perfect description of her.
[21:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[21:26] <Kotono> The older one does, hood pulled up. As the guards pass, they look the group over. They don't mover to intercept, but nonetheless, "Where are you going," One of them asks the group.
06[21:27] * Seira lets the cleric answer, naturally, though a cleric of Waukeen going to the temple to Waukeen shouldn't be a crime, either.
[21:28] <Kotono> "The Temple of Waukeen," he answers earnestly, "The Lady's business is never done."
[21:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
[21:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17."12 [1d20=13]
[21:29] <Kotono> The guard nods, "Alright. Be careful, there's a menance on the streets tonight. If you see a woman with skin like a lizard's, run away and summon us. There's a reward for information."
06[21:31] * Seira certainly has nothing to say about that in front of the guard.
[21:32] <Kotono> "Ah...I will, sir," The older cleric says quietly. "I will." To that the guard continues on, leaving the five unmolested.
01[21:32] <Seira> "Everyone's a critic," Seira mutters, once they are well out of hearing range.
[21:51] <Kotono> The fivesome hurry along to Waukeen's Temple. WAukeen's temple is a strong, well built building within Arad. It's a four story building, long and flat. The doors look tob e closed for the night.
01[21:52] <Seira> "I'm sure they'll open up for us," Seira comments, letting the clergy take charge once more, even if for a different reason.
[21:55] <Kotono> The older one goes to pound on the door. He does this for a good few minutes, until at last someone opens up a side door about twenty feet away. A blearly eyed looking man, shining a lantern out. "What do you want?"
[21:57] <Kotono> "We're from the Temple of Waukeen in Balmuria," The older man says quietly. "Let us in, the guard's busy tonight."
[21:58] <Kotono> After a moment, he fishes out his holy symbol and flashes it to the man. "Do hurry."
06[21:59] * Seira observes the proceedings. It may not be the best way to foster closer ties between the temples, but that may come later.
[22:00] <Kotono> With a grunt, "Mphg. Get your asses in here," The man says, leaving the door open. "Close the door behind you!"
01[22:00] <Seira> "We'll have to work on that welcoming, friendly smile later," Seira mutters, ushering the thieves inside after the priests, and only then heading in herself.
[22:02] <Kotono> Once inside, you see the man is a little older and walks with a limp. His skin is darkly tanned, swarthy. You're inside a small side entrance to a study room. "WAit here, I'll go wake someone." Scratching at his side, "I'll need to ask for a raise if we're going to get night visitors like this."
01[22:03] <Seira> "That can be arranged," Seira mentions. "Or a second shift, if it works better."
[22:04] <Kotono> "Bite me," he replies, scowling at Seira. "I got a contract cast in iron. You think I wouldn't go to work for Waukeen without one?" But with that he heads out, leaving the room through a door leading into the interior further.
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, misread your line.
[22:05] <Kotono> "Eh." The man replies, holding his own council. "Anyway, I'll go wake someone up who can deal with you. Wait here." With that he heads out, leaving the room through a door into the interior further.
01[22:07] <Seira> "It appears I will have the added benefit of waking my friends tonight," Seira says, sounding quite pleased. "I tell them to expect the unexpected, but I doubt they foresaw this visit."
[22:10] <Kotono> It's about a ten minute wait. The man that enters the room has one feature that stands out. HIs eyes are a pretty green, clear and empowering. Looking into them is natural, tempting. He wears golden robes, impeccable as he walks in with his hands behind his back. "Good day," he says. "Seira. You brought guests?"
01[22:13] <Seira> "Oh yes! Two of our very own temple, to promote unity and friendship and all the good stuff! And two volunteers who were a bit of a surprise but have an excellent motivation to study Waukeen's teachings and do their best."
[22:14] <Kotono> Offering a hand out to Seira, "My name's Isonu." His skin is dark, an easy smile on his face. "I've gathered from the rumors that I may have you to thank for Waukeen's visions, glory be to Her."
[22:15] <Kotono> After a moment, "Berjand's talked about you. I must say that you'ore more interesting in person, and quite striking. I've met a dwarf before, but a half dragon is quite different and new."
01[22:16] <Seira> "I can't take the full credit, but I suppose it's true, in a gist." Seira shakes the hand offered. "I'll try to stay out of sight for this visit in Arad, since I wouldn't want to trouble you with whatever trouble the guards might assosiate with me." She smiles, then. "And I can't say how happy I am to hear myself described as anything other than some lizard!"
[22:18] <Kotono> "Yes, I'd heard the guards outside this night. Is there a problem?" Isonu asks, putting his hand aside. "If there's been some trouble, it would be best to resolve it before it festers. The mood in Arad is somewhat unstable right now, as the Pasha is flexing his authority."
01[22:19] <Seira> "There might be," Seira agrees. "Is there somewhere we can talk, while my companions settle in for the night?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "I'll send our night servant to take them to some rooms." He agrees, heading out. "Come."
06[22:21] * Seira follows, admiring the temple, as it happens to be her first visit to the completed structure.
[22:22] <Kotono> You walk down a back hall, white walled and dim in the darkness of the night. Only occasional lamps are about, burning sweet oils that make the air fragrant and heady. "It's an honor to finally meet you." He says to Seira here, "I've been happy to have this chance. A chance to make money something besides an object of pure greed and malice, won by blood and sweat."
01[22:27] <Seira> "You're exactly the kind of person I hoped would be directed here, so it's a pleasure meeting you, quite naturally," Seira responds. "Before we go into my little incident, would you mind telling me how we're doing here in Arad?" she asks afterwards. "Are there any pressing matters to discuss?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "There are. Arad...it is not a good place," A shake of his head here, "The gap between the rich and poor is vast. The rulers live away from the poor, who are too cowed and tired to do anything. A rebellion could strike like wildfire with a good leader, or there could be even more abuse of the majority by the minority. I'm aiming to try and change that. I believe Waukeen's doctrines can be used for great good and I'm going to do that, one
[22:29] <Kotono> I believe Waukeen's doctrines can be used for great good and I'm going to do that, one gold coin at a time." (More)
[22:33] <Kotono> "There's a few routes. Training, education and support. We train them, we fill their bellies, we educate them. Those that can will rise up, and Goddess willing, will remember where they came from and begin change. I've been spending most of our money on that so far, to try and improve the lots of many. It's slow going, it's hard to gain trust beyond hand to mouth, and even then, education is not something that comes easily to many."
[22:34] <Kotono> "It's sad. Many of them are happy for free food when they have none, but most are suspicious. It's ingrained into them that their betters will use them. It makes outreach a long journey."
01[22:36] <Seira> "Education is something every person is capable of, given the proper motivation," Seira says. "I'll help however I can. Perhaps we can start several projects, constructing public building to provide various services.
01[22:36] <Seira> At the same time, it would keep people honorably employed, give them a sense that they are working towards a better tomorrow, and make said tomorrow available to others like them with their own hands."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Yes, those things could work. The more reason to make sure everything runs well...what trouble did you get into?" He looks to Seira at that, stopping in the hall. "I would hate to have the Pasha take ill of us."
01[22:46] <Seira> "A pair of thieves stole from me, and I chased them down. I used magic to incapacitate and intimidate them into surrendering peacefully, and then brought them back with me." Seira shrugs. "Though it may not be a capital offense here, it certainly is one back home.
01[22:46] <Seira> And I didn't like leaving them on the streets to keep on stealing or taking them to the authorities for a punishment that would surely close the door on the potential for any good they could possibly do in life. I've been trying to formulate a way to settle the matter with the guards while keeping the two in my custody, and any insight into the political situation here would be most helpful."
[22:50] <Kotono> "Thieves don't get much mercy, no. Especially stealing something that precious." After a moment of listening, "It would be best to approach the situation trather than avoid it, I think. You have pull considering your position in the neighboring Baronies. They can't execute or imprison you lightly, so they have to listen. They may not be so kind to the thieves, but you're probably safe."
01[22:53] <Seira> "Oh, I know that part," Seira agrees. "Even if they had the balls to try something and the firepower to succeed, it would be an all-around loss for them in the end. No, I'm thinking of how to approach them. Would it be best to bribe a corrupt official, appeal to the Pasha himself, or just try to talk it over with a regular guard unit commander?"
[22:55] <Kotono> "Bribery is extremely risky. I fyou hit the right one it'll work, but the wrong one can call guards and the situation will deteriorate -rapidly-." Stopping at the end of the all and in front of a smooth wood door, "It would be best to start at the bottom and use your rank to ascend as high up the chain as you need to, perhaps?"
[22:55] <Kotono> "They wont' have some wet behind the ears guard leader deal with a neighboring countries bigwig, I imagine."
01[22:57] <Seira> "I might as well try it," Seira agrees. "After I've had some sleep, naturally. And I also need to know what we've learned of the human supporters of the devils that tried to establish a foothold here. I assume you are up to date on the situation?"

[Corwin]

01[19:30] <Seira> [22:55] <Kotono> "Bribery is extremely risky. I fyou hit the right one it'll work, but the wrong one can call guards and the situation will deteriorate -rapidly-." Stopping at the end of the all and in front of a smooth wood door, "It would be best to start at the bottom and use your rank to ascend as high up the chain as you need to, perhaps?"
01[19:30] <Seira> [22:55] <Kotono> "They wont' have some wet behind the ears guard leader deal with a neighboring countries bigwig, I imagine."
01[19:30] <Seira> [22:57] <Seira> "I might as well try it," Seira agrees. "After I've had some sleep, naturally. And I also need to know what we've learned of the human supporters of the devils that tried to establish a foothold here. I assume you are up to date on the situation?"
[19:33] <Kotono> "I am. It has to do with the palace situation," He opens the door here, opening it to a wide, pillared hall. Here a large golden coin with Waukeen's face hangs above a resplendant altar. "There are two distinct schools of thought in the palace and the rulin gnobility, as well as a few in betweeners."
06[19:34] * Seira nods, gesturing for him to proceed.
[19:40] <Kotono> "Mustafa Pasha rules the desert fiefdoms. He has two noteworthy and close advisors: Abidin, Great Honored Emir of Blackwind Oasis and Malika, his most favored woman." There's a momentary pause here, "These two both have the Pasha's ear and thus exert a fair deal of power. Abidin is a veteran of politicking and intrigue and has a well developed network of allies. Malika has managed to stay in favor with the Pasha, even as he looked for a s
[19:40] <Kotono> Malika has managed to stay in favor with the Pasha, even as he looked for a suitable wife that struck his fancy. She's shown surprising skill at staying afloat." (More)
[19:41] <Kotono> "Over the past several months, there has been a consolidation of power based on an internal palace matter. Abidin has taken one side and Malika has marshalled her own support, mainly from those disaffected from Abidin or those not yet fully entangled."
01[19:44] <Seira> "And those sides are?" Seira asks the obvious question. "As well as this Malika, is much known about her before she became involved with the Pasha?"
[19:47] <Kotono> "Finding out is easier said than done," Isonu smoothly bows to the altar of Waukeen as he enters, "LAdy of Merchants, grant me the patience and wisdom to conclude my transactions," he prays. " After, "With some inside information already, we do know it's about the northern ruins and that regretable incident there. Abidin believes that it's best to pursue these things to the fullest, while Malika is more restrained. Considering that they s
[19:47] <Kotono> Abidin believes that it's best to pursue these things to the fullest, while Malika is more restrained. Considering that they surely have an idea of what happened up there..."
01[19:48] <Seira> "To put it as bluntly as I can," Seira says, as her previous hint apparently didn't find purchase, "do we have any reason to suspect Malika is not what she seems?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "None at all." The answer comes easily enough. "I was getting to that. She's a woman who has been in the Pasha's house since her youth and has grown into a favorite of his. She often uses Lliira's name and puts forth an image of kindness and grace."
01[19:53] <Seira> "That's weird," Seira says earnestly. "It wasn't really some regrettable incident. That's when you're making breakfast and drop the dish on the ground. What they had was a full-blown hellish invasion, an actual foothold. And they have to know some people helped the devils. So what reason would a kind woman have to overlook all that?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "A fair question, but one we don't know the answer to," Isonu answers. "However, we can get someone in a position who can perhaps find out now."
01[19:55] <Seira> "You really don't have to send someone into the harem for this," Seira tells him, frowning. "I could always just go to the source and ask."
[19:57] <Kotono> "No, not the harem." With a momentary sigh, "You know, most women would be happy to go into his harem, considering the life you'd lead. Then again...something for another day." He smiles easily at that, "As I was saying, not that. I've heard that Lady Malika has been quietly looking for skilled mercenaries lately."
01[20:00] <Seira> "What can I say?" she asks in response, shrugging. "Most people have no ambition, I guess. In any case, I would be interested in hearing the lady out, but it feels counter-productive to approach her on my own. Do you think you could help arrange a meeting?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "It may not be with her - knowing palace matters here, it'll be an emissary. But yes, I can arrainge this for you if you wish. But..." He stops a moment, "Fair warning as well. You're not unknown here, Seira, and your apperance is very unusual. You may want to consider some level of disguise."
01[20:04] <Seira> "Alter self is my friend, yes," she agrees. "You didn't need to tell me that. Although I'm not certain if I want to use it for tomorrow, when I settle the misunderstanding with the guard. It might be prudent to keep the two identities for both tasks separate."
[20:04] <Kotono> "Agreed." A short nod there. "Do you have any questions then, Seira?"
01[20:05] <Seira> "We've covered the political situation, but do we have a lead on the actual collaborators?" Seira asks him.
03[20:06] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54413d9a.l6.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:06] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:07] <Kotono> "No. When it gets to details on that situation or devils or anything like that..the information dries up and it dries up hard. Whatever's being discussed is staying well into the palace and probably to a select few."
01[20:08] <Seira> "Quite understandable, I suppose, if unfortunate." Seira shrugs. "Well. What about our celestial friends? Did they keep a presence here, or stay in touch?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "I keep contact with them. They have an inn and are trying to track down devils in the area. I know they've had some success there."
[20:10] <Kotono> After a moment, "They also helped me angle some of my information."
06[20:11] * Seira nods. "I'll pay my respects tomorrow, then. It's still the same inn, right?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Yes," He nods to that.
01[20:13] <Seira> "That's it for today, then," she decides. "It's been very educational."
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
05[20:15] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:15] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.135.18) has joined #evildunes
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 32."12 [1d100=32]
[20:15] <Kotono> The night passes well enough. The morning blooms...OOC - Seira, what are you going to do?
06[20:17] * Seira intends to leave instructions that any guests of hers be made comfortable until she returns, and ask for the location of the nearest Guard station or garrison, as well as a few names of a low-ranked officers with a decent reputation that she might chance upon there.
[20:30] <Kotono> There's a guard station about a mile away, heading closer to the good parts of town. Watch Commander Sadid is said to be reasonably fair and not prone to being vicious.
03[20:32] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[20:33] * Seira will make her way there, then, after leaving her most-prized artifacts with Isonu. She doesn't really need weapons or sentient orbs to deal with this, and guards tend to be stupid about depriving a mage from their blades and bows for some reason she could never decypher, so better not to give them any excuse.
[20:36] <Kotono> It's a pleasant walk in the morning. As you're leaving the poor quarter of the city, you soon find yourself walking in tolerable streets. There's really no loitering, nor any problems. About halfway, however, you notice something. A few guards ahead happen to look your way, before blinking and starting to approach Seira.
06[20:37] * Seira makes her way towards them, abandoning her previous course. "Would you mind showing me to the nearest guard station, please?" she asks them once they are close enough there is no need to shout.
[20:40] <Kotono> The guards approach at that, "Yes. Come with us," they agree, flanking Seira's sides as they lead her along. OOC - Doing anything or just following?
01[20:41] <Seira> "Thank you!" she tells them brightly, content to be lead to her destination.
[20:44] <Kotono> The guard building is a single stories white building with large cellar door on the side. However, you're lead into the building and not underground. Inside, it's pleasant and cool. You are lead to a room with a single bench of stone. Fortunately, there's no need to be asked to wait this time. As you enter in, someone comes in behind the guards. A thin man with dark skin and droopy eyebrows, hands behind his back and a scimitar at his sid
[20:44] <Kotono> A thin man with dark skin and droopy eyebrows, hands behind his back and a scimitar at his side. "Good morning," he nods to Seira.
01[20:46] <Seira> "So it is," she agrees with him, returning the nod. "I'm Seira. Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "Watch Leader Yusuf," he answers, taking a moment. "So you are Seira?"
01[20:49] <Seira> "Why yes!" Seira agrees pleasantly. "I am certain we will have ample time for small talk later, but right now, there is something I would like to settle. It has come to my attention that guards have been looking for me, perhaps due to the unfortunate events that took place last night,
01[20:49] <Seira> and so I've come to offer an explanation for the affair and make whatever reparations I am due under the law, if it turns out I have broken it inadvertantly."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Yes." He holds up a hand up, "A thousand apologies, but I must ask you to follow me, first of all. Rise."
01[20:53] <Seira> "Of course," Seira agrees, not really bothered by the request as she goes through it. "Where to?"
[20:54] <Kotono> "To a more comfortable room. You are well known from a neighboring kingdom." His answer is minimal, exiting out of the room.
06[20:55] * Seira follows with a shrug.
[20:56] <Kotono> Seira is lead to the other side of the building. Here there is a room that fits in not at all. It is a room of simple pleasures - of silk pillows and pleasant scents, a plate of dates and figs set on a low lying table. "Please rest here. Someone more approriate will be along shortly."
01[20:58] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees, commandeering a pillow.
[20:59] <Kotono> About twenty minutes pass in this pleasant room. It is then the door is knocked on, but it does not open.
01[20:59] <Seira> "Still here!" Seira calls through it.
[21:03] <Kotono> The door opens. The man that enters is tall and well kept. He is perhaps fourty, but his face is unlined and his stride is strong. A long saber is at his side, a uniform of superb quality worn. Medals can be seen on the front, the scent of sand and spices coming from him. He closes the door behind him, "Seira of the United Baronies," he nods. "I am Bey Kerem. I welcome you to Arad." He stays standing.
01[21:05] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira tells him. "I wish it would've happened under better circumstances, really, but life is filled with surprises." She gestures in front of her. "The pillows are really comfortable. Would you like to take a seat?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "
[21:06] <Kotono> "No thank you." He smiles briefly, "I've come here to discuss business, so allow me to cut to the core of this matter. Last night, you were involved in some sort of dispute in lesser parts of Arad?"
01[21:09] <Seira> "Oh yes!" Seira responds. "But I used strictly nonviolent means and avoided getting civillians or soldiers involved. Or property damage." She tilts her head. "In fact, while I understand the need to police one's domain, I'm not certain I even broke any laws. If I did, I apologize, of course, and would ask for a pamphlet detailing the customs in these parts."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Ah, I see." He nods to this, "Yes, it would be best if we avoided such disturbances in the future. First of all, if you have need to travel into the lower quarters, we would be happy to provide you with an escort. There is no need for an honored lady to sully herself by going alone to such places." (More)
[21:12] <Kotono> "Secondly, as a foreigner honored in a neighboring country, we are happy to afford yo uthe respect you deserve. However, we must ask that you refrain from such public displays of power. A little bit of magic is far too much for the simple folk who live in the lesser parts of the city; they are easily disturbed. As long as you keep your magic silent and do it no harm to the Fiefdoms, the Pasha cares little. We have no objection to your not
[21:12] <Kotono>  the Pasha cares little. We have no objection to your noted teleports near the markets, for example."
01[21:14] <Seira> "That was really my fault," Seira admits. "I happened to materialize there rather than a marketplace, and merely wanted to have a pleasant drink with my companions before continuing on my way. It took me by surprise that what happened could happen in that inn, and by then, I was already involved." Seira frowns. "Once again, my apologies."
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[21:16] <Kotono> "I see." He nods once to that, "A regretable situation. Should you have any more problems with the lesser quarter, we will gladly provide soldiers to resolve the situation acceptably."
01[21:18] <Seira> "I suppose I wanted to save you the trouble, but if people were disturbed in the process, then it does seem like a mistake in retrospect," Seira admits. "Very well. I doubt I will have such problems now, but if I do, I understand what is expected of me."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Here." Bey Kerem akes out a wrapped scroll. "Present this to any guard station in the city and you'll have an escort on demand."
01[21:21] <Seira> "Why, thank you!" Seira tells him with a smile, standing up to accept it.
[21:22] <Kotono> The scroll is passed over, "Mustafa Pasha only wishes for your stay in the city to be peaceful and productive. As such aw ell known member of the United Baronies, we trust that you'll maintain your country's good name while you are in the Fiefdoms?"
01[21:24] <Seira> "Of course," Seira says, before a contemplative expression crosses her face. "Actually, the entire situation made me think of something. While I not visiting in any official capacity, I do have an offer I would like to present to the Pasha, perhaps via a trusted servant of his. Would you be able to pass the word?"
[21:25] <Kotono> To this, Bey Kerem at last sits. "I serve the Pasha and report to him at his pleasure. I am authorized to act as his emissary on matters regarding you."
01[21:27] <Seira> "Why, what a pleasant surprise!" Seira exclaims, smiling as she makes herself more comfortable. "Though our countries don't really have formal relations, I trust that the fact of us conducting joint training maneuvers with Pallanth has not escaped the Pasha's knowledge?"
[21:28] <Kotono> "The Pasha keeps up on affairs, yes," Bey Kerem slightly nods his head forward.
01[21:31] <Seira> "One of the reasons for such exercizes -- the most important one, in my opinion -- was for each side to learn more about the other, in some cases at the soldier level. We are all different, after all, and it never hurts to learn from each other and understand such differences better. As I've already said, this is not an official offer on behalf of the Baronies, but--
01[21:31] <Seira> would the Pasha be interested in conducting such joint maneuvers with our forces?"
02[21:37] * tiredofthis (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net scifi-classics.dejatoons.net)
02[21:37] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net scifi-classics.dejatoons.net)
02[21:37] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.135.18) Quit (thundarr.dejatoons.net scifi-classics.dejatoons.net)
Session Close: Mon Jun 23 21:40:00 2008

Session Start: Mon Jun 23 21:40:00 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[21:40] * Disconnected
02[21:41] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[21:41] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[21:41] * Topic is '????>Demedaias'
03[21:41] * Set by Ko-VampireHunterKo on Mon Jun 09 08:33:39
03[21:41] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[21:41] <Kotono> "I see. I will pass this onto the Pasha, who will weigh it with the wisdom of his station." Bey Kerem speaks carefully, "I cannot speak for what the Pasha may decide. Word shall be sent to you in due time."
01[21:43] <Seira> "That is quite agreeable," Seira tells him with a smile. "I am staying at the temple to Waukeen for the duration of my visit, and if I am out exploring the city, missives for me could be left with the priests."
[21:44] <Kotono> "Of course." Bey Kerem agrees. "Stories of the Crimson Guard have trickled westward from the Baronies. I would be honored if you would come to my estate this evening and tell some of them as an honored guest."
01[21:45] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees. "It would be my pleasure."
[21:46] <Kotono> "Come to this station an hour before sunset; I will send escorts to take you there," Bey Kerem says.
06[21:48] * Seira agrees with a nod, standing up. "It feels that I've taken you from your duties for too long," she says. "Till evening, then?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "Until then," Bey Kerem rises. "The work for the Pasha is eternal. You're free to go now."
06[21:51] * Seira smiles, and moves towards the door, opening it for Bey Kerem.
[21:52] <Kotono> Bey Kerem rises, but takes the door. "No, allow me. You are our visitor."
06[21:54] * Seira is getting bored of playing nice with fellow spies, anyway, and is all too ready to relinquish the dubious honor to him.
[21:56] <Kotono> OOC - Moving along?
01[21:56] <Seira> OOC: To Nara, if she visits
[21:58] <Kotono> The morning passes by without incident. Come afternoon, Nara comes to the Temple of Waukeen. The two meet in a simple enough bedroom, given to Seira for her stay.
01[21:59] <Seira> "As promised, neither of us are in any trouble with the authorities," Seira tells Nara once greetings are done with.
[22:00] <Kotono> Going to sit in a chair, "Oh, whew," she sighs. "The soldiers left lat ethat night, but it's still a little tense. I'm glad they're not coming back for this, then."
01[22:03] <Seira> "It's possible they only had to begin with because they didn't put two and two together and realize it was me," Seira muses. "Well, I suppose I could find out for certain, but I'm not that curious. So." Seira gives Nara her full attention. "Do you have any idea what kind of offer I intend to make to you?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "I've been speculating, but I want to hear it myself," Nara replies. "I have to admit I'm curious by now."
01[22:08] <Seira> "To put it simply, we are going to benefit society by showing people the good that comes from following Waukeen's teachings, using her temples as central hubs for that purpose. We'll raise the education level of the citizens, while hacking away at poverty, hunger and various other social ills at the same time.
01[22:08] <Seira> In other words, the goal is nothing else but to change the world, to transform it into a wholly better one." Seira looks at Nara with a wry smile. "Does it meet your expectations?"
02[22:10] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.135.18) Quit (Broken pipe)
[22:10] <Kotono> "It's idealistic," Nara says at last. "Do you think it can really work? That's a lot of big words, but can you deliver on them?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "I never start something I can't finish," Seira tells Nara, as her smile widens. "And our friends upstairs apparently agree, since they've pitched in as much as they're allowed by the rules they find themselves bound."
[22:15] <Kotono> "Mmm." Nara licks her lips as she closes her eyes. "What could I do for all of that then...and it would pay decently well?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "Neither Waukeen nor myself believe in becoming a pauper while helping others, so that should be answer enough for your second question. As for the first... I'm trying to gather competent people to this banner, and congratulations! I certainly believe you qualify."
06[22:20] * Seira pauses, the tone of her voice becoming more serious. "Specifically, you know the people here, what they suffer from, what they need most and so on. You would be versed in the injustices committed under the law and which parts of the legal system should be challenged to correct them.
01[22:20] <Seira> When we start our project to construct public buildings beyond a marketplace, you would be able to help us with our priorities. And, of course, you would be able to help us make headway with a people who is too wary of kindness, and keep on looking for the stick beyond the proffered carrot."
[22:23] <Kotono> "It's...one hell of an offer," Nara says after a long, thoughtful silence. "I need to think about it. I can't commit to something that big without at least turning it over in my mind."
01[22:24] <Seira> "I will be here for a few days, so come back when you feel you can commit to going with me all the way to my goal," Seira tells her. "And if there are trustworthy, competent people you feel should be brought in, don't hesitate to do so."
[22:25] <Kotono> "Okay." Nara says slowly, standing up. "I'll be back in a day or two then."
01[22:27] <Seira> "Alright," Seira says, showing her to the temple gates. There's still time before she is expected to meet the Fiefdom diplomat, so she decides to use it to pay the celestials a visit.

[Corwin]

[18:25] <Kotono> That afternoon Seira chances the dusty streets of Arad. A soft wind blows, the rare temperate month in perfect balance between vicious chill and overwhelming heat. On reaching the celestial inn, Seira finds that it's door is open. Pleasant noise can be heard from inside, inviting.
06[18:25] * Seira walks in, taking the unspoken invitation.
[18:34] <Kotono> Inside warmth spills out. It's a happy place on a glance, a place where friends talk and chatter. Bright faced people converse in the front, talking and discussing matters.  In particular, a serene looking man sits near the front door, reading from a book and occasionally glancing up.
06[18:37] * Seira decides to commandeer a seat by his table, clearly left for visitors. "It wasn't taken, right?" she asks the serene man after the fact.
[18:41] <Kotono> "It wasn't," he agrees, putting down his book. "Seira, I presume? I heard about you."
[18:41] <Seira> "I get that a lot," Seira tells him with a smile. "How are things?"
[18:43] <Kotono> He looks Seira over a few times, seeming to gauge her. "We preserve for the sake of tomorrow."
[18:45] <Seira> "Is that a metaphorical tomorrow," Seira asks, tilting her head questioningly, "or a literal one, cause I then I haven't been kept in the loop."
[18:48] <Kotono> "Both." He smiles slightly to Seira, "Tomorrow is always worth fighting for."
[18:50] <Seira> "Alrighty then!" Seira agrees. "You're from upstairs, right? Cause only those guys would go out of their way to talk in riddles so much. And we haven't really been properly introduced, even though you know my name," she adds in a not-too-subtle hint.
[18:53] <Kotono> "It's a slight affliction of having eternity. Word games help pass the quiet centuries." He chuckles to himself, but then sharply, "My name is Neland. You've come about the palace and the Pasha?"
[18:55] <Seira> "Well, I haven't visited it, yet," Seira admits. "It is likely in the cards, however. I wanted to see you guys first, to say hi and thanks. That pretty much rates higher than the Pasha in my eyes, though I'd appreciate it if you didn't go and tell him as much." She shrugs. "And if there's some relevant information we don't yet have at the temple, well, I'm here and all ears."
[19:01] <Kotono> "I've not heard that the Pasha is an overly vain man, but he is royalty." Neland observes to that, "We've kept in touch with Isonu. The two royal factions are playing tightly to each other, getting good information out is proving bothersome."
[19:02] <Seira> "I don't suppose we can just cheat by seeing with a simple divination spell if one party has a few members tainted from their dealings with the devils?" Seira wonders.
[19:08] <Kotono> "It's never that easy, regrettably," Neland says with a hint of sadness.
[19:09] <Seira> "Don't take this the wrong way," Seira tells him, "but our sponsors surely have the answer, don't they? Why wouldn't they just tell us? Is it a part of some kind of neverending test to see if we're worthy? Or derived from some deal they have going with the other side and can't break?"
[19:17] <Kotono> "Some of that, some of precautions have been taken." A shake of his head, "We're all old hands at this game. Protecting your assets is basic."
[19:18] <Seira> "You know, this is where I would actually appreciate a more direct answer," Seira comments with a frown.
[19:19] <Kotono> "You don't corrupt a prince or a powerful merchant into a pawn and then not supply ways to protect them, not if both sides are serious about it. Divinations have counters, scrying can be scrambled, that sort of thing. We did the same thing with our bases in the actual conflict up north."
[19:20] <Seira> "So, say, even if Asmodeus himself felt like trying to find your camp at that time, he wouldn't be able to?" she asks curiously.
02[19:21] * Seira (~b5s@p11811112.orange.net.il) Quit
03[19:21] * C is now known as Seira
03[19:22] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:23] <Kotono> "And if Lathander walked the earth next to us I'm sure he could make a gesture and purify the entire city of devils." Neland snorts now. "And if Lathander or Asmodeus was here, it would lead to catastrophic battles like the world has only seen once before. In other words, both sides have their resources as best they can."
01[19:29] <Seira> "That's pretty interesting," Seira tells him. "So even the gods are limited in their knowledge and power of Prime unless they happen to be visiting."
[19:31] <Kotono> Seira gets a long look from Neland. "Regardless of this discussion, no, we haven't found anything new on the situation here."
01[19:32] <Seira> "It's alright, I've been able to learn lots anyway," she responds. "In fact, I could say it's been very educational. So! What do you all do for fun around Arad?"
[19:44] <Kotono> "Talk, mostly. The desert is beautiful as well." The answer comes afte a few moments.
01[19:46] <Seira> "Well, in that case, I won't feel guilty about talking some more," Seira says with a smile, before it melts into a far more serious expression. "I don't suppose I could ask for some of that special insight into things?" she muses, eyeing Neland. "I wouldn't think of bothering Waukeen with something this trivial, but I'm always looking for more information about Talinn and his friends.
01[19:46] <Seira> And about dragons, of course, which aren't really related to this matter but I just had to mention them. In particular, there's a very important sword that I must find. I understand its particular... issues, and wouldn't dream of wielding it lightly. But I've been informed that it's the only reliable way available to us to have a fighting chance when it's time."
[20:05] <Kotono> "I'm only 1,200 years old. I was born after the great losses that happened in this world," Neland's tone becomes a little distant, but not in a harsh way. More of reflective. "I've heard the stories. You speak of Arondaaq, though? For you bear another potent sword yourself."
01[20:08] <Seira> "Quite true," Seira agrees. "And while we're on the subject, I've been curious. Would these keys Demedais and I carry be more effective in that heretic's presence, or less, due to their special affiliation? And what about our spellgem-granted powers? Because while nothing's been giving me the indication that consuming those things would grant some entity a pathway of possession,
01[20:08] <Seira> it's always good to be prepared and cover all bases."
03[20:11] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af0c040.wfd107.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:12] <Kotono> "I don't know. The battle with the God King was before my time," he answers, a slight shake of his head.
01[20:14] <Seira> "I'll be in town for a while," Seira says to that. "Any chance that some of the others here might know? It would certainly help."
[20:26] <Kotono> "I'll ask around," Neland says.
01[20:28] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira tells him brightly. "Regardless of how that turns out, I'd love to get a tour of the beautiful desert once my business in Arad's done," she continues, smiling. "The last time I was here I wasn't really able to enjoy nature, so it would be a perfect opportunity."
03[20:41] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:42] <Kotono> Evening comes. Seira goes back to the watch station requested, where two guards, four strong, muscled men and a pillowed palanquin. "M'lady," One of the two guards steps forward, a bow. "Bey Kerem sends his good wishes, as well as a palanquin so that you can enjoy the trip in comfort."
06[20:43] * Seira likes walking, but the need to avoid offending her host overrides that. "My thanks," she tells the speaker. "I'm certain I will."
[20:49] <Kotono> The trip through the streets is surprisingly smooth. The four men carry the palanquin with ease and all streetgoers part to the sides as you pass. Soon you leave dusky, plain buildings behind. You head closer to the palace, passing by nicer houses and soon by estates. Estates with palm trees and patches of green, gated off and secluded from the masses. The scent of living plants and sweet things fills Seira's nose at this trip. (More)
[20:52] <Kotono> Soon you come to one estate that opens it's gold wrought gates for you. Here a vast lawn stands out from the often sandy ground of the desert. Here trees grow even in the harsh desert conditions. Here fountains of beautiful stone and glass are dotted about in front of avast, singel story home. Minurets rise from the roof, guilded with gold and sparkling with gemstone light at the tips.
06[20:54] * Seira disembarks, waiting a reasonable time to be announced or shown in. Given their previous treatment of her, it seems quite likely.
[20:56] <Kotono> The four men carry Seira to the front door before setting down the palanquin. The front door is opened by the men, where in a man in well kept and baggy white robes awaits. He's in his middle age, silver-white hair and a stiff back. "M'lady Seira." he bows to her, "Bey Kerem bids you a good evening. If you would...?"
06[20:57] * Seira would! And does!
[21:00] <Kotono> You are lead to a comfortable room farther back. This room is lit by occasional braziers of insense, filling the air with flavored smoke. The floors are thick carpet, so soft that Seira feels like she's sinking into them. The walls are decorated with vivid artwork, showing desert scenes and nobility. Piles of pillows are about, including one where Bey Kerem sits. (More)
[21:04] <Kotono> Besides Bey Kerem is a woman with black hair, untouched by grey, despite being into early middle age. The fading remnents of a breathttaking beauty can be glimpsed, her face still alluring. She wears color clothes of baggy silk, keeping her head down after an alluring smile to Seira. "Welcome Seira," Bey Kerem rises. "Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Cemile."
06[21:06] * Seira simply must respond to such a smile with one of her own! "Thank you for having me," she tells Bey Kerem, before nodding at his wife. "And a pleasure to meet you, Cemile."
[21:09] <Kotono> "It's a pleasure," Cemile raises her head to smile. "My husband said you know the most wonderful stories of danger and suspense from the east. I must say that you look like it...you look most impressive and noble, like a dragon in a portrait."
01[21:11] <Seira> "Telling a story or two are the least I could do to repay my hosts for all this," Seira responds, gesturing at the lush premises.
[21:13] <Kotono> "We would be honored," Bey Kerem gestures to Seira, "Come, sit. The mundane can be put aside for a time now."
06[21:14] * Seira finds a comfortable place to sit down, attentive to her host.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Refreshment will come shortly," Bey Kerem smiles, "But let me say what an honor it is. I've heard of your exploits in the east and against the Malmuthian Empire. When I heard you were in town, I hoped to get to meet you personally. Cemile feels the same as well."
01[21:26] <Seira> "I've wanted to visit for many months, but the timing was always wrong," Seira admits. "Twice, I was forced to scrap my plans at the last moment on account of threats of imminent invasion. Quite nasty, those."
[21:28] <Kotono> "Yes. We're fortunate to have relatively stable borders. It's a blessing every day." As the conversation begins, beautiful women wearing just enough silk to be modest enter, bearing crystalline decanters of vibrantly colored liquids and deep baskets of ripe fruits. "Is it true that you helped slay the ambitious King of the Malmuthians?"
06[21:31] * Seira shows no hint that she disagrees with that assessment of the Fiefdoms's borders, admiring the beautiful women no doubt told to parade for her benefit. "Funny story, that," she mentions, reaching for some grapes. "I actually intended to tell that story, as I felt it was quite entertaining."
[21:32] <Kotono> One of the women, a beautiful thing with dusky skin and a teasing smile, stops as Seira reaches up for grapes, so that she can easily get them. "I've heard so many conflicting accounts - one even claimed that a God came from the sky to smite Ferdi." Cemile says with a cat's impenetrable gaze.
01[21:35] <Seira> "Oh, that wasn't what happened at all," Seira says, waving a hand dismissively. "Although if you don't take it literally, I can't say there was no celestial involvement. Someone important had to agree with us to support us, as will become clear soon." Making herself comfortable, Seira tries the grapes. (more)
01[21:38] <Seira> "On a quest of historical and religious matter, Demedais and I were able to communicate with a very highly placed being in the upper planes, and in the end secured his aide in certain matters. The incident with Ferdi relates to that, though I suppose I'm jumping ahead, here." Seira reclines, careful to observe her hosts without being obvious about it. (more)
01[21:41] <Seira> "What the stories no doubt touch upon is that King Ferdi dealt with the lower planes. That he touched upon the fiendish -- and that part is quite true. He even corrupted his closest servants with that filth." Seira shrugs.
01[21:41] <Seira> "We understood perfectly that regular Malmuthians and even their soldiers, for the most part, were quite innocent in the matter and decided to try and reason with the King and his close cirle. Unfortunately, they were too far gone by that point to listen to reason, so they attacked and I summoned a dragon and it set Ferdi on fire. Incidentally, I have now acquired the house where the entire thing took place."
[21:44] <Kotono> Cemile listens raptly from start to end. She leans forward near the climax of the tale, eyes sparkling. "A real dragon? What kind was it? Was it one that gleamed like precious metals or one that was like a rainbow's hue?" Her voice is excited, quick.
01[21:47] <Seira> "That time, I called for a special dragon from the afterlife," Seira tells her, pleased that the story has been so engaging to the woman. "At such times when our intentions align, those of us on this world can cooperate with our celestial friends. And allowing fiends a foothold is one such instance."
[21:47] <Kotono> Bey Kerem nods at the end of, having listened silently. "You can summon a dragon? It's hardly a wonder that you defeated the King then. I've heard dragons are a fierce as the worst the desert has."
01[21:49] <Seira> "Dragons come in all shapes and temperaments. And colors, I suppose." She shrugs. "But the celestial dragons really do hate it when mortals deal with the denizens of the lower planes, and are all too eager to come to my call at that time."
[21:51] <Kotono> "Indeed," Bey Kerem is silent a moment, before, "You've also proven that you're worthy in our own lands, Seira." Leaning back and steepling his fingers together, "Let us proceed to more salient matters then?"
01[21:53] <Seira> "Oh, certainly!" Seira agrees, though that doesn't stop her from sampling all the delicious fruits the serving girls have to offer.
[21:55] <Kotono> "You've been attempting to expand into Arad." He says, Cemile lowering her head. "AS well as begin influencing it, I gather."
[21:55] <Kotono> The serving girls go around, stopping as people grab fruits or drinks. They stay mute, tempting but polite.
01[21:56] <Seira> "Arad presents plenty of business opportunities," Seira responds with a disarming smile. "And I would be more than delighted if enterprenuers from the Fiefdoms returned the favor -- and matched the investment -- back in Balmuria or, perhaps, elsewhere in the Baronies."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Fah." With an easy smile, "Gold is pleasant, but I imagine it's hardly the reason for the effort. Not that you lack for it regardless."
[21:58] <Kotono> Bey Kerem leans back onto the pillows, "I would imagine it would be a pleasant side effect at best."
01[22:00] <Seira> "Would it allay all worries if I were to say that I am not interested in seizing power or any such unpleasant matters?" Seira asks, sounding quite serious. "Had I wanted to rule, quite simply, I already would have carved out a kingdom for myself."
[22:01] <Kotono> "'twould have been easy enough with the Malmuthians prone," Bey Kerem agrees. "If you wanted your own realm, I imagine Valandia would have suited you. But no, even if you don't want to rule, you're throwing your interests into Arad. I think it would be better if we understood each other."
01[22:03] <Seira> "It's a hobby," Seira tells him, smiling at a passing serving girl. "Some people tend to their gardens, or collect coins. I build temples to Waukeen. Why, one day, they will be everywhere to glorify her!"
[22:05] <Kotono> "Oh, I suppose. Cemile so loves collecting perfumes and jewelry," With a wave of his hand, Bey Kerem has a serving girl pour him a glass of a radiant red liquid. "We all have our distractions." He sips long from it, savoring it with eyes closed before he puts the goblet down. "And not helping friends from on high?"
[22:05] <Kotono> Cemile lowers her gaze respectfully at that, "Waukeen, she is the goddess of trade?"
06[22:09] * Seira looks puzzled. "I don't really keep it a secret that I have such friends, as I've mentioned earlier. And any servant of a deity would be pleased to contribute towards worship of said deity; it is quite natural, I would say. Wouldn't you agree?" At Cemile's words, Seira nods eagerly.
01[22:09] <Seira> "Trade, and coin, and profit. Our success benefits others, and in turn benefits us back." She winks at the woman. "And if you want that to actually make sense, why not visit our temple? Our trained priests are very competent and would be quite happy to explain our dogma!"
[22:14] <Kotono> "Well yes. But as you have them, they're invariably tied to our perception of you." Bey Kerem notes. "And everything is tied into Arad."
[22:15] <Kotono> Cemile smiles and bows her head with a faint blush. "Perhaps I should. Waukeen sounds as if she has good priorities."
06[22:17] * Seira claps her hands. "Excellent! I will ask that you be given the grand tour our regular visitors don't normally get, then." She then gives Bey Kerem an apologetic glance, seeming somewhat embarrassed. "I'm actually building one in Valandia, as well. I don't suppose news of it have reached here, yet. And plans for two more are proceeding, while I'm trying to secure land and go through the legal red tape."
[22:20] <Kotono> Bey Kerem nods. "I see. Then...allow me to get to the point then, Seira." Bey Kerem eyes her right on, "Are you going to try and meddle in our politics, or are your interests purely monetary?
01[22:23] <Seira> "I won't say I have no interests in that aspect," Seira tells him, shrugging again. "My suggestion at our prior meeting should illustrate that quite well. But as during that time, I will handle all such things directly. I don't intend to use any underhanded means to affect or sway your political situations either way."
03[22:24] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
[22:26] <Kotono> "Then I'd like to offer you an alliance," Bey Kerem smiles faintly. "It would help you from, ah, splashing about blindly and making enemies in the process."
01[22:27] <Seira> "I love alliances!" Seira gushes. "And enemies are icky! What did you have in mind?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "The current situation in the palace is rather delicate," Bey Kerem speaks slowly over those words, "I can mentor you in the basics and we can coordinate so that there are no...incidents. This would be a disagreeable time to displease the Pasha."
01[22:31] <Seira> "It would be quite beneficial," Seira agrees. "What would you like in return?"
[22:31] <Kotono> "As long as you're sincere about your motives and goals, that's sufficient." Bey Kerem offers.
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC - STrike, misworded.
[22:32] <Kotono> "As long as you're honest to me about your goals and motivations, that's sufficient," Bey Kerem offers.
01[22:33] <Seira> "And thus, a friendship was born," Seira says with a smile.
[22:33] <Kotono> Bey Kerem stands, going over to Seira and offering his hand for a handshake.
06[22:35] * Seira shakes it, the smile staying on her face. "My place back home isn't as fancy, but you two are more than welcome when you visit."
[22:37] <Kotono> Once shaken, Bey Kerem sits. "My duties largely keep me in the desert, but..." He stops there. "Now then...if it's a simple matter, perhaps your desires can be achivered here and now. What is it you're looking for in Arad? Does it have to do with the devils?"
01[22:40] <Seira> Even if it's counter-productive to her task, a show of good faith here might end up serving her better in the long run. "I can't deny that I'm interested in their mortal agents," Seira says carefully, "although I genuinely wanting to visit Arad."
01[22:40] <Seira> *wanted
[22:42] <Kotono> "The Pasha went through an exhaustive test of the nobility and those in the palace over the past month." The answer comes, "An agent of Hell was found and executed.
[22:42] <Kotono> OOc - Gah.
[22:43] <Kotono> "The Pasha went through an exhaustive test of the nobility and those in the palace over the past month." The answer comes, "An agent of Hell was found and executed. As far as the palace goes, we are uninfiltrated."
01[22:46] <Seira> "That is excellent news," Seira agrees. "However, what if there are other agents on the periphery? Some devils escaped; not a lot, and given their ability to travel long distances instanteneously, they may no longer be in the area. But if they stayed, if they had people who supported them... I would be more than happy to help discover them, and leave the passing of judgement to the rightful authorities."
[22:47] <Kotono> "In the area is why there's been so much guard activity over the recent times. In fact, we were first worried that a devil had been forced to act publically when the news of your magic came." Bey Kerem smiles faintly. "Unfortunately, our resources indicate that the devils can withstand the desert indefinitely, so we can only stop those we can find."
[22:48] <Kotono> "Our own resources have ferrted out a few, and I believe you had something to do with breaking their main base of operations here. An inn, I believe."
06[22:50] * Seira shrugs noncommittally. "If I were to ask that the following stays between us, even from your superiors, would it be a promise you are entitled to give me?" she asks Bey Kerem, changing the subject.
[22:52] <Kotono> "I can," Bey Kerem says with no hesitation.
01[22:54] <Seira> "Have you been given any reason to suspect elven involvement, even indirectly?" Seira asks, showing a platinum ring with an hourglass motif. "Has this symbol, the symbol of House Desjardin, shown up at any point of your investigation?"
[22:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
05[22:55] -thundarr.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[22:55] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
[22:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 12."12 [1d20=4]
[22:56] <Kotono> Bey Kerem looks over the ring, "House Desjardin? No. Nothing that far removed, but..." He stops there, "It's been a concern for the reason you said. Devils can go anywhere they think of with teleportation. It's not impossible that they'd branch out. We've had some passing information that there are a few in Kelara somewhere, and I imagine you've had your own problems with them."
01[23:01] <Seira> "Those in Kelara and back home have been dealt with. Or so I've heard." Seira smirks. "And I suppose it could have been an attempt to throw off a false lead, which is the main reason I don't want this to go beyond us two. Should you hear anything, either way, would you please get in touch with me and let me know?"
[23:07] <Kotono> "That I have no objection to," Bey Kerem agrees. "The devils need to be stopped."
06[23:10] * Seira smiles again, now that the things troubling her had been aired. "True. But enough about such unpleasant matters. I am quite curious as to the resurgence of magic in your country. Could you tell me if it matches the Renaissance taking place back in the Baronies?"
[23:18] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 66."12 [1d100=66]

[Corwin]

[21:09] <Blondezilla> --------
[21:10] <Blondezilla> OOC: Seira, you can keep talking with Bey Kerem if you like or you can move on. Your call.
01[21:10] <Seira> OOC: Vote for moving on, there
[21:13] <Blondezilla> The rest of the night passes it pleasant discussion. Bey Kerem does mention that the Pasha is taking an interest in magical students, but doesn't go into it beyond that. The evening is fading into the hard night when Seira goes back to the temple. Guards give her a safe escort through the streets and thus she arrives home. On waking in the morning, she finds she has a visitor waiting. Nara is here.
01[21:14] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira greets her guest. "Did you have dinner yet? I had, but I'm sure we could arrange something for you."
[21:17] <Blondezilla> "It's rather early for dinner," Nara blinks, "I just had breakfast. But regardless, I came here about your offer."
01[21:19] <Seira> "I'm all ears!" Seira declares at that.
[21:20] <Blondezilla> "I accept on one condition," Nara says.
06[21:21] * Seira wonders whether it's the guaranteed pay. People seem to believe in everything, including a global cultural domination, but remain utterly skeptical about their chances of earning money while working with her. "Oh?" she asks.
[21:32] <Blondezilla> "I need a favor," she says. "Yesterday, I got word that a friend had been detained at the El Kufra Oasis. She's been charged with smuggling. She managed to send word and claim that she's innocent and being wrongfully accused. Her name is Hafa."
01[21:34] <Seira> "Is she?" Seira asks casually. "Innocent, that is."
[21:35] <Blondezilla> "I believe so, yes. I never heard her have any interest in crime. She's worked for 5 years to get a good job with a caravan that goes from the Coolwater Oasis to Arad."
01[21:36] <Seira> "And what was she charged with smuggling?" Seira wonders.
[21:38] <Blondezilla> "Poison." With a bleak look, "Dark Reaver Powder."
01[21:39] <Seira> "Interesting." Seira considers. "Would you like me to secure her release, or actually investigate her alleged crime?"
[21:40] <Blondezilla> "I'd like you to try and find out if she's innocent. If she is, free her. If she's not...at least make sure she's not executed for it." The answer comes after a moment, "I can't believe that she did it, though."
01[21:42] <Seira> "Mmm." Seira smiles. "Good answer. Have you been to El Kufra before?"
[21:43] <Blondezilla> "Once. It's mainly a resting stop for caravans before the final leg of the journey to Arad. Trade coming from Kelara and further west passes through." she answers. "Most caravans from Arad have enough water to head straigh to Tash."
01[21:45] <Seira> "We'll take a shortcut, then," Seira declares, handing Nara a ring. "Put that on, and try to recall as many details about the place as you can. We'll attempt a teleport once you're certain that you have a decent lock on it."
[21:46] <Blondezilla> Nara takes the ring, staring at it. "A...teleport?" she asks, voice uneasy.
01[21:47] <Seira> "It's quite foolproof," Seira informs her, casting a spell that would shift her features into those of a fully human version of herself. "I'll just need to inform the temple that I'm leaving, and we can go."
[21:48] <Blondezilla> "!" Nara stares at Seira, "Amazing...you just say a few words and you change your entire body."
01[21:51] <Seira> "It's a fairly basic spell, and part of the package taught at any magical academy," Seira informs her. "Since you want me to actually investigate in person, it would be less intrusive if I appeared this way. Plus, the guards would be more impartial, for what it's worth." The rest of Seira's preparations include turning her cloak inside-out, the lining not bearing her emblem.
01[21:51] <Seira> "This should be enough, right?"
03[21:53] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:53] <Blondezilla> "You look different now, yes," Nara agrees.
02[21:54] * tiredofthis (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[21:55] <Seira> "Well, keep on concentrating. I'll return in a few." And with those words, Seira leaves to inform Isonu of her plans.
[21:56] <Blondezilla> This goes without incident. On returning, Nara is awaitng, concentration and gaze on the ring.
06[21:57] * Seira takes her hand. "Let's go," she suggests. "And try not to miss?"
[21:57] <Blondezilla> roll 1d100
05[21:57] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Blondezilla invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:57] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
[21:57] <Blondezilla> roll 1d100
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d100 and gets 43."12 [1d100=43]
[21:59] <Blondezilla> You stand in the shade of a palm tree. It takes a moment for your eyes to clear, but the morning sun is rather bright. You stand at the edge of a large oasis lake, cloaked in a narrow band of greenery around it's lifegiving water. Near you is a path that leads from the lake to a middling sized cluster of buildings. You can see wagon carts and beasts of burden carrying loads around there.
01[22:01] <Seira> "Well, this should be enough to get me here if I ever need to return," Seira muses, reaching for the ring. "A few more details about your friend wouldn't go amiss. Her description, known companions, the unit holding her."
[22:02] <Blondezilla> "She works for a wagon band known as Ali's Travellers. She's quite tall for a woman, about six feet or so. She's held in the jail of the oasis."
06[22:03] * Seira nods, trying to recall whether the Fiefdoms legal system allows for things such as bail for the crime of smuggling. "First of all, we'll try to meet with the company, if they have any people here. Lead the way?"
[22:03] <Blondezilla> OOC: Do you have any relevant knowledges like K:Local for the Fiefdoms or whatever?
01[22:04] <Seira> OOC: No, but my new friend has told me stuff all evening based on his own initiative
01[22:04] <Seira> OOC: And I probably got a pamphlet about their laws  >_>
[22:04] <Blondezilla> OOC - Go ahead and make an int  check then.
01[22:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[22:15] <Blondezilla> Nara leads Seira into the oasis proper. El Kufra Oasis is noisy, Fiefdom traders preparing their wares and often lugging barrels full of water into their wagons. "I think the jail's on the north side of town," Nara adds as you walk. "The company'll be harder to find, we'll need to ask around."
01[22:17] <Seira> "We may only get one shot at the jail, without pulling rank, in a manner of speaking," Seira tells Nara. "That's why it would be best to put the time and effort into finding the company and getting all the relevant information, first."
[22:18] <Blondezilla> "Then let's get to work," Nara agrees. "We'll just have to gather as much information as we can find."
01[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
06[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
[22:24] <Blondezilla> After afe whours of work, the noon hour has just passed. Seira has found out the following:
[22:24] <Blondezilla> The Ali Company is staying in tents at the edge of town. This is normal, some companies do it to save money on the final leg back to Arad. (More)
[22:28] <Blondezilla> There's been some noise about poison the last few days. A scandal about the Ali company smuggling poison. One person is in jail and the rest of the company has been ordered to stay until this matter is resolved, on the pain of death. (More)
[22:28] <Blondezilla> Bey Usar governs this city and has been invovled in this entire poison scandal. He gave the relevant orders. He's known as being very tough on criminals.
01[22:30] <Seira> "Seems like trying to see the company first was a good call," Seira mentions to Nara. "Being 'very tough on criminals' tends to translate to throwing assosiates into jail and sorting it out days later in some places."
[22:31] <Blondezilla> "They're essentially imprisoned here if they're barred from leaving on the pain of death," Nara says as the two come out from the oasis tavern. "Oh Hafa..."
01[22:33] <Seira> "I haven't been idle during the time I spent in Arad," Seira tells Nara quietly, coming closer to the woman so that they won't be overheard. "If working within the system will turn impossible, there are other, quite legal ways to resolve the matter."
[22:33] <Blondezilla> "Thank you," Nara answers back. "Shall we go to the Ali Company now?"
01[22:35] <Seira> "Quite so!"
[22:36] <Blondezilla> On walking to the dge of the town, you find a few camps and tents set up here and there. The one you're looking for is very easy to find, for it's the only one with a loose ring of guards around it. They're keeping a good watch out, each armed with a polearm and a scimitar.
06[22:38] * Seira walks straight ahead towards the desired camp. Should the guards stop her, she'll deal with it then.
[22:38] <Blondezilla> A guard does move to intervene, "Excuse me. If you're heading to the Ali Company's tent, none enter without being searched on orders of Bey Usar."
01[22:39] <Seira> "That's not a problem," Seira agrees amiably. "To save us both the trouble, is there anything I am prohibited from taking with me as I pass?"
[22:43] <Blondezilla> "Poisons or anything deemed to be unacceptable to introduce to the area," is the answer. "Come here and I'll search you."
01[22:44] <Seira> "I suppose it would be too much to ask for a female soldier," Seira grumbles, her smile slipping a bit as she nevertheless approaches.
[22:45] <Blondezilla> "If you want, but i'tll take time to bring one here," he answers, looking over Seira. "If you're not comfortable with a man searching you."
01[22:46] <Seira> "I'm fine," Seira says, waving off his concerns. "I just thought it would be fun, that's all."
[22:50] <Blondezilla> OOC - What do you have on person, Seira?
01[22:51] <Seira> OOC: A pair of swords, rods, a wand, some other stuff. Basically, what's on my sheet.
[22:52] <Blondezilla> The soldier goes over the swords with a raised eyeb row, but doesn't comment. Then the wands and the rod..."What isa ll this," The guard asks. "Wait..." Eyeing the jewelled Second Resort, "Are you a noblewoman?"
01[22:53] <Seira> "In a sense," Seira drawls out, frowning. "Would it be a problem?"
[22:56] <Blondezilla> "A thousand pardons, ma'am. Do you need something here? I can summon Bey Usar if you have business with this lot."
[22:56] <Blondezilla> The guard bows deeply.
01[22:58] <Seira> "There's nothing to apologize for," Seira tells him firmly. "I am here merely as another customer, and I wouldn't want to trouble Bey Usar over something like this."
[22:58] <Blondezilla> "Then proceed on. Again, I apologize," he says, standing aside.
06[22:58] * Seira nods, and heads onwards, waving Nara to follow.
[23:02] <Blondezilla> The two head into the camp! As they do, they find about a dozen people have come out of the tents. Mostly working sorts, though a slightly paunchy, bald man in soft white robes is at the head of the crowd. "Ma'am?" he asks towards Seira and Nara.
01[23:03] <Seira> "I'm looking to do business with the Ali Company," Seira tells him without preamble, smiling wryly as she adds, "Please tell me I'm in the right place and didn't get searched for nothing."
[23:03] <Blondezilla> "I'm Ali," The robed man says. "It must be something specific, if you're coming to us in these circumstances."
01[23:04] <Seira> "Quite so," Seira agrees. "I don't suppose you could let me in on the details of those circumstances?"
[23:08] <Blondezilla> Ali turns and gestures, "Privacy, please?" he says, the works going back to their tents. "We recently came into this Oasis to rest up and rewater before the final leg to Arad. When we were, soldiers claimed that they had reason to suspect contraband was in the shipmet - all we had were rugs and fabrics. In the search," His tone turns towards the bleak, "My lead wagoneer was arrested for having poison."
01[23:09] <Seira> "Hafa, I presume?" Seira comments, nodding at Ali's story.
[23:11] <Blondezilla> "Yes. She screamed that she was innocent...but she was arrested nonetheless. Are you Nara?" Asking this, "She told me to send a message to this Nara while I had a chance."
[23:11] <Blondezilla> "I am," Nara speaks up, "This is a friend of mine."
01[23:13] <Seira> "Well, here we are," Seira announces, with a glance at Nara. "So. Just how likely are those charges to be true?"
[23:15] <Blondezilla> "I don't believe them. They claimed that they found the poison in Hafa's personal belongings, but she...she's been trustworthy for five years. I'd never suspect that she'd use this position to smuggle."
01[23:16] <Seira> "Could it have been planted there, then?" Seira inquires. "By someone in the same caravan, or those you've done business with?"
[23:19] <Blondezilla> "We haven't had a new hire in over a year." The answer comes, "I know each of the workers here and all of them haven't given me any reason to suspect. I fire anyone that gets into trouble or tries anything." Ali shakes hjis head, "It's too risky to tolerate those sorts. Then again..." he sighs a little, "If this is true, who knows then?"
01[23:20] <Seira> "I would like to see the place this poison was found, and any of Hafa's belongings that weren't confiscated, please," Seira requests.
[23:21] <Blondezilla> "They took everything she had as evidence," Ali says, "But I'll take you to her storage pack."
06[23:22] * Seira nods.
[23:26] <Blondezilla> In one tent are several heavy cloth sacks. Most are fille dwith things, though one is empty. "Here," Ali hands it over.
[23:26] <Blondezilla> "Space is limited on the caravan, so each member gets a bag assigned to carry personal effects," he goes on from there.
06[23:28] * Seira casts a spell in preparation, before categorically going through Hafa's things. She looks for anything that seems out of place with the rest, or particularly recent.
[23:28] <Blondezilla> OOC - What spell?
01[23:28] <Seira> OOC: Heroism. Want me to roll search?
[23:28] <Blondezilla> OOC - If you want...but it is an empty bag.
01[23:29] <Seira> OOC: I see. Does it have any traces of poison?
[23:29] <Blondezilla> OOC - Make a search check then?
01[23:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[23:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 44."12 [1d20=19]
[23:30] <Blondezilla> There's no sign of anything but the bag and a few grains of normal sand. Nothing unsual or poisonous at all.
01[23:30] <Seira> "Did you actually witness this poison being extracted from Hafa's bag?" Seira asks Ali.
[23:32] <Blondezilla> "No. They searched it and had us stay away so as to not interfere."
01[23:33] <Seira> "Then how about an explanation for how they managed to discover it?" Seira wonders out loud. "There certainly aren't any signs I can find on the bag itself, so it had to be more than a casual inspection. Did they seem to know exactly where to look?"
[23:34] <Blondezilla> "They searched all the bags, since they weren't neat about putting things back. They came out and said they found the poison, we never saw them take it out," Ali answers. "They had a stoppered vial that they said was it.
[23:34] <Blondezilla> "
01[23:35] <Seira> Well, isn't that delightfully unhelpful. "Alright. And who was the commander on the scene at the time?"
[23:36] <Blondezilla> "A guard by the name of Ishaq." The answer comes, "He's one of the guards in the ring outside.
[23:36] <Blondezilla> "
01[23:37] <Seira> "I'll need his description," Seira says, "as well as knowledge of where both the jail and the seat of government are."
[23:40] <Blondezilla> "I can point him out to you," Ali offers. "The jail's in the center of town, as if Bey Usar's office."
06[23:41] * Seira nods. "Nara and I will go ask Ishaq a few questions, then."
06[23:44] * Seira nods. "Nara and I will go ask Ishaq a few questions, then."

[Corwin]

01[18:02] <Seira> [23:37] <Seira> "I'll need his description," Seira says, "as well as knowledge of where both the jail and the seat of government are."
01[18:02] <Seira> [23:40] <Blondezilla> "I can point him out to you," Ali offers. "The jail's in the center of town, as if Bey Usar's office."
01[18:02] <Seira> [23:41] * Seira nods. "Nara and I will go ask Ishaq a few questions, then."
[18:06] <Kogone> Ali leads you outside. He points out one of the guards - a broad man, both in gut and muscle. He idly polishes his scimitar as he keeps guard.
01[18:13] <Seira> "Hello, there!" Seira greets the guard, coming closer. "Would it be possible to have a few moments of your time?"
[18:14] <Kogone> "Of course, noblewoman," he says, eyeing Seira carefully. "We live to serve."
01[18:16] <Seira> "Thank you," she says pleasantly. "I am conducting research about the Ali Company, in preparation of a business deal, but their recent troubles lead me to seek out the full picture. I've been told that you were the one to discover the misdeeds of their lead wagoneer, and was hoping to hear the unbiased story, to decide how it reflects on the company as a whole."
[18:19] <Kogone> "That's right. I found the poison vial," he says after a moment, face neutral. "I'm just lucky the vial didn't crack when we found it."
[18:19] <Kogone> "There's not much to tell. We were ordered to search the wagon and company and found the poison." HE adds after.
01[18:20] <Seira> "That's true," Seira agrees sympathetically. "Vile things, those poisons. Such a dishonorable way to do battle." She frowns, however. "It seems I still have many questions unresolved. Should I direct them to the superior officer who ordered the search?"
[18:22] <Kogone> "I would enquire with Bey Usar directly, ma'am," he says respectfully, fidgeting slightly before putting away his scimitar.
01[18:23] <Seira> "Would he have time to see me, though?" Seira frets. "And for such a mundane matter, too."
[18:24] <Kogone> "Noblewoman, I would imagine he would gladly make time for someone of noble standing," the soldier says quickly. "We may not be in Arad, ma'am, but we are still cultured here."
01[18:26] <Seira> "In that case, I will impose on Bey Usar after all, I think," Seira says, nodding to herself. "Very well. Thank you again for your time."
[18:27] <Kogone> "Of course, noblewoman," Ishaq bows again.
06[18:28] * Seira smiles, and waves Nara to follow, heading to Bey Usar's offices at the center of the oasis town.
03[18:30] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[18:30] <Kogone> Heading to those offices, you find that it's a well kept single story building. Servants lug water to it, keeping a verdant few treet saround it alive and unparched. Thus the building sits in merciful shade. Two guards stand at the front door. As you approach, "They kowtow righ tto you if they think you're better than them," she observes.
01[18:32] <Seira> "I find the practice distasteful," Seira murmurs, "but I'm not here to change this. Not now." With a smile on her face, she comes closer to the guards, taking care to expose the jeweled hilt of the Resort by 'accident' once she's near enough for it to be spotted.
[18:33] <Kogone> The two guards eye Seira and the glittering jewels. "What is your business here, m'lady," one says carefully.
01[18:36] <Seira> "I have been advised to see Bey Usar regarding a matter interrupting with a business venture of mine," Seira responds, likewise weighing her own words. "It would please me greatly if he were to find some time in his busy schedule to grant me an audience."
[18:38] <Kogone> "I shall enquire," The guard says, goin ginside, while the last guard stays in place. A moment later a third guard comes out to replace the first. However, the first isn't gone more than a minute or two, before, "Bey Usar will see you inside. Follow me."
01[18:40] <Seira> "Thank you," Seira says, inclining her head. "Let's go, then," she tells Nara, and steps inside after the guard without a look at the other woman.
[18:42] <Kogone> You are lead inward. Inside, past plain halls, you come to a pleasant room. There is a table here with papers and deep, stuffed chairs. In one of them a bald, short man sits. He's as lean as a whip, slender muscles obvious. He wears gold trimmed white robes. His nose is slightly off, as if it was broken and not set properly. "I'm Bey Usar, but I don't believe I've had the pleasure, Miss..." he asks as Seira and Nara enter.
01[18:46] <Seira> "Saulsdotter," Seira supplies without missing a beat. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure myself, Bey Usar," she continues, sinking gracefully into a chair opposite of the man. "My business is based out of the Baronies, and it is a rare occasion that I come to the Fiefdoms in person. Each visit remains seared in my memory, however, unforgettable."
[18:49] <Kogone> "It's an honor," Bey Usar sits back down, as Nara merely inclines her head respectfully and stands behind Seira. "What business are you interested in?"
01[18:51] <Seira> "Trade," Seira says with a wry smile. "However, I also like to finance expeditions to the reaches of charted land to learn more about our world's history," she adds, certain that it would sound as a euphemism for treasure hunting to the man. "With the full knowledge of the Pasha, of course."
[18:53] <Kogone> Bey Usar smiles just a little, "Ah yes, history..."He leans back, steepling his fingers. "There are legends of much history beneath the sands. Of course, many die trying to find this history. The Pasha has no objection to such, but it would be best if you with to Arad and honored him with a visit to his emissary on such matters."
01[18:56] <Seira> "I've just come from Arad, as it so happens," Seira comments, before reaching beneath her shirt and withdrawing a fragile-looking star she had placed on a silver chain. "The fruits of our previous expedition. It still holds magic, if you would believe it, despite the passage of time."
[18:56] <Kogone> Bey Usar peers at it, his interest rising. "Magic, you say? Allow me to see it?"
06[18:57] * Seira removes the chain fully from her neck, offering it to him. "Certainly," she agrees.
[18:59] <Kogone> "It doesn't look the remotest bit different, but...mmm. Ah, magic." He passes it back to Seira. "It turns the mundane into the fantastical."
01[19:09] <Seira> "Quite so," Seira agrees, placing the chain around her neck and tucking the star away once more. "Many interesting discoveries have been made all over the world, though for obvious reasons I don't publicize my efforts.
01[19:09] <Seira> Sadly, such vigilance is the price of those endeavors. Perhaps, one day...." Trailing off, Seira pauses briefly. "Ah. But let us get to the point of my visit. My people in the Fiefdoms suggested the Ali Company as a reliable group to work with, but upon my arrival to finalize the contract, I discover the recent unpleasantness," Seira laments. "Am I to start the screening process from scratch?
01[19:09] <Seira> It would waste much time and funding on my part, but I cannot simply rely on a corrupt company. What happened there, Bey Usar, if I might be so presumptious as to ask?"
[19:11] <Kogone> There is apause, "Under...normal circumstances, I am not able to go into these matters." HE leans back into hsi chair, drumming his fingers together. "Poison is a serious crime. However..." He looks to Seira. "Perhaps we can come to an understanding?"
01[19:12] <Seira> "It was my hope that such consideration were shown, in the face of my plight," Seira agrees.
[19:13] <Kogone> "Yes. A gift to the Pasha would be...a good way to resolve this matter," Bey Usar continues. "I can ensure that any gift reaches the Pasha in good time."
06[19:16] * Seira traces a finger across her chest, following the lines of the silver chain which becomes visible as a result. "It is only fair that the Pasha is presented with the legacy of his land," Seira says reasonably, "as a sign of many more such discoveries in the future. This star dates in the thousands of years. What else might be waiting at the forgotten ruins of ancient civilizations?"
[19:17] <Kogone> "This would be most acceptable. The Pasha would be honored to receive this gift," Bey Usar smiles carefully at this, looking to Seira's moving finger.
01[19:19] <Seira> "And the matter?" Seira asks, reaching to her neck and hooking a finger beneath the chain. "How swiftly do you expect it to be resolved? Any day I delay, profit margins grow smaller still due to various upkeep measures."
[19:20] <Kogone> "The matter can be resolved by this evening." Bey Usar says agreeably enough. "The Ali company can be able to continu eon by sunrise."
03[19:21] * Kogone is now known as Kotono
06[19:24] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "And would the Pasha be succeptible, in his mercy, to commute the punishment for the company's wagoneer by letting me see to her punishment?" Seira wonders. "The Baronies likewise view the possession of poison a serious crime, but our approach to punishment lies in making the criminals see the consequences of their crimes and work off their debts to society in such a way."
[19:24] <Kotono> OOC - Make a diplo check. You've worked him over pretty well, so I'll give you a +4 circumstancial bonus.
01[19:25] <Seira> roll 1d20+27
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+27 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{37}
[19:28] <Kotono> After several moments, Bey Usar nods. "She's a common person, such a matter is acceptable to us. She'll be with the Ali Company by the sunrise as well."
[19:29] <Kotono> Afte ra pause, "We do need to instruct her to be less...criminal before that, but an evening is more than sufficient."
01[19:31] <Seira> "I will not let her forget this," Seira promises, smiling thinly. "In fact, I would be more than happy to teach her the error of her ways, if given the chance, the way we do in the Baronies. I don't suppose you could grant me this little moment of enjoyment?" The star makes itself visible once more at Seira's words, dangling ever-so-invitingly from her outstretched palm.
[19:33] <Kotono> "Aaah." Bey Usar considers, "Very well. We are in agreement then?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "Of course," Seira states. "My respect for the Pasha is great." The star changes hands.
[19:36] <Kotono> The star is taken by Bey Usar, tucked away. "You may wait here while I make the requisite arraingements. It should not be more than a half hour. Would you care for refreshments while you wait, Saulsdotter?"
01[19:38] <Seira> "That would be quite acceptable," Seira says, not reacting even as he omits the 'Miss' part while addressing her. It's hardly the time to act offended. "Go and make the proper arrangements with the company," she tells Nara, looking back over her shoulder. "I don't want time to be wasted, after such a fortuitous turn of events."
[19:42] <Kotono> Bey Usar nods and departs. Once he's gone, "...wow. One bribe and she's free. It wasn't even hard if you had the money," Nara marvels.
01[19:43] <Seira> "And she must not see you here," Seira says sternly. "We'll talk more at the company. Just get them ready to depart for Arad."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Alright." Nara rises, "I will."
06[19:48] * Seira nods curtly, settling comfortably in the chair to await Hafa's arrival.
[19:56] <Kotono> It's about twenty minutes until a soldier comes back. Walking with him is a girl in her late twenties, dark skinned and with short cut hair, to the point of being masculine. She wears only a single white robe. "Hafa, as requested," the soldier bows and departs the room.
06[20:00] * Seira nods, standing up, and tells Hafa "Come" before heading outside the mansion.
[20:02] <Kotono> Hafa follows respectfully. As she does, however, "...ma'am?" she asksa quietly.
06[20:02] * Seira gestures her to follow quietly, moving brisquely for as long as she is within sight of the guards.
[20:04] <Kotono> Hafa does just that as the two exit out. Outside, there are plenty of places one could go to be away from guards. Alleys, buildings, or even just walking out towards the oasis proper.
06[20:05] * Seira walks towards the Ali Company's encampment, of course, having no interest in sight-seeing here. "Were you harmed in any way?" she asks Hafa when she judges them safe enough from curious ears.
[20:10] <Kotono> "No," she says, and then quickly, "Lady Saulsdotter, I'm innocent." she says plainly. "I'm not a smuggler!"
01[20:12] <Seira> "Really?" Seira asks, looking at her with a smile. "There is a very simple methods of getting to the truth, as it so happens. Don't leave my side until we reach Arad, and we'll take care of that."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Yes, ma'am," Hafa bows her head to this. Ahead to the Ali Company's Camp, you can see that the ring of guards has dispersed.
01[20:15] <Seira> "So why you?" Seira asks suddenly. "Got any enemies that would go to the trouble of framing you?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "I don't know." Hafa says, looking up. "I can't think of anyone. The person I replaed was from Kelara and wanted to go back home, an no one else was qualified. I can't think ofa nyone in the caravan or anyone back home in Arad."
01[20:21] <Seira> "Well, think about it," Seira instructs her. "You certainly have friends, so a person or two nursing a grudge for you is not out of the question." She frowns, then. "Are you certain nothing... improper... happened to you while imprisoned? That would be the only other reason I could think of for those charges."
03[20:22] * Sierra_Redead is now known as Sierra_Gruuuuuue
[20:26] <Kotono> "I wasn't...violated, no," Hafa's color drains from her dusky face.
01[20:27] <Seira> "How long were you imprisoned? A few days?" Seira asks. "Then it's hard to see that as the goal, either...."
[20:35] <Kotono> "I really don't know." Hafa says. "Iw as surprised as everyone else when they stopped us."
06[20:37] * Seira nods, promising, "We'll get to the bottom of this. As the cliche goes, it has become personal."
[20:47] <Kotono> Hafa nods slightly, but doesn't say anything else. Ahead, the Ali Company can be seen.
06[20:50] * Seira would act friendlier, but prefers to keep Nara's presence as a surprise. It should be a welcome one, after jail time.

[Corwin]

01[19:33] <Seira> [20:27] <Seira> "How long were you imprisoned? A few days?" Seira asks. "Then it's hard to see that as the goal, either...."
01[19:33] <Seira> [20:35] <Kotono> "I really don't know." Hafa says. "Iw as surprised as everyone else when they stopped us."
01[19:33] <Seira> [20:37] * Seira nods, promising, "We'll get to the bottom of this. As the cliche goes, it has become personal."
01[19:33] <Seira> [20:47] <Kotono> Hafa nods slightly, but doesn't say anything else. Ahead, the Ali Company can be seen.
01[19:33] <Seira> [20:50] * Seira would act friendlier, but prefers to keep Nara's presence as a surprise. It should be a welcome one, after jail time.
[19:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus the two approach the company! There's some stirring here, some quiet discussion...but most aren't really looking Seira's way.
06[19:38] * Seira steers Hafa towards Ali, reasoning that Nara would be there as well.
[19:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ali is just outside of on eof the tents, talking to another worker. As the two approach, Ali happens to glance back. "...! Hafa?" He turns, a big smile growing on his face.
01[19:42] <Seira> "You've been getting ready to depart, I hope?" Seira tells him.
[19:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," Ali turns as Hafa grins, the two exchanging a brief hug. "Apparently the matter has been cleared up and we're free to go."
01[19:45] <Seira> "That is technically true," Seira agrees. "I would be delighted if you accompanied me to Arad, but that is a mere recommendation."
[19:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You took care of this," Ali asks, as other workers come out of the tents. They all smile at Hafa, crowding to her.
01[19:47] <Seira> "But the way things took place is not to my liking," Seira says, a frown emerging. "That's why I would like to settle things back at Waukeen's temple. I've asked Hafa to come along that far, and it would please her to have the rest of you take that detour, no doubt."
[19:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You saved us," Ali says warmly, "Of course we'll go back to Arad with you."
[19:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "What did you have to do, anyway?" He asks after.
01[19:50] <Seira> "It's best left unsaid."
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "M'lady," Ali bows deeply, "I don't know what you did then...but thank you. When do you want to leave?"
01[19:54] <Seira> "At your earliest convenience," Seira tells him, inclining her head in return. "And, perhaps, we could discuss business plans over the trip?"
[19:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "OF course..." OOC - Do you want to skip ahead just a bit here? Also, there's a relevant concern. Alter self lasts for around 2 hours at your caster level, are you going to recast it or let your normal form show?
01[19:57] <Seira> OOC: I'll handle that later. I actually want to ask him stuff, but it can happen as we skip ahead, too.
[19:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Let's go ahead and do the talking first then.
01[19:59] <Seira> "The market our temple boasts in Arad," Seira says, directing Ali towards the privacy of a tent. "I'm looking for ways of making it cater to more people, address more needs, and generally get more business. Though it is relatively recent, perhaps you have heard of it?"
[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Once inside, Ali sits down. "I've heard of it in passing, but I've not been in Arad in over a month. We're returning with our cargo now. So yes, you have an interest in that temple? If you're looking for us to trade there, I'd be more than happy to."
01[20:03] <Seira> "I believe the professional level it keeps would build up its reputation easily enough," Seira states. "But what I would like to do is expedite the process. Human lives are brief, after all, so I can't make plans that take too long to be implemented."
[20:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Human lives?" Raising an eyebrow at those words, "I see. Then..." Ali is silent for a time, thinking.
01[20:05] <Seira> "Dragon, here," Seira tells him, raising a hand as if in class. "Nothing would please me more than making a difference while the people I know are still at their prime."
03[20:05] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5444f594.lns2-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:05] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ali's eyes shoot up at that, "D=dragon? You don't...you mean..." he tries.
01[20:10] <Seira> "Back to our topic!" Seira says brightly. "Suggestions? Thoughts? Guilds I could talk to? Merchendise I should invest in?"
[20:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Aaah..." He breathes in an out slowly, "Merchandise? F-from the east, food from the Baronies is traded for, as well as some iron and goods from farther east. From the west, it's cloths, fabrics, woods. Things that are scarce in the desert."
01[20:14] <Seira> "Would you like to help us establish a route between the Baronies and Arad?" Seira offers. "Working with us would let you acquire a considerable profit."
[20:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ali breathes in an out very slowly, as if trying to balance himself. "Profti's good," he says lamely, before shaking his head again. "But I mainly know the western routes, from Arad to Kelara. I could do it, but...you'd be best if you got someone who knows the eastern routes better."
[20:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You deserve to knwo that," he says after a moment, "It's a matter of comptency versus mastery."
06[20:20] * Seira considers his words, before a smile comes onto her face. "Establishing a presence in Kelara ahead of a temple is fine, too," she muses. "And if you know honest companies that work with the Baronies, do put in a good word for us, please."
[20:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I
[20:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'll talk about," Ali promises to that.
06[20:23] * Seira nods in satisfaction. "And now, one last matter remains. Would you like me to keep my human guise for the remainder of the trip?"
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Aaah...aaah, yes," He nods. "A dragon would be...incredibly attentino getting." Ali licks his lips.
06[20:27] * Seira shrugs. "I guess so. Well, let's move, then. I don't want to spend here more than I have to."
[20:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100
03[20:30] * Unibrowbot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100
[20:31] <Unibrowbot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100
[20:31] <Unibrowbot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100 test to make sure my bot isn't borked
[20:31] <Unibrowbot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d100 test to make sure my bot isn't borked --> [ 1d100=3 ]{3}
03[20:32] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The trip back takes a few days. The last leg of the trip has good luck - no sandstorms and the paths are clear. Ali's Company knows the way well, avoiding delays and knowing a few useful, small shortcuts. On reaching Arad, the mood of the caravan is good...OOC - Seira, what's your intent here?
06[20:40] * Seira intends to take Hafa and Ali to the temple, the latter for an introduction with the key figures there, while the former for a simple truth-seeking spell. Nara is more than welcome to tag along, of course.
[20:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The four head to the Temple of Waukeen. Here some business is being done - just a bit, a few traders chatting in the front rooms. You find Isonu in the front as well, offering a handshake to Seira. "Welcome back."
01[20:44] <Seira> "Thanks," she returns, shaking his hand. "The trip itself wasn't bad. The actual oasis, however...." Seira gestures for Hafa to recount her tale to Isonu.
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Hafa begins to speak, telling the story again, Isonu seeks out Ali's hand. "Good day, sir," he says smoothly, as he listens to Hafa. "You have the look of a prosperous man about you."
03[20:45] * Infinite_Ko_Loop is now known as Kotono
[20:48] <Kotono> Ali smiles back, "I try," he says, "I do well enough for myself," He goes quiet then, Hafa telling her story. Once it's finished, Isonu frowns. "Mmmph. Troubling."
01[20:50] <Seira> "I would like you to use a fraction of the power vested in you by Waukeen to verify Hafa's words," Seira requests of Isonu. "Would that be possible?"
[20:55] <Kotono> "I can cast Zone of Truth," Isonu nods, looking to Hafa. "If the two of you would come with me?"
01[20:55] <Seira> "A few witnesses won't hurt," Seira adds, inviting Nara and Ali.
[20:56] <Kotono> Isonu shrugs. The five head to a small antechamber to the side, not much of note beyond a few storage boxes. Sitting down on top of one, "Alright. All ofyou will be aware that there is an enchantment in place. Don't resist it, especially you, Hafa. If this fails we'll have to do it again tomorrow."
[20:56] <Kotono> Hafa nods, "I'm telling the truth," she says quietly. "I won't resist it."
06[20:57] * Seira merely gestures her own readiness.
[21:00] <Kotono> "Waukeen, your servant humbly asks you to bring forth the truth!" Isonu calls forth! OOC - Seira, ar eyou resisting the spell at all?
01[21:01] <Seira> OOC: No, I'm good
[21:03] <Kotono> "Now," Isonu looks to Hafa, "Is it true that you never had any poison in your belongings, as far as you know?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "I never had any poison as far as I know," Hafa answers.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Alright. Do you have any reason to suspect anyone you know put it there, or that it was someone else's in the caravan?" Isonu goes on, peering at her.
[21:04] <Kotono> "No. I've never even seen real assassin's poison," Hafa answers again.
[21:05] <Kotono> "Did you commit any other crimes on that trip that could be mistaken for anything like this?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "No," Hafa says again, tehn looks to Ali int he eye and then to Seira. "I didn't do any of that."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Alright," Isonu nods, "That'st he relevant parts of her story. Any others, Seira?"
01[21:07] <Seira> "Another couple questions needs to be asked," Seira says with a smile. "Did Bey Usar suggest to me that a bribe would make the serious, capital punishment-worthy crime go away in a matter of minutes? Did he do all that in exchange for said bribe of an ancient magical artifact?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "No," Hafa says earnestly. "The only people I talked to once imprisoned were the guards who brought me food and water."
06[21:12] * Seira laughs at her words. "I really meant that Isonu should ask them of me. And my answer is yes to both." She tilts her head, gazing at the priest. "Such heavy charges. Something must be done about them, don't you think? Hafa's word against Bey Usar won't count for much, sadly, and I can't get openly involved.
01[21:12] <Seira> But a respected citizen of the Fiefdoms who has the friendly ear of Bey Kerem, an honest official and servant of the Pasha... well, that might be another story."
[21:14] <Kotono> "...aaah." Isonu raises an eyebrow, "You want to bring the sandstorm down on Bey Usar?"
01[21:17] <Seira> "The reasons for his actions are hidden from me," Seira says with a shrug. "He clearly didn't molest Hafa in any way, despite having ample opportunity, and from what I've been able to tell she has neither powerful backing, comes from a family of money or has any enemies. He would also have been quite unaware of any allies she has.
01[21:17] <Seira> So either he did it for his amusement, or someone else did and he runs such a sloppy operation he let it happen. An easier target for the fiends I cannot imagine." Her face twists. "Plus he is scum and I had to stop myself from doing something when he mentioned wanting to lecture Hafa on her status as a criminal before handing her over."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Then the matter is finding out who the puppetmaster is," Ali speaks up. "It sounds like a noble's conspiracy...but you're right. Why Hafa? I cannot think of any reason why a noble would care of her. Even if the Ali Company caused offense, would they not go for me instead of my wagoneer?"
01[21:19] <Seira> "And if that were true, he would be more willing to let her go than the company, unlike what happened," Seira adds.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Well..." Isonu leans forward, "Then the question is, who benefits in any possible way from framing Hafa and why?"
01[21:21] <Seira> "I believe Bey Kerem might be interested in learning that as well," Seira contributes. "There is no real rush to set things straight. A crime this serious would not have a statute of limitation on it. If you could take it upon yourself to cooperate with him in conducting this investigation, Isonu, it would be ideal."
[21:23] <Kotono> "Besides," Isonu shrugs, "If the Pasha takes offense, it could be a thousand years old and still have someone hang for it. Of course, if it's someone sufficiently protected and highly ranked, it would take the Pasha himself to bring any justice to him."
01[21:26] <Seira> "Or I could do it," Seira says flippantly. "But I believe in working from within the justice system whenever possible, so that's really just a last resort. Well, then. I think I'll leave you to get better acquainted," she tells Ali, Hafa and Isonu, and drags Nara away by her sleeve.
[21:27] <Kotono> Nara glances once at Hafa, her face hidden from Seira's view. Once outside, "...at least we know she's truly innocent now," Nara murmurs.
01[21:28] <Seira> "Oh, please," Seira says, rolling her eyes. "The instant they blinked it was obvious."
[21:28] <Kotono> "Yes, but proof's good to have," Nara retorts. "Give me one lot of proof over ten hunches any day."
01[21:30] <Seira> "Presenting you with that answer was also part of our deal," Seira mentions, amending, "well, your request, I suppose, but I took it as a contract. Would you judge it to be fulfilled to your satisfaction?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "Hafa's safe. I can't ask for anything more there," Nara smiles, offering her hand. "Thank you."
06[21:32] * Seira takes it, saying, "Our work is like that a lot. There are many more Hafas and Bey Usars out there. If we don't stand up, if we don't serve as an example, who, then? Who would do it for us?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "Mmm." Thinking a moment, "That's a good point. Who would do it for us? Not the nobles," With a sour look bordering on toxic, "Bey Usar just wanted to pad his own golden wallet."
01[21:37] <Seira> "There are decent nobles," Seira notes, before snorting. "It's just that they're decent people who happen to be nobles, not an innate trait of nobility."
[21:37] <Kotono> "We
[21:38] <Kotono> "Well..." Nara just smiles, "Still, it's good to join you. What are you going to do next then?"
01[21:40] <Seira> "Wait and see if I can meet the Pasha's special lady friend," Seira muses. "If that doesn't pan out, I want to at the very least pop in at Pallanth to say hi. I'll probably touch base with home at some point, too, to make sure nothing warranting my involvement has occured. Had there been anything truly serious, I left orders to Send for me, but there could be troublesome events below that level, too."
[21:56] <Kotono> A day passes in rest. That evening, Isonu knocks on Seira's door. "Seira," he enters, "I've set up a meeting between you and an emissary of Malika for tonight. It's midnight. Go to a shop named the Archer's Aim in the northeastern part of town. The door will be unlocked."
01[21:57] <Seira> Nodding, Seira casts a spell to mask her true appearance, and the now-human wizard sets off on her way.
[22:06] <Kotono> The night streets are quite quiet as Seira walks them. Nothing of note occurs besides a few unsteady, unpleasant hints of sandy wind. But no sandstorm blossoms as you reach the Archer's Aim. It's dark here, but Seira's eyes can easily see the closed door of the shop, waiting.
01[22:08] <Seira> The door is supposed to be unlocked, so she doesn't waste time knocking. Seira slips it open quietly, and enters the premises.
[22:10] <Kotono> Inside you find that a few candles are lit. The quiet shop has a short, stubby man wearing a heavy cloak with it's hood down. He has a long black beard, his skin tanned. "You're it?" he asks bluntly.
06[22:10] * Seira nods mutely.
[22:16] <Kotono> "Twenty miles northeast of Arad is an old, dried up, small oasis. It's mostly been lost to the sands, but a few buildings are still sticking up. There's a problem there and my sponsor needs you to solve this problem. If you can do this, you'll be on your way to some very lucruative work."
01[22:18] <Seira> "What sort of problem?" Seira asks. "What's the time frame? And do I have competition?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "There's a wild beast there. It's an oversized scorpion and it's quite dangerous. The time frame is as soon as possible." Answering this, "No competition yet. One other tried it and it's not gone so well, since they haven't returned."
06[22:22] * Seira snorts. "Alright. Why exactly is a wild beast at an abandoned and forgotten place an issue? And what's the pay for bringing back its stinger, or whatever other proof would be necessary?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "There's an item of interest to my sponser there and it can't be retreived until the scorping is dealt with. As far as we can tell, it's made the oasis it's nest because it offers shade and protection. It'll be harder to root out soon when summer starts."
01[22:25] <Seira> "Anything I should watch out for?"
[22:26] <Kotono> "The stinger - it's poison is rather strong." The short man responds quickly. "Don't let it get a hold on you, either."
01[22:29] <Seira> "I'll be back, then," Seira announces, looking at the man expectantantly. "The compensation will, of course, be quite lavish?" she asks again.
[22:30] <Kotono> "It'll be an opportunity you wouldn't ever imagine otherwise," he says, smiling a bit.
06[22:32] * Seira nods one more time, and slips outside.
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC - Where are you going now?
01[22:34] <Seira> OOC: To the temple. I'll need a guide to that place.
01[22:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[22:34] <Unibrowbot> Seira rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{24}

[Corwin]

[18:48] <Innocent_Little_Ko> ---------------------
[18:51] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand gets two stout horses ready, leaving with Seira in th emorning. It's not a bad trip to start, as the heat is still a week or two away from blossoming into the desert waste. Thus the two of you begin to travel to the northeast...OOC - Ball's in yo urcourt if you wanna chat or do anything en route.
01[18:52] <Seira> "How's life as a rich free man?" Seira asks him curiously as Berjand leads them to the oasis.
[18:55] <Innocent_Little_Ko> As you crest a short sand dune and come down a gentle slope of sands, "It's fine. It's very fine," Berjand peers ahead a moment before turning his attentino to Seira. "I can rise when I wish, I can sleep when I want. My time isn't my master's or a bosses. It's my own and it's glorious."
01[18:58] <Seira> "But all that gets boring after a while, right? So what do you do to stay in shape?"
[19:01] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "I've been keeping in shape with exercise and odd tasks. But it hasn't been boring, either. I've spent my entire life serving. I'll find ways to keep busy," Patting his horse on the side to make it hurry a bit down the dune slope, "This will be one of them, granted. It's about twenty miles to that dried up oasis, you said?"
01[19:03] <Seira> "So I was told," Seira agrees. "A bit before we reach it, you should take one of the potions I bought," she adds, handing a vile over. "We could still die horirbly, but at least it won't be from poison!"
[19:03] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand takes it, smiling a bit. "It would be a horrible mockery if we managed to die here after all of this."
01[19:05] <Seira> "You would be surprised how many adventurers die on such missions." Seira shrugs. "Of course, the flipside is that I have nothing vested in this, and could teleport us back if it seems unfavorable."
05[19:08] -thundarr.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:08] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[19:08] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
[19:08] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Good. I'd really rather not die now," Berjand spurs his horse along, "Giant scorpions are deadly enough."
01[19:08] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 13."12 [1d10=3]
01[19:08] <Seira> "What do you think about playing bait?" Seira asks, quite seriously.
[19:12] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "That I'd rather not be," Berjand answers without missing a beat. "Unless you have a good plan for it? Can you just magic it?"
01[19:13] <Seira> "I need a target for my spells," Seira explains. "And it's either one of us serving as bait to lure the scorpion out, or we sacrifice a horse and wait it out. Incidentally, there is a small chance that it will blindside me if I'm the bait, thus making me unable to cast those spells."
[19:32] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "If I'm fighting it, I'll be moving and trying to lay into it," Berjand explains, "But...what spells?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "Oh, you know. Fire. Lots of it."
[19:34] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Mmmph." Berjand thinks a moment, "WEll, how about we see the situation when we get there before we plan too much?"
01[19:35] <Seira> "I'm fine with that. Just remember to take the antitoxin along with the potion as we get to the area, alright?"
[19:36] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "I will." OOC - Skip and hop along then?
01[19:36] <Seira> OOC: Sure
[19:44] <Innocent_Little_Ko> It's an hour and a half past noon when you catch sight of it. It's not too hard to see, for anything that isn't a sand dune tends to stand out in the sunlight.  Amid a bit of dusty wind that lightly stirs the finest grains of sand, A cluster of half sand covered buildings jut out, as well as a large, mostly covered statue's raised arm. Most of the buildings are quite small, except for one that is much, much larger. This one ha
[19:44] <Innocent_Little_Ko>  except for one that is much, much larger. This one has a good stack of sand on one of it's sides, but is otherwise undisturbed from a glance.
01[19:45] <Seira> "I think I should elaborate on our goals at this point," Seira mentions. "Killing the scorpion is fine, but locating whatever it is guarding also achieves our objective. And something tells me it would be in that tower. Thoughts?"
[19:50] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The large building is a single story affairon a look, with a highly raised roof. "Probably," Berjand says, "You mean the big building?"
01[19:54] <Seira> "Yep. How long do you figure it'd take us to get there?"
03[20:04] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54440194.lns1-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:10] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "A few minutes," Berjand shrugs. "We're not that far away."
06[20:12] * Seira nods, and casts Heroism and extended Fly and Shield spells. "Time for the preparations," she tells Berjand. "We could leave the horses here, too. They won't really be much help with a gigantic scorpion."
[20:15] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand reaches back, carefully unsheathing his scythe. "Alright." Berjand gets off his horse and guides it back just a pat, patting it's side. He watches Seira out of the corner of his eye, "That's still unnerving to see. With a few words you're doing things you could never otherwise do."
01[20:17] <Seira> "I could totally carry a shield or fly without magic!"
[20:18] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "I'd like to see you fly without one or without a steed," Berjand turns towards the building, "Ready?"
01[20:21] <Seira> "One day," she promises him, nodding and taking off into the air after connecting them with Message. "And try not to die here! As long as it hasn't taken you down in a single savage strike, I should be able to turn it around."
[20:24] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand grunts to that, but starts walking towards the building...As the two of you get closer, you can see that there aren't any doors on teh sides. It'll take walking/flying to the rear to see if there's any obvious points of entrance.
06[20:26] * Seira flies up to try and spot any open windows as possible points of entry.
[20:27] <Innocent_Little_Ko> There's a few small windows on the far left and right side, just before the rear. They're big enough to crawl into on a glance.
06[20:29] * Seira decides not to risk it, though she does imbue Berjand with the ability to scale any surface as she returns to his side. "Let's circle the building," she suggests, taking the right side at a height of forty feet.
[20:29] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - Spider climb?
01[20:29] <Seira> OOC: Yep
[20:32] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand approaches the left side and climbs up! With the magic on him it's a simple enough to ascend. There's the few windows on the left side and the right side. The roof has a few places where it's cracked, including one yo ucould squeeze through. Still nothing on the rear, you'd have to go all the way to see.
06[20:33] * Seira continues for now. They could always enter the premises once the outside of the building has been adequately explored. Seira does take a moment to cast Detect Magic, however.
[20:36] <Innocent_Little_Ko> There's no magic on the outside that she sees beyond what she carries and has wrought. The front of it is a wide open door - at least fourty feet wide and quite tall. It's a massive entrance, a bit of sand near it. You can clearly see into the dark depths, a long, long, long way. It's entirely hollow inside, stone benches about in rows. At the very back is a stage, a cracked and broken stone podium lying in pieces. The ground
[20:36] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The ground is rather decimated, devastated and often streaked with burrow holes. Further...(More)
[20:38] <Innocent_Little_Ko> It lies about fourty feet inside. It's gigantic, filling up a large chunk of the room. It's a vivid red, the giant scorpion looming! It's looking right your way, as if waiting, ready to lunge forward and strike! (More, sec.)
[20:42] <Innocent_Little_Ko> As Seira looks in, the scorpion springs into action! Meanwhile, Berjand is coming down to the ground near the door, descending with spider climb! OOC - It's moving and it's seemingly aggressive. Let's do initiative here.
01[20:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 you're on!
06[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 you're on! and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[20:43] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20 scorpion
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20 scorpion and gets 11."12 [1d20=11]
[20:44] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+3 Berjand
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+3 Berjand and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
03[20:44] * Innocent_Little_Ko changes topic to 'Berjand>Seira>GIANT FUCKING SCORPION'
[20:47] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand ascends, seeing inside! He has his scythe at the ready, but his face twists into a surprised look, "That thing's the biggest one I've ever seen!" OOC - Berjand finished his climb and prepared. Seira?
[20:47] <Innocent_Little_Ko> *descends
01[20:49] <Seira> "That's what she said!" Seira returns, getting within range and immediately letting loose with her strongest spell of fieriness, her draconic pendant glowing in clear approval!
[20:49] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - How in range?
01[20:50] <Seira> OOC: 30ft away from it
06[20:52] * Seira happens to be twenty feet high and twenty away from the scorpion horizontally, thus neatly being within fire-stabbing range!
01[20:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 ranged touch
01[20:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 ranged touch
01[20:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 ranged touch
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 ranged touch and gets 34."12 [1d20=18]
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 ranged touch and gets 20."12 [1d20=4]
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 ranged touch and gets 31."12 [1d20=15]
[20:53] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - All hit.
01[20:53] <Seira> roll 7d6
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 7d6 and gets 26."12 [7d6=6, 3, 2, 2, 4, 3, 6]
01[20:53] <Seira> roll 4d6
01[20:53] <Seira> roll 4d6
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6 and gets 12."12 [4d6=2, 4, 2, 4]
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6 and gets 16."12 [4d6=6, 1, 5, 4]
01[20:53] <Seira> roll 1.5x26
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5x26 and gets Error: Numeric values only."12
01[20:54] <Seira> roll 3#4d6 SA
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#4d6 SA and gets 47."12 [3#4d6 = 15, 17, 15]
01[20:54] <Seira> roll 1.5*26
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*26 and gets 39."12
01[20:54] <Seira> roll 1.5*12
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*12 and gets 18."12
01[20:54] <Seira> roll 1.5*16
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*16 and gets 24."12
01[20:55] <Seira> roll 39+15
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 39+15 and gets 54."12
01[20:55] <Seira> roll 18+17
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 18+17 and gets 35."12
01[20:55] <Seira> roll 24+15
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 24+15 and gets 39."12
[20:56] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 54+35+39
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 54+35+39 and gets 128."12
[20:57] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The scorpion is zinged by a massive volley of scorching rays! They penetrate deep into it, but it's scales somewhat deflect the heat! Even as it's peforated with flaming rays of fire, it's onrushing! It's massive body and claws allow it to reach up twenty feet into the air, snapping at Seira!
[20:57] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+21 claw 1
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+21 claw 1 and gets 37."12 [1d20=16]
[20:58] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - AC?
01[20:58] <Seira> OOC: 31, and I knew I forgot something
[20:58] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10 and make a grapple check
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10 and make a grapple check and gets 15."12 [2d6=3, 2]
[20:58] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+37
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+37 and gets 41."12 [1d20=4]
01[20:58] <Seira> OOC: I can't beat that
[21:00] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10, it has constrict so it gets it's claw damage again on a successful grapple
06[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10, it has constrict so it gets it's claw damage again on a successful grapple and gets Error: Numeric values only."12 [2d6=3, 6]
[21:00] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - 19.
[21:01] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Seira is caught in the claw! Her entire body is surrounded by a scorpion's hold, pinned tight! As this happens, she can distantly hear Berjand's voice, "Shit!" he says, before after a moment, charging the scorpion!
[21:01] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+13
06[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+13 and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[21:02] <Innocent_Little_Ko> CLANG! The scales are as hard as metal, Berjand's scythe not managing to find a hold into the scorpion's flesh! OOc - Seira, you're up.
[21:03] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The movements of the scorpion cause the benches about to be tosses, the hole filled hall being wrecked further as the combat goes on!
01[21:05] <Seira> "Stupid, stupid," Seira mutters, sighing as Stoneskin comes about her form, shielding her for now and delaying her imminent death. "Try to do something about this claw?" she tells Berjand, trying to wiggle out of its grasp.
01[21:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 escape artist
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 escape artist and gets 19."12 [1d20=3]
[21:07] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+37
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+37  and gets 42."12 [1d20=5]
[21:09] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Seira wiggles in vain! The claws around it are like a scaly coffin! Meanwhile, the scorpion seems to loosen it's grasp on Seira, holding her tight, but sacrificing some power to be able to move more effectively! Even as she's constricted, Seira can hear the sounds of it's other claw and stinger striking! OOC - It's taking a -20 to it's grapple to act as if it's not otherwise grappling. It's using it's unoccupied claw and sting
[21:09] <Innocent_Little_Ko> It's using it's unoccupied claw and stinger to strike Berjand.
[21:10] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10 constric ton Seira first
06[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10 constric ton Seira first and gets 18."12 [2d6=3, 5]
[21:10] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+21 attacking Berjand
06[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+21 attacking Berjand and gets 31."12 [1d20=10]
[21:10] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10
06[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10 and gets 17."12 [2d6=1, 6]
[21:11] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+17 grappling Berjand with the other claw
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+17 grappling Berjand with the other claw and gets 30."12 [1d20=13]
[21:11] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+10 Berjand grapple
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+10 Berjand grapple and gets 15."12 [1d20=5]
[21:12] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10 constrict on Berjand
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10 constrict on Berjand and gets 20."12 [2d6=6, 4]
[21:13] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand is grappled in the other claw, closed in on! He cries out as he's held as well, the scorpion holding two lives in it's grasp! Strugging, Berjand tries to force his way out!
[21:13] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+10
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
[21:13] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+17
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+17 and gets 31."12 [1d20=14]
[21:13] <Innocent_Little_Ko> But the claw is holding solidly, unmoving! OOC - Seira.
01[21:18] <Seira> Berjand's situation doesn't inspire Seira with confidence at his continued survival. Sadly, her own survival is also suddenly, shockingly cast in doubt. Well, her best bet seems to be trying to get away while the beast's attention is divided between the two of them, at least.
01[21:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 escape artist
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 escape artist and gets 29."12 [1d20=13]
[21:21] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+17
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+17 and gets 30."12 [1d20=13]
[21:22] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Seira struggles valiantly, but she can't manage to wiggle out of the scorpion's hold! Meanwhile, the scorpion seems content to simply continue to constrict both of it's preys!
[21:22] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10 Seira
06[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10 Seira and gets 17."12 [2d6=3, 4]
[21:22] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 2d6+10 Berjand
06[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 2d6+10 Berjand and gets 20."12 [2d6=4, 6]
[21:23] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The pain is considerable as Seira is squeezed and smothered! MEanwhile, Berjand lets out a gurgling, fading cry! A moment there there is a thump to the ground, a heavy one! OOC - Seira.
01[21:24] <Seira> There... isn't really much that she can do for either of them.
01[21:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+16
06[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 and gets 27."12 [1d20=11]
[21:24] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+17
06[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+17 and gets 18."12 [1d20=1]
[21:26] <Innocent_Little_Ko> THis time, however, Seira is able to wiggle free! She shimmes out, sliding down the smooth scales and popping out with freedom! SHe can now see that they've moved a bit forward, Berjand lying on the ground! He's not moving! OOC - You still have a move action, Seira.
[21:27] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d100 forgot last round for him
01[21:27] <Seira> Freed by the monster's sudden mistake, Seira flies up, as high as she can make it! If its reach extends beyond fifty feet up, she is pretty much screwed however direction she picks, anyway.
06[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d100 forgot last round for him and gets 81."12 [1d100=81]
[21:28] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Seira flies straight up to the roof, fourty feet up! The scorpion snaps at her, but doesn't seem to quite have the range, he's just a few close feet too short! OOC - Berjand is up.
[21:28] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d100
06[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 54."12 [1d100=54]
[21:31] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - Seira, sorry.
06[21:31] * Seira calls upon the spell stored in her ring, casting it aside almost as soon as the ghastly teeth lunge at the beast. She continues to retreat upwards, opening up the range as much as possible.
[21:32] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC -  You're at the roof, you flew straigh tup to it. You can move away from it, but not any more up without going outside the building.
01[21:32] <Seira> roll 10d6 manyjaws ref 23
06[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 manyjaws ref 23 and gets 34."12 [10d6=3, 3, 2, 1, 6, 3, 6, 2, 4, 4]
01[21:32] <Seira> OOC: I'll remain there, then
[21:32] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+6
06[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
[21:33] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Snap! Bite! Tear! The ghostly teeth chomp down on the scorpion, sending red scales littering down! Yet even as it's savaged, it's hunger seems to know no bounds! It leaps up, trying to clear enough distance to reach Seira!
[21:33] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+10 DC 20 to get the 5 ft up needed
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+10 DC 20 to get the 5 ft up needed and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
[21:34] <Innocent_Little_Ko> It comes within an inch of Seira, a snapping of horrible claws that nearly gets her foot! But no, she hovered just out of range! The ground shakes as it lands, it's jump having failed to reach her! OOC - Seira.
[21:34] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d100
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 83."12 [1d100=83]
06[21:36] * Seira takes out her prized teleport ring and puts it on, moving in the direction of the exit by the roof for as long as her height advantage isn't surrendered. If that beast will try to jump at her again, she might as well make the process more challenging.
01[21:37] <Seira> roll 10d6 manyjaws, again
06[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 manyjaws, again and gets 33."12 [10d6=6, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, 6, 4, 1, 6]
[21:43] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Seira moves towards the exit to the roof! The crack emits  afew rays of sunlight as she fishes out her ring and puts it on! Meanwhile, the scorpion paces about, leaping at Seira again as she slowly moves towards the sunlight giving crack!
[21:43] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+10 juuuuump scorpion, jump.
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+10 juuuuump scorpion, jump. and gets 18."12 [1d20=8]
[21:48] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The scorpion leaps high, but can't quite come in contact with Seira again! Meanwhile...
[21:48] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d100
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d100 and gets 17."12 [1d100=17]
[21:49] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - Go Seira.
06[21:49] * Seira decides to fight back, with the certainty of death and the shock of losing to a giant scorpion fading already. She retrieves her most recent purchase, continuing her slow crawl towards the exit, and launches a fireball at the desert beast!
01[21:50] <Seira> roll 1.5*10d6 ref 23
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*10d6 ref 23 and gets 40.5."12 [10d6=1, 5, 2, 1, 6, 1, 2, 4, 4, 1]
[21:50] <Innocent_Little_Ko> roll 1d20+6
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Innocent_Little_Ko rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
[21:51] <Innocent_Little_Ko> A fireball bursts around part of the scorpion! It's enough. With the scent of cooking flesh filling the air, the scorpion tumbles over and collapses! It twitches a few times before going stone still.
[21:51] <Innocent_Little_Ko> OOC - Combat's over, the thing's run out of hit points. Go Seira.
01[21:52] <Seira> It could be a trick! Seira rushes to bring Berjand back to the land of the living with her most potent spell, ready to cook the scorpion some more if it even twitches!
01[21:52] <Seira> roll 3d8+12
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+12 and gets 30."12 [3d8=6, 7, 5]
[21:57] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The scorpion's down and not moving. As Seira lands, she bestows healing magic on Berjand's broken body! Quite literally, as she can see broken bones protruding at bad angles! However, much of this vanishes at the touch of healing! As Berjand blinks his eyes open...you hear it. "Braaaavo!" A man's voice calls, lighta nd cheerful. The clapping is very steady to go with it.
01[21:58] <Seira> Fire dances at Seira's fingertips! "I will bath the oasis with cleansing flames and sort you out after, if you don't show yourself right now," she warns, bestowing yet more healing to Berjand.
01[21:58] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
[22:00] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Please. I'll counterspell your ass so hard that people over in Kelara will be feel it." Nonetheless, off to the side, a man appears. He wears white robes like so many, sitting easily across an intact stone bench. "Besides, you wouldn't want to offend Lady Malika, would you? She'd take exception to hurting me."
[22:00] <Innocent_Little_Ko> His robe has many small pockets, some sagging with obvious weight. His face is sharp, a playful little smile on his face. He keeps clapping as he watches Berjand's wounds heal.
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 16."12 [2d8=1, 5]
[22:01] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand groans, his injuries fading. "I'm...alive?" he asks. on seeing the dead scorpion, "Thank...you got away?"
01[22:01] <Seira> "Nonetheless, here you are," Seira notes calmly, her flames extinguishing as if by magic! "What's up?" she asks him. "Amused at my mistake? In my defense, I would like to say that anything that doesn't break me makes me stronger!"
06[22:02] * Seira smiles at Berjand's words. "I prefer to think of it as waiting for the right moment to strike."
[22:03] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "No, no. I'm quite pleased that you survived. Apologies over the transparent farce, but Lady Malika wanted to make sure that whomwever we got was more than capable." Leering at Seira, "Imagine our s urprise when we lured in a mage. We couldn't have better luck if we bought it."
01[22:04] <Seira> "I was in town and bored." She shrugs. And takes the opportunity to look around for that magical aura she saw on a bench earlier. Chances are it's this person, but.....
[22:05] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The aura is gone, though the man's robes have their own faint aura. "So what's your name, anyway? Let's get this started the right way."
[22:05] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand picks himself up, dusting off his clothes and grabbing his scythe. He sends a distinctly nasty look to the man, "That was my life that was leaving my bones. Go jump into the Abyss and take the scorpion with you."
01[22:13] <Seira> "My name is not important," Seira says imperiously, looking quite proud of herself. "I've always wanted to say that," she whispers to Berjand none-too-quietly.
[22:14] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Okay then, shoo along then," Making a shooing gesture with his hand, "If you're not interested, we'll just find someone else. Really now, you went to all that trouble and you're going to choke on a simple question? Sad."
06[22:15] * Seira snorts. "Alright. Call me Seira. And you would be?"
[22:17] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "I am Umut, magi in service of Lady Malika," he tips his head towards her. "Ooooooooh, isn't that interesting? I think we have a mutual friend."
01[22:18] <Seira> "This is doubtful," Seira says sincerely. "I have few friends."
[22:20] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Oh, I have few friends!" Putting a hand lightly to his head and looking upward, "Oh, I'm grim and dark and NO ONE LIKES ME!" Snickering, "Regardless, I'll get to the point. Lady Malika is looking for one of two things here - either someone strong enough to do her a service, or if you're particularly looking for a good job, someone to be her personal bodyguard. You've proven you're more than strong enough."
01[22:21] <Seira> "Were you going to intervene?" Seira asks curiously. "If I made one mistake too many, say. I would like to settle that before we discuss the actual job offer."
[22:22] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Sure. If you hadn't gotten out when you did, I'd have called it off to save the big brute. Love you two," he rolls his eyes at Berjand. "Some pain'll give you character anyway. But anyway, Lady Malika would be horrified if I let anyone die and I'd never hear the end fo it and so on."
[22:22] <Innocent_Little_Ko> *too
01[22:23] <Seira> "Let's talk about that service and see how it pans out?" Seira offers, satisfied with that explanation. "We can discuss any further employment after it."
[22:23] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Really, I'd have to want punishment if I let either of you die." With a side long look at Seira, "I don't know about you, but I'm not so itnerested in being punished." After a momentary pause, "Sure."
[22:24] <Innocent_Little_Ko> Berjand growls, a nasty sound low in his throat. He stands at Seira's side, but keeps his peace, though his face twists into a mask of fury.
01[22:24] <Seira> "It really depends on the situation," Seira points out, "and who's doing the punishing."
[22:25] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Heh, good answer," Smirking at that, "Anyway again! For the long term, Lady Malika's looking for a bodyguard. I'll be honest and say this isn't going to work with you, considering you're the famous hero of another kingdom and all that. Ah well." Shrugging, "I: mean, unless you want to defect over here, then maybe we can talk? But for the short term?" (More)
[22:26] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Lady Malika needs a hunter. In particular, a hunter of creatures from beyond our world. We have reason to believe that there is something called a devil deep in the Arad palace. For various reasons I won't go into at the moment because it's a long digression, it's fallen into Lady Malika's lap to solve this problem."
06[22:28] * Seira tosses a golden coin, glancing at the outcome. "Seems like defection's out, I'm afraid. But devil-smiting? I'm your gal!"
[22:31] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Lovely. First and foremost, you'll need DISCRETION." He nearly shouts the word out, putting oodles of emphasis on it. "If your idea of hunting is to accurse people when you aren't 101 percent sure, you'd better go off and do something else instead.  Offend the wrong noble or servant of the Pasha and you'll be lucky if you're only expelled from the Fiefdoms. If you're unlucky, you might end up fluttering along to whatever wait
[22:31] <Innocent_Little_Ko> to whatever waits after you kick off this mortal coil."Now Umut leans forward, eyeing the flipped coin. "Further, I've given this a go myself...oi, that's why I'm here sitting in this stupid ruin instead of enjoying the palace. Magic? It's no good. Whatever's lurking's taken some impressive counter measures. Detect evil isn't going to do it, nor is divination."
01[22:33] <Seira> "Well, blunt force would always work," Seira muses, "but it would horribly rape any notion of that 'discretion' you were talking about." She helpfully provides air quotes with her fingertips. "What would be my cover, then?"
[22:35] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "In about a week and a half the Pasha's having a gathering of his court for a night of revelery and and feast. Lady Malika would like to have her hunter there as her personal guest so they can meet everyone and make connections. Obviously, you're going to go over with a lot of noise if you introduce yourself as Seira. Those stories from the Baronies did the rounds over the winter, you know. I'm not saying you shouldn't, but...
[22:35] <Innocent_Little_Ko>  I'm not saying you shouldn't, but...well...anyway. That'll be something for you to consider. Your mission will be to make contacts, slip in and eventually figure out and reveal whomever the devil or devils or devil worshippers or whatever are and then dispatch them."
01[22:36] <Seira> "I'll need to know what gave rise to Lady Malika's concerns," Seira says in a businesslike manner. "Also, it would help me to know whether the palace has any magical defenses or mages on hand. I would have to employ an illusion or transmutation to blend in, and countermeasures to hide their signatures are expensive."
[22:37] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "To be honest, your fame's probably going to be a double edged sword. It'll cut both ways is what Im saying, just in case I wasn't clear." Smirking at Seira's hand gestures, "If you can disguise-oh, yes, that. I'm getting to that."
01[22:37] <Seira> "I got it. Revealing myself to my potential employer is different than maintaining a cover."
[22:39] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "The Pasha has a few mages he keeps in the palace only. Literally. They're bonded to the palace and can't leave without his permission.  Further, there's been more magic lately, but I'm fairly sure you know about that. I suppose there's no helping telling you this, even though its' technically a secret: The Pasha is having anyone who has arcane magic in the Fiefdoms be admitted into the palace. So magical means will tip your h
[22:40] <Innocent_Little_Ko> So magical means will tip your hand as well, though a mundane disguise could work if you can pull anything off. So yes, it's quite compliated on how you pull that off. Of course, I heard you wear an absolute RAINBOW of magical items on you. That man you met? He's one of them. Oh, he can't manage much, but detect magic is within his means and he had it on to help scan potentials."
01[22:41] <Seira> "A wise if ethically-questionable move on the Pasha's side," Seira says, not judgemental in the slightest. "And that is true, I suppose. But I can manage Nondetection just fine. I don't usually bother unless I really need to hide my presence."
[22:44] <Innocent_Little_Ko> "Oh yes. That should work well." Alittle nod at that, "Oooh, you sound as good as the stories said then. Anyway, there was recently some unpleasantness with a devil portal in the northern desert. It got shut down but several irritants slipped into the world. The Pasha was aware of this and ordered a complete search, inspection and magical analysis of the palace. WE turned up a devil there...after some...discussion," Umut's smi
[22:44] <Innocent_Little_Ko> The Pasha was most irritated that his search failed, but in her infinite mercy and desire to make the Pasha's life better, Lady Malika offered to spearhead the further investigation."
[22:51] <Innocent_Little_Ko> WE turned up a devil there...after some...discussion," Umut's smile reverses, turning into a puckering grimace, "We have reason to believe that there's more hidden devils from what it said. The Pasha was most irritated that his search failed, but in her infinite mercy and desire to make the Pasha's life better, Lady Malika offered to spearhead the further investigation."
03[22:51] * Innocent_Little_Ko is now known as Kotono
01[22:52] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees. "It sounds reasonable enough. How would I be able to contact you if I need to know more? Or if I discover something and don't want to blow the cover while other potential threats exist?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "Go to the Archer's Aim shop again. My cousin runs it, just ask for me and I'll get there soon." Waving a hand dismissively, "If you end up changing your mind, let us know as soon as possible so we can try to line up someone else."
01[22:54] <Seira> "No, I'm definitely interested," Seira tells him. "I won't even bother asking about the reward, because I'm certain Lady Malika and I could come to an understanding."
[22:56] <Kotono> "Probably." Stretching back at that, "Mmmm. So, besides being a little gruff and OH I HAVE NO FRIENDS, you seem to be intelligent enough. Have you had any courtly training before? You do know basic manners?"
01[22:58] <Seira> "Yeah, yeah." Seira waves off his fake concerns. "So who's our mysterious mutual friend?"
[22:59] <Kotono> "Well, do you think this robe came from nowhere?" Snorting aloud, "I comissioned it myself from Balmuria."
02[23:01] * taislp (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net scifi-classics.dejatoons.net)
02[23:01] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net scifi-classics.dejatoons.net)
02[23:01] * Sierra_JustSleeping (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-102-97.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net scifi-classics.dejatoons.net)
01[23:02] <Seira> "Oh, you did?" Seira asks in surprise, placing a hand over her chest. "So did I! What a small world!"
[23:03] <Kotono> "Isn't it?" He gasps, "I bet you even had the same woman make it! By Sune, maybe it goes farther? Maybe you're my long lost sister!" Snorting at that, "Please, it's obvious enough from there. Anyway."
03[23:04] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[23:04] * Sierra_JustSleeping (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-102-97.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #evildunes
03[23:04] * taislp (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
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01[23:05] <Seira> "Only child, here, sorry." Seira doesn't really sound sorry. "Okay, then! I guess we're pretty much done here unless I decide to kill you and loot your stuff. I'll see you in a bit over a week, at that reception?"
[23:09] <Kotono> "In 11 days go to the Archer's Aim. We'll get you over to Malika to prepare for it the next night," Umut grins back. "Until then. Oh, and if you need water, I have some stashed in one of the half covered buildings."
06[23:11] * Seira summons some of it to cleanse her body and clothing. "Got it covered, thanks." She takes out her sword and cheerfully goes to work on separating the stinger from the main body, not bothered by the residual heat.
01[23:12] <Seira> roll 1d100 temple
06[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 temple and gets 89."12 [1d100=89]
01[23:27] <Seira> roll 1d8 hp
06[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 hp and gets 5."12 [1d8=5]

[Corwin]

[20:05] <Kozz> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03[20:05] * Kozz is now known as Kotono
[20:07] <Kotono> A week has passed in peace and rest. As the days grow subtly warmer, threatening the roasting of an incoming summer...Seira heads to the Archer's Aim again. This time she finds Umut waiting just inside, smothering a yawn with a hand as he waits...
03[20:14] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[20:15] * Seira is disguised as a human, looking much like what she remembers of her mother from that vision she had of her. The Resort and cape having been left behind, she's certain with the help of a few simple spells she would not be easily recognized.
01[20:15] <Seira> "Been waiting long?" she asks Umut.
[20:16] <Kotono> "Not overly," Smothering a yawn as he starts to walk outside, "Not that waiting a few hours is unusual. AFter all, the elite are busy running the nation."
01[20:18] <Seira> "Figures," Seira agrees. "I'm thinking of going in like that. Works?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "It should suffice for Lady Malika," Umut murmurs, "C'mon. There's a long walk to the palace from here. I'd so hate to leave someone waiting, wouldn't you?"
01[20:30] <Seira> It is a small matter to ward herself with Nondetection, and hope none of the mages at the palace are strong enough to pierce it. "It really depends on the person and how much I like them. Incidentally, you waited hours, right?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "So? I'm really used to it. I spent days killing time in that forsaken old oasis. Let me tell you, giant scorpions aren't so hot on conversation," Snickering at that as you walk down the street, past people wrapped in white, "Oh no, they really aren't."
01[20:34] <Seira> "You could've brought a friend along. I did!"
[20:37] <Kotono> "I don't see one," Umut retorts.
01[20:38] <Seira> "I meant that other time," Seira clarifies. "For the boring trip through the desert? In any case, if your employer feels that it would be better if I did have someone along, I could invite someone for this as well."
[20:42] <Kotono> That gets Umut to snort. "Ask her yourself. That's where we're going, after all."
[20:49] <Kotono> Soon enough the two travel past the mundane areas and towards the palace. Through gates of gold you pass, through gardens of untold greenery and vast luxury. It's like stepping into a rainforest from the harsh desert, all to find a golden palace deep within. Into this den of secluded wealth you go, into the halls of ivory, gold, precious stone, polished rock. To a place where water burbles from fountains freely, to a place where silk is w
[20:49] <Kotono> To a place where water burbles from fountains freely, to a place where silk is worth instead of cloth, to a place where jewelry often drips off those that walk it's halls. (More)
[20:53] <Kotono> This room smells of sweet perfume and soft, cool air. It is a private room deep in the palace, a gentle breeze blowin gin the room despite no windows. Two large men stand before a raised dais, using large palm leaf fans to cool the person who sits on the cushions therein. She's pleasant looking, dark skinned and with alluring green eyes. Her smile comes easily to her face from her position, lying on her side with a hand propping up her he
[20:53] <Kotono> lying on her side with a hand propping up her head. "Thank you, Umut."
[20:54] <Kotono> "My Lady," Umut bows so deeply as to nearly touch the floor with his face, "I present Seira to you. Seira, this is Lady Malika."
06[20:55] * Seira bows quite deeply herself. "It is a great honor and a pleasure to receive this audience, Lady Malika."
[20:57] <Kotono> "The honor is ours. You availed yourself with great skill against a terrifying predator of the desert," Malika's voice is measured but...alluring. It's tones are entirely attractive, it's measure clear. "My net reached farther east than I expected. I did not estimate to capture a foreign hero in my searches."
01[20:59] <Seira> "I was vacationing," Seira explains. "I've wanted to visit the Fiefdoms for many months, and finally, I got the chance to get away from everything for a few weeks and decided to use it."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Mmm. Servants, you are dismissed for the hour." Malika's two fanning servants bow deeply and head past Seira and to the door, past glass lightings attached to the wall that glow with a gentle flame inside. Once they are gone, "Yes. There is much honor and joy to this...I hear you've made no bones about spreading such, vacation or not."
01[21:05] <Seira> "On the subject of honor, Lady Malika," Seira says, "I don't quite feel right meeting you like this, in a form not my own. If we are now alone, I could take down the illusion and face you properly."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Ah yes," Leaning forward a little, "I must admit I'm curious to see even a partial dragon. Very well then, do it."
01[21:09] <Seira> With a snap of Seira's fingers, the disguise fades. Her clothes remain much the same, although her unique features come through far more clearly, now, along with a pair of small, folded wings. "Older dragons look a lot more impressive, I know."
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC - Make a charisma check?
05[21:11] -thundarr.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:11] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
01[21:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
03[21:11] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
01[21:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[21:14] <Kotono> "How interesting..." Malika rises up, sitting now and letting her legs dangle off the end of the dais. She wears soft, colorful silks that are just transparent enough to show that she's utterly magnificent beneath them. "You are impressive enough. Now then..." she pauses a moment, "You've come here to rout out devils."
01[21:15] <Seira> "And make new friends in the process, I hope," Seira responds with a smile.
[21:19] <Kotono> "Yes." Smiling and leaning just a tiny bit back, "Aaaaaaah. I do hope you can. They are such utter abominations and pests to boot. Not only will they spread their vile doctrine, they'll try to rot us from the inside."
01[21:20] <Seira> "That's what they do," Seira agrees, nodding. "Lady Malika, do you have any suspicions as to the identity of the devil, or those of its allies?"
[21:23] <Kotono> "Regretably no. After ferreting out the original problem...they've gotten smarter. We can't find one, but we have good reason to think that there's at least one more in the court somewhere." Leaning back with a long sigh, "Umut gave it his best, as did a few other of the Pasha's mages, but none have had success."
[21:24] <Kotono> "Apologises, My Lady," Umut bows lowa gain.
01[21:25] <Seira> "I'll do my best," Seira promises. "Perhaps, with a dash of luck, it would be enough."
[21:26] <Kotono> "I do hope so. As we've all stalled - and complicated by the fact that it's possible at least one of us could be compromised - I've decided a fresh set of eyes may find something we've missed." So smiling to Seira, "Plus your pedegree is outstanding. I have high hopes that you'll prove to be as adroit as powerful."
06[21:28] * Seira inclines her head in reaction to the compliment. "Is there a limit to what I am allowed to do while discharging this task," she asks directly, looking at Malika, "or does anything go as long as I'm not caught?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "Aaaaaah." Chuckling, "You understand well. You can get away with almost anything if you're not caught. However, you can't be caught impunging a noble's person or openly antagonizing them. AT best you'll make an enemy and at worst they may take the matter up with the Pasha. This includes openly casting magic on them. They tolerated it at the Pasha's command, but...none of them particularly cared for it."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I would not expect them to," Seira agrees. "And would such social restrictions apply to casting magic on your guests? Just how unusual would it be for someone in the palace and on the Pasha's employ to try and cast a spell on me?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "More likely these days. You're not a noble, but you are an honored foreigner. It's close enough...unless the Pasha orders someone to. Then you'll have to endure it." Malika sits up fully now,
06[21:36] * Seira nods. "It's not a problem. My next question could be a bit difficult to hear, but... have there been any disappearances? Increased crime? Gruesome murders? Anything one might connect to a presence of devils or their mortal cults?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "No. It's all been very smooth. There was a single death, but it appears to be natural. Wali Jeze was well into his eighth decade of life." Malika looks to Seira, "It's because we're so stumped that we're looking for help."
01[21:52] <Seira> "I understand. But it never hurts to be thorough and ask these things. I meant no offense."
[21:55] <Kotono> "None taken. It's good that you're asking the right questions," Malika agrees.
01[21:57] <Seira> "What about behavioral changes?" Seira asks next. "Someone becoming more reclusive, friendlier, meaner, kinder -- any kind of possible change, and not just for the worse?"
[22:02] <Kotono> "Well..." Musing a few moments, "Wali Hakim has been a little more social lately. He usually avoids most palace intrigues, but not over the past month or two. Bey Kerem's been more visible, he normally stays somewhat subdued due to his station. But...everyone's also been a bit on the sword's edge because of the unspoken tension."
01[22:04] <Seira> "Bey Kerem's station, Lady Malika?" Seira asks, interested to know what she meant by that.
[22:05] <Kotono> "He heads the Crescent Night. They are the Pasha's eyes and ears." With a bit ofa musement, "Ah, I believe you'd call him a spymaster. He is not a man to trifle with or take lightly."
01[22:06] <Seira> "And yet, I take it that he is not in the loop for the mission you have in mind for me, my lady?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Everyone has to have a few secrets," Smiling easily to Seira, "It's only prudent."
01[22:08] <Seira> "In the unfortunate event of him getting wind of this, I will deny our meeting ever took place, then," Seira tells her, nodding. "Keeping a secret would not be a problem."
01[22:09] <Seira> "What is the meaning of the term Wali?" she asks next. "Could you please tell me of the two holding it that you've mentioned?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "Excellent," Malika's own smile creeps up, "It loosely means Holy Man, but it's meaning is ancient and forgotten. It's a noble title below Bey. It's...close to a count or an earl in another kingdom?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "Wali Jeze hardly matters now. He passed beyond this place in his old age," Malika answers. "As for Wali Hakim? He is a very studious man who rarely engages in palace intrigue. Yet lately he's been more open and involved."
01[22:12] <Seira> "I see," Seira says, asking, "and a Bey would be? I find myself woefully unprepared for the titles being used in your country. It is fortunate that I still have time before my formal introduction to the court." Seira hides a flare of irritation at Bey Kerem, who could have told her such things as he described the political situation in the country that evening.
[22:13] <Kotono> "Bey is close to duke, or perhaps loosely Prince. It's not for children of the Pasha, but for those that hold the highest non royal title in the land. The title is given to generals, nobles and certain other cases. Most city or oasis gouvenors are Beys, but not all Beys are gouvenors."
01[22:15] <Seira> "That explains it," Seira agrees. "Both are hereditary titles, then, I take it? In that case, who happened to take Wali Jeze's place?"
[22:15] <Kotono> "It can be passed on or bestowed at the Pasha's discretion. Wali Jeze had no surviving son, only daughters. None took his title right away."
01[22:17] <Seira> "It might be a dead end after all," Seira muses quietly. "Very well. I would need to know a bit about the prominent players of the court, and then I should be ready for the mission."
[22:19] <Kotono> "I'll start from the top then," Malika smiles a little, "Mustafa Pasha, Marshall of the Desert Legion and Faithful Lord of Wetwind Harbor. He has a few dozen more titles like that, but except for formalities everyone refers to him as Pasha." (More)
[22:23] <Kotono> "The Pasha rules absolutely. Some Pashas are more passive, but Mustafa Pasha has no qualms about ordering his will when he sees fit. However, he does know restraint and rarely directly intervenes. If he asks anything of you, do it. While he not a cruel man, he does not brook those that would challenge his authority." After a pause, "He is unmarried. He was recently looking for a wife, but the search did not pan out well."
01[22:24] <Seira> "I believe I heard something about it," Seira admits. "Is the Pasha a mage?"
[22:26] <Kotono> "No. He does have mages around him and ample guardings," Malika says. "He appreciates magic in all it's forms and has gathered any budding mages to the palace. He gives them minor titles and servitude."
01[22:27] <Seira> "Is it a crime for a Fiefdoms mage, budding or not, to not be in the Pasha's employ?" Seira asks curiously. "When a discovered talent gets an invitation to the palace, is it an offer they can't refuse?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "IT is not a crime to have magic. However, if the Pasha asks...you must understand. What the Pasha says is not a request, no matter how he phrases it." Nodding to the last of Seira's words. "But why would you? I hear from my more honest servants that a commoner would give everything to be admitted into the palace."
01[22:30] <Seira> "Oh, I most certainly understand," Seira agrees. "I merely pondered extending my own offer to several promising talents, but it is not something I would do if that would go against the local law."
[22:30] <Kotono> "The Pasha would not be appreciative if you couped away mages, no." Smiling just a tiny bit to that before going to lie down on her dais, "If you mean to train them with his blessing, you would need to ask him."
01[22:31] <Seira> "Of course."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Now then...the next to mention is Abidin. He is the Honored Emir of the Blackwind Oasis, an old title that the Pasha deigned to give him for his years of service. He has the Pasha's ear and is most trusted."
06[22:35] * Seira nods, listening.
[22:39] <Kotono> "He is a man of high station and established position. It would be wise to be respectful to him as well, for he has many allies. I am not on the best of terms with him, though he would not offend you merely because you are my guest." Malika takes a moment, repositioning. The soft silk layers shift temptingly as she repositions.
06[22:42] * Seira looks politely, before returning her eyes to Malika's face.
[22:43] <Kotono> With a light laugh, "You don't need to look. It's merely the force of habit," Malika shakes her head, "Allow me to go on. Beyond them there are many Beys. I believe I already mentioned Bey Kerem. He often has his wife with him, Cemile."
01[22:46] <Seira> "I don't mind," Seira tells Malika brightly. "But wouldn't you place yourself above the Beys?"
[22:50] <Kotono> "I might, but I believe you already have met me," Malika smiles broadly from that, "Introductions are hardly needed for me now, are they?"
01[22:52] <Seira> "You are right, of course," Seira agrees, thinking that she understands the proper hierarchy a bit better, now.
[22:54] <Kotono> "Of the Beys, Bey Onur is likely to be at the gathering tomorrow," Malika continues on. "He is a general of the armies and a well versed man. His wife has passed, but his children remain to spread joy to him."
01[22:56] <Seira> So many old people will be there, Seira muses. "And that is it for the Beys in attendance?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "The closest Bey is Bey Usar, but I hear he has business to deal with with his current station," Malika answers. "There will be more Walis there, likely, than Beys."
01[23:02] <Seira> "If there is anyone of note you believe I should know about in advance...."

[Corwin]

01[18:08] <Seira> [22:56] <Seira> So many old people will be there, Seira muses. "And that is it for the Beys in attendance?"
01[18:08] <Seira> [22:57] <Kotono> "The closest Bey is Bey Usar, but I hear he has business to deal with with his current station," Malika answers. "There will be more Walis there, likely, than Beys."
01[18:08] <Seira> [23:02] <Seira> "If there is anyone of note you believe I should know about in advance...."
[18:16] <Kotono> "Mmmm...." Thinking a few moments, "There is one who you should be warned of. Wali Eure. "
01[18:17] <Seira> "Oh?"
[18:19] <Kotono> "Wali Eure is a worshipper of Tempus. He believes that battle is the one and only way to prove intent and purity. If you run afoul of him, he might just challenge you to a fight."
01[18:20] <Seira> "And I take it that winning will bruise his pride?"
[18:21] <Kotono> "Some, though he'll respect you. Still...unless you really want to pick a fight..." Malika smiles absently, "I had to use Umut once upon a time to deter him from a reckless challenge on my person."
[18:22] <Kotono> "The wali means well in his own way and the Pasha tolerates his more obvious idoniscrancies."
[18:22] <Kotono> OOC - Gah
[18:22] <Kotono> "The wali means well in his own way and the Pasha tolerates his more obvious idoniscrancies." Umut's lips twist into a sardonic grin. "Not that anyone w ho killed a giant scorpion has THAT much to fear from him."
01[18:23] <Seira> "Fear is pretty foreign to me," Seira agrees. "Alright, I can avoid needless conflicts and unneccessary attention to myself."
[18:27] <Kotono> "Good then." Malika rises now, "You have a day to prepare." Leaning forward, Malika takes aring off her finger. IT's a delicate, beaten ring of platinum and with a small pattern of diamonds inset. "This token will get you into the palace if you have any trouble. Return to this room tomorrow two hours before sunset. Don't lose it...the Pasha won't be happy if it vanishes."
06[18:28] * Seira kneels on one knee before Malika, accepting the ring. "It shall not leave my sight," she promises.
[18:32] <Kotono> "Seira, I'm putting my hopes in you and that your reputation is apt. I can't allow our kingdom to be eaten apart from the inside by interlopers." There is a pause here, "It's possible you may come across some who say that it's best to try and turn what brought them to our advantage. They speak dangerous words, do not be allured by them."
01[18:34] <Seira> "No to collaborating with the devils, check," Seira says with a smile, straightening up. "I suppose I should recast my disguise," she says, concealing her face with her hand as she chants the words for the spell. As her hand moves, so do her features melt, revealing the same woman who came to seek the audience with Lady Malika earlier.
[18:37] <Kotono> "....good enough." Malika smiles, "Until tomorrow, Seira."
03[18:38] * Sierra_SortaDead is now known as Sierra_Mikain
06[18:39] * Seira bows again. "By your leave, Lady Malika," she says, stepping back and glancing at Umut to see if he would be leaving along with her.
[18:40] <Kotono> "Go on," WAving a hand, "Umut, do walk her out. It's only suitable."
[18:40] <Kotono> "Yes, m'lady," Umut bows deep and low again, before heading out.
06[18:44] * Seira travels next to Umut. "Should I pretend I don't know you tomorrow?" she asks him.
03[18:44] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Haruka
[18:46] <Kotono> "No, I'm walking here with you. It's likely someone's noticed, though I'll be busy some of the time with my own things." Walking along, and in a quieter, pillar lined hall, "So she told you about Wali Eure? Damn. I was so hoping you'd kick his ass in front of everyone."
01[18:49] <Seira> "I still could, once my job is done," Seira muses out loud. "Is he the obnoxious kind that needs to learn a lesson, or the harmless type where a public humiliation would merely be amusing?"
[18:50] <Kotono> "Some of both?" Umut waves a hand back and forth. "He's also charming on occasion, but his ass being kicked would certainly be appreciated by me."
01[18:52] <Seira> "I could do that," Seira agrees. "So what do you think about the mages-in-training crowding the palace?" she asks, switching the topic. "Should I even bother approaching the Pasha with my request? I'm always interested in having more diversity at my school, but I wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic incident over it."
[18:55] <Kotono> "If I were you, I'd ask after you'd scored some points with the Pasha. Say you get to the bottom of this...then you might have a clawed foot to stand on," Umut waves his hand, "I mean, that's glaringly obvious that you should ask only once you get into his good graces."
06[18:57] * Seira nods. "So let's talk about you, then," she says. "Why didn't you nab some cushy title somewhere along the way?"
[19:00] <Kotono> "It's never quite been the right time. Oh, I could attach a fancy title in front of my name, but I'm secure. Lady Malika sponsors me and I'm a well known court magician because of it. Oh, I'm sure Bey or Wali or wahtever would net more fawning fangirls, but I get enough of those already."
03[19:00] * asdgsdfasdf (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
02[19:01] * tiredofthis (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
01[19:03] <Seira> "You can never have enough fawning fangirls!" Seira protests, giggling. "But I suppose I just wanted to ask someone like me. It's kinda awkward to talk about this with Demedais or Alicia. Because they're all with the paladins and the good of the world and all that? I dunno. But I sometimes think it could be fun to have a title to flaunt.
01[19:03] <Seira> You know, for when you meet hereditary jerks that think they're so better and you can't smite them for it without causing trouble all around."
[19:05] <Kotono> "Oh yeah, sure, but I'm used to them. If jerks with a good family and the brains of a sandant bother you, you won't be happy here." Stretching back, "That's one of those little dirty secrets of palace life. You know...if you really please the Pasha he might even give you an honorary title, if that's what you're fishing for."
01[19:07] <Seira> "Not fishing so much as asking for honest advice," she says with a shrug.
03[19:08] * asdgsdfasdf is now known as crashandburn
[19:51] <Kotono> "Then, wait until you're in His good graces." Umut says, "Really, the Pasha's a decent enough fellow if you get him on your side before you open your own mouth."
01[19:52] <Seira> "So I hear," Seira agrees. "Well, there's another thing I wanted to ask you. Does he have any children? I would've asked back there but, well, awkwardness and all."
[19:56] <Kotono> Lowering his voice, "Oh, I've heard he has a few. But they're the sort that aren't so hot in 'polite society," Air quotes follow this, "The Pasha's spread his seed at times, sure. But for heirs he's looking for a suitable real wife. For whatever reason Lady Malika doesn't seem to be suitable."
01[19:57] <Seira> "That's strange. Is he looking for a mage, then?" Seira asks curiously. "And polite society or not, they must have power, right?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "No, not quite. I hear he likes blondes, though," Umut shrugs, "He has his big, scary vassal leading the entire thing but it never worked out. But being a mage isn't intristically a part of it. I think. I mean, it's not like I was interested in becoming the Pasha's wife, so I never got the details."
01[20:01] <Seira> "With the right spells..." Seira muses, looking Umut over. "Well, I suppose he's not your type. It's alright."
[20:03] <Kotono> "You'd be more suiting at least...though those scales would chafe," Umut shudders from head to toe, "How does that work, anyway?"
01[20:04] <Seira> "I'll be sure to pen you a report once I've conducted a thorough study."
[20:05] <Kotono> "I'm sure it'll be vitally important," Laughing at that, "But...that's really not important. Any questions before tomorrow?"
01[20:06] <Seira> "Actually, yes. Pretend I'm a complete neophyte. Which spells would you suggest I prepare ahead of time to deal with the situations that might arise?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Charm is good if you can cast it silent and stilled. So's detect thoughts. Those sort of things. Things to make social interactions better without tipping your own hand. Of course, using them draw it's own risks."
06[20:11] * Seira nods. "What does the law says about using them?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Well...if you don't get caught, who cares about the law," Smiling grandly there, "Of course, using them on a noble is dangerous if you find out. It depends on how dangerously you want to live. Now, I won't say boo since I'm serving Lady Malika, but there could be a few others there. If you don't go that route? Eagle's Splendor could be good. Nothing like magic a charismatic splash."
[20:12] <Kotono> *if they find out
01[20:17] <Seira> "I've got most of them covered, but detect thoughts could be interesting," Seira agrees. "Now, attire. Should I get something local and all noble-like? I can certainly afford it. Disguise self might do the trick, but the less it has to compensate for, the better."
[20:19] <Kotono> "If you got it, flaunt it. Most of the women'll wear silks that barely hide anything. You could do that or go for plain white, or something fancy or military uniform-esque." Ticking those off as you come to the end of the hall, passing through an outer gate of the palace and into a vast garden, "It's about the style you want to project. If you wanna work your way with might and charisma, I'd go for the uniform. If you want to seduce...wel
[20:20] <Kotono> I'd go for the uniform. If you want to seduce...well, you get the ideas here. Pick whatever suits your agenda."
01[20:21] <Seira> "A uniform sounds fine," Seira says. "Seductions and illusion together just ask for trouble."
[20:25] <Kotono> "Yeah. Especially if they find out at the wrong time. Egads, disaster," STopping here, "Feel free to enjoy the garden on your way out if you want."
01[20:26] <Seira> "Hey, just one more question," Seira tells him. "Do you have any fun local or ancient spells that aren't commonplace elsewhere? I'd be interested in swapping knowledge afterwards."
[20:27] <Kotono> "I have one..." He smiles a bit, "I call it 'Umut's Greater Magic Missile'." With his face breaking into a haughty look, "I was tired of casting magic missile to slowly wear things down, so I went for something more...overwhelming."
01[20:29] <Seira> "If you make me a scroll or show me how it's done some time, I'll be sure to share something interesting of my own," Seira promises. "Their names aren't much, but they allow for pretty flashy moves."
[20:30] <Kotono> "I'll talk to you about it once this finishes," Umut agrees, "G'luck, Seira. You will need it and soe thick skin."
[20:32] <Kotono> *some
06[20:32] * Seira waves, and goes to look for a suitable uniform and jewelry to go along with it.
03[20:35] * Kotono is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
[20:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - How high quality are you looking here? For the outfit that is.
01[20:43] <Seira> OOC: I have the cash. Let's say noble standards?
[20:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: That's fine then. 75 GP.
01[20:44] <Seira> OOC: Plus 100 for jewels? Let's roll~
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: O-kayo.
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The day passes. As Seira heads back that evening with her clothes, she gets a message. "Looking for you, Seira. Need to meet. Urgent business. Where are you? I can reach you if needed." It sounds in her mind, a sending.
06[20:50] * Seira tries to place the voice before responding.
01[20:54] <Seira> "Temple of Waukeen, Arad, Desert Fiefdoms," Seira sends back. "I can teleport myself in an extreme emergency. Will do so after in fifteen minutes without an answer."
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> After ten minutes, another message comes. "No need. Buyer left. Seems to urgently want to meet you. His name is Tura."
06[20:58] * Seira frowns. If he could reach her, then why didn't he keep this buyer around? Surely, a fifteen minute wait would not be as long as the undefined period of time she would be out of reach. "Please tell everyone I am on a religious pilgrimage and am checking back once in a while with the Temple of Waukeen in Arad."
[20:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The message is so sent back, the second sending ending.
06[20:59] * Seira decides to go and have a little chat with Isonu!
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Isonu is found in the Temple of Waukeen, in his private, pleasant quarters. "Hm?" he asks after Seira enters.
01[21:03] <Seira> "I wanted to keep you up to date on my plans. If anyone should be in the loop, it's you," she tells him, taking a seat of her own initiative. "I'm not interrupting with anything, am I?"
[21:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No, go on," Isonu agrees. "Have you found success?"
01[21:05] <Seira> "Limitedly so," Seira agrees. "I'm gained access to the palace, as Lady Malika's guest. However, whether I can promptly discover a fiend lying in wait without being apprehanded myself remains to be seen. In any case; I wanted you to know where I will be... and what should be said in case people inquire about me."
[21:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Aaah," Isonu nods, "I fany asked, I was simply going to tell them that you were away for the time and to return the next day to see if you had returned.":
01[21:14] <Seira> "I've informed Balmuria that I am embarking on a religious pilgrimage," Seira says. "It seems like a more specific excuse, and no one should question it. I will be out of reach, unfortunately, but I've asked that all referrals are sent here. In case it is something urgent--" Seira pauses. "Do you have a grasp on the Sending spell?"
[21:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I can set it up if need be," Isonu agrees.
01[21:18] <Seira> "It might be best to keep a few in reserve," Seira requests. "Aside from instant communication with our allies, should the devil presence be greater than we imagine, we wouldn't be able to afford wasting any time.
01[21:18] <Seira> In the rare case where it is simply impossible to communicate with me, I'm certain that the inn you directed me to would be able to assist us. They should be able to get in contact with Umut, a wizard in Lady Malika's employ, and he would find me in turn." Seira cautions, "It is a method we shouldn't resort to unless we lack any other options."
[21:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Isonu steeplies his hands together, "Of course. But it's a good option to have. Understood."
01[21:23] <Seira> "More specifically, there was someone looking for me at the Temple to Helm, of all places, in Balmuria. Goes by the name of Tura, apparently. If he should come here, then he is certainly very interested in meeting me. But I find the timing suspect; please find out what you can regarding his reasons of seeing me.
01[21:23] <Seira> If he claims it is a matter of life or death or similarly important, please offer him to submit to a truth spell and verify his story before contacting me."
[21:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I will," Isonu agrees. "I hope it's nothing, but...if you're worried, it's best to be cautious."
01[21:34] <Seira> "As I've said, the timing is--" Seira shakes her head. "Perhaps it's the fact that this is our one and only shot at getting into the palace legitimately and routing this invasion for all time."
[21:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes. The timing stinks to Her Throne of Gold," Isonu smiles thinly.
01[21:38] <Seira> "I can multitask, so if it's legit and important and time-critical, please inform me of the situation and we'll take it from there," Seira says. "Alright. That settles the main issues. In other news, you and you alone should know where I left the Resort, in case... well, just in case. I'm sure you can guess at the answer here."
06[21:38] * Seira purses her lips. "I suppose that only leaves the matter of our two newest acolytes and the issue of our corrupt official?"
[21:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes. I've been talking to those thieves...you scared them half to death." Isonu raises an eyebrow. "They're also quite good at the vices - pickpocketing, cards, gambling, sob stories."
01[21:42] <Seira> "All key traits, if channeled properly," Seira comments. "And better scared than dead, which is what they would be had they pickpocketed anyone but myself."
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "They likely weren't going to live much longer, no. Being caught at thieving when the guards are active already is asking to hang in the hot sun." With a distant look, "Yes, I think we can try and make something of the two. I'll be busy enough with that for the foreseeable future."
06[21:45] * Seira nods. "Call upon the resources I have if you need to. I sense potential in those two, although I would deny saying that, of course."
[21:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It'll take time, but I do as well. If not...well, you gain nothing but not trying." Isonu agrees to that, "You're returning to the palace tomorrow?"
01[21:49] <Seira> "Yes, but I do have the day free for the most part." Seira frowns. "Have you had a chance to approach Bey Kerem?"
[21:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Marginally. Those two have taken more of my time than I'd like, but we've made passing contact," Isonu answers.
01[21:56] <Seira> "If you need me to speed things along, I have tomorrow available for that. Past that, it would be far too dangerous for me to get involved for a while."
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It won't be needed. I'll manage matters well enough once I get things back in order," Isonu says lightly enough.
06[21:58] * Seira smiles. "I like hearing that!"
[22:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -------
[22:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus Seira heads to the palace the next day! On seeing Malika's ring, the guards allow her inside. On reaching Malika's room, she finds here there, waiting. She eats grapes, being fanned and wearing a single, heartstopping shift of pure wispy blue silk. It's incredible, somehow keeping her barely modest while showing off.
06[22:09] * Seira bows deeply, moving the sheeth of her sword fluently as part of the gesture. "I hope the uniform I picked out is to your liking, Lady Malika."
[22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, it is!" Malika looks over it, "ADventuresome and attention getting at once, but it also flatters you."
01[22:16] <Seira> "I was looking for such an effect," Seira admits. "However, it cannot compare to the visage of beauty before me. It must be criminal that someone like me is allowed to witness it."
[22:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Aaah. It is a reason that most are not allowed int he palace. The common folk would be overwhelmed by the beauties that rest inside here," Malika sultrily leans back, the silk shifting. "I trust the Pasha will appreciate my clothing this evening."
01[22:19] <Seira> "Without a doubt, my lady," Seira agrees.

[Corwin]

01[19:45] <Seira> [22:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -------
01[19:45] <Seira> [22:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus Seira heads to the palace the next day! On seeing Malika's ring, the guards allow her inside. On reaching Malika's room, she finds here there, waiting. She eats grapes, being fanned and wearing a single, heartstopping shift of pure wispy blue silk. It's incredible, somehow keeping her barely modest while showing off.
01[19:45] <Seira> [22:09] * Seira bows deeply, moving the sheeth of her sword fluently as part of the gesture. "I hope the uniform I picked out is to your liking, Lady Malika."
01[19:45] <Seira> [22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, it is!" Malika looks over it, "ADventuresome and attention getting at once, but it also flatters you."
01[19:45] <Seira> [22:16] <Seira> "I was looking for such an effect," Seira admits. "However, it cannot compare to the visage of beauty before me. It must be criminal that someone like me is allowed to witness it."
01[19:45] <Seira> [22:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Aaah. It is a reason that most are not allowed int he palace. The common folk would be overwhelmed by the beauties that rest inside here," Malika sultrily leans back, the silk shifting. "I trust the Pasha will appreciate my clothing this evening."
01[19:45] <Seira> [22:19] <Seira> "Without a doubt, my lady," Seira agrees.
[19:47] <Nayuki> "Now then..." Malika rises, "Are you ready? Any last minute concerns?"
01[19:48] <Seira> "I feel as prepared as I'll ever be, Lady Malika," Seira informs her.
[19:55] <Nayuki> A little time passes in wait. But soon Lady Malika rises, stretching. Thus she begins to walk, heading out. Waiting for her is a brightly dressed color guard, with breastplates of deeply beaten, inlaid gold. They bow deeply to her and lead onward, through the halls of wealth and luxury. (More)
[20:00] <Nayuki> Through gates of great wealth and great carvings. A sort of stone like forged sand is the final gateway, with such perfect work that no human h and could have crafted it. The flawless carving of a great palace atop the sand dunes parts as they are opened! From inside comes the strumming of music. Stringed instruments and gentle voices, entirely too beautiful. (More)
[20:05] <Nayuki> This chamber is made of the same stone. Here and there brazier burn. Gentle smoke wafts from them, incense burning. The smells of jasmine, vanilla, chamomile and honeysuckle intoxicate Seira's nose. Through this lightly hazy air you can see them. Men of wealth, women of station and gorgeous beauty. They mingle about, sit about in great seats lined with the purest silks. At tables great feasts are laid forth, eaten by those that converse a
[20:05] <Nayuki> At tables great feasts are laid forth, eaten by those that converse and mingle here. Amid them you can see Bey Kerem...Cemile...Umut...and more. (More)
[20:06] <Nayuki> But beyond them, beyond all the noise and commotion? There is a throne. It is not a great throne on a mere glance. It is indeed made of rare and fragrant woods, highbacked. A man sits here, leaning back. He wears a simple white robe, his sharp face gazing about serenly. Besides the throne stands a familiar man, a dagger at his side and his entire body wrapped in white, save for his eyes. He is the one to speak, his voice raising, "Lady Ma
[20:07] <Nayuki> He is the one to speak, his voice raising, "Lady Malika has arrived."
01[20:09] <Seira> While she would normally take charge here, Seira resigns herself to wait. Lady Malika must surely pay her respects to the Pasha, first, and introduce her as a guest. Only then could she properly be integrated into this web of wealthy men and gorgeous women.
[20:33] <Nayuki> Malika approaches, making a quiet gesture beckoning Seira to follow. She approaches to fifteen feet in front of the throne, where she bows, face down to the ground. "My Lord Pasha," she says, "I am honored you have invited me here this day. I have brought a guest to your halls."
03[20:36] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-3e889e80.tcl112.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:36] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
06[20:37] * Seira mirrors Malika's actions with a single difference, by keeping herself a step behind the woman.
03[20:46] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:47] <Nayuki> "Seira of the United Baronies," The Pasha's tone is momentarily interested, "So you said, Malika. He looks Seira over long...and then smiles slightly. "Your presence pleases me. Rise."
[20:50] <Nayuki> OOC - Strike.
[20:51] <Nayuki> "A guest...?" The Pasha looks over Seira long, before nodding. "So you said, Malika." He looks Seira over long and then smiles slightly. "Your presence pleases me. Rise."
06[20:56] * Seira straightens up, placing her hand on the hilt of her sword to move it out of the way, before returning her hands to her sides. "It is a great honor to meet you at last, Pasha," she speaks.
[20:59] <Nayuki> "We welcome you to our court," The Pasha intones agreeably enough. "I bid you that you enjoy the splendor here amid us."
01[21:03] <Seira> "I hope to carry tales of your splendor and warm welcome all the way back to Malmuth, Your Highness," Seira responds, bowing deeply once more.
[21:05] <Nayuki> "Then go," Gesturing forward, "But before you do...tell me your name."
01[21:11] <Seira> "A thousand pardons, Pasha," Seira apologizes. "It is Jeanne, Jeanne Inverse."
[21:16] <Nayuki> "I'll be watching, Jeanne," The Pasha agrees, lingering his eyes on her a moment.
01[21:18] <Seira> Paying her respects to the Pasha once more, Seira waits until he had finished his examination before stepping back, and in the direction of the other guests.
[21:22] <Nayuki> The guests are man and mingled. Bey Kerem is talking to a man with skin so tanned it's nearly black, an older man with a cane. You see Cemile glancing at you, but her attention seems to mainly be on a small gaggle of silken glad women. There is a man who has eyes on you - a small man, lingering near a wall. He sits in a deep chair, a barely clad woman feeding him grapes every now and again.  Further, there are several gaggles of conversat
[21:23] <Nayuki>  Further, there are several gaggles of conversation about.
06[21:24] * Seira decides to have some grapes herself, and see whether anyone would want to approach a Malmuthian.
[21:28] <Nayuki> After afew grapes, a man approaches. He wears white and had a simple cape slung over his shoulders, almost ragged, yet made of fine materials. "Jeanne, wasn't it," he says, young faced and with an eyepatch. "It's lovely to see a new guest in the Pasha's palace" Around you music gently plays, a group of strings and vocals far to the side, the noise cascading gently about.
01[21:32] <Seira> "It was," Seira agrees, "and what a delight it is to be here, I must say."
[21:33] <Nayuki> Bowing with a slight flourish to Jeanne, "It's an honor," he says again, "Are you from the far eastern Kingdom of Malmuth? Ah, but where are my manners," he corrects himself. "My name is Wali Kafi."
03[21:34] * Seira is now known as Jeanne
01[21:36] <Jeanne> "From Valandia, to be more specific," Jeanne responds, nodding at him in return. "Until recently, at least. I have relocated farther south shortly after the unpleasantness."
[21:40] <Nayuki> "Ah! I heard of Malmuth's...setback. A tragedy for them," He answers. "I heard it was a short but sharp war." Meanwhile, Seira can see someone else approaching from her side out of the corner of her eye.
01[21:42] <Jeanne> As long as that someone doesn't try to grab one of the few exposed bits of skin she has, she's content merely observing her new admirer. "A short and bitter one is probably a better way to put it," Jeanne suggests.
[21:50] <Nayuki> "Yes. I'm surprised such a small country as the Baronies succeeded. I hear the Crimson Guard are stronger than sandworms," Wali Kafi shakes his head long. "The stories that have circulated are incredible."
[21:50] <Nayuki> As Jeanne watches, she sees that the second person is Umut. He keeps a polite distance, but is watching a moment, his gaze lingering on her...before he turns away after all.
01[21:52] <Jeanne> "If nothing else, I would know the stories before their inevitable mutation at the hands of bards both talented and shameful," Jeanne tells Wali Kafi with a smile. "Would you like me to dispel a few of them? I would need to know what has filtered all the way here, then." She doesn't react to Umut's presence one bit, although having him near is somewhat comforting, in case she needs a distraction.
[21:54] <Nayuki> "I would. Just allow me to introduce you to my Lord first? My Lord Abidin would be remiss not to meet you." He smiles back to her.
01[21:54] <Jeanne> "Most certainly," Jeanne agrees, offering him her gloved hand.
[22:00] <Nayuki> The hand is gently taken, Jeanne is lead along. At one table a slender man sits. He listens to a woman telling him a tale - A tale of the Pasha and the sandworm. Abidin raises a hand to stop her as Jeanne and Wali Kafi appraoch. He has a neatly trimmed beard, his clothing light. "M'lord," Wali Kafi bows to him. "May I present Jeanne Inverse to you."
06[22:01] * Jeanne bows, though not as deeply as to the Pasha. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Milord."
[22:02] <Nayuki> "Jeanne," Abidin nods to her. "Do you find Arad pleasing?"
01[22:04] <Jeanne> "Quite so," she affirms. "The climate took a bit getting used to, as did the culture, certainly, but the differences draw me in rather than the opposite."
[22:12] <Nayuki> "I do hope you find it agreeable to you," Abidin nods slightly. "I would recommend visiting the gardens as long as you are here. They are sublime."
01[22:13] <Jeanne> "I already have, for a brief visit," Jeanne responds, a smile rising on her lips at the memory. "You are right, of course. A much longer stay at the gardens is in order."
[22:18] <Nayuki> "Perhaps I'll see you there," Abidin says, "But my duties call, for even here they hound me. Lady Jeanne, it was an pleasure."
01[22:20] <Jeanne> "It was all mine, I assure you," Jeanne says, her smile growing warmer.
[22:29] <Nayuki> Wali Kafi bows again, "Thank you, sir," he says to Abidin, before starting to walk away. Once they're out of earshot, "...I believe he did not dislike you. Those he recommends the gardens to are those he thinks well of on first impression."
01[22:32] <Jeanne> "The meeting was pleasant, if brief," Jeanne admits, before giving Wali Kafi her undivided attention. "Now, I believe we were going to share a few tales to combine them into a most glorious story?"
[22:36] <Nayuki> "Ah." Heading over to a table and sitting, "My favorite is the tale of the Blue Dragon's Rampage," he begins. "Where the Crimson Guard slew a real dragon."
06[22:37] * Jeanne laughs at that one. "With a single strike, no doubt?"
[22:39] <Nayuki> "Over the walls of the city of Balmuria the Guard confronted the dreaded blue dragon Kondrax. The paladin Demedais battles it in single combat, surviving vast storms of lighting. A savage but beautiful woman summoned a pack of dire tigers to aide, while a daring half elf helped have catapults and magic slam into the best. The battle raged fiercely, until Seira summoned a fireball to it's face and then Demedais leaped up, cutting it's head
[22:39] <Nayuki> emedais leaped up, cutting it's head off!"
01[22:44] <Jeanne> "A fireball seems pretty impractical with a dragon," Jeanne muses. "A fanciful tale, oh yes." Leaning over conspiratoriously, she says, "It was actually our aid to the Baronies that saved the day when they were attacked, you know!"
[22:48] <Nayuki> "Oh?" An eyebrow raises up there, "Really! What happend then?"
01[22:51] <Jeanne> "Claris the Faithful warded off the beast's evil with the holy light of Lathander, while Pallan goaded it into a trap, sneakiness incarnated. And then it was Olburt's turn. Where Demedais merely tinked against the scaly armor, it was our own Olburt who carried through!" Jeanne informs Kafi, her voice teaming with pride.
[22:55] <Nayuki> OOC - Just so I know how convinc ing you were there, roll ab luff check?
05[22:57] -thundarr.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Jeanne invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[22:57] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[22:57] * Jeanne sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[22:57] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+10
06[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Jeanne rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]

[Corwin]

01[19:45] <Jeanne> [22:44] <Jeanne> "A fireball seems pretty impractical with a dragon," Jeanne muses. "A fanciful tale, oh yes." Leaning over conspiratoriously, she says, "It was actually our aid to the Baronies that saved the day when they were attacked, you know!"
01[19:45] <Jeanne> [22:48] <Nayuki> "Oh?" An eyebrow raises up there, "Really! What happend then?"
01[19:45] <Jeanne> [22:51] <Jeanne> "Claris the Faithful warded off the beast's evil with the holy light of Lathander, while Pallan goaded it into a trap, sneakiness incarnated. And then it was Olburt's turn. Where Demedais merely tinked against the scaly armor, it was our own Olburt who carried through!" Jeanne informs Kafi, her voice teaming with pride.
01[19:45] <Jeanne> [22:55] <Nayuki> OOC - Just so I know how convinc ing you were there, roll ab luff check?
01[19:46] <Jeanne> [22:57] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+10
01[19:46] <Jeanne> [22:57] * Hatbot --> "Jeanne rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30." [1d20=20]
[19:53] <Kotono> "Ah!" Wali Kafi's eyes raise at that. "Really? I've heard of the General Olburt - he was involved in the seige and fall of Valandia, wasn't he? What an amazing tale...do you mean that the Baronies simply stole the cr edit?" Around you scented, light smoke wafts by. Conversation buzzes, a small group of women glancing at Seira from not too far away.
01[19:56] <Jeanne> "You said it, not I," Jeanne tells Kafi with a teasing smile playing on her lips. "So how do such tales filter over from the Baronies? By way of trading caravans?"
[19:59] <Kotono> "Ahhh..." Blushing a little at that for a moment, lighting his face, "Yes. I hear traders come from the capital of the Baronies in the east and word filters back from them."
06[20:02] * Jeanne nods. "After the story had changed versions several times along the way, I would think." She looks at Kafi with interest. "What about heroic tales of the Fiefdoms? Would you grace me with one of them?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "Aaaah..." His blush rises again, lowering his voice, "I can attest to one that I was invovled in myself under Bey Onur. IT is truly heroic and epic."
01[20:07] <Jeanne> "And so, I am all ears," Jeanne tells him. She looks around, ostensibly to give the man a chance to compose himself while pretending not to notice his blush, and gives the group of women showing interest in her a friendly if confident smile.
[20:12] <Kotono> One looksr ather miffed at Jeanne, though two others are chuckling and smiling. "Aaah yes...Bey Onur...I served under his command not long ago. We were returning from a short expidition north when our caravan was under attack! But it wasn't sand scorpions or a sandworm, or even the thirsty ones..." AT this point, Wali Kafi is leaning almost entirely forward to Jeanne, voice low. "They were beautiful, winged angels...with wings as black as
[20:12] <Kotono> "They were beautiful, winged angels...with wings as black as soot and bows of fire. Our horses were stricken, some of our good men fell in the assault." (More)
[20:14] <Kotono> "It was then that Bey Onur rallied us. He drew his bow and lead a counter barrage on them. Under his leadership, not even those..things could stand against us! They were sent crashing back down to the sands as we were inspired by his leadership."
01[20:18] <Jeanne> "Surely, a feat General Olburt would acknowledge as heroic!" Jeanne exclaims, wide-eyed. "Oh, I had heard rumors, of course, but I had no idea...."
[20:19] <Kotono> "Shh...." Lowering his voice and making a shhing gesture, "That right..." Taking a breath out, "We found out that they're devils. Real devils from hell!" Puffing his chest out then, "I'm a devilslayer, for one of them fell to one of my arrows."
06[20:23] * Jeanne gives him a look filled with respect that isn't even feigned. Her eyes do show concern, however, as she lowers her voice and asks, "Just how many people were lost on that raid?"
[20:25] <Kotono> "...more than I'd like to say..." He admits, lowering his eyes. "Over fourty. Their arrows were flaming bolts, setting flesh to blackened ruin."
[20:25] <Kotono> "But!" A moment later, "We still triumphed. He takes a breath out, "The enemy was bravely routed because of those brave soldiers."
06[20:26] * Jeanne nods gravely, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You were all heroes, without question."
[20:27] <Kotono> "Yes." Wali Kafi's eyes blaze bright with pride, "The Crimson Guard the stories speak of are not the only heroes...but we do not feel that we have to tell the story to every peasant in the kingdom. Hmph."
[20:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 9."12 [1d20=5]
06[20:28] * Jeanne laughs at his indignant attitude. "I'm sure that once enough time has passed, the Pasha would allow such stories to be told, to inspire future generations."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Perhaps one day," Stopping to sit back up and take a goblet of wine for himself, "Are you planning to stay in Arad now?"
01[20:31] <Jeanne> "For an extended period," Jeanne agrees, "though I could be recalled to my estate at any time, realistically speaking."
[20:34] <Kotono> "I see." Thoughtful at that, "Then the more reason to enjoy Arad while you are here." As he speaks, a man approaches. A man in a simple pair of splendid clothes, walking into Wali Kafi's view. His expression flickers into a frown, "Aaah, what misfortunate timing," he murmurs to Jeanne. "It seems my duty is going to catch up to me at a bad time. But...let us meet again?"
01[20:37] <Jeanne> "As a guest of Lady Malika, I am certain that my path will come across your own once more," Jeanne agrees, bowing to him and the approaching man. "Have a pleasant evening," she says, moving away to get a drink for herself, and then attempt to approach the jealous woman and her two friends. There could be an interesting story behind it all.
[20:39] <Kotono> On getting a drink and approaching, the three women stand near a man fanning all ofthem, silently working back and forth. HIs mucles frame is solid, wearing only white pants. "You..." the irritated woman is about thirty, pretty but starting to fade early. With that one word her gaze is ice onto Seira. "Looking to become my husband's latest conquest?" The other two are just snickering at this, watching.
06[20:42] * Jeanne joins in the snickering, before it becomes a fully-blown laugh. "And here I thought your interest was in myself, My Lady," she says with amusement. "Allow me to be the first to assure you that my interest was strictly platonic. May I offer you a drink to, shall we say, make amends?"
[20:46] <Kotono> A blush comes to the woman's cheeks, "W-what?! Where did you get that idea?" The other two women break into laughter as well, one managing to choke out, "See, Rafal? Your dearest Kafi is innocent. For once." Despite all of this, Rafal eyesing Seira. OOC - Make a diplo check?
01[20:46] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+20
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Jeanne rolls 1d20+20 and gets 33."12 [1d20=13]
01[20:47] <Jeanne> "Your gaze on me was most intent, Milady," Jeanne returns, bowing with a flourish. "I meant no disrespect with my words or actions, although our different customs might have caused the appearance of it."
[20:48] <Kotono> "Mph," Making an irritated noise low in her throat, "Very well. Let's just call it that, easterner." Her blush starts to fade, tense posture slackening.
01[20:50] <Jeanne> "Perhaps I could be instructed on whom amongst the participants of this wonderful party are unattached, and thus, could be approached for some light conversation without causing an unfortunate incident?" Jeanne asks, sounding quite sincere in her request.
[20:56] <Kotono> One of the chuckling women is very young, perhaps only twenty. She wears a few layers of silk that does nothing to hide her body at all, only giving it a slightly different colored cast. "Aaaaah. That may be wise since you're new to the palace." With a low, sultry look, "Really now, accusing most women of what you just did would end up being such a nasty squabble. But...I'm Sameh. But really, most are fine. It just happens that Rafal so l
[20:56] <Kotono> I'm Sameh. But really, most are fine. It just happens that Rafal so loves her husband taht she wants him all to herself."
01[20:58] <Jeanne> "And this is a rarity in the Fiefdoms, Sameh?" Jeanne asks curiously, even as she introduces herself. "Jeanne Inverse. Just Jeanne is fine, of course."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Love that fool? I'd rather throw rubies into a sandstorm!" Rafal retorts.
[20:59] <Kotono> "Well..." Sameh says, idly wigging her finger in the air, "The nobility has so many duties and such a hard time. Who is to argue with them if they desire another woman from time to time, as long as they keep their chosen one tolerably satisfied?"
[21:00] <Kotono> Still laughing a little, "That's not entirely true. Not everyone is like that, Sameh just has to think that way because of how she, ah, aquired her way into the palace," With a heavy snort there, the third woman smiles. "I'm Mada."
06[21:03] * Jeanne muses that Sameh is certainly dressed right if this is true. "A pleasure," she returns. "And I must say I'm glad it's not the norm. It doesn't really sound particularly fair to us, and any potential marriage might seem bleak as a result."
03[21:09] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54410195.l5.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[21:10] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[21:11] <Kotono> "Perhaps...some are happy. Of course, some..." Mada merely smiles and looks away. "Ah, such is life. At least we have ways to distract ourselves."
06[21:12] * Jeanne glances at the shirtless, muscular man fanning the ladies, and raises an eyebrow.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Aaaah, you sound like an old desert maid," Sameh jeers, "Really, at worst, you'll still living in the palace." To that eyebrow, Sameh chuckles. "No, I jsut think he's cute and wanted the enjoayable visual."
[21:13] <Kotono> Rafal still steams, though it's slowly ending. She takes a pull from her drink, "Just as long as you don't gallavant around with my husband..."
[21:14] <Kotono> "See?" Mada chuckles again, "You do love him. You're so amusingly possessive of him."
01[21:16] <Jeanne> "No to the galavanting," Jeanne affirms. "If my presence is not particularly offensive, I would be more than pleased to stay for a bit," she muses. "I'm learning quite a lot about palace life already."
03[21:17] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:24] <Kotono> "If you want...a fourth is good conversation," Mada agrees.
[21:25] <Kotono> "Certainly," Sameh chuckles once more. "REally, that was worth it, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time."
01[21:31] <Jeanne> "In such a case, I believe it would not be too impudent of me to make a small request of you two?" Jeanne addresses Sameh and Mada. "There must be quite a few amusing stories about the trials and tribulations of visitors much like myself, and it would reassure me to hear of their mishaps, thus proving that I am not the only one to do so."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Of course," Mada breaks into a smile like that, "I can tell you my own when I first came to court, too."
06[21:34] * Jeanne mirrors the smile. "I must hear of it, then."
[21:49] <Kotono> Rafal and Sameh linger as Mada smiles wistfully, "My father trained me well in manners and graces for the court. However..." Mada muses, "I had not studied hard enough." After a moment, "Wali Kafi...He was dashing and came to talk to me first. A day later I came to him and said that I was very...happy he did." As you can hear Rafal grind her teeth, "Right in front of poor Rafal."
01[21:52] <Jeanne> "It seems you've managed to settle your differences since that time, if nothing else," Jeanne notes.
[21:59] <Kotono> Brightly, "Rafal is like a puppy. She's fierce at first, but she's playful once you get nipped a few times." Sameh adds in.
01[22:00] <Jeanne> "And did you get nipped yourself, seeing as you now seem to be good friends?" Jeanne asks playfully.
[22:00] <Kotono> "She has such harsh words, they stung like bites," Mada grins.
[22:00] <Kotono> "Why do I put up with you two," Rafal sighs. "You make me sound so ridicious!"
01[22:01] <Jeanne> "And yet, it must make life colorful and filled with enjoyment!"
[22:06] <Kotono> "We survie somehow with it," Sameh jousts with a long look to Rafal. "Indeed, making the day go by is always important. There are so many of them."
01[22:09] <Jeanne> As she continues talking to the three women, Jeanne discreetly casts her eyes about to check whether anyone is showing interest in her person beyond the casual.
[22:10] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check here for reference.
01[22:11] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+2 I can't spot
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Jeanne rolls 1d20+2 I can't spot and gets 16."12 [1d20=14]
[22:18] <Kotono> A man in a loose white robe is watching Seira from afar. Bey Kerem is occasionally glancing at the new comer. Malika gives her looks from near the Pasha on occasion. The white garbed and wrapped man besides the Pasha's throne is keeping his eyes on Seira.
06[22:20] * Jeanne points out the man in the loose white rob to her companions. "It does seem like I am being stared at, again," she mentions with a smile. "Should I go and introduce myself, or am I reading the signs wrong again? Two embarrassing situations in one night would be a bit much, I think."
[22:25] <Kotono> "Oh, him," With a snort, "That Allister. He's one of the Pasha's mages, he's supposed to be keeping a watch out. He's a dear, though you won't seem him much. He's from Kelara and sunburns entirely too easily."
[22:26] <Kotono> Rafal frowns, "It means he's probably cast a spell and he's looking us over. It makes my skin crawl.
[22:27] <Kotono> "
[22:27] <Kotono> Sameh reaches out to pat Rafal's shoulder. "It's not so bad. He's probably studying poor Jeanne here since she's new. Or me. I'm sure he doesn't notice you."
01[22:31] <Jeanne> "With mages around 'studying' us in detail I can understand why you dress the way you do, at least," Jeanne mentions to Sameh. "What's the point of trying, and at least it's always warm, right?"
[22:33] <Kotono> "Aaaah," Sameh shakes her head there, "The Pasha's taking security seriously these days is all. One can never be too safe."
[22:34] <Kotono> Mada frowns ever so slightly, though she then chuckles, "The silk really isn't much, Sameh. Thena gain, someone might get the wrong idea if you covered up."
[22:34] <Kotono> Rafal snorts, "It's not important and don't let him ruin your fun."
01[22:35] <Jeanne> "There have been incidents, then?" Jeanne asks curiously, seeming to place the court mage out of her mind at Rafal's words. "Infiltrators and the like?"
[22:39] <Kotono> There's a strange stop in the conversation here. Mada and Rafal's eye's happen to meet for a split second. "There was a disturbance, but it's hardly important," Rafal speaks. "Oh yes...how about I introduce you to Bey Onur?" she says. "My husband has served under him and he's most accomplished."
01[22:42] <Jeanne> "I have heard of him from Lady Malika!" Jeanne pipes up, unable to hide her excitement. "He is your General Olburt, yes?" She coughs. "I mean, the brave and competent general in charge of the Fiefdoms' armies, a trusted vassal of the Pasha? Oh, what an honor that would be!"
[22:52] <Kotono> "Aaaah! I've heard of that Olburt as well. He served the late King Ferdi?" Rafal asks. "I believe?"
01[22:54] <Jeanne> "His service was characterized by devotion to his liege and competence," Jeanne informs her, nodding.

[Corwin]

01[19:10] <Jeanne> [22:35] <Jeanne> "There have been incidents, then?" Jeanne asks curiously, seeming to place the court mage out of her mind at Rafal's words. "Infiltrators and the like?"
01[19:10] <Jeanne> [22:39] <Kotono> There's a strange stop in the conversation here. Mada and Rafal's eye's happen to meet for a split second. "There was a disturbance, but it's hardly important," Rafal speaks. "Oh yes...how about I introduce you to Bey Onur?" she says. "My husband has served under him and he's most accomplished."
01[19:10] <Jeanne> [22:42] <Jeanne> "I have heard of him from Lady Malika!" Jeanne pipes up, unable to hide her excitement. "He is your General Olburt, yes?" She coughs. "I mean, the brave and competent general in charge of the Fiefdoms' armies, a trusted vassal of the Pasha? Oh, what an honor that would be!"
01[19:10] <Jeanne> [22:52] <Kotono> "Aaaah! I've heard of that Olburt as well. He served the late King Ferdi?" Rafal asks. "I believe?"
01[19:10] <Jeanne> [22:54] <Jeanne> "His service was characterized by devotion to his liege and competence," Jeanne informs her, nodding.
[19:12] <Kotono> "Yes," A short nod there, "Bey Onur is very loyal and very brave."
06[19:13] * Jeanne is quite eager to meet the desert hero!
[19:15] <Kotono> Thus the two move on! Bey Onur is at a table, surrounded by a few men and a few women. They're rapt in conversation, but Bey Onur stands out. He wears a breastplate and chain armor even now, a turban keeping his head wrapped. The left side of his face is burnt and scarred lightly, like injuries that couldn't quite heal all the way. Despite that, he is well kept. "Bey," Rafal slightly bows as she approaches. "I wanted to introduce you to J
[19:16] <Kotono>  "Bey," Rafal slightly bows as she approaches. "I wanted to introduce you to Jeanne Inverse from Malmuth."
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
05[19:18] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:18] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
01[19:18] <Jeanne> "I've heard quite a bit about you, Bey Onur," Jeanne adds with a smile, nodding at him in greeting.
[19:20] <Kotono> "Mmm." He merely glances at Jeanne, "You're Lady Malika's guest, aren't you?"
01[19:21] <Jeanne> "Oh yes," Jeanne agrees.
[19:27] <Kotono> Bey Onur is silent for a little time. As he is, one of the woman he was talking to looks over Jeanne. Her bearing is strong, wearing white robes and not layered silks. Her black hair is cut shortly back, only the curves of her face and slight breasts give away her gender. She then nods slightly to Bey Onur. "From Malmuth, you say? I offer condolences on recent events."
[19:27] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, slight addendum.
[19:27] <Kotono> Bey Onur is silent for a little time. As he is, one of the woman he was talking to looks over Jeanne. Her bearing is strong, wearing white robes and not layered silks. Her black hair is cut shortly back, only the curves of her face and slight breasts give away her gender. She then nods slightly to Bey Onur. "From Malmuth, you say? I offer condolences on recent events." Bey Onur says.
[19:28] <Kotono> Rafal nods respectfully to Bey Onur, "But don't take it from me. Jeanne is more than capable of speaking well, Bey."
01[19:29] <Jeanne> "Land and its possession," Jeanne muses. "Transitory things; in our hands one moment and gone the next. But not forever, perhaps?"
[19:31] <Kotono> "Perhaps." Bey Onur looks to Jean, meeting her eyes as he speaks. His eyes are brown and steady, deep. "Land is eternal, the owners are not."
[19:32] <Kotono> In the background, gentle string music plays. To the side, you can see Bey Kerem and Cemile bowing before the Pasha, talking quietly to him after.
06[19:34] * Jeanne inclines her head, accepting the point. "I must admit that from your reputation, Bey, I did not expect to meet you at such a function," she says, gesturing at the opulence. "Is this a special occasion, or was I misinformed?"
[19:37] <Kotono> "Simple chance. The Pasha invited me and who am I to turn his request down," With a faint smile that doesn't last long, "But you are correct. I'd rather be at the head of an army column," Now his smile returns just a little bit, as the female at his side smiles slightly, but still does not speak. "What of you?"
[19:38] <Kotono> There's some shuffing here, as the men near Bey Onur keep their peace but watch a little away. They're more than 5 feet away from him, save the white robed woman, who stays close. Her gaze tends to occasionally flit about.
01[19:40] <Jeanne> "I find myself enjoying the occasional deployment, but the terms of my service leave me with quite a bit of leeway," Jeanne returns, her smile that of satisfaction. "So I get to travel the world."
[19:43] <Kotono> "Ah, you are a warrior." Bey Onur rumbles on that, smile going away again like a ghost. "How well are you with the blade? Well enough to protect yourself on your travels, or do you rely on bodyguards?"
01[19:45] <Jeanne> "I fear that if I were to answer that question truthfully, Bey Onur, I would end up causing a disturbance, which Lady Malika bade me to avoid," Jeanne tells him, still smiling. "Again, your reputation does preceed you."
[19:48] <Kotono> Bey Onur doesn't even bat an eye. "Of course. Pardon me for asking such of a lady. You know the Lady Malika well?"
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
01[19:50] <Jeanne> "Not as well as I would like," Jeanne admits. "But my visit is the perfect chance to amend that, of course."
[19:51] <Kotono> As you talk, you can hear a bit of noise. Wali Kafi has returned, coming over to talk to Cemile briefly as she departs from the Pasha, as Bey Kerem stays to talk to the Pasha. Meanwhile, a group of ladies begin to slowly dance to the music around a few noblemen, laughing and teasing.
[19:52] <Kotono> "Of course. Lady Malika is wise and pleasing." For just a moment his expression rises from smoething that isn't a vaguely wary look. "You would be well benefitted to listen to her. She is wise beyond her years.":
01[19:53] <Jeanne> "That was dangerously close to mentioning a woman's age, Bey Onur," Jeanne teases him.
[19:54] <Kotono> A chuckle, "Ah, so it was. But Lady Malika is more than capable of hiding her womanly secrets even from us." He glances to the white robed woman a moment, who returns the glance. "But what of Valandia? I hear it was occupied by the United Baronies."
01[19:57] <Jeanne> "It was ceded," Jeanne agrees, "yet the one who rules over it is an honored Malmuthian."
[19:58] <Kotono> "Mmmm." There's a pause there again, "Yes, I heard something of that. That a man of the Gods ruled Malmuth? I had not heard his name...ah, I so dreadfully behind on events in the east. It's shameful for a military officer."
01[20:00] <Jeanne> "Claris, the devoted servant of Lathander," Jeanne supplies. "I've met him a few times, and he would make a good ruler."
[20:02] <Kotono> "Men of faith often possess good judgment." Onur agrees with that, "It is good to hear he is the same. However, it is all relative. The Malmuthian Empire is not on our borders, after all, the United Baronies are."
01[20:09] <Jeanne> "This is something we have in common," Jeanne agrees, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "If you don't mind me asking, how are your relations with the Baronies?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "Ah," He smiles a little bit, "Welle nough, one supposes. We trade with their westernmost cities. Yet, one cannot help notice the fearsome Crimson Guard and the honors and stories they have accrued."
01[20:14] <Jeanne> "I believe I've already suggested to Wadi Kafi the services of a very talented bard," Jeanne mentions. "Surely, your exploits are just as deserving of widespread fame!"
[20:16] <Kotono> "Why?" Bey Onur frowns, "Let fools sing of their own deeds. I have killed many fearsome beasts, but there is no reason to boast to others. I need not hollow glory nor harmful attention."
01[20:20] <Jeanne> "Would it not serve as an excellent deterrent to the aforementioned Crimson Guard?"
[20:22] <Kotono> With his own faint smile that grows, "If they wish for war, let them come. I am deterrant enough should we need to do battle."
06[20:25] * Jeanne laughs at his words. "And is it just me, or are you hoping, just a tiny bit, that they do and you could face them in combat?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "Any warrior hopes for worth foes...but..." A shake of his head there, "No matter what, I prefer peace. War is wasteful and brutish. It's not worth it...no matter how much the prizes tempt."
06[20:32] * Jeanne reigns in her mirth at that, and the nod she gives him is all the answer Jeanne feels he needs. "Ah, but I've been terribly rude," she notes, looking at the robed woman, "and have neglected your companion. She is your adjutant, I take it?"
03[20:34] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5443296f.lns5-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:34] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:35] <Kotono> "Her name is Deniz. She is my aide, yes." Bey Onur answers. "She can't talk to you - she lost her tongue in a battle many years ago."
01[20:37] <Jeanne> "It is most unfortunate," Seira responds. "We can only hope that the reemergence of magic in our world might hold the key to curing such injuries one day."
[20:37] <Kotono> "Deniz does well enough without it," Bey Onur smiles faintly to that, as Deniz bows her head to her. "But perhaps one day, yes."
01[20:39] <Jeanne> "By using magic to communicate?" Jeanne asks curiously.
[20:39] <Kotono> As the two of you talk, you can hear a familiar voice. "Oh, Bey Onur. You're talking to the belle of the ball," she says warmly. "And yoy haven't introduced me?"
06[20:42] * Jeanne turns to the source of the voice!
[20:43] <Kotono> Cemile stands behind Jeanne, smiling warmly towards Bey Onur.
[20:44] <Kotono> "Then...Cemile, this is Jeanne Inverse," Bey Onur nods momentarily, his face cast neutrally.
06[20:45] * Jeanne has no reasons to know Cemile, and bows to her in greeting. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she says, inwardly curious about Cemile's interest in her and Bey Onur's apparent dislike of the woman.
[20:47] <Kotono> Cemile's warmth is strong to Jeanne. "It is. Aaaaaah. I saw you and just realized you're new to Arad. Lady Malika permitting, perhaps we can get to know each other? I find the stories of the east to be most fascinating."
03[20:48] * KillerMaidKohakubot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
03[20:48] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
03[20:48] * Kotono sets mode: +m
01[20:50] <Jeanne> "I don't believe Lady Malika would have a problem with me making new friends here," Jeanne tells Cemile, seeming to be affected by the warm smile just a bit.
[20:53] <Kotono> Offering a soft look ot Jeanne, "Excellent. Then come to my husband, Bey Kerem's, home anytime and we can get to know each other." With a pleasing smile she bows slightly to Bey Onur and slowly walks away.
[20:53] <Kotono> Bey Onur stays mute, his face composed and expressionless.
03[20:54] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:55] <Jeanne> "It would be a pleasure," Jeanne tells Cemile as she walks away, and waits until she's gone far enough she wouldn't have much of a chance overhearing her words. "Or would it be, Bey Onur?" she asks quietly, watching the general.
[20:56] <Kotono> There is a momentary pause, "Lady Malika and Lady Cemile are not on the best of terms. It would be best to talk to her directly."
01[20:58] <Jeanne> "Ah, that would do it," Jeanne agrees. "Perhaps Lady Malika did not expect Lady Cemile to appear, and thus was not able to warn me in advance?" she muses out loud. "Is it strange to see Lady Cemile at such functions?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "It is not unusual to see her with her husband," Bey Onur does not linger on this long. "I will not pretend to dictate your own tastes on those matters, of course."
01[21:04] <Jeanne> "Of course," Jeanne agrees, before changing the topic. "I am quite curious as to the methods used in the Fiefdoms to train the troops. Would you be willing to share a few tales, so that we might learn from one another?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "I would love to, but..." Smiling a little at that, "It would not befit me to wantonly share such secrets with foreigners, even charming and well meaning ones. It would shame my station and my service even if nothing comes of it. However, war stories...those I can share."
01[21:10] <Jeanne> "It would be quite enlightening."
[21:11] <Kotono> Sitting back, "Have you ever heard of the undead, Ms Inverse?" He asks, as the music continues to strum on. A server comes by, placing down fragrant nuts and berries, as well as a haunch of meat and drink. "Those that walk after their mortal times end?"
06[21:12] * Jeanne takes a seat opposite him, opting to drink before answering. "There were a few stories of that in Valandia."
[21:14] <Kotono> "They're said to walk the sands here. Lost travellers who died of thirst in the relentless summer sun." Gravely he speaks, "I had never put much stock into those tales...utnil I was leading a company of troops from Tash to Arad. We were caught in a sandstorm and had to make the best camp we could while it raged. As it did...they came, rising up from the dunes. They made men go mad with thirst as they ripped at them with twisted, craven cl
[21:15] <Kotono> They made men go mad with thirst as they ripped at them with twisted, craven claws. Desiccated corspes, unresting and yet moving faster than in life."
[21:17] <Kotono> The men around start to smile a little at this, a few whispers. "I like this tale...oooh, this is a good one..." while the ladies pay more attention.
01[21:18] <Jeanne> "A most terrible end for a traveler," Jeanne comments, listening intently. "How did you prevail over the masses of the undead?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Each tent was under assault. It was a cowardly tactic to assault under a sandstorm...but an intelligent once and a deadly one. I was able to overcome the ones in my command tent easily enough, but I could not allow my soldiers to be undefended and unlead. I braved the sandstorm's stinging wrath and travelled from tent to tent, inspiring and leading my men in routing the terrors! With their bravery given direction, we pushed the Ashen Hus
[21:20] <Kotono> With their bravery given direction, we pushed the Ashen Husks back." (More)
[21:23] <Kotono> "However, it was not the end. In the center of our camp, the sand collapsed into a sinkhole. From this hole great fleshy tendrils came forth, seeking to drag men under! I had no choice but to leap into the hole and take the monster on directly!" His voice raises now, "Even as I was half blind from the sand, I cut tendrils all about me! I severed them even as they tried to wrap around me, cutting and rending! One tendril and then two, then
[21:23] <Kotono> One tendril and then two, then four and eight! I cut all of them until they could take no more! They withdrew, the threats retreating."
01[21:25] <Jeanne> "It sounds like a sandworm," Jeanne says in awe. "And you battled it on your own?"
[21:26] <Kotono> "Perhaps it was a sandstar...or it wasn't. I don't know what it was," Bey Onur admits. "But I battled it - with the aide of my troops. The glory is as much theirs for their bravery. I paid for it as well," he reaches up to the left side of his face, "One of the tendrils had a hold on my face here. It left those injuries behind - it was far worse at the time, for it made the remaning flesh over my left face as dry and dead as paper.""
[21:26] <Kotono> for it made the remaning flesh over my left face as dry and dead as paper."
06[21:31] * Jeanne gasps! "How horrible! Truly, a battle with not only one's life on the line, but one's subordinates as well. Rarely have I heard of something as inspiring as your triumph under those circumstances, Bey Onur!"
[21:32] <Kotono> Bey Onur doesn't crack as mile, though a hand does reach up to the left side of his face. "The desert is a hard place to live. WEre it not for the Pasha's strong rule, we would degenerate into little clusters of barbarians around the oasises. You need this sort of courage to survive and prosper here. Cowards are not welcome."
01[21:34] <Jeanne> "Nor are they welcome back home, despite, perhaps, rumors to the contrary," Jeanne agrees. "You accept certain responsibilities you cannot flee from as you enlist."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Yes. Yet none of my men did so. Some died with bravery and were given full honors. Those that survived are known as good, valorious men in the service of the Pasha." A pause here, "Did Malmuth has problems with that in the aftermath of the war?"
01[21:43] <Jeanne> "It is not an easy question to answer," Jeanne says slowly, mulling over her words. She tastes the berries laid out for them, telling him, "The armed forces are adequately trained across the board. In fact, I would appreciate it if they showed a little more flexibility; there is, after all, hardly a need to recklessly charge into battle with a mage.
01[21:43] <Jeanne> But the late King Ferdi conscripted the peasants as well, and that went as well as could be expected. Regrettably, the ordinary soldiers were no doubt slighted by assosiation."
[21:44] <Kotono> Bey Onur abstains from the food. "Mph. A big army has great power, but it's like a wild jackal. There's no control to it." Crossing his arms, "Then again, a large empire should use it's better numbers..but...hmph. It sounds like thet raining was not adequate."
01[21:46] <Jeanne> "The orders were unreasonable, and the battle plans from top down, as well," Jeanne says, keeping her voice quiet enough that anyone crowding in proximity would not overhear. "I know that General Olburt did not like his orders much, but King Ferdi had his allegience, and he was willing to follow his monarch to the bitter end."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Mm. A good soldier in a bad situation. He has my sympathy." A pause to that, looking to the Pasha. "I am not so cursed as he was then. You do not sound as if you have the highest opinion of the late King."
01[21:51] <Jeanne> "I've gotten the honor of meeting him, as well. It was near the end." Jeanne leans over across the table. "It was kept as a closely-guarded secret, but the late king was insane."
[21:52] <Kotono> "...I see..." Bey Onur lowers his voice, "That would explain the naked territorial aggression."
01[21:54] <Jeanne> "And the way he dealt with fiends before he died," Jeanne responds, lowering her own voice further. "I heard the stories; chimera who were once men, augmented to serve the king directly in his goals."
[21:55] <Kotono> This draws a long, dead silence from Bey Onur. His gaze turns harsher, "Fiends?" His lips tighten, his brow furrowing. "You mean the spawns of hell by that? Those things you describe sound like their twisted, diabolical handiwork."
01[21:57] <Jeanne> "I have no first-hand knowledge of their origins, but that is a very likely one," Jeanne agrees, nodding. "One of the things Queen Tant and the Baronies cooperated on after the war was to make certain no remnants of this forbidden knowledge remained."
[21:58] <Kotono> "They are both wise." Bey Onur is silent for a little after that, "Such dealings are...such foolishness."
01[21:59] <Jeanne> "Of course, there would be much harm if any of this were made public," Jeanne says after that. "I'm sure you understand. Popular reaction alone...."
[22:00] <Kotono> With a snort, "The public should go on believing that nothing is wrong. They have hard enough lives surviving in the desert."
01[22:02] <Jeanne> "You seem to understand, yes," Jeanne muses. "Perhaps too well, if I'm not being too pushy?"
[22:03] <Kotono> Bey Onur shakes his head, "I've had experience fighting many things," he says, and after a moment, "But I would not disgrace the Pasha's trust talking about waht I shouldn't. However...I would be careful in the deserts, Ms Inverse. Very careful right now indeed."
01[22:05] <Jeanne> "The open desert? Or, mayhap, Arad herself as well?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "In general. Just in case." With the faintest, momentary smile and his voice lowering, "It involves matters best left aside. As a token of good faith...simply be careful."
01[22:08] <Jeanne> "I will accept your words in the spirit they were given," Jeanne agrees with a smile. "Perhaps you could sate my curiousity on another matter?" she wonders. "The robe your adjutant wears is quite distinctive. Unless I am mistaken, that is the way the mages in your country dress?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "Not always, though Deniz is capable. It is her talent...and she's worked hard to manage to cast even without her voice. I believe it's called...stilled metamagic?"
[22:11] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[22:11] <Kotono> "Not always, though Deniz is capable. It is her talent...and she's worked hard to manage to cast even without her voice. I believe it's called...silent metamagic?"
01[22:13] <Jeanne> "It is a rare talent, but not an unheard one," Jeanne agrees. "Are your methods of training future mages as secretive as those for troops? I had to ask, you realize."
[22:15] <Kotono> Smiling a little, "Perhaps it is, though I don't train them. However...why all the interest? ARe you so gifted in spellcraft yourself?"
01[22:17] <Jeanne> "Only in parlor tricks, I'm afraid. The interest comes from the influx of people suddenly able to do all that and far more, and the need to organize them in cohesive units. Sadly, the only real teachers for such I have available to me are... scholars." Jeanne can't quite keep a frown off her face. "Not exactly what a soldier needs to master his gift effectively."
[22:18] <Kotono> "That would be a problem..." He looks Jeanne over. "Follow me," he says, rising.
06[22:19] * Jeanne stands up after him, ready to do as he bids.
03[22:20] * KillerMaidKohakubot is now known as Drowbot
[22:22] <Kotono> Bey Onur gets a few glances as he looks about. However, he gaze settles on Umut. He goes right to him, even as Umut is chatting with Sameh. The latter quickly smiles and departs away as Bey Onur approaches. "Ah, Bey Onur. How can I serve you?"
06[22:24] * Jeanne looks quite curious as to how Umut could serve the general, herself.
[22:26] <Kotono> "I would like a favor of you. Jeanne here confesses to some potential at magic. Would you exam her tricks and see where her talents lie? She confesses to having difficulty finding a good teacher. Pointing her in the right direction would be helpful."
06[22:27] * Jeanne can feel her eyebrows rise and beats down on the impulse mercilessly. "I will be in your debt," she tells Umut, bowing to him to gain enough time to control her expression once more.
[22:29] <Kotono> Umut raises an eyebrow as well, "Of course, Bey Onur. Your words are my command. Jeanne, is it?" Smiling to her, "Why don't you come with me and we'll talk?"
01[22:31] <Jeanne> "Thank you," Jeanne tells Bey Onur. "It seems this trip would be more fruitful than I expected." She nods at Umut's words, indicating her willingness to follow him.
[22:33] <Kotono> Umut walks away towards the walls and away from people. Once out of earshot by a goodly margin, "Ha, ha, hah. Well, isn't that a lovely bit of irony?"
01[22:35] <Jeanne> "I thought so myself," Jeanne admits. "Bey Onur misunderstood something I said, it seems, and by the time I realized...." She shakes her head. "Well, correcting him would have only caused more questions than I cared to answer. But this does give us an opportunity to be seen together," Jeanne muses. "Is there anyone present whom I haven't met yet in person, and probably should?"
[22:37] <Kotono> "Mmm. We'll cook up some results later if Bey Onur asks again. But let's see...let me reverse that first. What do you think of everyone you've met?" With a raised eyebrow, "Honestly, and without any OHMYGODIHAVENOFRIENDS social outcastery."
01[22:38] <Jeanne> "Go mate with a sandworm," Jeanne tells him with a snort. "Lady Cemile. What is at the root of her enmity with Lady Malika?"
[22:39] <Kotono> "You know, I bet they'd be wonderfully flexible," Laughing a little, "Ah, Lady Cemile. They disagree on a few salient matters of policy...and to be frank, they just don't seem to like each other much."
01[22:40] <Jeanne> "I figured as much," Jeanne mentions. "Said disagreements started long before our problem occured?"
[22:44] <Kotono> A short nod, "They've never really gotten along well. Oh, it's been a little sharper lately, but there's tension flowing because of the devils. It's made a few old grudges strained and fresh." With an easy shrug, "So it goes. Really, it's nothing more than two proverbial cats hissing at each other."
01[22:46] <Jeanne> "What about Deniz?" Jeanne asks. "Does the same hold for her talent to cast without speaking?"
02[22:48] * Sierra_ReallyDeadPleaseHelp (~Melanchth@pool-71-163-222-138.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[22:48] <Kotono> "Yes. I'm familiar with her - she uses Silent Spell metamagic to cast. It considerably limits her talent at magic, since all of her spells are effectively harder to cast. A shame that." Clicking his tongue against his teeth, "She's a trooper like that."
01[22:49] <Jeanne> "A shame," Jeanne echoes. "How competent is she?"
[22:51] <Kotono> "Third circle magic even with her voice lost...though she's just recently gotten back to that." Thinking there, "She'd be managing fourth circle otherwise. Of course, she might have higher magic and I've not seen it. But I have seen her cast Fly not long ago."
06[22:53] * Jeanne nods. "And what kind of disturbance took place in the palace recently?" she asks him next. "Something to do with intruders?"
[22:55] <Kotono> "Disturbance, who said that?" Umut asks back.
01[22:56] <Jeanne> "I asked first," Jeanne tells him with a smile.
[23:03] <Kotono> "Oh, now you're just being cross," Smiling back as he crosses his arms, "Well, I want to know so I know who you're talkin about. What might be a disturbance for one person doesn't even blip for another. Assuming it's not a devil incident anyway."
Session Close: Fri Jul 11 23:04:17 2008

Session Start: Fri Jul 11 23:04:17 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[23:04] * Disconnected
02[23:04] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[23:04] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[23:04] * Topic is 'Berjand>Seira>GIANT FUCKING SCORPION'
03[23:04] * Set by Innocent_Little_Ko on Tue Jul 01 20:44:31
03[23:05] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
03[23:05] * Drowbot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
03[23:05] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5443296f.lns5-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[23:05] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[23:05] * betamax.dejatoons.net sets mode: +aov Alicia Alicia Hatbot
03[23:05] * Kotono sets mode: +o Jeanne
[23:06] <Kotono> "Oh, now you're just being cross," Smiling back as he crosses his arms, "Well, I want to know so I know who you're talkin about. What might be a disturbance for one person doesn't even blip for another. Assuming it's not a devil incident anyway."
01[23:07] <Jeanne> "I heard mention of it while talking to Wadi Kafi's wife," Jeanne responds, not really interested in fighting over this. "It may not be that, but it was certainly enough to change the topic, and her friend Sameh did not know of it by all appearances, setting it apart from the usual gossip."
[23:10] <Kotono> "Oh...that." Umut says pointedly. "THAT. No, Sameh probably doesn't have a clue about anything that isn't long, hard and rich." Sourly glancing backwards towards the party, "Can't you tell by now? The unspoken issue in the room is about the devils. Like they're going to want to talk much about it with some new person from a foreign land. That's bad politics right there."
01[23:11] <Jeanne> "To be able to get to what we want to know, I have to learn enough to separate it from the various false positives," Jeanne says with a shrug. "As this is one of them, feel free to educate me on it. And on others you might think of."
[23:13] <Kotono> "Yeah, I doubt this is a false positive. Sameh was hanging out with Lady Rafal and Mada, I saw that. Rafal would be aware and Mada...the girl's fairly intelligent. She's certainly into palace gossip and intrigue. So there are no surprises there. Have any others you're not sure on?"
01[23:15] <Jeanne> "So what's up with that incident? Either way, it's bound to be an entertaining story."

[Corwin]

01[17:03] <Jeanne> [23:11] <Jeanne> "To be able to get to what we want to know, I have to learn enough to separate it from the various false positives," Jeanne says with a shrug. "As this is one of them, feel free to educate me on it. And on others you might think of."
01[17:03] <Jeanne> [23:13] <Kotono> "Yeah, I doubt this is a false positive. Sameh was hanging out with Lady Rafal and Mada, I saw that. Rafal would be aware and Mada...the girl's fairly intelligent. She's certainly into palace gossip and intrigue. So there are no surprises there. Have any others you're not sure on?"
01[17:03] <Jeanne> [23:15] <Jeanne> "So what's up with that incident? Either way, it's bound to be an entertaining story."
[17:09] <Kotono> "You know Bey Kerem runs the Crescent Night?" Umut asks first.
01[17:09] <Jeanne> "Your spying network?"
[17:15] <Kotono> Umut nods. "Right. He keeps his hands in a lot of pies then, as any spymaster should. Anyway, this is all unofficial. But I heard..." Umut begins. (More)
[17:19] <Kotono> "As you can imagine, devils being in our midst is something that's very relevant to Bey Kerem's interests. It undermines his position something vicious. After I failed, I hear that Bey Kerem has made a few efforts of his own to ferret out the devils. Oh, nothing official as far as I know, but little things. This is one of them." (More)
[17:40] <Kotono> "Some of the searching falls under his umbrage in other words. I hear Lady Rafal recently had a very...difficult time in the gardens one night. Rumor is that it's something the Crescent Night was involved in, though the details or even the rumor aren't spreading far. Still...Mada would probably know. She's friends with Lady Rafal and if anyone heard it, it's her."
01[17:41] <Jeanne> "That's what I figured," Jeanne agrees. "I was going to ask her, and now I have enough to narrow it down a bit. Any other incidents you know of?"
[17:42] <Kotono> "Oh, just whispers. That Wali Eure might've been into something, or that Bey Kerem's secretly working with the devils, or that the Pasha is a Horned Devil. Things like t hat. The problem is seperating the chaff from the wheat. WIth all that's happened, finding fact from fiction is tricky."
01[17:44] <Jeanne> "I'll see what I can discover," Jeanne promises. "How would I actually be able to contact Mada, if I wanted to try this in a more intimate setting?"
[17:48] <Kotono> "She has a room in the palace proper. I'd recommend just asking her, though." With a bit of as hrug there, "See if you can get her away from Sameh and Rafal."
01[17:49] <Jeanne> "That's what I figured," Jeanne says. "You know, catch her accidentally as she's returning to her room? But if you think it's best to do it here, I'll go for it. Help me with a distraction for Rafal?"
[17:51] <Kotono> "Certainly. Just move in after I do...and oh. I suppose we technically have a date tomorrow on behest of Bey Onur. I'll drop by your place before noon. Not like I'm going to actually test you rpotential or anything, but I can't act like I'm blowing off his request lightly."
01[17:52] <Jeanne> "I'm sure you can find something to teach me," Jeanne says with a wry smile.
[17:55] <Kotono> Umut chuckles, but doesn't press it. Instead he heads over to Lady Rafal. Het alks to her briefly, before Rafal and Sameh follow him away, leading Mada with her arms crossed and a vaguely piqued look festering on her face. She goes and grabs a goblet, shaking her head.
06[17:58] * Jeanne smoothly falls in step with her, holding up a goblet of her own. "Abandoned by those you call friends?" she asks, saluting Mada with her wine.
[18:02] <Kotono> "No, by that slimy little..." Muttering a few invectives under breath, "It's just Umut. Nevermind, he's...special."
01[18:06] <Jeanne> "So I hear," Jeanne agrees. "And I'm more than interested in hearing more, to have something to use against him if the opportunity presents itself."
[18:08] <Kotono> "Why..." Mada suddenb links, "Isn't that mercenary of you right off. Did yout ake a bad shine to him straightaway already?"
01[18:10] <Jeanne> "He is a bit haughty," Jeanne admits. "So he created a spell all by himself. That doesn't mean he's all that!"
[18:14] <Kotono> "Hmph." Drinking deeply from her wineglass, "He's just so damnably ...yes." She smiles a little to that.
06[18:18] * Jeanne drinks some of her own wine. "And is there a story you're just itching to share about our dear friend Umut?"
[18:20] <Kotono> "I suppose I do," she agrees after a moment, finishing her goblet up. "But if I tell you a story, I'll want a trade. That's the way things work."
01[18:22] <Jeanne> "I'm more than willing to trade," Jeanne tells her, smiling.
[18:24] <Kotono> "Mmnm...ah, why not," Smiling a little, "Let's go to the gardens then. I'm about tired of this anyway."
06[18:26] * Jeanne picks a handful of fruit as she walks by Mada's side. "I see no reason why not."
[18:34] <Kotono> Thus the two slip out of the halls! The palace is quiet this evening, the gardens mostly empty. Mada leads you to a palm tree's shade, a delicate bench of wrought metal  beneath it. The night is quiet, save for a slight wind and the sound of insects.
01[18:41] <Jeanne> "The gardens are as lovely at night as they are while illuminated by daylight," Jeanne muses, finding a comfortable place to seat herself.
03[18:46] * tiredofthis is now known as killotron-sleep
[18:54] <Kotono> Kicking back and yawning a little, "They are. But...we're not here to wax poetic over plants, are we?"
01[18:55] <Jeanne> "We could! But it would not be as rewarding in the longer run."
[18:56] <Kotono> "It wouldn't be." CLosing her eyes, "Mmmm. Jeanne?"
01[18:58] <Jeanne> "Yes?"
[19:04] <Kotono> "You wanted to know about Umut," she saysa fter a few moments.
01[19:05] <Jeanne> "It sounded like an interesting story," Jeanne admits.
[19:06] <Kotono> "Heh, heh, heh," Mada laughs. "Umut's very involved...but he has his failings, oh yes. First of all, if you ever want to get the better of him, get him drunk. He can't hold his alchol at all. Three drinks and he's running around naked and jumping into fountains."
01[19:09] <Jeanne> "That sounds quite disturbing. I'll be sure to do that should a foreign delegation arrives." Jeanne nods. "Yes, that sounds about right."
[19:10] <Kotono> "Then there's other things. He recently had a massive, complete failure in his life. He failed the Pasha by extension as well." Mada smiles just a little here.
01[19:11] <Jeanne> "Failing at life? This I've got to hear!"
[19:13] <Kotono> "Little Umut just had to find a few simple things around the palace," Mada idly plays with a lock of her hair here, chuckling. "Take care of a matter, but I hear that he failed completely. I even heard he's been mostly away from the palace, stuck with humiliating and miserable work out in the desert for it."
01[19:14] <Jeanne> "Braggart or not, how can a mage fail to find a few things, simple at that?" Jeanne asks, sounding utterly confused.
[19:33] <Kotono> "Aaaah, they're...special things," Mada plays along, starting to smile. "Tell you what.  It's something big that's going on here that has everyone worried. But, fair's fair and I shouldn't give it away lightly..." Trailing off there, "Do you have anything interesting, Jeanne?"
01[19:34] <Jeanne> "I think I could come up with something," Jeanne responds with a smile of her own. "How about the tale of King Ferdi's last stand?"
[19:38] <Kotono> "Mmm..fair enough." A short nod there. "Alright. Now, bear in mind that I didn't tell you this, but...devils. Do you know what a devil is?"
01[19:39] <Jeanne> "A fiend of terrible power!" Jeanne tells her, lowering her voice. "You don't mean--?"
[19:40] <Kotono> A short, quiet gasp, "Yes. Devils. There is reason to believe a devil has worked it's way into the palace court, perhaps having corrupted or imitating one of the nobles. Umut failed on that task and fell greatly in palace favor."
01[19:43] <Jeanne> "But, even though a mage, how could he possible find a thing so powerful?!" Jeanne protests.
[19:47] <Kotono> "Mages can detect things beyond us, or so I hear," Mada admits. "That with af ew words they can see magic or how you truly are.
[19:47] <Kotono> "
01[19:47] <Jeanne> "That's a good point," Jeanne agrees. "So he tried, and just failed? No leads whatsoever?"
[19:49] <Kotono> "Apparently so, yes," Mada smiles there, "Such a failure in an important matter won't be forgotten easily."
01[19:50] <Jeanne> "So I'd imagine," Jeanne agrees. "But that's not really a story, and certainly not one I could use to hold over him. You don't exactly bring up fiends in polite company." She leans over closer to Mada. "And that means you owe me an exciting tale filled to the brim with intrigue if you want to hear mine!"
03[19:51] * Haruka is now known as Sierra_OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC - Make ad iplo check?
01[19:53] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+20
06[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Jeanne rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29."12 [1d20=9]
[20:03] <Kotono> "Mph," Crossing her arms there, "You know, getting a secret out of someone and then balking isn't very productive."
01[20:04] <Jeanne> "My story has dragons and sentient artifacts from a time long since forgotten," Jeanne argues, trying to disarm her with a smile. "It would be quite worth the wait."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Tell you what. You tell me your story then I'll tell you another one," Mada says.
Session Close: Sat Jul 12 20:13:58 2008

Session Start: Sat Jul 12 20:13:58 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[20:13] * Disconnected
02[20:15] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[20:15] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[20:15] * Topic is 'Berjand>Seira>GIANT FUCKING SCORPION'
03[20:15] * Set by Innocent_Little_Ko on Tue Jul 01 20:44:31
03[20:15] * CC is now known as Seira
03[20:15] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
02[20:19] * Jeanne (~corwin@bzq-79-183-184-216.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[20:20] <Seira> Jeanne's smile turns amused. "Alright, then," she agrees, standing up and handing her wine goblet to Mada. "In that case, I might as well go all out, don't I?" And thus, a tale is spun, of soldiers facing off against the Malmuthian king,
01[20:20] <Seira> who brings them to their knees as his fiendish chimera converge on them, as they fight bravely and how the heavens themselves send a dragon to their aid, and even of General Olburt protecting his fallen monarch even after bearing witness to his madness, out of his strong loyalty, and finally driving the invaders away from Malmuth, though it was certainly a phyrric victory for him.
03[20:20] * Seira is now known as Jeanne
[20:29] <Kotono> Mada listens to all the words, her attention fully on Jeanne as she finishes. At the end of it, she claps, "That was a good story. It was much about our eastern neighbors. Did you see of it firsthand?"
01[20:31] <Jeanne> "My knowledge is pretty much second-hand," Jeanne admits, as she had hardly been herself at the time. "I suppose you could say I saw the dragon. It was kind of hard to miss flying in Valandia's skies, although some later tried to deny the event."
[20:36] <Kotono> "That would be true," Mada admits after a moment. "What color was the dragon?"
01[20:38] <Jeanne> "Majestic gold," Jeanne informs her. "Well? Does the story warrant one equally captivating in return?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "I have to admit it does." Tapping her lips thoughtfully, "I told you about those devils before, yes? How about I tell you about a the time I saw a devil with my own eyes?"
01[20:45] <Jeanne> That certainly gets Jeanne's attention! "You don't say," she murmurs, sitting back right next to Mada.
[20:49] <Kotono> "Yes. For you see, the reason we know there is a devil in the court is because we captured one who was attempting the same." Mada pauses here, "The Pasha had discovered that there were devils in our midst, so he took decisive, overwhelming action. Inspectors and mages came forth, trying to ferret it out. It happened in this very garden," Gesturing, "Under a palm tree next to a spring. The devil's disguises were dispelled and those of us c
[20:49] <Kotono> The devil's disguises were dispelled and those of us close saw it for what it was." (More)
[20:52] <Kotono> "He was...gorgeous..." Mada sighs, "He was like a man, but his skin was green and he had wings of black. For a moment everyone was surprised...and that's when I saw him. I'll never forget it. His face was so haugty and so alluring at once. His eyes were red like an inferno flecked with black stones. It's strange...but afterwards, I thought more of an angel than a devil. Not that it mattered, for the wizard and the ample guards with him we
[20:52] <Kotono>  Not that it mattered, for the wizard and the ample guards with him were able to rush it before it could even get off the ground."
01[20:53] <Jeanne> "So he was impersonating someone from the palace crowd?" Jeanne asks, filing the information away.
[21:01] <Kotono> "A lady of the Pasha's court - Annabelle from the east." An answer there, "I saw them subdue it, knock it unconcious and take it away. It was quite the stir."
[21:02] <Kotono> After a moment, "That's the twisted part of it. It was acting as a woman while it was male," she adds. "Ugh."
01[21:04] <Jeanne> "Devils don't really have genders the way we do," Jeanne can't help but comment. "I'm not an expert by any means, but from what I've read, to fiends, gender is pretty much a state of mind." Pausing, she asks, "Did anyone ever find out what happened to Annabelle?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "Interesting," Mada considers, "Very interesting. It makes that little ruse make more sense. But...she's dead. He, she it, whatever. The Pasha got information out of it eventually and then had it slain."
01[21:07] <Jeanne> "Then why would anyone think there are more?" Jeanne asks in surprise.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Apparently, the inforation gotten out of it indicates such," Mada replies.
01[21:18] <Jeanne> "And so, a heavy shadow has been cast over the court," Jeanne murmurs. "Does it mean that the devil was impersonating this eastern girl from the start, and not merely assumed her identity? How long has she been here before being discovered?"
[21:28] <Kotono> "A year," Mada answers. "So you can see why the entire court is rather wary."
01[21:29] <Jeanne> It simple doesn't add up. "Did Annabelle had any close friends?" Jeanne asks instead of pursuing that other train of thought. "I would have expected the Pasha to have those questioned as well."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Yes. Of course people were questioned...but it seemed to have slipped in near seamlessly, or seamlessly entirely. I heard there weren't many signs about it..." Shaking her head, "I don't know everything that was found, of course."
01[21:34] <Jeanne> "I suppose it wouldn't be made public, in any case," Jeanne agrees. "Now, rumors? That's a different story. What I don't quite get is how this devil was found out. His disguises sound formiddable; was it truly a stroke of luck, or did he -- she, I suppose -- act suspiciously previously to that?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "I don't know. The wizards had tested many, but they came down on Annabelle with a fierceness. I imagine that others may know..." After a moment, she chuckles in the night. "To be honest, I've been trying to find out. Bey Kerem wouldn't bite on any of my subtle questions, though."
01[21:40] <Jeanne> "I believe the matter calls for a little conspiracy of our own," Jeanne says with a conspiratorial smile. "Bey Kerem's wife just happened to publicly invite me over, and I could try to see if she knows anything. Of course, like with the stories, it wouldn't be fair to do all that work on my own for no return...."
[21:46] <Kotono> "So what's the other end of that thought, then?" Mada asks, looking to Jeanne's eyes.
01[21:48] <Jeanne> "I'm thinking that doing something even a mage couldn't do, something that would please the Pasha greatly, would be quite the achievement," Jeanne tells her with a smirk. "So we have someone who's familiar with the court and the way it's run. We also have an outsider who could look at things with a fresh perspective. Why not give it a try? We'll share in the rewards."
[21:51] <Kotono> "I like the way you're thinking about this," MAda taps at her chin again, looking upward to the palm tree, "I do have one desire as we agree to that, however."
01[21:52] <Jeanne> "And it would be?"
[21:55] <Kotono> "Who the hell are you working for or what are you working towards." With her own amused smile, "Like hell I believe a simple visiting noblewoman would be going this far and this fast to dig into the palace intrigues. You're really good, too. You've got a tongue like silver."
01[21:57] <Jeanne> "It's really up to you what you believe, but if a smart woman like you gives it a bit of thought, I'm sure you won't have trouble coming up with an answer," Jeanne tells her calmly.
[22:08] <Kotono> "Oh, I could make a few guesses," Mada retorts.
01[22:09] <Jeanne> "By all means." Jeanne spreads out her arms. "Give it your best?"
[22:13] <Kotono> "I'd say Malmuth. They have a lot to gain if they get the Pasha's respect. A two front war could crush the Baronies before they could really win and Valandia could be reclaimed." She ticks off a finger, "Yo ucould also be working for Lady Malika, who introduced you to the Pasha. Or...you could be a devil from the north." With an amusedly wary look, "Who's looking to steal my soul."
01[22:15] <Jeanne> "Two out of three isn't bad, I suppose," Jeanne muses. "I am working with Lady Malike at her behest, yes, but I can't deny having a motive of my own. I'm afraid I'm not a devil, however, so your soul is quite safe for the moment. However, none of this really diminishes from my offer or the potential rewards it could bring to us both."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Mph." Crossing her arms, "So you're working for Lady Malika and Malmuth?" MAda pauses a moment, before a smile crosses her lips. "I accept then. Having Lady Malika in my debt would be extremely useful. Of course...I'd watch out for Abidin if I were you."
01[22:19] <Jeanne> "So I've gathered," Jeanne agrees. "Do you think there's more into this besides internal politics?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "I've heard...rumors of something that happened to the north," Quietly, "That's all I know, but I hear that Malika and Abidin are in conflict over there."
01[22:24] <Jeanne> "Rumors of a devil invasion, you mean?" Jeanne suggests, judging Mada's reaction to her words.
[22:26] <Kotono> "..that's the whisper of it," Mada says after a moment's hesitation. "Something went wrong in the north. Very wrong."
01[22:28] <Jeanne> "It stands to reason that the devil trying to infiltrate the court came during that time, and that is why I wanted to know about Annabelle and any of her friends, as well as whether she was exhibiting any signs of... well, a new personality, I suppose. And it would be even more interesting to find out whether she was the only one."
[22:30] <Kotono> "No, not that I noticed." There's a pause here, Mada seeming to think. "Wali Eure got looked at, I know that, but he was cleared. Wali Jeze died as well. But neither of those are real changes of personality...unless you count relations between Abidin and Lady Malika going tenser."
06[22:32] * Jeanne shrugs. "I know about all those, and I suppose I'm not the only one, so it can't be that easy. I... don't suppose anyone tried dispelling Abidin and seeing what happens?"
[22:33] <Kotono> "The Pasha ensured they were tried," she answers. "Thought if it included 'dispelling' is beyond my knowledge."
01[22:35] <Jeanne> "It's pretty much a brute force approach that might well give the best results," Jeanne explains. "Well. Now that we've reached an understanding, do you see a glaring flaw in my intent to go and talk to Lady Cemile?"
[22:36] <Kotono> "No, not really." Mada shakes her head, "In fact, I wish you well. Everyone's tense about this situation."
06[22:37] * Jeanne nods at that. "Anything particularly suspicious about her, come to think of it?"
[22:40] <Kotono> "No...she's always so open and friendly. She'll invite someone over at the drop of the hat. It's odd that Bey Kerem's wife is like that, considering his work." Mada faint smiles. "It's unusual to see her not get along with someone...though she certainly doesn't get along with Lady Malika at all."
01[22:43] <Jeanne> "It happens," Jeanne says sagely. "I'll see about paying her a visit tomorrow and whether I could learn anything. But on the Abidin front... is there a way to get introduced to him? It might be interesting to see in person whether there's anything else to the tension with Lady Malika."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Go dig up Wali Hakim. He seems to have skipped out tonight. I know he's on good terms with Abidin. In particular, you can find him at his estate, if you can get him to accept your visit."
01[22:46] <Jeanne> "I don't suppose you would know of an in, there? A way for me to improve my chances of getting accepted?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Well, he doesn't like Umut much either. He's very quiet and thoughtful. Something of a scholar, though he likes going riding enough to ensure he's not seen as a limp wristed effete. I'd appeal to his brains, he's not particularly suspectable to womanly charms or anything too obviously overt."
01[22:51] <Jeanne> "I can do that," Jeanne says, nodding. "Okay. I'll try to touch base with you tomorrow, then, and we'll see where we go from there."
[22:52] <Kotono> "I'll be in the gardens all afternoon," Mada nods, then yawns. "Aaah...perhaps I should call this a night. It's been a long day."
01[22:53] <Jeanne> "Sounds like a plan," Jeanne agrees. "I'll follow up on it myself in a bit, once I've admired the gardens enough."
[22:54] <Kotono> "Good night then, Jeanne," Mada looks to her once more, before departing into the night...OOC - Ball's in your court for the moment.
06[22:57] * Jeanne decides to call it a night, for now. Once she has more information, she could actually try to sneak about the palace at night, but that can certainly wait a day.
[22:57] <Kotono> OOC - Going home then?
01[22:57] <Jeanne> OOC: They gave me a room, right? I'll be there.
[22:57] <Kotono> OOC - At the temple, you mean?
01[23:00] <Jeanne> OOC: In the palace, as Malika's guest?
[23:00] <Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 13."12 [1d20=2]
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 3d6+4+12d6
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6+4+12d6 and gets 50."12 [3d6=6, 1, 4][12d6=1, 2, 6, 6, 4, 1, 1, 4, 2, 2, 2, 4]
[23:02] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 91."12 [1d100=91]

[Corwin]

[17:01] <Kotono> ----
[17:04] <Kotono> The next day is a windy one. Bits of grit and sand stir in the air, the desert's fury in a slow, teasing rumble this morning. Amid this and once properly ensorcelled, Jeanne departs for the estate of Wali Hakim. It is a secluded place, a small mansion with a tall stone fence around it. You can't see much of it, the stone wall and then lush trees in the yard proper preventing a seriously good view. Stout white robed guards stand at the sin
[17:04] <Kotono>  Stout white robed guards stand at the single gate in the stone wall, keeping a persistant, alert guard.
06[17:07] * Jeanne heads straight for the entrance, walking leisurely.
[17:09] <Kotono> AS Jeanne approaches, the guard stay in position, interposing. They don't react until she gets fairly close, looking her over carefully. "Ahead is the estate of Wali Hakim. No sightseeing or tresspassers."
01[17:12] <Jeanne> "I merely wish to pay Wali Hakim my respects," Jeanne informs the guards. "Rumors of his keen intellect have traveled far, enough to even catch my ear all the way in Malmuth. Would it be possible to deliver my best wishes to the Wali and humbly request an audience?"
[17:13] <Kotono> "I see. Wali Hakim is a busy man. But..." One of the white robed guards looks Jeanne over, smiling. "Maybe you can...make a good reason to go visit him to us?"
01[17:16] <Jeanne> "I am not that kind of woman!" Jeanne protests, suddenly angry. "I am appalled that you would even suggest this! To me, a personal guest of Lady Malika! She would hear of this insult, trust my words! You--" Jeanne gestures at the smiling guard impersiously. "--what is your name?"
[17:18] <Kotono> "Aaah...." He blinks at Seira's protest, "Quasim."
01[17:19] <Jeanne> "I will remember this," Jeanne says angrily. "And your master, the honored Wali Hakim, he will also learn of this incident!" she vows.
05[17:23] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Jeanne invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[17:23] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[17:23] * Jeanne sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[17:23] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+23
06[17:23] * Hatbot --> "Jeanne rolls 1d20+23 and gets 36."12 [1d20=13]
[17:25] <Kotono> The guard takes a long, gulping breath at Seira's words. He puts on a biiiig smile, holding up his hands. "Lady Jeanne, perhaps there was a...misunderstanding. I meant no offense, but perhaps something was lost in our words."
[17:25] <Kotono> OOC - Ack.
[17:26] <Kotono> The guard takes a long, gulping breath at Seira's words. He puts on a biiiig smile, holding up his hands. "Lady Jeanne, perhaps there was a...misunderstanding. I meant no offense, but perhaps something was lost in our words." He takes another long breath out, shaky smile spreading, "I'll have a page ask Wali Hakim if he wishes to see you."
06[17:27] * Jeanne looks down at the man, relative heights nonwithstanding. "Alright," she says after a pregnant pause. "Perhaps... this was all a misunderstanding. The language barrier, local idioms... yes, perhaps."
[17:28] <Kotono> "Yes." Quasim goes behind the gate briefly, talking to someone there. Thereafter he returns, "Just wait a few minutes, Lady Jeanne. Wali Hakim is not in the habit of tardy replies."
06[17:29] * Jeanne nods, and carries herself as if she's still upset, deep down.
[17:31] <Kotono> It takes about ten minutes for the page to return. There's some brief nodding, before, "Wali Hakim will see you. He only requests that you not take too long, as he is rather busy today."
01[17:32] <Jeanne> "Of course," Jeanne agrees, sounding pleased.
[17:37] <Kotono> To that, the gate opens. Jeanne is lead past the wooded yard and inside. Here a rather austere, simple mansion awaits. There are no glittering jewels, the grounds large but ulitarian. (More)
02[17:38] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) Quit (Client exited)
03[17:39] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54479783.wfd84b.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[17:40] <Kotono> Wali Hakim sits in a large room that takes up most of the back of the first floor. This room is dominated by a large pool, deep enough to swim comfortably in. Chairs are set around it, fine marble laid in. It's almost like a bath house, though no one bathes here. Instead, Wali Hakim rests here. He is a severe looking man, skin stretched a little too far and tanned lightly. He wears soft silken clothes of a more eastern cut, like something
[17:41] <Kotono>  He wears soft silken clothes of a more eastern cut, like something you'd see in the Baronies or Malmuth, instead of looser robes. Sitting next to the pool, Wali Hakim has his eyes half closed. The sound of moving water is subtle and relaxing. Stacked around him are several books, as well scrolls and stray bits of paper.
01[17:42] <Jeanne> "Thank you for taking the time to see me out of your busy schedule, Wali Hakim," Jeanne speaks, bowing deeply. "It is a great privilege and honor to meet someone as knowledgeable as yourself."
[17:43] <Kotono> "I'm sure." With a wave of his hand, "Are you seeking knowledge then? I can do a sage's work if you're willing to pay adequately."
01[17:50] <Jeanne> "I can certainly see such cooperation in the future," Jeanne agrees, seeking out a seat next to him. "For the moment, I wished for some intellectual conversation. And, above all, to meet you in person. Finding someone capable of discussing the ancient history of our world can be quite a daunting task."
[18:30] <Kotono> Wali Hakim turns to Jeanne after she sits, offering a hand to her. "Ah, are you a student of history?"
01[18:33] <Jeanne> "A student, yes," she agrees. "I am particularly interested in the differences between the world as it is now, and as it had been in the past, before the wastelands consumed so much terrain."
[18:35] <Kotono> "Mmmm." There is a moment there, "You think that the wastes were once fertile?" Wali Hakim asks. "You say it like you think it was something that happened, not something that always was."
01[18:38] <Jeanne> "Quite so," Jeanne agrees. "A prized tome fell into my hands a few months ago, which told-- well, to fully recap it we would need more than several minutes. However, it also held a map of the world at that time, and it was quite different from what I knew at the time. I needed no better motivation, and have since endeavored to learn more."
[18:41] <Kotono> "Mmmm.  You're right on that count, at least. I've seen evidence in old records that the world wasn't so barren before." Wali Hakim starts to smile a little at that, "You're very fortunate that you came on such a book. The records of it are scarce."
01[18:44] <Jeanne> "It pays to have friends in high places." Jeanne returns the smile. "And unlike said friends, I am a big believer in cooperation. After all, knowledge would never be truly contained for long by merely one country. Research can never truly progress if each side hoards over what it has learned.
01[18:44] <Jeanne> And when both sides, who are quite friendly to begin with, come even closer with the sharing of this knowledge, both end up benefitting."
[18:49] <Kotono> "Mmm." Wali Hakim is quiet at first, "You're right about that. Knowledge is forgotten if no one spreads it. Tell me then, what did you learn?"
01[18:53] <Jeanne> "That the gods once blessed the land, before a cataclysm." Jeanne frowns. "I'm not certain whether it was a natural catastrophe, or of otherworldly nature, but it made waves on the ancient world. Wars with terrible weapons and magics were being fought all over, entire empires crumbled into dust, forgotten...
01[18:53] <Jeanne> and as entire populations were wiped out, those same unimaginable forces tore the very substance of the world that sustains life, damaging it to such degree that it still hasn't recovered." Jeanne observers him. "Does what you know corroborate my book, Wali Hakim?"
[18:57] <Kotono> "I've read things to the same effect, yes," Wali Hakim replies. "The wastes to the south were once fertile lands."
01[18:59] <Jeanne> "It is as I have suspected," Jeanne agrees. "Do you know of others? I believe there was more, past Kelara. And in what is now a bay by our border with the Baronies."
[19:04] <Kotono> "There's other lands to the north, past Kelara. There's all that jungle eventually, then lands like Kesse. Of course, the jungle may as well be wasteland for most..." Wali Hakim murmurs a few tones lower than the rest of what he said. "But...yes. I read once that the Bay of Sparkling Stars was relatively recent.
01[19:05] <Jeanne> "My own research suggests it is likely it was the source of the calamity, created by the impact of a star." Jeanne shrugs. "It's difficult to say how much truth there is in those tales, of course."
[19:08] <Kotono> "Of course. The stories and records that have survived this long are often second and third hand reports, which may also have inaccuracies." Sitting up a little more now, "Realistically, no one ever really knows exactly what happened that far in the past unless they lived it. Unless you're a dragon or a being not of this world, no one lives that long. Soo..." With a light, easy shrug there. "That's what makes history like solving a jigsaw
[19:09] <Kotono> "That's what makes history like solving a jigsaw puzzle."
01[19:11] <Jeanne> "I couldn't agree more," Jeanne says, leaning slightly forward. "Ane even if you are such a being not of this world, your perception will ultimately be different from ours. Short of traveling through time, we must resign ourselves to completing the jigsaw puzzle you spoke of."
[19:14] <Kotono> "Interestingly, it's not possible. Time travel, anyway. I paid a greater sage than I to research it. Apparently it's forbidden by the Gods." With an amused look there, "Not even magic can do it. So yes, I focus entirely on the jigsaw puzzle now."
06[19:16] * Jeanne laughs at his words. "Forgive me for the outburst," she says afterwards, "but I have done this exact thing. And gotten the same answer, too, as it so happens!"
[19:18] <Kotono> Wali Hakim cracks a smile, though he doesn't laugh. "Ah, if we'd only found each other earlier. It would have saved us good gold thrown to the sages."
01[19:19] <Jeanne> "And a healthy bit of humiliation, I'll wager," Jeanne muses with a smile of her own. "My expert was brutally honest about what he thought of my question."
[19:24] <Kotono> "Mine was more polite, but I think he was afraid of offending me," Cracking a bigger smile at that, "I've had stranger researched, anyway."
01[19:24] <Jeanne> "Oh?" Jeanne looks interested. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't even the tiniest bit curious."
[19:34] <Kotono> "Most of them mean little out of context, but one? I once researched if it was possible to make a machine that could fly. It's patently absurd and I was told as much, but..." Slightly smiling again, "
[19:34] <Kotono> OOC - GAh.
[19:34] <Kotono> "Most of them mean little out of context, but one? I once researched if it was possible to make a machine that could fly. It's patently absurd and I was told as much, but..." Slightly smiling again, "I know magic can do it, but not so much raw metal and stone."
01[19:36] <Jeanne> "But a magical alloy, or a lasting enchantment...." Jeanne thinks about it. "While prohibitively expensive, it could be possible. I don't recall reading about one in my texts, so it would be a truly innovative idea, if implemented. Ah! To think that we might not only regain our past glory one day, but move past that!"
[19:38] <Kotono> "It's possible with magic, but the prices are prohibitive. With that sort of money, you could perhaps even obtain something to let you go from place to place in a blink of the eye," So answering that with a dismissive shrug, "PErhaps if there were more wizards it would be possible one day."
01[19:41] <Jeanne> "I did notice that more seem to be appearing recently in our lands," Jeanne comments. "The same has been true elsewhere as well, from what I've heard in my travels." Returning to the previous topic, she asks, "Would it be possible to see your research into the matter of flying devices, Wali Hakim? It could prove most enlightening."
[19:53] <Kotono> "If you wish. It's largely worthless," Wali Hakim waves his hand.
01[19:56] <Jeanne> "Perhaps, all it needs is a fresh approach," Jeanne voices. "It is a shame that we lack the time today to discuss such ventures further," she continues, her voice regretful. "I suppose I was lucky to receive even a brief audience as this on such short notice. Would it be possible for us to reschedule, Wali Hakim, so that we would have all the time in the world to discuss its hidden mysteries at leisure?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "Come back in a few days. I'm supposed to be finishing some research for a friend," With a gesture at the books around him, "I'm still mulling it over as we speak."
01[20:01] <Jeanne> "Confidential research?" Jeanne asks in her best professional tone. "If not, perhaps it is a matter I have come across in my own studies."
03[20:06] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Sierra_OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT
[20:12] <Kotono> "Sorry, it is." With a faint, passing smile, "It's about nothing in this world, anyway. It's not dreadfully interesting unless you're particularly morbid."
01[20:14] <Jeanne> "Not as such, no," Jeanne admits. "But then, I do lack in morbid friends."
[20:17] <Kotono> "Then it's a matter not to worry of," Wali Hakim looks now, "So yes, come back in a few days when you have leisure and we can discuss things in more depth."
06[20:22] * Jeanne stands up, bowing. "Most certainly. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Wali Hakim."
[20:35] <Kotono> "Yes...you said you were from Malmuth?" He presses forward a moment.
01[20:37] <Jeanne> "Yes," Jeanne responds. "I've spent most of my life in Valandia, though recent events caused me to relocate towards Gulnan."
[20:43] <Kotono> "I see. Until we meet again then, Jeanne,"
01[20:44] <Jeanne> "Until then," she agrees, ready to be lead outside.
[21:16] <Kotono> Leaving away from Wali Hakim's house, Seira heads to meet with Lady Cemile. Bey Kerem's estate is how she remembers it, being led inside to the same opulent room that she met with them only several days before. Here Cemile reclines in luxury, waiting...
06[21:18] * Jeanne enters, all smiles!
[21:23] <Kotono> "Ah, Jeanne," Cemile calls as she sees Jeanne. "Do come in and rest yourself. I heard it was getting dreadfully sandy out there and that we may have a sandstorm by tomorrow."
01[21:26] <Jeanne> "It was quite windy," Jeanne agrees. "But I've experienced worse traveling to Arad, as it happens." She finds a comfortable seat opposite Cemile.
[21:32] <Kotono> "Aaah, sandstorms," With a dismissive gestures, she summons a servant who brings her a glass of water. "The perfect excuse for an intimiate party of just a few dozen close friends, away from all the nastiness outside."
01[21:33] <Jeanne> "Of course," Jeanne agrees, asking, "But is this a mere figure of speech, or have you invited more of your friends, Lady Cemile?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "Oh, not yet. I am perhaps pondering it," Smiling easily, "I know the most amazing guest recently. One of the Crimson Guard was in town from the Baronies. Not that you would be interested, of course.
01[21:44] <Jeanne> "No, of course not," Jeanne responds with a smile. "Whyever would I be interested in a powerful neighbor visiting another land, or what they are up to in it?"
[21:54] <Kotono> ""Of course," Drolly smiling back, "She was most magnificent. She appears more as a dragon than a human now, yet possesses a strange, alluring charisma and quick words."
01[21:55] <Jeanne> "You speak of Seira, then," Jeanne states, leaning back in the luxurious setting. "Is she, by chance, still in Arad?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "I believe so. I hear she's staying in the Temple of Waukeen here, as she worships that Goddess," With an easy drink of her water, "To b ehonest, I found her fascinating."
01[22:00] <Jeanne> "I am somewhat tempted to visit, myself," Jeanne admits, continuing to speak to herself. "There really shouldn't be any harm in it...."
[22:11] <Kotono> "Mmm. Perhaps not, perhaps so. Not that I would cast aspirations onto Seira, but she is clearly competent and able to protect herself vigorously should there be any sort of misconception." W ith a faint smile, "She's very accomplished."
01[22:12] <Jeanne> "I assure you that I have no desire for any such misconception," Jeanne says with a smile. "Even if I judged my chances to be better than they doubtlessly are."
[22:23] <Kotono> "Good then. I'd hate to have an incident in the city," Smiling easily now, "Come now though, what really brings you to Arad? IT isn't to hear me gush about the Crimson Guard, si it?"
01[22:24] <Jeanne> "To strengthen our ties with the Fiefdoms, or course," Jeanne responds instantly. "After all, we do share a neighbor."
[22:36] <Kotono> "Aaaah." Closing her eyes to smile, "Perhaps, perhaps. We do, one that is quite on the rise. This hasn't escaped our attention, either."
01[22:37] <Jeanne> "Nor ours, obviously," Jeanne muses, "although Queen Tant is not quite as militaristic as her predecessor."
[22:50] <Kotono> "I heard." Smiling slightly again, "How is the new Queen? I hear she's well aged."
01[22:51] <Jeanne> "Regrettably, I am not in the Queen's inner circle," Jeanne responds diplomatically, trying to sidestep the issue of her age. "But I do have a few... indirect connections."
[22:53] <Kotono> "That is interesting. It's just that Queen Tant is an enigma to us, save for ending the war. WE're naturally curious."
01[22:55] <Jeanne> "Well...." Jeanne looks conflicted. "In that case, let me say that if, hypothetically, Queen Tant were actively encouraging others seeing her as a mysterious persona, for me to contradict her wishes this blatantly would not be prudent."
[23:01] <Kotono> "Oh, of course," With a sagacious nod there, "Prudence must be maintained."
01[23:04] <Jeanne> "I'm sure, however," Jeanne says slowly, a teasing smile on her lips, "that someone like yourself, Lady Cemile, is more than capable of keeping things to herself. And we all have our little curiousities; it is part and parcel of what makes us human. I suppose I could be persuaded to divulge a few tidbits, just between the two of us."
[23:11] <Kotono> "Mmmmm. That would be most appreciated," Lady Cemile watches on, "Information is so hard to come by."
01[23:13] <Jeanne> "Quite so," Jeanne agrees, making no move to be the first to spin a tale for Lady Cemile. "And so precious when you have it."
[23:21] <Kotono> "Isn't it...?" Lady Cemile lets it hang in the air just a little bit.
01[23:23] <Jeanne> "Why, unless I am reading the situation wrong, I am not the only one hoping to come out of this pleasant meeting enlightened in several ways," Jeanne ventures, intent on placing the ball firmly in the other woman's court. "Of course, it would not be the first time a misunderstanding occured due to our differing cultures. In such a case, I offer my sincerest apologies, Lady Cemile."
[23:28] <Kotono> "Of course not," Smiling right back at Jeanne's pleasant words, "You're curious about the Baronies?"
01[23:29] <Jeanne> "I'm curious about a lot of things," Jeanne returns, smiling back quite easily.