210.2 Seira and the Rogues of Arad

[Corwin]

01[21:26] <Jeanne> [23:11] <Kotono> "Mmmmm. That would be most appreciated," Lady Cemile watches on, "Information is so hard to come by."
01[21:26] <Jeanne> [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."
01[21:26] <Jeanne> [23:21] <Kotono> "Isn't it...?" Lady Cemile lets it hang in the air just a little bit.
01[21:26] <Jeanne> [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."
01[21:26] <Jeanne> [23:28] <Kotono> "Of course not," Smiling right back at Jeanne's pleasant words, "You're curious about the Baronies?"
01[21:26] <Jeanne> [23:29] <Jeanne> "I'm curious about a lot of things," Jeanne returns, smiling back quite easily.
[21:28] <Kotono> "Well then...I suppose I could help you with some things," Smiling easily now, "My dearest husband is swimming in secrets, you must understand. I would be remiss as a wife if I did not help him with those."
01[21:29] <Jeanne> "He is quite lucky to have someone like you aiding him," Jeanne notes.
[21:35] <Kotono> "Such words!" Letting a blush come to her face, "I hardly deserve them. No matter. However, a matter does...concern me." Taking a moment to look to Seira, "You do seem to get along entirely well with Lady Malika."
01[21:37] <Jeanne> "A good way to put it is that Lady Malika recognizes the benefits of assosiating with me," Jeanne responds to that. "And my own interest in forming an excellent working relationship should be quite clear to the most casual observer, much less someone of your observational skill."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Naturally..." Smiling easily at that, "But perhaps some work for the common good is acceptable. Tell me then Jeanne, what is it you want to know?" Lying back easily now, arms spread aboveher head, "You're most interesting for a traveller. If I didn't know better, I'd say that talen ti fleeing the crumbling empire."
[21:41] <Kotono> *talent is
01[21:47] <Jeanne> "I suppose it would seem crumbling to outsiders," Jeanne acknowledges. "However, even if it were to fragment, each of the pieces would easily remain an important player in local affairs. And, perhaps, beyond. Quite a few seem to bring up the recent conflict with the Baronies, for example, without remembering that they used to be a fragment of the empire, once upon a time.
01[21:47] <Jeanne> If they succeeded, well... why couldn't such a feat be replicated?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "Aaaah. I see. But do go on," Gesturing lightly, "Don't let rhetorical questions stop you, I'd rather hear it all first."
03[21:51] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5447d758.wfd92.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
01[21:53] <Jeanne> "Hear all about my plans to gather foreign support for the unfortunate occasion when the empire might end up crumbling, and factions will fight over the bits and pieces?" Jeanne asks innocently. "As it happens, I would also rather listen of your experiences with the Crimson Guard and the Baronies than speak without pause."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Well, we could supply certain aides, assuming the Baronies don't block trade routes or interfere. Obviously, the positions of it make direct support...difficult. It would depend on the region as well. Of course, more indirect support could be arrainged."
01[21:58] <Jeanne> "Do you have anything particular in mind?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Perhaps, if the situation was right, the Pasha would be willing to send a few skilled men in his service to aid a nation through it's birthing struggles. Or, if needed, to help smother a nation in it's cradle."
06[22:00] * Jeanne nods. "It's certainly something to keep in mind if the opportunity arises."
[22:01] <Kotono> "Do you believe passionately in that cause yourself?" Asking that as she sits up, "Or is this simply your duty?"
01[22:03] <Jeanne> "I don't see any harm in saying it, so...." Jeanne shrugs. "I come first, so duty is duty, but up to a certain point. Some, like your Bey Onur, would probably not understand."
[22:06] <Kotono> "Mmm. An interesting answer," Musing on that and tapping her lips thoughtfully, "My husband can be a man of great passion when he is so motivated. Real energy, real vitality...it can change the world in the right person."
01[22:09] <Jeanne> "I suppose it can," Jeanne finds herself agreeing. "We all have our strengths." She seems to think about her next words for a bit. "It hasn't escaped my notice that there is a certain... strain in your relationship with Lady Malika. Would my own endeavors with her present a problem in any possible future cooperation?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "Mmm. We're not the best of friends, no," With a sad look there, shaking her head mournfully, "I do admit that it gives me pause..."
01[22:11] <Jeanne> "From your answer, would I be correct to surmise that you might wish things were different between you two?" Jeanne asks curiously.
[22:12] <Kotono> "In a perfect world, we would all be friends." Letting her shoulders rise in a shrug, "Ah well. No, not particularly, as much as it pains me. Were reconciliation easy, we would have done it already."
01[22:14] <Jeanne> "I agree," Jeanne comments. "Yes, in a perfect world, it would be easy. In reality, it would take considerable effort, such as helping Lady Malika out with something she values very highly, something she wishes desperately to attain." Sneaking a look at Cemile, Jeanne continues, "It just so happens that I know of one such matter."
[22:15] <Kotono> "Oh?" Cemile asks, "What is this matter, then?" She leans forward a little, curious. "You were introduced as her guest, after all."
01[22:17] <Jeanne> "Yes, I am quite literally the Lady's guest, and as such, I was privy to a certain discussion taking place," Jeanne elaborates. "She was quite frustrated at her lack of progress, and even considered approaching one of the Crimson Guard for aid -- that alone should show you how important it was for her to succeed, Lady Cemile."
[22:18] <Kotono> "...aaaah. I see, I see," Lady Cemile's eyes widen a little, "And I had wondered why Seira was in Arad. So yes, it must be dreadfully important."
01[22:21] <Jeanne> "Important enough to set aside whatever differences you two might have had, perhaps for good," Jeanne muses. "If my judgement is correct. However, much as I find your company pleasurable, Lady Cemile, I really can't justify letting go of such information without learning something in return. Something about our mutual neighbor, perhaps, or other factions of my own government.
01[22:21] <Jeanne>  Sometimes, we are too close to see what's right in front of us, where an outsider would have no such trouble."
[22:22] <Kotono> "I see. Then tell me...what is you wish to know," Cemile asks, eyes bright and intense as she looks into Seira's eyes.
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC - Gah, premature.
[22:23] <Kotono> "I see. Then tell me...what is you wish to know," Cemile asks, eyes bright and intense as she looks into Seira's eyes. "You speak of a marvelous secret going on. You are applying the view of an outsider to some matter then?"
01[22:28] <Jeanne> "In a manner of speaking. It's not so much that the issue itself is unknown to you, but that I feel you lack the proper perspective in the matter. As for myself? Knowing of the weakest links in the Baronies would be quite useful; the corrupt officials, the easily-blackmailed nobles, the unscrupulous officers.
01[22:28] <Jeanne> I refuse to believe the squeaky-clean propaganda coming from that country, I'll have you know. Their military strengths, their overtures for an alliance with you, if any -- all such information would come in useful. And what I asked about Malmuthian factions should be self-explanatory. It would not surprise me if you heard something, despite the distance between us."
[22:31] <Kotono> Cemile closes her eyes, as if to think. "You're after them, aren't you? The ones hiding in our very midsts? The...outsiders, if you will, that are sneaking amid us? You're hunting them?"
01[22:35] <Jeanne> "What made you think about outsiders in the Fiefdoms as I was talking about enemies in Malmuth and potential agents in the Baronies?" Jeanne asks curiously, observing Cemile.
[22:35] <Kotono> Cemile opens her eyes, "It's been something my husband has been occupied with. The way you kept saying the word outsider brought it to my mind. It's also...important enough to fit what you said."
06[22:38] * Jeanne sighs. "Alright, so it is. But without the proper context, you would be hard-pressed to have an in with Lady Malika, either to mend fences or to have leverage over her, as suits your fancy, Lady Cemile."
[22:40] <Kotono> "Jeanne, it's alright." Smiling now in relief, "This matter has been vexing my husband horribly. It's been vexing the entire court, including the Pasha. I'll be happy to help you if it helps resolve this terrible matter."
06[22:43] * Jeanne indicates that she is listening.
[22:46] <Kotono> "From what I've heard, the Baronies are a strange place. Much of the population is very idealistic since they earned their independence. It's essentially two large cities on either end with massive amounts of good farmland in between. However, the capital, while important, pales in comparison to the city of Balmuria. For all intents and purposes, almost everything important happens there. That's where our focus is."
[22:49] <Kotono> "The Crimson Guard...the core three, Seira, Alicia and Demedais are more or less untouchable and each is a skilled hero. There are some around them as well, but none are easy to assault. However, there are two that may be workable." A pause here, "A new woman working in Balmuria, a wizardess.  Her father was a merchant and we're trying to exploit that. We think she can be bought, perhaps."
01[22:50] <Jeanne> "Interesting," Jeanne muses. "But what makes you think that alone would be enough? Being the daughter of a merchant and a mage sounds like it would be more than enough to assure a comfortable life."
[22:53] <Kotono> "Well, who can resist more gold," With a shrug there, "We may be able to come to terms with her. As for the other? Alicia has a strange woman staying with her. We have some reason to believe that she's not human and that perhaps we could orchestrate something with her. Perhaps. We don't knwo enough there yet."
[22:53] <Kotono> "For the more mundane?" With a shrug, "We have mercahnts who we cooperate with. Most are entirely innocent, passing basic information in exchange for money. We have several good friends in the capital city as well, due to trade."
01[22:55] <Jeanne> "Oh, Alicia? We think she has several of them staying with her," Jeanne interjects. "Really, the best approach there seems to be sending another where she'd fit right in."
[22:56] <Kotono> "That's a thought." A slight nod there, "My husband likes to remark that she's opening a female boarding house in her home. You know..." Drumming her fingers across her stomach a moment, "One does wonder. None of them are married. A famous hero could surely get her superior to look the other way. Not that we have any evidence of that, but perhaps it could one day be some sort of lever on her if true."
01[22:58] <Jeanne> "Perhaps," Jeanne agrees. "Although it would be a truly bold move to attempt this, given what she might do in retaliation. Well, then. What about someone in Balmuria or the capital that you haven't been able to approach, but we could, perhaps? Someone still loyal to the old homeland, say?"
[22:59] <Kotono> "You'd be surprised. Maybe it was the long civil war, but most of that sort didn't stay or last too long." Now there's a light shrug from Cemile, "We've used it a few times, but the entire line doesn't work so well in the Baronies...except Valandia, as one might imagine." (More)
[23:03] <Kotono> "Oh, there are sympathies at times. But...no real, true prospects. Admittedly, we were slow starting. It wasn't until the Baronies began standing up for themselves well with the Crimson Guard did we truly become interested. At the time, we were content to have a buffer state b etween us and Malmuth."
01[23:06] <Jeanne> "We don't really have aspirations beyond what was rightfully ours even in the best case scenario," Jeanne tells her. "There is really no need to worry about buffers. Any attempt at absorbing foreign populations while struggling to maintain control of the areas we already control would end badly, and that is even without accounting for the losses from a war on all sides."
[23:08] <Kotono> "Indeed. Your logistics would snap apart." A short nod there, "Well then, if I may ask...How is your hunting? If there's any way I can aid that at all...?"
01[23:12] <Jeanne> "Lady Malika has staked her entire prestiege upon this matter," Jeanne informs Cemile. "She is using all the resources at her disposal. Even I see the benefits in aiding her."
01[23:12] <Jeanne> She shrugs. "For some reason, Lady Malika believes that you might have information that, when combined with her own, would lead to the successful apprehension of an... infiltrator. She is particularly interested in the results of the interrogation of one Annabelle, and any such possible leads."
[23:14] <Kotono> "Oh yes, the devil," With a sour look on her face, "I must admit I intentionally didn't hear the less agreeable details of that affair. THe entire situation turned my stomach." With a queasy look, Cemile closes her eyes and breaths deeply. "My husband, under the Pasha's orderes, helped ensure that the devil talked. It took time...and my husband was badly shaken by what he had to do, but apparently they found a way in the end."
06[23:15] * Jeanne looks suitably impressed by the revelation.
[23:18] <Kotono> "It said there was another agent in the palace, but it didn't know who. My husband said that he believed it. But...whomever it is has cloaked itself from magic. Umut was tasked at finding it and failed completely. My husband has been scouring intelligence for any hint at all. Others guard themselves while wondering and worrying. Malika and Abidin as well..."
01[23:20] <Jeanne> "What I never quite got was how the first agent was spotted to begin with," Jeanne admits. "Clearly, a divination spell of some kind, but how did the security know where to look? And knowing that there was another agent... was that really the only piece of useable news gained from the devil?"
[23:22] <Kotono> "We knew most of what it said..." Shaking her head, "It had to do what made this mess, but it's not relevant." A pause there, a pause to lie back down. "The first one apparently underestimated the magic, though I'm no wizard and I couldn't tell you the exact methods."
01[23:23] <Jeanne> "There were screenings afterwards, I take it? Did everyone go through them, without exception?"
[23:23] <Kotono> "Yes." A small nod there, "The Pasha gathered all of us for it. There wasn't any brooking or arguing with that command."
01[23:25] <Jeanne> "Including Abidin?"
[23:25] <Kotono> "Yes," A slight smile there, "Especially Abidin."
01[23:25] <Jeanne> "Why would you say 'especially'?"
[23:26] <Kotono> Cemile's smile goes away, like the sun vanishing behind a raincloud. "It has to do with how this mess started, really." There's a pause there, "Has Lady Malika talked to you about those matters?"
01[23:28] <Jeanne> "I'm afraid not," Jeanne admits. "What happened, then?"
[23:29] <Kotono> There's another pause, "Allow me to speak with a certain restraint here. If Lady Malika has not gone into these matters, it would not be prudent for me to overstep my bounds here. But...to the north, there is something of interest, or was of interest, to us. An expidition to it went bad and it's lead to our current difficulties. Despite that, Abidin believes that those avenues relating to what lay to the north must be continued to be expl
[23:29] <Kotono>  exploited."
01[23:30] <Jeanne> "You believe that the expedition was somehow infiltrated?"
[23:31] <Kotono> "No, but it...triggered the coming of the devils. Some wonder if Abidin's loyalties have changed or been corrupted, for he will risk much to continue exploring those...matters." Cemile shivers.
01[23:32] <Jeanne> "Triggered... how?"
[23:32] <Kotono> There's a moment, "I suppose you may be able to guess this if you know devils at all. In a certain place ther ewas a gate. It was accidentally opened."
01[23:34] <Jeanne> "And the Pasha wondered just how much of it was an accident," Jeanne adds, nodding. "Alright, that's easy enough to understand."
[23:35] <Kotono> "Now...to all tests and such, Abidin has shown to be loyal. If it was simple to prove it, if he is corrupted or changed, it would be done already. The Pasha has publically said that he trusts Abidin. But...not everyone believes it entirely."
[23:36] <Kotono> After a moment, "There is another connected to the expidition that may be of note, though as all others he has tested clean. Bey Onur was a part of it. I hear his heroics ensured that the expidition was not wiped out."
01[23:38] <Jeanne> "Mmm. Forgive me, but which measures were used to test their... humanity, I suppose? Did you try splashing a bit of holy water on the suspects, or have them place their hands in a bowl of it?"
[23:39] <Kotono> "There have been many such tests, yes." A short nod there, "I can obtain a list of all the tests if you want, though it'll take me a little time."
01[23:42] <Jeanne> "That would help," Jeanne admits. "Someone must have slipped through the cracks; that is the likeliest explanation. It is also not inconceivable that a devil might have accomplices, perhaps those who would take the devil's borrowed form for the duration of such tests. I don't suppose there are any candidates for those?"
[23:43] <Kotono> "If we had a weak link we could prove, we'd be on them already," Cemile sadly shakes her head.
01[23:45] <Jeanne> "I suppose," Jeanne agrees. "What about Wali Hakim, Lady Cemile? From what I hear, he is involved in various research of a magical nature. Was he, perhaps, the one who advised Abidin on opening that gate?"
[23:46] <Kotono> "They get along well. It's possible," Cemile confirms this. "Perhaps...if he knows all the means of testing he could devise ways to beat them?"
01[23:47] <Jeanne> "I also heard that he outsources some of his research. Would it be possible to learn to whom this goes? Even if he himself is innocent, sensitive information might have inadvertantly been disclosed that way."
[23:48] <Kotono> "I could have my husband find this out simply enough, yes. I can present the idea to him," Cemile agrees thoughtfully, "I will ask him the next time he is home."
[23:48] <Kotono> "Also..." Cemile thinks a minute, "He is not on the best terms with Umut. Perhaps..." Letting her voice trail off again. "As he was hunting for devils before?"
01[23:49] <Jeanne> "Hmm? What do you mean?"
[23:51] <Kotono> "I've heard that Wali Hakim has used Umut's failure to try and discredit him," Cemile explains. "Perhaps Hakim is connected and using this failure to try and eliminate a danger to himself? Of course..." A thought there, Cemile sitting up to look Seira in the eye, "Like everyone else, I may just be grasping at ghosts of ideas."
06[23:52] * Jeanne shrugs. "Well, I suppose we'll learn more when we talk next. You mentioned your husband being away?"
[23:53] <Kotono> "Ah yes. He had to go to the El Kufra oasis on some matter or another," Cemile answers. "It should not be long, and if the sandstorms look to begin, he'll likely return home and postphone the trip."
06[23:54] * Jeanne nods. "Then I wish him a safe journey."
[23:54] <Kotono> At that, "So do I. Is there any other way I can help you, Jeanne?"
01[23:56] <Jeanne> "You've helped plenty already, Lady Cemile," Jeanne tells her, standing up. "It has been quite pleasant to visit your home."
[23:57] <Kotono> "Thank you," Standing as well, "Good hutning, Lady Jeanne."

[Corwin]

01[20:23] <Jeanne> [23:53] <Kotono> "Ah yes. He had to go to the El Kufra oasis on some matter or another," Cemile answers. "It should not be long, and if the sandstorms look to begin, he'll likely return home and postphone the trip."
01[20:23] <Jeanne> [23:54] * Jeanne nods. "Then I wish him a safe journey."
01[20:23] <Jeanne> [23:54] <Kotono> At that, "So do I. Is there any other way I can help you, Jeanne?"
01[20:23] <Jeanne> [23:56] <Jeanne> "You've helped plenty already, Lady Cemile," Jeanne tells her, standing up. "It has been quite pleasant to visit your home."
01[20:23] <Jeanne> [23:57] <Kotono> "Thank you," Standing as well, "Good hutning, Lady Jeanne."
06[20:27] * Jeanne intends to hide from sight after getting some distance between herself and Cemile's home, perhaps by ducking into an alley or behind some statue in a reasonably deserted part of it, then cast invisibility upon herself and make her way to the temple of Waukeen with haste.
[20:30] <Kotono> Under the cover of those spells Jeanne heads towards the Temple of Waukeen. The st reets of Arad are settling, a gritty wind blowing sand about. The evening's darkness is enveloping. However, nothing abnormal occurs. Seira arrives at the temple without incident.  On entering, Isonu awaits in his chambers.
06[20:31] * Jeanne drops the spell there, naturally, along with the illusion she has over herself. "Hello," she greets him with a smile. "Any news?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "No. No more sendings. I've been working with the two thieves." Answering that, "It's been quiet here, though it looks like a sandstorm is brewing."
01[20:39] <Jeanne> "I heard much the same," Seira agrees. "Out of curiousity, did Lady Cemile come for a visit?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "No, though she did recently send an agent. She was c urious about the temple."
01[20:45] <Jeanne> "May this interest bloom," Seira voices. She becomes somber, then. "I find myself in need of some advice and, perhaps, more direct aid. The devil I'm trying to find has apparently evaded both divinations and trials by... holy symbols, for lack of a better term.
01[20:45] <Jeanne> I have not encountered one with such abilities myself, though I suppose it would be theoretically possible, either with a spell or some innate ability or talisman. If the latter, however, would you have an idea of where it must be worn, or how it might appear?"
[20:45] <Kotono> roll 1d20+
[20:45] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+ --> error: malformed expression
[20:45] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:45] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{10}
[20:48] <Kotono> "Mmmmmm," Isonu considers the question, "I'm not certain, but if I had to guess, I'd say a ring? Perhaps jewelry as well?" With a light shrug after a few moments, "Purely speculation, of course."
01[20:49] <Jeanne> "Any symbols on it, or he could get away with disguising it as simple jewelry?"
[20:50] <Kotono> "I really don't know." Shaking his head, "If you're serious about it, I'd ask an expert. It's beyond my casual knowledge on the matter."
01[20:52] <Jeanne> "I'd take any help I can get at this point," Seira admits. "In my efforts, one clumsy step might be enough to get the devil to relocate. And then, we may never catch it before it's too late. It is for this purpose that I wanted to ask you if you thought you could get away with scrying on a few individuals at the palace."
[20:53] <Kotono> Isonu exhales there, "That's beyond my ability. Even then, it's a dreadfully dangerous game to play."
01[20:55] <Jeanne> "For what it's worth, I doubt they would be able to trace the spell back, and I could secure a few possessions ensuring its success," Seira muses. "I suppose it wouldn't be easy to get a very expensive mirror here without anyone knowing about it, however. Not in the time we have."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Mmm. What are you going to do next, then?" Isonu asks after a moment.
01[21:00] <Jeanne> "Try to sneak about. Devils don't sleep, so merely spotting someone up at night would be suspicious enough. And I'd expect it to be up to no good, so I might catch it in the act."
[21:01] <Kotono> "It's a thought." Isonu agrees after a moment, "That does go both ways, however. Be careful."
01[21:01] <Jeanne> "Well, if I'm awake, I have less chances of being stabbed in my sleep?" she voices. "In any case, my only real idea so far is to stab people with a dagger and see who comes out unharmed."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Heh," Smiling a little at that, "Not terribly viable, but it is a good idea."
01[21:03] <Jeanne> "There's an annoying mage I have to vet. He was charged with tracking down the devil and failed, so it's possible he is the devil. Not terribly likely, but possible."
[21:07] <Kotono> "How are you going to go about it?" Isonu asks, "Curiously."
01[21:08] <Jeanne> "Stab him with a dagger," Seira says blandly. "It's okay, I can handle a healing spell or two."
[21:11] <Kotono> With a heavy look, "Good luck then. I hope he doesn't cast a curse on you in return."
01[21:13] <Jeanne> "I could let him stab me in return!" Seira says brightly. "I'm sure he'd like that."
[21:15] <Kotono> Isonu raises an eyebrow. However, he doesn't seem to quite think a rely is immediately in order. "I see." he says at last.
01[21:16] <Jeanne> "Think you could outfit me with a bit of holy water, just in case?" Seira requests. "If I do manage to destroy whatever talisman it has, it could be quick proof."
[21:26] <Kotono> "I have access to a bit," Isonu agrees, "Is ther eanything else you need?"
01[21:27] <Jeanne> "I think I can hang in there with what I have a bit longer," Seira reponds to that. "And luck is also an important skill! I might end up relying on it to solve this puzzle."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Heh, I'll pray to Waukeen for your good fortune then," Isonu says.
01[21:32] <Jeanne> "Thanks! Well, I guess I'll get going, then. Got palace rooms to stalk and all."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Good luck," Isonu saysa gain. OOC - Seira, how are you travelling back to the palace?
01[21:34] <Jeanne> OOC: I'll use hide to basically sneak out, then recast disguise self and head back once I'm somewhere between Cemile's place and the palace.
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC - Are you going to sneak just outside and then cast, or go down the street awhile as Seira?
01[21:35] <Jeanne> OOC: The latter, but my hide score is epic~
[21:37] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and roll a hide check?
01[21:37] <Jeanne> roll 1d20+21
[21:37] <Harem_Bot> Jeanne rolled 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{22}
[21:37] <Kotono> Thus Seira heads down the street! It's very dark as she begins to creep to the shadows! But as she does...
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 touch AC, Seira?
[21:38] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 touch AC, Seira? --> [ 1d20=10 ]{20}
01[21:38] <Jeanne> OOC: 20
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:38] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{3}
[21:41] <Kotono> From far behind her it snakes out from the shadows! A corsucating, writhing black beam! IT strikes Seira in the back, making her entire body feel weakened, staggered! OOC - Go ahead and react and check your PM.
01[21:44] <Jeanne> "What the fuck?!" Seira exclaims in draconic, calling upon a boosted fireball to lob at the goddamned shadows that dared to strike at her!
03[21:44] * Jeanne is now known as Seira
[21:47] <Kotono> As Seira turns and prepares her fireball? 150 feet away, far down the street, stands a man. A lithe, tall man. Perhaps he has a bit of elven blood. His face is serious yet polite, even calling as Seira turns. "Good day. I would recommend that you pray to whatever God would be so foolish as to believe your prayers." He has a simple longsword at his side and he wears more western style clothing. His hands are gloved.  OOC - You got surprise
[21:47] <Kotono> His hands are gloved.  OOC - You got surprise round'd. Let's go into initaitive.
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:47] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{20}
01[21:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 hate
[21:48] <Harem_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+7 hate --> [ 1d20=12 ]{19}
03[21:48] * Kotono changes topic to 'Man>Seira'
[21:48] <Kotono> Raising his gloved hand, another black ray comes from it. "Oathbreaker, suffer your fate for the perfidy of your words!"
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[21:48] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:48] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=1 ]{1}
01[21:49] <Seira> "Fuck you and the horse you rode on!" Seira returns in the same language. "I'll fucking waste you for this! No amount of begging will save your ass!"
[21:50] <Kotono> The black ray strikes as Seira retorts in Common! "Your words are as empty and meaningless as your promises and vows," He answers back smoothly. "I will not be put aside by you." The ray further weakens Seira, drawing away her vital energies!
01[21:50] <Seira> roll 13d10 sacred fireball HATE
[21:50] <Harem_Bot> Seira rolled 13d10 sacred fireball HATE --> [ 13d10=71 ]{71}
06[21:50] * Seira draws her sword, approaching angrily.
01[21:51] <Seira> roll 13d6
[21:51] <Harem_Bot> Seira rolled 13d6 --> [ 13d6=47 ]{47}
[21:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ref
[21:52] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 ref --> [ 1d20=20 ]{27}
[21:52] <Kotono> OOC - Oh yes, and aster level cehck, I nearly forgot.
01[21:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 fire cl
[21:53] <Harem_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+13 fire cl --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
[21:55] <Kotono> The spell fires...and winks out around the man, leaving him untouched as Seira moves 30 ft closer to him! "Your magic crumbles before my justice, Seira. You who pledges her heart and soul so freely and breaks it...your deeds end here!"  From his hand it comes again, another corsucating black ray!
[21:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[21:56] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
[21:56] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:56] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{3}
01[21:57] <Seira> "What the hell are you?" Seira asks in genuine surprise at seeing her fireball dissipate that way. Even her hate seems more manageable at that.
[21:58] <Kotono> "I am justice. I am your end." His answer shows no anger, no hatred, just simple, perfect, unflappable calm. "Perhaps your Goddess will have mercy on you, but I will not." OOC - Seira, you're up.
01[21:59] <Seira> "Freak." Seira activates her ring with the intent to teleport for the safety of the Waukeen temple in Balmuria.
[22:00] <Kotono> OOC: Roll your d100?
01[22:00] <Seira> roll 1d100
[22:00] <Harem_Bot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=84 ]{84}
[22:01] <Kotono> Woosh! The sandy, windy desert street vanishes! Seira appears in Balmuria and at Waukeen's Temple! The fountain inside the temple burbles, the place quiet in the night.
01[22:01] <Seira> Fuck that, Seira goes to seek out the head priest, being quite loud about it. If that thing can follow her here, they'll all need to be ready.
[22:02] <Kotono> The Temple bustles at Seira's calls! Priests and acolytes come out, often fussy haired and half asleep! By the time she's heading into the back halls, the head priest is groggily paddling out of his room. "Seira...what in the name of Waukeen is going on?!"
01[22:03] <Seira> "Restoration. Can it be cast at this time?" Seira asks him matter-of-factly. "Also, the man who insistently tried to see me. Describe him to me."
[22:04] <Kotono> Rubbing his eyes, "I have a scroll or two of it..." As more members of the temple flock towards Seira in half asleep confusion, Gilartal stares. "Tall and slender. Looked like he had some elven blood in him, perhaps. He was very polite but very insistent on finding you." Running a hand over his face, he waits on Seira.
01[22:05] <Seira> "Bastard, that's the guy that showed up in Arad and tried to ruin me with Ennervations. Who the hell can toss those from one-fifty feet away and shrug off my fireballs?!"
[22:07] <Kotono> "Enervations? The hell?" Shaking his head, "Come, let's head to my quarters and not make this a public affair," Clearing his throat, "Have someone ask the guard for some soldiers. You there," Pointing at Mia, who is just approaching, "You do it and hurry."
06[22:08] * Seira nods curtly. "I didn't want to stick around and fight, not under those conditions. And I'm not quite ready to blow the cover of our celestial friends there." Scowling, she follows Gilartal.
[22:09] <Kotono> Once inside, Gilartal goes into another room. He comes back with a scroll briefly later. "Are you hurt beyond being drained?" hea sks.
[22:10] <Kotono> "Also, do you need anyone? I can get someone to go fetch before they go back to sleep," he adds thoughtfully, eyeing Seira's stormy, unhappy face.
01[22:10] <Seira> "No, so keep those scrolls handy in case he shows up, but let's not waste them otherwise," Seira responds. "From all the crap he spouted about oathbreaking, I would almost think about a certain balor's agent, except... balors. Demons. Not much about the oaths, are they?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "I don't know, either," Gilartal admits, unwrapping the scroll. "Quiet so I can cast this."
06[22:11] * Seira paces angrily. "Can't be the astral dragons, can it? They extended an invitation. Seemed pretty content to deal with me then. And that Olburt guy wouldn't work with an elf, I think."
01[22:12] <Seira> "What I require, what I require...." Seira frowns. "Some place that isn't easy to scry on. Do we have it?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "Oh yes, I should get some tea. I'm not awake," rubbing his eyes and putting the scroll aside onto a table, "So it was an assassination attempt?"
01[22:13] <Seira> "Hah! Assassination? More like execution! He was confident I'd die, and hell, it's entirely possible that confidence was justified!"
[22:14] <Kotono> "Not offhand. I can cast as pell to make you wiser, which should help resist a scrying attempt if it's focused on you," He answers, going to sit and rub his forehead. "If yo udon't know what it is, ask Countess Stronger? I've done the same on certain arcane matters. She's becoming quite knowledgeable with all her works. Both to asking to what it is and perhaps more protection."
[22:15] <Kotono> "Besides, she could whip up a nondetection spell," he adds after a moment.
06[22:17] * Seira bites on her index finger. "I have to pull all the stops on this. Someone has been teleporting all over the land to try and end me. I think our best bet is to wait on morning so we could try Communing with Waukeen. If I'm right, she was directly involved in the matter last time. She might help, somehow!"
01[22:17] <Seira> Forcing herself to relax, Seira says, "I can handle Nondetection as well, at least. Or could, once the effects wear off."
[22:17] <Kotono> "Right. Are you going to rest until then or...?" He asks with a tiredly raised eyebrow.
01[22:19] <Seira> "Rest. Right. Maybe." Seira is still quite edgy. "I'll need your help to do a little Sending over to Arad, whenever it's possible. We have to warn our sister temple, and through them, my contacts in the city." Suddenly, she asks, "Did you try any divinations on this man when he showed up?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "No. I found it a strange matter, but I didn't have reason to spend time invoking magic on him." After that, "I don't prefer open paranoia, though it appeals when it turns out that I should have."
[22:28] <Kotono> Resting, Seira finds that the rest of the time until morning passes without incident. While at mornign the negative levels are still hounding her, there's no sign of another attack or difficulty at all.
01[22:31] <Seira> "Well, then. It seems I've lived through the night," Seira declares. "First, we must contact our sister temple. The message can be suitably brief: Seira was attacked, she is back home for now, please contact Umut to make up excuse for her alter ego's absense for a couple days."
01[22:31] <Seira> Frowning, Seira wonders, "Would it possible to send a second message to our celestial friends? I've made one in particular, there, and if they could return my cloak and weapon given they can teleport around pretty easily, that would be a great help."
[22:33] <Kotono> "If you wish, I have a few," Giltartal answers. "What message to them."
06[22:34] * Seira already specified the first one. "To my friends at that inn? Just if someone could come to this temple with the items I entrusted, and stick around for a brief chat. And that it could be a matter of life and death."
[22:35] <Kotono> "Very well. Excuse me then, I'll return in twenty minutes with the replies," Gilartal looks to exit, "Ist hat it?"
01[22:36] <Seira> "Let's try the Commune spell afterwards. I hate relying on Waukeen's help this way, but...."
[22:37] <Kotono> "I understand," Gilartal says, then exiting the room. He's gone twenty minutes. "Isonu said that he understands. He'll all he can to stall you for time. As for the other, they said they'd do it."
06[22:38] * Seira nods. "Then I would appreciate if a pair of acolytes requested that Donald and Elle spared some time to meet me here. I don't think me stepping outside the temple is a good idea right now, considering all the bystanders."
[22:39] <Kotono> "Alright. Before or after the Commune?"
06[22:40] * Seira shrugs. "Let's bring them in before, actually. We can all think about what to ask together."
[22:41] <Kotono> Thus the acolytes go out. Donald comes, having taken time to put on his armor, while Elle is wearing simple red clothes. Both take a seat in Gilartal's room. "It's been awhile," Elle smiles warmly, "THough...you don't look so well. What's wrong?"
[22:42] <Kotono> Donald, for his part, blinks at Seira. He does it a few times, before he shrugs. "You know, you're looking more like a terrifying dragon than usual," he observes, scratching at his head.
01[22:43] <Seira> "Long story short, there is this guy who looks a bit elven -- Seira provides a complete description, down to his accent, weapon and clothing -- who has been teleporting around trying to get me killed for being an 'oathbreaker' or some bullshit like that. He ambushed me in Arad, and started lobbing Ennervations from a hundred and fifty feet.
01[22:43] <Seira> Since they didn't seem to be stopping and my strongest spell just washed over him harmlessly, I retreated. And a good thing, too. I couldn't take two more attacks like that, and fighting back with magic missile seemed a losing proposition."
[22:44] <Kotono> "Ah, the live of an adventurer. I almost miss it when you talk like that," With a smile that contasts with Seira's unhappiness, "Mmmm..."
[22:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[22:44] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{20}
[22:44] <Kotono> "Doesn't ring a bell from just that," Elle says after a few moments.
[22:45] <Kotono> "You know, Seira...Do those work," Looking at her wings, "Couldn't you have just flown away like one of those Erinyes?"
01[22:45] <Seira> "It has to be an outsider!" Seira protests. "Please be serious! You know I can't just easily retaliate on the streets of Balmuria when he finds me next." She levels a glare at Donald. "Away WHERE?"
[22:46] <Kotono> Elle glances sidelong at Donald, "If it was throwing enervations from that far away, no." Clearing her throat after, "Alright." Holding up her hands, "Donald, be quiet. If it's an outsider, there's a few people in town I can ask and I can research it if needed. If I can find out what you're facing, counter tactics become far easier."
[22:46] <Kotono> Donald slumps down under Seira's glare. "Sorry."
01[22:47] <Seira> "Yes. And if he comes back for me, I would need a bit of help. He caught me off guard, and I did panic a bit, I admit. But more important than that is that anything I have that can actually affect him would have to be large-scale. Area spells. If I resort to them in such a crowded area...."
[22:49] <Kotono> "Exactly," Elle nods agreeably to that, "Keep Donald with you. He's good as a bodyguard. At worst, he can buy time for the two of you to get more help and for the streets to clear."
01[22:52] <Seira> "Any chance of you having a way to block the effects of ennervation or turning the spell back on the user?" Seira asks. "Though it's bound to be expensive, without doubt...."
[22:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[22:53] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
[22:53] <Kotono> "Death Ward'll do it," Elle answers instantly. "It's a clerical spell, however."
01[22:54] <Seira> "Mmm," Seira agrees. "Easier to work than spell resistance, too."
[22:55] <Kotono> "As for the rest? Let me go ask the sources and see if they know offhand." To that Elle makes a face, "Unfortunately, outsiders know outsiders the best. But if we can find out what it is...we'll have the advantage back."
01[22:56] <Seira> "As matter of fact, one of them should show up soon," Seira mentions. "If they heed my request, anyway. And another thing. I intend to ask Waukeen about this, but it would help if I knew the right questions. I can't get much beyond yes or no, you know."
[22:57] <Kotono> "Alright. I'll be back soon then. If that one gets here before I get back, just keep it handy." Standing, "Hopefully that'll make your commune more effective, if you know what you're facing and can tailor the questions to taste."
06[22:59] * Seira nods. "Oh," she mentions, quietly enough and only for Elle's ears as she follows the older mage. "The intelligence division of the Fiefdoms is trying to recruit your helper, from appearances. Would she happen to have a merchant father?"
[23:00] <Kotono> "I see...I'll ask and I'll make sure that goes nowhere," A furrow creases Elle's brow. "What HAVe you been up to then? That's a delightfully arcane bit of gossip."
01[23:00] <Seira> "Making sure it goes nowhere sounds like you don't trust her," Seira returns. "At least, it would to me, if I were in her shoes. If she pretended to be recruitable, however... well, that would just be delightful."
[23:01] <Kotono> "Aaah..." A short nod to that, "Alright, I'll deal with it once this is done with."
01[23:02] <Seira> "Yes, it's better left for later. Just keep it in mind, I suppose. And look out for creepy elfin outsiders."
[23:02] <Kotono> "I will," With that, Elle departs out! OOC - Lemme do a few rolls and see real quick.
[23:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[23:03] <Harem_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
[23:06] <Kotono> Elle isn't gone too long at all. When she returns, "Well, we got lucky," she says, going to sit. "I know exactly what it is. It's a Kolyarut. Not only do they have those long enervation rays, they can drain your life with at ouch, as per a vampiric touch spell. They're constructs from Mechanus who punish those who break oaths."
06[23:07] * Seira blinks slowly. "Well, that hardly seems fair. Why can't constructs from Mechanus ever show up for tea and thank us for keeping the world safe?"
[23:09] <Kotono> "They're created to attack those that the absolute law has felt has committed certain offenses. For example, Kolyaruts go after oath breakers. Maruts go after those that deny the grave itself, and so on and so forth." Sitting down and rubbing her forehead, "Okay, so it's not human. It's a construct, even if it looks humanoid. It'll be lawful and not have good or evil. It'll heal fast, like trolls, but once you defeat one it stays dead wit
[23:09] <Kotono> like trolls, but once you defeat one it stays dead without any more work."
01[23:10] <Seira> "If I kill it, will its buddies show up?"
[23:12] <Kotono> "It can't summon. She was sure of that." A pause there, "There's only one other thing that she knew. If you fight one close, they'll fire off quickened suggestions as they fight. "
06[23:13] * Seira winces. "Creature of law, right? Just in case, Donald should grab that hammer. Let's see how it likes being smacked with that." Frowning, she adds, "Well, I suppose I could try hitting it with orbs of force for a while."

[Corwin]

01[19:25] <Seira> [23:10] <Seira> "If I kill it, will its buddies show up?"
01[19:25] <Seira> [23:12] <Kotono> "It can't summon. She was sure of that." A pause there, "There's only one other thing that she knew. If you fight one close, they'll fire off quickened suggestions as they fight. "
01[19:25] <Seira> [23:13] * Seira winces. "Creature of law, right? Just in case, Donald should grab that hammer. Let's see how it likes being smacked with that." Frowning, she adds, "Well, I suppose I could try hitting it with orbs of force for a while."
[19:27] <Kotono> Noon comes and passes. Shortly after, Seira feels herself recover. The oppression to her spirit ends, her vitality returning.
06[19:29] * Seira prepares the spells she picked to deal with the one that caused her so much grief and hate, waiting on Donald to return from his assignment.
[19:30] <Kotono> Donald returns briefly after with the Hammer of the Shard, his helmet, and his gear. With an easy grin as he has the hammer slung over his shoulder, "So are we gonna go smash his face in now?"
01[19:31] <Seira> "Here," Seira says, handing Donald a plain-looking golden ring. "Don't make too much of it. If you have to go toe to toe with this creep, just activate it, okay?"
[19:32] <Kotono> "Got it," Donald takes a moment to put the ring on right, his other hand hefting the hammer. "Not like I'll need it with this, though."
01[19:33] <Seira> "You will if you want that bastard to have a hell of a time toying with your mind," Seira tells him. "And while we're at it, it might be prudent to ask someone to cast protection from law on you. Maybe even a circle -- those last ages. Think you can ask about it while I make the final preparations?"
[19:33] <Kotono> "Sure, I'll go bug Countess Stronger and see if she can." Toddling off at that, "Call me when you're ready.:
01[19:34] <Seira> "Priests can do it too! Like I said!" Seira calls after him, before sighing. "Kids these days."
06[19:35] * Seira decides to wait till its early evening, or until Donald returns with the right spell cast on him, whichever comes first.
[19:37] <Kotono> Donald comes back by late afternoon. He's back and ready, waiting.
01[19:40] <Seira> "Well, then." Seira stands up from her meditative position, and smiles at last. The visage is quite vicious. "Let's go take it down. Just remember, use the ring but don't come at it unless I signal you to."
01[19:40] <Seira> An extended casting of Shield, and Seira is ready to leave the temple of Waukeen. Sorting out the matter with the unhelpful celestials who might have stolen her sword will have to happen afterwards.
[19:41] <Kotono> OOC - Where are you going then?
06[19:41] * Seira intends to spend a few minutes loitering around the entrance and observing the area, first.
[19:55] <Kotono> In the late afternoon, the Temple of Waukeen and surroundings are busy. Valandian traders and trade companies are about, many dickering over prices nearby. Merchants make noise as they sell and buy, a pleasant din overall. A few people notice Seira, respectful, wide eyed looks.
06[19:56] * Seira is hiding her wings behind a borrowed cloak, but otherwise, remains plenty visible. "Hmm," she tells Donald quietly, "if not here, want to check out Arad? I can get us over there."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Sure," Donald shrugs and flexes his shoulders, smiling to a few peo ple that look to the armored warrior. "I can live with the desert again for a little while. Just remind me to use a cantrip to clean out my armor. Sand gets everywehre."
01[20:00] <Seira> "Thanks for sharing," she tells him with a snort. "Come on, let's get to a more private setting, and I'll 'port us over to the reception area of Arad's temple. And now that I think about it, I could use your help for a few days. That fine with you?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "Sure," Shaking his head, "I kinda wanna get away after that kid," Glowering as he looks down, "So yeah, let's go."
01[20:04] <Seira> "Kid?" Seira asks, though she doesn't press it.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Yeah, kid." Donald doesn't easily give naswers, either.
01[20:05] <Seira> "I could introduce you to a nice girl in the Fiefdoms?" Seira offers. "To take your mind off the kid?"
03[20:05] * Dragon_Bot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:06] <Kotono> "Ooooh, good idea." Donald grins, following Seir.a
03[20:06] * Seira sets mode: +v Dragon_Bot
01[20:06] <Seira> roll 1d100
[20:06] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=70 ]{70}
03[20:09] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54435a0c.lns6-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:09] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:09] <Dragon_Bot> Scary.
[20:11] <Kotono> Woosh! Seira appears inside of the Temple of Waukeen in Arad. The first thing she notices is a muffled howling. Winds howl outside, the walls only partially blocking the noise.  But in here, it's only a distant murmur.
01[20:14] <Seira> "Ah, the promised sandstorm," she murmurs, figuring she could use it to her advantage, as an explanation for not returning to her rooms the other night. "Well, let's get you introduced to Isonu real quick?"
[20:18] <Kotono> Donald cocks his head, "Eeew. I was glad we never had to deal with one except for those Aratons." So Seira is followed. The temple proper is shut down tight, only a few people here. Isonu is in his quarters, joined by a serene man. Neland waits with Isonu.
01[20:20] <Seira> "Oh, forgot to mention," Seira whispers to Donald. "What we did here is top secret. That we even came here before is secret. So not a word about it, 'kay?"
01[20:20] <Seira> For Isonu, she has a smile. "Well, things didn't quite go as expected, I'm afraid. Remember that creepy man I warned you to be on the lookout for? He's actually this creepy extraplanar clockwork monster trying to kill me!"
[20:20] <Kotono> "An Inevitable?" Neland speaks up at that, with a serious look on his face.
[20:21] <Kotono> Isonu merely frowns, "Well then. It didn't enter the Temple or cause trouble, but that's quite distressing. How are you? No lasting injury?"
01[20:22] <Seira> "That's what we deduced," Seira responds. "I think he's wrong, but knowing what he likely is, I also realize I can't argue my side of the story with him." She sighs in relief at Isonu's words. "I was afraid it might, but I was in no condition to face it when I teleported to Balmuria, and I had a Sending directed to you with a warning as soon as I could."
[20:26] <Kotono> "I got it...but a sandstorm started around dawn. Unless you're teleporting, not much is going to happen irregardless. The city's bracing and waiting for it to end. It's fortunate to help ensure you got time to recover."
[20:26] <Kotono> Isonu stops after saying that, "Speaking of the sendings, your gear is safe." Neland speaks up.
01[20:28] <Seira> "I'm glad it is." Seira allows herself to frown. "Was it really too much to ask to deliver it to me in my time of need? Clearly, I survived without it, but I had no idea I would be left alone throughout the day. I know you guys are busy and all, but teleporting's as natural as walking to you, right, no matter the distance?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "Hm?" Neland cocks his head to the side, then bows it. "I'm sorry, there must have been a misunderstanding somewhere in the line. I apologize then."
06[20:31] * Seira deflates. "Yes, I'm having lots of them with the upper planes, it seems. Any chance you could have that annoying thing called off? I can think of only one thing that would set it after me, and I assure you that if the world thinks that travesty of a contract should have remained standing, the world is clearly in the wrong."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Trying to argue with an Inevitable is like arguing with a footstool. It's just a way to waste breath," Neland looks downcast as well, "We don't ahve nay power over the agents of Mechanus. They care about law and nothing else. Moreover, they care about what they feel is absolute law and the principals of the multiverse. My best recommendation is to defeat or incapacitate the inevitable or find some way to make MEchanus call off it's attac
[20:34] <Kotono> inevitable or find some way to make MEchanus call off it's attack dog."
01[20:36] <Seira> "Now that I'm over my initial fear, I will just remain with the anger, which will grow with each successive attack," Seira muses. "A large part of it is for causing me to even feel fear, however briefly, and admitting it to others. If they are overly zealous I might just have to see about invading Mechanus."
01[20:36] <Seira> She blinks. "You guys won't mind it if I do, right? I'm fairly confident that razing the centers of power systematically would get the attack called off."
[20:40] <Kotono> "Invading...Mechanus..." Neland rubs his forehead and the bridge of his nose, bowing his head. "They're overly lawful fools, but attacking them isn't the answer. That only profits the sides who will grow stronger if absolute law is weakened - the eladrin, which is one thing, and the demons, which is another."
[20:41] <Kotono> "Not to mention that it's not, ah, realistic?" Neland adds as he rubs the bridge of his nose. "Inevitables can form legions and armies there to defend Mechanus."
01[20:42] <Seira> "You make a good point," Seira agrees. "Alright, then. I'll deal with the nuisance, then. Could I count on your support to help me find it? No doubt, the inevitable is looking for me, and I'd rather face it while I'm not asleep or something equally unpleasant."
[20:42] <Kotono> "Well, wouldn't this help?" Donald hefts the Hammer of the Shard again.
01[20:43] <Seira> At the mention of legions of mechanical creatures, however, Seira thinks to her silent, crazy gnome friend. 'Lagann? If I can't deal with it before that thing gets close, could you reshape it as a garden gnome? Or break it? I'll buy you a delicious silver dagger if you would!'
[20:46] <Kotono> "There's only so much we can do while the sandstorm goes on. It's not practical to go out in that without protections. What do you have in mind?" Neland asks.
01[20:46] <Seira> "Well, it has a spell to locate me with, right? I wonder if that same spell could be used to locate it. How many inevitables can there really be in Arad?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "It's a possibility," Neland agrees. "Turn it's tactics against itself."
01[20:49] <Seira> "And we should have the advantage of numbers," Seira agrees. "And since you're here, and I'm no longer in immediate mortal peril... has Isonu filled you in on our findings thus far on the devil front?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Briefly. Most of it are things we knew or suspected. It's some manner of cloaked devil. It could be a Fiend of Corruption or a unique devil or something even viler."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Well...how about I just clobber suspects with this," Donald hefts upt he Hammer of the Shard. "The first one that shifts like an out of control rainbow loses?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "That's why I asked you to stay here for a few days, yes," Seira says with infinite patience. "However! Nelend, would a devil not harmed by holy water and other divine symbols and divinations be still affected by a piece of chaos?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "I don't really know." Neland admits. "That's probably far more powerful than holy water."
01[20:59] <Seira> "Even a touch of the business end would work, right? No need to smack them into the afterlife? Some suspects are fragile nobles and harem girls."
[21:00] <Kotono> "I usually have to land a blow," Donald rubs the back of his head, "I can hold back and make it just a good lump but nothing crushing." Blushing here, "It's not like it was made to lightly coddle law. If you hit something with it, you're hitting them with a strong, powerful warhammer."
06[21:01] * Seira draws her sword and places a hand over the flat of it. "Would contact such as this be enough?"
[21:02] <Kotono> "I don't know," Donald admits, "I haven't really used it to do anything but clobber devils."
06[21:03] * Seira considers. "We could try summoning something from a lawful plane and testing. That should be harmless enough for all involved."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Worth a shot," Donald agrees, "Whenever you're ready then. I just wanna smash something with this."
06[21:06] * Seira glances at Isonu and Neland. "I couldn't do it for half a day, at least. Any chance either of you could handle a summons?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "I don't have any memorized. I prayed for defensive spells," Isonu apologies, as Neland shakes his head as well.
01[21:09] <Seira> "We'll wait, then, I suppose. Donald, let's go patrol the temple's entrance? Toys from Mechanus probably aren't bothered by the weather overmuch."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Right," Donald says. OOC - Do you wanna skip ahead here or anything?
01[21:10] <Seira> OOC: If nothing happens, I would like to try and get to Umut's cousin's shop of wonders as soon as half an hour or so passes.
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:13] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=90 ]{90}
[21:14] <Kotono> The sandstorm continues to rage a half hour later. Nothing of note has occured. No visitors, the storm continuing to rage. On a peek outside, Seira can see strong winds and whipping sands. The streets have plenty of sand over them, an inhospitable road ahead if one wishes to go out in int.
01[21:18] <Seira> "Let's go," Seira decides after a brief inner debate. "Stick close to me. If we get separated for whatever reason, try to find shelter, and we'll meet again at the Arad temple. Clear?"
[21:19] <Kotono> Donald takes a long look out, going to get some white cloth to put ove rhis face and helmet. "Yeah, I'm ready." he says carefully.
06[21:20] * Seira nods, and holds over a short length of rope. "Just in case visibility gets worse," she says with a smirk, before relying on her memory to take them to the shop in question, trying to avoid the middle of the road wherever possible.
[21:21] <Kotono> OOC - Do you have tracking or survival ranks?
01[21:21] <Seira> OOC: I've been there from here and could the shop have moved?
[21:22] <Kotono> OOC: Just answer the question honestly first
[21:22] <Kotono> .
01[21:22] <Seira> OOC: I just have knowledge nature to boost survival, not said survival
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:23] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=61 ]{61}
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:23] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=83 ]{83}
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:23] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=83 ]{83}
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:23] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, make a fort save?
02[21:23] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54435a0c.lns6-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (reboot -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:23] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{18}
01[21:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
[21:24] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{30}
03[21:26] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54435a0c.lns6-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[21:26] <Kotono> It's a long hard trip. The streets are empty, small hills of sand forming in places. The storm's fury makes your pace a crawl, but slowly you approach the Archer's Aim. Like all of the other shops you've seen it's closed in face of the storm. OOC - Both of you make another fort save now?
03[21:26] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[21:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
[21:26] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{34}
[21:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:26] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{17}
[21:28] <Kotono> Donald grunts and coughs, "C'mon," he says, "I'm really tired now. Get us in there!"
06[21:28] * Seira knocks loudly and persistently.
[21:31] <Kotono> Seira knocks long and hard! There are several heavy knocks needed to get much of anything, before the door cracks open. "What in the name of the Pasha are you doing," A man's face can be glimpsed briefly, "We're closed! You're insane to be out in the sandstorm!"
01[21:32] <Seira> "It's one of my middle names," Seira tells him in annoyance. "Now let us in before I huff and puff and bring your house down. I'll apologize properly once inside."
[21:33] <Kotono> There's a pause, before the door opens. "I'm only doing this so you don't die like damn fools out in the storm." Inside is a slender man with alook of irritation. He resembles Umut slightly.
01[21:34] <Seira> "Hello, relative of Umut!" Seira greets him, sounding happy now that she's not outside in the damn sandstorm. She drags Donald inside, and helps close the door behind them. "Well, what's fair is fair. Sorry!"
[21:35] <Kotono> Donald comes inside, taking off his helmet and cloth, shaking sand from his head. The man eyes Seira with wide eyes, "...yeah, you must know Umut..." he says on looking at her. "He's not here if you're looking for him."
01[21:36] <Seira> "Did he leave any means of getting a message over to him? Without doing the crazy walking-in-sandstorm thing again?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "No." The shop is quiet, only a fewcandles giving light. Not that this bothers Seira's eyes, of course. "I doubt he thought anyone would decide to come by when there's a full blown sandstorm. I imagine he's at the palace, drinking wine and waiting for the storm to clear."
01[21:38] <Seira> "Well, I clearly showed him wrong, didn't I?" Seira takes great pride at that.
[21:38] <Kotono> Tapping his helmet free of sand grains and then shaking his pointed ears free of sand, "What can I say? We're crazy." Donald almost smiles at that.
[21:39] <Kotono> "That's...something," Umut's relative eyes Seira very long there, "If you need him, go to the palace. I doubt he'll be here until the storm clearsa."
01[21:39] <Seira> "Has anything fun happened recently, before the storm hit? Like guards running all over the place, or a message for Umut coming to you?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "No. I woke up and the sandstorm was starting. I've spent the way waiting and hoping it passes, but it looks like it's going to be alogn one."
01[21:41] <Seira> "Sadly," she agrees. "Mind if I used you for an alibi if it came to that? The whole stranded here while waiting for my dear friend Umut deal?"
[21:42] <Kotono> There's a very harsh look at Seira here, "I'm not going to lie to the guards, if that's what you mean. I like my life the way it is. I'm not risking it for a stranger."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Oh, sorry!" Seira looks contrite. "I haven't actually done anything wrong. I meant an alibi for my alter ego, in case anyone who is not a guard comes asking."
[21:45] <Kotono> There's a stop here, the man rubbing his forehead, "Look. I let my brother do this since he's in the palace and he makes sure my shop stays unharrassed. I don't even know what you mean by that about your alter ego. I relaly think you need to talk to Umut.""
06[21:47] * Seira laughs. "I will. I just have lots of unspent energy because... well, stuff happened! So I'm a bit unlike myself, but that will pass. Anyway, I can't really leave in the storm until dawn because my friend is a weakling, so could we wait it out? I'll... buy something, if you want?"
[21:48] <Kotono> The man sighs again, "No, there's no need. I can't let you go out into that storm again. Fools or not, I can't kick someone out who needs shelter from a sandstorm."
01[21:49] <Seira> "I can sense that we are already strengthening our friendship!" Seira exclaims. "Why, Umut was just telling me a few days ago that I need to befriend more people!"
[21:51] <Kotono> "Hey!" Donald cries, "I'm not weak! That's just a nasty storm out there!" OOC - Do you wann askip along a bit?
01[21:52] <Seira> "And a good morning to you, too," Seira says with a roll of her eyes. OOC: yep
[21:55] <Kotono> roll 1d6+1
[21:55] <Dragon_Bot> Kotono rolled 1d6+1 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{6}
[21:56] <Kotono> The storm lasts about half the night. When Seira and Donald awaken, the sandstorm has passed. Drifts of sand littelt he streets, up to a half inch of sand in many places. Soldiers are working on clearing the streets, citizens coming out and fetching water, as well as resupplying foods. It's quite a busy morning.
06[21:59] * Seira takes this chance to cast her disguise spell, doubling its duration. "Mind waiting here for a short while?" she asks Donald, now in her human guise. "And letting him stay?" she adds for the benefit of Umut's brother. "I can't really bring my friend to the palace unannounced, but I can return with Umut here if I find him."
[22:10] <Kotono> "I'll keep busy," Donald says easily en ough.
[22:10] <Kotono> Umut's brother scowls at that, "Now youll buy something. This isn't a boarding house."
01[22:12] <Seira> "I totally will. Donald, pick something reasonably expensive that I would like or I could give as souveniers back home, will you? I'll cover the costs."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Will do," Donald grins, going to go look over some things. OOC - Going to the palace now?
01[22:14] <Seira> OOC: Yes. I'll bundle the Resort up in my cloak.
[22:14] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.Where in the palace are you going?
06[22:15] * Seira intends to check the room assigned to her there, first.
[22:15] <Kotono> The palace is busy. The sand is already gone there when she arrives, everything already restored. Seira finds her comfortable quarters thare are freshly cleaned and pleasant.
01[22:17] <Seira> How nice! After a cursory check for anything that shouldn't be there or has been left to her as a message, Seira heads towards Lady Malika's wing. With a bit of luck, she could gain entrance on a short notice.
[22:19] <Kotono> OOc - Make a search check then?
01[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+23 let's roll, bot!
[22:20] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+23 let's roll, bot! --> [ 1d20=19 ]{42}
[22:20] <Kotono> Seira tosses the room with ease. Nothing at all is the least bit unusual.
06[22:21] * Seira proceeds to Lady Malika's rooms! Although it's doubtful she'll be allowed to toss them, too.
[22:25] <Kotono> Lady Malika happens to be so available. On entering, "Seira?" she asks once the two of them are alone. "How is the investigation going?"
01[22:29] <Seira> "A few leads, but it's a bit early for anything conclusive," Seira responds truthfully. "I should have more in a couple of days. However...." After a short pause, strictly for dramatic purposes, Seira continues, "I possess a certain artifact that is anathema to lawful outsiders in many ways.
01[22:29] <Seira> I am reasonably confident that they wouldn't be able to even lay their hands on it without visible reprecussions. Hardly something I would try openly in court, yes, but if you would like to have a few men or women vetted, that is pretty much the next best thing to a Commune spell."
[22:34] <Kotono> "That could work," Biting her lip down and looking unusually torn, "Do you have anyone in mind yourself?"
01[22:36] <Seira> "Myself, first, in the presence of several others. Umut. Yourself, if you would like to prove something to those under your command and lead by example." Seira shrugs. "I don't really need such a display from my employer, myself."
[22:37] <Kotono> "Fine then." Malika agrees, "I'll summon Umut." With a long look at Seira, her lips curves slightly upward, "I do think that your suspicion proves that I chose the right person. Not trusting the hand that got you in shows just the sort of mind required."
06[22:39] * Seira returns the not-quite-smile. "I'm honored that you think that, Lady Malika," she responds. "If you don't mind, I would like to take Umut with me and retrieve it, unless it would be best to do such testings outside the palace."
[22:40] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Thinking a moment, "Can you get it into here without raising suspicion?"
06[22:42] * Seira taps her lips thoughtfully. "Yes, actually. I brought a friend along with me. It won't be too difficult to have him carry it. I could even slap a spell to negate the artifact's aura for the time being, I think. Or, alternately, I could attempt a teleport."
[22:45] <Kotono> "The teleport would be best. The less you give getting into the palace, the better," Malika leans back on her comfortable dais. "Paranoia is the order of the day."
01[22:48] <Seira> "To get all the way here, I'll need to, erm, study your room for a brief period," Seira tells her. "If that's alright."
[22:49] <Kotono> OOC: What level are you aiming for here?
01[22:49] <Seira> OOC: An hour of secluding myself in her room? It'll be strictly platonic!
[22:50] <Kotono> "If you need to," Malika lips curlu up in amusement again. OOC - Skip along? Are you just going to retreive Donald and 'port back?
01[22:50] <Seira> OOC: Yes, unless Umut is summoned and wants to tag along
03[22:51] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
[22:51] <Kotono> OOC: We'll just move along. Roll your d100?
01[22:51] <Seira> roll 1d100
[22:51] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=91 ]{91}
[22:53] <Kotono> Woosh! The teleport is vaguely shaky, but the two reappear! Umut is waiting next to Lady Malika, as Donald look saround. "...nice..." he murmurs.
01[22:53] <Seira> "I really needed to," Seira mutters to herself, before shaking her head. "Anyway! May I present my friend Donald?" She gestures to him, before streching out her hand. "Please hand me the nice hammer."
[22:55] <Kotono> "Woah..." He looks over Lady Malika, needing a few seconds to register and pass Seira the Hammer of teh Shard.
01[22:56] <Seira> "Umut, any chance of you having a summoning spell at the ready? If a creature from a lawful plane were to be summoned here, it would serve as the best example," she requests, reacquainting herself with the Shard.

[Corwin]

01[19:36] <Seira> [22:53] <Kotono> Woosh! The teleport is vaguely shaky, but the two reappear! Umut is waiting next to Lady Malika, as Donald look saround. "...nice..." he murmurs.
01[19:36] <Seira> [22:53] <Seira> "I really needed to," Seira mutters to herself, before shaking her head. "Anyway! May I present my friend Donald?" She gestures to him, before streching out her hand. "Please hand me the nice hammer."
01[19:36] <Seira> [22:55] <Kotono> "Woah..." He looks over Lady Malika, needing a few seconds to register and pass Seira the Hammer of teh Shard.
01[19:36] <Seira> [22:56] <Seira> "Umut, any chance of you having a summoning spell at the ready? If a creature from a lawful plane were to be summoned here, it would serve as the best example," she requests, reacquainting herself with the Shard.
[19:40] <Kotono> "I have a basic one." Umut answers, "Is a celestial dog good enough?"
01[19:41] <Seira> "It's okay as long as it's got the lawful bent," Seira responds.
[19:43] <Kotono> Umut bows his head, murmuring a few words and making quick gestures! In a flash a dog appears! It's golden fur is pleasant to look at, it's tail wagging as it appears. Umut kneels down, petting it. "Good dog. Bring the hammer over?"
06[19:45] * Seira strides over and touches the end of the hammer to the dog's back. "Sorry if it hurts," she offers, observing the results.
[19:46] <Kotono> The dog lets out a whimper, skittering away and baring it's teeth at Seira!
01[19:47] <Seira> "Well, I'd say the test is a success," Seira says, apologizing to it in Celestial once more.
[19:48] <Kotono> The animal whimpers and lies back on it's haunches. Umut goes over and strokes it's head a few times, before murmuring a few words. The dog vanishes, back to whence it came. "It certainly didn't like it," Umut agrees.
[19:50] <Kotono> Donald watches and winces a bit, "Poor dog," he murmurs. "I guess it makes sense that the heavens have dogs, though..." Shaking his head away from it, "Anyway, aren't you gonna play pass the hammer around now?"
06[19:50] * Seira snorts. "I'll say. It's an ancient weapon that even a legendary pit fiend gave a wide berth." And without further ado, she taps Umut with the business end of the hammer.
[19:51] <Kotono> Umut shrugs. "It's a bit cold to me," he naswers. "Not that I object, since in a few weeks it's gonna be hotter than the Hells in the desert summer. But no, I'm fine."
01[19:52] <Seira> "Excellent." She glances at Lady Malika. "Even holding it is rumored to be pretty horrible for a lawful outsider, but I could tap myself and Donald if you wish."
[19:54] <Kotono> "Just let me see it," With a look of twisted amusement now, "This has been enlightening, but I'd rather hold it so you can get back to finding the devil in our midsts."
06[19:54] * Seira offers its end for the woman to touch.
[19:55] <Kotono> Lady Malika reaches out and touches the Hammer of the Shard. Nothing happens. She gently rubs it..."Ooooh..." she murmurs, other hand going out as a smile crosses her face. "It's...lovely. Let me see it, Seira?"
06[19:56] * Seira shrugs, and holds it over.
01[19:56] <Seira> "It can be quite pleasant."
[19:56] <Kotono> Lady Malika strugges to lift it but manages. She holds it in her arms, smiling. "This thing is...yes, it's pleasant. Very pleasant. I feel like it suits me well."
[19:57] <Kotono> "Mmm...Lliidra..." she murmurs as she continues to hold it. "This really is marvelous. Whereever did you get it?>"
01[19:58] <Seira> "I'm afraid that's a state secret I'm not at liberty to discuss. My apologies."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Too bad," Sighing as she sits back down, "I really must get one of these. Umut, once this is resolved, look into that immediately."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Of course, my lady," Umut bows his head, though SEira can hear him ever so slightly sigh.
01[20:01] <Seira> "I have some notes I could share on that, unofficially," she offers to Umut quietly.
[20:03] <Kotono> At last, Lady Malika returns the hammer ot Seira. "Thanks," Umut murmurs back.
[20:03] <Kotono> "Now then...do continue on. There's still a devil to be found in the midsts," Lady Malika answers.
06[20:05] * Seira nods, and returns it to Donald for safe keeping. "As the entire experience has been shown to be quite harmless to mortals, is there any point in you approaching the Pasha with an offer to secretly screen his most trusted aides, Lady Malika?" Seira inquires curiously. "My own involvement could be kept a secret, and if you don't wish to reveal Donald's presence, we could let you borrow the Shard."
03[20:05] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54422fba.l6.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:05] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:07] <Kotono> "Mmmmmmmmm." There's a long here, Lady Malika not saying anything at all. "I can't easily explain where I got the hammer due to...circumstances," Lying back easily, "Do you think you can convince the Pasha if you can talk to him face to face?"
01[20:09] <Seira> "In that case, let's wait a few days," Seira proposes. "I might get enough information to narrow down the field further. Approaching the Pasha with that would be better than vague guesses."
[20:11] <Kotono> "Then...do you have nay suspects?" Lady Malika continues on, "Anyone who's run afoul or given any hints?"
[20:11] <Kotono> Donald meanwhile keeps busy, his eyes on Lady Malika in a not so subtle way.
06[20:13] * Seira paces, as if in thought, and steps on Donald's foot as her path brings her closer. Then, she alters directions, turning around and getting his other shin. "Really, if it's not the latest investigator, then blaming the previous ones is pointless without concrete evidence. And if it is not you, Lady Malika, the logical direction to look into is Abidin."
[20:16] <Kotono> "Ow!" Donald yelps, glaring at Seira, "You're walking on my feet!"
[20:17] <Kotono> "Mmm," Malika barely even glances at Donald, "Getting into Abidin's graces enough to try it short of the Pasha's order wouldn't be easy. We aren't on the best terms."
01[20:18] <Seira> "It is entirely your fault for sticking them out like that, Donald," Seira chides him. "You need to watch yourself better." She nods at Lady Malika. "So I understand. Tell me, the order the Pasha gave Umut to vet everyone... do we know where it originated? Could Abidin had been behind it?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "It's possible." Malika agrees, "The Pasha could very well have taken the initiative on it himself, however. He disapproved of the entire situation."
[20:20] <Kotono> Donald just glares at the back of Seira's head, muttering under his breath.
01[20:21] <Seira> "Still, the choice of your mage is a bit suspect. If he were confident that the devil would indeed escape the inspection due to some form of countermeasures, it could well have been devised as a move to discredit you and your position."
[20:21] <Kotono> "That is true. Seira, do you have any other reason to suspect Abidin?" Malika asks, her gaze coming right onto the dragon girl's own eyes. "Besides what you've said?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "Besides him 'accidentally' bringing the devils into our world to begin with?" Seira shrugs. "I also suspect that he's dabbling in distasteful research based on a conversation with Wali Hakim, though I lack any proof as yet. Would you know whether the latter's recent project has been commissioned by Abidin?"
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[20:25] <Kotono> "Very good..." Lady Malika's eyes narrow at that, "You found that out faster than I thought you would. How much about the accident did you find out?"
01[20:26] <Seira> "Please allow me to be blunt, Lady Malika, and ask why there was a need to have me find out things you already knew? The more information I have to start with, the better I can proceed. Am I still being tested at this late stage?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "In this case...I didn't want your perceptions to be colored." So saying that, "The reason I brought in outside help is to get a clear eye away from many of our intrigues and disagreements. It's true that Abidin did have a role in that...but we'd be fools if we hadn't ensured to our best ability that he wasn't a devil." AT that, she holds up a hand, "I think you can imagine what happened now, even if you haven't heard it all, but..." (Mor
[20:28] <Kotono> even if you haven't heard it all, but..." (More)
[20:30] <Kotono> "There was interest in the gnome ruins and we knew there were ruins to the north. Consideirng all the noise coming from the Baronies, we felt we would be remiss not to exploit our own. However, things went...badly, as you can see. Very badly. Even after the situation was contained, Abidin wants to exploit them. On the other hand, I consider them to be folly. We have magic enough and even one mistake has cost us dearly."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Further, Kelara is becoming unstable. We have no need to descent into chaos ourselves at this time, we need to be strong. Abidin believes we need what lies below for that, others disagree."
01[20:33] <Seira> "I don't think there's anything left to exploit, frankly. What the devils didn't loot or destroy, the celestials who routed them out surely got." Seira shrugs. "In fact, still pressing for looking about the ruins might be a mark in his favor, looked at this way. Well, I'll keep on it." At the mention of Kelara, however, Seira looks curious. "Oh? Issues with bandits, or something worse?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "Bandits turning into rebellion. The reports are hazy still, but apparently they're trying very hard to suppress them while not disturbing their status quo." Malika's smile turns serious, "If Kelara's government falls and anarchy rains, our western border and trade is in danger."
01[20:35] <Seira> "Would you move in to install order and a friendly government, if so?"
[20:35] <Kotono> "Aaah...who can say?" Malika smiles easily at that, "If we're too unstable trying tos top devils, what can we do? If all the nobles are torn and worrying if their friends worship Asmodeus..."
01[20:38] <Seira> "There is that, yes," Seira agrees. "Alright. I'll continue the investigation. Umut, could you help my friend get to my quarters? It would probably be for the best if he stayed with me."
[20:38] <Kotono> "Of course." Umut smiles and then glances at Donald, "Big guy, come on. Try not to stare too much at people in the halls? You'll attract more attention than your armor and helmet will."
01[20:39] <Seira> "And hide the hammer, a devil should be able to spot it easily!"
[20:41] <Kotono> "Yeah, yeah," Donald sighs and goes, the two departing. Once they're gone..."What's your next step?" Malika inquires.
01[20:42] <Seira> "Talk to a few of the ladies, bide my time. There is no need for drastic measures yet, I feel; I could be wrong, of course!"
[20:47] <Kotono> "Go on then." Lady Malika says, "Good hunting to you."
06[20:48] * Seira bows deeply, and leaves herself. It might be a good time to find out from Mada what she missed recently.
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC - Where are you going to go meet/look for Mada?
01[21:02] <Seira> OOC: She has a room, I'll start there
[21:05] <Kotono> On going to Mada's quarters, you find a servant who mentions she's not there. She went to the gardens to relax.
06[21:06] * Seira thanks the servant and heads for the gardens herself.
[21:07] <Kotono> It's very deep in the gardens, so it takes Seira some time to find Mada. She's tucked away in a little columned, roofed collonade surrounded by a thick canopy of palm trees. Mada is here, sitting inside on a cushioned seat and drinking iced water. She lies back, eyes half closed as a servant pours her more.
06[21:08] * Seira finds a spot of shade for herself, and asks the servant, "Is there another glass available, by chance?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Of course, ma'am," he answers dutifully, going to a little table on the side. Against all the odds, there is indeed ice in the water that pours from it, pleasantly chilly.
[21:11] <Kotono> "Mmm, Jeanne," Mada sits up, rubbing her eyes.
01[21:13] <Seira> "Hello," Jeanne returns. " Ah, it's so nice to finally be back. I was stuck in the city during the sandstorm. I had no idea they would be so vicious!" Smiling at Mada, she asks, "How has it been?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "I know, they're terrible. I hat ethem...but it's been quiet since then. Everything slowed down for a few days because of it."
01[21:24] <Seira> "Everything?" Jeanne asks, raising an eyebrow.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Almost, yes. Most use it as an excuse to rest or do frivolous things," Mada explains, "Even though the palace isn't overly bothered by them, beyond the gardens."
01[21:27] <Seira> "How does that work?" she asks curiously.
[21:28] <Kotono> "For most people, you're stuck inside of your house when there's a sandstorm. For the palace...even though there's no need, there's nothing that can be done except interpalace gossip, since no one can reasonably go out in a sandstorm. So it's become tradition to treat it as a reason to do nothing unless there's urgent need."
01[21:31] <Seira> "That I can understand," Jeanne agrees. "Any interesting gossip that I've missed out on?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "A little about your appearance," Mada drinks her water, "Rafal was talking about you. Apparently you impressed af ew people, including Bey Onur."
01[21:34] <Seira> "I'm pleased with that," Jeanne admits, smiling. "His exploits are most admirable."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Yes, he's remarkable," Mada smiles a little more, "Did you talk to Lady Cemile?"
01[21:39] <Seira> "I did. It made me wonder just what caused the rift between she and Lady Malika."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Was it that obvious on talking to her?" Mada smiles a little at that, finishing her water and gesturing for another.
01[21:43] <Seira> "Pretty much, yes. It must have a very good story behind it."
02[21:49] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54422fba.l6.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit
[22:42] <Kotono> "Well, most of what I hear is that they just happen to really dislike each other," Mada sips her new ater, "Perhaps they're just incompatable?"
01[22:43] <Seira> "Doesn't feel that way from Lady Cemile's side. But I'm not really here to play matchmaker." Jeanne shrugs. "Whatever the terrible secret may be, I will quite likely not get to uncover it."
03[22:43] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54422fba.l6.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[22:46] <Kotono> "Matchmaker?" Mada's eyes widen before she laughs, "That's terrible to say! Lady Cemile is married, you know."
01[22:47] <Seira> "It's just an expression," Jeanne says, though she sounds amused herself.
[22:49] <Kotono> "Yes. Still, a forbidden and impossible attraction would make a good reason for it. Seperated by birth and then by station...ah, tragedy. It would make a good play." Containing her laughter, "But where were we?"
01[22:50] <Seira> "Debating new scripts in the hands of adventuresome, fearless bards." Jeanne tilts her head. "Unless there's a topic even more interesting than that."
[22:51] <Kotono> "Not at the moment, unless you want to discuss the sandstorm," Mada answers. "Or the gossip about you."
01[22:52] <Seira> "Gossip about me is always good. What about gossip regarding Wali Hakim, if there is any?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "Wali Hakim? He's quiet as always," Mada blinks her eyebrows at Seira. "Probably working on one thing or another, or hunting."
01[22:58] <Seira> "He hunts?"

[Corwin]

01[20:02] <Seira> [22:51] <Kotono> "Not at the moment, unless you want to discuss the sandstorm," Mada answers. "Or the gossip about you."
01[20:02] <Seira> [22:52] <Seira> "Gossip about me is always good. What about gossip regarding Wali Hakim, if there is any?"
01[20:02] <Seira> [22:57] <Kotono> "Wali Hakim? He's quiet as always," Mada blinks her eyebrows at Seira. "Probably working on one thing or another, or hunting."
01[20:02] <Seira> [22:58] <Seira> "He hunts?"
03[20:04] * Ko-StartingpanelforGodlike is now known as Anastasia
[20:04] <Anastasia> "I believe so, yes," Mada answers. "It gets him away from his studies once in awhile."
01[20:05] <Seira> "Any idea when the next hunting trip is scheduled? I might just accidentally run into him then."
[20:08] <Anastasia> "I'm afraid not. It may have changed with the sandstorm regardless," Mada answers. "I could find out, though."
01[20:10] <Seira> "If it's not too much trouble," Jeanne requests politely. "Even if for no other reason... I have yet to hunt in the Fiefdoms, and it could be quite entertaining."
[20:11] <Anastasia> "I will then," Mada rises, "I should do something besides drinking ice water all day, anyway." OOC - Move along like you asked? Where to?
01[20:12] <Seira> OOC: I'll go back into the city, become Seira in some place after hiding, and go to the temple to bait my otherworldly friend again.
[20:13] <Anastasia> Slipping out of the palace isn't too hard. A nameless alley has Seira discard her disguise, returning as Seira. In the afternoon bustle many eye Seira as she walks...OOC - Are you going to keep any sort of guard or eyes up?
[20:14] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
03[20:15] * Dragon_Bot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:16] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
03[20:16] * Anastasia sets mode: +o Dragon_Bot
[20:16] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
[20:16] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=50 ]{50}
06[20:16] * Seira covers up her wings, but is otherwise very prominent, her uniquely-designed cloak proudly on display. She decides to stick near the temple, since she can count on its residents to clear out the general public in case of an attack on her, and help her if it turns too sour.
[20:17] <Anastasia> Seira lingers around the Temple to Waukeen! While many eye her, a few going in and out, no attacks happen. However, as she does, a tall man in a guard's uniform exits the temple. On seeing Seira, "Excuse me," he calls to her, his dusky skin tinted by years of tans.
01[20:18] <Seira> "Hello," she greets him in a friendly manner. "Pardon me for interrupting you, but is Bey Kerem back in Arad, by any chance? There is something I must report to him."
[20:24] <Anastasia> "Oh!" His face lights up in surprise, "I didn't think we'd met. Yes, Bey Kerem returned due to the sandstorm."
01[20:26] <Seira> "Would you mind taking me to him, then?" Seira requests. "There was a slight incident the other day, and I have been unable to address it so far. It is only proper that I turn to the authorities, as he has requested that I do in such cases."
[20:27] <Anastasia> "Certainly, I'm returning to Lady Cemile myself," With that, he begins to walk.
06[20:28] * Seira easily falls into step besides him. "Ah, but I've interrupted you as you were about to ask something," Seira says, sounding contrite. "How could I help you?"
[20:31] <Anastasia> "Oh. I wanted to ask you if you wished to come with me," he explains, "I was going to introduce myself. I came here today to learn about Waukeen, at Lady Cemile's request."
01[20:32] <Seira> "Oh, how exciting!" Seira exclaims. "Waukeen welcomes all who wish to learn and benefit themselves into her temples!"
03[20:41] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514d40fd.l1.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:41] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:41] <Anastasia> "The priest of the temple was much the same," Smiling a little, "I'll be sure to tell that to Lady Cemile."
01[20:44] <Seira> "I did offer her a tour," Seira reminisces. "May your report serve to help in Lady Cemile's decision."
Session Close: Wed Jul 30 20:46:44 2008

Session Start: Wed Jul 30 20:46:44 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[20:46] * Disconnected
02[20:46] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[20:46] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[20:46] * Topic is 'Man>Seira'
03[20:46] * Set by Kotono on Sat Jul 26 21:48:14
02[20:48] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-179-114-150.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[20:48] <Anastasia> "The priest of the temple was much the same," Smiling a little, "I'll be sure to tell that to Lady Cemile."
03[20:48] * C3 is now known as Seira
03[20:48] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
01[20:48] <Seira> Quite happy, now, Seira continues the rest of the walk in silence.
[20:49] <Anastasia> The return to Bey Kerem's abode passes peacefully. On entering here, you are taken to a large dining room. Here at a table Bey Kerem and Cemile sit next to each other, talking quietly and sharing a meal.
06[20:50] * Seira waits for her escort to announce her presence to them, first.
[20:51] <Anastasia> "Bey." He speaks, standing a little head, "I present Seira to you."
[20:51] <Anastasia> Bey Kerem straightens up, a somber nod to Seira. Lady Cemile smiles slightly but warmly. "Come, sit. What do we owe the pleasure to?"
06[20:51] * Seira gives him a slight wave.
01[20:52] <Seira> "Remember how you asked me to come to you if I ever had trouble in Arad?"
[20:53] <Anastasia> "I do. What's the problem," Bey Kerem asks, as Lady Cemile slightly scoots back and away.
06[20:56] * Seira sits opposite of Bey Kerem and sighs. "So here I was, just visiting the temple the day before the storm, and someone tried to assassinate me."
[20:57] <Anastasia> "Oh my!" Lady Cemile gasps at that, eyes going wide. "How horrid!"
[20:58] <Anastasia> "..." There is a stony pause here, Bey Kerem's face turning dark.  His voice is cold, "Do you know who did it?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "I thought so too!" Seira agreed. "So, uhh, I'm sorry but I panicked and tried to set the guy on fire. Self-defense and all! But it just washed all over him, and he didn't have problems hitting me in return. Repeatedly."
06[20:59] * Seira narrows her eyes. "Someone who forces me to retreat because I couldn't even touch him? Though he looked human we all know he couldn't possibly be."
[20:59] <Anastasia> "That sounds horrible...and like a devil..." Lady Cemile shivers again, creeping closer to her husband. Bey Kerem reaches out, patting her shoulder. "Is there any information you can pass on about him then? Apperance?
[20:59] <Anastasia> OOC - Gah.
[20:59] <Anastasia> "That sounds horrible...and like a devil..." Lady Cemile shivers again, creeping closer to her husband. Bey Kerem reaches out, patting her shoulder. "Is there any information you can pass on about him then? Apperance? Abilities?"
01[21:04] <Seira> "Hmm. What I do know is that he came asking about me a day earlier at the temple -- the Balmuria temple, where I retreated as a result, and learned this information. Given I don't believe he was of this world, appearance could be a fluid thing." Seira dispenses with the information about the assassin's appearance anyway, though.
01[21:04] <Seira> "As for abilities? Well, he escaped a fireball unscathed without even trying, as I've mentioned. That means one of two things, neither particularly reassuring. Ranged magical attacks were also demonstrated, against which I had no defense."
[21:07] <Anastasia> "Mmm. Yes, the apperance may be moot, but it's worth passing along in case it uses the same guise," Bey Kerem's voice becomes steelier, harsh. "I'll need to advise the Pasha of this matter immediately. A devil's attack cannot go unreported and unreplied to."
[21:07] <Anastasia> Cemile smiles sadly at Seira, "At least you're safe and alive."
01[21:09] <Seira> "Most troubling was its ability to conceal its presence," Seira adds, frowning. "The Waukeen temple didn't pick up anything from him, and I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary myself, until I was pretty much stabbed in the back." Seira smiles at Cemile, but returns her attention to Bey Kerem.
01[21:09] <Seira> "You're awfully fast to label it a devil attack. I normally wouldn't pry, but since I'm pretty much involved, would you mind filling me in?"
[21:10] <Anastasia> "What else could it be?" Lady Cemile says, "Resisted fire like it's nothing and can teleport." She looks at Seira innocently.
[21:11] <Anastasia> Bey Kerem glances at his wife before replying. "Cemile stole the words. It has the earmarkings of one. Plus you're a distinctive target."
06[21:12] * Seira snorts. "Alright, I've pried and failed. Be that as it may, I'll drop the matter... but should he come after me or mine again, I will be forced to defend myself to the best of my ability." Seira tilts her head. "I suppose I am apologizing in advance for the trouble, since something tells me he won't just stop trying."
[21:14] <Anastasia> "No. I'm glad you told us. The information is useful. But as long as you're in Arad, I'm going to have to insist you have guards with you at all times. For your safety as well as the safety of bystanders." Bey Kerem stands at that, "The Pasha may desire to talk to you on this matter directly, if it proves to be particularly important."
01[21:15] <Seira> "I'll agree to that, if they don't insist on sleeping in the same room as me at the temple," Seira responds with a smile. "And if I get informed of any sightings of this... person... as a simple courtesy. Would that be acceptable?"
[21:16] <Anastasia> "It is," Bey Kerem nods, "If you excuse me...you're welcome tos tay here with Cemile as you return. I can guarantee my home is safe and well protected."
[21:16] <Anastasia> *until I return
01[21:18] <Seira> "I'll stay for a short while, since I was so nicely invited," Seira agrees, "if only to once more extend an invitation for Lady Cemile to visit the temple. It is quite safe inside as well."
[21:19] <Anastasia> Bey Kerem briefly nods and departs. Once he's gone, Cemile apparoaches and sits close to Seira. "What a horrible event. Did the creature attempt to drown you in a black miasma? I hear that many devils can do that."
01[21:20] <Seira> "It preferred to attack from a distance, but I don't doubt that closing in would have adverse results."
[21:24] <Anastasia> "Yes..." Cemile shivers again, "It's a testament to your bravery that you survived a sneak attack like that. Being backstabbed by a devil...most would be dead before they knew what happened, wouldn't they?"
01[21:26] <Seira> "Perhaps it wanted me to suffer, first," Seira suggests. "It was spouting all kinds of strange notions after the attack, acting like the victim as it kept on striking at me. I was completely unbalanced by this strange behavior."
[21:26] <Anastasia> "Oh?" Cemile's face slowly goes away from worry and into something more open. "What did it say to you, then? What was so strange?"
01[21:28] <Seira> "Something about me deserving to die, and how it would kill me, except it was delivered flatly and not as a boast. Quite chilling. The way he kept attacking, I felt like he was letting me hang on a bit longer, perhaps to run me out of town, or just savor my... anger, until it struck again another day. As the attacking party, it would get to pick and time and place, after all."
[21:31] <Anastasia> "It sounds like an assassin," Cemile ponders on that matter. "A cruel, twisted assassin."
01[21:33] <Seira> "I'm more prepared for an attack, now," Seira tells her. "He'll regret letting me live." Shrugging, she puts on a smile. "But that's behind me, now. How have you been? I was ever so pleased to learn that your interest in the temple was not merely out of politeness!"
[21:36] <Anastasia> "I hope so..." Cemile lets herself trail off. "Well yes, I lose nothing but learning. Besides, information is everything. My husband believes that very much."
01[21:41] <Seira> "Does that mean you might consider returning with me, when I do head back?" Seira asks her. "I was promised guards, I believe, so it should be reasonably safe."
[21:43] <Anastasia> "Perhaps." Lady Cemile agrees, "If my husband does not object."
01[21:45] <Seira> "If that's an invitation to enjoy your hospitality until his return, I will gladly partake in it," Seira says with another smile.
[21:47] <Anastasia> "It is. Just rest...but...could you tell me more of the story of the assassination? I find it so dreadfully fascinating on how devils work."
01[21:49] <Seira> "There's not much more to tell," Seira says with a shrug, sounding mildly apologetic. "It was over quickly, and I didn't even catch all it was saying to me on account of dodging for all I was worth."
[21:50] <Anastasia> "Aaah. Forgive me, I'm just curious." Cemile apologizes.
01[21:50] <Seira> "I'll be sure to take notes next time!"
[21:51] <Anastasia> Cemile's eyes light up ever so slightly at that. "Such good intentions."
[21:54] <Anastasia> Bey Kerem returns three hours later. "The Pasha has been advised and would wish for you to be careful in Arad. I have secured proper guards for you now."
01[21:56] <Seira> "Thank you," Seira tells him, genuinely pleased. "Would the Pasha wish to speak to me at some later time, as you've mentioned?"
[21:59] <Anastasia> "The Pasha may, yes. The matter is currently being discussed. Should the Pasha wish to speak with you, he will send pages to the Temple of Waukeen."
06[22:00] * Seira inclines her head in agreement.
[22:07] <Anastasia> The rest of the day passes nicely. Cemile seems to enjoy the temple trip and the guards are plentiful outside. A night of sleep passes without incident...OOC - You wanted to tweak spells?
01[22:10] <Seira> OOC: Done!
06[22:11] * Seira decides to hang about the temple that morning, generally being of use to the priests and helping with their chores.
[22:13] <Anastasia> The morning passes welle nough. The desert is showing the first warm day - it's only about 90 degrees and dry, but it's a sign of the coming summer. By noon, there's no signs of robotic assassins striking Seira.
01[22:13] <Seira> If they don't come to Seira, she will seek them out! By journeying out into town and looking around, going nowhere in particular.
[22:15] <Anastasia> OOC - Elaborate on how you'll be travelling in town?
06[22:15] * Seira intends to walk about, visit a market, see the sights. Maybe check out the other temples in the city, if it has them.
[22:19] <Anastasia> Seira is walking down one of the broad main streets of the city. White stone buildings surround either side, a large avenue. Many white robed people walk in the heat, beasts of burden lugging supplies and goods here and there. It's not packed, but it's not particularly light, either. Seira has more personal space than most, however, about ten feet in total. Her guards are with her, eight of them in a careful fan around her. Thus Seira
[22:19] <Anastasia>  eight of them in a careful fan around her. Thus Seira is given plenty of space as she walks. (More)
[22:20] <Anastasia> The air is hot and dusty. As Seira walks down the streets...
[22:21] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+10 flatfooted AC, Seira?
[22:21] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+10 flatfooted AC, Seira? --> [ 1d20=19 ]{29}
01[22:21] <Seira> OOC: Not that
[22:21] <Anastasia> roll 1d4 yeah, ow. You know the drill here
[22:21] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d4 yeah, ow. You know the drill here --> [ 1d4=4 ]{4}
[22:23] <Anastasia> The black beam comes from the heavens, a gentle descent before it slams into the back of Seira's head! The beam rapidly weakens Seira, striking with scary speed! "Attack!" One of the guards says, the soldiers already starting to draw weapons and look around! OOC - React and roll initaitive.
01[22:23] <Seira> "In broad daylight?!" Seira exclaims, whirling around, a spell on her lips!
[22:24] <Anastasia> From behind you are several two and three story roofts. You catch a glimpse of -something- about 140 feet away on one of the second story ones, kneeling! OOC - Initiative.
[22:24] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+1 inevitable
[22:24] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+1 inevitable --> [ 1d20=11 ]{12}
01[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 nerveskitter
[22:24] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+12 nerveskitter --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
[22:24] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+2 guards
[22:25] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+2 guards --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
03[22:25] * Anastasia changes topic to 'Seira>Guards>Tura'
[22:25] <Anastasia> Around cries echo in the streets, commong citizens boggling at the display of raw, nchecked arcane power!
01[22:28] <Seira> Now is the time to test her plan, Seira decides, keeping her cool and casting Mirror Image, even as she calls upon the power of her boots should the inevitable decide on melee.
01[22:28] <Seira> roll 1d4+2
[22:28] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d4+2 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{5}
01[22:28] <Seira> Six images of Seira all take flight, heading for the roofs!
[22:29] <Anastasia> OOC - What's your fly move?
01[22:29] <Seira> OOC: Only 30ft
[22:30] <Anastasia> OOC: All up or all forward or a mix?
[22:30] <Anastasia> OOC: It's on a second story roof, say 1-0 ft up.
[22:30] <Anastasia> OOC: TEn
[22:30] <Anastasia> OOC: 10. TEN. FUCK.
01[22:30] <Seira> OOC: Ten up and ten closer.
[22:30] <Anastasia> OOC: Right.
01[22:30] <Seira> OOC: Or ten and five, however the math works
[22:32] <Anastasia> Seira ascends! Her guards are reacting already, drawing swords! One is pointing up to the roof, "Summon the guards! CLear the streets!" one bellows, as others start to run towards the building the Inevitable is atop! However, at that, the glimpse Seira has vanishes! OOC - Seira.
06[22:33] * Seira casts the spell of seeing through invisibility in mid air, and tries to locate her would-be assassin, hoping it would be that easy and she could continue her flight towards it.
[22:34] <Anastasia> Seira can see the Inevitable now! It has no disguise - it is a robot shaped like aman, of gleaming silver and gold metalworks. It has moved to the other side of the roof it was on, currently 140 feet away.
06[22:35] * Seira decides to make it thirty feet less, headed in its general direction.
[22:36] <Anastasia> Seira flies along! Meanwhile the streets empty, people running as yo ucan see guards running towards this street! However, all of that bustle is below, as Tura...vanishes again from Seira's view, gone from the rooftop even to her invisibility detecting eyes! OOC - Seira.
06[22:37] * Seira opts to continue her flight. She should make it towards the roof in question, and see from there.
[22:38] <Anastasia> Seira flies sixty feet ahead! Now 50 feet away, she still can't see the Inevitable, even as guards are swarming the building in question, going inside, as others start to stack crates and the like! However, as this happens...
[22:38] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+10
[22:38] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
[22:39] <Anastasia> OOC - Flatfooted AC? Though to be honest I'm fairly sure that's going to whiff anyway.
[22:39] <Anastasia> OOC - Flatfooted touch, rather.
[22:40] <Anastasia> OOC - And wait, images. Hurr.
01[22:40] <Seira> OOC: 13 touch flatfooted
[22:40] <Anastasia> roll 1d6 to see if it even hits Seira, since at this rate it's probably going to hit an image.
[22:40] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d6 to see if it even hits Seira, since at this rate it's probably going to hit an image. --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
[22:40] <Anastasia> OOC: Image AC?
01[22:40] <Seira> OOC: Haha, image ac is 17
[22:43] <Anastasia> A black beam whizzes from behind Seira! It misses her entirely, however! OOC - Seira.
06[22:44] * Seira looks over her shoulder, her images following suit. Just how far away did that beam's originate?
[22:45] <Anastasia> It came from 160 feet away, some distance ahead of where she was when this started. Tura stands there, hot winds gushing across it's metallic body. "You cannot escape. You cannot catch me. Your time is now," he says calmly, as black energy crackles around his hand. "Your judgment is inevitable."
[22:46] <Anastasia> OOC - You'r eup, Seira.
01[22:47] <Seira> "Screw you! I won't run away if you stop it, too!" Seira calls back to it. A fireball blossoms above her enemy's head, high enough to avoid damage to the houses. "You're all about contracts, right? Make one with me about facing me squarely in close quarters and I won't retreat!"
01[22:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+8 fire cl
[22:48] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+8 fire cl --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
[22:50] <Anastasia> The fire blossoms around the inevitable...and melts away from it, it's body unhurt. "I have no desire to trust a contract breaker!" The flames do not touch it's body, leaving it pristine and uncharred metal. The hot winds continue to blow, as below the streets have emptied of all but soldiers with starting speed! However, more come - some with bows as well! "I am also not so foolish as to let you hack me apart in close." OOC - Taking y
[22:50] <Anastasia> close." OOC - Taking your move action?
06[22:51] * Seira snorts in disgust, and looks for a chimney to hide behind. Two can play this annoying game.
[22:51] <Anastasia> Several roofs have chimneys or other things to hide behind. Doing so wouldn't be difficult.
06[22:52] * Seira picks the nearest one that looks like it would provide excellent cover against attacks coming from the inevitable's direction.
[22:53] <Anastasia> There's one within 15 feet that will give Seira full cover to hide behind! Thus she goes behind it, an ample barrier between her and any rays! At this...perhaps something happens, perhaps n ot, but she cannot see while undercover! But...
[22:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[22:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[22:53] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[22:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[22:53] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
[22:53] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
[22:53] <Anastasia> Distantly, Seira can hear the twang of bowstrings! OOC - Go Seira.
06[22:54] * Seira peeks over the top, just enough to remain mostly covered but glimpse past the chimney.
[22:55] <Anastasia> Seira peeks over the top! Tura has moved slightly back on the roof, invisible once more! A few arrows whizz past where he was, missing entirely and broadly.
01[22:57] <Seira> That bastard! Seira calls for Blur's effects, continuing to observe him.
[22:59] <Anastasia> Tura is looking at the chimney Seira is at! At her poking her head up, he takes a potshot at her!
[22:59] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+10 shyeah right
[22:59] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+10 shyeah right --> [ 1d20=1 ]{11}
[22:59] <Anastasia> The beam hits the chimney solidly, not even coming close to doing any harm to Seira! OOC - Go Seira.
06[23:00] * Seira takes it as her sign to charge him! If he decides to oblige her just a bit longer, she might get within range!
[23:01] <Anastasia> Seira is now 90 ft away from him as she flies across the roofs! Meanwhile more arrows come flying!
[23:02] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[23:02] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[23:02] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[23:02] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{15}
[23:02] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{10}
[23:02] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
[23:03] <Anastasia> But none come close to the now revealed Inevitable! As this happens, he points at Seira and.....vanished away! OOC - ACt Seira.
06[23:05] * Seira curses and looks around! She's flying above the roofs, so there's nothing obstructing her sight, unless her nemesis hid behind a chimney. She hopes.
[23:05] <Anastasia> OOC: Spot check.
01[23:06] <Seira> roll 1d20-2
[23:06] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{14}
[23:06] <Anastasia> Seira doesn't see an Inevitable around anywhere.
01[23:07] <Seira> "Anywhere?" she calls down to the soldiers. "It's very sneaky!"
[23:07] <Anastasia> The soldiers look around...but none seem to see him at all! A few seconds pass...nothing at all. No more black beams of death.
[23:07] <Anastasia> OOC - You don't seem to be under attack any more. Go ahead and free act.
06[23:08] * Seira decides to touch down amidst the soldiers on the street, scowling. "This time it was a draw, but you won't get another chance, you fire-immune freak!" she vows.
[23:09] <Anastasia> A few of her soldiers come right to SEira, forming a defensible ring around her, weapons drawn. "Are you hurt?" one asks, as a few dozen soldiers are about on the street. Civilians are gone, only a few knocked over things showing they were recently about, as well as a few abandoned animals.
01[23:10] <Seira> "Not fatally," she responds curtly, getting her scowl under control with some effort. "I think I should return to the temple and recover. I've inadvertantly troubled your citizens enough already today."
[23:11] <Anastasia> "Of course. We'll escort you, ma'am," One of the soldiers says.
06[23:13] * Seira covers her forehead with the back of her hand. "It was an attack more audacious than what I was prepared for. Did you hear its taunts?"
[23:13] <Anastasia> "I did, ma'am," One soldiers calls back. "What was it? It looked like a metal man from a story."
06[23:14] * Seira shrugs. "Last time it looked like a human. Maybe an elf, if you went by the ears and were generous. Now, a man of steel." Snorting, she continues. "Perhaps, next time, it will come as a beautiful dwarven maiden? Hmph."
[23:15] <Anastasia> roll 2d10 for minutes needed to get back to the temple
[23:15] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 2d10 for minutes needed to get back to the temple --> [ 2d10=11 ]{11}
[23:18] <Anastasia> A little over ten minutes pass as you rush back to the temple. While there are a few delays due to all the flooding civilians, Seira still makes decent time with a retinune of city guards. Thsu she makes it back to the temple...OOC - We'll pause here and resume tomorrow or next time.

[Corwin]

01[22:12] <Seira> [23:15] <Dragon_Bot> Anastasia rolled 2d10 for minutes needed to get back to the temple --> [ 2d10=11 ]{11}
01[22:12] <Seira> [23:18] <Anastasia> A little over ten minutes pass as you rush back to the temple. While there are a few delays due to all the flooding civilians, Seira still makes decent time with a retinune of city guards. Thsu she makes it back to the temple...OOC - We'll pause here and resume tomorrow or next time.
[22:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Once Seira is safely inside her quarters, a little time passes. There aren't any obvious attacks. About a half hour later, Seira does have a visitor who manages to get through the guards. This man is tall and familiar, the same man who met Seira passing by the temple yesterday. "Bey Kerem and Lady Cemile just heard the news," he says to the point.
06[22:20] * Seira nods curtly. "It seems I am still targetted."
[22:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Bey Kerem wishes for you to come to his home so that matters can be addressed,"
[22:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Gah.
[22:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Bey Kerem wishes for you to come to his home so that matters can be addressed," The man goes on, smooth, polite and every inch respectful, but with steel in his words. "Proper protections will be provided for the trip."
01[22:25] <Seira> "It is regrettable, but I cannot agree to that at this time," Seira states just as firmly. "My magic is exhausted, and the attack's mark on me has yet to pass. The assassin is also undeterred by either guards or daylight. If it were to attack me while I step foot outside the temple, I might die."
[22:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Lady Seira," The man stiffens at that, back straight up, "I'm sorry as well, but Bey Kerem has given an order. For the safety of the city and your own safety, I must insist."
01[22:28] <Seira> "I can adequately protect myself in this room, because it cannot gain the advantage of range. Heading outside today, however, is somewhat out of the question. I know it is rude of me, but could I trouble Bey Kerem into making the trip here instead?"
[22:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Go ahead and make a diplo check?
03[22:32] * Dragon_Bot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
03[22:32] * Tiny_Ko_Army sets mode: +o Dragon_Bot
01[22:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
[22:32] <Dragon_Bot> Seira rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{29}
[22:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> After a lengthy pause, "Allow me to consult." With that he exits the room. OOC - ARe you going to do anything or wait?
06[22:38] * Seira intends to wait patiently for the answer.
[22:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It takes a bit, but when he returns, "Due to the circumstances and delicacy of the situation, Bey Kerem has agreed to your request. He will arrive shortly."
01[22:41] <Seira> "My thanks. Had the situation been any different...."
[22:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Of course," The man says, quietly stepping out of the room after. OOC - ARe you going to do anything but cool your heels?
01[22:43] <Seira> OOC: Entirely passive for now, unless those guys or outsiders come after me
[22:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A little later, Seira's room gets another visitor. Flanked by two guards who depart once he's inside, Bey Kerem enters. His face is stern, though he does look Seira over. "I heard of the creature's brazen attack. The streets buzz with the incident, that it attacked from above and looked like a machine of gold and silver."
06[22:48] * Seira nods. "That's how it looked to me this time as well. I'm fairly confident it was the same creature, given that the attacks and the methods were similar in nature."
03[22:50] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
[22:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The devils introduce worse and new horrors each time," A scowl crosses Bey Kerem's face, his hands behind his back and his posture entirely correct. "However, with this recent attack - a brazen assault in daylight in Arad, no less! - the Pasha is unhappy. Such open savagery does nothing but create danger and dissent. The Pasha wishes to know what you're going to do now."
01[22:57] <Seira> "Recover, and--" Seira stops abruptly. "We're both unhappy with this development, aren't we?" she asks Bey Kerem. "I do have a plan, which I could try tomorrow, but I will need to rely on your help to clear the civilians from any area it attacks. It seems obvious that I am unlikely to be targetted indoors, so suggestions for open spaces that are sparcely populated would also be ideal."
[23:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The Pasha wants this matter resolved as soon as possible," Bey Kerem agrees. "There is one space in particular that may be suitable for this matter."
01[23:04] <Seira> "I learn more with every encounter. The next one might well be decisive, at last," Seira muses. "Rather than soldiers or archers, I would rather have scouts accompany me, however. Or a mage that can see past invisibility, or both. That way I could concentrate more fully on actually taking down the threat rather than finding it first."


01[19:05] <Seira> [22:57] <Seira> "Recover, and--" Seira stops abruptly. "We're both unhappy with this development, aren't we?" she asks Bey Kerem. "I do have a plan, which I could try tomorrow, but I will need to rely on your help to clear the civilians from any area it attacks. It seems obvious that I am unlikely to be targetted indoors, so suggestions for open spaces that are sparcely populated would also be ideal."
01[19:05] <Seira> [23:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The Pasha wants this matter resolved as soon as possible," Bey Kerem agrees. "There is one space in particular that may be suitable for this matter."
01[19:05] <Seira> [23:04] <Seira> "I learn more with every encounter. The next one might well be decisive, at last," Seira muses. "Rather than soldiers or archers, I would rather have scouts accompany me, however. Or a mage that can see past invisibility, or both. That way I could concentrate more fully on actually taking down the threat rather than finding it first."
[19:15] <Kotono> "That can be arrainged," Bey Kerem agrees. "The Pasha is putting trust in you that you can resolve this matter before it negatively effects Arad.
[19:15] <Kotono> "
01[19:17] <Seira> "Let's aim for tomorrow morning, around ten o'clock or so?" Seira suggests. "It should be enough time for me to recovery fully. "
[19:20] <Kotono> "Very well," Bey Kerem agrees. "My wife was concerned for you, so rest yourself well."
06[19:21] * Seira nods.
[19:23] <Kotono> Thus Bey Kerem leaves, giving Seira time to herself...OOC - Ball is in your court, set up what you were talking about in PM. Dicebot is incoming.
03[19:23] * Rei-chan_Fangirl_Bot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
06[19:25] * Seira leaves strict instructions that she is not to be disturbed for any reason as she meditates in her room, tells Isonu that she's going to be visiting the palace over the night, and teleports to her assigned rooms there after using a spell of invisibility on herself.
03[19:25] * Rei-chan_Fangirl_Bot is now known as Misukibot
03[19:25] * Seira sets mode: +v Misukibot
01[19:25] <Seira> roll 1d100
[19:25] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=75 ]{75}
[19:29] <Kotono> Woosh! Seira appears in her quarters, invisible ands hielded from all eyes. Jeanne's quarters are currently quiet, a maid changing the bedsheets. She sings softly to herself.
01[19:31] <Seira> Invisibility was definitely a good call, it seems, but where is Donald? Seira decides to wait a few minutes and see if the maid goes away. Or, at least, leaves the room long enough for Seira to cast a disguise spell.
[19:35] <Kotono> The maid lasts in here another five minutes. After finishing the bed she exits out of the immediate room. The door stays open a bit, and you can hear, "It's done now," she says, then Donald saying something just missed, and then some heady giggles from the maid.
06[19:36] * Seira decides to cast that spell now to assume Jeanne's appearance, and then opens the door to the corridor.
[19:39] <Kotono> The maid is laughing and blushing, as Donald leans against the wall and grins. "...your service, since someone has to cook and clean. Where would everyone be if there weren't people like you?"
06[19:46] * Seira decides to hide in the room and wait for Donald to return. She's morbidly curious as to whether he would be able to spot her.
[19:54] <Kotono> OOc - Make a hide check then?
01[19:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
[19:55] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{34}
[19:57] <Kotono> Donald chats a little longer, coming into the room after...
[19:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 largely moot
[19:57] <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 largely moot --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
03[19:58] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[19:58] <Kotono> He glances around, before going to sit right on the bed and falling back. "Aaaaah..." he sighs, closing his eyes. "Boooooring. At least the maid was cute."
06[19:59] * Seira waits for the door to close before making herself comfortable in a plush armchair. "The perils of palace life," she muses out loud.
[20:00] <Kotono> "Aaah!" Donald sits bolt upright on the bed, the creak of his mithril armor considerable! "Oh...damn, you snuck up on me. I didn't even notice you were here."
01[20:02] <Seira> "You didn't say something to blow our cover to the cute maid, did you?" Seira asks him, tilting her head. "Like where you're from, or my name?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "Of course not," Snorting at that, "I barely got to talk to her. She asked me to leave the room while she cleaned and then hurried off. Bah."
01[20:05] <Seira> "There'll be plenty of introductions later," she tells him with a snort. "For now, I just need to take care of my pest. Did anyone but the maid try to snoop around here?"
[20:08] <Kotono> "Nope," Donald shakes his head, "A few people did stop by, but I took messages. Let's see...someone for a Wali Hakim stopped by, but he just said that he'd try again another time.  A servant for a Bey Onur stopped by, something about magic testing or whatever. Oh, and a Wali Eure too. STrange guy, thought he was gonna pick a fight but he didn't push it."
06[20:09] * Seira blinks at the last name. "What did that strange guy want?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Oh, I think he wanted to meet you. Really aggressive guy - he had a holy symbol, too. I think it was the same as the guy in the garrison...oh yeah!" Snapping his fingers, "Tempus."
01[20:14] <Seira> "Well, he will have to learn to live with disappointment for another day or so," Seira muses. "Once it's morning, I'll return to the temple with the Shard. I'm afraid I need to borrow it for a short bit."
[20:16] <Kotono> "Aaaw..." Donald stands, passing it over to Seira. "I'm sure you'll have fun with it at least, but..."
01[20:17] <Seira> "As long as you have another weapon to defend yourself with, it's all good." Seira leans back in the chair. "If all goes well, I'll try to rejoin you tomorrow in the afternoon. If not... well, the day after that, I figure."
[20:18] <Kotono> "I have Guardianil," Donald leans back again, "Kick that thing's ass for me good then?"
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:21] <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=55 ]{55}
[20:22] <Kotono> The night passes. The oppression on Seira's spirit vanishes during this time, restoring her power. She awakens in Jeanne's quarters the next morning, having rested up well. OOC - Ball's in your court now. Describe what you're doing.
06[20:28] * Seira intends to teleport back to her room at the temple, and then await Bey Kerem's arrival, her spells hand-picked for a third chance at taking down the inevitable.
01[20:28] <Seira> roll 1d100
[20:28] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=19 ]{19}
[20:32] <Kotono> Woosh! Seira teleports back to her chambers without incident. (More)
[20:38] <Kotono> A few hours pass. But soon Bey Kerem's promised forces arrive. But it's not Kerem that's the Bey here. Instead, the one that enters Seira's room is Bey Onur. He nods gravely to her, "Greetings." He wears his breastplate like before, and has a large axe strapped to his back, as well as a bow and arrows. "I'm Bey Onur and the Pasha has sent me to ensure that this problem ends here." Behind Bey Onur is Deniz, silent. "I have all the relevant inf
[20:38] <Kotono> Behind Bey Onur is Deniz, silent. "I have all the relevant information from Bey Kerem as well, and can fight if my services are needed."
06[20:40] * Seira nods curtly. "That is very reassuring. Bey Kerem has informed you of the kind of location I would like to draw the assassin out into?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "Yes. We've quietly prepared it to make sure no civilians wander in," Bey Onur answers. "Deniz will be assisting with the relevant magics, as well as another mage in the Pasha's service, Allister. We also have scouts as planned."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Hearing all that, I am filled with confidence that we'll triumph this time." She glances at the silent Deniz, before adding, "Could you give me a moment to offer a prayer to Waukeen before we depart?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "If you want," Bey Onur says, "The forces are waiting just outside of the temple."
01[20:47] <Seira> "Thanks, I appreciate it," Seira tells him, going to seek out Isonu.
[20:48] <Kotono> Isonu is at the altar. It's quiet in here. One could gather that a bunch of soldiers just outside the temple could be bad for business.
06[20:49] * Seira resolves to make up for that, and approaches him, asking quietly, "Would it be possible to check Bey Onur and his party for traces of law? His magic-wielding aide and the other mage, most of all, along with the Bey himself."
01[20:50] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 FL
[20:50] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d10+10 FL --> [ 1d10=4 ]{14}
03[20:53] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5445cb38.lns3-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:59] <Kotono> "It can be done. I prepared many such spells after yesterday's incident." Thus, he goes and slips outside briefly! He returns after, and in a low voice, "Only faint law from the woman next to Bey Onur, as well as one of the scouts. It's nothing to indicate a lawful outsider."
01[21:02] <Seira> "Then she should be the safest of them all," Seira muses, casting an extended spell to see through the invisible. And she does offer a brief prayer to Waukeen; it mainly thanks the goddess for all her help till that point. "Well, I'll be off. Wish me luck?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Good fortune. May your deals not be soured today," Isonu intones.
01[21:03] <Seira> With a wave, Seira leaves the relative safety of the temple to join up with Bey Onur and his troops.
[21:09] <Kotono> Bey Onur waits outside with Deniz and Allister, as well as a small squad of lightly armored soldiers, bows and arrows, as well as short swords. Each of them looks slender and fast, well toned.
01[21:11] <Seira> "Well, I'm prepared," Seira tells them. "Lead the way. We shouldn't really stay here too long in case it decides to strike."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Agreed." Bey Onur thus leads the troops on! The streets are busy, but part way for the caravan of soldiers and a few elite. Thus the pace is really rather good. soon arriving. On the outskirts of the town is an old, dusty road, white buildings quiet. There's not much of anyone around immediately...
06[21:15] * Seira leans against a building, stopping to rest briefly. "So this is our stage?"
[21:18] <Kotono> Bey Onur nods curtly back. "It is. There shouldn't be anyone around here - we had the guard clear out anyone lingering last night."
01[21:21] <Seira> "That means we don't need to hold back," Seira says, smiling. "I'll even cover the property damage."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Indeed," Bey Onur doesn't crack a smile at all. "The devil is entirely after you, correct?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "I'm being targetted by it, whatever it is," she agrees. "Of that there is little doubt. The soldiers around me were left alone yesterday."
[21:25] <Kotono> "Then you'll be what it's after. Do you want people nearby?" Bey Onur asks.
06[21:26] * Seira shrugs. "Our plan pretty much relies on letting it take the first shot. What I need is for people capable of spotting our friend to be spready out throughout the area, because it tends to strike from a distance of two hundred feet or so."
[21:27] <Kotono> "Deniz. Allister. Detect Invisibility and fan out," Bey Onur orders crisply, the two nodding to him and going to do just that.
06[21:29] * Seira settles for a long wait, if necessary.
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, goa head and make a spot check for reference here.
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[21:31] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 reroll
[21:31] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d20+2 reroll --> [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
[21:33] <Kotono> OOC - Also for reference, what's the duration on your SI?
01[21:34] <Seira> OOC: It was cast extended, so 220 min
03[21:37] * Misukibot is now known as Failurebot
[21:39] <Kotono> An hour passes. Scouts scout around, while Deniz and Allister wander in the dry, hot sunshine. Seira keeps her own glances about, her eyes sharp and quick. However, there's nothing. No signs of the Inevitable at all so far. Bey Onur wipes his forehead clean, "Still nothing?" he asks Seira.
01[21:41] <Seira> "We will know it when it happens," she responds. "Maybe he thinks the balance of power is too tilted this time around. No offense, but the regular troops last time must not have registered as a threat to an immortal creature. A pair of mages and a general might."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Yes. But I can't let normal troops fight a creature like this unsupported," Bey Onur says firmly. "Still...if this approach fails, what then?"
01[21:44] <Seira> "I'm tempted of leaving and trying to draw it away," Seira tells him. "It's not really your problem, so I should minimize the risks to the Arad population."
[21:47] <Kotono> "The Pasha's orders are to simply see it dead and to eliminate the disturbance and dissent," Bey Onur answers. "If you feel it will, go ahead."
01[21:49] <Seira> "I'm not ready to give up yet, mind," Seira mentions. "In fact, why not leave me alone in a half a mile radius? If my friend here thinks he could finish me off before reinforcements arrive, he might be tempted. That would be a mistake, hopefully the last one he ever makes."
[21:54] <Kotono> Bey Onur nods, letting Seira alone then. OOC - Doing anything besides watching here?
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: Not really
[21:56] <Kotono> A second hour passes...nothing. No sign of your mechanical intruder, just the warmth of the coming summer. Not that it bothers Seira, obviously.
06[21:58] * Seira might as well pass the day here. She decides to wait until the spell on her is about to expire, and then have it recast, if necessary.
[21:59] <Kotono> The third hour passes without incident, thena nother half hour mroe. The spell is about to run out, but no sign of the Inevitable at all.
06[22:02] * Seira recasts the see invisibility spell, given the previous runs out.
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:02] <Failurebot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=91 ]{91}
[22:02] <Kotono> After another hour, Bey Onur comes over to Seira's position. "There's been nothing as far as any of us can tell, and the mages are running out of detect invisibilty times."
01[22:04] <Seira> "That's unfortunate," Seira tells him. "Well, I'll give it some more time. If your mages have another casting of the spell them, have them save it for now."
[22:06] <Kotono> Thus the rest of the time passes. Morning is turning into later afternoon as Seira's spell runs it's course again. Nothing. No sign of the damned Inevitable. Whereever it is, it isn't here.
06[22:06] * Seira decides to head back to the temple. There's really nothing more she can do at that point.
03[22:12] * Failurebot is now known as Awesomebot
01[22:12] <Seira> Once her escort makes it back, Seira invites Bey Onur and the pair of mages inside.
[22:13] <Kotono> The trio looks rather tired(Or Deniz does a bit, as does Allister, but Bey Onur looks fine) as they enter. "The creature seems not to want to engage anyone except you, to the point of passing you up," Bey Onur observes.
01[22:14] <Seira> "That might be so," Seira agrees, leading the way to an empty room not far into the temple. "However, there is another possibility. Since I am obediently following up on every suggestion from Bey Kerem without complaint, would you grant me a small favor, Bey Onur?" she requests.
[22:19] <Kotono> "It depends on the favor," Bey Onur answers, staying standing, while Deniz does the same right behind him. Allister leans against the wall, looking rather tired.
06[22:21] * Seira takes out her hammer, pointing it at Bey Onur. "It would put me considerably at ease if you were to touch the weapon, Bey," she says, observing him impassively.
[22:25] <Kotono> "A hammer?" Bey Onur eyes it without comment, before reaching out and touching it. Nothing notable happens. "...strange..." he murmurs, withdrawing his hand and then slightly shaking his head, his eyes blinking several tims in rapid succession.
06[22:26] * Seira casts Detect Magic once he does so, observing the man for any changes.
06[22:27] * Seira shifts the Shard in Alister's direction. "You as well, please."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Wait." Bey Onur speaks up, "They're under my command. What's the point of us?" he asks.
01[22:37] <Seira> "This is one of our military secrets, so I don't like to talk about it," Seira responds. "But it detects devils by touch. It's possible that I wasn't attacked because the situation wasn't favorable to the assassin. Another possibility was that he had been there all along, and knew of my plan. It is only prudent that I test those who came with me on that fruitless excursion."
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:39] <Awesomebot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[22:40] <Kotono> Bey Onur looks at Seira intently, before he nods. "Deniz," he says curtly. "Touch the hammer."
06[22:41] * Seira draws it away, blinking. "You don't trust her? I've considered Deniz vetted after you came out unaffected."
[22:42] <Kotono> "I trust Deniz very much. That's exactly why I'm asking her," Bey Onur's look is calm and unemotional. Meanwhile, Allister looks on, "A magical hammer, eh?"
01[22:43] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees. "Let's keep the order established. Allister, if you will?" She offers the hammer end to the mage.
[22:44] <Kotono> Allister shrugs and touches the hammer! Nothing happens. The hand is withdrawn after a moment, "The hammer makes me feel funny inside." Allister says.
01[22:46] <Seira> "The effect varies for different people," Seira explains, and holds it out to Deniz next.
[22:47] <Kotono> Deniz reaches out and touches it! Her hand stays on it a moment, her face crossing into a look of dismay. She quickly removes her hand, shaking her head back and forth.
01[22:47] <Seira> "As I expected," Seira agrees, nodding to herself. "That should soon pass," she tells Deniz.
01[22:48] <Seira> "And because I'm highly paranoid, after two attempts on my life... would you mind removing your ring and repeating the procedure?" she asks of Allister.
[22:48] <Kotono> "Now then...what are you going to do? Staying openly in Arad is a problem as long as the devil stalks you," Bey Onur crosses his arms.
[22:49] <Kotono> Allister shrugs, taking off the ring, "Sure, why not?" he smiles amiciably, "It's not even magical, it's just a memento." He reaches out, touching the hammer again. Again, nothing of note seems to occur.
01[22:51] <Seira> "As I've said, I'll consider my next move," Seira tells Bey Onur. She nods at Allister, and returns the hammer to its place at her belt. "I think I'll do it from Balmuria. Isonu, the head priest here, would be able to pass on a message to me should you find out something and wish to warn me of another attack."
01[22:51] <Seira> Seira frowns. "Though I loathe to leave like that. Was anyone else aware of our plans for today?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "The Pasha and Bey Kerem." Bey Onur answers, "Though our public march made it no secret."
06[22:55] * Seira struggles with the next question for a bit, before asking it bluntly in the end. "Do you believe I should visit Bey Kerem and ask him to take this test, Bey Onur?"
[22:56] <Kotono> Stiffly he answers, "I have no reason to impunge on Bey Kerem's honor or his deeds. He has loyally served the Pasha and served him well."
01[22:59] <Seira> "Then that is that. I will need to prepare the necessary spell, and will depart for Balmuria tomorrow morning. I believe I should be safe within these walls, but until that time, feel free to keep guards nearby. Also... this is my last line of defense;
01[22:59] <Seira> should a devil learn that I possess it, they might devise means to overcome it, however temporarily. I would like it if what happened in this room stayed here, between us four."
[23:02] <Kotono> "Very well," Bey Onur agrees quietly to that, "Travel well to Balmuria then."
[23:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:05] <Awesomebot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
01[23:15] <Seira> After giving a final set of instructions to Isonu on how to handle the affairs in Balmuria, Seira conceals her magical aura, assumes Jeanne's appearance and becomes invisible, followed by a teleport into her rooms in the palace.
01[23:16] <Seira> roll 1d100
[23:16] <Awesomebot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=1 ]{1}

[Corwin]

01[18:50] <Seira> [23:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
01[18:50] <Seira> [23:05] <Awesomebot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
01[18:50] <Seira> [23:15] <Seira> After giving a final set of instructions to Isonu on how to handle the affairs in Balmuria, Seira conceals her magical aura, assumes Jeanne's appearance and becomes invisible, followed by a teleport into her rooms in the palace.
01[18:50] <Seira> [23:16] <Seira> roll 1d100
01[18:50] <Seira> [23:16] <Awesomebot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=1 ]{1}
05[18:51] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kokokokokoko invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[18:51] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
[18:51] <Kokokokokoko> Thus, so rested, SEira teleports to her quarters in the palace! This time there's only Donald, sitting in a deep, leather bound chair and reading a book.
01[18:52] <Seira> "Alone this time?" Seira asks him, glancing at the book's title. She keeps her invisibility up for the time being.
[18:54] <Kokokokokoko> "Hm" Donald blinks and looks up, as Seira reads that it's in Common. It's a tome about fire, ice and lightning magics. "Yeah. You know, why the invisibility? Did you sneak into here on foot this time?"
01[18:55] <Seira> "Teleport isn't foolproof," she says by way of answer. "And even if it were, I don't want to waste time scrying for whether I have guests or not. So. Did I get any more visitors?"
[18:56] <Kokokokokoko> "Nobody since you were last here," Donald puts the book down, idly dogearing a page to mark his spot before closing it.
06[18:59] * Seira drops her invisibility, handing over the Shard to Donald. "Keep this concealed, alright? It's okay if others know you're carrying a hammer, just as long as they have no idea it's this particular one."
[19:00] <Kokokokokoko> "Sure," Donald takes it, "I'll tuck it away good and work out a cover. How're things going, anyway? Did you smash in a devil's face yet?"
01[19:02] <Seira> "Not as yet, no. But I did get a chance to introduce Bey Onur, and a couple of mages to our devil detection system, and the results were reasonably encouraging." Taking a seat by Donald, Seira asks, "So who do you think I should pay a visit first, now that I'm back?"
[19:06] <Kokokokokoko> "Well, I don't think that cute maid is a devil..." Donald thoughtfully crosses his arms, looking upward. "That Eure guy was kinda punchy, but he was all up about Tempus."
01[19:07] <Seira> "I'll start with him, then," Seira picks, having no real preference of her own. "Did that page leave an address?
01[19:07] <Seira> "
[19:08] <Kokokokokoko> "I think he has rooms in the palace?" Donald says after a moment, "Ask around?"
01[19:10] <Seira> With a mock salute, Seira leaves her rooms in her human guise, intending on finding Umut.
[19:11] <Kokokokokoko> OOC: Just going to look for him, or ask around or what?
01[19:11] <Seira> OOC: He has rooms, I'll check them. It's morning, he might be there.
[19:14] <Kokokokokoko> Luck is with Jeanne. As she passes through a wide open palace hall, with a glass roof to let the radiant sunshine in, she glances Umut. He's chatting up with a pretty woman in silks, the two against a wall and deep in conversation. Umut's smiling easily, running his mouth, while the woman is listening.
06[19:17] * Seira keeps a respectable distance from the two, enough to signal to Umut that she's waiting to talk to him should he glance at her, but not interrupting the conversation.
[19:18] <Kokokokokoko> Umut takes a few minutes to notice Seira, before he makes a theatrical sigh to the woman and departs from her. He approaches over, "Ah, Jeanne," he says easily, "The ladies seem to be allured to me today. This desert rose colonge must be truly alluring." Then, in a lower voice, "Need something?"
01[19:20] <Seira> "Just to mutually catch up," she returns in that same lowered voice, putting on a smile. "There might be something into it. But wouldn't you prefer it for people to seek you out for who you are and not what you splash over your face?"
[19:21] <Kokokokokoko> "Aaaah, that's for people who are bland and boring and who need to believe something like that," Laugjing at that, and under his breath as he does, "If it's not short, let's go somewhere so I don't have to keep babbling about this stupid colonge."
06[19:23] * Seira pretends that Umut is actually amusing, laughing politely as she allows herself to be lead to a quieter spot.
[19:24] <Kokokokokoko> Once they're out of the hall and in a little cul-de-sac isolated away, "Well then," Umut says, "How're things going?"
01[19:27] <Seira> "So-so," Seira responds. "I made an appearance as myself and got Bey Onur, his lovely if silent aide and one Allister, another mage, to touch the hammer. That's not a euphemism, by the way." She shrugs. "They seem clear, unless they are a very unique breed of devil, but I don't think we need to go that far just yet. What did I miss over here?"
[19:28] <Kokokokokoko> That does get Umut to snicker, "Well, at least you're making friends. That's got to be an improvement. But anyway, honestly, not much. The gossip was about some devil incident in town."
01[19:29] <Seira> "That was me. The one attacked. Not the devil."
[19:31] <Kokokokokoko> "What was that about, anyway?" Crossing his arms, "I heard it looked silvery or golden, and that's not really devilish."
01[19:33] <Seira> "It's a freaky outsider. I'm not really sure it's a devil, but that's what Bey Kerem plus wife decided, so I went along with it for simplicity's sake. Unfortunately, they didn't feel like sharing what they knew about the devils, so it didn't go far."
[19:34] <Kokokokokoko> "Damn." Lips twitching upward at that, "Did you piss off more outsiders than devils? You really live dangerously."
01[19:34] <Seira> "Well, there were demons...."
[19:35] <Kokokokokoko> "Lovely. But freaky outsides aside, what about the current problem? What are you going to do next?"
01[19:37] <Seira> "Wali Hakim and Cemile asked me to return after a few days. Well, those few days have passed, now, so I'll see whether they have anything new. And if Bey Onur is curious, then we've spent a bit of time together training. What do you think I should be able to master?"
[19:39] <Kokokokokoko> "Keep it basic." Shaking his head, "I don't want to get a reputation I can't live up to later."
01[19:40] <Seira> "How about faerie lights? I can swing that," Seira offers. "Oh, and what's up with that Eure person? He sent someone to visit me the other day. No idea why."
[19:41] <Kokokokokoko> "Wali Eure? Who knows? Maybe he thinks you should bend a knee to Tempus, or he wants a fight." A shrug there, light and easy, "He's not quite right, really. I think he's taken one too many swords to the head."
01[19:42] <Seira> "How can you take too many swords to the head?"
01[19:43] <Seira> "And live?"
[19:43] <Kokokokokoko> "A helmet, duh." Umut rolls his eyes, "It was a turn of phrase."
01[19:44] <Seira> "Sure, whatever. So I'll see what I can do there. Mind helping me find this guy?"
[19:45] <Kokokokokoko> "Sure." Umut is agreeable enough, "When, now?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "No time like the present."
[19:54] <Kokokokokoko> Thus the duo heads to Wali Eure's quarters. Inside a pleasant room with a window to the gardens you find him. He looks like he's been in one too many fights on a glance. The tunic he wears is emblazed with a red shield with a sword in the center.
[19:54] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - Gah.
[19:55] <Kokokokokoko> Thus the duo heads to Wali Eure's quarters. Inside a pleasant room with a window to the gardens you find him. He looks like he's been in one too many fights on a glance. The tunic he wears is emblazed with a red shield with a sword in the center. Orange flames surround the blade, as if caught in a frozen mid crackle. On seeing the two, "You!" he looks right to Seira.
01[19:55] <Seira> "I prefer Jeanne."
[19:56] <Kokokokokoko> Umut briefly smiles, stepping back slightly.
[19:56] <Kokokokokoko> "Jeanne then!" He steps forward, "You're new to this court and from the far away Empire of Malmuth?"
06[19:57] * Seira nods hesitantly. "Yes?"
[19:59] <Kokokokokoko> "In the name of Tempus Foehammer, I challenge you! Show me your ways of war!" he so declares, fixing his gaze into Seira's.
06[20:00] * Seira glances at Umut. "Can I actually refuse, pretend this never happened, and walk away?"
[20:01] <Kokokokokoko> "Don't talk to him, talk to me!" Eure calls in pique. "What horrible manners!"
01[20:01] <Seira> "Can I actually refuse, pretend this never happened, and walk away?" Seira repeats, looking straight at Eure.
[20:01] <Kokokokokoko> Umut starts to speak, struggling not to smile. "...he's not so bad, just...yeah. It's up to you, it's not like  can get away with killing someone in the court."
[20:04] <Kokokokokoko> "Would you have such a lack of honor and courage?" Wali Eure retorts.
06[20:06] * Seira places on her most apologetic face. "I'm sorry, but I just don't want to needlessly spill any blood without a good reason."
[20:07] <Kokokokokoko> "Tsk," Glaring at Seira, "Such hang wringing peacefulness does nothing. I had hoped you were a worthy warrior."
06[20:08] * Seira tilts her head. "It's really more that the winner has already been decided. I see no reason to act it out without a suitable incentive."
[20:10] <Kokokokokoko> "Ah, I see. You have no illusions about your power then," Wali Eure nods, "Then if I misjudged you as competent, I apologize."
01[20:12] <Seira> "...okay!" Seira offers her hand to Wali Eure. "No hard feelings, right?"
[20:13] <Kokokokokoko> The hand is taken, "It's fine. If you're not a combatant, then I made a serious mistake in judging you."
01[20:14] <Seira> "It's alright, you're not the first to misjudge me," Seira agrees. "So what do you do for fun around here? Challenge random newcomers?"
[20:14] <Kokokokokoko> Umut's face is locked into a barely suppressed grin. He steps a little more away quietly, out of the room.
[20:15] <Kokokokokoko> "Not everyone can be afforded a life of idle luxury in the court. Some of us must stay vigliant." Wali Eure says gravely.
01[20:15] <Seira> "So, any worthy adversaries lately?"
[20:16] <Kokokokokoko> "...aaah, there is always Bey Onur. He gave me the honor of another match recently. His skill has grown even mightier. Truly he is a superb warrior beyond all comparison."
01[20:18] <Seira> "How great a disparity was it?" Seira asks curiously.
[20:19] <Kokokokokoko> "It's grown into a great one. He's honed his skills to a razor's edge," Wali Eure admits. "I would pray to Tempus that I never saw him on the other side of a battlefield."
01[20:19] <Seira> "I think your neighbors are the ones who need to offer such a prayer," Seira muses. "Out of curiousity, did he take a few hits of his own?"
[20:21] <Kokokokokoko> "No. His skill has grown so that I can't even lay a hand on him. His prowess and expertise in battle are amazing. He defends himself like he has a ten arms and a speed of a desert storm."
06[20:22] * Seira nods. "Most impressive. But you can't only be sparring with him. How about others here?"
[20:24] <Kokokokokoko> "Aaah. Most are too concerned these days. I did engage Wali Hakim in an archery contest not too long ago, he's not incompetent with a bow. But..." He stops there, "Why all the curiosity over the strongest, if you can't fight yourself?"
01[20:26] <Seira> "Oh, I'm an archer," Seira tells him. "We could have a contest if you set it up."
[20:27] <Kokokokokoko> "Perhaps so, perhaps I didn't misjudge you..." Wali Eure considers, "Then yes, we should. I'll go endevour to do so shortly." He starts to walk away at that, "Come back tomorrow then."
01[20:28] <Seira> "Sure thing!" Seira agrees, walking in the direction Umut left, waving at Wali Eure.
[20:29] <Kokokokokoko> Umut is in the hall, wiping tears from his eyes. He has a big grin plastered all over his face. "Nicely done."
06[20:30] * Seira shrugs. "He's quite a fun guy. I think I'll introduce Donald to Wali Eure some day. So, I'm thinking I'll pay Wali Hakim a visit now, and reserve the pleasure of seeing Lady Cemile for the evening. Have you heard anything about Hakim's research, be it recent or dated?"
[20:31] <Kokokokokoko> "He's invested magic matters, so I've heard of it on occasion." Starting to walk now as he finishes wiping away the tears, "Very studious. I'd think he was a dysfunctional shut in if it wasn't for the hunts occasionally."
01[20:32] <Seira> "Yeah, what's up with the hunts? Could I get away with inviting myself on one?"
[20:33] <Kokokokokoko> "Sure, if Wali Hakim likes you," Shrugging there idly, "Make him like you then."
01[20:34] <Seira> "Shouldn't be too difficult. I'm very likeable." That said, Seira gives Umut a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow? Maybe I'll have something by then."
[20:35] <Kokokokokoko> "?Likewise. Good luck," Lowering his voice a moment, "I don't need to remind you that Lady Malika is hoping you'll root out the devil soon."
01[20:37] <Seira> "So do we all."
[20:38] <Kokokokokoko> OOC: Going to go to Wali Hakim's abode?
01[20:38] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[20:39] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d100
03[20:39] * Kokokokokoko sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:39] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d100
06[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d100 and gets 9."12 [1d100=9]
[20:40] <Kokokokokoko> It's late in the morning by the time Seira arrives at Wali Hakim's abode. The guards at front don't give Jeanne lip this time, thankfully. Instead, "Aaah...Miss Jeanne?" One says, very, very, very, VERY politely.
01[20:42] <Seira> "Yes," she responds, smiling politely. "Wali Hakim inquired about me the other day, and I have returned for a visit. Would he be in?"
[20:44] <Kokokokokoko> "He's currently occupied with another guest," Apologetically, "He's asked not to be disturbed for two hours. You're welcome to wait inside out of the sun, of course, if you would like to."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Of course," Jeanne agrees, waiting to be shown inside. Ideally, somewhere she would be able to spot the guest on his or her way out.
[20:48] <Kokokokokoko> Seira is able to secure a place with a view of the door out, it's a simple sitting room just off the main entrance. After about an hour and a half, she can see someone leaving. Bey Onur and Deniz are leaving, Wali Hakim walking with them. They aren't talking when they come in within Seira's vision. Wali Hakim looks vaguely worried but interested, with Bey Onur looks reserved.
06[20:49] * Seira doesn't dwell on Bey Onur or Deniz, reserving her attention for Wali Hakim.
[20:50] <Kokokokokoko> The two leave without comment, leaving Wali Hakim alone. Once he sees them out, he takes a moment to watch them go before he turns back. He heads for where Jeanne is.
06[20:52] * Seira stands up once he is reasonably near. "Hello," she greets him. "It is nice to see you again, Wali Hakim."
[20:53] <Kokokokokoko> "Good day," Wali Hakim says brightly enough. "Have you come for work or play?"
01[20:53] <Seira> "I'm open to both," Seira returns. "What did you have in mind?"
[20:54] <Kokokokokoko> "Work," With a slightly regretful pause, "Bey Onur needs my advice on an important matter."
01[20:56] <Seira> "I've heard it mentioned that you have a passion for hunting, and wouldn't have minded trying it once while I'm here," Seira muses, "but work can be quite pleasurable on its own as well. Is this matter once again something that must remain confidential, or might my own wealth of knowledge, however meager, be of use?"
01[21:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 27."12 [1d20=5]
[21:06] <Kokokokokoko> "It might be. It's about the horrible incident in town the last few days. What may be an outsider has been attacking a foreign guest in a most public way."
01[21:08] <Seira> "I've heard of it, of course," Seira agrees. "Without too many details. I wasn't even certain it had been an outsider, though it seemed likely from the descriptions."
[21:10] <Kokokokokoko> "I think it is...but not quite what they think. Tell me, does the title Inevitable mean anything to you?" WAli Hakim asks.
06[21:11] * Seira thinks about it. "Something not of this world. I'm certain I've come across that word in the aforementioned context before."
[21:12] <Kokokokokoko> "They're outsiders of pure law and natural order. They're dispatched to correct and punish certain types of infractions. The funny part? Seira of the United Baronies is the target. Someone's been up to no good."
01[21:15] <Seira> "If true, then it's unfortunate. Though it is not my place to say, should the Fiefdoms be even getting involved in such matters? From what I recall, an Inevitable might pick as targets anyone standing between them and their quarry."
[21:19] <Kokokokokoko> "It's possible, but it's a matter of politics. Frankly, I think she should leave. It's not our concern," He does merely go on at that, not pressing it. "Irregardless, I've been tasked to research it."
01[21:21] <Seira> "Your conclusions seem fairly solid as is," Seira muses. "What further research would be involved? Trying to isolate the specific kind of Inevitable? Ways to deal with them? The infraction, perhaps?"
[21:22] <Kokokokokoko> "All of that, yes. IT could be useful in many ways." Wali Hakim eyes Jeanne, "Surely that if I found out what Seira did to draw this on her, that you might have an interest in it as well?"
06[21:23] * Seira appears the very image of innocence at his glance.
[21:24] <Kokokokokoko> "Ah well, I really must be researching now." With a long look, "Another time, I'm afraid. I can't neglect this when there's an outsider rampaging in town."
06[21:25] * Seira nods, regretful now. "If I happen to remember anything, I will stop by to share it," she promises him.
[21:26] <Kokokokokoko> "Thank you," Wali Hakim smiles easily, "With any luck, this'll have been worth the time I'm about to put into it."
01[21:27] <Seira> "Though I find it unlikely you'll need it, best of of luck to you in your efforts, Wali Hakim."
[21:31] <Kokokokokoko> Thus Seira heads out! The afternoon sun is bracingly warm, dry air keeping it from being an inferno. The wind whips a bit of sand now, just a bit of turbulence stirring. About three quarters of the way to Bey Kerem's house, a familiar servant of Lady Cemile calls. "Lady Jeanne!" he says, crossing a pleasant, upper class area street to come over to her.
01[21:32] <Seira> "Hmm?" Seira stops, observing the servant's approach.
[21:33] <Kokokokokoko> "You are Lady Jeanne, aren't you," he asks, trotting over. My master, Lady Cemile, just sent me out to find you. What fortune!"
01[21:35] <Seira> "We must have read each other's mind," Seira says, smiling. "I was on my way to see her as it is."
[21:36] <Kokokokokoko> "Lovely. Then if you'd just come with me," he smiles warmly back. "I'll take you right along."
06[21:36] * Seira gestures for him to lead the way out of courtesy.
[21:38] <Kokokokokoko> Thus Jeanne is taken to Lady Cemile's rooms! They are beautiful rooms of silk, scents and pillows. Here vanilla incense burns in the small, comfortable room. Cemile rests amid the cusions, but stands up once Jeanne enters. "I think I have something that can help you," she says, matter of factly.
01[21:40] <Seira> "You hold the answer to my prayers, then," Seira tells her, quite interested in hearing what Cemile might have to say.
[21:41] <Kokokokokoko> "Have you heard about the recent incident in the city the past few days?" she asks, first of all. "How much do you know about it?"
01[21:43] <Seira> "An outsider assaulted Seira of the Baronies, who happened to be a guest of the Fiefdoms, out in the open." Seira tilts her head. "Or so the gossip goes."
[21:45] <Kokokokokoko> "Yes, but there's more to it." Cemile says, "It's VERY relevant to you as well. We have information that it's all a set up. The attack, that is, and Seira's presence. She's not being seriously attacked, but both her and the devilish assassin that attacked her are working together."
06[21:48] * Seira taps her lips. "Yes, I can't really get away with my usual nonchalance here. It would be quite a find, whether used publicly or behind the scenes." Her eyes narrow. "I will need quite a bit of proof to make use of it. What do you have available?"
[21:49] <Kokokokokoko> "We've captured the assassin, but..." Shaking her head, "We have to take Seira down with overwhelming force. We know how strong she is. If we can capture her, we think she'll give us the information we need to root out the rest of the devils. It's terrible, but by all reports...it's either not Seira, or she's done something truly horrible. But...we need your help...and because such a thing would surely bring you glory in your kingdo
[21:49] <Kokokokokoko> kingdom, would it not?"
01[21:52] <Seira> "This assassin... he's still alive?" Seira asks, wishing to clear that part first.
[21:53] <Kokokokokoko> Cemile nods. "We were able to take him alive. Our agents were very good and very lucky."
01[21:54] <Seira> "There were many strange stories floating about him," Seira muses, recalling them for all appearances. "What kind of devil was it, in the end?"
[21:56] <Kokokokokoko> "It's a unique type of devil. It calls itself a dogai." So answering to that, "You understand our reasons now. We're looking to end this tonight if at all possible. We can't risk Seira getting word that we've foiled her scheme. So I ask: Will you help us with this?"
06[22:02] * Seira looks hesitant. "As you say, Seira's reputation is great," she tells Cemile. "But the reward is so alluring, too. Yes, yes, bringing down someone like she...." Displaying indecisiveness, Seira asks, "Who would this 'us' include?"
01[22:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[22:04] <Kokokokokoko> "A few of our elites. We're going to come down on her with all the force we have," Lady Cemile says quietly.
06[22:06] * Seira nods curtly, the motion abrupt. "I couldn't forgive myself for missing it. What is my part in all this?"
[22:07] <Kokokokokoko> "Helping to fight. We're going to hit her so hard that hopefully she won't have a chance to do anything, but in case she does...we'll need as many good arms as we have." Cemile answers this, "And thank you. With your help we'
[22:07] <Kokokokokoko> lOOC - Gah.
[22:07] <Kokokokokoko> "Helping to fight. We're going to hit her so hard that hopefully she won't have a chance to do anything, but in case she does...we'll need as many good arms as we have." Cemile answers this, "And thank you. With your help we'll soon be a step closer to ending this horrible struggle." Reaching out, Cemile places a hand on Jeanne's shoulder.
01[22:09] <Seira> As long as it's not skin to skin contact, Seira doesn't discourage it. "This is... unofficial, then?" she ventures. "If something were to go wrong -- not that it would, but just as a what if -- I am just a foreigner. Are there any guarantees that the Pasha would understand?"
[22:11] <Kokokokokoko> Cemile's hand is bare, though her wrist has a pleasant bracelet on it. Her body is clad in soft, rich silks. However, Jeanne's clothing prevents anything skin to skin. "The Pasha will understand. The Pasha will express his gratitude for your help once this affair is ended."
06[22:13] * Seira looks uncomfortable. "By cooperating so closely with you, Lady Malika might withdraw her protection, however limited it is, from me. Could you... could you offer me something that rivals it?"
[22:15] <Kokokokokoko> "Jeanne." With as mile, "If you're part of stopping the devils, the Pasha himself will give you his gratitude. In light of that, you'll be more than compensated. Surely, if it's to stop the devils as well, Lady Malika will understand on top of it. Ending this goes beyond our petty rivalries.""
06[22:17] * Seira appears to collect herself. "Alright. Where do you need me to be tonight?"
[22:18] <Kokokokokoko> "Nine PM," she answers, "There abouts, which is just past nightfall this time of year."
[22:20] <Kokokokokoko> OOC - STrike.
[22:20] <Kokokokokoko> "Come here, we're going to do it somewhere Seira won't expect it. Nine PM," she answers, "There abouts, which is just past nightfall this time of year."
06[22:21] * Seira nods. "Alright. Will your husband be present, or is he yet to return from his trip?"
[22:24] <Kokokokokoko> "It's to be determined," Cemile answers.
01[22:25] <Seira> "I don't understand," Seira says in confusion. "You mean to say that he is on his way home from that... what did you call that hamlet he was traveling to? You are expecting him, but are not sure if he returns in time?"
[22:29] <Kokokokokoko> "He may have another rule is all." Cemile smiles easily.
[22:29] <Kokokokokoko> *role
06[22:31] * Seira doesn't question Cemile beyond that, nodding again. "I will return at nine, then," she tells her, waiting to be dismissed.
[22:32] <Kokokokokoko> "Thank you and prepare," Cemile says. OOc - Exiting out then?
01[22:33] <Seira> Once outside the mansion, Seira heads back for her rooms at the palace.
[22:34] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d100
06[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d100 and gets 96."12 [1d100=96]
[22:41] <Kokokokokoko> The trip back to her room passes without any incident at all. Donald is there, reading further into his book and waiting.
01[22:46] <Seira> "It's a bit of a short notice, but we have to go," she tells him without preamble.
[22:47] <Kokokokokoko> "That is short notice? Don't tell me half the kingdom's chasing you," Grinning as he marks his place in the book and puts it aside, "What's going on?"
01[22:48] <Seira> "We're going to try and seek an audience with Lady Malika. Please try not to leer at her too much; there will be ample time for that once we've gotten rid of the devils."
[22:49] <Kokokokokoko> "Excuse me for appreciating fine goods," Donald's grin grows as he gets up. "Lead on then? I was getting tired of reading anyway."
06[22:53] * Seira does so after bestowing herself with the ability to see through the invisible.
[22:55] <Kokokokokoko> Lady Malika's quarters are still pleasant. Malika is sipping a gloriously good smelling nectar or drink of some sort, being fanned by a single man. "Aaah, Jeanne," she says, even as she makes a gesture to dismiss the fanner.
06[22:56] * Seira waits until they are alone.
[22:56] <Kokokokokoko> It's not long, the servant exiting out in good speed.
01[22:58] <Seira> "I am the devils," Seira opens with. "At least, according to Cemile. She's even captured my accomplice, a dogai who staged an attack on me the other day, which is a surprise to me because that attack didn't come from a devil at all."
[22:58] <Kokokokokoko> "Well." Malika's smile turns suddenly cold. "Isn't that interesting? Tell me more." She sits up, idly putting her drink aside.
03[22:59] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Kappa_Fangirl
01[23:01] <Seira> "I've been recruited to kill myself, along with a few others. And it's very interesting that Bey Kerem is taking a very undefined part in this. In fact, his very participation is uncertain." Seira snorts. "I was willing to believe she had been fed disinformation right up to that point, but the smugness along with the response... no, I don't think there's much doubt to be had.
01[23:01] <Seira> Donald and myself will go and stab Cemile a lot, now, and it would please me if Umut could join us, while you handled any fallout here, Lady Malika. If it is within your power to quietly summon Bey Kerem or Bey Onur -- or both, really -- things would go even better."
[23:04] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Very well. I'll get them here and go talk to the Pasha directly. There's no time for suberfuge now. I'll summon Umut immediately." Standing, "Just make sure there's evidence so that Bey Kerem won't have any doubts afterwards. Something, anything. I don't imagine he'll take the news about his wife well."
01[23:06] <Seira> "Donald will do more than lightly tap her with a hammer. The results would be quite conclusive," Seira assures her. "There is only one question that I wished to place before you, Lady Malika. Do I forego all subterfuge, as you've suggested, or take Cemile's place afterwards and see who comes for the scheduled gathering?"
[23:06] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Mmmm." Considering that, "See how it goes with the devil first. I'll trust you to make a judgment call there afterwards."
[23:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Oh good. I'm so ready to smash a devil's face in," Donald fidgets, "It's like waiting with a loaded spell on my lips."
01[23:09] <Seira> "That's... actually something that should be decided now," Seira insists. "My best chances of success is having you send Bey Onur as a messenger to Cemile on some pretense. He feels too straight and narrow to use trickery himself, so we would need to manufacture an excuse.
01[23:09] <Seira> Along with him, Umut, Donald and I would approach under cover of invisibility, and allow Donald the first strike. Then, once we all witness the results, the devil's fate would be assured, and you would have an impeccable witness on your side. However, I doubt I could get away with taking Cemile's place after such an event."
[23:09] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Alright then, do that," Malika agrees swiftly. "I'll go make the needed preparations."
06[23:11] * Seira nods. "I doubt we'll need more than half an hour to prepare. If Umut would prefer to tag along with us, he should depart now to find a good hiding spot near Cemile's house, as invisibility spells wouldn't hold long enough for the entire trip from the palace. Should he come openly with Bey Onur, however, Donald and I would depart at once."
[23:12] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Go ahead and go." Cemile says.
06[23:13] * Seira nods, and names a crossing that is within five minutes of walking from Bey Kerem's house, on the way from the palace to it, past which Umut should lead Bey Onur and Deniz, as she's likely to tag along, so that Seira could join them easily.
[23:16] <Kappa_Fangirl> Thus the two head to that crossing, waiting a bit...OOC: Go ahead and describe, Seira.
06[23:19] * Seira casts pass without trace, hoping to get use out of that spell at least once. Invisibility for herself and Donald awaits, courtesy of her pearl, and if all goes well she should get a chance to cast fly, stoneskin and mirror image upon herself as she'd follow Umut's party from a safe distance.
01[23:19] <Seira> And since the need for hiding would be moot at that point, there'd no need to do that with the Resort once she's invisible.
[23:29] <Kappa_Fangirl> Thus Seira and Donald wait! Soon, they can see Bey Onur and Deniz approaching, Umut tagging along.
01[23:30] <Seira> Clearly, it is the time to cast invisibility, if Seira believes they wouldn't be spotted by others.
[23:31] <Kappa_Fangirl> Slipping into a nearby alley shaded by shadows, Seira quickly casts Invisibility! The two fade from sight!
06[23:32] * Seira has Donald follow Umut's group from a distance, while she casts fly, mirror image and stoneskin, the first two for a prolongued duration, following him in turn.
01[23:33] <Seira> roll 1d4+3
06[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+3 and gets 4."12 [1d4=1]
[23:34] <Kappa_Fangirl> Thus SEira casts those spells! by the time she's done, Donald and the ones he's following a a fair bit ahead of Seira now.
01[23:35] <Seira> Airborne, Seira is more than able to catch up without making any noise that might alert others to her presence.
[23:37] <Kappa_Fangirl> Flying, Seira is easily able to catch up to the group. She can see Donald keeping a distance while invisible, as they reach the mansion of Bey Kerem and his wife! They head inside, servants bowing and parting aside at them. Donald sneaks along in the meanwhile.
06[23:38] * Seira does likewise, staying fairly close to Donald, though he would have no idea. He has been trained well, however, and can operate without Seira holding his hand. She hopes.
[23:42] <Kappa_Fangirl> Thus the group sneaks in! With invisibility it's not hard to follow them inside. In the main hall Cemile comes out, smiling. "Ah, Bey Onur...and Umut as well. What do I owe the...unexpected pleasure?"
06[23:43] * Seira observes Donald, intending to position herself at Cemile's other side in case the attack fails and she tries to flee. Most of her attention is on Cemile herself, however.
[23:45] <Kappa_Fangirl> Donald begins to move faster, going right for Cemile! He seems to be wasting no time, hastened and going right for her!
[23:45] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+12
06[23:45] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
[23:47] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17
06[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 and gets 30."12 [1d20=13]
[23:47] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d8+9
06[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d8+9 and gets 17."12 [1d8=8]
[23:47] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d4
06[23:48] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[23:53] <Kappa_Fangirl> What Bey Onur was going to say next is lost ot history! For the Hammer of the Shard hits Cemile right in the chest! She gasps and staggers back, body shaking! SHe twists a thousand ways before collapsing, chest broken! For a mere second she lies there...and then, writhing and screaming in a high pitched agony, it flows out of her! A vile purple substance, flowing together into a humanoid body! It vaguely looks like a horrible thing
[23:53] <Kappa_Fangirl> It vaguely looks like a horrible thing full of barbs and catches, it's mouth opened in a shriek of pain! OOC - Initiative.
01[23:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
06[23:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14."12 [1d20=7]
[23:54] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Sorry." Donald grins ear to ear, "But we found the devil! It should be weakened thanks to the Hamme rof the Shard, so don't let it get away!"
[23:55] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+6 Donald
06[23:55] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+6 Donald and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[23:56] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Devil!" A hiss of shock escapes Bey Onur's face, even as his hand gropes for the handle of his axe!
[23:56] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+7 Onur
06[23:56] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+7 Onur and gets 20."12 [1d20=13]
[23:56] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+2 Deniz
06[23:56] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+2 Deniz and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[23:56] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Well, I'll be damned. So will you when you get back to Hell," Umut leers, magical energy crackling between his fingers!
[23:56] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+2
06[23:56] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13."12 [1d20=11]
[23:57] <Kappa_Fangirl> Staggering back and st unned from the Hammer, "You...HOW?" It hisses amid it's pain!
[23:57] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+6
06[23:57] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
03[23:57] * Kappa_Fangirl changes topic to 'Donald>Onur>Deniz>Seira>Umut>Corruption Devil'
[23:58] <Kappa_Fangirl> Cemile lies on the ground, chest crushed. Blood gushes from her mouth. If any life stays in her, it's leaving by the second!
[23:59] <Kappa_Fangirl> But Donald is the fastest of them all! Acting with supernatural haste, he steps forward and engages the shocked, shaken Corruption Devil. "Bye," he says breezily, swinging!
[23:59] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17
06[23:59] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 and gets 23."12 [1d20=6]
[23:59] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17
06[23:59] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 and gets 33."12 [1d20=16]
[23:59] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+12
06[23:59] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24."12 [1d20=12]
Session Time: Tue Aug 05 00:00:00 2008
[00:00] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 3d8+27
06[00:00] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 3d8+27 and gets 44."12 [3d8=7, 4, 6]
[00:02] <Kappa_Fangirl> Smashing the Hammer into the Corruption Devil thrice, it's entire cursed form shakes and nearly shatters into goo! Yet it holds together, even as it's plummeled! However, Bey Onur is merely a step behind Donald, rushing to the devil's side! His face is calm as he works, a single heavy axeblow! "You are not wanted in this kingdom. Tell your kin that we'll not tolerate your interference!"
[00:02] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17 (-5 PA)
06[00:02] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 (-5 PA) and gets 36."12 [1d20=19]
[00:02] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17 (-5 PA) crit?
06[00:02] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 (-5 PA) crit? and gets 32."12 [1d20=15]
[00:03] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 3d12+60+2d6 you have got to be kidding me, Hatbot
06[00:03] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 3d12+60+2d6 you have got to be kidding me, Hatbot and gets 88."12 [3d12=11, 4, 2][2d6=5, 6]
[00:05] <Kappa_Fangirl> With one fluid stroke, Bey Onur cuts the Corruption Devil in two! From head to legs it is severed, before the vile purple substance turns into a black smoke and fades into nothingness! AS it does, a scream comes from it's mouth, "M-Maaaster, forgive me...Please, it couldn't have been my fault...!"
06[00:05] * Seira takes the few remaining steps to Cemile's body, kneeling down and channeling Waukeen's blessed healing into the gaping wound!
01[00:05] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
06[00:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 19."12 [2d8=8, 1]
[00:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> "...damn." Umut shakes his head, "That was incredibly anti climaxtic."
[00:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> To that healing power, Cemile's body mends! The crushed chest in gone, breathing just barely continuing from Cemile!
[00:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> Bey Onur turns to Donald, "Who are you," he says to him, "You have my thanks, regardless."
06[00:08] * Seira dismisses her extra images and appears, casting Detect Magic before observing Cemile while she removes her bracelet. "A flawless victory, that's what it was."
[00:08] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Ah, just helping out a friend," Donald grins ear to ear as Seira appears, "Talk to her, she's the brains behind this. Scary, b ut it's true."
03[01:07] * Sierrascape_Torment is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[01:29] <Kappa_Fangirl> roll 3d12+120+2d6
06[01:29] * Hatbot --> "Kappa_Fangirl rolls 3d12+120+2d6  and gets 145."12 [3d12=5, 9, 4][2d6=1, 6]

[Corwin]

01[19:49] <Seira> [00:05] * Seira takes the few remaining steps to Cemile's body, kneeling down and channeling Waukeen's blessed healing into the gaping wound!
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:05] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 19." [2d8=8, 1]
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> "...damn." Umut shakes his head, "That was incredibly anti climaxtic."
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> To that healing power, Cemile's body mends! The crushed chest in gone, breathing just barely continuing from Cemile!
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:07] <Kappa_Fangirl> Bey Onur turns to Donald, "Who are you," he says to him, "You have my thanks, regardless."
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:08] * Seira dismisses her extra images and appears, casting Detect Magic before observing Cemile while she removes her bracelet. "A flawless victory, that's what it was."
01[19:49] <Seira> [00:08] <Kappa_Fangirl> "Ah, just helping out a friend," Donald grins ear to ear as Seira appears, "Talk to her, she's the brains behind this. Scary, b ut it's true."
[19:54] <Kotono> "Jeanne." Bey Onur turns to her as she appears, gaze on Cemile as well. "Well done. I'd have done nothing else but cut the devil down once I saw it."
06[19:55] * Seira nods. "I hoped as much, which is why I requested for Lady Malika to arrange your presence here once I was certain of the target." She looks Cemile over to see how the woman is doing.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Deniz. Call the guard and arrainge things otherwise," Curtly to his servant, who nods mutely and hurries away, Bey Onur kneels down next to Cemile. "I would've suspected Bey Kerem because he'd be such a good source of information. His wife...perhaps not."
01[19:59] <Seira> "Please wait!" Seira calls out as soon as Deniz receives her orders.
[19:59] <Kotono> Umut just grins and leans against a wall, watching it all. "You're welcome, by the way," He says idly, buffing his fingernails against his shirt.
[19:59] <Kotono> Deniz turns just a moment towards Jeanne.
06[20:00] * Seira smiles at Umut, before addressing Bey Onur. "We have a unique opportunity right now. She has tried to recruit me, and alluded that other like-minded individuals would be here at nine. If we were to hold off on the official announcement, we could receive them and discover whether they were merely misguided, or actively in league with the devils."
03[20:05] * El-PlusOneCideon (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-70-85.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #evildunes
02[20:06] * Sierra_Workhell (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-70-85.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:12] <Kotono> Bey Onur nods tersely to Deniz, who returns to his side. "Then let's do that," he says. "I'll have her rooms searched for anything, as well as interrogating the servants for anything."
06[20:13] * Seira nods. "Umut and I could try our luck with our host, in the meantime."
[20:15] <Kotono> "Before that, you're going to tell me if there's anything else going on." Bey Onur's look to Jeanne is a strong one, "No more surprises."
01[20:16] <Seira> "There's always something going on," Seira allows, "but for now it should be sufficient to say that I'm working under Lady Malika's orders, and with the Pasha's knowledge."
[20:20] <Kotono> Bey Onur nods tersely again, "Then let's do this," he says, "Deniz, with me." OOC - What are you going to do now?
01[20:21] <Seira> Once she, Donald and Umut are left alone with the comatose woman, Seira allows herself to smile. "Nicely done, all around," she says. "Donald, hide that for now. If our friends haven't realized what you're holding in the excitement, let's keep it a surprise for now. And Umut, need I say that without you this could not have come about?"
[20:22] <Kotono> "I don't know about Bey Onur. He's not dumb," With a grin nonetheless, "Yes, yes, make sure to remind Lady Malika of that. I'd like to be assured of getting out of scorpion duty after this."
[20:23] <Kotono> Donald just goes back, "Yeah, I'll stash it or get  acover or something," Donald calls, "By the way, was that Onur guy supposed to be that good or was it a lucky shot?"
01[20:25] <Seira> "Since you were harping about the whole friendship issue, I think I can safely consider you one by now. And I help my friends." Seeming amused, Seira adds, "And just because Bey Onur realized something, he might not make much of it if we allow him a way out, something along the lines of plausible deniability. Unless he's really all that straight and narrow as he comes across."
01[20:25] <Seira> To Donald, she shrugs. "He actually is supposed to be that good. If he's actually a devil that still managed to keep the trust of his closest companions and gained Shard immunity, well, best of luck to him and all that. I'm not spending decades here trying to expose someone like that."
[20:30] <Kotono> "He's dedicated and loyal. Make of it what you will." Umut just adds that on casually, "I don't suspect he's that sort to do anything...and aw, that's so touching."
01[20:31] <Seira> "So, the other devil, was it a dogai?" Seira asks curiously.
[20:31] <Kotono> "Man, we should've dragged him up north with us," Donald grumbles in irritation.
01[20:31] <Seira> "What, I'm no longer good enough?"
06[20:31] * Seira frowns. "I'm actually somewhat curious who would win, if I didn't use any magic for offense."
[20:32] <Kotono> Donald turns back, "Well hell, after fighting a few hellish legions, I'd like you AND him there," Donald rubs his arm, "LEt's see, I remember getting clawed, stabbed, burnt, hellfired, frozen, bitten..."
01[20:33] <Seira> "I was once bitten in half by a huge undead dragon that participated in the gnome wars," Seira recalls fondly. "Ah, that was the first time I retreated from a battlefield. Still, no one died!"
[20:35] <Kotono> "Well, I have died," Donald retorts, "It's not fun. I..." Donald is cut off by Umut clearing his throat. "Fascinating, but maybe we shouldn't be discussing this while, I don't know, while we're not standing over Cemile's beaten body in her own mansion?"
01[20:35] <Seira> "I think it's the perfect place to discuss this," Seira counters. "And you still haven't answered my question. Was the other devil a dogai?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "Oh, that? I believe it was an Erinyes. Why?" Umut answers.
01[20:37] <Seira> "Just curious. There were only those two, then? You're certain of it?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "As far as we've heard, yes. Of course, devils and diabolical plots and who knows, but...Hopefully this is the infection and we're rooting it out now."
01[20:47] <Seira> "I'm asking, because Cemile mentioned one. It could have been because I was speaking of outsider assassins, and she thought it would be the easiest lie to believe. But there's always a chance she used that particular example because there was one here." Seira shrugs. "I suppose we'll know more once we've talked to her and seen who shows up at nightfall."
01[20:47] <Seira> Glancing at Donald, Seira requests, "Could you find yourself a quiet spot to observe the house from the outside? Somewhere you would see my signal if I were to come to the door and motion for you, and where you could keep an eye on the comings and going to this house?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "I'll go see," Donald goes to walk off and do just that, while Umut listens, "Well, we'll know better once she wakes up and they finish searching?"
01[20:49] <Seira> "Pretty much. How did you get Bey Onur to follow you? What was the pretense?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "I said I was doing a favor for Bey Kerem and asked him to come with me to hsi house. It seemed like the best lie at the time," With a slight smile, "I'll be happy if he doesn't bring it up again, really."
06[20:57] * Seira laughs. "Yes, simple is best. Which spells do you have at your disposal right now?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "Mostly a mix of offensive magic, a bit of invisibility detection, those sort of things. I've been prepared, just in case,"  Umut answers.
01[21:02] <Seira> "How about a bit of invisibility to go along with it?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "No, I didn't memorize that," Umut says.
06[21:06] * Seira tosses a wand to him. "Here's some, then. Combined with seeing through invisibility, and timed just right to avoid burning through my entire, expensive wand, you could be my backup as I assume Cemile's place with a handy illusion."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Alright." Umut agrees to that. OOC - Seira, do you want to skip along a bit?
01[21:07] <Seira> OOC: Sure. All the servants are forbidden from leaving, Cemile should be under constant guard, and if nothing at all happens till like quarter to nine I'll do the disguise thing.
[21:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 15."12 [1d20=15]
[21:09] <Kotono> Bey Onur doesn't find much of anything, nor does questioning the servants turn up much. AS fara s they knew, nothing was amiss at all. But late in the afternoon, a little while before eight, Cemile stirs. Word is taken to Seira at this...
06[21:11] * Seira is quite pleased to hear that, and after finding a decent spot to cast Detect Thoughts where she can't be overseen, Seira goes to see Cemile.
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[21:14] <Kotono> Cemile's awake once Seira gets there. She's looking drained, licking her lips. "J...jeanne?" she asks.
06[21:14] * Seira nods. "Nice to meet you again. Or would that be for the first time?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "First time..." Cemile smiles, a wan and weak thing that doesn't stay on her face beyond a split second. "Did you get it?"
01[21:16] <Seira> "It?"
[21:21] <Kotono> "The...the devil," Licking her lips and shaking a little, "The devil that was in me."
01[21:23] <Seira> "Pretty much, yes. I suppose I had the last laugh, didn't I? And so did you, since you're still around and it... not so much. So, how long has it been within you, controlling your every move? It was doing that, right?"
[21:25] <Kotono> Cemile shudders, closing her eyes. "Too long. A month? Longer? I'm not sure, after a little while I wasn't always awake." She can't seem tos peak after that, mouth trying to work, but shakes coming instead.
01[21:29] <Seira> "So what's the last concrete thing you remember, the last moment of freedom you had? It can't be fun to relive all that, but we need to know the details as soon as possible; and there is the matter of clearing you of considerable charges, which I'm sure you'd like to be handled."
[21:34] <Kotono> Cemile is quiet for a bit there, before, "I...I was talking to him. You see...it was...it wasn't my fault. I didn't think it was that and..." Her voice rises into a panic, quickening. Meanwhile, Seira can hear the door being faintly nudged open, a bit of a soft squeal. "He talked so well. He said it would help us."
06[21:38] * Seira shifts her position in a way she hopes seems natural, incidentally placing herself between Cemile and the door, giving it a casual glance. If it seems to be opening and no one can be seen or heard behind it, she would conjure up all the water she can above the doorframe and release it at once. "Who?"
[21:39] <Kotono> Bey Onur has opened it, glancing at Cemile - or Seira's back now. "He...He.." Cemile freezes up there a moment...
06[21:40] * Seira places an arm on Cemile's shoulder. "Yes, Bey Onur?" she asks with a polite smile. "How could I help you?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "I came to see how Cemile was doing," Onur answers, closing the door behind him. "Continue."
[21:42] <Kotono> Cemile's shaking increases, getting stronger, heavier. "I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't..." she starts to murmur under her breath.
01[21:43] <Seira> "I think it would be best if we did not crowd her at this point," Seira says, being just as polite as previously. "See?"
[21:45] <Kotono> Cemile curls up, her knees going towards her chest. "I won't, I won't, I can't, I can't, I can't..." she starts to cry.
[21:45] <Kotono> Bey Onur looks to her and shakes his head, "Is her mind intact at all?" he asks.
01[21:45] <Seira> "Please. Leave. So. I. Could. Find. Out."
[21:47] <Kotono> Bey Onur levelly looks at Seira, before leaving the room. Cemile doesn't instantly improve or anything, though.
06[21:47] * Seira sighs, and runs a hand through her hair. "Look, is Bey Onur in on this?" she asks quietly, so that Cemile has no reason to believe it would be overheard. "I have an emergency teleport ready if so, and I'll take you with me."
[21:51] <Kotono> OOC - Make a charisma check?
01[21:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[21:52] <Kotono> Cemile rocks back and forth a little while, eyes teary. But her chanting stops. She breathes in and out raggedly, "Bey Onur...no. Bey Onur...it was worried about him."
01[21:53] <Seira> "What about your husband? Bey Kerem? Is he still alive? Is he himself?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "...went to see Bey Usar. The Other wanted him to go there and talk to him. Keep him away."
01[22:08] <Seira> "That figures," Seira agrees. "Alright. Why didn't this Other go after the Pasha directly?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "
[22:09] <Kotono> "It's sup..superior..." Cemile shakes again, "It wanted..it wanted it to gather information and establish it's own network. It didn't want the desert to fall into chaos."
06[22:11] * Seira has her own ideas about that, but this is neither the time nor the company to share them. "Who is scheduled to come here at nightfall?" she asks instead. "Tell me about them."
[22:13] <Kotono> "It...it was going to ambush Seira. Using you and another outsider it managed to find. The ...it called it a Kolyarut. It tried to make a contract with it...But the Kolyarut laughed and made one of it's own and outdid the Others. It didn't care as long as it got Seira...but it got a good contract. It...it was furious after that it got outdone."
01[22:16] <Seira> "It was clearly not a very good devil," Seira feels the need to point out. "So nine pm sharp, this Kolyarut will show up? And that's it?"
[22:17] <Kotono> "No...no. The Inevitable...it was staying here in the back..." Cemile says, shakily. "It was...the entire thing was a trap. Kill Seira...then kill you, and eliminate all it's problems at once. Plus...if the Kolyarut died in the battle too..s.he wouldn't have to pay up for the contract it got out of It."
01[22:18] <Seira> "Just so I understand, there's an inevitable here right now? In this very house?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "It was before...before I passed out. I don't know now." Cemile answers.
01[22:20] <Seira> "Where specifically? How did it look? What was the agreed-upon signal?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "I don't know." Cemile says, "The Other had a way of talking to it without speaking. It was using that for coordination at the end while it was doing other things."
01[22:23] <Seira> "Alright," Seira relents. "Let's move on. Are there any plans still being executed that were set in motion by this devil? By other devils or devil-worshippers?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "It didn't. It..." Cemile shakes again, "The Superior...Oh Gods, don't make me," Cemile whimpers, "Those wings...it's body...don't...." She starts to shudder again.
01[22:28] <Seira> "I can protect you," Seira tells her firmly. "Look at me!" She grabs Cemile's chin and forces her eyes to meet Seira's. "You're afraid of a horrible beast, yes, but I am someone even more terrible, and it is no match for me." She repeats. "I can and I will protect you. Tell me who the devil's superior was."
[22:31] <Kotono> Cemile sucks in air, teary eyes looking into JEanne's. "I...I don't know his name. He only...it only...revealed itself and I only saw it briefly...it was a nightmare. Scales. It was dark winged.  It was huge."
01[22:31] <Seira> "Is it here in the Fiefdoms?"
[22:33] <Kotono> "Not now...not now." Tears start to flow from her eyes, "It did come a fe wtimes...magic. It appeared here instantly and left once it was done."
01[22:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
01[22:36] <Seira> "What color was the main body? Could you describe the head? And its size, by making a rough estimate? The closer I get to identifying this threat, the sooner I can end it."
[22:40] <Kotono> "It had...a paler underbelly. It was humanoid..horns. It had big horns. It's body was gray and almost black. It..." Cemile tries to go on, but shakes her head. "No...no. I can't. I can't remember it."
01[22:41] <Seira> "Let's try another track," Seira muses. "Did it ever try to take over or command others? Gather mortal followers? That kind of thing?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "No...no." Cemile shakes it's head. "It..it wasn't supposed to risk it's position by dealing with fallable mortals."
01[22:47] <Seira> "What is its position?" is the inevitable question.
[22:48] <Kotono> "No...the Other...was supposed to use my position to get all the information and make it's own network. No mortal followers, Cemil explains.
06[22:49] * Seira nods. "Alright. Do you have any idea where this ugly freak is staying? Is it back home, or somewhere on our world?"

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Kotoro> ---
[20:06] <Kotoro> Returning to the palace under the cover of the night, Seira is taken to see Lady Malika. It's just her, Umut and Donald, Bey Onur departing for other matters.  Once there and the story is told, "So it really was Cemile? Is there any evidence of more devils now?"
01[20:09] <Seira> "It was not Cemile, per se, but a devil possessing her. We've encountered this in the past." Seira shrugs. "It certainly doesn't seem like she was willing, or even tricked into it, unlike our own example. I glanced into her thoughts, and they corroborate her story, for what it's worth." She pauses briefly.
01[20:09] <Seira> "On the subject of other devils, we have the ringleader. A cornugon, which are pretty nasty. I can't tell whether it's anywhere on Prime or just visiting here briefly at periods to give orders. As far as Cemile saw while the corruption devil's slave, there are no human agents or devil worshippers in your part. Pretty neat, all in all."
[20:11] <Kotoro> With that news, Malika's smile grows into one of pure relief. She sits up, cross legged and joyous. "Lliidra, thank you," she murmurs unde rher breath, "Then the infection didn't spread deeply.  So...you think you've found and routed the devilish agent in the palace? Is there any reason tos uspect any more contaminations at all, possibly?"
[20:11] <Kotoro> Umut stays back, content and lingering. Meanwhile, Donald just keeps grinning and somewhat more subtly than last time eyeing Malika.
01[20:13] <Seira> "Well, the devils apparently think Bey Usur is easy prey," Seira volunteers. "I thought so myself earlier, and indirectly alerted Bey Kerem to the threat. I would suggest waiting and seeing what he does about it, if anything, and judging his loyalty that way.
01[20:13] <Seira> Other than that? I would have run things differently, but apparently the devils aren't used to dealing with mortals, so it's fairly safe to say there are no other fiendish plants."
[20:16] <Kotoro> "Superb." Lady Malika settles back now, "Absolutely superb! Beautifullly done, Seira! Once word of this spreads in the coming days, the pallor of the court will vanish. However, there is one question I want to ask yo uabout it. There's a fair bit of glory attached to it. Will Jeanne take the glory?"
01[20:16] <Seira> "Umut could take it," she offers. "He did pretty well, and was key to our success."
[20:18] <Kotoro> "Well, I won'ts ay no," Umut preens a little at that, "I certainly won't say no. But even if I do, then what for you? ARe you going to return to the Baronies now that this is settled?"
01[20:19] <Seira> "Probably. There really is some creep after me, so I shouldn't trouble you with its annoying attacks."
[20:20] <Kotoro> "Hey, I get to trouble about it," Donald retorts now, "But it's all good, I'll just smash it's mechanical head in."
[20:21] <Kotoro> "I owe you for this, Seira. If there's a way I can help you with this assassin," Malika offers. "Say the word."
01[20:22] <Seira> "That's the plan, pretty much," Seira agrees with Donald. "I doubt you could help me with the assassin, unfortunately, but now that I know what I'm facing I should prevail." She considers. "So, now what? How much did you tell the Pasha, Lady Malika?"
[20:26] <Kotoro> "He knew," Malika admits. "I'm to go speak to him once we finish here. He'll be told everything...especially since he'll have to deal with Bey Kerem, and decide what to do with Cemile."
01[20:30] <Seira> "Her only crime is not being able to resist a devil's powers. I doubt many in the world could have. Please keep that in mind... in fact, if you must punish her somehow after all this, exile works. I'll make sure she'll be received well back home." Seira decides not to let it go, then. "The Pasha... knew? I'm curious to know how, and who else did."
[20:36] <Kotoro> "Just the Pasha," Mali"ka says as Donald's eyes stray away from her face and downward. "And...The PAsha has his privilege.
[20:36] <Kotoro> "
01[20:37] <Seira> "Can I have this privilege? Because I don't know what it is, but it clearly works better than expected!"
[20:40] <Kotoro> Lady Malika smiles a little at that, "Marry the Pasha, perhaps?"
06[20:41] * Seira smiles back. "I'm sorry, not a chance. Nothing personal!"
[20:42] <Kotoro> "Perhaps the Pasha will resume looking for a wife, now that this horrible business is behind him," Malika smiles easily now, "Perhaps you know of a beautiful woman who would capture his eye?"
01[20:43] <Seira> "I can turn Donald into one," Seira muses out loud, at the moment the elf's gaze is at its lowest.
[20:45] <Kotoro> "mgemwlk!!!" Donald manages something incoherent as he rips his gaze away from Malika. "You will not! It's bad enough being an elf, I'm almost like a woman already!"
06[20:46] * Seira laughs in pure amusement.
[20:48] <Kotoro> Tugging on one of his ears, "Come on. You're looking more like a man and I'm looking more like a woman. Magic is screwed up."
01[20:48] <Seira> "Do not!"
[20:48] <Kotoro> Malika raises an eyebrow, chuckling. "You two are interesting friends, at least?" she ventures.
[20:49] <Kotoro> "Do too!" Donald turns and points, "You totally look lik ea guy!"
06[20:51] * Seira ignores him. "See how he wounds my vulnerable feelings?" she asks Malika.
[20:52] <Kotoro> "It is most amusing to watch from here," Malika says. "But again..." taking a breath, "Thank you."
01[20:56] <Seira> "It was for a good cause," Seira tells her. "I would like to see more cooperation between our countries. A lot more cooperation. I already talked to Bey Kerem about some of it before all this; I feel that if we learn more about each other, if our armies were to practice with one another and meet the other side's citizens in person, any threat of war, however small, would be reduced even further.
01[20:56] <Seira> And in the event where an enemy strong enough to threaten the entire world were to appear, cooperation would be all the easier."
[20:59] <Kotoro> "Your words will be taken favorably right now." Malika agrees, "The Pasha will likely agree to a joint army exercise at the eastern border of the Fiefdoms."
01[21:02] <Seira> "And if a few budding mages wish to see the world, or follow Waukeen's teachings, would that also be looked upon favorably?" Seira adds. "Those with magical abilities naturally find their ways to positions of power. It is my wish that they, as well, see how the other side lives."
[21:06] <Kotoro> "It'll likely be approved, though it will take a little longer," Malika agrees, "The Pasha would want to do anything like that through careful channels. Mages are a valuable resource."
01[21:08] <Seira> "Quite a few people who ended up joining me to spread Waukeen's word to the world gained valuable experience and knowledge alike, before eventually returning to their homes. Some of them were even from the Fiefdoms, and reside here once again," Seira mentions. "A better way would be to look at this as a long-term investment rather than a net loss in mages."
[21:12] <Kotoro> Malika nods to that, "Yes, I'll bear that in mind and tell the Pasha just that," she agrees.
01[21:13] <Seira> "And it's not like we'll be strangers! I'll come visit in a while. Or you could!"
[21:15] <Kotoro> "I think that perhaps we will. Now that matters are settling, perhaps the most obvious thing would have the Pasha take a state trip eastward," Malika considers.
01[21:17] <Seira> "That sounds great," Seira agrees. She glances at Donald, and then adds, "We'll be leaving tomorrow, but until then, if there's anything you or the Pasha need me for...."
[21:18] <Kotoro> "Go ahead and get some sleep. I'll send a messenger in the morning," Malika rises.
06[21:20] * Seira nods, and follows Donald's lecherous habits just this once before departing.
[21:31] <Kotoro> Sleep comes. Catching Umut the next morning is simple enough - he even comes to the temple. Over a hot breakfast in a comfortable dining room within, "Lady Malika said it herself - the Pasha's quite pleased that this incident has been rooted out." He looks tired but buzzed, black bags around his eyes but his voice has energy yet.
01[21:35] <Seira> "No scorpion duty for you, giant or otherwise?"
[21:36] <Kotoro> Drinking water and leaning back in his chair, "Hell no. No more scorpions, no more hassles, no more problems for awhile. Well, once the Bey Kerem things sorts itself out, anyway."
[21:37] <Kotoro> Donald is busy eating up, only nodding occasionally to the conversation.
01[21:38] <Seira> "There are Bey Kerem things?" she asks curiously.
[21:39] <Kotoro> "Well yes, his wife WAS possessed by a devil. He's likely not going to be happy...or happy with the searches of his grounds, or not to mention the general shadow that'll cast over him."
01[21:40] <Seira> "Does it have to be public, though? There's no real need for any of this to go beyond Bey Onur and us."
[21:41] <Kotoro> "It'll spread through the court. Everyone wants to know that the devil problem's gone. It's to the Pasha's advantage to settle things down." Starting to think now as he smirks, "Nonetheless."
01[21:42] <Seira> "I think he'll endure with a smile on his lips as soon as he realizes his wife could've had someone killed during that time, or died herself in the process. Or worse." She winks at him. "And if Bey Kerem's too thick to get it in time, do him a favor and help him realize it?"
[21:51] <Kotoro> "I'll try once the immediate shock wears off," Umut leans back, "He's not paritucarly emotional, so he should be fine if he keeps some of his cool."
01[21:54] <Seira> "Good luck with that," Seira wishes him. "Well, given I'm leaving soon and everything, I did promise to give you a few pointers about the Shard. It's a weapon of Chaos, pretty much a piece of it that was just lying around until someone formed it into a weapon. And until we found it. I've also stumbled onto a shard of positive energy, of life, you might say.
01[21:54] <Seira> It seems quite likely others exist; and equally likely the gnomes had something to do with their creation. If you ever get a lead on some ancient ruins, give me a Sending and I'll come help you clear them. If we find a matching weapon, it's all yours."
[21:57] <Kotoro> "We'll see how that shakes out," Umut agrees, rubbing his eyes, "Try and stay safe. I know you at least have that assassin after you."
01[21:58] <Seira> "And maybe others!" Seira agrees brightly. "Teach me your spell so I could better face them!"
[22:02] <Kotoro> "Now?" Umut asks.
01[22:03] <Seira> "You could always give me a scroll or something and I'll do it later," Seira tells him with a shrug. "But my day is pretty much wrapping things up here and going back home to settle in, that's it."
[22:27] <Kotoro> "I will," Umut says, "I'll take care fo it before I get to sleep."
06[22:28] * Seira nods. "That offer of a visit, it was made to you as well. Just to be clear about it."