212.2 Seira and the chase after Esthan

[Corwin]

[19:24] <Kokokokokoko> -----
[19:29] <Kokokokokoko> Gilartal is found that late morning in a meeting with some dwarves and humans and elves, talking to all of them. After he escorts them out and spends awhile talking, he at last sees Seira in his private quarters. "Sorry for the wait, though I assure you it was most profitable for both myself and Waukeen. Wine?" He asks, going to a table and fixing himself up a glassfull.
01[19:31] <Seira> "A little bit of waiting is nothing compared to such fortune," Seira agrees, inclining her head when the beverage is offered. "Don't mind if I do."
[19:32] <Kokokokokoko> The wine is passed over, ruby red in the sunlight from Gilartal's shuttered windows this day. "Not only did I mediate favorable trade between the elven mission and dwarven caravans in Balmuria, I got to extoll the virtues of Waukeen. Truly, it is a good day."
01[19:35] <Seira> "Did you happen to have any thoughts on what we could do to be more efficient?" Seira asks curiously, tasting the wine. "Such as having a mission of our own with the dwarves, for example?"
[19:37] <Kokokokokoko> "Some." It's a rather good wine, though quite sweet. "I believe we will in good time, Waukeen willing. All in good time, though for now expansion is something we don't need to force. Balmuria is overflowing with coin and new people, which is superb for our recruiting. Even with the other temples that have established, we're not having any serious competition or overlap issues yet."
01[19:39] <Seira> "Perhaps having one at the capital would help increase our profits and spread the word," Seira muses.
[19:41] <Kokokokokoko> "It's good tidings from Waukeen that you mention that," Sipping his own wine down every few sentences and looking out to the sunlight, "From what the traders say, the capital wanes as Balmuria grows. Certainly, the center of government is still there, but the monies and importance are focusing here. We make our efforts there, but right now Balmuria is both easier and more profitable to expand and exploit."
01[19:45] <Seira> "Who knows, maybe the elves will grow more aligned with our goals as time passes, too," Seira murmurs, drinking more of the sweet wine. "What about Malmuth? Do we have a reliable flow of information from there?"
[19:47] <Kokokokokoko> "Some. We have a fair fe contacts in the Barony of Valandia now, moreso since matters are beginning to calm there. That's making trade and contacts into Malmuth faster and more reliable. All reports say that Queen Tant is focusing on rebuilding and consolidation after Ferdi's reign."
01[19:49] <Seira> "It would be to everyone's benefit if we had a hand in what goes on there, if only to prevent our own investment," Seira comments, being even blunter than usual. "If there is an opportunity here, one that would require my involvement, I would make the time for it. The last thing we need is another war a few years down the line, or a haven for fiends and true heretics."
[19:52] <Kokokokokoko> Gilartal pauses a moment, "I don't get the vibe that a war's coming up any time soon. From second hand sources, I suspect Tant's sincere enough about not makin ga war. Now, who takes the throne after her, or after the next..." A shrug. "Do you have any sources in the Guard that know them better? Have you met the woman yourself?"
01[19:53] <Seira> "No. I've been meaning to, but we keep on being invaded. I think I just might go on a little trip to Malmuth to befriend her."
[19:55] <Kokokokokoko> "Do tell me how that goes if you do. I'd love to have some direct impressions." Giltartal smiles a little as he considers that, "Not that we're going to be truly friendly with MAlmuth for a long while, as long as we hold Valandia, but a good business relationship doesn't always need to be friendly.
[19:55] <Kokokokokoko> "
01[19:56] <Seira> "I can always conquer some land and they'll be angry over that and forget all about Valandia," Seira offers with a perfectly straight face.
[19:57] <Kokokokokoko> Cracking a smile, "Taking Purinn would do it. At that rate we'd become the Neo Malmuthian Empire, though." Putting down his class now and composing himself, "But did you come purely to ponder political matters?"
01[19:59] <Seira> "I actually hoped you could get in touch with a visiting celestial for me. I had a couple of questions for her, and might as well get them out of the way before I do anything else."
06[19:59] * Seira writes down 'Purinn' in her notes and circles the word twice, however.
[20:00] <Kokokokokoko> "How so? Planar binding?" Rubbing his chin there, "Sending? Teleportation?"
01[20:02] <Seira> "Sending sounds like the best choice. I don't know if she's into bondage and this would not be the way to find out."
[20:03] <Kokokokokoko> "....right." Gilartal murmurs, finishing his glass of wine off in a long, slow drag down. "What's the message then?"
06[20:05] * Seira considers. "Seira wants to know if there's been a blink dog volunteer so far willing to hear her out." She tilts her head. "And the rest would probably go better in a separate message. 'Heard you were hunting that Esthan devil. Need help? Could meet you anywhere on Prime.'"
[20:06] <Kokokokokoko> "Two messages then?" Gilartal asks, "In a row?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "Unless the first reply says she wants to meet me somewhere or something along those lines," Seira agrees. "Then it'd make more sense to coordinate the time and place."
[20:10] <Kokokokokoko> "Very well." Ten minutes pass as Gilartal prays to Waukeen, invoking her power to send spoke words across vast distances! When it's done the first time, "She says: 'Yes. Hunting devil Esthan now. Deep in Pallanth. Recovering from battle against trap. Come to Citadel of Light. Grassy park by river. Antenora knows.'
01[20:13] <Seira> "Ah!" Seira exclaims. "Sounds like a date. Please tell her I'll find it and be there in four hours, unless she has a better meeting time in mind?"
[20:13] <Kokokokokoko> "Very well." Again he nods, "You know, most people would owe me a fortune from these sendings. If you're going ot the Citadel of Light, I'd like you to do me a favor."
01[20:16] <Seira> "I would do it even without the subtle hint," Seira says amiably. "What can I do for you?"
[20:17] <Kokokokokoko> "What's a favor withou ta few subtle hints between friends?" With a slightly amused, twisted smile blossoming on his face, "There's an elven leather and wood worker named Parthian Leavethus. He does private, custom pieces. I havea f ew orders in, but it would be so much quicker if you brought them back directly, instead of weeks overland."
01[20:20] <Seira> "Those custom pieces, business or pleasure?" Seira asks curiously.
[20:21] <Kokokokokoko> "Both. Mostly business, though I'm getting a wooden clock design for my personal use." Leaning back now and relaxing, "I'll have one of the underpriests write up a letter that will instruct Parthian to release them. I think Mia's around and she knows you, so she'll do."
01[20:22] <Seira> "I could bring her along," Seira muses. "Might be fun. But it'd still take me a few days to return, perhaps a week. That's okay?"
[20:22] <Kokokokokoko> "That's still far faster than the alternative, so yes."
06[20:24] * Seira nods. "Great. And one day, we'll travel even faster, courtesy of gates. The Sending was actually related to that, since I've been trying to work on restoring an old gate for a while, now. Sounds like there's finally progress from that end!"
[20:26] <Kokokokokoko> "Impressive. Until that day..." Raising his empty glass, "Waukeen bless the roads."
01[20:27] <Seira> "Wherever they might lead us!" Seira agrees, toasting, as her glass has wine in it yet.
[20:31] <Kokokokokoko> After the toast Seira rises up, heading to Elle's shop. It's busy there - her assisstant is talking to Donald, chatting over some matter or another. Donald's animated, not so much her. Elle's talking and walking with a familiar man, wearing vestiments of Mystra. When Seira enters, Elle glances over and, "Business calls. We'll work out the fine details another time. Besides, I'm sure Mystra odesn't care about a few gold or a little mor
[20:31] <Kokokokokoko> Besides, I'm sure Mystra odesn't care about a few gold or a little more effort either way be tween friends." Departing away from the man, she approaches Seira.
01[20:33] <Seira> "Whereas we care. A lot. Hi!"
[20:35] <Kokokokokoko> Donald glances over at Seira's voice, murmuring something under his breath before he turns back to Alice. Meanwhile, Elle smiles nicely back, "Come to buy something today? Maybe place an order?"
01[20:36] <Seira> "Yes!" Seira agrees. "A very expensive order. And I might have more once I return in a few days. You're not too busy for it, right?"
[20:37] <Kokokokokoko> "I can always fit something in, especially expensive things," Easily smiling to that, "What's on your mind now?"
01[20:39] <Seira> "A custom-made item much like Alicia's order some time back," Seira starts with, elaborating on her requirements. "And a nice orb that would allow me to set bad people on fire better. That's pretty much it for now." She then glances around the shop, and asks, "And there was actually another reason I stopped by. Could we have some privacy?"
[20:40] <Kokokokokoko> As this happens, Alice happens to sight a little. "You're entirely too persistant," she observes, a bit of pique in her voice making it carry. "Fine, I'll consider it."
[20:40] <Kokokokokoko> Meanwhile, Elle starts to walk back. "Come along then. Alice, if anyone comes in, cut out social hour and deal with that, would you?"
01[20:41] <Seira> "Ah, clearly Donald is learning from me," Seira comments, nodding in approval. "If at first you don't succeed...."
[20:57] <Kokokokokoko> "Try again and again and again and again?" With a laugh Seira is lead back to the back rooms. Sitting into a heavily stuffed chair, "What's on your mind?
[20:57] <Kokokokokoko> "
01[21:00] <Seira> "Well, I usually don't need that many tries," Seira responds, laughing herself, "but the basic principle is sound. And here's a belated birthday present for you!" She places a sack on a floor by Elle's chair, claiming a seat for herself as well. "It's pyroclastic dragon scales, except these have been blessed by Mystra and don't have the pesky hanging evil one might normally expect from them."
06[21:00] * Seira smiles. "Hope you like it!"
[21:01] <Kokokokokoko> Elle opens up the bag, taking the scales out. She examines them - there is a faintly metallic tint to them now, something indescribably different. "Oh yes...Pyroclastic dragon? A Planar dragon...these should be incredible!"
01[21:03] <Seira> "That's what I figured. And a silver for your thoughts on what you're going to use them for!"
[21:09] <Kokokokokoko> "Mmm. Oh yes, come here," Elle gets up, reaching into her clothes. SHe withdraws a plain, well polished silver dagger and a kerchief. "Let me get a little of your skin with that too, I'll want to try something with these. But... a set of armor and shield with those would be magnificent to begin with. Then things to enhance powers related to dragons or planar matters, or perhaps good if they've been purified."
01[21:10] <Seira> "You want to skin me?" Seira asks warily, eyeing the knife.
[21:12] <Kokokokokoko> "Jsut a sample. It won't hurt much!" Elle protests quickly. "You'v eprobably had worse wounds from scratching yoursef too hard."
06[21:14] * Seira looks at Elle dubiously. "And dragons have bitten me in two but that doesn't mean I let dogs or bears maul me for fun. Why exactly do you want a... well, a sample?"
[21:15] <Kokokokokoko> "I want to see how it reacts to the scales. You're at least part dragon now, so I'd like to see if I can synergize them to work well with a half dragon."
01[21:18] <Seira> "Do you actually know what might happen?"
[21:18] <Kokokokokoko> "No, but I have hopes," Elle answers.
06[21:22] * Seira looks pretty defeated, sighing. "I hope it would be as fun for you as it is painful and humiliating to me. I will never live down being seen as ingredients if this got out, so if you tell anyone I will be quite upset."
[21:25] <Kokokokokoko> "I promise," Elle gestures over her heart, "Cross my heart and hope to die. You know...that does get me thinking. What would Kondrux have thought if he knew he'd be turned into a bunch of dragonic weapons and armor? Hmph. If someone made a sword out of human bonesa, we'd call them a fiend."
01[21:27] <Seira> "It's probably because human bones lack value as components?" Seira suggests with a shrug. "There is, after all, the mummified elf hand that lets you move things around with your mind. But the farther you look from what passes for a humanoid, the less people care. Which is actually the reason I want you to make that certain item for me, really."
[21:30] <Kokokokokoko> "Yes...that's true. Still, I just gave myself a chill. Sorry." Bowing her head, "I got carried away. I'll do without the sample."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I could show you some green scales I got off the latest dragon we fought," Seira offers. "Well, it was in his lair, so they're probably pretty old. You could take a sample from those? And as for the applications here, I've always found the idea of a drill that pierces the heavens quite appealing.
01[21:32] <Seira> But I suppose that if they can't be used for planar travel or anything of the kind, a suit of armor might be a nice application."
[21:34] <Kokokokokoko> "Let me get a little of those. If they're old I don't know if they'll be of use, but it's worth trying." Elle smiles again now, "Let me go ahead and get to work, though. I have a lot to do."
01[21:35] <Seira> "Sure thing! Oh, and I'll be going to visit the Citadel for a few days, so if you need anything delivered, now's a perfect time to say so!"
[21:40] <Kokokokokoko> "I'm fine for now. If I have anything urgent I can go visit myself." Elle leans back at that with a big grin, "Teleportation is lovely."
01[21:40] <Seira> "It so is," Seira agrees with a grin of her own.
[21:54] <Kokokokokoko> Gathering up Mia goes without incident, as does procuring a pegasus. "Teleportation?" Mia asks, "Is it dangerous at all?" The three stand inside the special stables where the three winged horses are safely kept.
01[21:55] <Seira> "Well, I haven't missed yet, although it's theoretically possible," Seira admits. "That's why I'm often taking Gurren with me whenever I take a trip to the Citadel." She pats the pegasus. "And you like to visit there, don't you?"
[21:56] <Kokokokokoko> "Sure," Mia cheerfully agrees, "So just don't miss and we'll be fine!"
01[21:57] <Seira> "I always keep on hoping I would miss, actually, and end up taking a trip with Gurren," Seira says, mounting the pegasus and offering Mia her hand. "Let's get going?"
01[21:58] <Seira> roll 1d100 Gaial estate, near the gates
[21:58] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d100 Gaial estate, near the gates --> [ 1d100=70 ]{70}
[21:59] <Kokokokokoko> Woosh! Seira knows her destination well, appearing just inside the gates of the Gaial estate without incident. A few of the yard workers look to Seira, though once they see her they go back to what they're doing without incident.
01[22:00] <Seira> "Maybe on the return trip?" Seira mutters, steering the pegasus to take to the air after a wave at the workers. "Ever had a tour of the Citadel?" she asks Mia.

[Corwin]

01[19:08] <Seira> [21:59] <Kokokokokoko> Woosh! Seira knows her destination well, appearing just inside the gates of the Gaial estate without incident. A few of the yard workers look to Seira, though once they see her they go back to what they're doing without incident.
01[19:08] <Seira> [22:00] <Seira> "Maybe on the return trip?" Seira mutters, steering the pegasus to take to the air after a wave at the workers. "Ever had a tour of the Citadel?" she asks Mia.
[19:08] <Kotono> "Not in particular, I'd love to." Mia answers back, looking about. "Wow, what a nice estate! Who owns it?"
01[19:10] <Seira> "That one?" Seira says, glancing at the estate they're flying away from. "It's Amaryl's. You remember her, right?"
[19:13] <Kotono> As the two take to the air, the fair sunshine and tree'd shade of the Citadel keep things cool. The breeze is soft and sweet, as Mia smiles, "I do. Lady Gaial herself, the head of one of the six great elven houses. So rich she could probably buy off a God or two...or so I imagine."
01[19:14] <Seira> "Or buy a temple to one," Seira muses. "Like Waukeen. She could even do it right here and I bet no one would say a word."
[19:16] <Kotono> As the ground becomes smaller below, great swaths of the Citadel coming in view to your eagle eyed position, "That would be good. Oh Waukeen, if I ever was able to build a temple to you...I'd get so rich." With a long, drawn out sigh. "Oh well, one day!"
01[19:18] <Seira> "How about starting with just a small temple?" Seira asks her. "There's plenty of dwarves near Balmuria, and they must appreciate Waukeen. If you wanted to establish an outpost in their lands and took responsibility for it, I could finance it."
[19:30] <Kotono> "Oooh, that's another good thought," Mia considers as the two fly above. "Let me think about it...a litlte longer..." She thinks for a good total of ten seconds, "Of course I'd love to have my own temple, even a small one! Who wouldn't?"
01[19:32] <Seira> "It's not just a matter of want, but of accepting responsibility of it and of being Waukeen's public face in your assigned area," Seira comments. "I suppose an acolyte would know this better than most, but still, that duty is a heavy one. In fact, I'm pleased to hear that you need to think about it instead of merely jumping at the opportunity."
[19:36] <Kotono> Smiling broadly, "Well, of course I know that. I've had awhile to watch the head of the Balmurian temple work. He's so good at what he does with it."
01[19:37] <Seira> "Oh yes," Seira agrees readily. "Come to think of it, how are your studies coming along? Can you consecrate? Because that's pretty much the basic requirement for having a temple of your own."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Im, ah, working on it. Not all of Waukeen's services are about spellcasting, it's about negotiation too. But of course I can manage that," Smiling winsomely, "No problem!"
01[19:43] <Seira> "Of course there's a lot more to it," Seira agrees. "But I happen to find you qualified on all other accounts."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Great!" Mia beams ear to ear at that, "Really great! Oh, soon I'll have my..." she murmurs something else after, as the Citadel looms below.
06[19:49] * Seira takes the pegasus on an aerial tour, since it's been a while she'd done it herself, and she wants to make Mia's first visit to the elven capital a memorable one. She points out the estates, temples and landmarks she knows, before guiding the pegasus down to the park serving as their meeting point.
[20:00] <Kotono> A half hour of this passes well enough, the pegasus landing near the edge of the Citadel. Here the lake around it burbles, a grassy, pleasant park near it. A few elves follow and watch the pegasus as it lands. Here and there elves are about on leisure, though one person stands ever so slightly out. A feminine figure wearing a hooked cloak, resting against a tree with her head bowed.
01[20:01] <Seira> And here Seira thought she made it there early! Handing Mia the reigns to the pegasus, she approaches the cloaked woman.
[20:03] <Kotono> Mia calms the horse as the cloaked woman looks up. It is indeed Latha, her face familiar to Seira. There is a faint paleness to her features. "You're here. You look well," she greets.
01[20:04] <Seira> "You don't, but I have magic that would help with that, if you'd like," Seira states honestly.
[20:07] <Kotono> "Heal had no effect on the poison," Latha's smile comes with a look of determination, "I routed the ambush, but the vile poison from their weapons is taking time to pass."
01[20:10] <Seira> "Their, as in plural?" Seira asks confusedly. "I thought you were hunting Esthan. I was actually about to offer a hand with this devil when you responded, too, so it was good that we talked but I clearly don't hold all the facts."
06[20:10] * Seira subtly casts detect magic to see whether Latha's ailment is in any way magical.
[20:13] <Kotono> "I was hunting him, and still am," Latha explains, "I'd been following his trail outside of this city - for whatever reason he doesn't teleport or can't, and instead travels the roads. I was beset on a trap in one village; a pair of dogai. They couldn't contain me for serious wounds, but the blades they used had a poison them that's affected me."
01[20:15] <Seira> "Curious. We can visit one of the temples here and purchase a cure before proceeding, then," Seira suggests.
[20:19] <Kotono> "I'm in doubt of it working. My own heal magic failed to remove it," Latha pushes her hood back, letting some sunligh caress her face. "It takes a mighty poison to affect one of my kind, we're innately resistant to it.  Whatever it was, I suspect it was chosen and used because it's hard to resist or cure."
01[20:22] <Seira> "Alright," Seira relents. "You've lived long enough to make these choices." She smiles to take any possible bite out of her words. "So what's our plan of action?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "I'm going to rest a little more, as it feels like the poison is running it's course, then resume following Esthan. I came here to try and end him. I don't intend to give that up."
01[20:31] <Seira> "I assume you have a way of following him?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "He's a strange one. He's not adverse to making an impact," Latha looks up to the sunshine coming down, her face basking in it. "Yet he stays distant.  He manipulates a thousand things and never stays in one place for long. When you know what to ask for it becomes easier - he constantly travels and is friendly, but his council is good...even if there is a seed of poison in it at times. He has a weakness for food, particularly spicy things a
[20:36] <Kotono>  He has a weakness for food, particularly spicy things and spiced bread. Bakers are a surprisingly good source of possible information, even if half the words he says are lies and mistruths."
03[20:38] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5443d124.lns6-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:38] * Ebiris sets mode: +v Rei-chan
01[20:39] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[20:39] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{24}
01[20:41] <Seira> "Sounds like a fun quest," Seira muses. "So while we wait for you to recover your strength, can I ask you about other matters? Like the one I originally contacted you about? The ability to fix gates to other planes would advance our cause instrumentally."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Yes, you asked of that with the sending?" Latha leans back against the tree she rests on. "The blink dog?"
06[20:46] * Seira nods. "While I could likely find a replacement, I don't feel confident enough to mess with the recipe I was provided and expect it to succeed as stated."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Go to Purinn in Malmuth. To the northeast, as if you were travelling to the Gulnan Basin, is a secluded tribe of blink dogs. Look for a twelve red-stone cairn."
01[20:58] <Seira> "Sounds easy enough, thanks! I'll be sure to pay them a visit. It just might be an area of interest to me one day, as it happens."
06[21:00] * Seira shuffles her feet. "Since I'm here and you're here and we don't really have anything better to do, I actually have a few questions that I'm dying to ask. But I'm concealing it really well."
[21:03] <Kotono> With a small little smilea t that, "You have the mind of a sage, always inquiring about the world around you."
01[21:04] <Seira> "It's really quite simple. If I won't do it, who will?" Seira shrugs. "So I'm not in the habit of leaving it to others to fix the world when I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself."
[21:06] <Kotono> "That's a powerful attitude," Sitting up a bit straighter, "Ironically...I would think that Esthan might say the same of his own goals and approach. Coupled with power and a stout heart, it's what changes worlds."
01[21:08] <Seira> "Leaving his mark on the world? Maybe. But I doubt he has the world's well-being in mind."
[21:09] <Kotono> "If he did, I'd be walking with him as a fellow angel," With a momentarily amused smile, "Go on and ask your questions. Wistfullly wishing for a better world is a waste of time."
01[21:11] <Seira> "Umm. Okay. There was a book I received, you might recall, having to do with helping the desert wastes heal at last. My father thinks he might be getting close to a point where we would be able to do something about that together, but it actually got me thinking. Are there other such places throughout the world? Where are they, if so? Would the same solution work for them all?"
[21:17] <Kotono> There's not an immediate reply for a time, a thoughtful long time. "Do you know how far the wastes stretch?" Latha asks instead.
01[21:18] <Seira> "I can only make an educated guess based on the maps of the old world I have seen, after comparing them with the current ones for scale."
[21:27] <Kotono> "It stretches far and long, the scars of the past. That is by far the worst," Latha answers, "That is the greatest wound that exists that I know of."
01[21:28] <Seira> "Does it mean that if we take care of that spot, the rest might follow suit as a result?"

[Corwin]

01[21:21] <Seira> [21:11] <Seira> "Umm. Okay. There was a book I received, you might recall, having to do with helping the desert wastes heal at last. My father thinks he might be getting close to a point where we would be able to do something about that together, but it actually got me thinking. Are there other such places throughout the world? Where are they, if so? Would the same solution work for them all?"
01[21:21] <Seira> [21:17] <Kotono> There's not an immediate reply for a time, a thoughtful long time. "Do you know how far the wastes stretch?" Latha asks instead.
01[21:21] <Seira> [21:18] <Seira> "I can only make an educated guess based on the maps of the old world I have seen, after comparing them with the current ones for scale."
01[21:21] <Seira> [21:27] <Kotono> "It stretches far and long, the scars of the past. That is by far the worst," Latha answers, "That is the greatest wound that exists that I know of."
01[21:21] <Seira> [21:28] <Seira> "Does it mean that if we take care of that spot, the rest might follow suit as a result?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "That's where the deepest wound lies, so healing it would do so much," Latha comments, shifting in her position. "To restore that would restore kingdoms and kingdoms worth of living space and prosperity."
01[21:31] <Seira> "Interesting," Seira admits. "I never thought there would be a chain of effects like this."
[21:33] <Kotono> "The world's not meant to be barren. Why would someone create a world with so much of it dead?" LAtha smiles at that, "Only the darkest ones would wish that."
06[21:36] * Seira considers. "Could it be that the gods can't intervene openly, but if we were to provide them a pretext they would boost the effects?" she wonders out loud. "Well, no matter. Another thing I wanted to know about, if you happen to have any information in that direction, is defunct portals from our world elsewhere.
01[21:36] <Seira> Rather than waiting for someone to open them, by accident or due to malice, we could do something about these future menaces well in advance."
[21:41] <Kotono> "After we closed the portal to The Nine Hells, I do know that there is a lot of concern about a repeat. I don't know any other locations, however, my task is to hunt now, not find arcane portalways of the gnomes. I do know the task will have gone to another, however, or several."
01[21:45] <Seira> "It's not too much to ask that we be kept in the loop, even if it's nothing more than a monthly update of 'no news'?" Seira inquires. "I think we've earned that much with how reliable we've been. And we could always find something out from our own sources, and end up with no address to direct our information, which would be a real shame."
[21:47] <Kotono> "It isn't," Latha agrees again to that, "Fortunately, there's no signs of a second portal wrecking havoc. Further, as time passes, mortals are becoming more profiecent. Hopefully the danger will soon be much more manageable in any case."
01[21:48] <Seira> "Mortal on both sides," Seira notes. "Perhaps the next one to stir an ancient portal would actually be able to control what comes out of it for their own purposes. Would that be better? I'm not sure."
[21:51] <Kotono> "...a very valid point," Latha's good mood seems to evaporate on that, "I'd like to trust and pray that mortal kind iwll be wiser than that, whilst preparing that they may not be."
01[21:56] <Seira> "They won't, so I think I'll hope for being able to stop the crazies in time," Seira muses, snorting. "Still, speaking of putting your friends in touch with us, any chance you would know anyone who could help us get around Mechanus? We'll need to travel there eventually, so knowing everything there is to know, or having a map... well, it would help.
01[21:56] <Seira> And I'm thinking, being realm that holds law above else, they would have all of that material nicely categorized and accessable."
05[21:57] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:57] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[21:57] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[21:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 checking something
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 checking something and gets 35." [1d20=15]
[21:59] <Kotono> "A guide to Mechanus? It's possible," Latha considers a moment, "A long time ago, I met an Inevitable who was...bearable, for one of it's kind. If he still exists, he would do."
01[22:00] <Seira> "One of the crazy contract-enforcing Inevitables, or another one?" Seira asks curiously.
[22:03] <Kotono> "They're all crazy," Latha cracks a smile there again, "Some of them develop personalities that are reasonable enough and he's one of them."
01[22:06] <Seira> "That's pretty surprising," Seira admits. "If you think this one's marginally sane, I would like to meet him."
[22:07] <Kotono> "If he still exists. It's been a long time. Though speaking of it, have you dealt with inevitables before? You seem to have a developed opinion of them as well."
01[22:08] <Seira> "One was attacking me a while back. We disagree on a particular contract, from what I can tell. He wasn't talking so much as sneaking up on me and trying to kill me without any explanation."
[22:10] <Kotono> "You must have done something to earn the ire of Mechanus. Do you knwo what type of inevitable it was?" As the sun shines down and the noise of the lake and park trickle about, Mia keeps the pegasus away. A few people are looking at the winged creature, Mia chatting with them in the background.
01[22:12] <Seira> "A Kolyarut, one of the times he attacked I saw through his disguise. You know, it was quite frustrating. He interacted with my friends and enemies alike, but wouldn't actually explain my supposed crime to me even after he ambushed me time and time again. It's not like he needed the element of surprise after standing in plain sight and attacking me."
[22:15] <Kotono> "It means that Mechanus believes that you've violated one of it's sacredly held rules. The flaw is that they care nothing of Good, only about the written law and what it is. If they consider you a dangerous rule breaker that has to be killed...first of all, I wouldn't go to Mechanus unless you're going to go try and settle the matter at the sam etime. To do otherwise would be to court your own demise."
01[22:17] <Seira> "Well, I would, clearly. But our mission comes first." Seira shrugs. "I can't say I won any of our engagements, but I'm still here despite the Inevitable having everything going for him."
[22:25] <Kotono> "If you go to Mechanus to do that, you'll need a guide to get there. Once you do, request a hearing about your infraction against their great order. If you can find out which exact rule you broke and the name of the Inevitable attacking you, all the better. If you can work something out with them, perhaps you can null the fury of Mechanus. It's bad enough that devils hunt around your home, no need to add inevitables.""
06[22:26] * Seira nods. "That's what I hope for as well. Maybe your acquaintance is still alive and kicking, and would consent to help me out. After all, my anger at being attacked so relentlessly has faded, so I don't have any pressing need to fight Inevitables to the death anymore."
[22:33] <Kotono> "It will be done. Hopefully I'll have finished and defeated Esthan soon..." Latha's gaze turns over to the waters nearby, sweeping over it, as you can hear Mia saying, "Well, maybe for twenty gold..." in the meantime. "If Esthan darkens your door again and he survives, would you alert me? ...I feel this may be a long hunt."
01[22:34] <Seira> "I bet I could make it faster with a pegasus on hand. Maybe some scrying, too, if we're lucky," Seira muses.
[22:36] <Kotono> "If you're offering to come with me, I'd accept your help." Latha says, "Just be warned I am afraid it may be a very long hunt and a dangerous one as well."
01[22:38] <Seira> "I thought I told you when I came that I was going to offer as much via Sending," Seira tells her. "Danger doesn't really deter me, though if it gets too long I might need to take a break for my other duties. But maybe we'll get lucky!"
[22:39] <Kotono> "I believe I'll be ready to go in the morning," Latha elaborates, as you can hear a rather undiginifed elven laugh and the clinkle of coins. "I'll take you to the last village I caught Esthan's trail at. There's a good example of his style there."
01[22:40] <Seira> "Sounds like a plan. We could check in with my friends here and see whether they know of any rumors or sightings, too, before we set out," Seira suggests. "There's also one last thing I wanted to ask-- actually, two more. Which deity do you serve? I don't think it's ever come up."

[Corwin]

01[20:09] <Seira> [22:39] <Kotono> "I believe I'll be ready to go in the morning," Latha elaborates, as you can hear a rather undiginifed elven laugh and the clinkle of coins. "I'll take you to the last village I caught Esthan's trail at. There's a good example of his style there."
01[20:09] <Seira> [22:40] <Seira> "Sounds like a plan. We could check in with my friends here and see whether they know of any rumors or sightings, too, before we set out," Seira suggests. "There's also one last thing I wanted to ask-- actually, two more. Which deity do you serve? I don't think it's ever come up."
03[20:14] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514d7e18.l2.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:14] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:17] <Kotono> "Gathering information is a good enough idea," Latha nods, "I used to serve Lathander long ago...my name is like his. I haven't been dedicated to a God lately."
01[20:20] <Seira> "That's good, I think," Seira tells her. "Because I worried things might get awkward when I dropped Torm's name. Well. More awkward than they tend to in civilized company, you know?"
03[20:20] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:24] <Kotono> "..yes," Latha murmurs, "Yes, that would be awkward."
01[20:27] <Seira> "See, he totally crossed the line," Seira says, although she takes care to keep her voice down. "He actually sent an honest to goodness planetar to kill us and his own paladin, who he decided was a heretic for not instantly killing us ourselves upon reaching Balmuria. And that planetar had friends. And did I mention that Torm's most loyal servants read as evil to our resident paladins?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "...A fallen planetar, then? No noble, true Planetar would take up arms against a loyal paladin under his own will." Latha sighs long to that, "I've heard things about it since I was freed. Ill omens and ill tidings indeed."
01[20:30] <Seira> "From what I understand," Seira argues, "a fallen planetar doesn't mean one fallen out of loyal service to their deities. Of course, one might think that at first. After all, how often do gods fall, dragging their followers along?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "I've not heard of it seriously before. Gods represent primal forces of the universe, they don't change like mortals. It's a rare thing that makes even the least deity change what he is." Latha speculatively looks out over the river, her face a solid, confident look ahead. "Even a relatively lowly spirit, an Erinyes, is rare indeed to change. It takes catastrophic or miraclous things to achieve this."
01[20:36] <Seira> "But we know of cases where it happened, even during our lifetime," Seira counters.
01[20:36] <Seira> She sighs. "And there's certainly precedent with Torm. His best and brightest ruled over a hell for a while. I might have even dismissed this as more of the same, but the paladin of Torm was getting urges to strike us down and we don't believe there was foul play at hand.
01[20:36] <Seira> It was genuinely Torm's will, as far as we can tell, and the same held true for the planetar and his flunkies. Oh, and did you know Torm fashions himself the hateful fury or somesuch these days?"
[20:42] <Kotono> "I have an inkling," Latha murmurs again, "As I regret you have. Getting involved in such an affair is a dangerous game, for a fallen God...what does he have but hiw own new, twisted ideals?"
01[20:48] <Seira> "His dangerous followers, mortal and not," Seira says, scowling. "See, we got lucky this time. His freak of a planetar was in Balmuria in drag, posing as a serving girl. He slipped and we found out all about the trap. That lead to us handling the situation at a time of our choosing. But we can't really depend on luck for any future engagements, and they are bound to happen. Also, we cannot allow Torm to keep on poisoning the minds of his faithful as he tried to do to his paladin. And who knows what my dear friend, the Miracle-casting Torm cleric would do to me if Torm told him I had to be destroyed? My request is two-fold; please help us identify the otherworldly threats, those still faithfully serving Torm and preparing to strike at those who would stand against his newfound ideals of hatred and rage, and help us in convincing those that could still be turned away from his path. The mortal servants, and those not too far gone
01[20:49] <Seira>  Also, we cannot allow Torm to keep on poisoning the minds of his faithful as he tried to do to his paladin. And who knows what my dear friend, the Miracle-casting Torm cleric would do to me if Torm told him I had to be destroyed? My request is two-fold; please help us identify the otherworldly threats, (more)
01[20:50] <Seira> those still faithfully serving Torm and preparing to strike at those who would stand against his newfound ideals of hatred and rage, and help us in convincing those that could still be turned away from his path. The mortal servants, at least. The zealots who were with the planetar fought well past death. It's not something I wish to see again, if I could do anything about that."
[20:54] <Kotono> At Seira mentions drag, LAtha's lips twist upward, laughter coming. "Perhaps that was an effective disguise." She contains herself as Seira goes onward. "Anyway, I see. You're involving yourself in these matters..." Latha closes her eyes, the view of th stream gone for her. "Do you understand that this isn't something to interfere in lightly, Seira? ...of course you do," she adds a moment later, opening her eyes. "No, you've already made up
[20:55] <Kotono> "No, you've already made up your mind, haven't you? Well then, even if you turn some away from this new doctrine, what will you do with them then?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "Well, even if we had missed all the large clues before us, Mystra pretty much spelled it out for Alicia. We know just how bad it is, and we've made a conscious choice to get involved." At Latha's question, she shrugs, smiling lightly herself. "Waukeen awaits the faithful with open arms. But I think your model would be even best, better than any suggestions I've heard thus far.
01[20:57] <Seira> Your convictions are strong, and you are just. At the same time, you are not directly affiliated with a specific deity. If it's good enough for you, I'm sure many humans and elves alike would be comfortable with a similar choice."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Seira," Latha turns to her, "Are you familiar with the Celestial Hebdomad at all? They're the 7 who stand as paragons of archons and many angels, our greatest lords."
01[21:06] <Seira> "Celestial paragons, I think?" Seira chances. "Sorry, my religious training was pretty much on how to help people help themselves. With commerce. Weren't they mortals who died? I don't want to die. I still haven't achieved all my goals."
[21:08] <Kotono> "The stories vary a bit, but that's not the important part. One of the rules of the HEbdomad is that they all forsake worship and instead guide those who seek them to the Gods of good. We all have the same vow, as it is not our place to be worshipped by mortal beings. If I were to do so, I'd have to be doing it in the name of a God and guide them towards that God."
01[21:13] <Seira> "So you're contractually prevented from actively helping me proselytize, you mean?" Seira asks Latha. "And you're suggesting that I try to get in touch with the Hebdomad if I don't want to just try to convert those misguided to Waukeen or other churches?"
[21:18] <Kotono> "I'm saying that if I preach to them, it has to be in the name of another God. Angels are not graven idols to be worshipped. I know Demedais worships Helm, who was close to Torm, surely he would help. So would Tyr or Lathander or Mystra or many other Gods who claim good or have ties to Torm. Either that or go to Celestia and speak with them directly."
01[21:23] <Seira> "I think Waukeen would prefer to have them open their eyes and choose for themselves," Seira muses. "It fits with the whole teach the man to fish, don't just hand him one and have him starve or beg for another the next day ideology. There is also something distinctly unpleasant in trying to court another deity's faithful, whatever the situation."
[21:24] <Kotono> "I'll be glad to help you with that, as long as worship is not directed at me," Latha agrees. "To save those who can be saved and open their eyes to truth."
06[21:27] * Seira nods. "That's great. Maybe we can even visit Celestia and see if others would like to help out. I just... it's hard to put in words how troubling it is to see people ruined by their belief in Torm, when Torm himself had abandoned them and what he is supposed to stand for."
[21:29] <Kotono> "The perfidy of Torm and the warping of his doctrine is a loss for all of the light," Latha agrees earnestly.
06[21:29] * Seira snorts, then. "And hey, if Torm ever manages to recover, they can always return!"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Yes," Latha agrees, "If. Something to work for."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I'll leave that part to Helm," Seira mutters.
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, just go ahead and make a gather info check for devil stuff, I think?
05[21:40] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:40] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #evildunes
03[21:40] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[21:40] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[21:42] <Kotono> It takes some digging, but Seira finds some information. One elf, a woodworker, happens to speak up when Seira discreetly asks around. HE mentioned he saw that man a week or two ago, perhaps, travelling out of the Citadel. Otherwise, nothing particularly salient right now.
06[21:43] * Seira tries to get the direction, at least, or any places the mystery man might have stopped at, whether to eat or to stay overnight.
[21:49] <Kotono> Some more digging goes well enough. A guard saw him leaving the citadel going north-northeast.
01[21:50] <Seira> It's a direction, which is good enough for her. Seira intends to share her findings with Latha, and leave her to make the final decision, as she knows their quarry better.
[21:55] <Kotono> Latha's content to follow that path, as the village she wanted to take Seira to is int hat directly anyhow. OOc - Move along?
01[21:56] <Seira> OOC: Yes

[Corwin]

[19:51] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[19:51] <Kotono> > It takes some digging, but Seira finds some information. One elf, a woodworker, happens to speak up when Seira discreetly asks around. HE mentioned he saw that man a week or two ago, perhaps, travelling out of the Citadel. Otherwise, nothing particularly salient right now.
[19:51] <Kotono> * Seira tries to get the direction, at least, or any places the mystery man might have stopped at, whether to eat or to stay overnight.
[19:51] <Kotono> > Some more digging goes well enough. A guard saw him leaving the citadel going north-northeast.
[19:51] <Kotono> <Seira> It's a direction, which is good enough for her. Seira intends to share her findings with Latha, and leave her to make the final decision, as she knows their quarry better.
[19:51] <Kotono> > Latha's content to follow that path, as the village she wanted to take Seira to is int hat directly anyhow. OOc - Move along?
[19:51] <Kotono> <Seira> OOC: Yes
[19:55] <Kotono> The trip northeast takes till just past noon. With Latha's direction, a small settlement can be seen tucked into the trees, only a few wisps of funneled smoke and slight disturbances giving it away from air. "We should land a little away and walk into town," Latha calls over the wind.
01[19:57] <Seira> "Works for me," Seira agrees, guiding Gurren towards a suitable spot. Pegasi are intelligent, and so a simple request for hers to wait for them in the area should handle the rest.
[19:58] <Kotono> Gurren lands and shakes it's head and mane back and forth, staying in place as the two women touch down onto terra firma. "I'll show you the example of Esthan's work I saw here," Latha says as she starts to walk. "It's a very tranquil village otherwise. I doubt anything evil has been there in a hundred years besides him."
06[20:00] * Seira can't wait to see how Esthan's evil differs from the many kinds of evil she had witnessed so far.
[20:02] <Kotono> Thus you enter the village! It's perhaps thirty houses built in and around the trees, often mae of the same wood and connecting to them, like living extensions of the forest. As the two of you walk into town, you can see several elves about - most don't seem to be terribly busy. The looks you get are cautious but kind, deep looking. A few take a double look at the two hooded women, though none pursue it. Latha heads for one of the buildings
[20:03] <Kotono> Latha heads for one of the buildings, leading Seira inside. In it is a commons room, chairs surroudning a single podium. A few elves have a soft cloth blanket on the floor here, eating a meal together and laughing. A few others are at the podium, deep in discussion and debate. (More)
[20:04] <Kotono> Reclining back her hood slightly, "OVer here," Latha murmurs as she approaches the podium, "Tinuveil!" she calls to one of them, a lithe and slender elven maiden, hair like soft brown flowers in bloom.
03[20:04] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af1d402.tcl126.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:05] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:06] <Seira> The day seems to be looking up! Unless she is another outsider only pretending to be a lithe and slender. And a maiden.
[20:07] <Kotono> Tinuveil's face lights in a contented, warm smile. "Latha?" she comes over, "A good day to you," she clasps Latha's shoulders, "And to you, stranger."
03[20:08] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:08] <Seira> "Hi!" Just because the girls she meets could be traps, Seira still takes care to be bright and polite to them.
[20:13] <Kotono> "It's good to meet you again," Latha heads towards a few of the wooden chairs, going to sit. "Could you tell my friend here about the walker you met?"
01[20:15] <Seira> "Yes, please do," Seira requests.
[20:17] <Kotono> "Good day," She smiles warmly to SEira, "Oh yes, I can! He was such a kind man," she gushes out, blushing. "He helped get me back together with Beren. His advice solved the entire problem for me."
[20:18] <Kotono> Latha's smile doesn't fade, "Tell Seira how you did that," she presses on gently.
01[20:19] <Seira> "And why you needed the advice to begin with, if at all possible," Seira adds.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Well...Beren is my fiancee. We've been engaged for three years now, but this hussy," Her pleasant features take a mark of disdain now, coldening like a winter's gale, "Kept talking to him. Syla wouldn't leave well enough alone...until he said that he loved her as well. I showed her, though. I called her out in front of everyone."
01[20:21] <Seira> "To fight?" Seira asks, doing her best to keep the incredulousness out of her voice.
[20:22] <Kotono> "No. I called her a cheating whore and proved it. That's what he said to do...and it worked. No one wants to support a whore. She's humilated and Beren can't go near her now, or his family will be furious." With that same sunnys mile that returns after a moment of vindictive joy, "I have him to thank for this. He is a lifesaver!"
01[20:24] <Seira> "So, umm, how exactly did you prove it?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Why, he told me that my words would have justice behind them and she'd break down. I felt so energized doing it...and surely enough, she did!" With a bigger smile now, "She couldn't resist myw ords once I began! She couldn't hide her shame and had to admit to everything!"
01[20:28] <Seira> Superior magics. A better proof cannot exist. "Did this very kind person ask for anything in return for his good deed?" Seira inquires.
[20:29] <Kotono> "No. He just wishes us a happy life and many strong children." With a virtually angelic smile, "I hope he comes back this way. I'd love to do something more for him."
[20:29] <Kotono> Latha's expression doesn't change, "Tinuveil, what happened to Syla afterwards," She prods gently again.
[20:31] <Kotono> "Oh, she's completely ruined. No one wants anything to do with a whore like that. It's only right, anyway." Brushing back a lock of her hair, "I'm hoping she'll leave so I don't have to look at her whorish face anymore."
06[20:32] * Seira nods. She pretty much has all the facts she expects to get from the maiden. "Latha, can I see you outside?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "Of course. It was good to see you again, Tinuveil," Latha pats her on the shoulder and follows Seira outside.
06[20:34] * Seira gives the elf a wave, and leads the way to a more private spot. "When were you here last, you said?" she asks.
[20:34] <Kotono> "A few days ago." Latha answers. "It was just outside this village that the ambush was set."
06[20:36] * Seira nods once more. "I was going to berate you for not helping, but this would explain why so I'll skip that. So, do you have a good idea of what to do with this Syla? I could help relocate her without any of the stigma attached, and even assist further so she could recover."
[20:37] <Kotono> "I met her before I left. SHe's heartbroken...we can go visit her if you'd like," Latha offers. "She'll probably need to move on now, because her reputation and life is ruined thanks to Esthan."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Weeeell, not necessarily," Seira hedges. "After all, I can supply plenty of proof like that. And even real proof if I bring back the very kind person's head back with me through all the villages he had visited. But something tells me this wouldn't really be what Syla wants or needs. If this loser dumped her over that, I wouldn't want him back in her place."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Proof won't erase the wounds in her heart like that, only time will, even if that suceeds. Still...regardless of why, this is why I'm worried about Esthan. He's quite competent, he has a friend for life now, has humiliated and ruined another and...you can see the seed of hate in Tinuveli now. Further, he did it for free. As far as I can tell, he didn't take her soul."
01[20:45] <Seira> "That would've been short-sighted," Seira agrees. "And he doesn't sound like the type. I'm actually excited to pit myself against someone truly intelligent." She doesn't sound particularly excited, though, as she says, "What do you know about Syla? Does she have any family?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "She has a mother...who barely wants to talk to her now and thinks she's humiliated her family. She has a sister who's moved away. That's it." Smiling a little sadly, "She says she found a connection with Beren...even though she wanted him to break it off with Tinuveil on good terms."
06[20:51] * Seira doesn't comment on how she really should've taken care of that before trying to move in on this Beren. It probably wouldn't have mattered with a devil manipulating Tinuveil. "Let's go see her now, then?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Certainly." Latha leads Seira on. One house in the village is much like naother, this one a story up and needing to climb up a winding wooden stair to reach the front door. Latha knocks, a long pause before it cracks open. It's open for a half moment or so, before you hear, "L-latha?" A voice full of sorrow calls, oepning the door. INside is a short elf, soft black hair and red eyes. Her face is a mess, like she was just crying. "C-come in
[20:54] <Kotono> Her face is a mess, like she was just crying. "C-come in."
01[20:56] <Seira> 'Come with us if you want to live.' Seira considers the best way to say it to a distraught girl. "I'm Seira, Latha's friend," she introduces herself. "You were wronged by magic, but all is not lost as long as you haven't given up. Have you?"
[20:59] <Kotono> Sniffling a little, "Magic? But...does it matter? I'm nothing but a whore reject now," Holding herself and shaking her head, "Beren can't even talk to me. My mother things I'm a slut and everyone else wants nothing to do with me. How can things improve from that? How can they get better when my name may as well not exist as Syla, but as Whore?"
[20:59] <Kotono> Latha reaches out to hold the girl's shoulder, "Seira's right. There's always hope for a better tomorrow as long as you haven't given up. Shh," she soothes. "Calm down and listen to us."
01[21:04] <Seira> "Yes. Okay. So your life is in the pits right now, but the old saying about the only way to go from here being up? That's very much true." Seira finds a comfortable place to sit. "If you were my girl, family, village or magic wouldn't stand in my way. Certainly not reputation. So this Beren? You'll find better, trust me.
01[21:04] <Seira> Your family, though... with them, I could actually change things. But I won't lift a finger if you're starting to buy into all the crap being spread about you. You're not, are you?"
[21:07] <Kotono> Inside is a comfortable house centered around a small fireplace and thick carpets on the floor. Sititng there is quite pleasant and warm. "I'm not a whore! I love Beren! He loves me! If it wasn't for Tinuveil and that one day..." Sniffling once more. "But everyone else sides with her."
01[21:08] <Seira> "Not everyone." Seira pointedly looks at Latha. "Beren loves you? But not enough to actually share in your suffering? That's not love, it's lust."
[21:10] <Kotono> "It may be. Not everyone can take this sort of scorn," Latha murmurs as she hugs Syla.  "We're not going to leave you to rot here in this situation, one way or another."
01[21:11] <Seira> "No, we're not," Seira agrees. "Come with me. Whether to a new life, to regain your old one or all the way to greatness. I can take you there."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Your offer...you're so kind. You're the only ones that seem to care anymore. All my old friends, I may as well be dirt to them. Thank you," she starts to cry a little, tears coming from her mouth. She parts from Latha, embracing Seira tightly. "It's like you're the only sane people left in the world."
01[21:14] <Seira> "There's plenty of sane people out there," Seira tells her quietly. "And brave people, and people who would trust you, even when it wouldn't make any sense to, just because-- on faith, because they would believe in you no matter what."
[21:16] <Kotono> "And even if you do have to leave, this world is full of those people in magnificent places. There are lands where it snows every day, lands where the ground is as flat as board, lands made of nothing but sand and wind, and so many more. No matterw hat happens here, you don't need to be afraid. But now then..." Latha brightens, "It's your choice. We can try to fix things here for you if you like withe veryone or even just some of the elves
[21:16] <Kotono> We can try to fix things here for you if you like withe veryone or even just some of the elves here, or we can help you somewhere else and move on."
06[21:17] * Seira doesn't think the people here are worth fighting over, but has said her piece and merely waits for Syla to decide, now.
[21:19] <Kotono> Syla sniffles, "I...I want to try to talk to my mother one last time. If she won't beieve me...even if I threaten to leave...I'd like nothing more than to bid this place farewell." Wiping her eyes, "All the places where I grew up and played, where I spent so many seasons laughing and smiling...all I rememer now is the insults and the humiliation."
01[21:21] <Seira> "I'll come along for this chat, if you don't mind," Seira says. "And if you want to get back at them? Or, better yet, regain the good memories? No better way exists than making something of your life and then returning to rub it all in their jealous faces."
[21:27] <Kotono> Syla sniffles a little, "I...alright,"s he agrees. "Mother will be home soon with today's meal."
01[21:28] <Seira> "Good, then we still have time. That means cosmetics."
[21:38] <Kotono> An hour or so passes. At last the door opens again. An elf, a vivacious, timeless looking woman enters, long black hair nearly reaching the floor. She wears a soft tunic and pants, casually gorgeous. "Guests?" she looks towards Syla. "I don't reconize either of them."
[21:40] <Kotono> "Mother..." Syla stands up, "We have to talk now. Please."
01[21:41] <Seira> "Hi." Seira's greeting is as bright and pleasant as is her custom. "Since Syla here was the victim of a nasty mind-affecting spell we thought that it might help if a wizard came to explain the symptoms to you. But I'll let Syla explain everything and only present myself available for any questions you might later have."
[21:44] <Kotono> "Magic?" With a sharp, unpleasant look to Syla, "So now a wizard made you spread your legs?"
01[21:45] <Seira> "Slow," Seira commands, casting the spell on Syla's magic with a gesture. "What next?" she asks as she waits for it to take hold. "Would you like me to have you proclaim yourself to be a whore?"
01[21:45] <Seira> *Syla's mother, I have no idea how that mixed up
[21:45] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 will, will laugh if she 20s.
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 will, will laugh if she 20s. and gets 3." [1d20=1]
06[21:47] * Seira taps her lips thoughtfully. "You know, a wizard actually COULD make someone, as you said, spread their legs. That might be a suitable alternate demonstration." She smiles pleasantly. "When would you like to start?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Wwwwhaaaaaaattt?" In slow motion Syla's mother speaks, trying to walk forward, like a woman stuck in jelly and molassass. Syla eyes Seira with a moemnt of deep surprise, but manages to turn to her mother. "S-see?"
01[21:49] <Seira> "No," Seira says, suddenly sad. "I think your mother simply needs more proof. Now, I would need to know her preference. I find that it would be a far more effective demonstration if I had her whore herself to the opposite of her type."
[21:50] <Kotono> Latha clears her throat here, "I think Seira's made her point," she approaches, "Ma'am, if you'd sit down and act civil, your daughter needs to talk to you. Please, it's very important."
01[21:51] <Seira> "Spoilsport," Seira mutters, taking the spell off with a broad, showy gesture.
[21:51] <Kotono> Syla moves like a slug, looking most confused as she sits down.
[21:51] <Kotono> "You made your point, you know," Latha looks sidelong at Seira, "I did like the idea."
[21:52] <Kotono> As the Slow spell is dismissed, Syla's mother shakes at normal speed. "Aaah...that was magic?" She looks at Seira, "Fine, fine, yes, you made your point as she said." With a nasty look at Seira, "What is you want to talk about?" she asks Syla.
06[21:53] * Seira gives them both a smile, but it's only genuine when she favores Latha with it.
[21:55] <Kotono> "Mother...what happened wasn't my fault." Syla shakes her head, "Beren and I loved each other deeply. He was going to end it with Tinuveil, but then...it happened. She had such force in her words and no one would believe me, not even you! I couldn't resist it...and Beren...he didn't have a choice and...it's been such a nightmare now! I'm not a whore!" she blurts all of it out in long splurts of words, "Mother, I'm Syla, not a whore! Look at
[21:55] <Kotono>  "Mother, I'm Syla, not a whore! Look at me! If that hadn't happened you'd be happy since I'd be getting engaged to Beren, truly!"
[21:59] <Kotono> Syla's mother looks down and away at those words, not replying. IN the silence, Syla speaks more, rapidly. "You felt it there...what happened wasn't my fault or your fault...Please, please, just stop this. I want to run away now, run away and never come back! But I don't want to run away from you1"
06[22:00] * Seira disagrees on the distribution of blame, but it's really more important for Syla to do something about her situation rather than rely on others, so she holds her peace, for now.
[22:01] <Kotono> Latha speaks to Syla's mother again, ever so gently. "There was another behind the poison that filled Tinuveil, who bears as much blame as her. This man is toxin to all he touches. With a few words and manipulations, he has ruined your daughter and made you hate your own flesh and blood. If you must hate someone from this, hate him and not your child."
01[22:02] <Seira> "How about you just don't hate anyone but feel honest to goodness regret and apologize?" Seira interjects. "Like right now. I'm waiting." She lets a bit of her true anger to seep into her voice. "Your own flesh and blood, and you abandoned her!"
[22:03] <Kotono> Syla's mother tries to speak a time or two, but shame comes onto her face. She lowers her head, "...You've shamed me. Strangers, and yet you've dissected my actions and made it impossible to ignore the heavy feelings in my heart. Syla...if it was truly as it is said...then...I'm sorry."
01[22:04] <Seira> "Hmph. I have better things to do than go around and lie to strangers," Seira mutters, even as she backs off from the woman.
[22:05] <Kotono> Syla sniffles loudly, "Mother..." she says, looking slowly at her. She approaches her, kneels before her, and embraces her. Tears start to flow from her, deep sobs that carry no words at all.
[22:07] <Kotono> After a few moments, Syla's mother returns the embrace, holding her daughter as she hangs her head low.
[22:07] <Kotono> Latha smiles for a moment, and then with a glance at Seira, 'Now...the question is where are you going to take them?' Latha asks in Seira's mind. 'Did you have anywhere in particular in mind?"
01[22:09] <Seira> 'Given that I have influence of varying degree in pretty much every part of Pallanth....' The thought trailing off, Seira mentally asks Latha, 'Any idea where Syla's talents lie? I'd ask, but this would be a bad time.'
[22:10] <Kotono> 'She's a weaver, or was. It's a well enough trade that can fit most anywhere.' Latha returns, 'I'll leave the choice in your hands.'
06[22:13] * Seira waits for Syla to settle things with her mother, first. The choice might be hers, to a large degree, but it wouldn't feel right if the elf weren't part of the decision-making.

[Corwin]

[16:33] <Kotono> <Seira> "Hmph. I have better things to do than go around and lie to strangers," Seira mutters, even as she backs off from the woman.
[16:33] <Kotono> > Syla sniffles loudly, "Mother..." she says, looking slowly at her. She approaches her, kneels before her, and embraces her. Tears start to flow from her, deep sobs that carry no words at all.
[16:33] <Kotono> > After a few moments, Syla's mother returns the embrace, holding her daughter as she hangs her head low.
[16:33] <Kotono> > Latha smiles for a moment, and then with a glance at Seira, 'Now...the question is where are you going to take them?' Latha asks in Seira's mind. 'Did you have anywhere in particular in mind?"
[16:33] <Kotono> <Seira> 'Given that I have influence of varying degree in pretty much every part of Pallanth....' The thought trailing off, Seira mentally asks Latha, 'Any idea where Syla's talents lie? I'd ask, but this would be a bad time.'
[16:33] <Kotono> > 'She's a weaver, or was. It's a well enough trade that can fit most anywhere.' Latha returns, 'I'll leave the choice in your hands.'
[16:33] <Kotono> * Seira waits for Syla to settle things with her mother, first. The choice might be hers, to a large degree, but it wouldn't feel right if the elf weren't part of the decision-making.
[16:39] <Kotono> Syla holds her mother, sobbing. THis goes on for a fairly long time before the storm passes. "Thank you...both o fyou," Syla turns to Latha and Seira. "Thank you so much."
01[16:40] <Seira> It feels wrong to receive gratitude for something like that, so Seira changes the topic. "So, with the entire known world open before you, what would be your next move?"
[16:41] <Kotono> "I still want to leave. I'm not sure where, but...not here. I'm not staying here," Syla says softly, holding to her mother.
[16:42] <Kotono> "If you need time, perhaps you could stay at an inn in the Citadel of Light? It's not that far." Latha suggests this with a quick glance to Seira.
01[16:42] <Seira> "If you have any interest in the human lands, the climate in Balmuria is quite welcoming," Seira offers. "But anywhere in Pallanth is an option as well, and staying at the Citadel could be easily arranged," she adds in agreement with Latha. "Even beyond the temporary."
[16:43] <Kotono> There's a stop there as Syla's mother blinks once and then twice. "Balmuria...wait a moment. That name...Seira. I've heard of those before."
01[16:44] <Seira> "Wizards are either dead or famous," she agrees.
[16:46] <Kotono> "..." Hugging her daughter, "...thank you.." she says herself, "I would never imagine someone like you would come to our home to help us." She looks downward, "Regardless of what we do, can it wait until the morning? I need time to talk to my daughter now."
06[16:47] * Seira doesn't really have any objections, glancing at Latha. She's the one in charge of this expedition.
[16:47] <Kotono> "Certainly." With a radiant smile as she stands up, "Why don't we give the two of you some privacy for a little while. Seira?" With another glance, Latha heads outside.
06[16:48] * Seira follows swiftly.
[16:50] <Kotono> Once outside the house, "Nicely done," she compliments, "We can see them off in the morning towards the Citadel, then resume searching for Esthan? There are several villages beyond this one I'd like to hunt for him in."
01[16:51] <Seira> "We work well together," Seira returns. "And sure, that plan sounds fine." Looking slightly wistful, she adds, "If only I had a temple at the Citadel to send people to...."
[16:56] <Kotono> "You know," Latha hides a smile with a slight gesture of her hand, "You're quite dedicated to Waukeen and expanding her influence. It's commendable as you can embody the better parts of her dogma."
01[16:58] <Seira> "I'm sure she would be happy if you showed interest in joining her cause!"
[17:01] <Kotono> WIth a raised eyebrow, "You know, in another life, you'd have made a good cleric of Waukeen."
06[17:03] * Seira snorts. "One cleric per family is enough."
[17:11] <Kotono> The rest of the day passes in rest. Before dawn, in the deepest darkness of the night, Latha and Seira see Syla and her mother off. They have a pair of horses, loaded down with possessions. Latha hands over a small bag filled with golden coins from her and Seira. "Good travel with you," she bades them. "Until our paths meet again."
01[17:13] <Seira> "It probably wouldn't be too long, I'm bound to return to the capital soon enough," Seira adds, waving.
[17:16] <Kotono> "Thank you," Syla says once again, as the two begin to travel away. "Until that day!" Thus thet rip begins again, a pegasus ridden once more as the dawn blossoms! OOC - Okay, skip ahead a bit as you guys do some general Esthan searching?
01[17:16] <Seira> OOC: And occasional Waukeen proselytizing!
[17:19] <Kotono> OOC - Sure. Make a gather info check for reference?
01[17:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25." [1d20=15]
[17:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Latha assists and hopes not to suck.
06[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Latha assists and hopes not to suck. and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[17:38] <Kotono> A day anda  half passes. It's a small village to the north and a little east of the previous village. Andaelf Spire, built around a relatively tall hill. There is a bakery there at the lower part of town, checked and talked through dutifully. A slender male elf is there, a gaggle of three children playing just outside. "Oh, yeah, that one. I saw him about a week ago. What do you want to know?"
01[17:39] <Seira> "Who that very kind man befriended, where he went, that sort of thing," Seira says.
[17:41] <Kotono> As he talks, he works out a load of bread, putting it on a wooden rack to cool. "Oh, he was very nice. Travellers aren't always so talkative, but this one had a silver tongue. My children loved him, too. Anyway, he said he was heading towards Elfsander eventually, though he wasn't in any hurry."
[17:43] <Kotono> "Did he?" Latha glances outside to the children.
01[17:43] <Seira> "In a way, we're pilgrims. We've heard tales of his exploits, of how that humble man made the lives of many villagers better," Seira confides in the man. "Is there a new tale to add to the growing collection here?"
[17:46] <Kotono> "Sort of, yes." Wiping his hands on a cloth rag, "My children are usually so rowdy and they like to fight each other. But now they get along and listen to the oldest. He paid good coin for his spicy bread, too. He even provided the spices since I didn't have any."
06[17:48] * Seira comes closer to the oldest child, squatting down to avoid looking down at the kids. Latha should be able to handle the elf, should he decide to protest, Seira feels. Plus she might do better finding out if there's anything strange about the spices. "Hi!"
[17:51] <Kotono> As Latha continues to talk to the elf in the background, Seira goes outside to talk to the children. The oldest looks to be perhaps 12 in human years, coming to cusp of his true growth. He is leading the other two - a boy and a girl - around on a march.
[17:51] <Kotono> "OOC - Gah.
[17:51] <Kotono> As Latha continues to talk to the elf in the background, Seira goes outside to talk to the children. The oldest looks to be perhaps 12 in human years, coming to cusp of his true growth. He is leading the other two - a boy and a girl - around on a march. "Stop," he commands, before he looks to Seira. "Hello there."
06[17:52] * Seira smiles. "So what's your secret?" she asks him, getting straight to the point. "Having your siblings listen to you like that? I figure it would be a great hit across Pallanth."
[18:01] <Kotono> Puffing his chest out, "I just CAN." he says forcefully, "If you believe in yourself, anything is possible!"
[18:02] <Kotono> The children behind the oldest stop dutifully, eyeing Seira with a mix of caution and interest.
01[18:03] <Seira> "I have always subscribed to that!" Seira agrees. "But I also love knowledge, because only when you already have a firm base to start from can your determination take you far! Don't you agree with that?"
[18:05] <Kotono> "I guess," The child agrees after a moment of scratching his head. "People above you are the ones that have the knowledge, right, like teachers and parents, and you have to earn it from them."
03[18:05] * Kotono is now known as Koaway
01[18:07] <Seira> "And once you do, you can use the powers at your disposal much more efficiently," Seira adds. "Also, it allows you to better understand them. Like in your case... you discovered that you can do anything while determined enough with the help of a nice person, didn't you? I would like to help as well!
01[18:07] <Seira> But for that, I need to have more details. For example, could you get me to listen to you, if you were focused enough?"
03[19:25] * Koaway is now known as Ko-CosplayingRagetoro
03[19:32] * Ko-CosplayingRagetoro is now known as Kotono
[19:35] <Kotono> "Well..." The child smiles ear to ear at that, a twisting thing that seems to curve back around. "Why don't you...listen!" OOc -Make a will save, Seira?
01[19:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[19:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 26." [1d20=11]
[19:37] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and act, SEira.
01[19:38] <Seira> "Hey, that's pretty good!" Seira commends him. "You have a real magical talent!"
[19:39] <Kotono> "That means I'm special," he smirks, "Aren't I?"
01[19:41] <Seira> "Oh yes!" Seira smiles brightly. "Just think. You can get your siblings to listen to you on your own, but if you were to get proper training, why, even a mage like me might be moved! And just think of the knowledge that would become available to you if you were to study magic in earnest!"
01[19:41] <Seira> She adds in a stage whisper, "I'll have you know that no path in life is closed before you, if you're a fully-trained mage!"
[19:45] <Kotono> "Oh yes," The elf boy smiles bigger at that, "Just how it should be."
01[19:46] <Seira> "Great!" Seira says happily. "Think we could go talk to your parents, then? I have a school for talented magical people and I would need to ask them if they would like for you to attend it. Unless you're content to just stay as you are while others advance past you in the arcane arts?"
[19:51] <Kotono> "Hmph," Crossing his arms at that, "A school, you say?"
01[19:54] <Seira> "It's a tower that pierces the heavens!" Seira exclaims, jumping to her feet and reaching up with her hands. "Instead of going to normal classes or working as apprentices, which non-magical children often do, the schedule is tailored for the student. In effect, they learn what they want and when they want to, and magic? It's all around them!"
[19:59] <Kotono> "Very well, I will consider this..." he murmurs, "Andrana, Sulai, go do my chores while I think," he says, the other two children quickly nodding and scurrying away.
01[20:01] <Seira> "I personally think you would like it there," Seira tells the boy. "After all, while having your chores done for you is nice, you wouldn't have chores if you came to the tower. And once there... well, could you learn how to create a fireball or how to fly on your own here? Why, we can even teach our students how to became a dragon!"
03[20:02] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5444c624.lns1-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:07] <Kotono> "That does sound nice," The child answers back, "Father will agree to it, then."
01[20:07] <Seira> "Wanna go talk with him, now?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "I'm Trylant," he says as he starts to go inside. "What's your name?"
01[20:11] <Seira> "It's Seira~!"
[20:12] <Kotono> Tyrland stops as he walks, lowering his head. "Yes, I will go to your school," he says, "Seira, take me there. I want to learn under you."
01[20:16] <Seira> "Sure thing! Of course, first we have to talk to your father." She raises her hand to forestall any arguments. "Now, I know magic could smooth over everything, but one of the key points of using it is that magic often boosts your natural skills! So by doing the routine things without it, we prepare ourselves to face anything once we do have it on our side!"
[20:20] <Kotono> "Okay, Seira," Trylant follows along with her back inside. Latha is waiting at the counte ras the baker sets out several loaves of bread, looking to Seira as she enters. 'Anything useful?'
01[20:23] <Seira> 'Yes. The boy, Trylant, has gained the ability to use the charm spell. I'm here to ask his father to send him to study magic at my school. And between us, the much-needed discipline mages need.' Her response might have been a mouthful if it were spoken, but as things are, Seira smiles at the baker.
01[20:23] <Seira> "We've had a really good chat, I think. Did you know that your son has the ability to become a potent mage?"
[20:33] <Kotono> 'He gained the ability?' Latha fires back quickly, 'How so? Esthan?'
[20:33] <Kotono> "Excuse me?" The baker stops what he's doing, almost dropping a fresh loaf of bread. He does a doubletake, reacting swiftly and grabbing the loaf before it tumbles to the ground.
01[20:37] <Seira> 'Maybe. Or he could be a budding sorcerer Esthan recognized,' Seira returns to Latha. 'Either way, we could both find that out and help him at the same time by accepting him as a student.' Smiling at the baker, Seira calls upon the simple spell of mage hand to pull the loaf over to her. "I know it must be a shock," she tells him.
01[20:37] <Seira> "Many parents are taken by surprise when their children's magical talents suddenly awaken. However, at the magical academy that I represent, we can help them develop those talents and become powerful mages!"
[20:44] <Kotono> 'I'm wary of possible 'gifts' in the form of Esthan, though keeping an eye on him wouldn't be a bad idea,' Latha thinks back.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Aaah!" With a start, "Oh, you're a wizard? I'm honored." Bowing slightly to that, "This makes everything make more sense...that other man must have been one as well. BUt you're saying that Tyrlant has the same potential?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "I do and I'm going to go there, father," Trylant says quite loudly.
01[20:47] <Seira> 'You and me both, but if we stay here to observe the boy Esthan would just use such tactics in the future to endlessly delay us,' Seira muses in her mind. 'And I have no reason to suspect his powers cost him his soul, so if we could inadvertantly make right what Esthan tried to have go wrong, I think we should take the chance.'
01[20:47] <Seira> Seira nods at the baker. "We believe as much, yes. However, unlike that man, I am both in a position to and interested in providing long-term guidance to your son. There would be no need to pay for tuition, either."
[20:52] <Kotono> "This academy, where is it?" The baker asks, now leaninga gainst his shop's counter.
[20:53] <Kotono> 'If it was only minor work, yes. How has the boy been acting? Any oddities to him?'
01[20:56] <Seira> 'He commands his siblings around. There might be more to him, but in that case, I want to leave him here even less.' At the father's question, she tilts her head. "A teleport away. On a map, one might find us in the human land of the Baronies. Students from different lands already go there, so Trylant would not be the first.
01[20:56] <Seira> Visitation is also relatively easy to work out; as it is a school of magic run by mages, I daresay families get to visit the students more than they would had it been a normal school located at the Citadel."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Maybe one day, but..." Shaking his head, "He's still too young to be away from home. He's still my baby boy." The baker looks apologetically to Seira, "Maybe when he's gotten older."
01[21:06] <Seira> "Excuse me, but could I discuss something with you in private?" Seira requests, while sending to Latha, 'And you might have a chance to find out whether there's anything wrong with Trylant in the meantime, as long as you're careful.'
[21:09] <Kotono> "What? I want to go, father!" Trylant looks up coolly at his father, "You're going to let me go."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Yes, maybe we should talk about this in private," The baker agrees, looking at his son reproachfully. "I said no."
06[21:11] * Seira waits a while in case Latha manages to diffuse the situation and lead the boy away.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Come now," Latha smiles to the child, "Let's go outside and play."
[21:13] <Kotono> As Latha approaches, Trylant stomps his foot, "I said I'm going," he snaps off, glaring at his father, "You're GOING to let me go NOW!"
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[21:15] <Kotono> Trylant's father reels back, his face slapped back by something unseen. "You're going to do what I say! Now!" He stomps his foot, "I have magic and you don't. That means I'm superior to you!"
[21:17] <Kotono> Latha moves quickly now, taking the boy by his shoulder. "Child, that is enough," she says gravely.
[21:18] <Kotono> Tyrlant's father falls down from the blow, landing hard against a rack of baking pans. Amid the metallic clatter, "What...?" he asks in a daze, a welt forming on his cheek.
06[21:18] * Seira twitches. "As your wizarding superior, I'm saying that I need to speak to your father alone, now," she tells Trylant quietly, which she finds the best way to add menace to her words. "Please wait outside with the nice woman."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Fine," Snapping, Trylant hurries out. Latha keeps a grip on him, leading him pointedly outside as he goes, the two exiting out quickly.
06[21:20] * Seira offers her hand to the father, intent on helping him stand back up. "So, I think you see why we needed to talk."
[21:20] <Kotono> Rubbing at his cheek as Seira helps him get up, "What the hell was that?" he murmurs, eyes completely wide. "Did..Did Trylant just hit me...without touching me?"
01[21:22] <Seira> "I regret that it came to a demonstration. I was hoping to avoid that." Seira sighs, taking a seat. "You see, when people get special abilities but not the training to use them properly or the discipline to use them wisely, they may become a danger for themselves and for those around them." She snorts. "These are adults we're talking about, here. Now imagine a child in such a situation."
[21:39] <Kotono> There's a few stools in the back, Seira sitting next to a sack of flour. "What got into him like that? Is that behavior normal for...that?"
01[21:42] <Seira> "It's difficult to say," Seira admits. "I've seen bratty and superior behavior before, although perhaps the other mage who traveled through these parts had some unsavory advice for your son. The first steps down the road of using magic are often quite memorable. However, I truly believe we could help him find a balance between wanting to make something of himself and respecting others at our school."
[21:44] <Kotono> Rubbing his welted face, "What about Trylant? Is he dangerous to himself or others right now? Is it likely those outbursts are going to continue without aid?"
01[21:46] <Seira> "I wish I could respond to that with a no," Seira tells him regretfully, using a bit of magic to heal the welt, "but my experience leads me to believe that this behavior, if unchecked, would only continue to get worse. And we have not even covered the dangers of a fly spell failing in midair, or getting caught in your first miscast fireball."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Ah damn," Looking up to Seira, "This is too much right now. Will you be in town long?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "We could stay for a day, as we really were just passing through," Seira responds. "If you need to think about it, there is time for that. Just try to avoid a confrontation with your eldest son at this point, if at all possible, so as to not set him off?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "That would be wise. I need to talk to my beloved and...I don't know. This is too sudden," he murmurs, "And things were going so nicely the past week, too.?
[21:53] <Kotono> "
01[21:54] <Seira> "I know it's a lot to take in, but really, things would turn out for the better!" Seira tries to console him. "And a magical education would benefit your son quite a bit!"

[Corwin]

01[19:10] <Seira> [21:51] <Seira> "We could stay for a day, as we really were just passing through," Seira responds. "If you need to think about it, there is time for that. Just try to avoid a confrontation with your eldest son at this point, if at all possible, so as to not set him off?"
01[19:10] <Seira> [21:53] <Kotono> "That would be wise. I need to talk to my beloved and...I don't know. This is too sudden," he murmurs, "And things were going so nicely the past week, too.?
01[19:10] <Seira> [21:53] <Kotono> "
01[19:10] <Seira> [21:54] <Seira> "I know it's a lot to take in, but really, things would turn out for the better!" Seira tries to console him. "And a magical education would benefit your son quite a bit!"
[19:13] <Kotono> "Come back to the bakery tomorrow? I'll have made up my mind then," the baker elf says. "But thank you for the intervention, at least."
01[19:14] <Seira> "It shouldn't be too hard to find me, if you have more questions," Seira tells the man, and leaves, casting Detect Magic on her way. Between she and Latha, they might be able to exclude some of the more troubling possibilities here.
[19:18] <Kotono> Outside Latha has the boy sitting down. A silence exudes as Seira comes out, seeing no magic currently around Trylant.
01[19:21] <Seira> 'Anything out of the ordinary you can see?' Seira thinks after catching Latha's eye. "Our best option right now is to adopt a wait and see attitude," she tells Trylant, speaking to him like she would to an equal. "One of the things you will learn is the most subtle magic of all. If you listen to me and do as I instruct you to, you'll be able to see the results next morning."
[19:23] <Kotono> 'The child isn't evil...but he certainly has dominating tendencies.' After Latha replies with that, looking at the child steadily, "So listening to you is the most powerful magic?" Trylant asks.
01[19:24] <Seira> "That's not quite what I meant," Seira elaborates. "However, I am indeed saying that what I'm doing right now is magic of the subtlest form. And so, of the most effective one, because if you don't suspect any magic taking place, then you wouldn't be taking any counter-measures, would you? And that leads to victory."
[19:26] <Kotono> "Huh." Trylant at last nods to that, "I think I get it."
01[19:28] <Seira> "If you don't, just ask me," Seira tells him. "I'll be sure to give plenty of examples, because this is a very key element of being a mage."
[19:29] <Kotono> "Okay, I will," the young child agrees with Seira, before kicking a shoe at the ground, "I think I get it then."
06[19:30] * Seira can't shake the feeling that he misunderstands, but if he doesn't come to her for guidance, anything she tells him now would be pointless anyway.
[19:33] <Kotono> Trylant's father soon comes and escorts his child home and away. Once the two are alone in the little, hilly village, "I do wonder...if that child's behavior is all Esthan or if he gave a domineering personality a push forward. What did you think of all of that?"
01[19:35] <Seira> "The latter, really," Seira responds. "Didn't my actions suggest as much? If I seriously believed he planted a seed of something unnatural into an otherwise well-rounded boy, I would be trying to exorcise him, not teach him."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Yes," Latha does smile to that, "That's my conclusion as well. Do you think this father will go along with it?"
01[19:48] <Seira> "If I had time to sit down with him calmly, I wouldn't have any doubts. But with that display, while he did see the need for his son's training, I fear he might become emotional and make the wrong choice. In that case, I think we would have no choice but to return later."
[19:53] <Kotono> "Until then...let us find an inn to rest in?" Latha suggests. "Regardless of the outcome, we can resume our search for Esthan on the morrow?"
01[19:54] <Seira> "About that search," Seira muses. "How about we teleport over to Elfsander and then try to head towards this village? In the time our friend had, he might've gotten to his destination already, or would be close enough to it that we won't catch up in time even with a pegasus."
[19:57] <Kotono> "It's worth a try," Latha looks to the sky, "ASsuming he told the baker the truth, anyway."
01[19:59] <Seira> "We'll be following the baker's directions either way, so in such a case, we'll simply reveal the deception a week early and return to try and track him once again."
[20:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 6." [1d100=6]
[20:06] <Kotono> A night passes in a pleasant inn, nothing of note occuring. The next morning, after waiting for most of the village's womenfolk to come get early morning's bread, Seira and Latha enter the bakery. The baker shop owner works with a slender female elf, hair the color of fall's bouquet of falling leaves.
06[20:08] * Seira greets each with a smile, even as she observes the parents with the help of the Detect Magic spell she had cast before entering the bakery.
[20:11] <Kotono> Neither parent radiates any magic. The woman approaches Seira and Latha quickly, bursting to them and offering a slender hand, "Your name is Seira?"
01[20:13] <Seira> "It is," Seira agrees, taking the hand. "While this is Latha. And I don't believe I got yours?"
[20:21] <Kotono> Latha shakes her hand a moment later, "It's a pleasure," she says, as she turns to Seira, "Delia," she answers, "My husband said you think Trylant is a wizard in potential? I've heard of you - that human city, Balmuria, in the recent war."
01[20:24] <Seira> "Mage is the proper term, really," Seira explains, not particularly comfortable to discuss the war or any rumors circulating about her. "More specifically of sorcerous bent, but I'm not excluding anything at this point. Now, I know he is a bit younger than most of our students, but we do have some even less mature attending our school,
01[20:24] <Seira> so his would not really be a special case. We are well-equipped to handle any special needs that might arise from the situation, and as I've mentioned to your husband, visitations are made ridiculously easy with magic on our side."
[20:26] <Kotono> "That's fascinating," Delia nods rapidfire to it, "My little boy being a mage then makes me so proud! Like Scion Drake or a noble officer in the army service and he's note ven fully grown. Fortune has smiled deeply on our family."
01[20:28] <Seira> "Quite so," Seira agrees. "Then your answer is an affirmative one?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "Blessings come when they're needed," Latha smiles winsomely to the elf woman, who returns it sunnily. "Absolutely. He's my baby, but this is an incredible opportunity! I hear you're friends with members of the Council, even. Trylant will make something amazing of himself then."
01[20:30] <Seira> "That's true enough," Seira muses. "We'll find a way for you to contact us of your own initiative if you need anything, but until that time, merely getting in touch with Scion Drake would be enough to pass the message on to me."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Very well. I'm having Trylant pack up his things and say his goodbyes now," The mother vigorously offers her hand again, "Make my son into an amazing sorcerer."
01[20:36] <Seira> "We'll keep you up to date on his progress!" Seira promises, glancing at the far too silent father.
[20:40] <Kotono> The father is tight lipped, but nods politely to that, "Take good care of him." His voice is quiet and restrained.
01[20:42] <Seira> Well, things certainly look legitimate. Seira would pass through here later to be certain, but for now, it seems like she has the approval of the parents, and so she nods solemnly at the father.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Trylant should be here soon," Delia responds, "So why don't you have some breakfast bread and wait a little bit?"
06[20:45] * Seira has no problems with this suggestion.
[21:03] <Kotono> The meal is a pleasant one, though Latha passes on it.  About an hour later Trylant enter sin, a heavy backpack and a sack slung over his shoulder. "I'm ready," he announces.
01[21:05] <Seira> "Great," Seira declares, and glances at Latha. 'Do we take him with us to Elfsander, or I'll return there to meet you?'
[21:05] <Kotono> The baker approaches his son at that, coming around the counter. HE embraces him tightly, whispering into his ear.
[21:06] <Kotono> 'We'll go drop him off and then we'll go to Elfsander together?' Latha ventures?
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 22." [1d20=10]
06[21:06] * Seira nods to herself, and offers her hand to the boy. "Let's go?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "I'll be fine," Trylant says to his father, before parting from him and taking Seira's hand. "I'm ready."
06[21:09] * Seira leads them outside, before calling for Gurren.
[21:11] <Kotono> Gathering Gurren back up goes well enough. AS the pegasus flies down, "Oh," Trylant looks at it, "It listens to your commands?"
01[21:13] <Seira> "Gurren is intelligent, so that's a yes," Seira agrees. "Now climb on and hold tight." She gets on the pegasus behind him, and visualizes the front yard to the school before activating her ring.
01[21:13] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 55." [1d100=55]
[21:25] <Kotono> Woosh! The teleport is a safe and secure one, Seira appearing at her magic school. The tower takes up much of the view, the morning just dawning here and the last of night's mists clinging to everything like a birthing shroud.
01[21:26] <Seira> "Would you mind helping announce our arrival and making the preparations, Latha?" Seira requests, nudging Gurren to take to the air. "I'll give our newest pupil a tour of the grounds."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Of course," Latha volunteers, as Tryland looks about in open, devouring interest and wonder.
01[21:34] <Seira> "All proper mages need a tower," Seira instructs the impressionable boy. "There are practical reasons for this, be they for defense or to have a place to practice the more destructive spells without endangering others or your own home, but the most important one is because they look really awesome and non-magical people feel small when faced with something so impressive."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Mmmm, make them know their place," he muses as he clings to Seira's back. "I like how it looks anyway."
01[21:46] <Seira> A healthy bit of arrogance is practically required for an ambitious mage, but he needs to do something to curb his. However, that would be achieved in a rather lengthy process, and not happen overnight. Seira provides Trylant with an explanation of the courses neophytes take, although she doesn't label them as such, and explains the way the hierarchy at school works.
01[21:46] <Seira> "Like I was saying, listening to authority is very important," she proceeds to say. "Your teachers are your betters by their very definition. They are here to teach you to learn as much as them and, if you have genuine talent, to surpass them.
01[21:46] <Seira> Until that moment, however, you must listen to them, or your skills would wither and you would fall behind the others, and neither of us would like to see that happen, would we?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "Of course...Master," Trylant adds that after a moment, "You have to listen to learn, after all."
06[21:54] * Seira smiles back at the boy, and directs Gurren to a landing by the main entrance. Latha surely had enough time by now. "I believe you can go far," she tells him. "Prove that in the time you spend here learning the basics, mastering them, and I would take over the rest of your more advanced training personally."

[Corwin]

01[20:19] <Seira> [21:52] <Kotono> "Of course...Master," Trylant adds that after a moment, "You have to listen to learn, after all."
01[20:19] <Seira> [21:54] * Seira smiles back at the boy, and directs Gurren to a landing by the main entrance. Latha surely had enough time by now. "I believe you can go far," she tells him. "Prove that in the time you spend here learning the basics, mastering them, and I would take over the rest of your more advanced training personally."
01[20:19] <Seira> We were pretty much going to have me tell you my plans for the kid
[20:20] <Kotono> Sure, fire then.
01[20:21] <Seira> Dispel Evil on him inconspiciously, if possible. It is in fact a very good idea for a policy towards all new recruits.
01[20:21] <Seira> Inform the teachers of his situation and assign someone to watch him at all times and pretty much train him in magic and out of his arrogance
01[20:22] <Seira> Or at least have him equate arrogance with competence and realize he is yet not competent
01[20:22] <Seira> Then, teleport back the next day. Sound like a plan?
[20:25] <Kotono> Sure. As a fair warning, it's hard to subtly dispel evil. You glow with white, shimmering energy on casting it.
01[20:26] <Seira> Not if the guy you're using it on lacks the spellcraft to ID it  >_>
01[20:26] <Seira> And it so is our SOP, I said so just now  >_>
01[20:26] <Seira> So what that it's only been in effect for a few minutes  >_>
[20:28] <Kotono> Well yes, but seeing someone coming up to you and touching you while glowing like a christmas tree isn't particul-oh wait, she could just invisible. Nevermind. Hur.
01[20:28] <Seira> She cheats, yes  ^^
[20:32] <Kotono> Nothing happens with the dispel evil. The teachers get the message. Roll the TP, nothing of note happens at night.
05[20:35] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:35] * Hatbot (www-data@70.114.144.25) has joined #evildunes
03[20:35] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[20:36] <Seira> roll 1d100 Elfsander, that house belonging to Celebrimbor's agent
06[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 Elfsander, that house belonging to Celebrimbor's agent and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[20:40] <Kotono> Wooosh! It's a bright and busy morning even here, Seira and Latha appearing on pegasus just outside of the house of Celebrimbor's agent without incident! No one is immediately there to notice them, thankfully.
01[20:42] <Seira> "Let's find out if our very kind person has been here?" Seira suggests. "We should have plenty of time to look for him in the city proper and at the docks."
[20:44] <Kotono> "
02[20:45] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (BRB, IRC difficulties. UGUU HARDER. -=SysReset 2.53=-)
03[20:46] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
03[20:46] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
01[20:49] <Seira> "Let's find out if our very kind person has been here?" Seira suggests. "We should have plenty of time to look for him in the city proper and at the docks."
[20:50] <Kotono> "Yes," Latha dismounts, picking up her pace, "Let's hurry." OOC - Let's go righ to the gather info check then?
01[20:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 17." [1d20=7]
01[20:51] <Seira> OOC: She can try on her own!
[20:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 trying on her own since Seira's bad luck today
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 trying on her own since Seira's bad luck today and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[20:54] <Kotono> It's past noon when Seira and Latha meet back up, quieting eating a meal with a lovely view of the harbor, quietly talking inside a pleasant, windowy eatery. Seira has not found a trace of Esthan at all. "Nothing myself," Latha confesses, "None of the normal notes or triggers. It's a fairly big city so spending more time at it might help, or perhaps he's delayed...or he was just laying down a false lead again."
01[20:55] <Seira> "Let's look again at another part of town," Seira suggests. "We've tried the docks, but maybe we should look at the land-based approaches to the city."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes, that's ag ood idea," Latha agrees, "Try meeting up again at duskfall to see if we've had any success?"
01[20:59] <Seira> "In either case, I think I will alert my contact here in Elfsander, so that if Esthan does show up later on, we'll have a chance of finding out in time to do something about it."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Good idea. " Latha does smile a little at that, "We can't be everywhere at once. Who's your contact?"
06[21:05] * Seira briefly fills Latha in on him. "I probably should've tried to do this top down, but then we would risk having internal elf politics muddy the waters, I suppose."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Operating quietly is just as well, inc ase the devils have an ear in the wrong place," Latha considers before she rises, "Good luck with that then."
06[21:11] * Seira salutes Latha, grinning.
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC - Are you going to tell your contact anything interesting or just to look out for Esthan?
01[21:19] <Seira> OOC: Just to stay away from him and find a way to alert me or Drake if he shows up
[21:20] <Kotono> OOC: That's quite doable enough. Go ahead and roll gather info then?
01[21:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12." [1d20=2]
[21:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[21:23] <Kotono> Come evening, the two women reunite. They stare out at the quieting docks as they talk, a soft breeze and clouds rolling into the harbor. "Nothing," Latha summarizes it for both her and Seira. "Not a sign of Esthan at all."
01[21:24] <Seira> "A shame," Seira admits. "Our friends here would keep an eye -- and their distance. Let's try to retrace the path Esthan would've taken here? Maybe we'll get lucky."
[21:26] <Kotono> "A good plan. If we don't run into anything in a few days, that would certainly hint that this is indeed a false lead," Latha says. "But if not...did he double back towards the Citadel, head East for the colder lands or is he merely wandering off the roads and paths?"
01[21:30] <Seira> "I want to go with the latter," Seira says after a brief pause. "It's what I would do. Heading East promises the most rewards, especially given the recent events that took place there. It also, however, holds the dangers of becoming visible or stumbling across any of those who provide the aid to those harmed.
01[21:30] <Seira> Given Esthan's method of operations, I doubt he would risk that. And he recently was to the Citadel. Why return so soon?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "He did contact Marie with Antenora nearby. He's not completely risk adverse," Latha does point this out as she gazes at the ruby waters, the sunset painting them with vivid colors. "So I think discarding the second one is too premature. Plus...for all we know, he's depending on me thinking like that now that I'm following a false lead."
01[21:34] <Seira> "If so, gathering the necessary information should be easy enough. I've been through those parts recently, and a few of the people should still remember me!"
[21:35] <Kotono> "That is true," Latha does stop to consider this, "Sow hich path should we follow then?"
01[21:38] <Seira> "Back to the village for now," Seira proposes. "Let's give it a couple of days by pegasus and see from there."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Yes, let's go at first light," Latha agrees. OOC - Just going to travel back to the village?
01[21:47] <Seira> OOC: Only as far as we'll make in two days, headed in that direction. If nothing strikes, then we'll teleport eastwards
[21:51] <Kotono> OOC: Make a pair of GI checks for reference?
01[21:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16." [1d20=6]
01[21:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 15." [1d20=5]
[21:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19." [1d20=14]
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 6." [1d20=1]
[21:53] <Kotono> It's a rainy couple of days, clouds from the north bringing wetness. Under this moisture the pair search! A dozen villages are checked, happy and quiet places. There's no real solid leads - oh, there's a few possibilities but none of them pan out at all. On the third morning, Seira rising from her inn's bed, she finds Latha sitting in her room, waiting. "Do you want to try another day or teleport along now," she asks without preamble.
01[21:55] <Seira> "We tried this path. Let's go for your suggestion, now," Seira proposes. "Where do you think would be the best place to start in the east?"
[21:57] <Kotono> Taking a scroll out of her clothes, Latha unfolds it on the room's only wooden table. It's a map of Pallanth, Latha pointing at Elandra's Rest, "That's the biggest down east if he's gone that way, and really the gateway to that region. He might not be there yet, but if he's going east, it's quite possible he'll pass through there."
01[21:59] <Seira> "And you think we might be able to lay an ambush ourselves?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "If we're right, but it's a big gamble," Latha concedes, "But if things look favorable..." Trailing off of there thoughtfully, "It's worth trying."
01[22:14] <Seira> "You've been at this longer than I have," Seira admits. "And your tactics actually managed to get close enough to Esthan to be ambushed by his goons. I can't claim that level of accuracy right off the start, so that's why I'm good with following your intuition."
[22:18] <Kotono> "It's all I have," With a momentary smile, "As much as I hate to admit it, there's a lot of luck involved in this hunt. Esthan has the initiative and isn't easy to track by these means or others."
01[22:25] <Seira> "Well, then! Let's combine our respective talents!" Seira says brightly. "We'll try the north. Look around. Talk to the right people to warn them. And if nothing works? Then we'll try the top down approach. I think we can be careful enough that no devil supporters would catch wind of it, especially given I have a legitimate reason to visit the council -- the matter of Torm.
01[22:25] <Seira> We'll choke Esthan with an ever-tighening noose around his head!"
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[22:29] <Kotono> "That's a plan," Latha's face explodes into a large grin, "Yes, let's do just that and choke him out, and bring an end to his pitieous existance."
06[22:31] * Seira thinks of a spot just outside Elandra's Rest, nodding to herself when the location solidifies in her mind. "Ready?"
[22:37] <Kotono> "Ready," Latha agrees! OOC - Roll your d100?
01[22:37] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 22." [1d100=22]
[22:41] <Kotono> Elandra's rest is still dominated by it's trees as Seira appears, the morning a cool, windy one. Nothing seem sto be immediately about besides a few elves heading down the road to the west.
06[22:43] * Seira directs the pegasus down towards them in a glide. "Hey!" she calls over, topping the greeting off with a wave.
[22:44] <Kotono> There are four of them - three males and a female, each wearing backpacks and sturdy, travel worn clothes. They look up at Seira, pointing. "A pegasus rider!"
01[22:47] <Seira> "Why, yes!" Seira agrees, as Gurren lands by their side. "My friend and I have decided to visit Elandra's Rest, as must be painfully apparent. Have you spent some time there recently?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Yeah, we spent a week there." The female speaks up, "After what happened in Respite, we're going to loop back west instead of going east."
01[22:51] <Seira> "The dragon, you mean?" Seira asks. "That really should be dealt with, I believe."
[22:51] <Kotono> One of the men, a big boned elf with surprising muscle for his kind blows air out of his mouth. "It's a tragedy, but we'd just get in the way of the rebuilding right now. We'll go in a few years."
[22:51] <Kotono> "Oh yes," The third nods, slender as the stereotype for an elf. "I hear that heroes from the human realm defeated the dragon."
01[22:53] <Seira> Ah, elves. Seira nods. "Sure thing. And yes, I'm pretty sure that's correct. Would you know if Elandra's Rest organized something to help find those who lived in the villages and towns that suffered from the calamity? We've thought of visiting a friend while being in the east and all, but it sounds like we might miss him if we don't get some help there."
[23:00] <Kotono> "Yes," The female looks upa t the pegasus interestedly. "There are some of the King's and Sir Chillander's forces helping with that as well. It's mainly organized in Dewfrost, but there's also a station here."
01[23:01] <Seira> "Great!" Seira chances a glance at Latha. "That sounds like just what we need!"
[23:02] <Kotono> Latha smiles at that, "Shall we then," she murmurs back to Seira, only paying polite attention to the elves.
[23:03] <Kotono> "Where'd you get the pegasus," The big boned elf calls, "Can you buy them?"
01[23:05] <Seira> "You... actually can, although it is polite to ask the pegasus first. If they don't want to come with you, then it just invites scores of badness. Heaps!" Seira pats Gurren's mane. "Thanks again for the information! Take care on your journey."

[Corwin]

01[20:12] <Seira> [23:02] <Kotono> Latha smiles at that, "Shall we then," she murmurs back to Seira, only paying polite attention to the elves.
01[20:12] <Seira> [23:03] <Kotono> "Where'd you get the pegasus," The big boned elf calls, "Can you buy them?"
01[20:12] <Seira> [23:05] <Seira> "You... actually can, although it is polite to ask the pegasus first. If they don't want to come with you, then it just invites scores of badness. Heaps!" Seira pats Gurren's mane. "Thanks again for the information! Take care on your journey."
[20:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Travel safely," Latha bides as the four continue to watch the flying pegasus. "Yes, safe travel," one repeats, "Take care as well."
01[20:18] <Seira> There seems to be no need to keep Gurren airborne, with Elandra's Rest in sight, so Seira guides it towards the gates at a trot, waving at the quartet of elves.
[20:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The trot to the gate is without incident. There's a few elven sentries on watch, eyeing the two but not interdicting them as they enter into Elandra's Rest. As you trot in, "Do you happen to have a contact here as well?"
01[20:26] <Seira> "As a matter of fact, yes," Seira tells Latha quietly, nodding at the sentries politely. "An elf whose gender was curiously misunderstood by the populace, though not due to crossdressing or anything of the sort. He received visions, and offered my friends and I some insight, along with a healthy bit of foreboding."
06[20:26] * Seira smiles. "If someone upstairs thinks that our quest merits a subtle guiding hand, we will definitely learn something when we visit him."
[20:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "He's a devil?" Latha smiles back, before chuckling. "It's worth a try. What's his name then?"
01[20:31] <Seira> "Eran," Seira says, dismounting. It seems more prudent to make the rest of the way on foot.
[20:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The city is built around three vast oak trees, several elves interestedly eyeing the pegasus. The two progress towards the temple of Sehanine Moonbow. The inside is like a shell that houses a park inside, fairly seren and quiet. While you see some worshippers, you don't notice Eran about at all.
03[20:35] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-544796e6.wfd84b.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
06[20:35] * Seira makes her way towards a worshipper that doesn't seem particularly occupied, getting their attention.
03[20:35] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> One, a lean elf with eyes lifted upward, constantly staring at the clear sky, "Yes..." he murmurs, not breaking his gaze from the heavens. "Do you need something?"
01[20:41] <Seira> "Why, yes! Would you know where Eran might be found?" Seira asks him. "I ended up visiting sooner than expected, and wanted to say hello."
[20:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh, go ask Sarana over there," Gesturing at a female elf lying on her back and writing on a sheet of paper held above her head, "I think I saw Eran with her a day or two ago. She should know. It's been about that long since I lowered my head. I haven't seen the Mystery to be found in the sky yet."
01[20:50] <Seira> There's not much she can say to that but smile, nod politely and step away. "Let's go meet our new friend Sarana?" she tells Latha, marching towards the female elf in question with a sense of purpose.
03[20:50] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha's lips quirk up again, "May you find your Mystery," she says, and once out of earshot as you head towards the blonde elf writer, who you see writing at a rather frentic pace as you approach. Her lips move as she writes, silently mouthing.
06[20:52] * Seira crouches next to her, trying to get a better look at the sheet of paper in the elf's grasp.
[20:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> She's scribbling in Elven, Dwarven, Common and Celestial on the paper, often intermixing words of a different tongue in the same sentence. A bit of black ink drips down from her quill, splashing on her tanned cheek. As you get closer, "Then...the chosen...in the...ascending tree..." In common, elven, celestial and then elven again she speaks and writes.
01[20:56] <Seira> Seira's interest increases upon finding another person interested in learning other languages. She decides to spend a few minutes listening to Sarana as she pretty much reads over her shoulders and waits to be noticed.
[20:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Then seven will become nine and nine will become seven..." she goes on in a plethoria of languages, seemingly oblivious, "And truth will be born in the light of the moon within the gap." She finishes with that sheet, putting it down and grabbing another in a pile besides her. At that she looks to the side briefly, doubleblinking at Seira and Latha. "Oh...yes?" she says in elven, "What, do I have ink on my face again?" scowling she da
[20:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "What, do I have ink on my face again?" scowling she dabs at her face, fingers blackened by the droplet splattered there. She grabs a rag from her pocket, cleaning her face. "Thanks, this ink is a little runny."
01[21:00] <Seira> "You did, but I was more curious in what you're writing," Seira says, not sounding ashamed or embarrassed at her actions in the least. "Is there an exciting mystery you've been privy to?"
[21:00] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Maaaaybe," she singsongs as she tosses the rag aside, and then in the light tones of Celestial, "Can you keep up with me?"
01[21:02] <Seira> "That depends," Seira responds in dwarven, continuing smoothly in Ignan, "The question really is, can you?" The last word she says in Draconic, for that special flavor only dragons have.
[21:04] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Raising both eyebrows at that, as Latha laughs, "Oh yes," she switches to Infernal, "You're good, really good!" Sitting up now, "Oh, did Sehanine teach you about how meaning lies in all langauges but none of them at the same time?"
01[21:08] <Seira> "It must have been a case of parallel evolution," Seira muses, mixing and matching Abyssal with Infernal. She personally doesn't really see the need for both of them to begin with; just how many languages do fiends need to insult each other and select mortals? Elves are just as arrogant and those living in the endless cold haven't invented one different from the one those at the Citadel use.
[21:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Ah. So what brings you here," she sits easily, looking up at both women. "Oh, am I getting a reputation and you came to see me about this?"
01[21:12] <Seira> "For two reasons!" Seira announces, keeping to Celestial for now. It should be comforting enough for Latha, and foreign enough other elves wouldn't listen in on the conversation. "First, you looked really interesting! I wanted to get to know you better."
01[21:12] <Seira> She smiles. "A belated hi to you, then. Secondly! We have learned that you might know where Eran is, and I kinda wanted to touch base with him while passing through."
[21:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Sure, sit down," she offers, as Latha politely nods to Sarana. "Secondly, he left yesterday. He said he needs a new pigment for his next painting and he can't get the right shading unless he goes and does it himself. He'll be gone a few days or so?"
01[21:16] <Seira> "Any idea what his painting was going to be about, or if he drew any new ones within the last couple of weeks?" Seira inquires, sitting down. She offers her hand to Sarana. "Seira, by the way. That's my name. My friend's called Latha."
[21:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It's a pleasure," Latha slightly pushes the hood she wears back as she sits as well.
[21:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "He's been working on a mural - oh, you can see it over here," Getting right back up, "C'mon...wait a minute. Seira?" She double takes, looking back to her. "Wait a minute, that means...oh, no wonder you're back here! Oh, did Eran tell you about the mural?"
01[21:20] <Seira> "No, but I was hoping he would have one," Seira responds, looking over for it, since it apparently can be seen yet she missed it somehow.
[21:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Leading Seira on a little bit, you head for the rear wall of the temple, past some trees. Here a mural has been about half done, taking up most of the space. It is of a snowy-white field at night, a dragon locked in combat with three familiar heroes.
06[21:21] * Seira is interested in the dragon, and whether it's familiar.
[21:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The dragon is supremely familiar, a silver dragon that Seira can gaurantee isn't a menance anymore.
01[21:23] <Seira> "Mmm, somewhat disappointing," Seira mutters, losing interest in the mural. "We were hoping he might have drawn about a devil. You are not one, are you? Because they absolutely love to disguise themselves as pretty women."
[21:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ".....that's one of the stranger..." Sarana bows her head, speaking in Infernal, before she snaps her fingers. "Oh, wait a minute, if you disguise yourself as the opposite of what you are, that means there are mysteries and revelation within! I've been going on about how it's all in between and that didn't strike me until now!" Excitedly dashing back to her papers, she grabs them and hurries to a bench, starting to furiously write. "T
[21:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> she grabs them and hurries to a bench, starting to furiously write. "That's a good idea...devils are more controlling like men...demons are more like women, flowing and changing..."
[21:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha follows her with her eyes as she scurries about, "...I suppose she's very creative," she asks in Common.
01[21:28] <Seira> "Devils are from Hell, demons are from the Abyss?" Seira suggests, snorting at Latha's words.
01[21:29] <Seira> "You know, this makes a lot of sense. They do tend to bicker like an old, married couple. A psychopathic, utterly evil married couple."
[21:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It's a matter of channeling that sort of creativity," Latha watches her go, "I hope Sehanine helps her with that....you know," Latha half closes her eyes, "I'm not sure if I should give in and laugh or marvel that you've insulted both the Abyss and Hell at once."
01[21:31] <Seira> "Laughing is good for the soul, or so I hear," Seira muses. "Maybe I should write a play. Why, across our world, countless mortals of all races would no doubt relish the opportunity to mock fiends! And I do have a bard. Yes, yes...."
01[21:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 25." [1d20=10]
[21:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Don't dignify them with it," Latha watches the busy Sarana, "STill, we're getting slightly off track. Are you going to want to wait here a few days for Eran?"
01[21:35] <Seira> "Not really, no," Seira returns. "We should just visit the other major population centers, and finally teleport back here after a few days if we discover nothing. Since the ring takes a day to recharge, we could spend it looking for clues about Esthan, in case a traveler or resident encountered him."
01[21:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 18." [1d20=8]
[21:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18." [1d20=13]
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The morning and early afternoon passes without incident. No dice on anything like Esthan - only a lead to a baker that turns out to be a complete dud. Most of the takl is about the dragon incident at Respite, the recovery, and the naming of the Amaryl Range. Meeting up an hour and a half past noon, "No obvious signs of him." Standing between two of the three gigantic oaks that dominate the city, "We may have beaten him here if he's he
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "We may have beaten him here if he's heading this way."
01[21:45] <Seira> "We are assuming he's going to cheat, same as us, right? No sane person who could teleport actually wouldn't, especially while trying to throw off pursuit," Seira states categorically. "So let's jump a bit farther to the east. Maybe he anticipated our actions and merely skipped past Elandra's Rest and went further."
[21:46] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I do hate making assumptions with him, but yes." Latha agrees. "Now or in the morning? WE can fit in another city with teleportation easily enough."
01[21:47] <Seira> "Unless you can teleport us, it would have to be in the morning...."
[21:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh yes." With a look of pique, "And no, I can't. My mind is clearly too focused on Esthan to be doing things like fully thinking out the situation. Let's find a nice inn and rest then?"
01[21:50] <Seira> "Sure thing!"
[21:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Doing anything noteworthy besides resting?
01[21:51] <Seira> OOC: Not here
[21:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Also, curious DM question. Do you get your own room or do you share one with Latha?
01[21:52] <Seira> OOC: We share, I'm sure she's a perfect gentlediva
[21:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> That evening, Seira is stirred from her sleep. Someone knocks heavily on the door to the room, Latha going ot answer it. It's the sort of loud-irritating that's enough to wake someone from pleasant dreams, carrying it's own special seed of aggrivation.
01[21:55] <Seira> Irritating though it might be, Seira would not be woken up for trivialties, so she quickly gets her act together. If it IS a social call, she can always huff and puff and set the idiot on fire.
[21:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As she awakens, LAtha turns back. A cute female elf is at the door, bowing and leaving. Latha's face is like a thundercloud, her hood pushed back. "The serving girl had a message. By her words, an Esthan is downstairs and would like to talk to us."
06[21:59] * Seira has a coughing fit.
[22:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha has her mace out, "The devil is amazingly cheeky to dare to do this, if it is him."
01[22:04] <Seira> "Him or a messanger," Seira gets out, throwing her clothing on. "Let's avoid fighting him in the middle of an elven town, alright? Maybe he could be persuaded to die outside its walls."
[22:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha does not put away her mace, but she does nod. She removes her cloak, her blond ehair falling past her shoulders. Her eyes seem to burn with fire, her human form still radiant, almost overspilling. "If you have discreet protections, now would be the time to cast them."
03[22:08] * Alicia is now known as Celenu
01[22:08] <Seira> Her armor spell still holds, but Heroism and a prolongued Shield come into being, shimmering as they are invoked and fading away just as swiftly. "That's all I have on the discreet side that I actually want to rely on at this time," she tells Latha, heading for the door to the corridor.
[22:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a curt nod Latha and Seira head downstairs! The first floor has a small communal area, several tables, a fire place and a few windows. It's a tavern and an eatery in one. It's well into the evening, most elves gone. There's one person that sits near the fire, drinking from a metal mug. He wears a heavy cloak and clothes, as well as gloves. You can't really see any of him beyond his clothing, though he's looking th eway of both of
[22:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> You can't really see any of him beyond his clothing, though he's looking th eway of both of you as he sips his mug. He gestures, as if beckoning old friends over.
06[22:11] * Seira sits at the table, the hood of her own rather hastily-donned cloak down. "Hi!" she greets him. "My dreams were very pleasant! You took me away from them."
[22:12] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha eyes him long, sitting as well. She doesn't say anything, letting her gaze bore into Esthan's hidden face.
[22:13] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "My apologies," he says, "But I heard you were looking for me. It's only civil to end the boring, repetaitive searching and cut to the matter at hand." He talks smoothly. His voice is good, the sort you can listen to and relax to. Cultured, strong, confident. "Want a drink before we get down to business?"
01[22:15] <Seira> "No thanks!" Invoking Mage Hand, Seira attempts to pull the hood of his cloak down and reveal the mysterious devil's features. "Getting down to business is just fine."
[22:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The hood of Esthan's cloak goes back easily enough. He chuckles as it does, a warm sound that fills your ears in an overwhelmingly, intoxicatingly pleasurable manner. His features are...human. He has short black hair and a sharp nose, eyes that glitter like black diamonds. His face is startlingly young, then anciently old, then white haired and then bald, and then back. He takes another drink from his mug, closing his eyes for a momen
[22:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> He takes another drink from his mug, closing his eyes for a moment. "How childish. Did you think I would travel in such an open, undigified manner? After all...you yourself know that even your visage can attract and repel those you protect. Let alone mine?" (More)
[22:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Now then," Putting down his mug, pulling his hood back up with his free hand, "I suppose I know why you're looking for me, but what of you, Seira?"
[22:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> He glances at Latha with the barest attention, idly dismissive as he focuses on Seira instead.
01[22:21] <Seira> "Baldness does not suit you," Seira comments idly. "If I'm the child, what does it make someone baiting me?"
[22:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Someone very bored. Now then, why are you looking for me?"
01[22:25] <Seira> "Well, see, ever since I heard about your continuing interest in us--" Seira frowns. "And may I just say that I am strangely disappointed you never as much as said hello to me?" She shakes her head. "As it were, the more you kept interfering, the more I was thinking that there was something I wished to tell you when our paths finally crossed.
01[22:25] <Seira> I thought long and hard about how to phrase this so that a devil would understand easily, too! But you never came so I decided to ensure that our chance meeting did take place."
[22:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Ah yes. Business is business. There are a thousand stars in the sky, one cannot visit all of them in a timely manner. My apolgies for leaving you waiting." Finishing his drink and putting the mug down, he leans forward slightly, resting his shadowed chin on his fist. "Now then, what is it you wish to tell me? I'm right here and happy to listen."
[22:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha has held her peace thus far, her gaze quietly full of fury. In Seira's mind, 'It's your chance here, Seira. You know what I'll say and do regardless if I can get him out of the city.'
01[22:29] <Seira> "How excellent!" Seira agrees. "See, this meddling you're doing into mortal affairs, fucking up lives, messing with children? That's bad, and even though I am impressed by your skill, tenacity and intellect, Waukeen won't stand for any of it. I'm pretty sure that our longterm plans, as they stand, run counter to one another. So why wait a generation for us to come to a head?" (more)
01[22:30] <Seira> "So it was all pretty unpleasant until I thought of the Antenora model." Smiling, Seira leans her elbows on the table. "Serve me or die~"
[22:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a warm laugh that fills up the tavern room, filling it with mirth and almost joy, "Aaaah yes. The Erinyes." The laughter doesn't laugh long, though amusement stays on his face as he speaks, a smile quite earnest and alluring. "Perhaps we can even work on something acceptably close to that. You see, I'm heading East. I think there are some most marvelous things there. As a gesture of good will," He offers his hand out, "I'd like t
[22:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As a gesture of good will," He offers his hand out, "I'd like to invite you to travel with me, Seira. Since we do seem to be going in the same direction, and you know the terrain there. After all...this is surely better than our petty bickerings? What good is our battle when we waste your lovely potential?"
01[22:34] <Seira> Seira's smile is equally earnest. "So you want us to head our eastwards as we discuss the terms of your surrender? I find that agreeable." She makes a point to glance at Latha, while keeping an eye on Esthan. "Do you find that agreeable?"
[22:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Surrender?" Laughing again, "Oh no, I do believe your hope has run far ahead of your chances. I offer this as another being, an equal. I have no desire or interest in shredding your life, or the life of our celestial friend, or the lives of most of your friends. How horribly gauche and forward this is!"
[22:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Latha's gaze bores into Esthan, "Your arrogance grows old, spawn of the pit," she says in chill tones, "Do you think us blind fools?"
01[22:39] <Seira> "I'm trying to think, here," Seira muses out loud. "Was my profile of you mistaken? Your plans seemed far-reaching, but this outright refusal to gain a foothold into what is, arrogance or not, the most prominent military unit on the face of this world catches me off guard. Could your successes, insidious as they were brilliant, truly be chalked down to incredible luck instead?"
[22:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a smile as Esthan rises, "I see that you are at least confident in your realm's success." Esthan puts his chair back in place, "I do hope you're right about that. Your friend Alicia and her pet Erinyes have angered many in Hell, as have yourself and Demedais for that entire portal affair. As much as it shames me, many of these are not as reasonable and civlised as I am. I offer an outstretched hand, they will offer a closed fist.
[22:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "
03[22:44] * Tiny_Ko_Army is now known as Kotono
06[22:47] * Seira leans back in her own chair, not yet vacating it. "Alright. Perhaps I was a bit rude to such a nicer-than-usual, smarter-than-usual devil. I had in mind a deal. Your kind loves them. So does Waukeen!" She gestures at his vacated seat.
01[22:47] <Seira> "The basic idea is simple enough. Double or nothing -- serve me as outlined in a contract we'll draft. Break its terms, and get swamped with Inevitables till the end of time. In return, well... doesn't the chance to win me over appeal? At all? Is it because I'm not a paladin?"
06[22:47] * Seira does not quite pout.
[22:49] <Kotono> Chuckling at that, and after a moment going back down to sit, "Well, you at least know how to get my attention." As Latha looks to Seira with a momentary sharpness, "Still, you are an oathbreaker, or so the wind whispers. No, there will need to be special clauses and a special dispensation for any such contract."
01[22:51] <Seira> "Such as?"
[22:52] <Kotono> "You must understand..." With a smile that is glimpsed from within his hood, "The more innocent and pure a thing is, the more satisfying it is to corrupt. That leads many into pointless folly. Atonement...such a beastly inconvience."
01[22:56] <Seira> "It's handy enough, when the deal is forced on you rather than entered after some consideration," Seira comments with a shrug. "Still, since you can't quite state your terms, I'll start with a few of mine. I don't seek total obedience or anything as unseemly.
01[22:56] <Seira> But you must not have any dealings with mortals, nor attempt to corrupt, directly or indirectly, even via others, any other being than myself for the duration of our contract. That's pretty much the deal breaker if you refuse."
[22:58] <Kotono> "Mmm. Go on," Esthan bides, listening. "Spell out your terms fully."
01[23:01] <Seira> "No magic use whatsoever from either of us on the other, unless specifically requested by the person to be targetted with the effect specifically waivers this rule. Said waiver would only apply to that specific, isolated incident, and would need to be invoked every time one wishes it. For the purpose of our contract,
01[23:01] <Seira> magic use would also cover any special abilities we might have at this time or would gain in the future while under the contract, either naturally or by other means."
06[23:01] * Seira observes Esthan for a reaction, as it would be rather pointless to continue stating her terms if he finds one objectionable.
[23:02] <Kotono> OOC - Sense motive check?
01[23:02] <Seira> OOC: Oh, no, just looking if he goes stfu init
[23:02] <Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[23:03] <Kotono> Esthan is calm throughout this, listening like a detached but alert observer. "That sounds sensible enough if you're worried of your own safety." is all he says to that.
[23:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 28." [1d20=9]
[23:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+31
06[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+31 and gets 38." [1d20=7]
01[23:06] <Seira> "It's all in an effort to keep things fair and interesting. Dominating another's mind might lead for a quick win, but what's the point in such methods?" Seira asks with a shrug. "At the core would be a race to see which of us affects the other first, and so you would accompany me on what I would term my official missions and fight on our side.
01[23:06] <Seira> While on said missions, you would either follow the spirit or the literal wording of my commands. Pick either as we make our contract, tell me which it is, and we'll go with that."
[23:08] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm," A short nod to that, Continue, tell me when your'e done."
01[23:10] <Seira> "The fourth rule would state that since I may need to call on you and you might be elsewhere at some times for the duration of our contract, I would need a reliable way of finding you. Clearly, you need no such thing where I'm concerned."
06[23:11] * Seira shrugs. "The rest would be pretty standard, such as a mutually agreed upon framework detailing the penalties for breaking the contract and how to amend parts of it, which would require our unanimous agreement, etcetera etcetera." She tilts her head. "Is this where you tell me you're not interested?"
[23:13] <Kotono> Bowing his head, "I salute you. Not many are so brave as to use their soul as bait. No matter how headstrong and foolish you appear, you're quite intelligent." Standing up again, "But the truth is that I'm not sincerely interested in signing a pact with you. My previous offer stands. If I wanted a slave, I'd use your friend." With a brief glance at Latha, Esthan's attention otherwise stays on Seira.
01[23:15] <Seira> "That's pretty unfortunate," Seira agrees. "Do you have any cryptic yet possible helpful words of wisdom for me before negotiations break down? If it's a valuable and useful piece of information regarding one of my many enemies, I might just reconsider your counteroffer."
[23:17] <Kotono> "Certainly." With a smile that shows a glimpse of many, many white and sharp teeth, "As a token of esteem for your gallant bravery, I'd tell you and your friends to go research a group called the Spark Hunters."
06[23:17] * Seira tilts her head. "Well, it's certainly cryptic yet possibly helpful."
01[23:18] <Seira> 'Is it wrong to attack a devil with magic as negotiations are breaking down?' Seira thinks at Latha.
[23:18] <Kotono> "I live to serve," With a hint of mocking in his voice, Esthan begins to walk away. "Perhaps we'll see each other again."
[23:18] <Kotono> 'What spell,' Latha asks rapid fire.
01[23:20] <Seira> 'For you? Holy Aura sounds just right. On three! One, two....'
01[23:20] <Seira> "Perhaps. If we both survive!" Seira responds brightly, an orb of force gathering in her hand, and she tosses it at the devil's back even as she flips to her feet. She draws her sword, cloaking herself in the familiar protection of Stoneskin.
[23:21] <Kotono> OOC - We'll pause there since work looms.

[Corwin]

[18:16] <Kotono> * Seira tilts her head. "Well, it's certainly cryptic yet possibly helpful."
[18:16] <Kotono> <Seira> 'Is it wrong to attack a devil with magic as negotiations are breaking down?' Seira thinks at Latha.
[18:16] <Kotono> > "I live to serve," With a hint of mocking in his voice, Esthan begins to walk away. "Perhaps we'll see each other again."
[18:16] <Kotono> > 'What spell,' Latha asks rapid fire.
[18:16] <Kotono> <Seira> 'For you? Holy Aura sounds just right. On three! One, two....'
[18:16] <Kotono> <Seira> "Perhaps. If we both survive!" Seira responds brightly, an orb of force gathering in her hand, and she tosses it at the devil's back even as she flips to her feet. She draws her sword, cloaking herself in the familiar protection of Stoneskin.
01[18:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+17 ranged touch
06[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 ranged touch and gets 21." [1d20=4]
[18:20] <Kotono> OOC - HIt.
01[18:21] <Seira> roll 14d6 force+SA
06[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 14d6 force+SA and gets 44." [14d6=4, 5, 4, 3, 5, 1, 4, 1, 3, 1, 5, 3, 3, 2]
[18:22] <Kotono> 'I mean...' Latha begins, but seeing the situation, quickly has holy energy surround Seira and herself! Esthan stumbles forward from the forceful blast, the back of his cloak torn and rent apart!  The mostly empty common area only has a few other elves, who stare abruptly at the beginning battle! OOC - Initiative here.
01[18:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
06[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13." [1d20=1]
[18:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Latha
06[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Latha and gets 25." [1d20=17]
[18:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Esthan rotten luck Seira
06[18:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 Esthan rotten luck Seira and gets 22." [1d20=10]
03[18:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Latha>Esthan>Seira'
01[18:23] <Seira> "It's just as the saying goes," Seira calls out. "Thou shalt not suffer a devil to live!"
[18:24] <Kotono> Latha charges in, leaping over a table as she pounces onto Esthan, her mace lashing out! "Then so be it! Devil, begone from this realm forever!"
[18:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (+2 charge, -4 PA)
06[18:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 (+2 charge, -4 PA) and gets 21." [1d20=1]
[18:26] <Kotono> However, she slips as she lands, her mace blow missing well to the side! Esthan turns, his hood flying back! His face is composed, even...sad? "A pity. I had hoped you were more civilized than this, Seira. I had no true hope for the celestial, but I thought you might be above attacking someone in the back. No matter." With easy grace, Esthan focuses! Energy in the air twists around him, a sudden burst and...
[18:26] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 5." [1d4=4]
[18:30] <Kotono> In an instant it happens! Time seems to slow down and then...besides Latha's back, it towers over her! Esthan gone like the wind, but a cornugon towers over her! It's dark skin is like ebony death, it's greatsword coming right down at her! As this happens, 'Then perhaps you'll understand better once you see what it's like to be my enemy. Come, I'll be waiting outside for you. The creature there is simply...hospitality for the celestial.'
[18:30] <Kotono> The creature there is simply...hospitality for the celestial.'
03[18:30] * Kotono changes topic to 'Latha>Esthan=Cornugon>Seira'
[18:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (-5 PA)
06[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 (-5 PA) and gets 27." [1d20=7]
[18:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 25." [1d20=10]
[18:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 18." [1d20=8]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 18." [1d20=1]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 29." [1d20=12]
[18:33] <Kotono> roll 2d6+5
06[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+5 and gets 16." [2d6=5, 6]
[18:34] <Kotono> Latha defends herself well, blocking it's sword swings and dodging it's bite! It's tail grazes across her arm, opening a weeping, bloody wound! OOC - SEira.
[18:35] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[18:35] <Kotono> Latha defends herself well, blocking it's sword swings and dodging it's bite! It's tail grazes across her arm, deflected by the sacred radiance glowing around her!
[18:35] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[18:35] <Kotono> Screams are heard as the few elves gawk in terror, before starting to run! "Monster1"
06[18:36] * Seira stands firm, refusing to show fear in the face of the horned devil. "You're the one who walked away from my very reasonable offer of stopping to meddle in the lives of mortals!" she calls after Esthan. Maintaining her calm in the face of a ninth circle spell being flaunted at her so casually is much harder.
01[18:36] <Seira> 'Latha, he used Time Stop. If we're still going after Esthan, we have to forget about this distraction and leave together, now!'
[18:37] <Kotono> 'I can't let it run amok here!' Latha fires back, 'If you need to chase him, go! But I can't risk it going on a massacre of any innocents!' She deflects it's sword again, locked in a fluid, speedy martial dance with the cornugon!
06[18:41] * Seira could just strangle the stubborn deva, but instead calls for Haste upon the two of them, moving into melee range to try and flank the cornugon with her. 'It would've chased us outside! What would kill more, the summons or the monster, if unchecked?'
[18:42] <Kotono> 'I know!' Latha's voice is a mix of irritation and resignation, 'Gods, I know! Pin it down, I'm going to try and stun it so I can finish it as fast as possible!' OOC - The cornugon has reach on you if you're moving into melee range, just FYI.
01[18:43] <Seira> OOC: I can tumble?
[18:43] <Kotono> You have space and terrain to work with.
[18:43] <Kotono> OOC - Ack, wrong window. But yeah, tumble is fine.
01[18:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 31." [1d20=14]
[18:43] <Kotono> OOC - Tumble is good!
[18:44] <Kotono> Latha bears down on the cornugon, voice steady, "Return to the Pit! You have no place in this realm!" she says, even as her mace strikes forth!
[18:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +2 flanking)
06[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +2 flanking) and gets 39." [1d20=14]
[18:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +2 flanking)
06[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +2 flanking) and gets 44." [1d20=19]
[18:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
06[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[18:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 27." [1d20=12]
[18:45] <Kotono> roll 1d8+12-10
[18:45] <Kotono> roll 1d8+12-10
06[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+12-10 and gets 9." [1d8=7]
06[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+12-10 and gets 7." [1d8=5]
[18:45] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 vs DC 22
06[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 vs DC 22 and gets 25." [1d20=9]
[18:46] <Kotono> Latha strikes the cornugon twice, staggering it back slightly as she weaves amid it's cleaving strikes! "Silver," Latha calls in a word to Seira, intent on the combat! OOC - Cornugon is up.
[18:47] <Kotono> The cornugon roars, speaking in Infernal! "This place will be mine as I make it flow in rivers of blood!" he says, as his blade lashes out!
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (-5 PA) Latha
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 (-5 PA) Latha and gets 24." [1d20=4]
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Seira
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 Seira and gets 29." [1d20=14]
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Latha
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 Latha and gets 19." [1d20=9]
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 bite Seira
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 bite Seira and gets 34." [1d20=17]
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 tail Seira What's your AC?
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 tail Seira What's your AC? and gets 29." [1d20=12]
[18:48] <Kotono> OOC - Tails' Latha sorry.
[18:48] <Kotono> The cornugon fights fiercely, but Seira weavs and parries it's mouth away from her, coming within inches of chomping down on her neck! Latha pushes it's greatsword back, it's mace deflecting it away! OOC - Seira.
01[18:49] <Seira> 'Is there any reason you're not dispelling this puppy?' Seira asks, moving on the offensive for now.
01[18:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+25 (flanking, haste, flying, heroism)
06[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 (flanking, haste, flying, heroism) and gets 31." [1d20=6]
01[18:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 36." [1d20=11]
01[18:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34." [1d20=14]
[18:50] <Kotono> 'This is quicker if I can stun it!' Latha shoots back, as her face is locked in a struggle, greatsword again repelled! 'If you want to keep it busy with swordmanship, feel free and I'll try!'
[18:50] <Kotono> OOC - One hit.
01[18:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 claw
06[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 claw and gets 34." [1d20=15]
01[18:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 bite
06[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 bite and gets 30." [1d20=11]
01[18:52] <Seira> roll 3d8+7+4d6
06[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+7+4d6 and gets 34." [3d8=6, 4, 3][4d6=2, 3, 4, 5]
01[18:53] <Seira> 'Let's try it your way for a bit longer, I think.'
[18:54] <Kotono> Seira bites, claws and stabs at the cornugon's back! It's leathery wings deflect much of the blows, though she manages to plunge her Resort deep into it's shoulder! The vile thing's blood trickles down it's back and wings, turning back to spit and snap at Seira! Latha goes on the defensive a moment, before lashing out again!
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 and gets 27." [1d20=2]
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 and gets 42." [1d20=17]
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 32." [1d20=12]
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 30." [1d20=15]
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d8+12
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+12 and gets 13." [1d8=1]
[18:55] <Kotono> Latha drives her mace into the face of the devil, though it's scales only lightly crack at such a direct treatment of force! Behind you the elves have fled out, screams and cries of alarm in the streets themselves! "MONSTERS! HELP!" OOC - Cornugon is up.
[18:56] <Kotono> The cornugon focuses a moment, an aura of terror springing up around it, "Tremble before me, foolish creatures!" It barks! OOC - Will saves. It's enchantment/fear.
01[18:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 34." [1d20=19]
[18:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 holy aura is nice
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 holy aura is nice and gets 18." [1d20=2]
[18:59] <Kotono> As Latha's face twists into a visage of horror and fear, the cornugon attacks again! It turns it's attention mainly to Seira!
[18:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (-5 PA)
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 (-5 PA) and gets 31." [1d20=11]
[18:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 28." [1d20=13]
[18:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 27." [1d20=17]
[18:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 20." [1d20=3]
[18:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 23." [1d20=6]
[19:00] <Kotono> Seira is too fast for it, it's heavy blows cleaving a chair apart and carving up the air but not touching Seira's flesh in the least! OOC - SEira, you're up. Latha still flanks, but from that look of fear, she won't be for long.
01[19:00] <Seira> "You trying to scare a dragon, scum?" Seira snarls, throwing herself at the devil in rage as she flows past his feeble attacks. "Die, you summoned fodder!"
01[19:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 39." [1d20=14]
01[19:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 33." [1d20=8]
01[19:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 32." [1d20=12]
01[19:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 27." [1d20=8]
01[19:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 38." [1d20=19]
01[19:01] <Seira> roll 3d8+7+4d6
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+7+4d6 and gets 33." [3d8=2, 6, 4][4d6=5, 4, 2, 3]
[19:01] <Kotono> OOC - Sword one and the last one hits.
01[19:01] <Seira> roll 1d6+5+4d6
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d6+5+4d6 and gets 24." [1d6=3][4d6=4, 1, 5, 6]
[19:03] <Kotono> Seira's blow and bite leave it's front gashed and bloodied, no match for her martial skill! It's eyes gleam with a hellish enthusiasm, "Superb...How I long for an opponent to tear apart!" Latha, for her part, screams, drops her mace and runs towards the front door at a record clip! The cornugon casually flicks it's wrist, taking a swipe withi t's greatsword as she runs!
[19:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
06[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[19:05] <Kotono> The blade just misses her, passing through the space she was at a moment ago! The cornugon flaps it's wings, sending a gust of wind throughout the empted tavern! A moment later fire explodes all around Seira! "Something more suitable...if you don't keel over and die from this!" OOC - How fire resistant are you?
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 SR anyway
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 SR anyway and gets 32." [1d20=17]
01[19:05] <Seira> OOC: Immune!
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 10d6 no need to save for you
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 no need to save for you and gets 37." [10d6=6, 6, 4, 2, 5, 3, 1, 3, 6, 1]
[19:06] <Kotono> Around you the tavern is blasted by fire! Tables and chairs catch aflame, the walls smoking and charred from the blast! OOC - Seira.
01[19:07] <Seira> "That's such a fucking cheap trick," Seira mutters, taking the smoke in and exhaling slowly. "Either of them. Now, where were we? Ah!" Dancing out of the cornugon's reach, Seira moves outside. "Let's take this to the streets where the real fun is!" And the first thing she does when there is become invisible.
01[19:10] <Seira> roll 1d20+17 tumble
06[19:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 tumble and gets 36." [1d20=19]
[19:11] <Kotono> Outside, you can see smoke starting to come from the tavern! Fire is starting to show hints of leaking out! Elves are in th street, including a few men in leather or breastplates and with long swords, hurrying to the tavern. As Seira comes out and cloaks herself in invisibilty, 'Superb,' Esthan's voice echos in her mind. 'Are you ready to be civil and cease this childish display? This is a beautiful city, fire does not suit it. My friend th
[19:12] <Kotono> This is a beautiful city, fire does not suit it. My friend there...lacks the artistic appreciation needed to hold his hand and the fire that comes from it.'
01[19:13] <Seira> 'What, and quit while I'm ahead?' Seira thinks, putting all the incredulousness she can muster into the response.
[19:14] <Kotono> 'You still have much to learn about the difference between your power and Hell's power.' Esthan sounds regretful, geniunely sad. 'Do you think that we would forever send the dregs of devilkind after you, after all the bother you've caused us? Think well...the fate of this city lies in your hand.'
01[19:17] <Seira> Though pride is a part of this, Seira just can't bring herself to accept the reasonably-sounding offer. Perhaps because it sounds too reasonable for someone who could crush her and has no reason that she can see to stay his hand.
01[19:17] <Seira> In the end, a retreat here means abandoning Pallanth at the very least to the likes of Esthan, and Seira doesn't think she is comfortable with the idea, even faced with the quite real prospect of her imminent death.
[19:18] <Kotono> With no reply coming, Esthan goe son. 'I'll be waiting for you to change your mind...or throw your life away. Either serves Hell well enough, though it would be a saddening loss for everyone.' As this happens, the cornugon comes out of the building, chasing after Seira! OOC - You can AoO it, sure.
01[19:20] <Seira> Time to bring out the big guns. With Latha wherever she ran off to and Esthan knowing just where she is, from appearances, Seira first has to deal with the threat before her.
01[19:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+25 smite
06[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 smite and gets 28." [1d20=3]
[19:20] <Kotono> OOC - However, that is a hit flatfooted. AWesome for you.
01[19:21] <Seira> roll 3d8+9+4d6+6d8
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+9+4d6+6d8 and gets 57." [3d8=5, 1, 5][4d6=4, 5, 1, 3][6d8=2, 4, 4, 8, 5, 1]
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 69+57
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 69+57 and gets 126."
[19:23] <Kotono> Seira stabs the Resort into the side of the devil, puncturing it's exposed, unguarded flesh! A jet of blood comes gushing out, the wound deep and devastating! It stops moving at that, glaring at where it was stabbed! OOC - Seira, you're up.
06[19:23] * Seira continues to strike at the cornugon, feeling that it is her best chance of putting it down for good!
01[19:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 31." [1d20=6]
01[19:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 36." [1d20=11]
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25." [1d20=5]
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 31." [1d20=12]
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 25." [1d20=6]
[19:24] <Kotono> OOC - AC 28 flatfooted.
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 3d8+9+4d6
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+9+4d6 and gets 41." [3d8=6, 8, 3][4d6=6, 5, 3, 1]
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 3d8+9+4d6
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+9+4d6 and gets 28." [3d8=2, 1, 2][4d6=5, 3, 5, 1]
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d4+5+4d6
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+5+4d6 and gets 16." [1d4=2][4d6=1, 1, 1, 6]
06[19:24] * Seira moves to the left after the attacks, ready for the counter.
[19:26] <Kotono> Seira tears into it's flesh with a lethal ease, crippling and rending blows wracking the cornugon! It roars, driving it's sword down heavily as smoke starts to gush in earnest from the tavern! Above, a second story window opens, a male elf looking out in shock! OOC - It guessed the wrong square to unload on, so you're safe. Go Seira.
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d9 1 gets Seira's square sword 1
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 1 gets Seira's square sword 1 and gets 6." [1d9=6]
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d9 1 gets Seira's square sword 3
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 1 gets Seira's square sword 3 and gets 9." [1d9=9]
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d9 1 gets Seira's square bite
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 1 gets Seira's square bite and gets 8." [1d9=8]
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d9 tail
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 tail and gets 3." [1d9=3]
[19:27] <Kotono> OOC - CArry on.
01[19:29] <Seira> An upwards strike at the devil's chest, another to separate the greatsword from the devil at the wrist, the third an horizontal slash to part the fool with its head!
01[19:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 40." [1d20=15]
01[19:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 35." [1d20=10]
01[19:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25." [1d20=5]
01[19:29] <Seira> roll 3d8+9+4d6
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+9+4d6 and gets 28." [3d8=3, 3, 6][4d6=2, 1, 3, 1]
01[19:29] <Seira> roll 3d8+9+4d6
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+9+4d6 and gets 38." [3d8=8, 8, 4][4d6=2, 3, 1, 3]
[19:31] <Kotono> With those two blows, the cornugon goes down! It's bleeding and yet writhing, dead and yet alive, it's body mending itself! As soldiers watch, arrowmen readying and elves setting up a wide eyed perimeter, 'Well done. It's so gratifying to find a mortal that possesses a rare combination of skill, tenacity and intellect. Now then...shall we discard this foolish strife and begin to talk? Or would you like another cornugon to beat on?'
[19:31] <Kotono> Or would you like another cornugon to beat on?'
[19:32] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and act, no one's doing anything of not between now and your next turn.
01[19:33] <Seira> Both silversheen and bless weapon oil happen to be in Seira's possession, and she hastily applies them to her blade one after the other. "We can talk," Seira agrees out loud. "What would it take you to stop manipulating the lives of the mortals on our world, devil?"
[19:35] <Kotono> 'Well then, you're asking a good question.' As Seira applies the oil, a brigade of elves carrying large buckets of water as the inn continues to gush smoke and flicker with growing flames, arrows thudding down around the fallen cornugon from the elven archers, 'My superior has an interest in you. I've been trying to elaborate on his good will with all of you - offering Demedais information he wants, a gift to the unusually sensible eladrin,
[19:35] <Kotono> a gift to the unusually sensible eladrin, that sort of matter. I had hoped to seal matters o meeting you, not have it degenerate into this boorish battle.' (More)
01[19:37] <Seira> "Please don't shoot the dead devil, you might hit me," Seira asks the elven archers in their native tongue, methodically continuing to adjust the Resort to a weapon more suitable for ending cornugon lives should negotiations break down a third time. 'I'm listening.'
[19:37] <Kotono> 'But now that I've made my example, we can go talk about this. Come, once you finish off that worthless cornugon. Over here, in the back.' Far away Seira's eye catches something in the shadow, Esthan about sixty feet away and heading into the night's shadows, contrasting with the orange light the growing flames shed.
06[19:39] * Seira snorts, discarding the now-empty vials, and drives the Resort through the cornugon's closed right eye, aiming to end its wretched existence!
01[19:40] <Seira> roll 9d8+27+4d6
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 9d8+27+4d6 and gets 82." [9d8=8, 1, 6, 5, 3, 1, 4, 5, 5][4d6=6, 6, 3, 2]
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20 yeah needs a lucky roll
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 yeah needs a lucky roll and gets 2." [1d20=2]
[19:41] <Kotono> The cornugon's eye is pierced, it's brained sliced! It's body shatters into deathly dark glass, melting into the ground and gone! The arrows stop as a strong elven male calls, "What's going on? Who are you?"
06[19:44] * Seira appears to them, then, drawing the Resort out of the ground and sheathing it. "Seira. There are not enough words for an apology right now, so let's do this later. The fire at the inn still needs handling, and my companion was struck by the horned devil. Would you mind contributing what resources you could towards searching for her, as I patrol to ensure no other threats to Elandra's Rest remain?"
[19:47] <Kotono> "Y-Yes," One of the soldiers, a tall elf wearing a green sash around his waist, calls. "We're going to put out the fire, but I'll send men out. What does she look like?" The soldiers gawk and stare at Seira, the Holy Aura around her a nearly blinding radiance.
01[19:49] <Seira> "Blonde, pretty, looks like an angel? Hard to miss!" Giving them a thumbs up, Seira makes way towards an alley she saw Esthan head towards.
[19:50] <Kotono> As seira leaves elves swarm in, buckets of water being tossed at the fire! Esthan lets you get within twenty feet, starting to walk along. As you leave the frentic scene behind, he casually speaks. "I'm glad you're listening to reason. An object lesson of burning the town down was not what I wanted."
01[19:51] <Seira> "We don't always get what we want. I know I didn't," Seira agrees, being upfront about it. "Now, you were saying?"
[19:55] <Kotono> Walking away and past the three oaks that form the city, Esthan dseems content to go sit against a tree, away from any buildings. It's quiet down this street, the din of the firefighting muted. "My Master has an interest in all of you. Of course, I can't just come out and stay that after I appear on your doorstep one day. I have my own tasks and you'd be more inclined to try and kill me than to listen. However, my Master likes all of you. H
[19:55] <Kotono> I have my own tasks and you'd be more inclined to try and kill me than to listen. However, my Master likes all of you. He's willing to make an offer of an alliance of sorts."
01[19:57] <Seira> "If you had just stated this as your counter-offer, the recent unpleasantness could have been avoided," Seira notes with a frown. "What is this offer, and who is your Master? I doubt this is time to be coy, and he hardly has to fear us if we can barely achieve parity against you."
[19:59] <Kotono> "I'd have preferred to make a far better pitch and lead up to this. However, the unpleasantness forced my hand." Leaning back to look at the starry night sky, "My Master...has good reasons to prefer he remain anonymous. However, he is willing to provide much to prove his sincerity in this affair."
06[19:59] * Seira nods, indicating that she's willing to adopt his model of listening to the offer in full before making any comments.
[20:02] <Kotono> "This information I gave you the information about the Spark Hunters and the bow I gave Marie are a sample of that. You and your friends have much of Hell piqued. You must understand, you don't aid a devil in commiting the highest treasons and then stop an invasion and get off without notice. As far as Hell cares, your lives are forfeit, as are your souls if possible. However, not all of us are so unreasoning in our dogma that we can't make
[20:02] <Kotono> However, not all of us are so unreasoning in our dogma that we can't make a compromise."
[20:02] <Kotono> *Marielle
01[20:03] <Seira> "Because you see a use for us," Seira agrees with another nod. "Go on."
[20:07] <Kotono> "A mortal without use wouldn't be worth this trouble," Esthan agrees. "Our Master will provide you with patronage and information, as well as useful tools. In exchange you allow me to do what I must while you use these edges to stop all the other devils that will come at you or those you care about. Hell is persistant and a hundred failures will not stop them. All it will take is one lax moment, one mistake on the wrong day and..."
[20:07] <Kotono> All it will take is one lax moment, one mistake on the wrong day and..."
01[20:10] <Seira> "Who would you consider to be our greatest enemies, be their devils or others?" Seira asks Esthan, changing the topic. "At the moment, while you see the use in us, this is not reciprocated on my end. Oh, I'll grant that you're very powerful, but since you have no intention of using that power directly in our aid, I really need to see these other uses you might have for us."
01[20:10] <Seira> *be they
[20:15] <Kotono> "Oh, the demons are an occasional infestation that must be purged, but certainly Hell is your greastest foe," In the night he looks up again, "Is the bow not powerful enough to serve your needs as a test? Even if not...well, there are others. Once my master is content that he can trust you, there are many things useful to your ilk. Holy weapons and tools and armor, the booty of a thousand campaigns and battles. Useless to us, but in the han
[20:15] <Kotono> the booty of a thousand campaigns and battles. Useless to us, but in the hands of you and your friends..."
06[20:19] * Seira is silent, and she doesn't have to pretent to think his words over. As things stand, she has no way of stopping even the flunky, not to talk about his Master. But would it be possible to gain something out of allowing Esthan's plan come to pass? The harm would be the same as it had been, while she and her friends might come out ahead. (more)
01[20:19] <Seira> But why would they offer a deal like that? Is there a way to stop Esthan after all, and she is not seeing it? "Devils cooperated with the gnomes in the past," she muses out loud, another topic change. "The gnomes and their lore are gone, but I wonder whether the same holds true for their erstwhile allies."
[20:22] <Kotono> Esthan's smile grows, "My Master prefers to largely remove himself from your world's personal troubles. Our interest is purely removed from that affair, even in light of the fiasco in Avernus." Steepling his fingers together now, "Though speaking of Avernus, Alicia's dearest friend still seems to be alive there the last I heard. Former Duke Agares is a survivor, or so I hear, despite all the unrest and Bel's counters against Zquujaj." Estha
[20:22] <Kotono> despite all the unrest and Bel's counters against Zquujaj." Esthan's voice turns speculative here, "But no matter, I digress." (More)
[20:30] <Kotono> "Such information could be provided at the proper time," Esthan lowers his hands, "If that's what you desire."
01[20:30] <Seira> "Former Duke?" Seira can't resist asking. Fiendish gossip is just too addicting, and Alicia might get a kick from the information. "And come to think of it, was anyone else involved in that failed attempt to enter our world besides him? I always had this nagging thought...."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Oh, I hear that the former Duke took it onto himself. I hear he felt slighted after a regretable affair in Stygia so he petitioned to deal with this invasion personally. Plus, the prestige and to resolve that bothersome affair with Alicia's pet Erinyes, well..." Spreading his hands, "Perhaps Agares is growing senile or losing his touch. He chose the wrong time to abjectly fail such a simple task."
01[20:35] <Seira> "Does this mean he's dodging my old pal Zguji's attempts at ending his pitiful existence?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Oh, absolutely. Perhaps he's retained some modicum of respect, because he hasn't botched that too completely. He still lives, or so I hear." Smiling now, "Oh yes, it says something when the release of Zquujaj is only a minor irritation to Hell. "
01[20:38] <Seira> "It probably does. So, to recap: you don't want to tell me who you're working for, what your plan is for our world, what your Master wishes to gain by allying with us beyond the very vague. Does this about cover your offer?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "In essence. Of course, the proof is in the information and goods you'll receive. Perhaps, in time and as better trust is established, we can be more open. If thiat is...ah, too vague for you, well..." Esthan just smiles.
01[20:40] <Seira> "I will have to be blunt. You don't mind blunt, do you?"
[20:40] <Kotono> "Go on," Esthan allow sgenerously.
01[20:43] <Seira> "I work with two paladins and with the offer as is, I'm not even sure I would be the easiest to convince. That should be enough to tell you how much it is lacking. But something tells me it's only a starting offer and with enough bargaining and haggling something real and substantial would be offered to me to make me pause and consider it seriously.
01[20:43] <Seira> Would it be at all possible to convince you to skip this tiresome haggling phase?"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Why not," Esthan's smile stays in place, "Tell me then, what would you want?"
01[20:45] <Seira> "To be clear upfront, while I could end up being persuaded to turn a blind eye to what's been going on so far -- a subtle nudge here and there -- I wouldn't be able to abide by anything more direct or deadly. Is that perfectly clear?"
[20:46] <Kotono> "Certainly," Esthan says, "You're being very clear. Continue."
06[20:48] * Seira tries to frown and smile despite herself at the same time. A grimace is the end result. "Are you saying that you understand what I want, or that you wouldn't actually do that?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "I understand what you're saying there. Continue on, or is that your only request?"
06[20:52] * Seira frowns. "I would call it a friendly warning rather than a request, although we're not really friends. In any case, you asked what I want? Certainly not the trinklets of failed heroes. Substantial information on the gnomes and a true artifact. That would get me to leave, and recommend to my allies and superiors to consider your offer seriously."
01[20:52] <Seira> She taps her lips. "If you've been watching me, you would have a clue of what exactly I'm searching for. I wouldn't mind taking a shortcut to that goal."
[20:55] <Kotono> Esthan is quiet for a little while, seeming to think, perhaps? His face is unreadable, hidden by his hood. "I may be able to do so. This will not be an easy path for you, be warned. If I'm right...it will be a very hard path."
01[20:56] <Seira> "You must have guessed right, then," Seira comments.
03[20:56] * Kotono is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
[20:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Will they agree to that?" Esthan asks, looking to Seira.
01[21:02] <Seira> "In the short term? I predict yes, if you actually follow my one and only stipulation. You could try and weasel out of it, and then, love is over."
06[21:02] * Seira makes a face. "As for the long term? All you wanted was a foot in the door, right? It would be entirely up to you and your Master to appear more worthwhile alive and loosely assosiated with us than enemies. All I could possibly give you is the chance to do that."
[21:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Mmm. Very well," Esthan nods to that, "That is acceptable. Go try and return to me with news or failure thereof. I will stay around this town until that time."
01[21:07] <Seira> "Are you going to give me something substantial to counter the inevitable arguments that you're only playing with me or otherwise lying to me?" Seira asks Esthan.
[21:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Why, I've given you the tools already. The bow the eladrin has, the information of this and the Spark Hunters...oh. Perhaps one more thing." Smiling easily now, "Tell Demedais that I could personaly take him to a pleasant side trip to a place of supreme interest to him."
01[21:09] <Seira> "I am not telling him something that vague and creepy."
[21:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Laughing a little now, "Tell him it's about the offer I made previously. I'll throw in the information he wants as a good will gesture."
01[21:12] <Seira> "If you've been watching us, you would know of the little, out of the way area where we held peace talks with Malmuth," Seira tells Esthan. "That is my preferred meeting place, and when I say preferred I really mean it has to be that way or no dice."
[21:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "As a matter of fact, I don't know it," Esthan confesses, "Perhaps I missed that. Where is it?"
01[21:15] <Seira> "It's quite alright," Seira says, detailing the area. With her instructions, he shouldn't have a problem of reaching that abandoned campsite. She briefly wonders whether the buildings erected for that summit still remain. "I assume it would be no trouble for an ageless, timeless devil to wait there until I gather the others from wherever they wondered off to and return there?"
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course. As long as you understand that I will take precautions, in case your friends prove to be shortsighted." Smiling again now, far too easily and with a friendliess that seems all too geniune, "But very well. That is acceptable."
01[21:18] <Seira> "So will we. It just shouldn't go beyond them."
[21:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Very well then." Standing up, "I suppose you'll want to go find your misguided companion now?"
01[21:19] <Seira> "That's a no-brainer."
[21:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good luck then," Esthan begins to walk away, into the shadows, his torn cloak and back visible even as he walks off.
06[21:20] * Seira frowns, returning to the inn. She might as well help with the relief efforts, given she can fly, call for large amounts of water at a whim, and even teleport short distances in a pinch. Plus Latha would surely return there.
[21:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira begins tow alk back. About halfway she hears a voice in her head, 'Seira!' Latha's voice is sharp, quick.
01[21:23] <Seira> 'You've recovered?'
[21:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," Latha appears, alignting down on the quiet street. Many houses shed light, though no one is immediately around. For a moment you see her how she is, angelic radiance a beacon in the night. Then she is human again , pulling her hood up. "Where is the cornugon and Esthan? You don't seem to be hurt, either.":"
01[21:26] <Seira> "First, we'll make sure everyone at the inn is alright," Seira tells her. "Then, we find someplace quiet and I'll fill you in. The immediate danger has passed."
[21:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Did you kill him," Latha asks very bluntly, "The inn is under control, the elves seem to be well prepared to extinguish fires."
06[21:28] * Seira looks around, and responds mentally, 'The cornugon, yes. With Esthan, all I could do on my own was drive him away. But I set up a meeting, so I know where he will be next. It would help immensely if I knew I could count on you being by my side at that time.'
[21:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> 'A meeting?' Latha's eyes narrow, 'What is he bartering of, then?
[21:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> '
01[21:36] <Seira> 'He wants to be allowed to keep on doing what he is.' Seira scowls. 'As things stand, I can't do a thing about him on my lonesome, and Demedais has some weird hangup due a deal Helm made with Esthan or his Master. I was never too clear on that. Bottom line, it all hinges on whether Alicia would decide to aid me, or that caution is the better part of valor.'
06[21:36] * Seira sighs. 'I did what I could to drive him away from mortals for the time being, and bought us a week, perhaps more. Can you raise enough forces during that time to make a difference?'

[Corwin]

01[18:35] <Seira> [21:36] <Seira> 'He wants to be allowed to keep on doing what he is.' Seira scowls. 'As things stand, I can't do a thing about him on my lonesome, and Demedais has some weird hangup due a deal Helm made with Esthan or his Master. I was never too clear on that. Bottom line, it all hinges on whether Alicia would decide to aid me, or that caution is the better part of valor.'
01[18:35] <Seira> [21:36] * Seira sighs. 'I did what I could to drive him away from mortals for the time being, and bought us a week, perhaps more. Can you raise enough forces during that time to make a difference?'
[18:38] <Blondezilla> With a moment to breath easier, 'Good, you weren't seriously entertaining his offer? I can marshall forces if I need to, though travel time is a concer.'
01[18:41] <Seira> 'Let me see,' Seira thinks sarcastically at her. 'I can do nothing, I can bleed on Esthan to amuse him and thus distract him from his evil deeds, or I could gain us a breather and try to end his miserable existence if we get the necessary forces.
01[18:41] <Seira> And if we can't? I still won't be doing anything, but I'll try to get information on his Master so that we'll be able to do something about him as soon as those forces can be marshalled, rather than aimlessly tracking him down by rumors and hearsay. If there's a perfect option number five I've just missed, please, inform me.'
[18:44] <Blondezilla> 'I didn't say you did anything wrong,' Latha replies calmly, 'Nevermind. We have a week, we need to make good use of it.'
01[18:46] <Seira> 'We can have more, perhaps as much as two,' Seira muses, leading the way back to the inn once more. 'I told him to wait for me, and that I needed to collect the others. I honestly have no idea whether I would find them in Balmuria, so I could easily stall Esthan without giving up the game. And... sorry, I guess. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that.'
03[18:52] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[18:53] <Blondezilla> Latha turns to Seira and smiles a moment, the radiance of it belying the dark night around them as they approach the inn - now a half burned and smoky mess, though the flames look to have been contained. A few hundred elves have a chain of water barrels being lugged, fighting the fire with surprising speed. '...yes. I know.' Looking ahead now, 'We were hard pressed against one of Esthan's mere summons. A cornugon; I fear we may be faci
[18:53] <Blondezilla> A cornugon; I fear we may be facing a Pit Fiend or worse. Not many can command one with such ease.'
01[18:54] <Seira> 'My thoughts exactly, though I worry the most about his magical prowess. Just remember; next time, we go for Esthan without fail. There may be soldiers with us, but they all know what they signed up for. We'll have to take Esthan's head, or all is lost.'
[18:59] <Blondezilla> 'Yes. How many can you gather?' Latha asks. 'Donald comes to mind, he's experienced in fighting devils and the Hammer of the Shard would avail us well against Esthan.'
01[19:01] <Seira> 'Donald will come if I ask him. He will die in the process, and I think he will understand it as well, and still come,' Seira responds. 'Alicia and Antenora. Demedais, perhaps? He has his kensai friend. Perhaps Elle or Commander Oberuth, or both, at a stretch. Anyone else would not only die, but die for nothing. Unless the meeting I plan on having with the elves helps us, somehow.'
[19:10] <Blondezilla> '8 at most...if I can...we could have a dozen effective combatants.' Latha considers after some time, 'If that is not enough...it is not enough.' Latha stops as she watches the fire control goes, sniffing the air that is heavy with wood smoke. 'But, I want to ask you honestly - even at best, do you think we'll win?'
01[19:14] <Seira> 'Hmph. I can gather three more, perhaps twice that if I truly ask everyone who is indebted to me. But if you're asking me whether I'll be going into this without even a chance to try and cut a deal with Esthan's Master instead, one that would achieve our goals? No, I can't say that I would be.'
[19:23] <Blondezilla> 'Alright.' Latha smiles again, and then shaking her head, 'Do you want to go rest and teleport back to Balmuria in the morning?'
01[19:25] <Seira> 'No. Not only is the distance a bit much for me, I still need your help at the Citadel, so that where we'll head on the morrow. If something happens to me -- especially if something happens to me -- they need to know. About Esthan, and about Torm.'
[19:25] <Blondezilla> 'Alright,' Latha agrees again. 'We'll go there in the morning then.
[19:37] <Blondezilla> Once the fire is out the elves escort Seira along. A tired looking elf comes to meet them in front of the inn, wearing a fancy uniform. "Seira," he offers a hand to her, "I've heard about what you did in Respite, it's an honor to meet a wearer of the Order of the White Horizon. But...what happened here?"
01[19:39] <Seira> She shakes it. "The information I am about to tell you is strictly confidential," Seira says, keeping her voice low. "I am about to travel to the Citadel to report my findings, but in a nutshell, there are devils of the foulest kinds blending in with the population of Pallanth. We have all seen one of them tonight, but others exist.
01[19:39] <Seira> My friend and I have been attempting to get a grasp of the situation rather than a piece of the puzzle before reporting it to the ruling council, but we cannot delay any longer after such a brazen attack."
[19:42] <Blondezilla> "I understand, Sir," Shaking the hand back with an iron grip, "The fire was contained; our fire services are as good as ever." With a moment to crack a relief filled smile, "Then I won't detain you long, Lord Chillander would not approve."
06[19:44] * Seira nods. "I hope that he had already returned home. He really should learn of this information as soon as possible, given that the devils clearly have plans for his domain."
[19:46] <Blondezilla> A nod to that, "I hear he is in Dewfrost, seeing to the restoration of that and Respite."
01[19:50] <Seira> That would be inconvenient, but Seira could still get him back sooner by traveling to the Citadel. Celebrimbor's teleport ring would simplify logistics.
[19:51] <Blondezilla> "Are you leaving straight away, Sir," The elf asks.
01[19:52] <Seira> "Within a few hours," Seira responds. "I expended too much magic to teleport straight away."
03[19:59] * Haruka is now known as El-Cideon
[20:06] <Blondezilla> Going back to the inn, it's not hard to find Latha's mace. She takes it back with a look of relief, cleaning off the soot that's stained it. The cornugon's greatsword is found outside as was expected, though detect magic shows that it's not intristically magical.
01[20:08] <Seira> "Evil, right?" Seira asks Latha, pointing at the greatsword. "Unholy and all that?"
[20:08] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+20
06[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+20 and gets 23." [1d20=3]
[20:09] <Blondezilla> Latha looks, shaking her head, "No evil. I do recall that cornugons don't always use enchanted weapons, especially summoned ones.'
01[20:10] <Seira> "It'll go over the fireplace, then," Seira decides, gathering the weapon. "Although I usually collect the spears of fallen fiends."
[20:11] <Blondezilla> OOC - Roll your teleport?
03[20:12] * El-Cideon is now known as El-Deadeon
01[20:13] <Seira> roll 1d100 Gaial estate, once again
06[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 Gaial estate, once again and gets 83." [1d100=83]
[20:17] <Blondezilla> That morning, Seira and Latha and Gurren appear on the Gaial estate. It's a rainy morning, rainy and cool for the summer. Only a few groundskeepers are out, wearing wide brimmed hats to channel away nature's water.
01[20:19] <Seira> "Is Amaryl in?" Seira asks the groundskeepers after waving them closer. Getting a little wet doesn't bother her; she has prestidigitation for that, anyway.
[20:42] <Blondezilla> Latha seems oblivious to the rain as the groundskeepers approach. One bows to her, "She's at the Council today, Ma'am," he says respectfully, "I saw her carraige leave a half hour ago."
06[20:53] * Seira nods. "Let's go," she tells Latha, mounting Gurren and offering the deva her hand. "I know the way."
[21:02] <Blondezilla> Thus the duo flies to the Citadel proper! Getting inside isn't terribly hard once you do a little talking, officials leading you within. Seira is lead to the familiar hall where the Council meets, lead in. There doesn't seem to be any immediate discussion this time, and house Chillander is absent. Yet, "Announcing Seira, daughter of Saul and member of the Order of the White Horizon, and her companion!"
06[21:03] * Seira winces inside. Titles, will they be her bane? Perhaps she should just give in and start calling herself The Baroness.
[21:08] <Blondezilla> The house scions and His Majesty watch, the latter calling forth, "Approach, Seira," he says, "Friend of this court."
06[21:12] * Seira comes closer, bowing deeply once she reaches the spot where one normally addresses the council. "Your Majesty, honored members of the council, it is with a heavy heart that I come today to stand before you. However," she continues, straightening up, "to say nothing would be far worse in this situation."
[21:16] <Blondezilla> Latha says back, her hood drawn back respectfully before King Lorthan. Ambrose Highsun raises an eyebrow, sitting next to Amaryl. "I heard of the dragon incident in the East. Is this a repeat of that incident?"
[21:17] <Blondezilla> Celebrimbor looks to Seira without an expression for a moment, "It's nothing good," he surmises. "Go on, don't let us interrupt you."
[21:18] <Blondezilla> Amaryl smiles at Seira for a few moments, though she stays polite otherwise and composed.
[21:18] <Blondezilla> Idril Silverleaf just watches, stormy faced but calm as well.
01[21:19] <Seira> "Unfortunately, no," Seira responds. "That incident, while horrifying, was an isolated one." She frowns. "Recently, we have discovered extremely troubling information. Not one, but two malevolent beings of incredible might are interested in meddling with our world, and at least one of them is unduly interested in Pallanth.
01[21:19] <Seira> They both have the infrastructure and... manpower, for lack of better word, to achieve their goals. The threat each represents is real... and immediate."
[21:22] <Blondezilla> "Your Majesty," Latha bows for a moment, "Seira and I have been hunting one of these menances. My superiors..." She pauses a moment, her form shifting. Latha's glory shines out, her angelic form unhidden now. "Have dispatched me to aid in this matter. These threats are not to be taken lightly, especially in light of the circumstances of your realm."
[21:26] <Blondezilla> "Oh!" Amaryl stares at Latha, blushing. Ambrose Highsun nods gravely, "If you're come, noble one, then matters are serious indeed."
[21:26] <Blondezilla> Idril's face turns stony and cold, though he again holds his tongue.
[21:26] <Blondezilla> King Lorthan leans forward on his throne, "Tell us then, what is this threat and it's nature?"
[21:28] <Blondezilla> "A devil. Quite possibly a Pit Fiend, a diabolical lord of torment and tyranny." Latha answers, "One who is greatly skilled in the arcane arts as well."
01[21:29] <Seira> "As I've said, the two are separate, as far as we can tell," Seira continues as the King gives her the go-ahead. "There is a powerful devil -- yes, we do indeed suspect it might be equal in power to a Pit Fiend -- traveling through Pallanth, intervening with the lives of the commoners. (more)
01[21:30] <Seira> His touches are light, and barely recognizeable for what they are, but the effects spread out like ripples through a pond. Of greater concern is that he claims to serve a mysterious master who orchestrates the entire thing."
[21:31] <Blondezilla> "Like a poisonous wind, tickling the ears of those most vulnerable," Ambrose Highsun says, in a murmur that he speaks aloud enough to be heard.
01[21:32] <Seira> "For now, he is content to leave it at that. But this devil he answers to, and it has to be a Duke of Hell or worse, he must have further-reaching plans than merely spreading discord throughout Pallanth."
[21:32] <Blondezilla> "A Pit Fiend..." Celebrimbor's expression turns grim, "The darkest of the known fiends without a doubt; mortals can rarely hope to overcome one. Any being that is one or close to it is a n immediate, overwhelming threat to our Kingdom, your Majesty."
01[21:34] <Seira> "We come from a direct confrontation with this devil, Esthan," Seira says, observing the gathered elves for any hint of recognition at the name. "It happened at Elandra's Rest this night. It is then that we've witnessed him use a ninth circle spell casually, as well as summon a cornugon to do his bidding. I regret it, but there was nothing I could have done to stop Esthan at that time."
[21:35] <Blondezilla> Idril Silverleaf does now speak, "A devil needs to be exterminated," he declares, "...Seira is completely correct about that matter. I concur with Celebrimbor."
[21:38] <Blondezilla> "I see." His Majesty listens well, before holding up a hand. "I have no reason to think otherwise about this devil from what has been said. Silent, Council." Now turning his attention to Seira, "If you cannot defeat now, is your goal to become stronger to strike it down?"
01[21:42] <Seira> "Devils court deals, so striking one to eliminate the danger he and his master hold towards the populace would be an acceptable short-term solution for me," Seira responds honestly. "If enough forces can be gathered for a decisive victory, however, I would prefer that option over the alternatives.
01[21:42] <Seira> I believe we have a week, perhaps two; I've taken the liberty to set up a meeting at the site of the Baronies/Malmuthian peace talks." She bows again. "I apologize for presuming too much, but it was the only means I had to keep Esthan away from Pallanth's residents.
01[21:42] <Seira> I did not want to see another repeat of Elandra's Rest, even though, luckily, that situation only ended with a torched inn and no casualties."
06[21:45] * Seira considers. "I believe I can bring half a dozen mortals who could stand up to the higher tier fiends without buckling. Perhaps as much as ten. Latha, here, is likely to gather just as many celestials to our banner within our time limit. If, however, you wish us to abandon the path of combat and put all our efforts into diplomacy, Your Highness, then that is where my efforts would be directed."
[21:48] <Blondezilla> "We will fight gladly and aid any that can stand true with  us." Latha adds.
[21:49] <Blondezilla> King Lorthan rests his head on his folded hands, leaning forward, "I ask then, what are your chances for procuring victory by might of arms?"
06[21:51] * Seira returns his gaze evenly as she says, "It is a matter of sacrifices, Your Highness. The casualty rate will be high, but in the end, we will prevail."
[21:57] <Blondezilla> "Seira!" Amaryl eeps out at that, before coughing and bowing her head.
[21:58] <Blondezilla> His Majesty furrows his brow, "What of this creature's master? Is this master in Pallanth as well?"
06[21:59] * Seira feels better just hearing Amaryl's outburst. "We believe he must be in Hell, as the entrance of a Duke into our world tends to be nothing short of apocalyptic. We've had the misfortune of witnessing one closely-averted manifestation of this kind before." Seira frowns. "However, that may well change due to Esthan's work here. We simply do not know much. Only by talking to him could we learn more."
[22:09] <Blondezilla> "I understand," King Lorthan says, "This Duke of Hell...if he were in this world, would it truly be an end of all of us, an apocalyse? Is not one that can oppose our greatest heroes and inflict massive losses not mighty enough?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "We would be talking about it taking entire armies to stop one, especially if our strength is diminished at the time," Seira affirms. "His mere presence on our world would pervert it. Although not every apocalyptic event results in an actual, full-blown apocalypse, of course, as the world is still here."
[22:15] <Blondezilla> "Our opposition is mighty enough...we would know if his Master walked this world," Latha confirms that. "Your Majesty, I must also council that pacts and agreements with The Nine Hells are folly. Devils care only to lead you into the Pit forever, no matter what they must do to secure this. No matter how reasonable the devil's request, is it with a poisoned dagger up his sleeve."
01[22:17] <Seira> "And this is the part where we disagree," Seira says respectfully. "We know it would be a ploy on Hell's side, but the same holds true for us. It would not be too long before we grow strong enough and gain enough allies to even the scales, and more time to prepapre might well prove beneficial."
[22:21] <Blondezilla> "What are the dangers of leading him along by that pact? Time? Goods? Your soul?" HIs MAjesty asks.
01[22:22] <Seira> "Any and all of the above, quite possibly," Seira affirms. "It is a risk I'm willing to take. The only true problem would be if their side needs the time even more than we do for their plan to come together, and thus we might be unable to catch up. I fear that at this point, knowing as little as we do, it is a gamble either way."
01[22:23] <Seira> *knowing as little as we do about their true goals
[22:27] <Blondezilla> "I see. Seira, I won't ask you to enter that pact - if the price is your soul I cannot ask you to do that in good faith. But if you are willing to take that chance I will not oppose you. If you seek to fight them, we will aid you as we can."
06[22:28] * Seira nods in understanding. "We'll show up in strength, and if the price the other side extorts is too steep, we'll use that strength and prevail. It shall be done, Your Majesty."
[22:33] <Blondezilla> "Very well," King Lorthan says. "What aid do you seek?"
01[22:37] <Seira> "We largely have the armament we need for such a task, although a long-forgotten sword of devil slaying or a wondrous scarab of dimensional anchor would come in handy," Seira responds with a twitch of her lips.
01[22:37] <Seira> "As with those I intend to gather from the human lands, what I would truly need is people capable of standing up to a cornugon, at least, without fleeing its presence or being overwhelmed as the battle is joined. The rest is largely logistics and can be hashed out later, once we know the true extent of the strength available to us."

[Corwin]

01[19:57] <Seira> [22:33] <Blondezilla> "Very well," King Lorthan says. "What aid do you seek?"
01[19:57] <Seira> [22:37] <Seira> "We largely have the armament we need for such a task, although a long-forgotten sword of devil slaying or a wondrous scarab of dimensional anchor would come in handy," Seira responds with a twitch of her lips.
01[19:57] <Seira> [22:37] <Seira> "As with those I intend to gather from the human lands, what I would truly need is people capable of standing up to a cornugon, at least, without fleeing its presence or being overwhelmed as the battle is joined. The rest is largely logistics and can be hashed out later, once we know the true extent of the strength available to us."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Very well," A curt nod to Seira at her words, "Celebrimbor, advise Seira on this matter. I leave the conduct of this coming battle in your hands; you know our forces well as well as the other parties involved in this."
[20:03] <Kotono> "Majesty," CElebrimbor inclines his head towards King Lorthan. "It will be done to the best of my ability."
01[20:03] <Seira> "Your Highness," Seira speaks next. "It occurs to me that, as knowledge is power, perhaps some lore on our enemy exists in Pallanth's archives. Would it be permissible for me to look inside them on that off chance?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "It will be done." King Lorthan nods, "The House of Desjardin will aid yo uin this endevour," he says, casting his gaze to the scion in question.
[20:10] <Kotono> Juai Desjardin simply nods to this, "As you wish, Your MAjesty."
06[20:11] * Seira bows once more in gratitude. "Then this leaves only one matter," she says, feeling a certain amount of dread. "Sire, would it be possible for my companion and myself to speak to you about it in private? I feel it is not my place to decide who in Pallanth should be privy to what I have to say next."
[20:15] <Kotono> There is some murmur there from the Council, King Lorthan silent for a short time. He holds a hand up, the Council eventually going quiet. "This is an unusual request...but I will grant it," he decides. After a moment he raises his voice, "Empty the hall!"
06[20:16] * Seira avoids looking at Amaryl as she silently waits for the chambers to be cleared.
[20:19] <Kotono> There's some murmurings, but nothing too incredibly salient as the chambers empty. At last it is just the three of them, King Lorthan looking to Seira. "Speak then, Seira."
01[20:21] <Seira> "This matter concerns Torm, Your Highness," Seira starts with. "Before I begin, it might prove useful if I could inquire as to what His Highness knows of the deity's portfolio and demeanor."
[20:23] <Kotono> "I know his basic tenents," His Majesty answers, "He is not my primary interest; it is only right and traditional for the royal family to worship Corellon Larethian."
01[20:30] <Seira> "Torm, the Loyal Fury," Seira speaks. "The god that enforces law and goodness, that hates devils with a passion. The god of righteousness." She pauses for effect. "Or he was, until the war with the God-King. Bitter and filled with rage as his efforts to stop the God-King failed, as Daa-vid controlled his closest advisors and confidants like puppets with his overwhelming powers, Torm had fallen into despair. And all his love turned into hate. He's zealous past any reasonable limits to eliminate the heretics; rather than the devils and worshippers of the foulest of gods, those now extend to anyone who doesn't share his ideology, anyone who doesn't lose themselves into the rage of combat. Those celestials loyal to him Fall as they continue to cling to Torm, for how can they remain true to their nature if their patron deity himself had Fallen from grace? It is not mere words when he now styles himself the Hateful Fury. And recently
01[20:31] <Seira>  And all his love turned into hate. He's zealous past any reasonable limits to eliminate the heretics; rather than the devils and worshippers of the foulest of gods, those now extend to anyone who doesn't share his ideology, anyone who doesn't lose themselves into the rage of combat.
01[20:31] <Seira>  Those celestials loyal to him Fall as they continue to cling to Torm, for how can they remain true to their nature if their patron deity himself had Fallen from grace? It is not mere words when he now styles himself the Hateful Fury. And recently, he had decided to cleanse the world of all those so-called heretics."
[20:37] <Kotono> Latha steps forward, "Your Majesty," she momentarily bows again, "I can only lend grim agreement to Seira's words. While I hope and pray that this does not affect your realm overmuch, it is still a clear and present concern."
01[20:40] <Seira> "The immediate danger is two-fold," Seira elaborates. "As the planar blocks over our world are being undone, gods have taken to participate more actively once again. In most cases, it is a cause for celebration. In the case of Torm, however... he whispers words of hate into the ears of his mortal followers, while dispatching loyal celestials to eliminate those who would deny him.
01[20:40] <Seira> Lord Silverleaf would become involved either way, and I sincerely doubt he would be alone in this."
03[20:43] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514dd7e1.l4.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:43] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:46] <Kotono> "He sounds more like Malar or Mask," His Majesty observes as he listens, "I see your concern. Fortunately his worship is not common in Pallanth, though I recall it has more of a base to the far southeast, in free cities past the realms of Malmuth. Idril..." CLosing his eyes a moment, "Is a concern now."
03[20:47] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:48] <Seira> "While the reason I gave while requesting a private audience is true enough, that was my main concern, Your Highness," Seira admits. "This is the worst time for us to become divided, so I could hardly bring it up publicly. At the same time... there was the slight chance I would not get another opportunity to talk to you about this after Esthan has been dealt with, and so I felt this matter could not wait."
[20:50] <Kotono> "I understand," King Lorthan leans forward again as he speaks, intent. "Idril, while a concern, is not one I feel that will ultimately betray us."
01[20:51] <Seira> "I agree, from what I know of him. That only means, sadly, that it is highly likely Torm will dispatch his paladins or outright assassins after him. And Torm's faithful hardly care about collateral damage, particularly in the heat of battle. Those that wished to strike at Balmuria fought with an unnatural tenacity well past the point of death."
[20:54] <Kotono> "!" With a look there, a sharper one, "You think he would try to assassinate him? What agents did he send to Balmuria? How capable were they?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "A planetar twisted by hate and... aasimars, I suppose. Berserkers all. We were lucky to intercept their leader on a recoinessance mission, and successfully accomplished one of our own. That allowed us to locate this group and attempt to reason with them."
06[20:57] * Seira sighs. "It was a wasted effort. One of those berserkers was taken alive, but even a time of cooling down in the dungeons hasn't done much for his behavior. We did learn beyond all doubt that Torm himself wished to rid Balmuria of a paladin of his that had recently begun to see a discrepancy between Torm's commands and Torm's original teachings, as well as of the Crimson Guard.
01[20:57] <Seira> There must be other such groups, although we don't have specific details."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Idril is not incapable of defending himself; however, such loft opposition is worrisome. Precautions will have to be taken."
06[21:11] * Seira nods. "Perhaps there will be a chance to discuss this all at leisure in a few weeks, and if our luck holds, Torm would not move just yet. In the meantime, any and all information either myself or Latha have about Torm are at your disposal, Your Highness."
[21:18] <Kotono> "I will be in contact again then. I need to review our internal situation regarding him before I act. I will come in contact if I need anything immediately," His Majesty replies after some thought.
01[21:20] <Seira> "It may not be easy to take in," Seira comments. "In such a case, we do have someone who experienced a similar disillusion; the aforementioned paladin. If it comes to that, I could talk to him about making a trip to the Citadel."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Very well. That could be a good option," His Majesty decides after another minute. "How many people know of this?"
06[21:33] * Seira considers. "The Guard. Our direct superiors, and others involved. The jailors might have caught bits and pieces." She frowns. "It won't remain a secret for long, however. At least not in Balmuria, as we have a temple to Torm and we cannot in good conscience allow people to be deceived into his service."
[21:39] <Kotono> "When will it break? It will take a little time for the ripples to reach Pallanth, but even so? If Idril is in danger it may prompt action to be taken."
01[21:40] <Seira> "I believe that under the circumstances, we could keep things under wraps at our end until Esthan's situation were resolved either way," Seira muses. "But the decision may well be out of my hands, Sire."
[21:41] <Kotono> "If it does break, send message to us so that we can be prepared," His Majesty decides.
[21:41] <Kotono> "If Idril is indanger for rejecting Torm," Latha speaks up here, "Has he taken the worship of another?"
01[21:42] <Seira> "Of course," Seira responds, before waiting to hear the answer. It interests her as well.
[21:45] <Kotono> "Idril seems disgusted with the matter. It is not a subject he likes to talk on," King Lorthan speaks, "I do not often pry into this, as his wounds rund eep."
06[21:47] * Seira wants to say that it surely wasn't anything personal with Torm and Idril, but thinks better of it. "As you've mentioned sending word, Your Highness, I believe it would be best if I now did this in preparation to establish contact with our allies. Some would need to be contacted in person, of course, but a bit of advance warning might go a long way."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Go on then," His Majesty agrees. "Do what you can to stop this devil Esthan."
01[21:49] <Seira> "With all my strength, Highness," Seira vows.
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC - What's your next priority?
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: I'll intro Latha to Amaryl and friends, and discuss our final plans with her, should be quick. Then, Sendings. I could just type out my queries and then go do other stuff, so that I'll only collect the responses afterwards.
[22:08] <Kotono> Amaryl is found in a sunlit garden rooftop in the Citadel of Light, sitting around a vast collection of roses. She looks calm and serene here, eyes closed as Seira and Lath apparoaches her. It's quite the pretty place, a good view of the entire Citadel had from this height.
01[22:09] <Seira> "I've tried to visit you to introduce Latha earlier, but it seems I've missed you by half an hour," Seira says, not bothering with a normal greeting. "Sorry it had to be under such circumstances."
[22:13] <Kotono> "Seira!" Amaryl stands up, coming over to her. Her grip is stronger, taking Seira's shoulder. "An angel...I keep meeting the most amazing things around you." With a smiling look to the hooded Latha, having redisguised herself, "But are you going back into battle again?"
01[22:13] <Seira> "Not right this instant," Seira says with a smile.
[22:17] <Kotono> "Such a dangerous life..." Amaryl lowers her head, "Seira, you're always going to fight and protect people. Your father has to be so proud of you."
01[22:20] <Seira> Seira's smile widens. "What can I say? It's satisfying." She pulls lightly on Amaryl's chin to raise her head. "Hey, look forward! There's no time for hesitation, is there?" Gesturing to the deva, she introduces the two briefly, and quite needlessly. "Latha, Amaryl. Amaryl, Latha."
[22:23] <Kotono> "Good day to you," Latha pulls back her hood, "Don't worry, I'll protect Seira."
[22:24] <Kotono> "I...suppose not," Amaryl blushes, "It's very nice to meet you, yes."
01[22:24] <Seira> "Hey, hey! Isn't that the other way around?" Seira asks cockily.
[22:24] <Kotono> With a cool look to Seira, "How about both ways then?"
06[22:24] * Seira laughs. "Sure thing!"
[22:26] <Kotono> "I know." Her blush fades, "I've been training fairly hard," she goes on, "And then I hear you're going off to fight a devil. I suppose I'm going to have to try even harder then, aren't I?"
01[22:30] <Seira> "The training never really stops," Seira agrees. "And it wouldn't hurt to be ready here at the Citadel, in case our friend has a backup plan in place. I would if I were him, if I could swing it."
[22:39] <Kotono> "I will," Amaryl says quickly. "How long will you be here?"
01[22:39] <Seira> "A few hours. I plan on returning a lot until I gather everyone, though."
[22:40] <Kotono> "Alright." With a brave smile, "I won't keep you then. But after you deal with Esthan, you'll come back here, won't you?"
01[22:43] <Seira> "That's pretty much a given," she agrees. "I don't fight losing battles, after all." With a glance at Latha, Seira says, "Let's go and contact our friends, then?"
[22:43] <Kotono> "Yes," Latha says, "Amaryl, it was good meeting you. We'll see each other again after Esthan is defeated, I promise."
01[22:46] <Seira> After an impromptu hug that ends just as quickly, Seira retreats to find Celebrimbor with Latha in tow. It's not like she's running away.
[22:55] <Kotono> Celebrimbor is found at his home, inside his personal library. After dictating the first sending and casting, repeating back Alicia's reply. "That' sone," he says, "I have a few more scrolls of sending available."
01[23:00] <Seira> "Dad happens to be at one of the largest libraries in the world," Seira says thoughtfully. "Let's send him a message as well, asking him to investigate a powerful devil by the name of Esthan. Perhaps he might come across something." She thinks some more. "Alicia sounds like she's at Balmuria, and she'll handle that end, including Demedais.
01[23:00] <Seira> Let's also spend one to contact the Waukeen temple in Arad to request an audience with Bey Onur. I'll trust the locals to arrange something, so that I don't appear out of the blue." She glances at Latha. "I'll contact you if there are any new developments, of course. For now, let's decide to meet here in a week's time?"

[Corwin]

01[20:07] <Seira> [23:00] <Seira> "Dad happens to be at one of the largest libraries in the world," Seira says thoughtfully. "Let's send him a message as well, asking him to investigate a powerful devil by the name of Esthan. Perhaps he might come across something." She thinks some more. "Alicia sounds like she's at Balmuria, and she'll handle that end, including Demedais.
01[20:07] <Seira> [23:00] <Seira> Let's also spend one to contact the Waukeen temple in Arad to request an audience with Bey Onur. I'll trust the locals to arrange something, so that I don't appear out of the blue." She glances at Latha. "I'll contact you if there are any new developments, of course. For now, let's decide to meet here in a week's time?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Alright," Latha agrees to that, "One week's time."
06[20:10] * Seira nods. "I'll try to get more information on Esthan from the libraries here and at Dad's place, as I said. If, by chance, you hear something as well, send me a message. We could cross-reference things, then, rather than research independantly."
[20:10] <Kotono> "I'll send those messages along. Anything else of interest?" Celebrimbor agrees. "I'll do that."
06[20:12] * Seira considers. "There was one last request, yes," she admits. "I was hoping to borrow your teleport ring's services. With both rings, I should be able to travel farther."
[20:14] <Kotono> After af ew moments, "...alright." Celebrimbor agrees slowly, "Here." He takes the ring off from his hand, tossing it gently to Seira. "King Lorthan has given you his trust; I see no reason for me not to follow that. Anyway, I'll give Saul a nudge and see if he can find anything there."
01[20:15] <Seira> "Thanks. I'll keep you in the loop on every major move," Seira tells Celebrimbor. "And now, I think it's time for me to pick up Gurren and return. We have preparations on our end as well, after all."
[20:20] <Kotono> Going to gather Gurren, Seira teleports back to the stables! Gurren whinnies softly as you appear, the air warm and pleasant around you. The distinct oders of a stable assail Seira's senses, as lively and pungent as ever.
01[20:21] <Seira> After a recent encounter with a devil, Seira doesn't particularly care, only pausing long enough to pat Gurren's mane and summon a stablehand to care for him before proceeding for Commander Oberuth's office.