215. Negotiations with Esthan

[Corwin]

[18:07] <Kokokokokoko> -------(Devil Ko)--
03[18:07] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Kotono
[18:10] <Kotono> The five prepare, having cast many a magic and cleared their minds of worry, pain, and regret. So armed and girded, the five teleport at noon, zipping through space and reality in an instant! The first thing they notice is that it's dark here. Well, not quite dark. Dim. There is precious little light. It's quite warm, positively balmy. Around them the clearing and the various cabins line up. (More)
[18:12] <Kotono> In the clearing are two fell creatures, ones the heroes know well. Gelugons, the devils of ice, stand guard in the center in a pair. They look in sweeps of each direction, one of them already on you.  In precise, restrained Common, "The Master is expecting you," he says, "We are not going to attack." It's mandibles click-clatter at that, it's spear in one hand. (More)
[18:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[18:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 27." [1d20=16]
06[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
01[18:14] <Seira> "Take us to your leader," Seira demands curtly.
03[18:15] * Sierra_CarbonFreeze is now known as Sierra_OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT
[18:16] <Kotono> The other turns, shaking it's head. "Except for him," he says to Donald, "That hammer doesn't come any closer."
[18:17] <Kotono> As they tallk, there is a faraway, distant rippling of the air just glimpsed above and ahead, all about in the farthest reaches of view.
06[18:17] * Alicia wears a blindfold over her eyes in order to detect any hidden foes nearby as she follows the rest of their party, Hell Striker held loosely in one hand but easily able to come up in readiness if need be. "We're not leaving him alone in your midst," she replies curtly to the gelugon, telepathically relaying the state of the opposition to Elle and Hopiel.
01[18:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[18:18] <Kotono> "Leave the hammer then. Our Master has ordered us not to hurt you or your possessions," The other one says coldly.
01[18:19] <Seira> Seira muses through the link that it looks like some sort of large-scale wall of force is surrounding them.
[18:20] <Kotono> OOC - Strike the Donald references with references to Oberuth instead.
[18:21] <Kotono> OOC - Strike everything after Seira's line about taking you to your leader.
[18:21] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia, you can redo your line if you like.
[18:22] <Kotono> OOC: Shimmering bit and SEira's K:A roll stnad.
06[18:22] * Alicia wears a blindfold over her eyes in order to detect any hidden foes nearby as she follows the rest of their party, Hell Striker held loosely in one hand but easily able to come up in readiness if need be. While Seira asks to see Esthan, she telepathically informs Hopiel and Elle what devils are in evidence that she can detect with blindsight.
[18:23] <Kotono> Latha looks about, shining out in this dimness like a beacon of purest light. Her glory clashes against the darkness that clings to the devils, a battle restrained only by will. "This way," one of the gelugons leads towards the biggest cabin. "The Master awaits you."
06[18:23] * Seira heads after him with confidence.
[18:24] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth's gaze is icy as he begins to walk, the devils fearsome - but no fear auras felt, no obvious offenses at all. As they do, Alicia and Seira hear this in their minds, 'Assassin devils, all around,' Antenora says tersely.
01[18:25] <Seira> 'Good for them,' Seira thinks back cheerfully.
[18:25] <Alicia> Like Latha, Alicia has no qualms about concealing her own radiance, the nimbus of celestial light flowing freely from her. With a purpose that belies her apparent inability to see, she heads towards the indicated cabin. 'Act like you can't see them. No point tipping our hand,' she suggests to the erinyes.
[18:26] <Kotono> 'Of course,' Antenora answers back to Alicia, almost smiling to Seira. One of the gelugons glances at Antenora as they walk, a cold, horrible look worse than the gale off an arctic blizzard. "You are fortunate the Master does not choose to immediately punish you, traitor."
06[18:27] * Alicia pauses and turns to the gelugon with her covered gaze. "Hold whatever you have that passes for a tongue, insect. We don't require your commentary."
[18:29] <Kotono> Antenora doesn't reply with words, though the two exchange long, sharp looks. The other goes to open the door to the largest cabin. Inside, you can see it's perhaps fifty feet long and positively baking inside. Chairs are arrainged by the door, several of them. Sitting on the other side, fifty feet back, is Esthan. He sits with his hood back on a high backed chair, like a throne. He looks casually interested as you enter, "Ah, welcome, welcome.
[18:29] <Kotono> He looks casually interested as you enter, "Ah, welcome, welcome. Please, be seated so we can begin." (More)
[18:30] <Kotono> A dark aura flickers around Esthan, steady and potent, casting shadows all over him with inky black. At his side are two more gelugon, and ten feet ahead of him are four more, making advance past them quite a tricky feat if they cared to contest it.  (More)
[18:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[18:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19." [1d20=8]
06[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 17." [1d20=6]
[18:32] <Kotono> The gelugon who stared at Alicia turns away, bowing deeply to Esthan before skittering out of the room with his companion.
06[18:33] * Seira decides it is a perfect time to think to Elle that if she hadn't taken counter-measures to see the invisible devils by now, along with as many back in Balmuria that can do it, it would be a great time.
06[18:33] * Seira also gives the chair a cursory look to ensure nothing pointlessly mean about it, before taking a seat.
[18:34] <Kotono> Antenora looks long at Esthan, long and cold. Esthan merely smiles back, gesturing. "Sit. I'm not interested in dragging you back to Hell. You can cavort with Alicia and the mortals for all I care."
01[18:34] <Seira> "I'm glad you're much more reasonable than your goons outside, then," Seira says with a smile of her own.
[18:35] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth goes to sit, as does Antenora without comment. "Alicia," a nod to her, "I've heard a lot about you. It's a pity we haven't had the chance to meet before this."
[18:35] <Kotono> "They're merely gelugons. Nothing of note to us," With a dismissive gesture again, "Pay them no heed."
01[18:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34." [1d20=14]
[18:37] <Kotono> The six gelugons stand without a single comment or motion, almost statue like in perfect silent submission.
06[18:37] * Alicia informs Hopiel which particular cabin Esthan resides in as she enters. Remaining standing, she comes to within thirty feet of Esthan before speaking. "It was a lovely gift you gave my familiar, a way for Hell to profit even by us slaying unrelated demons? Very clever," she acknowledges.
[18:37] <Alicia> "But there is little point in pretending friendship when we are at cross purposes and your master has made clear his desire to see me and those I care for brought low."
01[18:38] <Seira> 'Twenty feet ahead is a wall that dispels enchantments,' Seira thinks to those who could hear it through their link. 'If it comes to that, I'll use Dimension Door to take us across it, Alicia.'
[18:38] <Alicia> OOC: hold on that...
[18:40] <Alicia> OOC: my action stands but I'll stay near Seira
[18:42] <Kotono> "My Master?" Raising an eyebrow to that, "Alicia, who do you think my Master is? Martinet? I would assume you found the gelugon's notes in Parsifal? I have a token of advice for you." Flashing a smile that's bone white, "Don't believe everything you read. Martinet can go to the Abyss for all I care."
01[18:43] <Seira> "So you're striking out on your own, then?"
[18:43] <Kotono> Latha stands bright and ready, "Does it matter who your Master is? All the devils ultimately bow to the same corruptness and superior."
[18:43] <Kotono> "Not...quite." He pauses a moment, "That would say there is only myself, or only a handful of us. Oh no, that would be a gross misrepresentation."
[18:44] <Alicia> "His journal was quite detailed," Alicia acknowledges. "In that case you perhaps have me at a disadvantage, although I have suspicions regarding another candidate... one perhaps thought irrelevant by most." She leaves it hanging to see if she's close to the mark.
01[18:45] <Seira> 'I'm not getting an answer back, are you?' Seira asks Alicia silently.
[18:45] <Kotono> "Well, tell me. I must admit, that if you can guess right, you'll have my undying shock and respect." Esthan folds his hands in his lap at that, waiting.
[18:46] <Alicia> 'Nothing. We might have to commit as soon as you get that sending,' Alicia replies to Seira. "Does the name Irrylan mean anything to you?" she asks Esthan. Perhaps that talk with Jamais wasn't so wasteful after all.
06[18:47] * Seira looks interested in the answer, observing Esthan.
[18:48] <Kotono> Esthan's lips curl up, a chuckle racing through him. "I'm afraid not, though I still applaud you. That's some magnificient speculating you've done. But enough of that, let us get to the point of this. Asmodeus is supreme in Hell to all accounts, yes? That may be so today, but there are those that have the courage and ambition to stand up against him." (More)
[18:50] <Kotono> "My Master realises, however begrudingly, that Asmodeus will never be defeated by another devil or devils alone. He's far too powerful and in control of Hell for this to ever happen. Therefore, one must look outside for allies and make approriate offers."
01[18:52] <Seira> "I'll grant you that, your goals are pretty damn impressive," Seira muses. "The scale you're thinking on is grand-- no, that's your master, isn't it? So what does he have to achieve by hiding his identity from these would-be allies?"
[18:56] <Kotono> "One does not unseat Asmodeus by shouting it into the streets," Esthan replies, "For the Order of the Lie hears everything in it's way. Why, the precations we've taken to ensure today's meeting stays secret is considerable! My Master is willing ot offer much - at first, support against the other devils and forces that plague your world. In time, captured items and relics of the upper planes, once trust is built up. When the time is right...you
[18:56] <Kotono> once trust is built up. When the time is right...you will help my Master defeat the current regime in Hell. There's much more to it than that, but that's the grist of it." (More)
[18:58] <Kotono> "Of course, there needs to be something to sweeten the deal for you. That is simple. Once my Master rules Hell, there will be along purge of all remnants of the previous regime. It will take millenia to be certain...and for your help, we will enter into a contract. As the Lord of Hell, my Master will agree that no devil will set foot in your world for 10,000 years. You will have what is impossible otherwise, endless mortal generations free ofw
[18:58] <Kotono> You will have what is impossible otherwise, endless mortal generations free ofw hat you would call the plague of devilkind." (More)
[19:00] <Kotono> "As to the why? You are rising mortals with considerable potential. My Master acknowledges that and does not wish to bear arms against you as well as the rest of Hell. Would not a peaceable agreement and cooperation be far superior? All in fair contracts, of course, ones that can be reviewed throughly before they are signed, so that you need not worry about a double-cross."
[19:01] <Alicia> "And then our ancestors, complacent and having no idea of the threat you pose, are confronted by the resurgent baatezu?" Alicia asks, shaking her head. "You play a very long game, Esthan, but we mortals are not as short-sighted as you like to imagine."
[19:01] <Alicia> OOC: descendants*
[19:02] <Kotono> "Surely the Heavens will not let you grow that complacent." With a pleasant smile at Latha and then Antenora, "Will you?"
01[19:03] <Seira> "There's also a small matter of all the devils you managed to get over here," Seira comments. "I can't help but be curious. If you're trying to keep this meeting from Asmodeus, how did you manage to get such a force over to Prime without his knowledge?"
[19:03] <Kotono> "We have our ways," Smiling to this, "If My Master could not even manage that, what good would there be to rebel at all? We have our resources."
01[19:04] <Seira> "Excuse me, I should have been cleared. Are they truly your master's resources, or leftover relics of the gnomes you're merely using to your goals?"
[19:06] <Kotono> "There's a story about a Baron Molikroth in Caina," Antenora speaks quite clearly and loudly, raising her voice. "About how a charismatic leader overthrew Mephistopheles, only to turn out it was Mephisto's way of identifying those to be purged."
[19:09] <Kotono> "We are our own to our Master. The affair with the God-King did not directly involve us. You just happen to have gotten My Master's interest." A moment, "Ah yes, Mephisto is a sure hand at these matters. I am willing to make large concessions to prove my sincerity and my Master's sincerity. There are matters that I could help you with...a black winged angel who troubles you, or perhaps finding what has been lost?"
01[19:10] <Seira> "You want to kill the crazy black winged angel for us?"
[19:11] <Kotono> "We have information about her - she stole a few erinyes from Martinet. While I have no pity for him, she is a dangerous element that bears Hell no good will. It would be to all of our advantages if we worked together on this matter."
[19:12] <Kotono> "So..." Latha says now, after a moment to draw in a long breath, "You're an agent for Martinet in name, while being a double or perhaps triple agent for this Master you speak of? Or are the mentions of Martinet merely lies?"
[19:13] <Alicia> 'It's been a minute,' Alicia telepathically notes to Seira. 'They're not coming, and the five of us can't handle all of these fiends. Think he'll take no for an answer?' She was about to say something to stall some more but Latha seems to have a handle on that.
[19:15] <Kotono> "More or less, yes." Smilling now, easily and almost...kindly, in a twisted way. "I do hope you'll say yes. If you doubt my sincerity...If I meant you harm, I would have begun in Kelara. Kelara and Alicia's childhood home would have burned in an inferno, then I would have worked west. After laying the Desert to ruin, I would have gone to Pallanth. Seira's friends, family...up in the flames. Then, perhaps slowly work towards Balmuria...or perhap
[19:15] <Kotono> family...up in the flames. Then, perhaps slowly work towards Balmuria...or perhaps appear there in your sleep and send you off in your slumber." (More)
01[19:15] <Seira> 'Yes, though it's disappointing the others didn't just try to follow us,' Seira responds. 'In the end, we can admit to needing more time to consult with our leadership.'
[19:17] <Alicia> "That's a bluff," Alicia replies, hoping she's on the mark. "You act with subtlety because any such blatant provocation would bring down reprisals upon you from forces far superior to what we have. Your good will has nothing to do with it."
[19:18] <Kotono> "If we meant you harm, we would not go through this indirect process and waste all this time. You'd be dead and forgotten and Hell would march on. No, we want to aid you as you stand tall. The information, the magic, the power we can offer is immense, incalcuable millenias of hording." To that, Esthan looks Alicia in the eye, "Would I? I could have fought Seira one on one and slain her. I could have killed Demedais in his sleep. I act with subt
[19:18] <Kotono> I could have killed Demedais in his sleep. I act with subtly because My Master is sincere.:
06[19:20] * Seira lets such an obvious slight against her person go, a smile on her face. "But for all that supposed good will, all we get is talk. Some of it is vague, some is vaguely threatening. When I mentioned what it would get us to the table, you seemed to get serious for the first time, yet there's been no mention of that and just more of the same old spiel. Practical people don't get convinced by idle talk."
03[19:20] * Sierra_OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT is now known as ShinMegamiSierra_Persona4
[19:21] <Kotono> "Yes then," A pause here, "I have a contract right here. It's in simple terms, nothing about souls or betrayl or any such. You agree to a basic term in it, and in exchange we give you aid against the black winged angel. A starter package, if you will."
01[19:22] <Seira> "And this aid means what, precisely?"
[19:24] <Kotono> After a moment, "And..." He reaches into his robes, withdrawing a heavy lead box. "Information that will help you find her before it's too late and she comes for all of you. Also..." He cracks open the box, a golden amulet sitting inside. "It's called a Retribuative Amulet, a powerful and protective charm of the Heavens. My Master has freed it from his vault as an offering to you."
06[19:26] * Seira pauses. "Would you mind terribly if I point out a flaw in your approach?" she asks, and proceeds without waiting for an answer. "You frame this in terms of aiding us with our problem, but you've already admitted that she's been harrassing your side as well, and stealing your erinyes for her own purposes.
01[19:26] <Seira> For all we know, dealing with this rogue angel could be one of the tasks given to you, and you're hoping we take care of it for you and thank you for the chance, at that."
[19:27] <Kotono> "Even if so, I know it's your problem as well. If that is my task, what of it? Cooperating towards the same goal is my purpose here."
01[19:28] <Seira> "So here's my counter offer. Give us your information, and we'll see what we can do. If it checks out, we'll proceed to the next round of talks."
[19:28] <Alicia> "Finding her is no challenge at this point," Alicia replies. "We know her weaknesses, and we have countermeasures against her strengths. We haven't pursued her yet because there are more pressing concerns," she levels her unseeing gaze in Esthan's direction, "You are one such concern, Esthan, if that satisfies your fiendish ego."
01[19:29] <Seira> While Alicia takes over their side of the conversation, Seira glances at Latha, ostensively to check on how well she's been keeping herself in check.
[19:29] <Kotono> "Such a thing should never be in your hands," Latha says low, keeping the comment almost under her breath. She looks away at it and up to ESthan. "The Heavens will never agree to that. If you truly want to fight the establishment of Hell, repent your sins and remake yourself, devil."
01[19:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 29." [1d20=7]
[19:31] <Kotono> "Really? Then let us lay this concern to rest," Esthan offers. "With our knowledge added, finding and defeating this angel should be a simple labor."
[19:32] <Kotono> With a look to LAtha, trying not to smile broadly, "Really? How many angels rule in Hell, rather than servingin the Heavens?"
[19:32] <Alicia> "You don't even know her name, do you?" Alicia needles.
[19:40] <Kotono> "Yet, you haven't called her by name, either," Esthan says, snapping his fingers. In Alicia's lap, a sheet of smooth parchment appears, letters of red written on it. "Feel free to read it."
06[19:41] * Alicia is not doing something so foolish as sitting when surrounded by fiends. Still, she takes a look at the parchment since he surely doesn't need something as sneaky as explosive runes to hurt them at this point.
[19:42] <Alicia> This sadly necessitates pulling her blindfold up.
[19:46] <Kotono> It's a contract. It's written in simple terms, with no ambiguities. In exchange for the service of Esthan aiding them in the defeat of the black winged woman, they will agree it to aid Esthan, in lieu and in standing for his Master. There's a bunch after about not betraying, various things of that sort. Looks like security clauses for both sides. The penalty for breaking the contract is enslavement to the wronged party for 99 years.
[19:48] <Alicia> So it's not her name, therefore Alicia doesn't need to look stupid by continuing, "It merely demonstrates your knowledge isn't superior to our own in this respect. Also this contract obligates you to help us with a single specific task while leaving us to aid you in a far more open-ended manner. I'd have to be mentally deficient to sign it." With that conclusion she tosses the paper aside.
06[19:49] * Seira stands up. "Well, this was mildly disappointing. I'm not someone who would jump into a binding contract without sufficient good will being demonstrated ahead of that unless I'm really desperate, so I guess this is where we part ways."
06[19:50] * Seira smiles again. "Good luck with that taking down Asmodeus thing!"
[19:51] <Kotono> "Ah well. You're free to go then." With a dismissive wave, "The protections won't stop you from leaving; they're to keep the Order of the Lie out. I'm sure we'll meet again when the time is right. Feel free to apologize to your friends who attempted to breech the barrier for me if you would?"
01[19:53] <Seira> "Your kind thoughts are enough, surely," Seira responds, walking out of the cabin.
06[19:53] * Alicia isn't sure whether to be disappointed or relieved by the lack of a more appealing follow-up offer. "Until next time," she nods gravely, pulling her blindfold back down as she turns to leave.
[19:54] <Kotono> Antenora growls a little at that, "Shut up," she says, "Don't you think fora  minute that you're going to be able to manipulate us at all." With a cold look as she follows Alicia, "You can run all the plans you wish from here to the last day. We'll never bow to your will."
[19:54] <Kotono> Latha walks out next, shining brilliantly. "Wallow in your sin on your own, devil."
[19:56] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth walks out last, "And our city and nation will never submit to anything you'd do. A devil's word is worthless to us, the only good devil is a dead one." As the party heads out, they can hear Esthan's laughter tickling their ears. Outside is quiet, only the two gelugons(And the assassin devils and imps to the true see-ers.) about,w atching.
[19:57] <Alicia> 'The others are either just outside the field or back in Balmuria. Lets walk out of here in case it's the former,' Alicia suggests via telepathy, heading onto the path out of the camp.
01[19:57] <Seira> 'Are we doing anything about all the assassin devils and the gelugons here?'
[19:58] <Alicia> 'If we start a fight we can be sure Esthan will end it,' Alicia replies sadly. 'Without our reserves we can't beat this many.'
01[19:58] <Seira> 'He's an annoying, supremely confident devil. He would just watch and provide commentary.'
[19:59] <Kotono> The six walk along, a silence amid them. Ahead, you see shimmering walls, a domed barrier reaching up through the trees and air. You'll have to walk through it to get out.
[20:00] <Alicia> 'I don't intend to risk my life on his good-will,' Alicia hardly sounds thrilled. 'If we can break the barrier from the other side once we rejoin the others...' Approaching said barrier, she takes a deep breath before stepping through it. Hopefully.
[20:00] <Kotono> Alicia steps through the barrier! He entire body ripples, a strange feeling as she passes through! SHe stands on the other side, safe and sound.
06[20:01] * Seira frowns, but ends up following Alicia.
[20:01] <Alicia> 'Hopiel? Elle?' Alicia tries once outside. 'Where are you?'
[20:02] <Kotono> Antenora passes through as well, then Oberuth and Latha. Once through, "I feel like I just bathed in filth," Oberuth says in disgust.
01[20:03] <Seira> "So annoying," Seira mutters.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Even if he tells the truth, his Master is a damned fool," Antenora snaps, "Consorting and hiring angels and heroes like mercenaries?"
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 and gets 21." [1d20=5]
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 34." [1d20=18]
[20:05] <Alicia> "I'm not getting any reply from Elle or Hopiel," Alicia notes worriedly once they're clear.
[20:06] <Kotono> 'Yes?' Elle answers instantly, 'Alicia? Seira?'
[20:06] <Alicia> OOC: strike
01[20:06] <Seira> 'Yes. Where are you?'
[20:06] <Alicia> 'We just finished our meeting. Had to walk since it seems his precautions stopped your arrival. He let us go,' Alicia summarises dispiritedly.
[20:07] <Kotono> 'Balmuria. The teleports fizzled,' She answers, 'Not redirected, they just failed.'
01[20:08] <Seira> 'Can you make it over to us, just outside the barrier?' Seira asks, directing her question more to Hopiel.
06[20:08] * Alicia provides the distance from the campsite at which the barrier ends, if that helps.
[20:10] <Kotono> No reply from Hopiel. 'I'll can try,' Elle responds nonetheless.
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 98." [1d100=98]
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+80
06[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+80 and gets 85." [1d20=5]
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d10
06[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 10." [1d10=10]
[20:14] <Kotono> 'Gaaaah!' Elle's voice comes over, 'Mystra's heart...ugh!' There's a few more pausing moments, 'Teleport error. We're in dense, wild forest somewhere and you're not around. Got scrambled a bit, too.'
01[20:15] <Seira> 'Damn. We're returning. So should you, when you can. Today is a failure after all.'
[20:15] <Alicia> 'Oh, it just goes from bad to worse. Can you get back to Balmuria?'
[20:15] <Kotono> 'I have a few backups, yes.' Elle answers, 'Have you heard anything from Hopiel? I haven't since he plane shifted.'
[20:16] <Kotono> roll 1d100 don't choke Elle!
06[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 don't choke Elle! and gets 64." [1d100=64]
01[20:16] <Seira> 'Not yet. But someone of his stature could surely manage to return to Prime.'
[20:16] <Alicia> 'Nothing,' Alicia replies worriedly. 'I don't think Planetars can do that at will like Devas can, he might not have any spells left for it.'
[20:17] <Kotono> 'I hope whatever stopped us didn't do something to him,' Elle says sadly. 'Or at worst, that. I'm sure they're safe in the Upper Planes somewhere. A day in the heavens if it's that...they can even think of it as a vacation.'
01[20:18] <Seira> "Well," Seira speaks, turning towards Latha, "looks like it's your turn."
[20:18] <Alicia> 'We're going to go to Elysium and then back to the Prime with Latha, we'll hopefully hear from him there,' Alicia tells Elle, before speaking to Latha, "Latha, can you take us to Elysium? That's where Hopiel and those with him should be."
[20:19] <Kotono> "Certainly. Take my hands," she holds each out, "We can banish our sorrows with a repreive in the heavens. There will be another day to stand and fight evil."
06[20:20] * Alicia obligingly takes Latha's hand.
06[20:21] * Seira does likewise, sighing.
[20:22] <Kotono> roll 1d100 (95-100 Dwoemoerheart since why not?)
06[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 (95-100 Dwoemoerheart since why not?) and gets 47." [1d100=47]
[20:24] <Kotono> You stand in beautifully rolling hills. The sun shines down on these perfect, pastroal heights. Here everything is green and lush, a natural land that enthralls you. Colors are incredibly vivid, alive. The sky is more blue than you have ever seen. The sun gushes endless light that does not dazzle your eyes. The air is so sweet as to be a candy, yet it does not cloy your senses at all. A stream runs nearby, a pack of golden furred bison contenti
[20:24] <Kotono> A stream runs nearby, a pack of golden furred bison contentidly drinking from the water.
06[20:25] * Alicia breathes in deeply even as she tries telepathic contact. 'Hopiel? Can you hear me?'
06[20:25] * Seira gets a strong desire to take over this realm and establish her kingdom here.
[20:26] <Kotono> Antenora closes her eyes, going to sit down. She doesn't say a word.
[20:26] <Kotono> 'Alicia?' Hopiel answers, 'You're safe? The planar shifting was foiled.'
[20:27] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth looks about, blinking several times. "This place...I..." he tries tos peak, but shakes his head instead several times.
01[20:27] <Seira> "It's great, isn't it?"
[20:28] <Alicia> 'We underestimated Esthan's defences. In the end we had to parlay and leave without violence,' Alicia relays, sitting down next to Antenora. "I feel like Mystra is so close, here..."
01[20:29] <Seira> "There's something bothering me," Seira declares. "Was it just me, or did it feel like he didn't really want to work with us like he claimed to?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "Mystra's domain is in Elysium," Hopiel answers through the tap, "Mystra is on this plane in her domain, which would resonate with you."
01[20:29] <Seira> "All that useless talk of bribes and contracts felt more like he wanted to get us out of the way."
[20:30] <Alicia> "His offer was a poor one," Alicia agrees with Seira. Back to telepathy, 'Yes, it makes me want to stay... Will you be able to return with the others to the Prime tomorrow?'
[20:30] <Kotono> "Maybe," Antenora sighs, going to lie against Alicia. "Who knows how far his scheming goes...just...let me close my eyes here awhile. I feel like I can forget what just happened."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Don't get too enraptured," Latha says with a note of warning in her voice.
[20:31] <Alicia> "My familiar has mentioned the effect Elysium has on visitors," Alicia agrees. "Still, it can't hurt to stay for a few minutes, can it?"
01[20:31] <Seira> "I'm too angry to really get caught in all the peace and quiet," Seira muses. "Thanks for the heads up, though. So what's our next move? All those devils, if he didn't just summon them, we can't let them roam the world."
[20:32] <Kotono> 'That's normal,' Hopiel says, 'Just dont' dally and you should be fine. Elysium's difficult to leave, but as long as you aren't here for more than a few days you should be alright. Tomorrow will be fine; I'll have a struggle to get them back.' He chuckles.
[20:32] <Kotono> "We fight them," Oberuth says darkly, "When they dirty our door and our city, we exterminat ethem like the vermin they are."
[20:33] <Alicia> "They weren't summoned. My sword would've sent them away if so," Alicia shakes her head. "But now that Esthan has no need for the meeting place he can send them anywhere, by methods that are difficult to track."
01[20:34] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira exclaims. "We did learn something after all. Esthan's form was the same even with true sight. All his talk about not appearing as he truly is just might be a bluff."
[20:34] <Kotono> One of the bison goes up to Seira, mooing softly at her and poking her arm with it's head.
[20:34] <Alicia> "Or he could've had magic that negates divinations. It's not unheard of," Alicia observes, before chuckling at the bison. "Looks like you made a new friend, Seira."
06[20:34] * Seira grins, patting the friendly bison. "You guys are the best summons ever!" she declares happily.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Or he had protections against it," Latha reasons, "It's not impossible with the tier of opponent we're facing. But if not...is it possible he's some part mortal or unique devil?"
[20:35] <Kotono> The bison licks Seira's hand, before going back to the stream to drink.
01[20:36] <Seira> "I'm thinking the latter. It's really quite simple; if he's so vastly more powerful, why would he bother concealing his true form from those like us?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Mmm. We'll get him," Antenora says quietly, "No matter what he is."
[20:36] <Alicia> "Not just us," Alicia points out, "He probably has something like nondetection or mind blank up at all times simply as a precaution against any number of potential foes who might scry on him."
[20:37] <Kotono> "Yes, I imagine that sort of personality attracts foes like honey attracts flies," Oberuth says sourly.
01[20:40] <Seira> "Since he's so damn annoying, maybe we should respond in kind, such as with a public awareness program that tells our citizens to beware the very kind people traveling in their midsts."
[20:41] <Alicia> "There's no point in fostering paranoia," Alicia shakes her head. "Every church already - or certainly should - give warnings about trafficking with fiends, but since Esthan could appear in any form he pleases then there's nothing meaningful to warn against."
01[20:43] <Seira> "Probably," Seira admits. "But sitting back home and waiting on the devils to actually come to us pisses me off. Isn't there something we can do to act rather than react?"
[20:45] <Alicia> "We could go to hell and kill enough high ranking devils that they have to recall underlings on the prime while things stabilise," Alicia posits as she lays back on the oh so soft and inviting meadow. "But otherwise, no. How can you hunt an enemy who can teleport and disguise themselves as anything they please?"
01[20:46] <Seira> "The hell teleportation plan, appealing more and more," Seira mutters.
[20:47] <Alicia> "I rather like it myself," Alicia smiles. "Certainly I intend to have another crack at that prison where Latha was being held, one day."
06[20:49] * Seira thinks it over. "There is a way, perhaps," she muses slowly. "You know those tokens that become animated birds and carry your message over a distance, Alicia? If enough of us traveled through Pallanth, someone might be able to get on Esthan's trail and call the others over. With the rings of teleportation we have, we could even memorize enough locations throughout the land to get close enough."
[20:53] <Alicia> "Isn't one just on loan?" Alicia asks. "But even with that, it takes birds some time to fly wherever in order to deliver the message. Really you'd probably have more success if you just tried to scry on him every day then teleported right on top of him once found."
01[20:54] <Seira> "It is," Seira agrees. "But I'm thinking the elves have a vested interest to cooperate. It's not like I'll be the one using it, if we go for it. Scrying, though... yes, I might as well. It feels a bit passive, but we could certainly go for it and succeed one day."
[20:56] <Alicia> "It's actually better since it lets us do other things even while hunting him. A physical pursuit occupies all of our attention, which could let Esthan serve as an excellent distraction for other fiendish plots elsewhere," Alicia reasons. "Mmm... we should probably go now, anyway. I can spend all the time I want here when I'm dead."
01[20:57] <Seira> 'See you in Balmuria when you can make it,' Seira sends to Hopiel, before nodding at Alicia. "Or when we plane shift again."
[21:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 amir of whatever, what do i know
06[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 amir of whatever, what do i know and gets 29." [1d20=13]
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 sure, why not?
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 sure, why not? and gets 31." [1d20=15]
[21:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 amir of whatever, Marie too, just for fun
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 amir of whatever, Marie too, just for fun and gets 22." [1d20=6]
[21:08] <Kotono> ---
[21:10] <Kotono> Bey Kerem, Seira and Alicia gather at Elle's shop! Antenora tags along, wanting to see this in action. Elle holds the scroll and reads it, "I'm prepared and I shouldn't fail short of horrendous luck," she announces, "Are all of you ready?"
06[21:11] * Alicia doesn't really know these two desert people, but since the scroll is for Crimson Guard use she's certainly curious to see about the person who Seira thinks is worthy of it.
01[21:11] <Seira> "Pretty much," Seira agrees, after making the introductions.
[21:12] <Kotono> Antenora stays behind Alicia, nodding once to Bey Kerem, "You have my deepest thanks," he says, "Hurry."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Hold on...last time, this spell caused a few shaking effects. Hopefully it won't be so bad this time," So unrolling the scroll, Elle begins to read and cast!
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 17." [1d20=17]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d100 don't be a dwarf
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 don't be a dwarf and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[21:15] <Kotono> This time, it is more subtle. White energies flow around Elle and begin to form a body! The air crackles with power as she calls on divine words of power, her hair stnading on end! "Please, cycle of nature! Return this lost soul to our realm! Bestow her on a body to live again!" AS Bey Kerem steps back, a body begins to form on the floor! A humanoid body... a pretty woman's body. The body of a young female elf, like Deniz but slighter, fairer.
01[21:15] <Seira> "Ah, very pretty!" Seira exclaims, clasping her hands.
[21:15] <Kotono> The body of a young female elf, like Deniz but slighter, fairer. Her ears are long, her eyes almonded shaped as the forming body sucks in a breath! An incoherent noise comes from her mouth!
06[21:16] * Alicia briefly glances at the man present as the nude elf appears before them. But it sounds like they were very close, so it's probably okay...
[21:16] <Kotono> Deniz looks up at the ceiling first, lying on the ground. She sits up, Elle quickly finishing and wrapping a blanket around her reborn form. She looks about until she sees Bey Kerem. She mouths something - incoherent noise, but she looks him in the eye and smiles.
[21:17] <Kotono> Bey Kerem kneels next to her, "Welcome back," he says very gently to her. "The reincarnation, did it..." he says, "She's making noise. She can speak now?"
01[21:17] <Seira> "Maybe she needs to relearn how," Seira suggests. "It is, in effect, a new body."
[21:17] <Kotono> Elle slumps after, "Damned draining..." she takes a long breath, "Learn or relarn. But she should be able to, this is an entirely new body."
[21:18] <Kotono> "B...ey..." she says, barely understandable, but smiles back to him.
01[21:18] <Seira> "Thanks, Elle!" Seira exclaims, smiling at the older mage. "That's twice you've saved me like that!"
[21:18] <Alicia> "She'll have a very long time to learn, if she's careful..." Alicia observes with a raised eyebrow. "Twice I've seen this magic bring the dead back to life, and twice it has turned a human into an elf... an odd coincidence."
06[21:19] * Seira looks shifty. "Yes. How curious."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Perhaps it's saying something?" Antenora bandies lightly. "Elves do have superior lifespans."
01[21:19] <Seira> "And they are oh so pretty!"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Come on, Deniz," Bey Onur stands, "We'll work this all out once we get you some clothes." Turning to Seira and Alicia, "I am in your debt. If you need anything - money, influence in the Fiefdoms, my services, anything - say so and they are yours."
06[21:20] * Alicia shakes her head. "It sounds like she lost her life fighting bravely to defend those who could not defend themselves. Having someone like that back among us is reward enough," she smiles.
06[21:21] * Seira nods. "If we were after that we would just sell such magic to the highest bidder. In any case, I'll be ready to take us back as soon as you'd like."