217.1 Seira and the Land of Kesse

[Corwin]

[19:29] <Kotono> ------------
[19:30] <Kotono> Home! Rest! Finding both of those is easy enough for Seira. Finding the three mercenaries there isn't hard. This afternoon, they're sitting around and discussing something in front of the fireplace at Seira's inn. As Seira approaches, she can hear a little of it, "...and if we go north and that's right..." Serge is saying, "This entire thing could be worth a good pile of gold."
01[19:32] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira says, announcing her presence to avoid eavesdropping on those she'd easily count among allies. Finding a spot near the group is hardly difficult, and then she asks, "Am I interrupting anything?"
03[19:35] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[19:35] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[19:35] <Kotono> J looks up, "Nah, just wondering if we can make money off finding some lost trade goods. Boring crap," Waving a hand, "Thanks again for putting us up. Anything that cuts down our overhead is great."
01[19:37] <Seira> "Yes, about that," Seira says. "I've offered you a place to stay because I was grateful, but it's come to my attention that there's more I could do, if you were interested in it. With the use of greater teleport, I could help you get home. If that's what you want, of course."
[19:38] <Kotono> "Greater teleport?" Serge's eyebrows rise, "You have access to that potent a magic?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "Damn. I thought we were going to have to haul our asses through the jungle! That's great news." Rods turns around in his chair, "With amgic, we can be home just like that?" A snap of his fingers.
01[19:39] <Seira> "I happen to have access to an ancient artifact," Seira responds, shrugging. "Close enough, right? Means it's not a oneshot, either. If for whatever stupid reason we're not precisely on the mark, trying again would assuredly work."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Home..." Serge sighs a moment, "Yes. If you can take us there, do it! We've been gone quite awhile now."
01[19:43] <Seira> "That goes for all of you?"
[19:44] <Kotono> J nods, "Yeah. Nice city, but I'm not going to pass up af ree ticket home."
[19:45] <Kotono> Rods stretches a moment, "Yeah. As long as I have a bit o' time to settle a few things and say some goodbyes I'm all for it."
01[19:45] <Seira> "Right, then! Tell me enough about your home to get a good lock on it, and we could go after something to drink?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "And goodbyes!"
[19:49] <Kotono> "Hold on a moment," J says, "You two, where do we want to go back to?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "I'm thinking we should go somewhere not i the open. I like making an entrance, but not like that," Rods rubs his chin.
[19:50] <Kotono> "My safehouse should still be safe besides the rats and bugs that'll have snuck in," Serge suggests.
01[19:51] <Seira> "We could just aim for somewhere outdoors," Seira muses. "Like a few hours away from your home."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Works," Rods nods, "I'm good with that."
[19:59] <Kotono> "A bit of walking won't kill us," J agrees, "Finally, back home!"
01[19:59] <Seira> "Also! I can summon mounts!"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Great!" Serge says, "This'll be even easier then. When are we going to go?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "Like I said, up to you guys. Just say when, I'll be here."
[20:18] <Kotono> "How about in one day," Rods suggests, "I'll go give everyone my farewells and we'll meet here, same time, tomorrow?"
01[20:19] <Seira> "I'm fairly sure I'll still be here!"
[20:25] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along?
01[20:26] <Seira> OOC: please

[Corwin]

[20:45] <Nikori> ------
[20:46] <Nikori> The three Mercs are found waiting at the agreed on place - Seira's inn. Each has a backpack readied, grinning amid themselves. "Seira!" Serge calls over the noise of the bar. "Ready?"
01[20:47] <Seira> "Pretty much!" Seira tells them with a grin of her own. "Let's use the back yard for this."
[20:48] <Nikori> As the four start to walk, "Ah man," Stretching his muscles out, "This has been a fun trip in a lot of ways, but I'm so ready to go home. You know we're gonna have fun when everyone sees us after thinking we were dead as zombies."
03[20:48] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5447705f.wfd89a.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #terrorofdunes
[20:48] <Nikori> Rods says this, as J just smiles.
01[20:49] <Seira> "As long as they don't try to exorcize you," Seira mutters, before holding out her hand. "Hang on, and we'll be going in five, four, three, two...."
[20:52] <Nikori> "Goodbye, Balmuria," Rods looks around as Seira begins to teleport, "Fun city...shame about striking out, Serge."
[20:52] <Nikori> "Bastard," Serge kicks Rods just as the four-group vanishes!( More)
[20:56] <Nikori> The terrain here is hilly. That's the first thing Seira identifies. Not really mountanous, though mountains to the west dominate the horizon if one cares to look. It's morningtime here, a road glimpsed to the south. The thre elook about, before J whoops! "Ah, fuck Mystra in the eye, the magic worked!" Grinning now and hugging Rods, "If this isn't home, then someone's done a pretty good job of spoofing it."
[20:57] <Nikori> Rods grins and pats J on the head. "Yeah, but let's get back to town THEN start celebrating. There's note ven anything to get drunk on in the middle of nowhere here."
01[20:58] <Seira> "I'm certain she'll take that as a compliment," Seira says, making sure her disguise is in order. "Lead on, then?"
[21:03] <Nikori> The road is quite a large one. It's well travelled, several wagons and bands of travellers passed. Most are open and friendly enough for the sort - which means while cautious, they aren't hostile. Every mile or two you come across established little shanties , with  8 guardsmen and horses on watch. They keep a careful watch on the travellers, but don't say much otherwise. As you pass the first group of them, "Don't worry, they're not go
[21:04] <Nikori> As you pass the first group of them, "Don't worry, they're not going to bother anyone unless you're stupid," Rods says. "They're like big security blankets for the travelers who aren't competent to protect themselves."
01[21:05] <Seira> "An interesting concept," Seira muses. "We don't really use that system too far from our towns, relying instead on patrols. But combining the two might be best."
[21:08] <Nikori> "Eh," Serge says as you walk along, the sky mostly clear and cloudless. "It's a really shitty job to have. The ones more than a few miles awya from town are expected to stay on station for weeks and months at a time without leave. The pay's good, though."
01[21:09] <Seira> "We can probably rotate the groups. It's not like it's difficult with the means we have at our disposal," Seira muses. "Even if I have to teleport the farthest ones myself once every two weeks."
[21:13] <Nikori> "You wouldn't have to pay them so much, either," J quips at that, "Anyway, we're only an hour or two from town now. Come on."
01[21:14] <Seira> "This is true!" Seira adds happily.
[21:19] <Nikori> As you approach, you see that it is a walled city. Walled and circular, quite large. It stands in a slight valley, tall walls giving ample cover to everything inside. To the north-south on the far side, a river flows, further defensibility addded. A few river barges and ships can be glimpsed as you approach. "Home sweet home," J sighs as you walk along, "Don't worry, it's easy to get in."
01[21:22] <Seira> "I'm counting on you, then," Seira agrees. "Feel free to show me around!"
[21:26] <Nikori> The gates are solid stone, pulled by vast chains that slide them aside. As you approach, "Good dwarven steel there," Serge adds. There's a few guards up front, one of them a scruffy looking man who eyes J. "Bleeding fires of Kossuth, you're alive? I heard you got blown up into dust, J!"
[21:27] <Nikori> "Robert?" Stopping to smile at him, "What the hell are you doing in the guard?"
[21:27] <Nikori> Serge shakes his head in the meanwhile, "C'mon, Seira. Let's not hang aorund," he says quietly.
06[21:28] * Seira shrugs, catching up to Serge. "Not a fan?" she asks just as quietly.
[21:29] <Nikori> "Hey, I needed the steady money since the merc work wasn't working out. No thanks to you," he says, though his humor doesn't really break as Seira gets out of earshot. Rods lingers. "No, J's old lover. Sure, they might be smiling, but a  gold coin says it's likely they won't be in a few minutes."
01[21:30] <Seira> "Sounds like a hassle. She won't start a fight, would she?"
[21:34] <Nikori> "I doubt it," Glancing back once as the three are in animted discussion, Serge leads on. The streets here are very wide - much wider than Balmuria streets. Buildings are several stories tall, usually at least 4 or 5. Clustered signs point to and adverise various things, be them on the ground level or higher up or even in long, tapering towers.  Rods leads to to the northwestern part of town, a quieter part. It's a touch run down here, b
[21:34] <Nikori> Rods leads to to the northwestern part of town, a quieter part. It's a touch run down here, but surprisingly peaceful. A non descript house is dark and closed up here, Serge checking the front door to it. He twists the handle four times and then backwards in a swift motion, popping the door open.
[21:34] <Nikori> *Serge
01[21:36] <Seira> "Doesn't look like anyone's been here, does it?" Seira wonders. "Do you three normally stay together while here?"
[21:38] <Nikori> "Yeah. Don't worry, it's supposed to be like this. I twouldn't e a safehouse if everyone was here besides us." Sunlight spills in, showing a dusty, forgotten room. A few bottles are littered about the floor, a set of beds on the far wall. There's also a fireplace and basic kitchen, the entire affair is one large room. "It pays to have a few safehouses in cities you're in a lot."
01[21:47] <Seira> "So where are you originally from?" Seira asks, stepping into the dusty room. "Still from the same country? It would help if I knew a bit about it, since I'll probably come to visit eventually."
[21:50] <Nikori> "Oh." Going to lie on one of the beds, "Make yourself at home. Anyway, I came from the dwarves as you might expect. I never really fit in there - I've had a bit of wanderlust and it's taken me to the surface and it's wide open freedom. As far as human lands go, this is reasonably close to being my home."
01[21:52] <Seira> "I can understand," Seira agrees. "I might one day to return to where I was born, but that would be because I want to make it my home in the future, not because I was reclaiming something of the past. Balmuria's pretty much my home in all that matters."
[21:53] <Nikori> "Yeah. This area's nice - it's out of the way lf the volcanos and earthquakes, mostly, but it's still hilly. I should probably swing home the next time I have a few months to kill, it's been awhile."
01[21:54] <Seira> "Where would your home be?"
[21:56] <Nikori> "To the west. There's dwarven settlements and caves in the mountains." Sitting up on the bed now, "I haven't been there in over a dozen years, I should go see how everyone is. I don't really fit in there, but hell, I still like the people."
01[21:56] <Seira> "And the drinks are great."
[21:58] <Nikori> "True again." As he laughs, Serge looks to the door, "You know, they shouldn't be very far behind." Rubbing his temples, "I swear, if I have to bail them out and pay a fine for public disruption or fighting..."
01[21:59] <Seira> "Does that happen often?" Seira asks, casting her own look at the door.
[22:01] <Nikori> "Not really. They're not that bad, just..." Rubbing his temple again, "Robert's kind of a sore subject for J. She's not very good with ex-es."
01[22:04] <Seira> "Can't say I understand," Seira says rather honestly. "So how long are we supposed to wait before we check with the local authorities?"
[22:05] <Nikori> "I give them a half hour, inc ase they got distracted with something unrelated and mundane." Lying back, "You said you wanted to study somewhere to teleport to? Feel free to use this place."
01[22:05] <Seira> "Sure. I'll find another place, too, just in case. But for now...." Seira trails off, making herself comfortable as she studies the layout of the large room.
[22:10] <Nikori> A half hour passes. Serge gets up and sighs, "Sorry, Seira. Idiots. I won't be long with any luck."
01[22:12] <Seira> "Oh no you don't," she says, rising from her meditative position. "I know how these stories go! First, a couple disappears. Then more and more people, and I get left all alone and everyone is now a zombie! I'm coming with you!"
[22:36] <Nikori> "How the hell did zombies become part of it," Stopping by the door, "I don't really mind if you come, but zombies?"
01[22:37] <Seira> "Our town was hit by zombies once! You never expect them, and suddenly, there they are!" Seira gestures with her arms for good measure.

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Does that happen often?" Seira asks, casting her own look at the door.
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > "Not really. They're not that bad, just..." Rubbing his temple again, "Robert's kind of a sore subject for J. She's not very good with ex-es."
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Can't say I understand," Seira says rather honestly. "So how long are we supposed to wait before we check with the local authorities?"
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > "I give them a half hour, inc ase they got distracted with something unrelated and mundane." Lying back, "You said you wanted to study somewhere to teleport to? Feel free to use this place."
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Sure. I'll find another place, too, just in case. But for now...." Seira trails off, making herself comfortable as she studies the layout of the large room.
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > A half hour passes. Serge gets up and sighs, "Sorry, Seira. Idiots. I won't be long with any luck."
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Oh no you don't," she says, rising from her meditative position. "I know how these stories go! First, a couple disappears. Then more and more people, and I get left all alone and everyone is now a zombie! I'm coming with you!"
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > "How the hell did zombies become part of it," Stopping by the door, "I don't really mind if you come, but zombies?"
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Our town was hit by zombies once! You never expect them, and suddenly, there they are!" Seira gestures with her arms for good measure.
[20:23] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Rising out from the ground like in all the stories?" Serge opens the door, as the two head out again.
01[20:23] <Seira> "From the crypts, more like, but yes," Seira responds, launching into the rousing tale of zombie hunting in Balmuria.
[20:28] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> As Seira gets to the point about hunting the streets with Lyselle in the dark, ghoul infested night, the two are turning the corner. Rods and J are just coming around as they do. J is stomping along, simmering with uncontrolled pique. Rods is half smiling, though keeping a wide distance from J.
01[20:29] <Seira> Tempting as it is to intervene, Seira lets Serge handle the no-doubt happy reuinion.
[20:31] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Come on," Serge says without missing a beat, "I'll go out and round up something to drink." He says something to her as he approaches, low and under his voice.
06[20:31] * Seira waves, for her part. "So, drinks are in order?" she asks, coming closer.
[20:33] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Yeah, sure," J says darkly.
[20:33] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> Rods hurries along, "I'll catch up," he says, going off down a side alley.
01[20:34] <Seira> "Great! Hope you guys have something unique to these parts. I might just take a bit back with me!"
[20:38] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> Serge, for this part, looks back to Seira. "A fair bit of dwarven meads and spirits, mostly. The local brews are mostly dark ales."
01[20:39] <Seira> "It would be nice to see how that stuff measures up to our variants." Seira nods thoughtfully. "Don't misunderstand, this is professional interest! It's not that I want to get drunk or anything!"
[20:39] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Right," Serge can't seem to help but nod sagely. "A purely PROFESSIONAL INTEREST."
01[20:40] <Seira> "That's right!"
[20:45] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> The three head past the safehouse and down a few streets. Here in a quiet little alley you are lead into a door open tavern. It's warmer in here, one long bar dominating the rectangular barroom. A few barflies are about, but otherwise it's mostly empty. I's reasonably clean for it's sort of thing - no visible rats or bugs nor any hugely unpatable smells.
06[20:47] * Seira would have been quite upset had vermin been infesting an establishment she decided to grace with her presence, and such things far too often end in fire. She follows the others, merely intending to relax and, perhaps, listen to a few of the juicier rumors.
03[20:49] * Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan is now known as Kotono
[20:55] <Kotono> The barkeep is a brute of a man, bald headed and with a glass eye in place of his left eye. "Something nice and strong," J tosses a few silver coins on the bar, rattling on the well worn wood. The barkeep eyes them, scooping them up. "Huh, strange coins. The design-Oh damn, you're alive?" Looking J and then Serge over with his one good eye even as the money vanishes into his pocket, "I heard you three got blown all the way to Gehenna."
[20:55] <Kotono> "I heard you three got blown all the way to Gehenna."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Not from a lack of trying," Serge sits down comfortably, "Rods is fine too, he's dealing with something else. The coins are from well to the east, past the jungle. Don't worry, they're pure."
01[20:56] <Seira> "Of course they are!" Seira insists. "Waukeen would punish those trying to tamper with them!"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Got a half elf with you too? Past the jungles? Hot damn," As he comes with three mugs of a dark ale, "Glad to hear you're alive. Dead customers don't keep spending money.
[20:58] <Kotono> "
06[20:59] * Seira gives Serge a meaningful glance at those words.
[21:00] <Kotono> J takes a drink from her mug, a rather long one. "Yeah. Long ass story, we got thrown hellishly far."
[21:01] <Kotono> Serge looks right back at Seira. "Yeah, most of the time," he mutters.
06[21:02] * Seira laughs, and sees for herself what they consider a strong beverage around these parts.
[21:04] <Kotono> It's quite strong. It tastes very deep and earthy, faintly of mushrooms. "Eh?" The barkeep shakes his head, "Nevermind." He shuffles a stool behind hte bar, going to sit as well. "There's not shit going on today, but you know that. Most of the regulars are off on summer business. Mathias is in town, though. Had an escort mission go wrong, he's been in a piss poor mood all week. Oh yeah, and old Grent finally got a two foot deep burial. Hear
[21:04] <Kotono> Oh yeah, and old Grent finally got a two foot deep burial. Heard some bandits up in the mountains did him in."
[21:05] <Kotono> J laughs out loud. "Asshole," she says over her drink. "You can't stop with the jokes even after he buys a plot?"
01[21:05] <Seira> At the mention of bandits, Seira gets sad and nostalgic. There was a time they proved a challenge. Unfortunately, that time has passed.
[21:06] <Kotono> "He went out as he lived, short, foul tempered and unlucky," Bowing his head in reverence, or perhaps something close to it, "He kept going even when he got too old for this work. He wanted to die in the field, so be it."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Speaking of business, how has it been doing?" Serge asks after taking a light sip of his own drink.
06[21:07] * Seira is interested in that as well. "Yeah, anything happening around here?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "King's still doddering along and that means good business," The barkeep lowers his voice here a little. "Most of it's been snapped up. Escorts, cleaning up articularly uppity bandits or warlords, that sort of thing, along with the normal odds and ends."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Anything about Prince Albert," J says between tasting drinks of her booze. "Him in particular, not Prince Kort or any of the rest.":
01[21:15] <Seira> "Just how many of them are there?" Seira asks Serge quietly, listening to the barkeep's answer.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Albert? Not a thing that matters. Heard he's knocking uglies with some knight's daughter these days. Ah, to be able to chase rich pussy all day," With an openly wistful sigh, "Instead I have to work fairly hard to get poor girls."
[21:16] <Kotono> Lowering his voice, "A fair few. Ic an give you a run down later," Serge whispers back.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Poor baby." Putting her mug down, "Gimme some water, thirsty." As she does, a small handful of gold coins are put down for it. "You know the drill."
[21:17] <Kotono> The coins vanish in an instant, "Albert who?" he murmurs back, stopping to bring J a glass of water.
01[21:18] <Seira> "Not a fan?" Seira asks J. "Or a pretty huge fan?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Don't worry about it right now,"J says, then in a low voice, "Go find some mugs to polish for a coupla minutes," she say sto the barkeep, who does exactly that. Once he's out of earshot, "Alicia told us the dear Prince is up to all sorts of nasty things with Shar's church. Shit, if we can bring that out and do it right, we could be fucking made."
[21:20] <Kotono> "And if we do it wrong, we'll get shortened by a head." Serge says in a very low, soft voice.
01[21:22] <Seira> "Oh, I see," Seira says brightly, if quietly. "Is Albert liked? As in, would anyone care much if he just met an unfortunate accident?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "He's tolerated. He's a Prince and hasn't done anything to make the rest of us hate him." J says this with a shrug, "He's not the next in line for the Crown, that's Prince Kort then two Princesses if they choose to try for it, so who cares about a lifelong Prince?"
01[21:25] <Seira> "Sucks to be him," Seira mutters. "So, you guys think you have a shot at exposing him? If it's a decent one, I'll pitch in."
[21:27] <Kotono> "I don't have a clue," Serge leans against the bar, "Assuming Alicia's information is right...though I think it is, since she came to us with it and knew the right names, which isn't likely otherwise..." He pauses there, before he nods. "Yeah, it's probably at least mostly right. Anyway, it depends on what we can dig up. If this asshole's not an idiot he's going to use his position to keep his deviancy as well hidden as he can. Plus he taug
[21:28] <Kotono> to keep his deviancy as well hidden as he can. Plus he taught that fucker behind that massacre in Erenholm all his stuff. So he's a dangerous as well as a Prince and an asshole."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Assuming he's not done the old corrupt the entire scene behind the scenes routine," J makes a face at that. "I don't like our odds if we have to face the entire fucking army."
01[21:30] <Seira> "The best way to resolve this is to ask him, I think," Seira suggests. "There might be an entire network of likeminded nobles or even royalty."
[21:30] <Kotono> Sputtering on her drink, coughing and then leaning forward towards Seira, "ASK him? Fucking Mystra, do you think I should just cut my own throat beforehand? It would save him the time of getting us killed!"
06[21:31] * Seira shrugs at J. "An army is not a problem, I could probably take it down without heavy losses on their side. But the other part... yeah, could be troublesome."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Down J," Serge whispers. "Let's back up here. Even if we -can- take the entire army, I'd rather do this without having to do that."
01[21:33] <Seira> "Yeah, it would get old real fast," Seira agrees, nodding. "So I'm thinking, let's ask Albert extra nicely. I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. Then we'll know for sure."
[21:35] <Kotono> "Seriously?" Serge looks back to Seira now, "First of all, we'll have to manage to meet him. Easier said than done, though I'm sure we could whip up some bullshit. Second of all, what will asking serve us?"
06[21:36] * Seira blinks. "Like I was saying, we'll know who else is involved?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "What I'm not seeing is why the hell he'd tell us anything. Once he's done laughing he'll have us escorted out if we're lucky." Eyeing Seira, "Do you think he's just going to tell us his entire setup here if we ask him?"
01[21:41] <Seira> "It depends on how we're asking, but first we'll have to show him that he has already lost. That's where the problem lies." Seira sighs. "So troublesome. Let's take this one step at a time, and first find out where his newest girl is?"
[21:42] <Kotono> Serge is quiet for a few moments, "Alright. Let's wait for Rods to get back and we can talk this over at home. WE'll hash out the details then."
[21:43] <Kotono> J looks to Seira, "Gutsy." It's all she says, downing her water.
01[21:44] <Seira> "So, how difficult would it be to find a silver mirror of a thousand gold in worth or so?" Seira asks J.
[21:45] <Kotono> "Not impossible. I have a few contacts for that sort of thing. Gimme a few days and I can get you one."
06[21:46] * Seira nods. "As long as no one connects the sudden demand for one with our target, it's all good." She finishes her mug. "This sounds like a fun diversion."

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Kotono> -----------
[20:01] <Kotono> Okay, you're going to spend a few days gathering info under various guises, yes? What are you going to be asking around for?
01[20:03] <Seira> Basic info on Al and whether there's another royal who might have problems with him.
[20:05] <Kotono> Okay. Roll a gather info check?
[20:05] <Kotono> ----
05[20:05] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:05] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[20:05] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[20:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 13." [1d20=3]
[20:07] <Kotono> Seira spends a day in disguises, chatting around. She finds the following information:
[20:09] <Kotono> From the highest, fancy tea and wine gardens to the simplist, slummy buildings about town, Seira finds a few basic facts. Prince Albert Kesse is not in direct line for the throne and thus not all that much of an attention-hog compared to his brother, Prince Kort Kesse. Albert is mostly a playboy from all reports, though Seira doesn't get any solid information after a day of work. She does, however, get an impression of the city. (More)
[20:09] <Kotono> get any solid information after a day of work. She does, however, get an impression of the city. (More)
[20:12] <Kotono> The entire city is packed into the thick walls. There's very little free space since expansion looks to be difficult. While there are general trends to the affluance of city areas, there's often quite a bit of mixing. There seem to bes ufficient guards about to prevent anything too out of control, though not particularly thick on the ground or anything. There's a few dwarves about, not getting much attention for being dwarves. The flag of t
[20:12] <Kotono> There's a few dwarves about, not getting much attention for being dwarves. The flag of the nation seems to be of a pair of mountains with a river running through the center, seen on city buildings and here and there. OOC - Ball's in your court if you want to try again or do something else.
01[20:18] <Seira> The next day Seira dresses up as a traveler and spends it carefully steering conversations towards far lands which might well be a myth to some. The United Baronies get a special interest from her, here, although information about their neighbours is also important.
[20:19] <Kotono> OOC: Steering the conversation towards places lik teh Baronies, Desert Fiefdoms, Kelara, ect al?
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: I want to know what they know about us, yes
03[20:19] * yippie-kay-yay-melonfarmer-slp is now known as Demedais
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: Without making it seem like I'm focusing unduly on the Baromies
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: Roll again, sure.
01[20:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19." [1d20=9]
03[20:20] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:21] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:24] <Kotono> There's really not much. Seira drifts along, chatting travelers and barkeeps and the like up. She finds one old, salty traveler with an eyepatch, white hair and a limp. When the lands past the jungles come up, the two sharing drinks in a too-quiet for the amount of people in it bar, "Are you from there?" he asks, "Somewhere past the jungles?"
01[20:27] <Seira> "From somewhere in between," Seira responds so casually she might as well have been telling the truth. "Far enough from here to hear wondrous tales about the desert and the frost."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Huh." he pulls down on his drink, "I knew someone who said he was from a place named Malmuth, years and years ago. The names you rattled off sound the same. But you almost never hear anything about them - jungle's a graveyard for those who are curious, and the sea trip is just as dangerous."
06[20:30] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "You'd think it's due to the elements, too, but then you take a boat and then you're under attack. It's almost a relief when it's just the pirates, and not something worse."
[20:31] <Kotono> "If you're looking to head that way, I'd make your will up." Drinking again, "My friend tried to get me to come back with him, but I wasn't aving any part of that suicide trip."
01[20:32] <Seira> "Was that long ago?" Seira asks. "I might be interested, if I had someone to make the trip with me."
[20:34] <Kotono> "15 years?" He says after another drink. The bar really is quiet - there's a lot of decently dressed people about and a few not too rugged adventurer-sorts. All of them seem to keep to their own conversations in a low tone. "If you're looking for company, good luck. It's known by the mercenaries and the like as the last trip you'll ever take. I hope you have enough gold to make men take big risks."
01[20:41] <Seira> "So what does a mercenary do around here, when they're not being asked to take on huge risks?"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Drink, eat, talk, rest up, resupply. City's usually pretty quiet, even with King Denegren on the way out." His voice is quite low here, keeping it to a near murmur. "Imagine it as the homebase for a few hundred men who are willing to kill, search, loot, protect and more for money. Things get out of hand and bad things occur, but..."
01[20:46] <Seira> The situation must be interesting indeed if everyone is discussing regime change once you drink a bit with them. Politely thanking the aged traveler for the conversation, Seira decides to touch base with her local allies.
[20:48] <Kotono> That evening, the three and Seira are in the safe house. It's been marginally cleaned up and a few kegs have been added in. Lounging around, J puts her feet up on the table as she listens to Seira. "Oh yeah, Serge was saying we needed to go over the royal family again. Game for that?"
01[20:49] <Seira> "Sure. Sometimes, the direct approach works. If one of them worshipped Waukeen, why, we would have this in the bag!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "This isnt' like Balmuria," Sitting besides J, Rods puts his own feet up next to hers. With a scowl she brushes them off, "Don't do that, it's rude," she says, even as she doesn't turn away from Seira. "Religion isn't such a massive deal as it is over there. There's still some - ask old Serge about Kossuth - but the royal family doesn't have any hereditary or strong ties to a religious temple. The King goes to the temple of Kelemvor some la
[20:52] <Kotono> The King goes to the temple of Kelemvor some lately, butw hy the hell not? He's about to go croak."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Hey, you have your feet up there!" Rods protests, "What the fuck?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Serge loudly clears his throat, sitting ab it away from it all on one of the beds. "Act less like children, both of you. Anyway, it's not to say religion isn't existant here, but it's much more subdued."
06[20:54] * Seira rolls her eyes at the antics. "Yeah, I get that. But us followers of Waukeen, we share an understanding. And I've yet to meet a stupid one." In her heart, Seira adds in prayer, 'And may I never do.'
[20:57] <Kotono> "Yeah, but Waukeen's based all on trade and travel." Serge rests on his back now, hands supporting his head up. "You get to the jungle and travel's impeded. Just because you worship Waukeen over there, doesn't mean you'll agree completely with them over here. I did a bit of looking into Kossuth over in Balmuria, besides that one incident with the crazy wizard, and some of the doctrine was a bit off compared to what I knew."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Eh," Rods glances back at him, "I wondered what you were up to when you weren't mooning over your knight in shining armor."
01[20:59] <Seira> "Yes. That unfortunate incident," Seira mutters, before shaking her head. "Anyway, I really need to know some basics. Like do you guys actually have any members beyond your place," she says, nodding at Serge, "and if the current King or that crown prince are into religion more than most. One of them following Mystra would give us just the right edge."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Prince Kort, eh...Well wait, let's start with the royal rundown." Rods sends another venomous glare at J's feet, "There's Prince Kort, next in line for the throne. Kinda a wallflower from everything I hear, but he's in good shape. Likes to hunt and get drunk out on the hunts according to the stories. The only religion he's followed is how to be a middling king as far as I know."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Thank you for the added commentary," J rolls her eyes, "There's two Princesses after him, though they aren't automatically in line for the throne. Princess Giselle and Princess Armanda."
01[21:03] <Seira> "Any reason they're not? In line, that is?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "The succession law. See, a princess isn't barred from the throne according to the letter of the law...but they're not included in the official line of succession, either," J snorts now, "Since Princesses are supposed to be pretty and turn into royal baby machines. "Of course, a Princess with enough power and ambition can challenge that...or if there's no other heir, they can take the throne. Queen Deliah was a good queen who took the thron
[21:05] <Kotono> Queen Deliah was a good queen who took the throne from her idiot brother, and Queen-Regent Pacficia the Bloody was the only child of the king when he died prematurely."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Think of them more as royal insurance when the current King does a bad job of sowing his royal oats," Serge pipes up.
01[21:07] <Seira> "And are they good, subservient baby-churning machines, or there's a spark in any of those two?"
[21:10] <Kotono> "Giselle's been off in a mountain home. It's an open secret that she got knocked up a few times as a teenager." Coughing delicately here, "Bastards of the sort that's not tolerated...a stablehand and a petty courtier. Heard she's back in the castle now, though. Probably because dear old King Denegren's close to his end."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Armanda's a decent sort. A bit of a tomboy like J," Rods flicks her shoulder with his fingers, "You could put your feet down," he challenges, before, "Anyway, "Not very ladylike but she's not slept with half the palace, so she's far more in favor with her father."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Speaking of Giselle..." A shake of his head, "The reason the men who did the deed are known is because the two were 'privately' exiled from the country, though apparently no one in the court could stop from gossiping that one over."
01[21:12] <Seira> "So that one's off, and the kingdom's probably doomed some twnety year into the future when one of the bastards raises an army to claim his birthright," Seira muses. "Armanda sounds like my kind of princess, though. Except for the name."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Then there's Prince Albert," Serge continues then. "The playboy that has a good smile and gets along well. Rich, connected, male. He's set for life in Kesse."
[21:15] <Kotono> "There's another princess and three more princes," Rods adds, "Don't forget them, but hell, after awhile, ti's hard to keep all the idle rich royalty straight. Denegren certainly knew how to treat his lovers right."
01[21:16] <Seira> "Isn't it just not fair that a girl sleeps around and she's a slut, but in the prince it's an admirable trait?"
06[21:16] * Seira frowns. "For that alone I want to set him on fire."
[21:17] <Kotono> "I could sleep around with six women on J-OW!" Rods winces as his head is smacked, going up to rub it, "And I'd be a stud. A woman does it and she's a dirty strumpet whore. That's life." With another shrug there, "Besides," Grinning at Seira and J, "Women should stay at home, be barefoot, and watch the kids."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Dont' rise to the bait," Serge says quickly. "ANYWAY."
01[21:20] <Seira> "Your life must be so hard," Seira tells Serge sympathetically.
[21:21] <Kotono> "There's Princess Manara. She's just out of childhood and looks cute at formal functions. That's about it. As for the Princes? Prince Dolfuss, Prince Kenneth and Prince Denegren. He'll be Denegren the second if he ever takes the throne." Rubbing his forehead, "It is the fires that Kossuth tempers my soul in. I think."
01[21:23] <Seira> "Prince Doofus?" Seira winces. "Yikes. I'll take Amanda with an R over that one."
[21:24] <Kotono> J crosses her arms and stares daggers at Rods, who grins back cheekily at her. As the two are distracted, "That's the rundown of them. The closest mercs like us get to them is standing out of the way when a carraige they're in is coming down the street."
01[21:25] <Seira> "Right. So let's get back to basic geography? What else is there aside from Kesse?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "To the south there's a few kingdoms and large dukedoms. Alhan is allied to Kesse and directly on our southeast border. They're related to our royal family through marraiges. Evrai is dead south and we're on bad terms with them, but they're quite good and keep a large enough standing military to ward off squashing them easily. To the east there's the ocean, though Kesse doesn't quite connect to it yet. There's a lot of free cities allied to
[21:30] <Kotono>  To the east there's the ocean, though Kesse doesn't quite connect to it yet. There's a lot of free cities and minor nobles allied to Kesse or in our power, but not annexed in." (More)
[21:33] <Kotono> "To the north there's more hills and eventually mountains immediately. The Dukedom of Sanaxt holds most of those lands. We've been at war and peace with them off and on for about two hundred years. Peace right now, since King Denegren's dying and their Duke's apparently focusing on the north and west instead of south on us. To the west, more mountains, mountain kingdoms and dwarves below."
01[21:36] <Seira> "Okay. So now comes a very important question. You mentioned religion and worship working differently around these parts. So what would cause a playboy prince -- or one pretending to be, to obfuscate his true nature -- tie his fate to Shar?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "That's the question worth the entire treasury of gold, isn't it?" Serge says spectulatively, lying back and staring up at the ceiling. "You don't just walk to a temple of Shar and ask to convert, either. My guess? He's either been given some sort of divine prodding, a priest turned him, or he's a really sick son of a bitch who found Shar instead of the other way."
[21:38] <Kotono> "That's just guesswork, though." J adds in, turning away from staring a hole into Rods' eyes. "To be honest, none of us know that much of cults of Shar around here. They're not one of the small estabished churches. There might be a solid movement that we don't knwo about. Isn't part of Shar's worship secrets and darkness and all of that?"
01[21:39] <Seira> "Oh, definitely," Seira agrees. "But you're looking at it from another direction. My question is far simpler." She mirrors J's position, resting her own feet on the table. "Here I am, a prince who can have everything. My old brother doesn't sound so hot, so I could take over without much trouble. Why Shar? What does she give me?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Yeah," Serge speaks up, "At least over in Balmuria from what literature I turned up. But...mph." Chewing his lip, "I can't answer that beyond weak guesses. None of us KNOW Albert. He's just another rich noble to us. I couldn't tell you what makes him get out of bed each morning or what keeps him going."
01[21:40] <Seira> "I couldn't really turn up any clues as to whether someone in the family doesn't like him particularly. Any chance either of you does?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "I could give you a few pointers for info sources that could help. You'll have to pay some money to grease the wheels, but it couldn't hurt," Serge says, "But no. Before this I figured Albert wasn't anyone of interest. No one seems to particulary hate him or much like him."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Troublesome," Seira mutters. "Alright. We have our preliminary information. Now, I need you guys to decide. Just how official do you want me to make it?"
[21:44] <Kotono> "Elaborate on that first," J says.
01[21:47] <Seira> "I could just walk in the front door as the official representative of the United Baronies, gain an audience with King Denegren and deliver our formal complaint. I won't even have to fake it; I have such authority at my disposal." Seira shrugs.
01[21:47] <Seira> "I could pick a royal to approach covertly, and I think you know which one I'd favor in that case, and try to work together with her to formulate a plan of action. Or I could just conceal my identity entirely for the remainder of my visit here. Or anything in between. Each approach has its pros and cons."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Well hell," Shaking his head, "Why not announce to Prince Albert that you're going to want to be exiled or executed," Serge shakes his head. "Unless you're absolutely, 500% certain you'll succeed, I'd play it low. We've talked it over as well and this is suited for more subtle means."
[21:49] <Kotono> "The problem is that one misstep goes bad, and the name United Baronies means jack and shit over here," J adds. "What are you going to do if they don't take you seriously? Declare war when you're ages of travel away?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "The plausibility of harm coming to me nonewithstanding," Seira responds, "such a plan would keep you three in the clear and safe, overall. Whatever happens, you won't be involved, even if there is a reprisal. Would I be taken seriously? Quite, as I can prove that part, at least. Would the court have reason to care?
01[21:51] <Seira> Not about Balmuria, but a rogue prince consorting with Shar and capable of such magics... it would be in their own best interests to deal with him."
[21:55] <Kotono> "If you can talk them into it," J says after some thought, "You're dripping confidence to try and go in there and pull that off, though."
01[21:57] <Seira> "Albert must have designs for Kesse," Seira states firmly. "That's my working assumption, and one without which not much makes sense. Therefore, even in the worst case scenario, a seed of mistrust, of doubt, would be left here. And Albert would have to work against that, while the people around him are bound to be that extra bit more wary.
01[21:57] <Seira> Of course, no one likes a plan with slim chances. What about option number two?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Depends on which royal," Rods thinks, getting up to get a drink of ale, "Which one got your fancy?"
01[21:59] <Seira> "Do you think I could get her to legally change her name?" Seira asks intently. "Amanda is just much prettier."
[22:00] <Kotono> Chuckling to himself, "Try away. Anyway, do you have a plan at getting in contact with her? I can take you by the castle tomorrow and show you the basics, but getting into see her will take more work."
01[22:01] <Seira> "J, how does the greater teleport spell work?"
[22:01] <Kotono> "You're thinking about teleporting right into the castle," J asks right back.
01[22:02] <Seira> "I'm thinking I just need to have a good idea in my mind of her bedroom, if there is no information about the schedule she keeps."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Fucking Kossuth," Rods grins, "You sure don't screw around. Get caught at it and you're asking to be seen as a spy or an assassin, though."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Pair it with invisibility," J adds, "Rods is right about that risk."
01[22:04] <Seira> "From where?" Seira asks innocently. "They haven't even heard of the Baronies here, isn't that right? I'll just teleport away, yelling, 'And that's what happens when you mess with Albert!'"
[22:04] <Kotono> "Oh." Smiling a little at that, "Sneaky, I like it. What exactly are you going to do in there. You're not going to..." J draws a line over her throat.
01[22:05] <Seira> "What, molest her in her sleep?" Seira asks. "Nah. I'll probably use the usual protections, too. Invisibility is always a good idea, unless I specifically know they watch for it. No one ever does, though."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Good luck, then," Serge says, "When are youg oing to try it?"
01[22:09] <Seira> "As soon as I have the right spells, if you three don't have a better idea. I tend to like to work with at least some facet of the local government. Even if everything goes badly, I'm reassured that the state knows about the problem and could take measures to resolve it on its own. Plus, it just builds friendships."
[22:17] <Kotono> "Right," A short nod by Serge, "Alright then. With that spell, you can just will to go there and you'll be there?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "There is a very slight chance I will miss, but I could always try again the next day," Seira responds, much like she did when they first discussed it in Balmuria. "We still need to decide on a few things. How hard would it be to get the right information about Albert's newest flame? Do any of you have any sources who could try to find out what's going on with him... those you can trust, of course?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "It'll take me a day or two, but I can call in favors," Serge says as he thinks.
01[22:23] <Seira> "If it's a question of money, I could supply some within reason," Seira muses. "Just keep in mind that most of my capital is invested, and only a fraction is truly fluid and available immediately. If it's a question of trust or risk, however, it's better to not alert our good friend of our intentions, even at the cost of reduced information."
[22:24] <Kotono> "The money's not that backbreaking, and we're well enough off right now," Serge says, "I trust these people...more or less."
06[22:25] * Seira nods. "Let's hope people realize enough that Shar is a bitch and it's ultimately pointless to bargain or deal with her. What else... you're keeping that mirror in mind, right? It might be important."
[22:26] <Kotono> "Yeah," J shifts her attention back to Seira, "I have one lined up to use. Friendly mage'll let you use it for 100 gold a spell."
01[22:27] <Seira> "A successful spell," Seira haggles with a smile. "You know how tricky divinations can be."
[22:29] <Kotono> "When will you need it, and I'll see about the haggling," J responds.
06[22:31] * Seira snorts. "Okay. Doubt I'll need it before we find out more. And back to you three, once more. Just how far are you going with this? All the way? I can't help but remember that if all else fails I have a home to return to, while this is yours."
[22:32] <Kotono> "I'd prefer not to hang, but let's be honest. If this goes well, we could be set for life," Rods shakes his bearded face here, "High risk, high rewards. If it's not possible to topple it for gain and fame, I was going to play things cooler and for the long game."
06[22:33] * Seira glances at J and Serge in turn.
[22:34] <Kotono> J nods after a moment. For Serge, "I wasn't going to do anything that could trace to us. I wasn't planning on walking in and ending this in a few days. I pegged it as a long term project that we only conclude when we have safe as steel evidence and support."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Then that would be one of our options," Seira agrees. "If that's how things turn out, I'll make a series of short-ranged jumps on my way home, so that I could follow up even with a regular teleport later on. Sendings and the like would allow us to stay in touch, if we simply can't do anything about this problem in the short term."
[22:44] <Kotono> "That sounds good," Serge says at last. "If Albert's capable behind his basic apperance, this may not be solved so easily. Jobs never go that smoothly, especially big ones."
06[22:47] * Seira blinks. "It's quite possibly an overestimation of his true abilities, but if you heard the same story I did from Alicia, then you must know he has access to magic more powerful than in my possession. Even a complete fool with such spells presents a difficult target."

[Corwin]

[19:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: So you're going to rest that night, change spells and...what are you going to do the next morning?
01[19:16] <Seira> It would be nice if they told me a bit more about my target, but I'm good with assuming they did and me knowing random minor stuff about her if I need them.
[19:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Armanda's pretty much a tomboy is what you'll gather from them. A bit adventurous, likes to see things. Moderately attractive but not stunning, too lean. Hasn't had any seen relationships or the like, but old Dad's fading so who knows there?  Things like that, her more personal aspects aren't really seen much because she's royalty and distant from the riff-raff.
01[19:23] <Seira> Okay. Any chance for a good desc of her chambers, like from stories her maids might have? She's a royal, she doesn't know the meaning of privacy.  >_>
[19:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> You'd need to scour for information. Despite Rods perhaps wishing it once or twice, none of them have really ahd a chance to become aquanted with her bedchambers.
01[19:32] <Seira> A day will be spent using invisibility and spamming clairvoyance at the empty windows of the castle to get a better understanding of its layout. I might get lucky with it, too.
01[19:32] <Seira> My range with the spell is some 900ft
01[19:33] <Seira> 960, to be exact
[19:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Okay. How many castings of clairvoyance can you have?
01[19:35] <Seira> I have 9 spots of lvl3+ spells and a recast, so 10 total
[19:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Okay.
[19:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ---
[19:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira cloaks herself to be unseen and heads to the castle. It's near the center of the town, a heavy stone building sealed off by a moat, with a drawbridge and the like. It's much like a microcosm of the city itself, the moat around it, then a wall, then presumably the castle grounds inside, but the wall is too high to casually see over it. People come and go, occasionally guards lowering and opening the drawbridge to let people pass.
03[19:38] * Celenu (WinNT@user-54444727.lns3-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[19:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> People come and go, occasionally guards lowering and opening the drawbridge to let people pass. From pennants the flag of Kesse flies, a pair of mountains with a river through the middle.
06[19:42] * Seira is not without a moderate knowledge of architecture, and chooses to approach the side of the castle most likely used to house its royal owners. One of the windows there would be a good place to use her first divination, while remaining a safe distance and invisible, too far from other people to be overheard.
[19:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Make an K:A check then?
[19:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Architexture that is.
01[19:43] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 25?
[19:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> While not being able to see over the castle wall makes guessing difficult, Seira knows most castles keep the royal chambers deep in the center of the castle. Nice, warm, well protected, that sort of thing. Unless they're big fan of castle towers, but you don't see any particularly large ones about.
[19:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Casting, Seira gets an eagle eyed view of the castle! It's in the shape of many rectangles, squares and circles melded together over time. It looks like it's expanded over the years. The castle is three stories with two towers in the center that go another two stories. The bulk of the castle's center is  agreat big square of hewn stone, with smaller buildings and wings connected. Just past the drawbridge is quite a large courtyard, so
[19:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> with smaller buildings and wings connected. Just past the drawbridge is quite a large courtyard, some detached stables and other buildings in it. There are a few big, deep wells in the sides of the courtyard as well.
[19:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The courtyard is just past the drawbrige and past the moat/wall.
06[19:56] * Seira dismisses the first magical sensor from her mind, and summons another to take a loot within one of the central tower, going for what must be its top floor. A simple calculation of how thick the walls must be, with a safety margin, and she calls upon her magic once more.
01[19:56] <Seira> *look, bah
[19:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Inside of the top floor is a single large room. The windows inside are reasonably large, contrasting the more slit like windows on the lower floors of the castle. Here several younger guards are about, sitting in chairs and peering out over the city. They chatter as they do, eight of them in total. OTherwise the room has a table with a few maps on it - looks like maps of the city.
06[19:59] * Seira takes a casual look at the maps for any differences from those shown to her by Serge earlier.
[20:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> They look like very detailed maps. They have long pages of notes attached, as well as the names of the various shops/buildings and what floors each are on. It looks very detailed. It's not starkly different, merely far more elaborated and grand. Someone spent a lot of time onthis.
[20:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The pub where J paid off the barkeep is noted. The safehouse the mercs used are listed in a block or 'homes/some abandoned'.
01[20:03] <Seira> Nice. Seira's next sensor seeks to appear in the very center of the cube, around shoulder height for what would be the ground level.
[20:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Caster levle check?
01[20:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 33." [1d20=19]
[20:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+7
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+7 and gets 9." [1d20=2]
[20:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The throne room! Seira's gaze can take it in. Soldiers stand on guard in a line leading up to the throne. Here an old man sits, face drawn and pale. He wears soft clothes and an ermine cape, a heavy gold crown sitting on his head. A pair of men in noble's clothing kneel before him, speaking. It looks normal enough...except for that the throne His Majesty sits on is made of beautiful wood and gold. Frop atop it, above the king's head,
[20:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> except for that the throne His Majesty sits on is made of beautiful wood and gold. Frop atop it, above the king's head, the insignia of an eye begins to radiate light.
01[20:12] <Seira> Interesting. Seira decides to observe the progress of their detection systems, while checking to see which royals are in attendance besides the king.
[20:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The king says something, his color turning worse. The guards stiffen to attention, a three-set of them running off after the King commands. There don't look to be any other royals in the throne room right now - though this changes within a half minute. A man with pasty, delicate features hurries in, wearing noble's clothes as well. He briefly bows to the King, before talking with him briefly. His gaze goes to the glowing eye, quite vi
[20:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> quite visibly mouthing, 'How dare someone spy on us?'
06[20:18] * Seira can never understand why royals think they are above it. What's a little scrying between friends? She decides to continue watching the show.
[20:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Soon after another man comes in. He's a tall man with a limp, a wooden foot noted. His features are drawn as he looks about, murmuring a few words, tossing white and silver powder into the air! He points right at the sensor for clairvoyance!
01[20:30] <Seira> If Seira could wave back at him, she would.
[20:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The man makes more gestures, casting a spell!
[20:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+8
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+8  and gets 20." [1d20=12]
[20:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> But nothing seems to happen! The spellcaster shakes his head, the King straining to stand up. He says a few quick, sharp words, before falling back onto his throne.  They're easy enough to lip read: "Find the diviner behind this!'
01[20:36] <Seira> This is quickly getting boring for Seira. It managed to establish that the official magical strength of the crown is probably not enough to seriously oppose her, but little else. If no one rushes into the throne room within the minute, or no interesting new spells are cast, she'll let this sensor fade as well.
[20:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The King stays on the throne, while another enters. He is tall, young, well kept. HIs body is in reasonably good shape, wearing full plate armor. The symbol of Kesse is over the front breastplate - two mountains split by a river. He speaks to the King without bowing, "Father, by your leave, you are not well. If the Eye of the Throne has detected a problem, I would like to have it dealt with."
[20:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The king coughs, his lips easy to read as his words are slower and more carefully spoken. "Kort...do as you will." he says.
01[20:41] <Seira> And Seira's interest returns! She's heard of Albert's exploits. Is this prince also someone who attained power of his own, or just a man that relies on his father's status?
[20:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Father," He nods to him once more, turning and leaving the throne room.
01[20:42] <Seira> Not a wizard, then. Seira terminates the connection, and relocates discreetly, deciding to study another part of the cube.
06[20:46] * Seira puts on both rings of teleportation, for good measure.
[20:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira chooses another part of the cube! This time she finds herself in what looks to be a large dining hall. Tapestries and flags hang on the walls, the table clean and empty. Not much going on here right now, just a few servants sweeping the floor and looking miserably bored. A few doors are here - one's open and looks to connect right to some kitchens.
06[20:48] * Seira tries other parts of the cube, attempting to learn the layout of it, so that she would be able to make sense of it even without a map, if she were forced to navigate it on foot.
[20:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The next five scryings show her that the cube is quite big indeed. She sees a grand hall, a storage closet(Bad luck there), a connecting passage(Looks like there's a web of winding passages that connect everything here and stairs that go up to the higher stories), and oh! A bedroom on the fourth try. A rather nice one - a grand bed and immaculately clean. A harp sits in a corner, a velvet couch and divan as well. A vast flag with the
[20:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A harp sits in a corner, a velvet couch and divan as well. A vast flag with the symbol of Kesse hangs on one wall. A bookshelf is lined with books.
06[20:53] * Seira has the time to examine the titles of the books as well as she can from her vantage point, and takes it.
[20:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Most of the books are in common, though a few are in dwarven, a couple in elven and even one in celestial. Maps and histories of KEsse and the surrouding areas, a treatise on how to lead and rule well, stories of noble warriors, a genology book of the Kessian royal family, dwarven works on dwarven culture, an elven study titled to be about song and dance, and the book in celestial is about rising above the mundane and improving the wo
[20:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> and the book in celestial is about rising above the mundane and improving the world around you.
[20:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> There's also a desk with some papers on it, a few doors leading to other rooms and one that's ajar that looks to be a large closet and so forth. Nothing that immediately identifies the owner of the room on a glance.
01[20:59] <Seira> Her invisibility spells are about to run out at this rate, only a single casting remaining, and Seira decides to adjust her appearance and clothing to that of a maid she had seen hanging around the kitchens, looking bored, and steps into the room!
01[20:59] <Seira> roll 1d100 TP
06[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 TP and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[21:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira appears in the room! It's well lit by a few discreet torches and lamps. No one else is here, no sign of anything awry.
01[21:02] <Seira> As her invisibility spell leaves her, Seira gives the room a cursory search. It would be nice to learn who uses it, after all, and see if there is any sign of the schedule they keep. Her only desire is to leave no overt traces of her search.
01[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+25 search?
06[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 search? and gets 26." [1d20=1]
[21:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Taking her time, Seira searches the room. On the desk she finds a few papers. They're orders, signed by Prince Kort Kesse. They're for mundane things, left to dry and covered. One is to have a soldier demoted for the Prince catching him asleep athis post, another is for a special dinner to be prepared in a few day's time. Nothing too exciting. Otherwise, in one of the drawers there is a golden seal-stamp. It's of the symbol of Kesse a
[21:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Otherwise, in one of the drawers there is a golden seal-stamp. It's of the symbol of Kesse and looks well made. Next to the bed on a small table with little drawers is a sack of heavy golden coins. In the closet are many rich silk and fancy clothes.
06[21:08] * Seira blinks. Royal life must be even less glamorous than she thought, if they make the rounds and personally oversee the demotion of common troops.
06[21:10] * Seira listens at the door for almost a full minute, next. If there are any guards stationed outside it, she figures she has a decent chance to hear them chat or shuffle.
[21:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Listen check?
01[21:10] <Seira> OOC: Can I spam them for 20?
[21:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: If you like.
01[21:11] <Seira> OOC: Sure. That would be... 20, I think.
01[21:11] <Seira> OOC: Ah, got a +2
[21:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Taking her time and listening, Seira can eventually hear something through the door. It's highly muffled, but she can make out conversation distantly. It's not that close, or there's more than just the door obscuring it. She can't really make out what they're saying.
01[21:13] <Seira> Well, then. Time for this comely maid to be on her way! Picking and then piling on a few clothes that look like they could stand being laundered, Seira opens the door into the corridor.
[21:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door out is not into a corridor, but to another room. This room has a vast fireplace and enough seats to sit thirty. Good seats, rich seats, soft seats. Yet is is quiet, only another door ahead. Paintings are hung here, a few selected books left on a table near the fireplace.
06[21:16] * Seira takes a brief inventory of the books, before listening at the door. If there are guards here after all, she might rethink her strategy.
[21:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A book of elven poetry, a book of philosphy, a book of Divine Right and rulership. Listening at the door, Seira can hear conversation much better now. "...him that I wasn't going to put up with that," A bored voice says, nasal and clogged. Another answers that, "Yes, that's nice," he says, distance ane dripping, gushing boredom.
06[21:19] * Seira decides to listen in for now!
[21:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Now then, when this cold is over? I'll go eat ten girls!" He says grandly, while the other yans, "That's nice..." he repeats, and then another comment by the nasal-toned one, "Ale and whores, my wageswill be put to good use!"
01[21:28] <Seira> Change of plans! Seira returns to Kort's inner chambers, carefully replaces the items she borrowed, and tries another divination! It is rather likely that his siblings would be staying nearby, and so she takes a glance at the suite next door, or where she estimates one to be, given that she can now tell for certain how these suites are built and the thickness of the inner walls.
[21:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The next room is the room of a Princess. That there is of no doubt. It is a woman's room - softly lit and delicate, a large mirror and dresses hung about. It is quite clean, though one of the door is ajar and light comes from it.
06[21:39] * Seira waits a minutes to see if anything changes, while preparing to cast the spell again.
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> After about a half minute, the ajar door opens! In comes a woman with lustrous brown hair, like chestnuts. It's long and daintily kept down to her lower back. She wears a brown length of cloth across her body, obviously quite wet and dripping, as if coming from the bath. Two women follow her, maids going to one of the dresses and inspecting it as the woman sits down. She sits heavily on her bed, her face a composed, distant thing. As
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> her face a composed, distant thing. As one prepares a dress, the other gets a hairbrush of white ivory and gemstones, starting to stroke the woman's hair out. From the description, she's likely Princess Giselle.
01[21:44] <Seira> She's getting closer! Fun though it might be to watch the princess get pampered, Seira tries the suite past Giselle's.
[21:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> This suite - well, there's something going on, alright. Prince Kort is in here, talking toa  woman wearing man's clothing. She wears a nobleman's clothes, albiet cut well to flatter her form. With her brown hair tied back into a ponytail, she's talking to the armored Prince.
01[21:48] <Seira> Excellent! Seira certainly hopes they oblige her by positioning themselves just so relative the sensor that she could read their lips!
[21:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No such luck for Kort - his back is facing the sensor. You get a look at the other one, though. "...thing is silly," she says. "If anyone dared..."
01[21:50] <Seira> Unfortunate, but she'll do her best to construct the rest of the conversation from just one half of it.
[21:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Kort says something here, perhaps, the other woman stopping her speech before she nods to him, lowering her head with blazing eyes. "Yes, brother. Will this be a trifling matter then?"
[21:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Another pause, as the woman keeps her head down. This obscures her mouth from view for a time before she raises it, entirely controlled. "It's your order," she says.
[21:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Kort then turns away, walking out of th eroom. Once he's gone, the woman goes to her bed and sits on it a moment, running a hand through her bangs.
06[21:56] * Seira doesn't have much time, if he is headed back to his rooms. The logical, sensible thing to do here would be to return to the hideout and recover her spells. Seira, of course, would have none of that! She adjusts her features and clothing to match Kort's, as she had just seen him.
01[21:56] <Seira> Once she has seen Kort leave the suite altogether, she spends ten seconds waiting and teleports into the room he had just vacated. Ideally, it would be empty, and she could proceed towards Princess Armanda's bedroom from there.
[22:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira so teleports! Shifting her guise into a far more male one, she enters into the room. The woman there looks back, "Brother, what is it?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "A question on a hypothetical matter," Seira says quietly, observing Armanda. "If someone from outside the kingdom were to seek the aid of its royalty on an urgent matter, but couldn't go through the official channels, what should they do?"
[22:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Armanda blinks at that, standing up from her bed. She moveds well, a sort of fluid in shapeness. "I would think that.." she pauses, before just smiling. "It would depend on what it was? Why such a strange question?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "Alright, then. A scenario." Seira leans against the doorframe, mindful of her illusion lest she cast doubts upon it with her actions. "If a diplomatic incident could be triggered that might lead to war if an official mission were dispatched to Kesse, but the matter was important and time-critical, too much so to go through the lengthy process of intermediaries.
01[22:12] <Seira> What would you do, were you in the messenger's shoes?"
[22:17] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Find someone in power or position to speed the matter along," Armanda answers after some thought, looking at her brother neutrally. "Was it the dogs in Sanaxt?"
01[22:22] <Seira> "Ah, no." Seira looks embarrassed, which must seems strange with Kort's borrowed face. "I had the same idea, see, but I've been too rash about implementing it. You see, I've decided to seek you out to see if this not-at-all-hypothetical matter could be resolved.
01[22:22] <Seira> I really hope that I haven't made a mistake in trusting you because I used my last spell to get here and leaving quietly would be quite a quandary." Seira pauses. "Is this the part where you let me explain the situation, or the part where you call for guards? Not to make your decisions for you or anything of the sort, but you could always call for the guards later if you don't like my explanation, Highness."
03[22:22] * Taishyr is now known as everydaysgreatatyourjunes
[22:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I see..." Looking downward, "Come here then," she pats the bed besides her. "We can talk. You've gone to great lengths to reach me, haven't you? The Eye of the Throne's being stirred was your doing?"
01[22:25] <Seira> "An accident, really," Seira responds, shifting the disguise towards the standard one she keeps on as she takes a seat on the bed. "I so rarely get to exercise my divinations that I got a little carried away where a bit of legwork would have served me just as well. My sincere apologies for inadvertantly giving your father a hard time."
[22:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "A woman! I thought your voice was strange," Armanda says as Seira sits down, the Princess scooting closer. "An elf-child as well. For the sake of the royal family, you are excused. Speak then and tell me what is so important."
06[22:29] * Seira smiles. "I only wish the rest were as easy. This might be a bit difficult to take in, but I come from beyond the jungle. Quite a ways beyond it, in fact. From a land so distant it would be a pleasant surprise if you've heard of it. The United Baronies, a country born out of the civil war of the Malmuthian Empire in recent history."
[22:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh!" Nodding to that, "What could such a faraway realm have to do with us?"
01[22:36] <Seira> "Not much, normally," Seira responds, nodding herself. "As you must realize, very few of us had knowledge of Kesse, in turn. However, an event took place in our domain that made learning about Kesse a priority. If my previous words were hard to swallow, what comes next must be even more difficult to believe. Nonetheless, we learned of Kesse when its prince committed a sudden act of war against us."
[22:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh..." Holding her head in her hands, "Prince...which one?"
01[22:40] <Seira> "Prince Albert. There was no warning; suddenly, an entire settlement was annihilated, and those who didn't perish were turned into monsters, all done in the service of Shar. If one of our elite defenders of the realm weren't nearby to put a stop to that, the damage might have been far greater."
[22:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Hiding her face in her hands, "Oh...oh..." she murmurs softly. "I'm sorry, but...I can hardly believe it. Albert..." Standing up, "Stay here. I'll have my brother here very quickly. Prince Kort is the crown prince, and if something so horrible has happened, he is the only one that can do anything against Albert."
01[22:45] <Seira> "Can anything be done?" Seira asks, stopping her. "Approaching the crown prince is much like approaching the king. I don't have much in the way of evidence with me, and unless your other brother has tattooed his allegience to Shar somewhere upon his person, I couldn't prove even that much, even if that alone constitutes a crime in Kesse.
01[22:45] <Seira> I approached you because I wanted to know my options before I made an appeal that could not be officially ignored."
[22:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Stopping now at those words, "Only my father could have Albert stopped, if this is true. However, Father is weak and Kort handles many duties already. Can you find concrete proof of Albert's role?"
01[22:52] <Seira> "It's possible," Seira agrees. "How concrete it is depends on your laws, and so I would like to discuss matters with you a bit longer, before we were to speak with the crown prince, if that is alright," she requests, before asking suddenly, "Do you have a magical education, Princess?"
[22:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No," she shakes her head, "I have no head for it. Brother would be better at it - he's possessed by a keen mind."
06[22:55] * Seira thinks about it. "Commune or Speak With Dead, a pair of spells either of which would be sufficient proof back home. If the same holds true here, then I believe I could present my case to your brother."
[22:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "In that case..." Armanda bows her head to think, "I can get someone who can do that." she says at last. "I'm sure I can."
01[22:58] <Seira> "It... wouldn't really be pleasant, but I believe our citizens would have wished to help justice get done, and I share no sympathy with the executed agent of Shar." Seira considers. "It's also possible for me to take several people on a brief day-long trip to our lands to present the evidence available first-hand."
[23:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I...as much as this makes me sick, this is very serious," Armanda says, "But it doesn't matter if it's pleasant, we have to do something." STanding up now, "Stay here now, the sooner I bring back one who can unweave this accusation and mystery, the better."
01[23:04] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees, resigning herself to a wait.
01[23:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
06[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 9." [1d20=5]
[23:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Going tod o anything while you wait?
01[23:05] <Seira> OOC: Nothing much I can do, though I hope she's not backstabbing me
[23:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> About twenty minutes pass. Armanda returns, this time with a smiling man. An older man, pasty and pale. The man who saw and attempted to dispel your magic, notably. He walks up to Seira, "I understand that there's a serious matter here? The Princess insisted that I come immediately." Meanwhile, Armanda goes to stand next to Seira.
01[23:10] <Seira> "And one that requires discretion, for the time being," Seira confirms. "I inquired about the means of communing with the deities or speaking with those who have passed. Would any of those fall under your area of expertise?"
[23:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I can manage that, yes," he says, offering his hand for Seira to shake. "I'm sorry, I didn't get your name, though."
01[23:12] <Seira> "Seira," she responds, taking it. "I assume you refer to the latter? I'm not used to the former being commonplace, in all honesty."
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It's odd. His hand feels warm - very warm. Smooth too, no skin slack. The grip is like iron...!!! And it's around Seira! IN a flash the old man is attacking like the wind, a dynamo of offensive! To your side, Armanda leaps into action at the same time, the pair wordless as they abruptly assail Seira!
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 35." [1d20=12]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 25." [1d20=2]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+18 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+18 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 32." [1d20=14]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+13 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+13 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 29." [1d20=16]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Flatfooted AC?
01[23:18] <Seira> OOC: 21. I also have my temp hp which I now need to roll, whee
[23:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Roll it first?
01[23:18] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
06[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 19." [1d10=9]
[23:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 8d8+24+48d4+4 vile I suspect you're about to be KOed here by the storm of nonlethal damage.
06[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 8d8+24+48d4+4 vile I suspect you're about to be KOed here by the storm of nonlethal damage. and gets 196." [8d8=3, 4, 7, 7, 7, 5, 8, ]
[23:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The slams catch Seira off guard! Her wind is knocked out of her, her senses going dead black as she's hit so far she sees herself soaring through the air! She dimly feels the impact of the far wall, her mind already retreating into blissful, agonizing unconciousness! (More)
[23:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Her body aches all over. Seira's mind feels like it comes out of a great dark, dark void. What happened? It's all a daze...it's so dark here. So very dark. No light at all. No vision. Her body is restrained, pinned, tied. She can feel her arms bound behind her back and up at an angle, numb save for the gentle caresses of pain. Pain. It hurts. She's cold here - her body feels lighter than it should be. "Awake?" A man's voice asks, a pa
[23:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> her body feels lighter than it should be. "Awake?" A man's voice asks, a painful prodding to the ribs.
01[23:29] <Seira> "Did not expect to be," Seira responds. "What gives?"
[23:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Her voice is hoarse, weak. Her ears ring at the sound, a wave of dizziness crashing over her. "Ah," she can feel her chin being lifted up, her neck cracking. "Seira, is it? I'm curious about what you've done. Your'e a long way from home."
01[23:32] <Seira> "So were you?" she chances. "Is there really a point to keep me blindfolded? I can't see you gloat properly this way, you know."
[23:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Solo gloating is quite fine for me." Chuckling now, "Try again, what's the Crimson Guard doing all the way here? Let alone a dragonwoman."
01[23:37] <Seira> "All part of my cunning plan," she groans. "Solo, was it? Where is your sister?"
[23:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "That was your second mistake. You won't get a third without pain," The voice warns. "Why are you in Kesse? Is anyone else here?" The voice is stronger now, strident, commanding harshly.
01[23:39] <Seira> "Work with me, here," Seira tells him. "You're going to torture me horribly anyway, right? I'll need some incentive to actually talk."
[23:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The covering over Seira's face is lifted! Through blurry eyes she can see a man. A man with good muscles, eyes a tar black and with a look of utter disdain on his face. "That was your last mistake." LIke a dart of lighting, his thumb is jabbing out - right at Seira's left eye!
06[23:44] * Seira cries out in agony, as a fireball explodes all around her, eating at her bindings and her assailant all at once!
[23:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Roll damage?
01[23:45] <Seira> roll 10d6
06[23:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 26." [10d6=3, 2, 1, 5, 4, 1, 2, 1, 4, 3]
[23:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: CL too, you know monks and diamond soul, the bastards.
01[23:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[23:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 31." [1d20=16]
[23:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+15 DC?
06[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+15 DC? and gets 21." [1d20=6]
01[23:47] <Seira> OOC: only 17
[23:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Fire erupts around Seira! The thumb at her eye withdraws as the man leaps backwards! Using his arms to travel the edge of the burst he lands ten feet away, parrying through it and coming out unburnt! Seira feels her arms relax - bindings letting go, finding herself on the floor! OOC - Initiative and more description coming.
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The 'room' is rather small - maybe twenty feet in total. It's dark, a single torch next to a steel door shedding light. The steel door is closed. The walls here are of a sturdy looking stone.
01[23:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 nerveskitter
06[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 nerveskitter and gets 17." [1d20=5]
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira finds herself also unclad, her gear obviously gone.
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+8
06[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10." [1d20=2]
03[23:49] * Tiny_Ko_Army changes topic to 'Seira>Albert Kesse'
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Go Seira.
[23:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Tch!" Hissing as the room is filled with fire and smoke, "Fine then, I'll rip your arms off, dog!"
01[23:51] <Seira> Screaming incoherently in anger, Seira calls upon her most powerful spell!
01[23:51] <Seira> roll 18d6+15 boosted cone of fire
06[23:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 18d6+15 boosted cone of fire and gets 75." [18d6=6, 3, 1, 6, 5, 1, 2, 5, 4, 3, 4, 5, 1, 1, 5, 4, 2, 2]
01[23:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[23:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 31." [1d20=16]
[23:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+15 DC?
06[23:52] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+15 DC? and gets 33." [1d20=18]
01[23:52] <Seira> OOC: dc... less than that
[23:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Flames gush out, a massive torrent of fire! The man dives out of the wal, rolling out of it's path entirely! The wall and door behind hima re hit with a massive charring wave, metal door half melted and stone turned black! The door weakens on it's hinges, even as Albert surges forth at Seira, a single snaking blow going right at her!
[23:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Flames gush out, a massive torrent of fire! The man dives out of the wal, rolling out of it's path entirely! The wall and door behind hima re hit with a massive charring wave, metal door half melted and stone turned black! The door weakens on it's hinges, bits of melted metal running down it! It's not off it's hinges or melted on the spot, but it's hanging there like half gone slag and sagging massively!
06[23:55] * Seira uses Albert's dive to dart past him and outside the room, taking a brief stock of her surroundings!
[23:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door is an embrace of melted steel! This doesn't even both Seira, however! Outside of the room is a long hall, a fourset of these steel doors here. Seira came out of the third. Ahead in one direction is another arched door, the walls dark and gloomy here. Only the faintest light can be seen, not that it bothers Seira's eyes. In the other direction is a stairway going down. The door is 50 feet away, the stairway 40. It was 20 feet
[23:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door is 50 feet away, the stairway 40. It was 20 feet out of the room.
Session Time: Wed Dec 31 00:00:00 2008
06[00:02] * Seira bolts for the arched doorway, not liking her chances of going down in what might well be a dungeon. As she stops just short of it, her mind calls out to Lagann desperately, out of hope that he might be just past it.
[00:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No response! The door is closed, though it doesn't look locked. It's of solidish looking wood. OOC - You have 10 ft of movement left if you wanna try to barrel through it or anything.
06[00:03] * Seira hits the door at a run!
[00:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door isn't locked and opens outward, so it works! Lucky for Seira as she finds herself on a balcony shrouded in darkness! Sound comes from here - chanting. Empty, dead chanting, chanting in Common. It is a man's voice, a man's voice full of emptiness. For below you lies a vast cathedral of darkness! (More)
[00:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No light is here - only Seira's eyes let her see. Pews of black oynx lined with purple are here, sixteen of them in two rows. The floor between it is wide, taken up by a black disc engraved into the floor, lined with a dark purple glow that brings to Seira's mind painful images of numb oblivion. Her still slightly numb arms ache in memory of it. At the head of shis is a black point, drenched in dried blood.  Armanda kneels here, weari
[00:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> At the head of shis is a black point, drenched in dried blood.  Armanda kneels here, wearing loose black clothes as she sprinkles a purple liquid over the space.  Kort Kesse stands over her, singing the dirge of void. At their sides are six purple and black robed men, beginning to join in the chorus. A chorus thanking Shar for this gift, this comings acrifice. All of this is 50 feet below. There are a few other balconies here and ther
[00:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> All of this is 50 feet below. There are a few other balconies here and there, several doors on the ground level.
06[00:13] * Seira is a dragon! What this means is that she has wings and Albert would expect her to just fly over
01[00:13] <Seira> OOC: ack, enter key
06[00:14] * Seira is a dragon! What this means is that she has wings and Albert would expect her to just fly off into the mists! But instead, she hides using the door as cover for the chance of catching him off guard when he pursues her.
[00:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Hide check?
01[00:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[00:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 20." [1d20=2]
[00:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A few moments later, Albert rushes to the balcony! He takes a moment to look about...
[00:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+7
06[00:18] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12." [1d20=5]
[00:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Snapping off a momentary curse under his breath, "Brother, she's on the loose," he calls down, "Have someone detect invisibilit above us immediately!"
[00:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Go Seira.
06[00:22] * Seira regulates her breathing, trying to regain her breath as she stays perfectly still.
01[00:22] <Seira> roll 3d8+15
06[00:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+15 and gets 27." [3d8=1, 6, 5]
[00:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Fan out." Kort barks an order, "In the name of her Dark Goddess!" Then...OOC - Listening check, Seira.
01[00:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[00:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 16." [1d20=14]
[00:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It carries enough to be heard next, even over the clatter of feet! "Dispose of the rat," he says, and as he turns, Seira glimpses something. Her short sword, Flash of the Heavens, is belted to hsi side, besides a falchion! "Armanda, finish the desecration rites later." Meanwhile, you can hear magic words being chanted and cast! "No sign of anything," A morose voice says from one of the robed men.
06[00:28] * Seira is still too weak to act, but she can certainly do something about that as she lies in wait.
01[00:29] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
[00:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Seira prepares to heal herself again, Albert wheels around and goes back down the hall you came from! OO C- Go ahead and act?
06[00:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 18." [2d8=6, 2]
[00:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Seira heals herself, she hears voices and noise below. The robed men are fanning out, Kort going down one of the side doors. Two stay with Armanda, whiel the others go in various directions.
06[00:31] * Seira waits until she is certain Albert had had time to leave, and then carefully peeks into the corridor, most of her still hidden behind the door.
[00:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Albert is gone. The corridor is currentlye mpty.
06[00:34] * Seira creeps down the hall, pausing briefly past each of the locked door to send a mental call to Lagann.
[00:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> This takes one round with Seira's speed movement. No answers in any of the cells at all. She can reach most of the way to the stairs with the rest of her move. (4 rounds left.) Still no sign of anyone about right now.
01[00:35] <Seira> Hiding as best as she can, Seira heads downstairs, peering ahead.
[00:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira reaches the stairs! They go down two stories, with a door halfway and then at the bottom. You could reach the midsection with the rest of your move this round, and the bottom with another half round.
06[00:37] * Seira gets to the halfway point, sending another call to Lagann as she catches her breath by that door.
[00:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No response in that door. It's a wood door like the balcony door. It doesn't look to be locked. (3 rounds.)
[00:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Strike that, 4 rounds. +30 move for double moving here.
[00:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Carry on.
03[00:39] * everydaysgreatatyourjunes is now known as xorntoro
01[00:41] <Seira> Oh, if only divine intervention took place more often! Seira decides risking opening the door she finds herself next to, looking inside.
01[00:41] <Seira> roll 1d1000 because why not?
06[00:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d1000 because why not? and gets 406." [1d1000=406]
[00:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door opens! Inside is a hall leading to two doors on either side, curving around past that around a corner eighty feet away.
06[00:45] * Seira enters the hall, closing the door behind her, and approaches the pair of doors. Lagann must be somewhere around here, and she will keep on trying to call over to him until she gets an answer.
[00:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No answers from that at all. The doors are one lcosed and one open. Glancing in to the open one, Seira can see several small rooms. Some of -those- doors are open, showing simple, plain living quarters. No one is about.
06[00:51] * Seira tries to do something about the closed door, checking what lies past it, first.
[00:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> More rooms. Looking in, you can see they have a small basket for personal goods. You can see some of the robes like that were worn, as well as occasionally minor personal effects.
01[00:53] <Seira> A robe roughly her size is the first thing Seira appropriates. And then, calling upon her knowledge of Shar, meager though it might be, she roots through the personal effects to see if there is some sort of accessory she should get, lacking which would quickly point her out as an impostor.
[00:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: K R check?
[00:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: MAke a search check too, tinking on it.
01[00:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[00:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
01[00:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+22 search
06[00:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 search and gets 42." [1d20=20]
[00:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira finds a robe just her size! Further, she finds tucked away in one of the rooms something useful! There's a bloody dagger(A sacrificial dagger, possibly enchanted knowing Sharrans) and a pair of wrapped scrolls.
01[00:56] <Seira> Thus equipped, Seira checks the scrolls to see if she recognizes the spells on them, before tucking them in and proceeding down the corridor. Having closed the door once more, of course.
[00:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It's Dispel Magic and Summon Monster 3. Seira closes the door behind her, going around the corner. IT winds around into a small fireplace and pit, with a very narrow chimney to admit smoke. There's some foodstuffs about.
01[00:58] <Seira> At least she shouldn't be recognized on the spot, now. Seira heads back towards the stairway, intending to descend it.
[00:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Searching and changing should've taken enough time to expire your devotion, by the way.
[01:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira descends down! AS she reaches the bottom she can see that it feeds right into the cathedral! IT's one of many doors leading into it, coming out near the middle of the pews on the left side. Here two robed men keep a watch as Armanda continues her unholy work! There are several doors - one leading directly out of this room, two on the opposite wall, and three on the far end, past the altar.
[01:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Make a fort save?
01[01:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[01:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 20." [1d20=3]

[Corwin]

[18:45] <ZombieDune> > It's Dispel Magic and Summon Monster 3. Seira closes the door behind her, going around the corner. IT winds around into a small fireplace and pit, with a very narrow chimney to admit smoke. There's some foodstuffs about.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> <Seira> At least she shouldn't be recognized on the spot, now. Seira heads back towards the stairway, intending to descend it.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> > OOC - Searching and changing should've taken enough time to expire your devotion, by the way.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> > Seira descends down! AS she reaches the bottom she can see that it feeds right into the cathedral! IT's one of many doors leading into it, coming out near the middle of the pews on the left side. Here two robed men keep a watch as Armanda continues her unholy work! There are several doors - one leading directly out of this room, two on the opposite wall, and three on the far end, past the altar.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> > OOC - Make a fort save?
[18:45] <ZombieDune> <Seira> roll 1d20+17
[18:45] <ZombieDune> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 20." [1d20=3]
[18:45] <ZombieDune> OOC: DM note. Cor's save was -5 lower than rolled, as he forgot to subtract a modifier. However, this is still a bare pass.
[18:46] <ZombieDune> The room ahead is large. It's about 80 feet across from one end to another and about 200 long. (More)
[18:50] <ZombieDune> Agony wails through Seira's body! The feeling of fear turns into one of momentary panic, then agony, then fadingness. A despair is at it as the awareness of Seirat fizzles into the endless void of death. A despair at never seeing his Master again, all while Seira's body recoils, the magical link between the two screaming out! OOC - Ball's in your court.
[19:05] <ZombieDune> Most of the doors are below or nearly below balconies. However, one on this side, near the entrance end of the cathedral, isn't. The main door leading into this has no balcony as well, nor do two others past the altar.
06[19:07] * Seira will soon follow him, won't she? A sort of numbness replaces the terror gripping Seira's heart, and she proceeds to the door to her right. She can't afford to draw any suspicion from Armanda or the other Sharrans, so bolting for what seems to be the exit is futile. She has to find a spot to hide and weather the storm. For now, that mean trying the nearby door situated below a balcony.
[19:09] <ZombieDune> OOC - Make a hide check as you do?
01[19:09] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 28?
[19:10] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+5 moot
[19:10] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+5 moot
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+5 moot and gets 12." [1d20=7]
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+5 moot and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[19:11] <ZombieDune> Seira stays low, moving with soft, silent feet
[19:11] <ZombieDune> OOC - Gah.
[19:12] <ZombieDune> Seira stays low, moving with soft, silent feet! She races to the right under the cover of the gloom of this dark place of Sharran worship, racing to the door she chose! She reaches it without any cries, finding it closed but not obviously locked as far as she can see!
06[19:12] * Seira opens the door, stepping inside and closing it behind her.
[19:13] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+3
[19:13] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+3
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+3 and gets 7." [1d20=4]
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[19:13] <ZombieDune> Slipping past and in, Seira finds herself facing a stairway going downwards again.
06[19:16] * Seira decides to have a look. Perhaps a place could be found to hide below.
03[19:17] * Annatoro is now known as Demedais
[19:19] <ZombieDune> There is no light here, only Seira's darkvision helping. The stairs are a hard, cold black stone, leading her far deeper into the earth. After about fifty feet, the stairway comes to an end. A single door is here, covered with a gylph.
01[19:19] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 27 on arcana?
[19:21] <ZombieDune> OOC: Make a K:R check as well?
01[19:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[19:21] <ZombieDune> The gylph is a ward against the undead from passing through this door. In particular, incorpreal undead known as shadows. Seira can recall that Shar's teachings favor creatures of shadow and darkness.
01[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 24." [1d20=7]
[19:28] <ZombieDune> There's no dust and not too much scuffing. IT looks well kept and with no signs of heavy traffic. The floor does look very sturdy, however.
01[19:28] <Seira> And that brings back another terrifying memory. Maybe, if she were certain that the servants of Shar would hold no sway over Shar's favored creatures... for now, Seira decides to return, slip out of the door and see if she can try another one.
[19:32] <ZombieDune> Quietly Seira opens the door! Peeking out she can see that the priests are still keeping a casual watch as Armanda continues her ritual! The main door leading into the balcony isn't far from here, though right dead on in the viewpath of the two robed men.  There's the door on the other side, and the ones past where Armanda works. There's also other doors with balconies.
03[19:43] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[19:44] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[19:45] <Seira> It looks like she won't be finding the safe hiding spot she wishes without taking risks, and risk-taking had been thoroughly beaten out of Seira. She creeps back to the door she first emerged from, intending on making her way back to that balcony and crouching on it so that the open door and the rise of the balcony itself would provide all the cover she needs to huddle out of view for a few hours.
[19:46] <ZombieDune> OOC - MAke another hide check?
01[19:46] <Seira> OOC: 18 again?
01[19:46] <Seira> OOC: If I can take 10, that's 28
[19:46] <ZombieDune> OOC: Okay.
[19:46] <ZombieDune> Seira sneaks back to where she came! She reaches the balcony without incident, even as her heart races! Thus she settles in to wait for a time! (More)
[19:49] <ZombieDune> After about twenty minutes, you hear bustling below! "Gone," Kort Kesse's voice travels up. "She's escaped."
[19:51] <ZombieDune> "Shar rip her eyes out," Armanda's voice is different, full of bitter, cold hatred. "Dread Dark Master, may I suggest that Albert pursue her with the aid of divination?"
[19:52] <ZombieDune> "He will. The fact that killing her familiar did not bring forth her shows she somehow escaped us quickly." Kort continues on then, "The vibrant life around her...It will be a sacrifice to the Lady of Loss. Continue your works here."
01[19:54] <Seira> There is always a chance that divinations will fail, especially if this place is shielded from such to protect the Sharrans. And they have to sleep, don't they?
[19:55] <ZombieDune> Another hour passes. As Seira's body cramps a little, waiting in tense nervousness...
[19:55] <ZombieDune> roll 1d100
06[19:55] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d100 and gets 82." [1d100=82]
[19:56] <ZombieDune> 'Seira, Celebrimbor.' The voice is in her head, speaking as if ntohing in the world was wrong. 'You're late with returning the ring. Is everything alright? Respond.'
01[20:04] <Seira> "I'm sorry," Seira whispers quietly back, panicked. "They caught me. Land of Kesse. Alicia knows. Held in cathedral. Sharrans, local royal family. Albert, Kort, Armanda. Help. I'm on borrowed time."
[20:06] <ZombieDune> Thus the message is returned! Time passes, another 5 minutes. Below you can hear some noise. Heavy noise, clomping noise. Like a horse? The scent of smoke begins to waft up towards Seira.
06[20:07] * Seira wonders what it might be, though she doesn't dare look down.
01[20:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 21." [1d20=13]
[20:08] <ZombieDune> One creature comes right o Seira's mind - a nightmare, like the cauchemar nightmare she fought int he ruins.
06[20:11] * Seira hopes she can wait long enough for the Sharran ritual to complete without getting discovered.
[20:13] <ZombieDune> Another five minutes pass. Then...
[20:13] <ZombieDune> roll 1d100
06[20:13] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d100 and gets 66." [1d100=66]
[20:13] <ZombieDune> 'Help will come as fast as it can. Waukeen preserve you, stay strong. Celebrimbor.'
01[20:15] <Seira> There is no need to risk things by responding this time. At least, if help doesn't arrive in time, she got to apologize for her blunder. Somehow, amid everything, that makes Seira feel a tiny bit better.
[20:17] <ZombieDune> There's more sound below - heavy sounds along with the nightmare. A few clunking sounds, a single swearword muttered and carrying once. But then the clomping heads outward, away from Seira and gone. Quiet again settles over the temple...OOC - Going to keep waiting awhile longer?
01[20:17] <Seira> OOC: For hours if I have to
[20:19] <ZombieDune> Two more hours pass. Still nothing - it's gotten pretty quiet, silent in the temple. Entirely so.
06[20:20] * Seira crawls over to the edge, risking a glimpse below. Would they stay silent for hours just to trap her, if they think she's gone?
[20:26] <ZombieDune> The temple below is currently empty. Not a soul can be seen...
06[20:29] * Seira waits one more hour, this time keeping her observation post.
[20:30] <ZombieDune> The hour passes. By Seira's reckonings of her spell wearing off it's 11 PM or so. Almost midnight...and it's still solemnly quiet.
06[20:32] * Seira decides that the time has come to attempt an escape. If no signs of guards appear, she will try to get to the room located midway through the stairway and listen at it for a minute or two for any signs of movement or conversation.
[20:33] <ZombieDune> Seira creeps to there without incident! She reaches this door, glimpsing that it's open as she slinks down the stairs!
06[20:34] * Seira doesn't come into full view of it, then, merely slipping over as close to it as she dares, listening for any hints of activity.
[20:35] <ZombieDune> OOC: Listen check again?
01[20:35] <Seira> OOC: I'll happily take 20 for 22 if possible, I'm not in any hurry to die
[20:37] <ZombieDune> Listening well, Seira can here noise within. Living noises, as well as talk. She can get snatches of it, "...for the..." "To Shar at the apex of night..." "...finding the heretic..." "...because Sanaxt will soon..."
06[20:38] * Seira sneaks a quick peek past it, most of her form remaining hidden behind the doorframe. From memory, there are no actual living quarters in full sight of the doorway, so unless someone happens to be in that corridor, she could use this chance to slip past.
[20:39] <ZombieDune> She can glimpse robed men inside rooms, but none are looking her way as she slips by! She goes down to the catherral without incident, finding it still unearthly quiet and silent, waiting.
06[20:50] * Seira sneaks across the large cathedral, crouching and using the pews for added cover. She leaves the door she exited closed, as it had been, since her primary motivation is to avoid giving up any signs that she hadn't fled yet.
[20:51] <ZombieDune> OOC - Hide check for reference here?
01[20:51] <Seira> OOC: 28 again?
[20:52] <ZombieDune> OOC: Carry on.
06[20:53] * Seira tries the door located on the opposite side, which is closest to the main entrance.
[20:57] <ZombieDune> The door is locked! It doesn't open to an attempt to budge it manually!
06[20:59] * Seira listens by the door to determine if anyone is near it from the other side. That would go badly with her attempts to open it.
[20:59] <ZombieDune> OOC - Listne checnk.
01[21:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[21:01] <ZombieDune> It seems quiet as far as Seira can hear.
06[21:02] * Seira decides to try it, working on the lock as best as she can with her claws.
[21:03] <ZombieDune> OOC: Open lock?
01[21:03] <Seira> OOC: I want to take 10, which gives me a final result of 20 with the -2 penalty factored in
[21:04] <ZombieDune> Seira fiddles with the lock, but it doesn't give to this effort. It's a pretty high quality look from the looks of it. It's going to be hard siarming it without a tool.
06[21:05] * Seira gives it a rest for now, and tries the middlemost door after spending some time to listen there as well.
01[21:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 21." [1d20=19]
[21:06] <ZombieDune> The middle door is quiet as well.
06[21:07] * Seira tries to open it.
[21:07] <ZombieDune> The door opens! Ahead is a short hallway and then a stairway going up. There's a small wood door just before the stairway.
06[21:08] * Seira pauses before it, calling out to Lagann mentally even as she listens by it.
01[21:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13." [1d20=11]
[21:08] <ZombieDune> No response and no noise ata ll.
01[21:09] <Seira> With the door leading into this hallway closed after her, Seira tries to open this one and see what's past it.
[21:09] <ZombieDune> It leads to a stairway going down, contrasting the stairway just after the door that goes up. Both are pitch black, only darkvision allowing Seira to see.
01[21:10] <Seira> Wondering whether it would lead to more shadows, Seira descends cautiously.
[21:12] <ZombieDune> The stairs go down for 90 feet. At the bottom it leads into a hall with a few wood doors. It smells bad down here - the smells of sweat, shit, and blood. As Seira sees it, the odor assaults her nostrils like a hammer.
01[21:15] <Seira> She can't even rescue herself. Doing anything about other hostages, if any remain alive, is just impossible right now. Filled with regret, Seira heads upstairs, intending to follow the other stairway up.
[21:17] <ZombieDune> Seira returns and heads upstairs! It leads up directly to a small hall that connects to the balcony here. This one has a comfortable chair to sit in atop here, but is otherwiswe like the previous balcony.
06[21:17] * Seira observes the main area briefly for any hints of movement, before returning there to try the last door on that side.
[21:22] <ZombieDune> Still no movement. Returning to the bottom, Seira tries this door! It opens, leading into a wide, large room. There's a door on the side of this...but Seira can see practice weapons about. The floor has occasional bloodstains, as well as practice dummies. Looks like a training ground. Further, there is a sketched arcane circle in the back of it, ten feet wide.
01[21:23] <Seira> OOC: Arcana 27 to tell what the circle is?
[21:27] <ZombieDune> OOC: It is a magic circle against evil. Standard abjuration.
06[21:28] * Seira boggles for the briefest of moments, before closing this door, listening by the next, and opening that one if she thinks the coast is clear.
01[21:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 12." [1d20=10]
[21:30] <ZombieDune> There's faint sound behind this door. The sound of steel, slithering and soft.
01[21:30] <Seira> 'Lagann?' Seira tries, pausing by this door.
[21:32] <ZombieDune> No reply. The sound is like steel being polished, worked.
06[21:34] * Seira withdraws quietly, unwilling to risk a confrontation. After leaving everything the way it was when she first came in, Seira calls upon the spell of Detect Magic, and approaches the nearest door located past the altar.
[21:35] <ZombieDune> The altar radiates strong magic as Seira approaches the rightmost upper door without incident.
01[21:36] <Seira> Not believing the door would block her divination spell without being magical or far thicker than it appears, Seira spends a bit of time listening by it and observing.
[21:38] <ZombieDune> OOC -Listen check again?
01[21:38] <Seira> OOC: DM sends anything, first?
[21:40] <ZombieDune> OOC: Nothing behind the door.
01[21:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 48." [3#1d20+2 = 10, 18, 20]
[21:40] <ZombieDune> It's quiet behind the door.
06[21:41] * Seira spends a moment searching it for traps, since ordinary cultists might well be prohibited from opening these doors on the altar side of the cathedral, before trying to see what's past it.
01[21:41] <Seira> OOC: Search 27
[21:42] <ZombieDune> The door does not appear ot be trapped.
06[21:42] * Seira opens it.
[21:43] <ZombieDune> Inside you find a small, cozy library without a shred of light. Several shelves hold tomes, as well as a few pedestools that hold open, massive books. Many of them are black covered.
06[21:43] * Seira briefly scans the area for her spellbook on the off chance it was placed here. Although she really would've picked up on its magical aura, she supposes, but it never hurts to do a cursory scan.
01[21:44] <Seira> OOC: Spot 20 or Search 27, whichever
[21:45] <ZombieDune> No spellbook. However, she gets an idea of the tomes. All dedicated to Shar and her vile worship, as well as hutning thsoe that follow the moon's light, the sun's warmth, fire, or the weave of magic. One of the open books shows a muliated, nude man, bleeding out as robed man sacrifice him.
06[21:47] * Seira grimaces, closing the door and moving on to the next to repeat the previous pattern. It feels too much like a warning of the future to ignore, and on her own with just a dagger and a handful of scrolls she won't get far.
01[21:47] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 24." [3#1d20+2 = 6, 7, 11]
[21:48] <ZombieDune> There's no noise behind the middle door.
[21:51] <ZombieDune> There's no magic from this door, nor any traps.
06[21:51] * Seira opens it as well, looking inside.
[21:55] <ZombieDune> Inside is a short hallway leading to naother door. A black disc has been engraved into the floor here, like a sea of inky void.
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: Arcana helps me know what it is?
[21:56] <ZombieDune> OOC: K R.
01[21:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 28." [1d20=20]
[22:06] <ZombieDune> IT's an unholy symbol to Shar.
01[22:08] <Seira> As long as it isn't radiating magic, Seira takes care to step around it after closing the door leading to this hallway, pausing before the one at its end to repeat her routine.
01[22:08] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 41." [3#1d20+2 = 21, 12, 8]
[22:09] <ZombieDune> No noise from beyond the door. The door is a bit chilly, however, to the touch, despite being wood.
01[22:10] <Seira> OOC: no traps or magic?
[22:12] <ZombieDune> OOC - Did you search it for traps as well? Oh wait, are you still taking ten?
01[22:12] <Seira> OOC: Yes
03[22:15] * Ko-SupersJeepHatesMe (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
03[22:15] * Ko-SupersJeepHatesMe is now known as Kotono
03[22:15] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:08] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 41." [3#1d20+2 = 21, 12, 8]
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:09] <ZombieDune> No noise from beyond the door. The door is a bit chilly, however, to the touch, despite being wood.
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:10] <Seira> OOC: no traps or magic?
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:12] <ZombieDune> OOC - Did you search it for traps as well? Oh wait, are you still taking ten?
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:12] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[22:16] <Kotono> The door is trapped.
02[22:18] * ZombieDune (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[22:19] <Seira> Since the trap is not radiating a magical aura, Seira might be able to bypass the trap even without her usual tools. She gives it a try.
01[22:19] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 30 is possible?
[22:22] <Kotono> Seira fiddles with the trap but can't disarm it on her first try.
[22:23] <Kotono> She does notice the door is also quite heavy - more metallic despite a wood exterior. There's something really heavy in the center.
01[22:26] <Seira> Weighing the dangers of trying to disarm the trap in her state against the potential rewards, Seira tries to reach out mentally to Lagann, deciding that only his presence past it would merit such an attempt.
[22:27] <Kotono> No response.
06[22:27] * Seira decides to observe the last door, after returning to the central area.
01[22:27] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 42." [3#1d20+2 = 18, 18, 6]
[22:29] <Kotono> There's noise behind the door - talking. It's a low, careful talking. Seira can hear some of it through the door! "...ready? It's almost..." "For midnight..." "Good. Let's move it to the..."
01[22:34] <Seira> It tempts, for a moment, to try and return to the trapped door and try to force her way past it, because Seira knows that wards exist to protect valuable resources, more often than not of magical nature. But that same sort of daring got her into this trouble in the first place.
01[22:34] <Seira> She retraces her steps quietly, until she is standing by the locked door near what she considered to be the main entrance, and spends a brief moment to see if there's magic emanating from beyond it.
[22:36] <Kotono> Seira doesn't detect anything past this door.
01[22:36] <Seira> It's time to see if she can leave, then.
01[22:36] <Seira> OOC: Magic, traps, I'll take 20 again for 22 to listen for guards.
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC: You meant the southern door leading into this cathedral, presumably?
01[22:37] <Seira> OOC: Yes, in hopes it's the exit
[22:37] <Kotono> No traps on it. Seira can't hear anything past it.
06[22:38] * Seira tries to open it.
[22:39] <Kotono> The door opens! Ahead is a long hallway - it's decadently decorated with black gemstones and blackened metal. The symbol of Shar dominates everywhere. 120 feet it goes, coming to three doors at the far end.
06[22:39] * Seira closes it behind her and checks each of the doors.
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 41." [3#1d20+2 = 15, 20, 6]
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 19." [3#1d20+2 = 3, 11, 5]
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 44." [3#1d20+2 = 20, 17, 7]
[22:42] <Kotono> Each door is quiet. None of them are trapped. Over each door is a disc. One is a crescent, like a crescent moon of darkness. One is like a half moon, and one is a full moon. It's cresent on the left, half in the middle and full the right.
01[22:43] <Seira> The doors seem to correspond to the three royals who lead this cult. She tries to open the one with the crescent.
[22:43] <Kotono> The door opens! Ahead is a long, straight hallway. Looks pretty plain, going on about ninety feet to another door.
06[22:44] * Seira closes it, entering the hallway and repeating the painstalking process once more.
01[22:44] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 34." [3#1d20+2 = 16, 13, 5]
[22:44] <Kotono> OOC: You're walking into the far door and repeating your routine, to be clear?
01[22:45] <Seira> OOC: If I see no magic and traps, and hear nothing, I'll close this door and approach the one 90ft ahead.
01[22:45] <Seira> OOC: Then I'll repeat the routine, yes
[22:46] <Kotono> The door is not trapped. There is magic, however, the door 90 foot away radiating it.
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC - STrike. Detect magic's range is 60 ft. Dur.
[22:46] <Kotono> The door is not trapped nor is ther eany magic about.
01[22:47] <Seira> OOC: I will surely see it as I walk towards it, unless it will shoot at me once I step into the corridor. I'm doing that.
[22:51] <Kotono> At 60 feet away Seira can see the door's aura. It's moderate abjuration.
01[22:53] <Seira> Steeling herself, Seira comes close enough to the door to check it for traps.
[22:54] <Kotono> At 45 feet away, the floor beneath Seira sinks down slightly! There is a soft CLICK! noise! Ahead, the warded door begins to open!
01[22:56] <Seira> Seira's heart sinks, while she draws her dagger. It's not like she has anywhere to run, now, so if whatever is past the door fails to be fatal to her, she still has a chance.
06[22:57] * Seira does move five feet back sideways, in case the trap is a standard one.
01[22:57] <Seira> *back and
[22:58] <Kotono> From the door there is a dark, deep howling! The howling of agony, as four shadowy creatures emerge! Shadows! They sing out in a dirge of apathatic nothingness, crying out for Shar to bless them and bring oblivion to all! OOC - They're 45 feet away. Initiative.
01[22:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9." [1d20=7]
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
03[22:58] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Shadows'
[22:58] <Kotono> OOC - Go Seira.
03[23:01] * Alicia is now known as Celenu
06[23:03] * Seira flees back, intent on closing the door behind her and retreating to the central area as swiftly as she is able to. Her orb of acid should help unlock the door she passed by, and maybe safety could be found there.
[23:05] <Kotono> Seira runs, closing the door behind her! AS she passes through the hall dedicated to Shar, the shadows come through the door, pursuing! They call their dirge, echoing behind her like a chilling paean! The echos of it get louder as Seira runs back to the main room, the silence of it being shattered by the shadows!
06[23:08] * Seira continues fleeing for the locked door nearby, an orb of acid forming in her palm to slam it against the lock. No matter the quality, metal will have to be dissolved!
[23:09] <Kotono> The lock of the door, as well as a good chunk of it, is melted! Seira throws the door open even as the shadows give chase and sing! Through the door Seira can see a long hall with a stairway going down the center of the floor, with a walkway past it leading to another door 50 feet away.
06[23:10] * Seira chooses the other door, intending to barrel through it.
[23:10] <Kotono> As Seira runs the shadows stay in dogged pursuit! The door is hard, not giving way at all! As she gets closer, SEira can see it's magical as well.
01[23:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 34." [1d20=17]
06[23:18] * Seira decides to blast the door with a fireball she has in reserve, not caring that she would get caught in the center of the explosion!
[23:19] <Kotono> OOC - Roll damage?
01[23:19] <Seira> roll 10d6
06[23:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 39." [10d6=4, 6, 1, 5, 3, 1, 6, 5, 6, 2]
[23:20] <Kotono> The door buckles, shudders and collapses! Ahead is a large room,t ables with beakers and foaming liquids all about. The rear part is a mess, broken upand with some fresh blood on the floor. No body, but one thing in there gives you hope - sitting on the table is Lagann, fourty feet away! Behind you, teh shadows continue to sing of damnation!
01[23:24] <Seira> Lunging for Lagann, Seira barely has it in her grasp before she attempts to call on her most recent power! There is just the slightest chance that such a cathedral is not located in Kesse -- those stories of traveling through shadow give her hope. And if this succeeds, almost anywhere is better than this horrible place.
[23:41] <Kotono> Lagann is in her hand! 'Seira seira seira seira!' the voice of the orb sounds in her mind, even as she uses Dismissal on herself! .... .... ....! (More)
[23:42] <Kotono> No good. Despite dismissing herself fairly hard, Seira remains on the material plane!

[Corwin]

[18:57] <Kotono> > The door buckles, shudders and collapses! Ahead is a large room,t ables with beakers and foaming liquids all about. The rear part is a mess, broken upand with some fresh blood on the floor. No body, but one thing in there gives you hope - sitting on the table is Lagann, fourty feet away! Behind you, teh shadows continue to sing of damnation!
[18:57] <Kotono> <Seira> Lunging for Lagann, Seira barely has it in her grasp before she attempts to call on her most recent power! There is just the slightest chance that such a cathedral is not located in Kesse -- those stories of traveling through shadow give her hope. And if this succeeds, almost anywhere is better than this horrible place.
[18:57] <Kotono> > Lagann is in her hand! 'Seira seira seira seira!' the voice of the orb sounds in her mind, even as she uses Dismissal on herself! .... .... ....! (More)
[18:57] <Kotono> > No good. Despite dismissing herself fairly hard, Seira remains on the material plane!
[18:57] <Kotono> As Seira's attempt fails, she can hear them behind her! The shadows are coming into the room, approaching inexorably! They sing of Shar's oblivion all the while!
01[19:00] <Seira> 'Lagann!' Seira responds, panic and relief mixing as one. 'Buddy! We have to get away from these freaks! Did you notice anything as they carried you inside? Like... like passing lots of metal to your left, belonging to all sorts of weapons?'
[19:04] <Kotono> 'Metal was here. Metal is gone. They took metal,' Lagann does not sound happy at all. However, even as Lagann speaks to Seira, the shadows are inexorable! They're coming for Seira! OOC - Let's goa head and roll intiaitive here, since the shadows aren't sitting around on her.
01[19:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26." [1d20=20]
[19:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 these are moot
[19:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 these are moot
[19:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 these are moot
[19:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 these are moot
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 these are moot and gets 13." [1d20=11]
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 these are moot and gets 6." [1d20=4]
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 these are moot and gets 19." [1d20=17]
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 these are moot and gets 5." [1d20=3]
03[19:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Shadows mk 2!'
01[19:10] <Seira> With a prayer to Waukeen, a translucent golden coin appears in the air before Seira, shimmering for several moments until it fades away. 'Lagann,' Seira thinks to her friend, grim-faced. 'If these things or their masters take me down, if it comes to that, kill me. Please.' Not waiting for an answer, Seira charges back the way she came along with Lagann, zig-zagging past the Shadows!
01[19:10] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[19:11] <Kotono> Seira rushes forward, tumbling past all the shadows! Indeed, Lagann doesn't give an answer as she makes it past the herd! As she does, the shadows turn and chase her! Two of them nip at her back, trying to touch her and bring her down low!
[19:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 touch aC?
[19:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 touch aC?
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 touch aC? and gets 9." [1d20=6]
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 touch aC? and gets 17." [1d20=14]
01[19:12] <Seira> OOC: touch ac 17, force ac adds 8 more to it for 25
[19:13] <Kotono> The touches reflect off Seira's coin styled shield, power draining touches repelled! OOC - Seira, you're up.
06[19:15] * Seira has a choice, either hope that the doors with the phases of the moon held more than just more monsters, try the only unexplored passage left in hopes it would lead to her escape, or going for that trapped doorway. The latter seems like the best option, but it also happens to be right next to where she last heard the leaders plot.
01[19:15] <Seira> And Lagann did mention a lot of metal being taken away... if it was disposed of by placing it somewhere downstairs, reaching it might mean a very real way for Lagann to fight back, so Seira chooses that.
[19:21] <Kotono> Seira dashes through, leaping onto the stairs and running down! The stairs go down a good ways, but as she does! A shadow comes from the ceiling, passing through to impose itself between her and advancing, trying to touch her!
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[19:22] <Kotono> Seira ducks it, avoiding the close range touch of shadowy death! Behind her, up the stairs she's descending with no immediate end in sight, she can hear the other shadows praising Shar in song!
[19:22] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, you're up.
01[19:24] <Seira> Torm screw that frigid bitch, she curses, continuing her flight down. If she made a bad call, this would become her last stand, but on the off chance it's not, or she would have a chance to return back to the cathedral's main area....
01[19:24] <Seira> 'Lagann,' Seira commands, her mental voice as firm as it could be under the circumstances. 'Report any metals you could use as weapons to me. Report any traces of gold, too.'
[19:27] <Kotono> 'Will!' it says! OOC - You'll need to tumble to get past the shadow in front of you safely or you'll eat AoO.
01[19:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 32." [1d20=18]
[19:29] <Kotono> Seira tumbles down the stairs, rolling and sprining up to run past the shadow! The stairs steeply go down, black flames that shed no light ahead on the walls! (They radiate faint magic.) The stairs look to go down another fourty feet, leading into a chamber that can'tq uite be seen.
[19:30] <Kotono> Due to the angle of the entrance and your position on the stairs. Going further down would help. Meanwhile the shadows give chase, the one you by passed able to catch up and try and touch again!
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[19:31] <Kotono> But it fails, song for oblivion denied! OOC - Seira.
06[19:32] * Seira scowls, but doesn't have a better idea. She continues her descent until she can peek into the chamber, and at the same time give Lagann a chance to tell her if he senses anything from within it. The shadows have surely alerted anyone who could be there, but that doesn't mean Seira has to present this potential nemesis a good target.
[19:36] <Kotono> As you race down, 'Metal in floor!' Lagann calls 'Mithril and iron!' As Seira rushes down, she can see the ahead room! It's gigantic, the walls a wavy, vaguely shivery-black. Color is gone in this room, bleeding out from Seira as she approaches. The floor 3/4ths cross crossed with massive magical diagramming, with symbols formed of pure shadow floating in the air to compliment them. It looks incredibly complex on a glance, well worked and p
[19:36] <Kotono> It looks incredibly complex on a glance, well worked and polisehd arcana. However, the upper right side is essentially barren, symbols often stopping in mid-draw. It's cold here - not an oppressive cold, but like the warmth is being drained from her inexorably.
[19:39] <Kotono> The rear of the chamber is wavy and entirely shadow-like, seeming solid but very translucent, half real. This is a dead end otherwise.
06[19:42] * Seira decides to spend a moment to analyze the arcane symbols. Anywhere is better than here, but if it's not a portal but a construct that would sacrifice her soul to Shar, she'd take her chances with the cultists instead.
01[19:43] <Seira> OOC: One round
[19:43] <Kotono> OOC: Just going to take one round examining it total then?
01[19:43] <Seira> OOC: roll their attacks, if I don't get swarmed, I'll consider another?
[19:44] <Kotono> Seira begins to examine the shadows here! Even as she does, teh shadows swarm her, surrounding her backsides and flanks!
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4." [1d20=1]
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8." [1d20=5]
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (flanking)
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 (flanking) and gets 12." [1d20=7]
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (flanking)
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 (flanking) and gets 8." [1d20=3]
06[19:44] * Seira shivers, continuing her examination of the design.
[19:45] <Kotono> Despite being covered in shadows, Seira is able to dodge, duck and evade! As she does, she can hear living voices in the distance, "Down here!" A man's voice, a terribly cold man's voice, echos from far behind you! OOC - K A check?
01[19:45] <Seira> OOC: I'll take 10 and use the weekly +10 bonus for 37?
[19:48] <Kotono> This is a partially finished portal to the Plane of Shadow. It's not stable to use yet because of that. However, it's not nonfunctional, just unstable and risky to use. If you spent another round invoking the arcane weave written into it, you could use it to cross into the plane of shadow...in theory. Because of it's unstalbe nature you could end up anywhere in the cosmos. Further, to invoke it you'll need one complete round of full concent
[19:48] <Kotono> Further, to invoke it you'll need one complete round of full concentration. You won't be ablet o move or defend yourself for that round, so you'll be flatfooted. (More)
[19:48] <Kotono> As Seira digests the information, the shadows attack again!
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13." [1d20=8]
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[19:48] <Kotono> As Seira digests the information, the shadows attack again!
[19:48] <Kotono> As Seira digests the information, the shadows attack again!
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 6." [1d20=1]
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9." [1d20=4]
[19:48] <Kotono> Yet Seira is able to weave, as she hears the male voices coming closer, ever so closer, shouts and calls and banging of feet on stone floor!
[19:49] <Kotono> OOc - Go Seira.
01[19:51] <Seira> 'Defend me, Lagann!' Seira commands desperately, entrusting her dagger to the sentient orb should the cultists come this close in the time she needs to make this work, while she herself concentrates on activating the arcane design.
[19:52] <Kotono> The dagger dances in the air of it's own accord, thrusting out at a shadow!
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 23." [1d20=15]
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 100." [1d100=100]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 2." [1d4=1]
[19:54] <Kotono> One of the shadows is grazed by the dagger, it's fiendish form ripping and disturbed, even as the shadows tyr to swarm Seira!
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 20." [1d20=15]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18." [1d20=13]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 2d6 STR
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 STR and gets 7." [2d6=6, 1]
[19:54] <Kotono> OOC: DC 17 concentration.
01[19:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (1 bonus)
06[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 (1 bonus) and gets 18." [1d20=14]
[19:55] <Kotono> Seira concentrates! Around her the shadows come to life, everything seeming to become colorless black! As this happens...
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[19:58] <Kotono> The world itself breaks apart! Seira is sent flying, everything around her going dark! (More)
[20:05] <Kotono> It's dead here. Dead. There are no colors, only a bleached white and a soulless black. Seira blinsk as she finds herself lying on hard, rocky round. It looks like heavy hills turning into mountains. She's outside? What passes for outside here, perhaps. Her body aches dully, utterly without warmth. Moving makes her joints ache. The draining touch of the shadows lingers, making her feel even worse.
[20:06] <Kotono> *ground, not round. Hur.
06[20:07] * Seira shivers, checking at once that Lagann and her liberated dagger are with her, as are the pair of scrolls.
[20:07] <Kotono> Lagann i sin her hand, the dagger clinging to it's spherical form.
[20:09] <Kotono> The scrolls are also with her.
06[20:09] * Seira almost breathes in relief, but catches herself. First, she has to find somewhere to hide, preferably somewhere defensible. 'Lagann? Any metal around you could use?'
[20:11] <Kotono> 'No metal.' Lagann reports. There's plenty of rock outcroppings in these strange hills, and the terrain looks to go on just as it does in the real world.
01[20:12] <Seira> 'Just a little while longer. Just a bit longer, and we could escape,' Seira thinks to her friend, moving towards the nearest rock outcropping in hopes of hiding there while maintaining a vantage point of the surrounding area.
[20:12] <Kotono> OOC- For reference, make a hide check? Just in case it ends up mattering.
01[20:13] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 28 works for me, if it does for you
[20:15] <Kotono> Seira hides! She has a good view - it's uneven, rocky ground. It's a bit like the outlying ridges of the Galkass Mountains near home, really. A few minutes pass...and then Seira can see something coming! Something approaching - a calvalcade of horrors! Three of them - huge shadows. These shadows seem to pull in more darkness from their surroundings as they glide above the ground, seeming to be going right for the point where Seira appeared.
[20:15] <Kotono> seeming to be going right for the point where Seira appeared.
01[20:18] <Seira> The more time she can remain undetected, the better. She'll remain silent and immobile until the shadows make it clear that they're heading her way, even as her form blurs slightly, fading out partially.
[20:18] <Kotono> The shadows quickly reach her spot! One of them touches the ground there as the other two look around!
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 29." [1d20=16]
[20:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
06[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 19." [1d20=6]
[20:20] <Kotono> One of the shadows lets it's gaze sweep over where Seira is! It's ghostly visage narrows as all three turn to look at the rocks Seira hides behind!
06[20:20] * Seira runs away!
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Initiative here, I recon.
01[20:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6." [1d20=3]
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
03[20:21] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Shadows mk 3 maan.'
[20:24] <Kotono> Seira runs over the rocky terrain! She moves to her utmost as the shadows take to the air! They mostly catch up after some manuvering, only 20 feet behind her! In her mind, 'Surrender,' a toneless voice whispers, like the hand of cold death carressing her earlobes, 'You are dead. Your soul is forfiet to the Lady of the Shadows.' OOC - Seira, you're up again, if ou want to go. They're flying and moving somewhat faster than you overall.
06[20:26] * Seira breathes fire on them, while calling on Lagann to defend her with the dagger!
01[20:26] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 85." [1d100=85]
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC: Damage.
01[20:26] <Seira> roll 6d8
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 and gets 24." [6d8=2, 2, 3, 8, 7, 2]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 DC?
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 DC?
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 DC? and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 DC?
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 DC? and gets 13." [1d20=6]
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 DC? and gets 11." [1d20=4]
01[20:27] <Seira> OOC: 13
01[20:27] <Seira> roll 1d4
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 and gets 1." [1d4=1]
06[20:28] * Seira moves away after that, unwilling to be caught up just yet.
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Lagann daggers!
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Lagann daggers! and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 69." [1d100=69]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 5." [1d4=4]
[20:31] <Kotono> The flames seem to struggle to exist here, clawed at by the darkness even as the shed a momentary bliss of heat and light! The shadows are burnt by them, trying ot weave out of the way and partially succeeding! The slow one also gets Lagann's dagger ripping into it's shadowy body! The shadows fully move this time, going in three directions! One stays behind her, one goes to the left side and one stays to the right side! They're all 10 feet
[20:31] <Kotono> One stays behind her, one goes to the left side and one stays to the right side! They're all 10 feet away from her, like a net that's about to close. 'Surrender,' it repeats. 'Embrace the shadowy oblivion. You cannot escape us here. We are faster. We are stronger. We are tireless. We are invincible. We are the masters of this plane, mortal.'
06[20:32] * Seira lunges through the hole in this net before it had a chance to close, letting loose with another burst of flames at these terrible monsters!
01[20:33] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 44." [1d100=44]
01[20:33] <Seira> roll 1d4
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 43." [1d100=43]
[20:37] <Kotono> Fire and dagger work hard here as Seira lunges through the hole again! Yet neither avail, only running succeeding! As she does, the shadows fully move this time! This time one goes in front of her, one above her and one behind her, 'Surrender or we will obliterate you with blights. This is your last warning.'
06[20:38] * Seira pauses. "You won't kill me if I surrender?" she asks cautiously, as if disbeliving.
[20:39] <Kotono> 'Your soul is to go to the Lady of the Shadows.' It answers. 'Accept your fate and come with us.'
06[20:40] * Seira shudders. "So the Lady of the Shadows gets to decide my fate, but you won't touch me or otherwise harm me if I come with you to face her judgement?"
[20:41] <Kotono> 'Yes.' The shadows come closer, a dark chill wracking Seira. She can feel her vitality leech away from her, as if these beings contradict the very theory of her life. Yet, despite it, she is vibrant, enduring as best she can in a place of shadows absolute!
01[20:42] <Seira> "I'll stop fighting you. And come," she agrees, chilled to the bone. "Is it far?"
[20:43] <Kotono> The shadows are right next to her now, 'Come.' One of them reaches out for Seira's arm! OOC - Are you going to do anything or let it touch you?
01[20:44] <Seira> "No bad touching!" Seira exclaims, wriggling out of their grasps as best as she can! "Take me there normally, like the way you came here!"
01[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 24." [1d20=10]
[20:46] <Kotono> With swift speed, Seira tumbles away from them! OOC - Make a diplo check, -10 modifier?
01[20:46] <Seira> OOC: Can I ask them nicely for it, first?
[20:47] <Kotono> OOC: Hm?
01[20:47] <Seira> "You're faster, stronger, tireless. You are invincible!" Seira exclaims, sounding as panicked as she feels. "I can't escape you here! Can't the masters of this plane leave this small comfort to an insignificant, already surrendered mortal?"
01[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[20:53] <Kotono> There is a moment, the shadow staring holes into Seira. At last, 'Come with us,' The shadow invites, the three of them going around Seira...and beginning to walk.
06[20:53] * Seira walks as ordered, sighing in relief.
[20:54] <Kotono> As you walk, you notice that you're moving quite fast. The terrain starts to go by in a blur, though you seem to be moving at a normal clip.
01[20:55] <Seira> Does any of the terrain look familiar, much like the mountains seemed to be?
[20:56] <Kotono> It's starting as mountains but slowly turning into planes. It looks twisted and blurry, often faintly nightmarish.
06[20:57] * Seira will follow as long as her blur spell holds out, unless dismissal suddenly becomes an option.
[21:00] <Kotono> A few minutes pass. The terrain fades away into featureless black. But ahead of you, something begins to form! Two dark towers, then a few more, then several! Towers as if cut from the purest black nothing-ness! Far above them, like a new sun, a b lack disc blazing with purple fire around it's rim glares down. In the towers, clinging to them, walking between them, are countless shadows. Thousands - no, tens of thousands of them easily. Each
[21:00] <Kotono> Thousands - no, tens of thousands of them easily. Each one sings - a dirge that makes Seira's mind crackle! OOC - Will save, -4.
01[21:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
06[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[21:02] <Kotono> Crack. Seira's mind partially breaks at this dirge, a giggle of torment and joy passing through her. This sound is the nothing-sound of the first void, replicated by a trillion souls forever resigned to fade into the final day, where everything becomes nothing once more. Seira finds herself adding her own voice to it for a moment before she can control herself! OOC - 4 points of int, wis and cha drain.
[21:03] <Kotono> OOC - 4 points of int, wis and cha drain.
06[21:03] * Seira pauses abruptly, holding her head in pain as she sways on her feet. "I need a minute," she pleads with her guards. "I can't... give me a minute...."
[21:05] <Kotono> The shadows surround her, even as they begin to sing! Not a sound comes from their mouths, and yet it seems to make the song around her more terrible, more perfect. Yes, more perfect, as if a dire, impossible truth is pressing into her psyche, showing her the fated end of everything that ever was, ever is and ever will be. In it she sees planes crumbling, friends dying, eternties finding end at last. No mercy, no stopping - only a cold comf
[21:05] <Kotono> friends dying, eternties finding end at last. No mercy, no stopping - only a cold comfort that all shall share this final fate.
01[21:08] <Seira> Dismissal remains Seira's only hope, the only reason she holds on. She's dead, and so are her friends, so is her world. But recovering that ability would allow Seira to take revenge and forcibly take her enemies down with her into oblivion. It is not a particularly happy thought, yet one that fits the dirge's theme all too well.
[21:21] <Kotono> 'Come,' The shadows insist now, waiting on Seira.
01[21:25] <Seira> "All that loss," Seira repeats to herself, shaking her head, as she ignores the demand. "Everyone, everything...."
[21:28] <Kotono> 'Embrace the loss. IT is everything,' One of the shadows intones in a voice that makes it seem all the more real, all the more filled with loss. As Seira shakes her head, something catches her eye. From the side/behind, a glint of gold. It's just for a split moment, like the flash of coin passing between hands. Somehow...Seira feels braver on seeing it.
01[21:30] <Seira> Has she really lost everything? 'Lagann?' Seira mind reaches out hesitantly.
[21:32] <Kotono> 'Metal...' Lagann's voice is so longing now. Ever so longing, sad. 'Metal...'
01[21:33] <Seira> "If the loss is everything," Seira asks the shadows, "why is there a need to go someplace specific?"
[21:36] <Kotono> There are a few long moments, 'Shar is there, the Mistress of Loss. She is.' The shadow looks to Seira, uncaring, cold, dead inside. Again. Seira sees it again, out of the corner of her eye - gold. A glint of gold, away from those horrible towers and countless lost souls. Behind her.
06[21:38] * Seira turns her head in an attempt to glimpse it better. "I'm an insignificant mortal, dead in all that matters. Why would the Mistress of Loss need to oversee the utter loss of someone like me personally?"
[21:41] <Kotono> Behind her is the Plane of Shadow, in all of it's twisting glory. She can see empty black plains behind her. The glint of gold doesn't seem to be there when Seira looks...but she feels a little better, a little more composed. A yearning fills her, that not everything is like this. Not quite, but...It can't be here. Not here. As she does, Seira realises something. Her spell like powers and abilities have refreshed with the passage of time.
[21:42] <Kotono> Her spell like powers and abilities have refreshed with the passage of time.
06[21:49] * Seira stumbles back, away from the twisting towers, and through a hole in the arrangement of shadows around her.
01[21:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 19." [1d20=5]
[21:50] <Kotono> Seira quickly tumbles away from the shadows, a moment of surprise as she moves backwards in a blur! OOC - Anything else this turn?
01[21:51] <Seira> OOC: yes, sec
01[21:53] <Seira> Waukeen is trying to rescue her, that must be it, Seira decides, calling upon her divinely-granted power to move back further still. She looks away from the twisting souls, focusing instead on the image of a golden coin. This is not a place for her. She must not be here. Not on this plane.
01[21:53] <Seira> OOC: I'm trying dismissal after moving with travel more
[21:53] <Kotono> Throwing all of her power into it, using the divine domain granted to her by devotion to Waukeen, Seira flees the towers! As she endures the song for slightly longer she calls on the power to banish herself away! (More)
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 5." [1d100=5]
[21:54] <Kotono> The plane of shadows fades! For a moment she can see it all in reversed black and white, then a jarring of color! Seira has the sensation of hitting something very hard and then...nothing, exhaustion and shock coming together to claim her awareness. (More)
[21:57] <Kotono> It's like waking up a thousand times. Seira has faint memories of rising up and down, from a realm of nightmarish night terrors and towards light. Beautiful, living light...only to slide back down again. Then it's a small - a good smell. Food. Hunger. Hungry. Very hungry.  It makes her leg hurt very much...but it makes her stomach come alive. That is what finally  brings her back to coherency. It's going down her throat. Something warm and
[21:57] <Kotono> That is what finally  brings her back to coherency. It's going down her throat. Something warm and life giving, the tastes of onions, meat, carrots and celery.
01[21:59] <Seira> Seira's eyelids flutter open as she swallows reflexively. She's lacking the strength to fight any longer, to the point where the physical pain is barely felt. Is it possible she reached home? Can she finally be safe?
[22:01] <Kotono> Her eyes open. It's sunny in here, every sunny. A tanned orc(Orc?!) is holding her head up, as a womanly-orc gently pours a bowl of what looks to be a soup broth down. "Shhhh," In orcish it speaks, "Drink, you're hurt."
06[22:02] * Seira can't help it, she laughs hysterically at that statement, spilling some of the soup over her.
[22:03] <Kotono> The woman takes the soup back, looking puzzled.
[22:03] <Kotono> "Do you understand us?" It asks. "Careful, your leg's broke and it's still setting."
01[22:03] <Seira> "Where am I?" Seira rasps in perfect, if textbook, Orcish.
[22:05] <Kotono> "The Third Great Tribal Land, Sisyrath. To be more to the point, our home in it." The woman puts a hand on her hip. "If you want to ask questions, I'm dying to know what a robed dragon-ling is doing appearing on our land."
06[22:07] * Seira laughs again, bitterly this time. "Ambushed. Constantly ambushed. If this is another trick, another trap, just kill me and get it over with already."
[22:07] <Kotono> The two orcs exchange a look, "If we wanted to kill you, we would've. Dragon tastes good," With a broad smile, "Or so I hear. We're not going to kill you."
01[22:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 planes?
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 planes? and gets 9." [1d20=3]
01[22:09] <Seira> "Never had one, myself," Seira responds, letting her head drop back on what serves as her pillow. "Which plane is this?"
[22:11] <Kotono> Seira sees she's lying on a bed. Her leg is wrapped in white cloths, elevated. "Plane?" The male orc shakes it's head, "I don't understand what you mean." A simple enough dwelling is around you, though it looks clean, well kept and generally in good keepings.  Windows let ample sunlight in.
01[22:11] <Seira> "If you know about dragons, do you know about magic?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "A little," The woman says, "It's what wizards do, isn't it? It can do miraclous things."
01[22:12] <Seira> "Dragons, too," Seira says. "Evil wizards were after me. I barely escaped with my life."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Yes, you were exhausted. And there was that strange orb with you..." The male orc's eyebrows rise. "What it's doing to the our metal tools is magic?"
01[22:16] <Seira> Seira's first instict is to sit right up, but she overrides it, more due to exhaustion than any force of will. "Yes. It is an artifact from ancient times. But it hates everyone who it doesn't know, and will stab them in the face. Lagann even did it to me before we became friends. Be careful there."
[22:17] <Kotono> "Yeah, I rather had the idea to leave it be..." The woman murmurs, "You look exhausted, though. We can talk later. You need to drink this and rest." She presents the bowl of soup.
01[22:18] <Seira> "I need some... some details. It's important. Deities, are you aware of deities? If so, which ones do you know?"
01[22:19] <Seira> If they list the gods being worshipped, Seira intends to pay extra attention to which ones are favored, and which treated with hatred.
[22:20] <Kotono> "Our Lord that still watches," Both orcs bow their head at once, "Some of the human Gods as well...Kelemvor, Helm, Milekki, who the humans to the east also venerate. The other orcs to the west venerate the old Gods like One-Eye."
[22:21] <Kotono> The woman speaks up, "Don't say his name, it's forbidden here! Old One-Eye has no place in this house!"
06[22:22] * Seira relaxes with a sigh. "I must be safe, then. He called on me for missions, before." Seira closes her eyes, repeating, "I should be alright for now."
[22:24] <Kotono> "Good. It must be a fine story, when you're better, you can tell it to us over the fire?" The male says, slowly letting Seira's head go onto what feels like a soft pillow. Despite it's monsterous apperance, it's reasonably gentle with it, as a wounded person should be treated. "Your leg will take at least two moons to heal and must stay rigid."
01[22:25] <Seira> "Magic..." Seira whispers, unleashing the healing energies of her strongest spell. "Let me try...."
01[22:25] <Seira> roll 3d8+15
06[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+15 and gets 29." [3d8=6, 7, 1]
[22:26] <Kotono> The pain in Seira's leg is gone! It feels much better now.
06[22:27] * Seira sighs in relief. "Can I see a mage, please?" she asks, accepting the bowl of soup and taking another spoonful.
[22:29] <Kotono> It's quite good and Seira finds herself well past starving. "A mage? I think the closest one is...a few days travel?" Even as they look on at Seira's leg in soft wonder, "Taran Half-Human started worshipping Milekki recently and can do a tiny bit of magic."
[22:30] <Kotono> "Taran's in town, but he's hardly a real magician." The male orc retorts, "He struggles to mend serious injuries."
01[22:30] <Seira> "How long was I unconscious?" Seira asks in between consuming the food offered to her. "And did you see me appear out of thin air?"
[22:31] <Kotono> "I heard you land when I was working outside," The male orc explains. "You've been out for about a day now."
06[22:32] * Seira nods at the explanation. She should use this chance to rest and recover a bit. "Thank you for what you have done for me," she tells the two. "I intend to try and leave come midnight. If there is anything I can do to repay you for this...."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Already? You're still weak," The orc observes, "A good story is fine. I know you don't have any money on you," he says honestly. "A mage should have many a good tale to tell."
01[22:36] <Seira> "That group of mages is utterly evil, and devoted to the destruction of all life," Seira says, shaking her head. "Heh. It sounds so pretentious, doesn't it? Those... those things...." Her shoulders shake, as her voice breaks. "I have to get home. I can't delay, or they'll come after me. I can't go back to that place anymore. Even death isn't an escape. Even death."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Alright," The male orc agrees to that, "If you're that worried I won't stop you. But do you even know which direction to go in? You acted like you didn't know where you were."
01[22:39] <Seira> It takes Seira a moment to regain herself. "Magic. Cast near midnight, it has the best chance of accuracy. Even weakened, I still have some of it. If you need something healed, or a derelict building destroyed...." She leaves the offer open.
[22:41] <Kotono> "There is one thing...that orb's done strange things to our tools," The female orc scowls at that, "That hoe's less than a year old."
01[22:41] <Seira> Seira's eyes widen. "There is another thing!" she exclaims. "Do you know of any veins of valuable metals in the area?"
[22:43] <Kotono> "There's some mines in the First Tribe's lands. Iron and some veins of gold, I think?"
01[22:44] <Seira> "How far are they from here?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "A few weeks of traveo north-northeast on horseback."
01[22:46] <Seira> Unfortunate. Well, perhaps something of use is on this property. She'll ask Lagann after resting for a bit. "Can you list the largest empires and kingdoms that you know of, please?" Seira requests. "And great natural monuments, such as the Bay of Sparkling Stars, for example."

[Corwin]

[19:24] <Kotono> OOC: SEira, refresh me on your plans here?
01[19:25] <Seira> OOC: Continue chatting a bit to gain some info on this plane (or this land, if it's not a different plane per se), 'rest' without sleeping since I don't think I need to sleep after all I've done of it so far to recover, then go with Lagann and look around.
01[19:25] <Seira> OOC: Once it's a couple minutes to midnight, I have real plans, so unless I get interrupted these ones won't take long
01[19:26] <Seira> OOC: I realize I might not be able to hit the time exactly, but I could do it within fifteen minutes, maybe thirty, judging by the sun?
[19:34] <Kotono> As Seira leans back to rest, "There are the Three Great Tribes. Our allies, the humans, live to the east in the Kingdom of Erana and the Republic of Dycebold. To the west, the Enargi Swamps are infested with uncivilized orcs and dangers. Those are the biggest and closest. There's a large empre farther west of the swamps, once it dries out. The Empire of Zakat."
01[19:37] <Seira> "Nothing rings a bell," Seira mutters. "I must be really far from home." For the sake of her hosts, she elaborates, "I had to flee, and conditions weren't perfect. In many ways, it was a blind jump. Still, I hoped I'd make it make to my allies." She shakes her head. "What about historical events? Can you tell me anything of particular notice?"
[19:44] <Kotono> "You're a curious one," The male orc rubs his chin, "Well, there's all the wars with the old orcs. That's a curse that usually happens at least once a lifetime. The last one was 14 years ago and ended with a victory of the combined legions." Stopping to think, "But the most important thing? The split, when Our Lord that still watches lead the Three Great Tribes away from the old ways."
[19:44] <Kotono> "That was six hundred years ago," The female orc adds. "Six hundred and...eight years, to be exact? The 609th celebration will be this summer equinox."
[19:44] <Kotono> "You mean next summer's," The male corrects.
[19:45] <Kotono> "Yes, and?" The female looks back, unpreterbed.
01[19:45] <Seira> "I'm hoping I would make it for the six hundred and tenth," Seira says, making an effort to smile, though the result is wan. "If that's alright."
[19:47] <Kotono> "If you don't keep your strength up and rest more, you might not," The male orc observes.
01[19:48] <Seira> "This is resting, for me," Seira argues back. "My body is trying to recover, but I've slept all I will until I make it back to my friends."
[20:01] <Kotono> "Heh, you are deadset. Very well. You're as stubborn as one of us." THe male orc grins, showing many a sharp tooth inside of it's mouth.
[20:03] <Kotono> It's late in the afternoon by the time Seira rests up and feels better. She has another meal, this one of broth, meat and bread. A hearty meal that makes her feel much better. "Yes, on the subject of that strange metal ball. You were going to go stop it?" The female orc asks as she takes up Seira's plates.
03[20:03] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5446f085.lns6-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:04] <Seira> "I'm going to have a little chat with Lagann, yes," Seira responds, standing up. "Where can I find him?"
03[20:05] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:08] <Kotono> "This way." Outside, you find the land to be low lying and well kept. Summer greenery blossoms around you as you wrap around back to a large shed. Behind it are several fields of grain, corn and other vegetables and fruits being grown.  A pen with pigs and other livestock can be glimpsed as well. However, the shed doors ar eopen. Inside, you can get glimpses of a mad dance of metal - twisting, turning and wrapping around over and over.
[20:08] <Kotono> wisting, turning and wrapping around over and over.
01[20:09] <Seira> "Lagann!" Seira calls out, striding over to the shed. "Got yourself some new toys?"
[20:10] <Kotono> You can see Lagann at the middle of the supply shed! Metal dances around him as Seira gets closer! It forms many shapes as she approaches, floating towards her! By the time the twisted bands of metal have reached it, it forms a fair imitation of the SEcond Resort, hilt presented to her.
01[20:11] <Seira> "Thanks," she says gratefully, reaching out to take the familiar hilt.
[20:14] <Kotono> It's not as powerfully magical or as light as the Second Resort, but it still feels sort of right. You notice there's a lot of wooden hafts about, like halves of tools that were denuded of their other halves.
01[20:16] <Seira> "Yes, about that," Seira mutters, going over to pick up Lagann. "Let's take a look around the property of our hosts, shall we? If they have any precious metal hidden in the ground, or even just regular metal to remake their tools, it would be nice to leave this small token of our appreciation at being helped."
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 1d100
05[20:18] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:18] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[20:18] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 61." [1d100=61]
[20:23] <Kotono> Searching the grounds, Lagann finds trace amounts of metal below. Most of it is trace iron, nickel or other base metals. However, at the edge of one field there are few heavy rocks. Lagann detects a small but notable quantity of gold about ten feet beneath them.
01[20:24] <Seira> Before she goes excavate what might well be a resting place on her gracious hosts's property, Seira goes to find them and inquire about that spot.
[20:29] <Kotono> Finding the female in the kitchen, working on making dinner, "Those rocks? Those have been there for years. Garzi's always too lazy to move them." Putting her hands on her hips, "Always makes up an excuse when it comes up.
01[20:30] <Seira> "I'm not at my best, though I could likely crush them," Seira offers. "It is what below them that is of interest. How about it? Want to go and watch the show?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "What's below them?" With a puzzled look as she cleans her hands ona  dishrag, "I remember hearing a story where dragons were as stron gas thirty men, so that's true?"
01[20:34] <Seira> "The caliber of the man is what makes the difference, not mere numbers," Seira responds, leading the way outside. "However, what really makes the dragons stand out is the magic they wield."
06[20:35] * Seira estimates the surface area to be affected if she were to call upon Ice Storm to crush those large rocks, not wishing to needlessly damage something on the orcs's property.
[20:37] <Kotono> It could work if you angle the back half or so out on the empty, unfarmed groudn behind the rocks.
06[20:38] * Seira steps a bit before the female orc, just in case of debries despite the safe distance they are from the rocks, and calls upon a pillar of summoned ice to crush the obstacle ahead!
[20:41] <Kotono> As the female orc watches in unhidden amazement, ice and storm come down! The ground is plummeled in a furious ice storm! The rocks are pulverised, broken up into many a loose rock chunk and pebble!
01[20:42] <Seira> "Do your stuff, Lagann!" Seira calls out, gesturing at the ground ahead as she approaches it. "Bring that gold up!"
[20:53] <Kotono> The ground is torn up as Lagann works! Several nuggets of gold come rocketing out of the soil, going to float around Lagann! They're half gold nuggets, often embedded into looser stones as deposits. It's dull and not shiny like worked gold, though Seira can still identify it on sight.
06[20:54] * Seira nods to herself, standing almost directly above the place they came from, where Lagann would have maximum range. "That's it for this spot as far as precious metals go, right?"
[20:55] <Kotono> 'Yes!' Lagann says joyfully, as the female orc gawks at the floating shiny metal. "Is that...gold?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees, letting it collect it in her hands. "Dragons have an eye for precious metals, and so does Lagann. I still have a few hours left before I have to go, so he could try to process it and make something of it. Its value might be higher if it's a unique-looking figurine, but just selling the nuggets would surely be easier explained. It is entirely up to you."
[21:00] <Kotono> "The nuggets are enough." Smiling now, "That will more than make up the cost of those tools. Thank you!"
01[21:01] <Seira> "It's all I can do right now," Seira says regretfully. "The dagger I brought is magical, but I took it from my enemies so it might be dangerous in some form. And selling a magical weapon doesn't sound like it's easy in these parts, if not flat out impossible without a very lengthy trip."
[21:02] <Kotono> "You'd need to go to a bigger city for that," The female agrees, even as she eyes the gold with wide eyes still.
06[21:03] * Seira places the gold in the woman's hands. "I'll go prepare for my next jump," she tells her, steeling her resolve. "It never hurts to get ready."
[21:13] <Kotono> OOC: Poke me when you're back?
01[21:29] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 1." [1d100=1]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d100 DM roll here
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 DM roll here and gets 12." [1d100=12]
[21:41] <Kotono> Wind. The wind is a howling, horrible miasma of noise! There are howls of damnation all in it, muddled screams and thousands of voices screaming, crying and raging as one! The cachphony is nigh overwhelming, massive to Seira's ears! Shes tands in a cold cavern, the chill making her flesh crawl. A blizzard blows around her as she stands amid it, never touching the ground, but instead howling around endlessly.  (More)
[21:42] <Kotono>  but instead howling around endlessly.  (More)
[21:43] <Kotono> Visibility is horrible - the snowstorm limits it to only a few feet! Yet it does not stop the damnable sounds, nor the images of horrible, hulking things with red vicious eyes of fury staring at her from within the storm itself!
[21:43] <Kotono> roll 1d10
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 3." [1d10=3]
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC - You have 10 rounds to kill, Seira.
01[21:45] <Seira> Seira's outline blurs as she becomes even harder to spot in the blizzard, while she moves twenty feet away from the hulking monsters before breaking to the right for ten more, continuing the zig-zagging pattern again afterwards.
01[21:45] <Seira> OOC: Blur, travel devotion
[21:46] <Kotono> The images in the snow fade back away into it's midsts, even as Seira's ears bleed! The sound is overwhelming to her, bringing tears of suffering to her eyes. That noise...it has to stop! It has to! Too many voices! Too many voices crying out and pressing endless chaotic swirling meanings into her intellect! As she finishes moving, she catches something to her side! Another thing - lower and much smaller, but with red eyes as well and a sna
[21:46] <Kotono>  Another thing - lower and much smaller, but with red eyes as well and a snarl carried by the wind to her! OOC - 9 rounds. You're up, Seira.
06[21:47] * Seira moves again, away from those two monsters and the smaller one, never quite going in a straight line.
01[21:47] <Seira> OOC: 90ft more of retreat
[21:49] <Kotono> Another round passes! 8 to go! She sees many eyes in teh darkness, looming at her! Usually in pairs, but often three, four, five or more eyes in strange patterns! The wind continues to torment her, even as she finds a spot where no eyes are immediately around her! Her ears and mind are screaming at her!
06[21:50] * Seira gives up all pretense of an organized retreat, moving back as far as she can in a straight line, picking a direction away from the eyes. She has to move away from the eyes.
[21:51] <Kotono> Seven rounds to go! As Seira flees, her hearing...stops. Everything fades into a few moments of fuzzy noise, then dead silence. Yet...it's a relief. The pain in her ears, while strong, begins to lessen. In a silent winter wonderland Seira darts around! At the end of her move, she finds herself close to what looks to be a cliff in the way she was going. No eyes over it, though.
01[21:53] <Seira> Cliffs are bad, especially in her current state. Knowing that much, Seira tries another direction.
[21:54] <Kotono> Six rounds! Seira advances...and runs right into it! It's a white wolf...no, a winter wolf. She's fought this creature before, but not like this! It's entire form is twisted and fiendish, large fangs in it's mouth dripping a green venmous bile! OOC - Let's do initiative here and see what happens. Six rounds to go until dismissal recharges.
01[21:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[21:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7." [1d20=2]
03[21:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Fiendish Winter Wolf.'
[21:55] <Kotono> OOC - Go Seira.
06[21:56] * Seira breathes fire on the wolf, before retreating enough to deny the wolf an easy pounce on her!
01[21:56] <Seira> roll 6d8
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 and gets 25." [6d8=3, 2, 6, 8, 5, 1]
01[21:56] <Seira> roll 1d4 dc13
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 dc13 and gets 1." [1d4=1]
[21:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[21:57] <Kotono> OOC - How far are you moving?
01[21:58] <Seira> OOC: My movement is 60ft
[21:59] <Kotono> Seira flees back! AS she does, the wolf follows! It moves disturingly fast, able to make a charge at her even as it's scorched and snapping at her in fury!
[21:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 chaaarge
06[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 chaaarge and gets 25." [1d20=14]
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
01[21:59] <Seira> OOC: 20
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d8+6+1d6 cold and it gets a free trip attempt
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6+1d6 cold and it gets a free trip attempt and gets 18." [1d8=6][1d6=6]
01[22:00] <Seira> OOC: Blur
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d100 good point
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 good point and gets 27." [1d100=27]
[22:00] <Kotono> OOC - Blur didn't help, now we resolve the trip attempt.
[22:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 14." [1d20=6]
01[22:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[22:03] <Kotono> Seira is bitten, her arm snapped on! The flesh around it turns icy cold, frozen entirely like a block of ice! Nonetheless, Seira keeps up the good fight! OOC - Seira, you're up. five round to go.
06[22:03] * Seira decides on caution being the better part of valor, and opts for a full-out retreat from the wolf.
06[22:03] * Seira alters direction for the last ten feet, in case the wolf commits itself and misses in its lunge.
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC - How far for the full move?
01[22:03] <Seira> OOC: 90ft
[22:05] <Kotono> Seira flees into the blizzard! She passes by more red eyes, but ends her move by swinging to the left! The wolf gives chase, but the turn of direction prevents it form reaching her, ten feet away at the end! It snarls without sound, the now voiceless, silent wind whipping Seira's back! OOC - Four rounds, you'r eup.
06[22:05] * Seira snarls back, fire gushing out once more to set the wolf's fur aflame.
01[22:05] <Seira> roll 6d8
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 and gets 27." [6d8=4, 7, 2, 5, 2, 7]
01[22:05] <Seira> roll 1d4
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 and gets 3." [1d4=3]
06[22:06] * Seira moves back then left, and then back again to avoid being an easy target.
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12." [1d20=6]
01[22:06] <Seira> OOC: still 13
[22:06] <Kotono> This time it's enough! The wolf is consumed with fire, collapsing as Seira flees! No sign of it following after! Yet there are red eyes in teh distance around her! OOC - 3 rounds.
06[22:07] * Seira calls upon her powers of healing, falling back to the spot the wolf had perished.
01[22:07] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 16." [2d8=5, 1]
[22:08] <Kotono> Two rounds! But as Seira approaches, finding a dead wolf...something looms over it! A huge giant! It's blue skin is lined with scales, it's eyes as red as hell's fires! It's greataxe is drawn! Seira's blood chills as she remembers this creature, a frost giant! Yet she's never seen one looking this fiendish! OOC - Two rounds to go, initiative.
01[22:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 16." [1d20=10]
01[22:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+8 sure
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 sure and gets 9." [1d20=1]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20-1
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-1 and gets 0." [1d20=1]
03[22:10] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Fiendish Frost Giant'
[22:10] <Kotono> OOC - Go Seira.
01[22:11] <Seira> Retreat, and nothing but retreat, all in a straight line! Even the wolves would be better.
[22:12] <Kotono> Seira flees back fully! One rounds to go! However, the giant follows even as she does! It's close and half hidden in thes torm, but not hidden enough! With a roar of fury that is silent, it menances Seira! OOC -1 round.
06[22:13] * Seira just needs to keep it up for a little bit longer, proceeding back.
[22:14] <Kotono> The giant gives chase! It's time! It's time! It hasn't caught up! Yet even as it is, Seira can see vast red eyes above her, as if something gigantic has noticed her and is peering down from the cave snowstorm! OOC - Your'e up. Dismisssal is back.
01[22:14] <Seira> Oh, brilliant. And didn't that frosty goddess bless her? How quickly they forget. Placing all her faith in Waukeen, Seira prays and disappears! Hopefully for home!
01[22:14] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[22:26] <Kotono> Seira appears! This time it's...underwater? Ack, air! Seira's hearing is still on the outs, though she seems to be most underwater! AIr, need air!
06[22:30] * Seira was worrying about that, strangely enough, a detached part of her mind notes. But as she was about to cast the proper spell, she was attacked. She is lucky that she arrived to this plane conscious, and so, Seira doesn't hesitate in calling upon the magic of water breathing. It's still too early to tell where she is, though if it is the plane of water she has both allies and a gate home from there.
[22:31] <Kotono> Water can now be endured! Filling her lungs with sweet air, Seira looks about. It's a watery blue around her. The ground is muddy, though with a slow, steady uprising. Far above she can see sunlight piercing through.
06[22:31] * Seira swims towards the surface!
[22:31] <Kotono> OOC: Straight up?
01[22:32] <Seira> OOC: Do I see anything else of note here?
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC: Nope, it's a pretty plain lake bottom. Kinda rocky, though.
01[22:32] <Seira> OOC: Up it is, unless I recognize it
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC: Along with the normal mud.
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: Id' have you make a swim check, but you can keep trying with no problem since you can breath underwater. You'll get it right sooner or later.
[22:34] <Kotono> Seira manages to swim up into the lake's surface! Here, in dazzling morning sunshine, Seira can see she is in a large lake! She's not too far from a sandy, weathered shoreline. By the s un's position, the shore is to the west. It's already warm out here - it feels like summer.
06[22:35] * Seira heads for the shore, saddened yet again that she can't just fly up and scout. She looks for any signs of civilization -- or danger. At the same time, her mind reaches out to Lagann with an apology at the unplanned swim, and a question of what his senses can tell her.
[22:36] <Kotono> 'Water water water HATE WATER!' Lagann's thoughts are rather one note. There's no metal nearby. However, she can spot a few shacks near the edge of the water on the western shore.
01[22:37] <Seira> 'We'll dry up quickly in this sun,' she thinks back, before moving towards the shacks. It's best to try and avoid detection, until she can determine whether the inhabitants are hostile or just plain evil.
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 17." [1d20=15]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
06[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 4." [1d20=3]
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20-1
06[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-1 and gets 13." [1d20=14]
[22:39] <Kotono> Seira makes it to shore! Solid ground at last! She can see a few people through windows of the hut - one is an older man and wife, another is a man in a uniform. A Malmuthian uniform.
01[22:39] <Seira> It takes considerable effort not to laugh.
06[22:42] * Seira goes over her knowledge. Queen Tant is an ally, and might even be grateful to her for her part in making the woman queen. On the other hand, Queen Tant's presumed respect towards Seira could be towards a Seira who is at the top of her game. And if she is secretely allied with those Kesse bastards... would that be impossible? In the end, Seira decides to observe the three inside a while longer.
[22:44] <Kotono> The older man and woman eat breakfast in peace while the uniformed man goes to head outside. He goes to the other shack, knocking on the door and entering.
06[22:44] * Seira decides to take a look inside the other shack, sneaking about.
02[22:44] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[22:44] <Kotono> OOC - The now presumably empty one or the one that the man went into?
01[22:45] <Seira> OOC: Sorry, the one the man went towards. If it has windows, etc.
03[22:45] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5446f085.lns6-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[22:46] <Kotono> It's a pretty normal enough shack. It's livable inside, having a table and a few chairs. Looks pretty plain. Another uniformed man is in there, answering the door. HE goes out with the first uniformed man, the two starting to walk away.
06[22:47] * Seira briefly decides to check out the remaining shack.
[22:48] <Kotono> As Seira creeps around, she sees the two are walking down a well worn footpath. It leads a few hundred yards to a more established road, where another small shack rests. This one is mostly open air, the road besides it having some old wagon wheel tracks.
01[22:49] <Seira> After looking inside the remaining shack in the group, Seira will reconsider her options.
[22:50] <Kotono> The last has the older couple finishing breakfast. The man is getting a net, rod and other finishing supplies ready while the wife is cleaning the dishes in a basin of water. This looks far more homey, even with a small flowerbed on the far side.
06[22:52] * Seira makes a decision, and takes the same footpath, running up to the two soldiers. "Wait up!" she calls after them in common. This hardly means she trusts them. She is armed, even if the weapons are not on display, and won't give anyone a second chance should they attack.
[22:53] <Kotono> The two soldiers stop. They eye the robed, wet, well traveled dragonwoman who approaches them. "What the FUCK?" One of the men gapes.
01[22:55] <Seira> "Seira," she introduces herself, coming to a stop some fifteen feet away. "Colonel in the Crimson Guard of the United Baronies. Under the terms of our peace treaty, I would call for your cooperation."
[22:55] <Kotono> OOC: You're still deaf, but THAT one wasn't hard to lipread.
01[22:55] <Seira> OOC: It's like dc15 from 30ft, and I have +8 to the roll
[22:56] <Kotono> The two soldiers gawk some more, one of them mouthing, "Uh...what?" The other is quicker to recover, a lean man with fast movements. "Can you prove your id...then again..." he eyes Seira with some distaste.  "Come with us. We'll need to send you along to the garrison at Atva."
01[22:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{17}
01[23:00] <Seira> "I don't need you to like me or approve of me," Seira states back firmly. "However, I will have your cooperation," she repeats. "I am under a time-sensitive mission, and I am already overdue. How quickly can we reach the garrison?"
[23:01] <Kotono> "About a day by horseback, more if it rains and the path gets muddy," This close and speaking openly, it's not too hard to read their lips. "We can requistion one from the first wagon that comes this way today."
06[23:05] * Seira nods curtly. "You will have to lead the way, as I don't know the area. Is there a mage among the soldiers stationed at the garrison, or the civilians themselves?"

[Corwin]

[19:30] <Kokokokokoko> > The two soldiers gawk some more, one of them mouthing, "Uh...what?" The other is quicker to recover, a lean man with fast movements. "Can you prove your id...then again..." he eyes Seira with some distaste.  "Come with us. We'll need to send you along to the garrison at Atva."
[19:30] <Kokokokokoko> <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[19:30] <Kokokokokoko> <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{17}
[19:30] <Kokokokokoko> <Seira> "I don't need you to like me or approve of me," Seira states back firmly. "However, I will have your cooperation," she repeats. "I am under a time-sensitive mission, and I am already overdue. How quickly can we reach the garrison?"
[19:30] <Kokokokokoko> > "About a day by horseback, more if it rains and the path gets muddy," This close and speaking openly, it's not too hard to read their lips. "We can requistion one from the first wagon that comes this way today."
[19:30] <Kokokokokoko> * Seira nods curtly. "You will have to lead the way, as I don't know the area. Is there a mage among the soldiers stationed at the garrison, or the civilians themselves?"
[19:33] <Kokokokokoko> "Sorry, we're duty bound to stay here," One says, "There's a map of the area, that should do."
06[19:36] * Seira is somewhat incredulous. "Just so I understand. When you said 'send you along', you actually meant 'we'll tell you to go and you are expected to find it on your own and get there'?"
[19:37] <Kokokokokoko> With a slight twisting of his lips, "Is the great Seira of the Crimson Guard unable to read a map?"
01[19:38] <Seira> "The great Seira of the Crimson Guard is on a tight schedule!" she sputters. "Important missions? Reprecussions for your empire? Would I frigging joke about stuff like that just to grab a guide?"
01[19:38] <Seira> *mission
[19:45] <Kokokokokoko> One of the two rubs a hand over his face, saying something Seira can't make out due to said hand being in the way of his mouth. The other says, "No. See, you're on the wrong side to order us around." Crossing his arms, "You're in our home now. If I had my way, you sure as shit wouldn't be getting a horse or a map. If it wasn't for the treaty, I'd be trying to kill you, dragonface and orders be damned, kingkiller." Bristling, "Now shut
[19:46] <Kokokokokoko> dragonface and orders be damned, kingkiller." Bristling, "Now shut up and follow us. If you don't like it, go grovel to Queen Tant."
01[19:55] <Seira> Trying is the operative word. The temptation to just snap and vent on these bastards is overwhelming. "At this point, I am beyond caring," Seira says, eyes narrowing. "You don't have a horse, and I can ask a caravan on my own when I run into one. Now, point me in the right direction, or I will reach the closest hamlet, discover this treachery and spend the remainder of my life hunting you two down."
01[19:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 30." [1d20=11]
[19:56] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+5 this is so academic
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+5 this is so academic and gets 11." [1d20=6]
[19:57] <Kokokokokoko> The color drains from the man'sf ace like water going down the sink. "F-fine!" He stammers noticiably, picked up even via lip reading. Pointing towards the northeast, "That way, take the road and follow the paths that way. T-there's a sign a few miles in."
01[19:58] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira says without emotion, turning on her heel and following the road. "This is why we fucking had to go to war in the first place. Nothing but hate. Extend your hand in friendship, and people bite it over and fucking over again."
[20:02] <Kokokokokoko> If there is a reply Seira doesn't get it. Instead she walks. After an hour and some change of walking down this dirt road...'Seira, are you there? Reply if so. Details of where you are and how you are. Do you need help? Celebrimbor.'
03[20:02] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5445c22e.lns3-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:05] <Kokokokokoko> As the hour passed, SEira did notice one thing. Her hearing has come back and spurts and bits, her hearing about normal now.
03[20:05] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:07] <Seira> Relief! It takes Seira a precious moment to realize just what she is feeling. "In Malmuth, near the Gulnan basin. An hour's walk towards Atva. Weeks to return on my own. Can you assist? Out of spells, no spellbook."
[20:12] <Kokokokokoko> The reply is sent, the plain dirt road the only thing to keep SEira company for the moment. OOC - Doing anything or walking along or waiting or what now?
06[20:13] * Seira decides to proceed along on her way for now. If Celebrimbor intends to intercept her en route, he will send new instructions no later than in half an hour, anyway. If he doesn't, she might as well get to Atva and keep her options open.