223.3 Demedais in Balmuria

[Corwin]

[18:33] <Kotono> ---------(Princess Ko)--
[18:37] <Kotono> Settling back into Balmuria for a time, fall comes as Alicia and Seira are both off on derring-do and private quests. One dawn, as Demedais prepares for the day, there is a knocking on his room's door. "Sir Demedais?" A man's voice calls. "There's a message for you from Commander Oberuth."
[18:38] <Demedais> "What is the message?" Demedais replies, looking up at the door.
[18:39] <Kotono> Demedais sees the closed door to his room that was just knocked on. It's very door-like. It might just be a door. "A forest giant and his caravan of subserviant goblins and a troll are coming towards the city. Assemble an aide or two and be ready to defend Balmuria if he's hostile, and to deal with him if not."
[18:41] <Demedais> "I will be present shortly." Demedais replies, opening the door and nodding to the man speaking. "Has word been sent to Eudard and Pollyanna?"
[18:43] <Kotono> It's a young soldier, saluting once the door opens. "Not yet, sir. You are to muster whom you deem fit."
[18:45] <Demedais> "Very well. I shall rouse them; we meet at the gate, then, I presume?" Demedais replies, returning the salute with an nod of thanks.
[18:52] <Kotono> "Yes sir!" Saluting again, "May I go now, sir?"
[18:53] <Demedais> "Oh. Certainly. Thank you." Demedais nods again, before heading back into his room to grab the sword and going to get Pollyanna and Eudard.
[18:55] <Kotono> Dawn's rays are splaying over the horizon as the three muster at the gate. Pollyanna smothers a yawn into her hand as she rubs her eyes and peers ahead. The road ahead leads to the Barony of Valandia, while Pollyanna's attention is more to the east/northeast. "I remember the noise the last time a giant came to town. This one was trolls and goblins with him?"
[18:56] <Demedais> "Apparently he does, yes." Demedais nods. "I in part do wonder if it has anything to do with the giant we fought previously."
[18:57] <Kotono> "If it's a warband they'll come to a defeat here," Eudard waits near the walls. Several other soldiers man the gates, starting to process an approaching human caravan of traders in the background.
06[18:58] * Demedais nods slightly. "If it is, yes. Apparently they have a troll with them, which might be entertaining."
[18:58] <Kotono> "Heh," Pollyanna smiles at that, "My arrows will deal with a troll easily enough, worst come to worst."
[19:00] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods at this.
[19:01] <Kotono> Two hours past dawn. A few early caravans have trickled in and a few travelers and a single caravan of have trickled out of Balmuria. Things are just starting to get busy, when you can spot someone running from the east. It's a commoner, shoutinga nd waving, "HELP! HELP! GUAAARD!" This man wears a farmer's well worn clothes and straw hat.
[19:03] <Demedais> "Blast." Demedais mutters, going to meet with the man.
[19:07] <Kotono> As Pollyanna and Eudard trot along with Demedais, the farmer huffs and puffs, hands on his knees as he catches his breath. "I saw it...huge freak....troll on a chain with him and goblins...they're coming this way!"
[19:07] <Kotono> "Did it attack you," Eudard looks the man over, "You look uninjured."
06[19:09] * Demedais looks the man over to confirm Eudard's statement, letting the man catch his breath and answer the question first.
[19:10] <Kotono> He doesn't look injured at all, just winded. "No. I saw them and that damned huge cart with them and ran for the guards." Taking another few breaths after, "Goblins and trolls are no good."
06[19:12] * Demedais nods slightly. "Normally not, no. Thank you for the warning; we'll be ensuring they don't intend harm to anyone. If they do, we'll deal with them."
[19:13] <Kotono> The man nods, "Gonna go inside the city then and get refreshed. I'm not going back out while those things are running around!" With that, the farmer goes inside of the city.
[19:14] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods, before looking to his companions with a slightly aggreived expression. "We may need to send out a notice to the people to tell them most the giants mean no harm. Of course, probably only if this one doesn't as well."
[19:16] <Kotono> "Of course. Even then, there will be panics," Pollyanna reaches back, checking over her bow. "That's a good idea, we can tell that to the Commander when this is over?"
06[19:17] * Demedais nods to this. "While it's bad to presume every creature will behave just like the rest, it's still wise to note what assumptions a person can usually safely make."
[19:19] <Kotono> "Yes." Pollyanna peers ahead again, "What do you think? Fight or parley coming up?"
03[19:19] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #terrorofdunes
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
06[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 28." [1d20=16]
[19:20] <Kotono> "Speaking of..." Pollyanna murmurs, "Still a ways away, but I see some movement ot the east."
[19:20] <Demedais> "A caravan was mentioned. Either a war caravan - not enough people to manage it, but hope springs eternal - or a rich trade caravan."
06[19:20] * Demedais looks toward where Pollyanna's looking to try and spot the group.
[19:27] <Kotono> It's not hard as they approach closer! You can see the dust they kick up first, then the group! At the head is a forest giant, striding forward proudly! In his grasp is a long length of heavy metal chain, attached to a metal collar around the throat of a troll. This trolls drools and looks utterly unhappy. Several goblins lug alon ga wheeled cart behind the giant, covered with canvas so it's contents are hidden.
[19:29] <Demedais> "Yeah, guessing a trade caravan." Demedais mutters at this, striding forward after summoning his armor to meet the giant once he's about a hundred feet away. "Hail, traveler. What business do you seek within Balmuria?"
[19:31] <Kotono> The giant approaches forward as the cart stops. The goblins sag in relief, going to sit down and lay down on the ground. The troll is tugged along with one arm by the giant, who wears furs and has a spear kept to his back. "I have come to the human city of Balmuria to trade! I seek gold, good drink, good food and suitable enchantments for one of my stature and prowess!"
06[19:39] * Demedais quickly looks the giant over, before, "You should have no problems entering; we have had giants enter before for trade and other arrangements. The goblins and the troll will be... a bit more problematic. It is possible they may need to stay outside of town, but we shall see." (more)
[19:41] <Demedais> Turning and flagging down a nearby soldier, "Tell the Commander the caravan has come for trade; requesting any directive re: the goblins and troll."
[19:43] <Kotono> "Sir," The guard salutes and hurries off. In the meantime, the giant crosses his arms, the chain rattling as he does. "They're harmless. They know if they fuck up they're answering to me. See this?" Shaking the chain again, the troll growls but doesn't lash out. "He knows that if he makes a mistake he'll regret it."
[19:44] <Demedais> "I've seen giants dealing with a goblin village. It isn't your control over them that I hesitate for, sir..." Demedais says.
[19:45] <Kotono> "Then what is it?" Staring down at Demedais, "Well?"
[19:45] <Kotono> "I think he means thatw e'd rather not clean up blood from our streets," Eudard says now.
[19:47] <Demedais> "That's part of it. The other half is that the people themselves do not tend to like either trolls or goblins. Allowing them in will thus have to be done with the people's knowledge that you do have them under control - while you or I may know that, their reactions will immediately be one of dislike and hatred." Demedais says levelly.
[19:50] <Kotono> "Eh. I don't much care about the goblins, they're well trained. Someone needs to keep a hold on this boy here," Shaking the chain, "He still thinks he can bite and claw anything that smells good if you don't thump him a few times."
06[19:55] * Demedais nods slightly, looking the giant and his .... pet troll? over. "Understood. I'll be able to give you more information once I have word back from my Commander. Idly, what all have you come to trade?"
[19:56] <Kotono> "Got some silver ore, got some goods, got some adamantine axes I found. How the hell those trolls had them I'll never know, they're dumb as bricks and twice as heavy." The pet troll drools and hisses, tightly held by an amazingly thick steel chain and collar.
06[19:58] * Demedais nods slightly. "You'll likely end up dealing with Elle Stronger for enchanting purposes; she can also handle most goods sales."
[20:01] <Kotono> "Works for me," Shuffling a little and stretching, "You three look strong for humans. Your woman is cute, too. You are the leader?"
[20:02] <Kotono> Eudard keeps quiet for the most part, keeping his eyes on the goblins and troll.
06[20:06] * Demedais closes his eyes for a moment and counts to five mentally before responding the the same even tone as before. "No, thus why we're waiting for message to get back to me. I am Demedais of the Crimson Guard. This is Lieutenant Pollyanna, my fiancee, and this is Eudard, a resident paladin and great friend."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Eh. You look like the leader." Shrugging there, "Fancy armor, fancy lack of hair, the talker who isn't even shaking in his boots." The giant looks Demedais over as Pollyanna lightly blsuhes.
[20:10] <Demedais> "The lack of hair's because I'm a paladin as well. Also dealt with dragons before, so this is a pleasant excursion."
[20:12] <Kotono> "Heh. HEard a couple of humans were tough in Balmuria. Guess so. Oh!" As he thinks, "Think you can keep a hold on him here for awhile?"
[20:14] <Demedais> "What for?" Demedais asks carefully.
[20:15] <Kotono> "In case your leader doesn't want him in." Answering back slowly, "You look like a few claws won't slow you down at worst."
[20:15] <Kotono> "Demedais..." Pollyanna murmurs, "Are you going to do that and carry a troll on a leash around?"
[20:24] <Demedais> "...kch. It's not exactly my idea of a good time..." Demedais grimaces for a moment. "If it comes down to that, we will deal with the troll." he then replies.
[20:29] <Kotono> As Demedais ponders this, a runner returns and salutes. "Sir!"
[20:52] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais turns and looks to the soldier.
[20:54] <Kotono> "Commander Oberuth permits the giant to enter the city, but nto the trolls or goblins, as they would cause even more panic, sir."
06[20:56] * Demedais grimaces at this. "Very well, then." A quick glance around to see if there's a large tree anywhere nearby.
[20:58] <Kotono> No such luck nearby. However, there is the city wall nearby as well as teh gates.
06[21:00] * Demedais shakes his head slightly at this, before looking to the giant. "We'll take care of him for now. Next time, please do remember our general policy against trolls and goblins."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Alright, sre," Tossing the chain to Demedais, the giant seems to pay no mind to it as he picks up his cart and goes to walk into town!
[21:03] <Demedais> "Note to self; also send diplomat or two to the giants to have them spread word that while we like trade, we'd rather not deal with their slaves." Demedais grimaces. "Eudard, hate to burden you with this, but mind grabbing the other side?"
[21:05] <Kotono> OOC - Did you grab the chain as it was tossed to you, or did you let it fall to the ground?
[21:06] <Demedais> OOC: Grabbed the chain as it was tossed to me, sorry.
[21:07] <Kotono> The troll glares at Demedais, as Eudard quickly asks, "The other side of what, the chain?"
06[21:09] * Demedais shakes head. "Sorry, a slip of the tongue. I meant the the next segment of the chain." A look to Pollyanna then. "Shoot an arrow at the ground and then nock another? Probably a good policy to show this guy we have fire on hand so we don't have to deal with his antics."
[21:16] <Kotono> Quickly taking it, Eudard grabs a hold! Pollyanna does the same, just as the troll starts to thrash! It makes the two paladins buckle a bit, but Pollyanna's flying arrow lands and sizzles in the ground! It looks to her and sees the flaming projectile, it's struggles slackening.
[21:20] <Demedais> "Tch. Definitely not how I wanted to spend my day." Demedais shakes his head in annoyance, before glancing to the goblins and then back to the troll. "Do you speak Common?"
[21:23] <Kotono> One of the goblins speaks up. "I do," he says. "We're not going to hurt anyone."
06[21:25] * Demedais nods slightly, glancing him over for chaos out of curiousity. "I accept that. Still have to keep you all close, however. Can you talk to the troll?
[21:25] <Kotono> "Kind of. It's...a dumb troll," The goblin admits, "Really dumb."
[21:27] <Demedais> "Ah." A slight pause, then, "Then it probably wouldn't understand 'stop struggling and we'll stop choking you with the leash'?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Nope!" The goblin grins at that, white teeth seen. His stomach rumbles a few moments later, "Say...do you have any spare food, humans?"
[21:32] <Demedais> "Hold on a second." Demedais replies, before looking to Eudard. "Out of curiousity, how many register as evil to your sights?" With that, he motions a guard over.
[21:33] <Kotono> A glance at them, "The troll's evil, one of the goblins is. The other goblins aren't." He answers. Meanwhile a guard trots up, saluting. "Sir?"
06[21:36] * Demedais turns to the guard, and speaks in somewhat subdued tones, "Please get food for the four goblins. I never thought I'd see the day where I met... well, mostly friendly goblins, but we may as well encourage this." Pulling a small coin pouch out of his pocket, "This should cover."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Sir," Saluting again, the guard goes off. As he goes, "I hope that damned giant isn't in town all day. This is going to get tedious," Pollyanna observes, arrows till nocked and ready.
[21:39] <Demedais> "It will, yes. Worst comes to worst, you two can go back in and we can have some members of the guard assist instead." Demedais curses a bit.
[21:40] <Kotono> "This'll make a good story someday. If it ever makes it to that someday, hit me," Pollyanna says right back. OOC - Skip along a little bit?
06[21:41] * Demedais snorts in reply to this, an amused grin. OOC - sure.
[21:42] <Kotono> About three hours pass. The goblins are fed and sedate, and help keep the troll in line. It snaps and gnashes a few times, making nearby caravans hurry into Balmuria and travelers giving the entire thing a wide birth. But come just before noon, a soldier runs out the gate. "Sir! Captain Demedais!" He salutes. "Orders from Commander Oberuth."
[21:42] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais replies, looking at the soldier.
[21:45] <Kotono> "There's been an explosion at the Temple of Gond," he huffs, "Commander Oberuth wants you to investigate immediately. Foot soldiers there know the situation better and will report to you there.""
[21:47] <Demedais> "Bad timing." Demedais mutters, before looking at the troll with annoyance. "Eudard, Pollyanna, I leave the troll in your hands; as much as I'd like to have you with we can't afford the troll throwing things into chaos out here. Have the goblins help hold the chain?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "I'll get some more soldiers, too," Pollyanna nods curtly, "Good luck over there...and don't get blown up. Please.:"
[21:48] <Demedais> "Not planning on it." Demedais replies with a grin and a shake of the head to Eudard and Pollyanna, before quickly heading to the Temple of Gond via Horse.
[21:49] <Kotono> Horse makes the trip far faster than it should! The sea breeze is tangy in the air as he approaches, finding several soldiers maintaining a perimeter around the front. Several Gond clergy and workers linger just outside this line. "Sir!" A guard calls, "We've secured the perimeter since thee xplosion, sir."
[21:50] <Demedais> "Alright. What happened?" Demedais replies, dismounting.
[21:53] <Kotono> "About ten minutes ago an explosion happened in the back of the temple, sir," A guard salutes, "Everyone ran out and we made sure no one went in, since it's very dangerous according to what they said. A smith named Adams was back there working on something alchemical."
[21:54] <Demedais> "Is everyone evacuated from there?" Demedais asks, turning to one of the clergy.
[21:55] <Kotono> One man, with broad arms and a beard, as well as tanned skin, nods. "Yeah, I think so." Scratching that beard, "Hope Adams isn't a charred corpse right about now. He'd been back there since before dawn - hadn't heard a peep out of him, but I could hear him forging something."
[21:56] <Demedais> "Anything I shouldn't touch as I go in to try and deal with this?" Demedais asks at this.
[21:57] <Kotono> "Anything on fire or that looks sharp," The priest cautions, "Craftsman Nilhan, by the way." OFfering a hand out briefly, "Watch out for sharp shards of metal or stone from the explosion."
[21:58] <Demedais> "Demedais of Helm." Demedais nods at this. "I'll go see if anyone else is in there, and try to lay down walls of water to cool some of it down. Someone contact Elle or Donald at the inn, they may be able to conjure more water to help put the fire out." With that, he heads in!
[22:00] <Kotono> Heading inside, Demedais sees that the main area of the Temple of Gond is several stalls lined up. Small forges, glass shops, craftings, alls orts of things along those lines. In the back, a chunk of the wall has been blown away. A few bits of fire continue to burn and sizzle about, though it's not catching too strongly. A lot of rubble surrounds the hole in the wall.
06[22:03] * Demedais quickly sweeps in toward where it looks like the explosion was, looking for any sign of where this Adams might be.
[22:05] <Kotono> Inside is a brand new explosion made entrance to a forge! A table is lined with shattered glass containers and beakers! The forge radiates heat as it should, but the insides aren't too terribly damaged, not as bad as the wall and area outside of the forge. A man covered in soot and debris stands near it, glaring daggers at a young woman in rich robes, covered with soot as well. Very slowly, the man is speaking. "I. Said. This. Was. YOUR
[22:05] <Kotono>  Very slowly, the man is speaking. "I. Said. This. Was. YOUR. FAULT."
[22:06] <Kotono> Thumping her head, "Ow...I STILL CAN'T HEAR YOU!" she calls back. Her voice is familiar-ish, though with the state she's in it's anyone's guess on to who she is.
[22:08] <Demedais> "I take it you're Adams?" Demedais steps in. "If this is the case, can we have this conversation outside, not inside a burning building?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "Eh?" Turning around and blinking, while the young woman doesn't until Demedais comes into view, "Yeah. Could you try yelling at her that it's her fault for this? Decorations this, money that! Ugh!"
[22:10] <Demedais> "If she's yelling that she can't hear you even with your volume, I'm going to guess the explosion made her deaf." Demedais replies gruffly, before pointing outward. "And let me rephrase. Crimson Guard's ordering you two out of this building until we know what's going on here."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Oh, Crimson Guard...oh, hey, you're Demedais of the Guard." Nodding, Adams starts to walk out. The woman follows and peers at Demedais as she does. Slowly, and loudly, "Demedais? I know Seira. I'm Mia, from the Temple of Waukeen. I think I need magic - I can't hear anything!"
06[22:14] * Demedais nods to Mia, before gesturing outward again as she leads her out.
[22:15] <Kotono> Thet wo emerge into the sunlight! Both blink considerably as they step out! As they get gawked out, af ew call, "Hey Adams, you're okay!"
[22:16] <Kotono> "I'm not dead yet, despite her!" Smiling and waving as he staggers about, "Ooooh, stil a little wobbly..."
[22:18] <Demedais> "It appears the fire is generally contained - bringing water in to remove the rest of it should work. Mia has gone deaf, Adams..." Demedais grabs Adam's shoulder to stabilize him, before trying to heal him a bit. "...may also need some attention. If one of your clerics has the capability to remove deafness, that would be useful. Now. Adams, please tell me what happened."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Yeah,s sure. Oh, that's Mia?" The bearded man trots up, "I can just charge her. Waukeenites love to get money, so let's return the favor." He goes to cast magic on her, while Adams is supported. (More)
[22:20] <Kotono> "Well, Mia commissoned me to work on an alchemical weapon - basically an idea of a weapon that could discharge alchemists fire or the like as it struck. She came by today with some sketches of it for me to work on first thing..but they won't work." Taking a moment here, "I was trying to make it practical but she wanted a bigger payload."
06[22:21] * Demedais pauses for a long moment at this.
[22:21] <Demedais> "Ah. I think I begin to see the issue. But continue."
[22:22] <Kotono> "Ah! Hey, I can hear again!" Mia blurts, as Adams goeson, "We started arguing about it and things got heated...well...the prototype, with alchemical materials in it, got accidentally thrown against the wall. But it was her fault for starting the stupid argument!"
06[22:24] * Demedais rubs head, looking at the hole in the wall without any words.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Hey! It wasn't my fault - and fine I'll pay for the spell," Mia quickly says back to the bearded priest, not missing a beat. "You're the stubborn fool who grabbed the sword to make a point!"
[22:26] <Kotono> Turning to her and using Demedais as a cane of sorts to stay upright, "Yes, but a point needed to be made! This entire thing was a walking deathtrap for the user - you wouldn't listen, but you see now, don't you? That stuff's too unstable to be used safely!"
[22:27] <Demedais> "I can't easily comment on the practicality of using alchemical weapons, but..." Demedais looks between the two. "I'd suggest talking to Seira about it - if anyone can figure out how to manage that sort of thing, it's her."
[22:28] <Kotono> "Are you kidding? Those are just prototype problems! There's a mint be made on this if we figure it out!" Nodding back to him, Mia brightens. "Oh yes, that'st rue. I haven't seen Seira in awhile, I should stop by and see her. Maybe she can help!"
[22:31] <Demedais> "She's on vacation right now, but once she returns I'd recommend a meeting between you three." A glance to the soldiers. "Can I leave it to you all to extinguish the fires? And... you. Please go tell Commander Oberuth that it was an alchemic explosion, and that the fire and area seems contained and unable to spread."

[Corwin]

[18:57] <Kotono> > Turning to her and using Demedais as a cane of sorts to stay upright, "Yes, but a point needed to be made! This entire thing was a walking deathtrap for the user - you wouldn't listen, but you see now, don't you? That stuff's too unstable to be used safely!"
[18:57] <Kotono> <Demedais> "I can't easily comment on the practicality of using alchemical weapons, but..." Demedais looks between the two. "I'd suggest talking to Seira about it - if anyone can figure out how to manage that sort of thing, it's her."
[18:57] <Kotono> > "Are you kidding? Those are just prototype problems! There's a mint be made on this if we figure it out!" Nodding back to him, Mia brightens. "Oh yes, that'st rue. I haven't seen Seira in awhile, I should stop by and see her. Maybe she can help!"
[18:57] <Kotono> <Demedais> "She's on vacation right now, but once she returns I'd recommend a meeting between you three." A glance to the soldiers. "Can I leave it to you all to extinguish the fires? And... you. Please go tell Commander Oberuth that it was an alchemic explosion, and that the fire and area seems contained and unable to spread."
[18:59] <Kotono> "Sir!" The soldier stiffens and salutes, crisp as a freshly folded sheet. Running off towards the garrison, "Prototype...more like death type." Throwing his hands into the air, Adams mutters other things under his breath. "You're paying for the damages, by the way."
[19:01] <Kotono> "I'm paying for the damages," Turning and crossing her arms, soot splattering off from the shaking, "We'll just have to TALK about that."
[19:02] <Demedais> "I leave it to you, then. You two may also want to help guide extinguishing the fires to make sure water doesn't get into anything you don't want it on." Demedais replies. "If a message is relayed back here to me, I will be at the east gate." So saying, he remounts Horse and heads back to the gate!
03[19:05] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54461b31.lns1-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #terrorofdunes
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[19:07] <Kotono> A faint plume of somke rises from the temple of Gond as Demedais leaves it behind him. Returning to the gate, he finds Eudard and Pollyanna keeping hold of the troll and waiting. The troll, for it's part, eyes the flaming arrow of P ollyanna warily, teeth bared. Glancing back towards Demedais, "How was it? Nothing too serious if you're back so quickly?"
[19:11] <Demedais> "Serious but contained. An alchemical weapon explosion at the Temple of Gond as the result of an argument. No casualties and the people there should be cleaning up, so I wanted to ensure everything was all right here."
[19:12] <Kotono> "Ah." Eudard's attention is all on the troll as he replies. "Alchemists fire accident or some such? Good to hear no one was seriously hurt."
[19:13] <Kotono> "Goblin alchemy better..." The common speaking goblin can be overheard, it's voice carrying a little too loudly to be subtle.
[19:17] <Demedais> "One person was deafened, but that was recovered by a priest." Demedais replies, eyeing the troll as well though not dismounting just yet - though he does glance at the goblin with amusement.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Did you happen to see the giant while you ran inside," Pollyanna asks, "My arrow arm aches like a rotten tooth. I've been holding this for over three hours now, surely. Barring that, a little healing?"
06[19:20] * Demedais nods slightly to this and uses a lesser restoration on Pollyanna and Eudard each. "I didn't, no. Somewhat dismayed by this, but."
[19:22] <Kotono> "I do worry that he'll show a disgusting lack of time awareness," Eudard flexes a few times with the chain, stretching. "Thank you."
[19:23] <Kotono> "Nothing to do but wait on him." Keeping her arrow drawn, "At least it's not raining, thank Helm."
[19:24] <Demedais> "If this lasts for too much longer I'll likely request for the newer Crimson Guard members to help me keep a watch while you two rest." Demedais replies, shaking his head.
[19:24] <Kotono> "How much longer? Until lunch, perhaps?" Eudard flexes his arms out again briefly.
[19:26] <Demedais> "If you two are willing to wait that long, yes." Demedais nods, before dismounting and also taking the chain up.
[19:30] <Kotono> "I can last at least that long," Eudard says, as time starts to roll by again. Another hour passes - it's not that far from noon. An hour or so, perhaps. It's then that another caravan comes out of the city. Nothing unusual at all, but this one stands out a bit. It's a set of six wagons, horses and some bodyguards. All of them have the deeply dusky, tanned skin of the Deset Fiefdoms natives. They wear normal clothes for the area, includ
[19:30] <Kotono> They wear normal clothes for the area, including cloaks.  One of the men riding along slows, his eyes fixiating on Demedais.
06[19:31] * Demedais looks back to the man evenly, having annoyingly resigned himself to the duty at hand.
[19:33] <Kotono> There's some murmurs and looks from the caravan - a few loudy wonder why a strange creature is on a c hain like that, or if it's a new type of guard. The eyeing man, a sturdy man of perhaps thirty, stops his horse. "You there! Have you ever been to Arad?"
[19:35] <Demedais> "I have." Demedais turns fully and replies, only one hand on the chain as he does so. "Did we meet there?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "Might've. You look familiar. I haven't been there in months, though.  I think I saw you around..." he thinks, "Hmph. Take care of yourself." WIth a short nod to Demedais, he spurs his horse on and rejoins the caravan.
[19:39] <Kotono> "Someone you know," Pollyanna briefly turns her look away from the chained troll.
[19:40] <Demedais> "You too. Helm with you." Demedais replies to the man, waiting until he's a fair bit away before shrugging to Pollyanna. "He looks familiar... ish?"
[19:42] <Kotono> "With all you've traveled, I'm surprised that doesn't happen more," Pollyanna flashes a smile at Demedais.
06[19:47] * Demedais smiles back. "If Seira and Alicia get back within a sane amount of time, you two interested in a trip?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "I am," Pollyanna says quickly, with a glance to Eudard.
[19:50] <Kotono> Eudard grunts, "Perhaps, though discuss it when we're not holding off a rabid troll with chain and fire?"
06[19:52] * Demedais grimaces. "Speaking of which, it's close enough to noon. Eudard, could you go see if the recruits are available?"
[19:55] <Kotono> "Certainly," Letting the chain go and meandering off, "I'll send word back one way or anothe rsoon." OOC: Skip along a bit now?
[19:56] <Demedais> OOC: Alright.
[20:12] <Kotono> Eudard is gone twenty minutes...then ten more. At about this time, Pollyanna sighs. "Where is he? It doesn't take that long to go and muster at the garrison, does it?"
[20:16] <Demedais> "We have heard nothing from the garrison of any further news, nor has there been any other change in events so far as I am aware. As such, I am uncertain what the issue is..." Demedais shakes his head, looking out to the gate.
[20:17] <Kotono> "Maybe a giant shark appeared in the harbor again?" Pollyanna sighs, "Busy day and we seem to be on point for catching all of it."
06[20:17] * Demedais grimaces and nods at this.
[20:23] <Kotono> Another ten minutes passes. Still no Eudard. "Demedais, can you send a footman after him?" With a distinctly unhappy look now, "I'm irritated and a little worried."
06[20:25] * Demedais nods and does this, also concerned at this point.
[20:29] <Kotono> About ten more minutes pass before Eudard returns. He has a silly little smile on his face. "Apologies about the delay," he begins, "Xavier, Morund and Daril were dealing with some sea elves that came to the harbor to talk and trade. They'll be just a little longer.":
[20:33] <Demedais> "...aaaah. That'd do it." Demedais half-grimaces, half-smiles at this, before shaking his head. "Mind taking the chain for a bit longer? I can take the bow - you go take the break now. Eudard, if you could stay until they get here, it'd be appreciated."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Sure," Passing her bow to Demedais, Pollyanna sags. "I'm going to go get lunch and rest my arm.  Maybe try and hunt up a giant while I'm in there."
06[20:35] * Demedais nods. "That'd be appreciated." With this, he nocks the bow and draws it just enough to fire a quick shot if needed.
[20:38] <Kotono> About a half hour passes. It's then that Morund at last emerges first. He looks relaxed, trotting up. "Sir," he salutes, "Sorry, busy day. The other two will be along within the half hour. You have a troll here?" Looking at it, "On a chain...?"
[20:39] <Demedais> "It's a long story." Demedais says. "Basically we're making sure it doesn't attempt either escape or harm."
[20:43] <Kotono> "I've seen stranger," He admits, scratching the side of his head, "I can do that, sir."
06[20:44] * Demedais nods, offering the bow to Morund. "If you would take the bow, I'll take the chain. Unless your weapon is also fire-enchanted?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "The bow will work," Checking it's draw a few times, "What about the goblins? Are they any danger?"
[20:50] <Demedais> "They aren't, no." Demedais shakes his head, going to take the chain. "Go ahead and take a break, Eudard. And thanks."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Sure," Eudard stands up and goes to do just that. As he goes, "I heard lots of rumors about what you've been up to, sir. Some of them are even believable."
06[20:53] * Demedais gives a look to Morund that borders unreadable. "Rumors? Mind telling me what you've been hearing? I'd rather not have to explain any stories that didn't happen... though I'll likely have to, anyway."

[Corwin]

[18:34] <Anastasia> > About a half hour passes. It's then that Morund at last emerges first. He looks relaxed, trotting up. "Sir," he salutes, "Sorry, busy day. The other two will be along within the half hour. You have a troll here?" Looking at it, "On a chain...?"
[18:34] <Anastasia> <Demedais> "It's a long story." Demedais says. "Basically we're making sure it doesn't attempt either escape or harm."
[18:34] <Anastasia> > "I've seen stranger," He admits, scratching the side of his head, "I can do that, sir."
[18:34] <Anastasia> * Demedais nods, offering the bow to Morund. "If you would take the bow, I'll take the chain. Unless your weapon is also fire-enchanted?"
[18:34] <Anastasia> > "The bow will work," Checking it's draw a few times, "What about the goblins? Are they any danger?"
[18:34] <Anastasia> <Demedais> "They aren't, no." Demedais shakes his head, going to take the chain. "Go ahead and take a break, Eudard. And thanks."
[18:34] <Anastasia> * Retrieving #terrorofdunes modes...
[18:34] <Anastasia> > "Sure," Eudard stands up and goes to do just that. As he goes, "I heard lots of rumors about what you've been up to, sir. Some of them are even believable."
[18:34] <Anastasia> * Demedais gives a look to Morund that borders unreadable. "Rumors? Mind telling me what you've been hearing? I'd rather not have to explain any stories that didn't happen... though I'll likely have to, anyway."
[18:35] <Anastasia> "Oh well...traveling the world and fighting dragons, zombies, vampires, demons, and other nameless abominations? All while going and smacking around Malmuth again, sir?"
[18:40] <Demedais> "Smacking around Malmuth again, not so much." Demedais grimaces. "The rest of it... well, some truth, some not."
[18:43] <Anastasia> Daril trots up now, followed by Xavier. Each wears a red cloak of the Crimson Guard, saluting briefly to Demedais. "Well sir...when you're not here, people notice." Scratching the back of his head, "I get commoners asking me what you're like if I mention that you've trained me."
06[18:45] * Demedais grimaces. "Believe me, I'd rather be around here more working with the town, shoring up in preparation for the next seal. But it seems trouble hounds Seira and Alicia most of the time, and me by extension."
[18:45] <Anastasia> ""Reporting as requested, sir." Daril finishes the salute, eyeing the troll with narrowed gaze.
[18:46] <Anastasia> "People assume that you're off doing those things when you're gone, sir," Morund finishes, "Once we were al here, the Commander said you could be relieved for awhile if you needed it."
[18:50] <Demedais> "Thank you, you two." Demedais nods to the two. "If you could assist in holding the chain, it'd be appreciated." To Morund, he nods. "Understood, and thanks for the sentiment. Not sure when I'll take that up."
[18:52] <Anastasia> With three holding the chian, Demedais finds that he needs to put less into it. The troll keeps it's eye son the arrow, all while gnashing and hissing at Demedais on occasion. "Uf. Sir, why aren't we killing this troll exactly? The orders weren't clear, something about accomidating that giant I saw in the city today?" Daril asks.
[18:53] <Demedais> "Pretty much. The troll seems to be generally under control from the giant, but since it would cause chaos in the town proper..." Demedais grimaces. "Told the giant to avoid bringing it next time, but unsure if he'll listen."
[18:56] <Anastasia> "He won't," The Common speaking goblin pipes up, "He does what he wants! He's so strong!"
06[18:58] * Demedais rubs his head. "Right. Will still try to convince him otherwise, but I'm not interested in having this happen again."
[19:01] <Anastasia> About a half hour passes before Eudard returns. "I looked about for the giant. He's at the docks. Apparently, he thinks that sea elves are incredible curiosities and is splashing around in the bay talking to them."
06[19:02] * Demedais stares at Eudard with a mixture between disbelief and annoyance, seemingly speechless.
[19:06] <Anastasia> Morund stares at Eudard. "He's...in...the bay?"
[19:07] <Anastasia> "Yes. Commander Oberuth wants you to go resolve the situation with all the diplomacy that you can, before someone or something gets broken. Like an entire ship." Passing over a scroll to Demedais, "Here's the order."
06[19:08] * Demedais makes sure Daril and Xavier have a grasp on the chain before unrolling and reading it.
[19:10] <Anastasia> It's an order to make haste to the harbor and get that giant out of the bay and calmed down before something breaks. Preferably with all diplomacy so a fight doesn't break out.
[19:11] <Demedais> "Right. Eudard, mind lending these three a hand if they end up needing it? I guess I get to go yell at a giant again." Demedais grimaces, heading to Horse and mounting quickly.
[19:14] <Anastasia> "Good luck," Xavier calls as Demedais takes to his horse and races to the harbor! He finds that the harbor is in something of a panic! Sailors and dockworkers are staying well away from the docks and with good reason! Splashes of water go about as the forest giant wades through the shallow end of the bay! He's laughing as three sea elves swim around him! His stomps make the ships vibrate and shake each time he slams his feet down!
[19:14] <Anastasia> ships vibrate and shake each time he slams his feet down!
[19:16] <Demedais> "Sir!" Demedais says, quickly approaching and dismounting. "While I appreciate the enthusiasm, I'd request at this point that you take it to the empty cove outside of town!"
[19:20] <Anastasia> Water goes gushing around as the giant's attention is on Demedais! Green sea water splashes all around him, saltiness flowing freely! "Eh?" Thumping the side of his head and sendin ga jet of water out of his other ear, "Why not? I like it here."
[19:21] <Anastasia> The sea elves slow, looking to Demedais as well. "Oh, do you mean because of...oh."
06[19:23] * Demedais gestures to the boats. "They were built for rough weather, not the impressive waves you can build up." A nod to the sea elves. "I understand it was all in fun, and there's no issue with that; but I'd rather not be billing any of you for the cost of repairing the ships."
[19:30] <Anastasia> "Oh, surely they can take a little water. They're boats!" Crossing his arms now, "They're not even puny. Are you saying that your human ships are so frail that a few waves can crumble them?"
[19:35] <Demedais> "I think you underestimate your strength, friend." Demedais says in an attempt to soothe him. "I'm willing to show you the way to the cove, if you want." OOC - Diplo check?
[19:38] <Anastasia> OOC: Sure.
[19:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 don't fail me now?
[19:39] <Demedais> OOC: 37!
03[19:39] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #terrorofdunes
[19:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 don't fail me now?
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 don't fail me now? and gets 28." [1d20=11]
[19:41] <Anastasia> The giant looks down at Demedais, "Hmph. Fine." The giant clatters back up, leaping up onto the ground. The boats quake again, seawater dripping off in gallons from the giant's body!
06[19:47] * Demedais nods, walking over to the sea elves. "I'm talking about the cove just a little bit to the east, past the boundaries of the city. Meet you all there?"
[19:49] <Anastasia> One of the sea elves, a pretty little woman, smiles to Demedais. "Okay." She then shrinks back and the three swim off and away!
06[19:50] * Demedais nods and gestures for the giant to follow as he leads him to the east gate!
[19:56] <Anastasia> The two go down and out, passing out the gate! As they do the giant's goblin and troll friend look to him, but he only glances in disinterest. As you walk past and away, "You know..you're strong for a small human."
06[19:58] * Demedais nods to the three cadets and Eudard with a slight 'be back soon' expression, before looking to the giant. "I've done a fair bit of traveling and fighting." A pause, before Demedais' brow furrows. "Are there any dragons out in your lands that you know of?"
[19:59] <Anastasia> "Haven't seen any," He responds with that, then, "Dragons are good to wrestle with, but I wonder if you would be."
[20:01] <Demedais> "I'd want to even the scales size-wise before I tried that." Demedais replies. "I may be strong, but something tells me it wouldn't be hard to pin me with your mass alone."

[Corwin]

[19:37] <Kotono> > The giant looks down at Demedais, "Hmph. Fine." The giant clatters back up, leaping up onto the ground. The boats quake again, seawater dripping off in gallons from the giant's body!
[19:37] <Kotono> * Demedais nods, walking over to the sea elves. "I'm talking about the cove just a little bit to the east, past the boundaries of the city. Meet you all there?"
[19:37] <Kotono> > One of the sea elves, a pretty little woman, smiles to Demedais. "Okay." She then shrinks back and the three swim off and away!
[19:37] <Kotono> * Demedais nods and gestures for the giant to follow as he leads him to the east gate!
[19:37] <Kotono> > The two go down and out, passing out the gate! As they do the giant's goblin and troll friend look to him, but he only glances in disinterest. As you walk past and away, "You know..you're strong for a small human."
03[19:37] * Alicia (WinNT@user-54462be4.lns2-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #terrorofdunes
[19:37] <Kotono> * Demedais nods to the three cadets and Eudard with a slight 'be back soon' expression, before looking to the giant. "I've done a fair bit of traveling and fighting." A pause, before Demedais' brow furrows. "Are there any dragons out in your lands that you know of?"
[19:37] <Kotono> > "Haven't seen any," He responds with that, then, "Dragons are good to wrestle with, but I wonder if you would be."
[19:37] <Kotono> <Demedais> "I'd want to even the scales size-wise before I tried that." Demedais replies. "I may be strong, but something tells me it wouldn't be hard to pin me with your mass alone."
[19:38] <Kotono> "That's the point," Slapping his knee as he laughs, "I bet you'd keep up anyway, human."
[19:40] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais shakes his head slightly. "On a side note, how much more time do you plan on spending in town?"
[19:41] <Kotono> "Oh, I don't know. I'll figure that out when I finish with this. So lead on, I want to get back to those elves!"
06[19:47] * Demedais bites his tongue for a moment. "I see. While the troll has not caused any issues yet, keeping an eye on it has caused some strain on the guards.
[19:48] <Kotono> "Oh, is that it?" Turning right around, "I'll knock some sense into the green idiot."
[19:50] <Demedais> "Alternately, do you want me to have him brought to the pond?" Demedais says to interrupt his stride. "That way you can keep a watch on him there. As I said, he himself has not caused issues, but the manpower we've dedicated to keeping an eye on him has been significant."
[19:52] <Kotono> "Have him brought then," the giant agrees.
06[19:53] * Demedais nods. "I'll get you to the cove and then have him brought along. The goblins as well? They've been fine, idly."
[19:55] <Kotono> "Why not," Shrugging now, "Lead on, I grow impatient!"
06[19:56] * Demedais nods and advances forward.
[19:58] <Kotono> The cove is a rocky cliffside that isn't too high, a little inlet in the center. The sea elves are waiting, the giant laughing as he plunges in!
[20:00] <Demedais> "I will return shortly." Demedais calls to the giant. "You may wish to warn them of who I'm bringing with me."
[20:02] <Kotono> Thus Demedais goes off. He finds the cadets and Eudard keeping the troll on a short leash. No sign of Pollyanna being back yet.
[20:06] <Demedais> "The troll's going to watch him for a time, but we need to take him there." Demedais grimaces, dismounting. "Fortunately it's not far, but."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Fun." Eudard glances over, the three holding the chain in place as thet roll stares at the flaming arrow ready for him. "How are we going to do this?"
06[20:17] * Demedais looks to the goblins. "One of you spoke a bit of his language, correct? Could you tell him to follow us to the cove?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "I'll try," the common speaking goblin goes a little closer to the troll, making strange sounds and noises! The troll snaps and lunges, making the three men brace and hold him back from the goblin1
[20:19] <Demedais> "I... take it that was a no." Demedais says, also taking hold of the chain.
[20:24] <Kotono> Backing well away, "He's pretty angry," the goblin whimpers.
06[20:28] * Demedais mutters something in Celestial. "Well, he seems to be at least on his feet..." he then follows through in Common, before slowly attempting to drag the troll in the direction of the cove!
[20:29] <Kotono> The four take the chian! OOC - Make a STR check, +8 bonus, Deme?
03[20:30] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #terrorofdunes
03[20:30] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Kotono
03[20:30] * Kotono sets mode: +oooo Alicia Demedais Hatbot Seira
[20:30] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 right
06[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 right and gets 27." [1d20=14]
[20:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 so moot
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 so moot and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[20:32] <Kotono> It's a lot of effort, muscles bulging and men grunting! The troll fights being dragged with every ounce of it's vitality! Sweat pours down the faces of all four as they slowly manage to defeat the troll's might and will, lugging him to the shore! On arriving, you can see that the elves are using the giant as a diving board, having him pick them up and then throw them deep out into the water.
[20:33] <Demedais> Demedais mutters a few lengthy profanities just loud enough for the other three to hear before hailing the giant. "He's here."
[20:35] <Kotono> "Good," The giant barely glances back, hurling an elf quite far out into the ocean, "Just keep him tied up or something right now!"
[20:36] <Kotono> Daril sags at this, wiping his face with his sleeve. "How about we tie him up," he mutters.
[20:37] <Demedais> Demedais seems utterly speechless for a few moments, before looking around for a convenient tree.
[20:38] <Kotono> There's a few about 60 feet away or so. Eudard puts a hand to his forehead and breath out, "By Selune's light, why?" he mutters.
[20:40] <Demedais> How big are the trees?
[20:48] <Kotono> Fairly big. Oen of them looks like an old oak tree, massive and tall.
06[20:52] * Demedais looks to Daril. "If I thought we could get close enough to manage it, I'd do as such, but."
[20:54] <Kotono> "Bleh," Daril grins despite that, "Now what, hold him here?"
[20:54] <Demedais> "Tie the chain around that tree?" Demedais gestures to it with his head.
[20:57] <Kotono> The group gets thet roll over slowly, doing just that! As they do the giant and sea elves happy water hour continues behind them, splashing and laughing heard many a time. Once the tying is done, "Can you make it clear to those giants that this isn't acceptable when they come to Balmuria, Demedais?"
[20:57] <Demedais> "I fully intend to." Demedais grunts. "This has been..."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Incredibly aggrivating?" Morund supplies
[21:00] <Kotono> .
[21:01] <Kotono> "No, how about mind bogglingly frusturating," Eudard correct.
[21:01] <Demedais> "You two are being far more polite than I would be, which is why I let you fill in the gaps.
[21:01] <Demedais> "You two are being far more polite than I would be, which is why I let you fill in the gaps." Demedais replies.
[21:02] <Kotono> "Oh, higher!" A cute female sea elf calls, a few more swimming into the inlet. tHe number of them seems to be growing. "Are we going to wait here for him to finish swimming?"
06[21:03] * Demedais exhales, thinking for a minute.
[21:05] <Kotono> "You know, he can drag that damned troll back for all I care," Morund glares at it, as another keeps the bow and arrow trained on it. "At the very least, since he's the one who has it chained up to begin with."
[21:06] <Demedais> "That's my general opinion, yes. If you all wish to take a short break, go ahead; it seems like he might be occupied for hours here."
[21:06] <Kotono> "I will," Eudard says, "I'll find Pollyanna and tell her what's happened, too."
[21:07] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais nods. "I'll take the bow for now."
[21:10] <Kotono> The bow is passed over, as...OOC - You okay with skipping along a bit, Deme?
[21:10] <Demedais> OOC - Sure.
[21:14] <Kotono> About three quarters of an hour later, Pollyanna returns. "Demedais," she says immediately. "We're needed back in the city. Commander Oberuth is ordering the Ensigns and Eudard to deal with the troll and giant for now."
[21:15] <Demedais> "When it rains it breaths fire." Demedais mutters. "Right." Then to the giant, "I must head back to town, but I wish words with you before you go." With that, he heads off with Pollyanna!
[21:18] <Kotono> Pollyanna stops to get her bow, passing over a flask of oil and another bow to Eudard. As they walk away and out of earshot of the festivilites, "What a day," Pollyanna sighs long, "After this, I want to curl up and watch the sunet, or take a long bath, or something as non intensive as possible."
[21:19] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods. "At least the thing doesn't need to be held by the chain so they can alternate who has the bow."
[21:24] <Kotono> "We're to report to the Commander, but yes," Pollyanna leads the way. The return to Balmuria and the garrison is simple enough, Commander Oberuth waits in the Crimson Guard's meeting room. "Sir," Pollyanna reports.
06[21:25] * Demedais follows Pollyanna's lead, saluting before standing at attention.
[21:27] <Kotono> "Sit," Oberuth gestures to some chairs, "Both of you have had a busy day already."
[21:27] <Kotono> Pollyanna quickly goes ot sit down then, "Thank you."
06[21:28] * Demedais nods and sits down once Pollyanna is seated, looking to the Commander.
[21:37] <Kotono> Oberuth rises, going to the door. A soldier salutes and runs off after a few words. "There's someone I need the two of you to meet. You in particular, Demedais."
06[21:41] * Demedais raises an eyebrow. "What is this in regards to?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "He claims that you're the only one that can save his life," Oberuth says quietly, "He's completely convinced of it. He came to the garrison today asking to see you."
06[21:43] * Demedais frowns at this. "I... see."
[21:50] <Kotono> The door soon opens. An older man, in the twilight of his life, enters. He wears commoner's clothes and has gray hair, still having a full head of it at this age. A blanket is wrapped around him as he shivers. He looks to Demedais, "Are you Sir Demedais of the C-Crimson Gu-guard?"
[21:51] <Demedais> "I am. What is your name?" Demedais asks kindly, a bit confused from all this.
[21:52] <Kotono> "Croger," He shivers all over, going to stumble to a seat. "D=don't worry, I'm not contagious. The d-disease isn't supposed to spread that way."
06[21:52] * Demedais makes sure he's seated before looking to him. "A disease? How was it contracted?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "I-I don't know." Shivering all over, "The healer said that it would take advanced healing to save me."
06[21:58] * Demedais nods. "If I can't heal it, it's possible the temple will have someone that can, but... let me try." With that, he lays his hands on Croger and invokes the magical energy!
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: Make a CL check?
[22:01] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4 this sort of thing isn't my strong suit, Croger
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 this sort of thing isn't my strong suit, Croger and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[22:05] <Kotono> The magic flows, but nothing seems to happen! Croger coughs again, "Did it not work?" He asks, "Or will it take time to work?"
[22:07] <Kotono> Pollyanna watches on, "We can have healers at the Temple of Helm try as well, Demedais?"
06[22:08] * Demedais frowns at this. "The fact that it didn't work immediately... yes, that would be best. Pollyanna, could you get Father Ceiar? Best to let him gather his strength here." Then to Croger, "You don't know how this was contracted, Croger? Where do you live, if I may ask?
[22:10] <Kotono> "I live in Westermore, a farming village to the west." As he shivers again, looking miserably and with his eyes downcast, "I contracted this two weeks ago. A healer was passing through town and was able to at least diagnose the condition, though he couldn't heal it."
[22:10] <Kotono> OOC: Strike.
[22:10] <Kotono> "I live in Westermore, a farming village to the west." As he shivers again, looking miserably and with his eyes downcast, "I got sick two weeks ago. A healer was passing through town and was able to at least diagnose the condition, though he couldn't heal it. It's slowly eating away my strength...I can barely walk with this blanket on me."
06[22:13] * Demedais nods at this slightly, before trying a lesser restoration. "Eating away at your strength... It's a good thing you got here, at least. The priest of the temple are the ones who taught me - it may take a day or two, but we should be able to mend this. Still, the fact that it didn't go away immediately... it's either advanced or heavily malignant."
[22:14] <Demedais> roll 1d4 stat recovery?
06[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 stat recovery? and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[22:15] <Kotono> "Ah...that feels a little better," he sighs in relief, "Thank you, good sir. I think I can take the walk to the Temple from here."
06[22:16] * Demedais nods, using another lesser restoration before standing. "Use me as support as we go; the Temple's not far."
[22:17] <Demedais> roll 1d4 stat recovery
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 stat recovery and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[22:18] <Kotono> His posture improves at that, "I feel less weakened now. Thank you," he repeats as he leans on Demedais! The Temple of Helm is busy today as you approach, Croger looking about as you do. The doors are open, two helmeted guards keeping a vigiliant watch just outside.
06[22:19] * Demedais nods to the guards, leading him in and looking around to see if there is an available priest of sufficient capability.
[22:20] <Kotono> Croger lingers just a moment outside before following in. Once inside, Father Ceiar is there. Stepping away from some of the faithful, ag roup of warriors discussing duty with him, "Oh, Demedais, Pollyanna. What is it?"
[22:22] <Demedais> "This man seems to have an illness that... did not dissipate immediately with a use of Remove Disease. However, Lesser Restorations had a notable effect." Demedais replies, before looking to Croger for a moment and checking him over for chaos and magic.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Curious. Repairing the damage while not eliminating the source? Come with me," Father Ceiar leads the two back to a guest room, having Croger lie on the simple bed there. "What can you tell me about your disease?"
06[22:28] * Demedais looks to Croger with an encouraging nod.
[22:28] <Kotono> REpeating what he told Demedais, "That's what the healer said. He said that only a very skilled healer could help. He named Demedais in particular, too. He said that otherwise my body would wither away until my muscles were like goo and I shivered into my grave."
[22:29] <Demedais> A pause. "A question. What was the name of the healer?"
[22:31] <Kotono> "Esthan," he answers, "HE said that you were the best healer in the land, and the only one capable of restoring m-me." He coughs them, coughing several times. "Somehow I made the journey here intact."
[22:32] <Demedais> "........... Did you notice any symptoms before Esthan came?" Demedais asks after this.
[22:33] <Kotono> "He came the day after I started getting ill. It was fortunate," he trips over the last word, a shiver racking his body. "He helped me free of payment, since he said that my fate was in your hands, not his."
[22:36] <Demedais> "Of course he did." Demedais says quite calmly. "Couldn't imagine him doing this any other way. Father Ceiar, can I talk to you for a second?"
[22:39] <Kotono> "Rest here while we talk," Father Ceiar smiles to Croger, before the two walk outside the room.
[22:41] <Demedais> Once the door is closed, Demedais exhales. "That explains why it didn't work. Esthan's a devil, immensely powerful from the accounts of Seira and Alicia. Odds are it's set to resist magic."
[22:42] <Kotono> "I see. But why do that and send it to us? To infect us with it?" Father CEiar thoughtfully keeps his voice quiet. "Why go to thet rouble of infecting him with this disease and then sending him to be helped?"
[22:44] <Demedais> "Or to show us what he can do." Demedais grimaces. "Regardless, I'd like to have Eudard give it a shot; both he and I are immune to disease so we can try to keep him on the mend until we succeed."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Yes, I'll have him quarantined, just in case," Father Ceiar says with a gentle look, "Do so. I'll have an acolyte fetch Eudard."
[22:46] <Kotono> Pollyanna, having been quiet most of this time, "So cruel. Making someone sick just to make a possible point?"
[22:48] <Demedais> "There are multiple unkind adjectives I could apply to him, but..." Demedais closes his eyes. "Pollyanna, could you please have Eudard come here? I'd like to have him try to remove this."

[Corwin]

[19:35] <Kotono> <Demedais> Once the door is closed, Demedais exhales. "That explains why it didn't work. Esthan's a devil, immensely powerful from the accounts of Seira and Alicia. Odds are it's set to resist magic."
[19:35] <Kotono> > "I see. But why do that and send it to us? To infect us with it?" Father CEiar thoughtfully keeps his voice quiet. "Why go to thet rouble of infecting him with this disease and then sending him to be helped?"
[19:35] <Kotono> <Demedais> "Or to show us what he can do." Demedais grimaces. "Regardless, I'd like to have Eudard give it a shot; both he and I are immune to disease so we can try to keep him on the mend until we succeed."
[19:35] <Kotono> > "Yes, I'll have him quarantined, just in case," Father Ceiar says with a gentle look, "Do so. I'll have an acolyte fetch Eudard."
[19:35] <Kotono> > Pollyanna, having been quiet most of this time, "So cruel. Making someone sick just to make a possible point?"
[19:35] <Kotono> <Demedais> "There are multiple unkind adjectives I could apply to him, but..." Demedais closes his eyes. "Pollyanna, could you please have Eudard come here? I'd like to have him try to remove this."
[19:36] <Kotono> "I'll go get him," Pollyanna quickly goes to do that. As she leaves, "From your words, Helm will need to walk with you soon, Demedais. Do you need anything?"
06[19:38] * Demedais remains silent for a few minutes. "Just... keep a vigil eye out for anyone saying they've been sent by him, or for him himself. Do not try to fight him unless you must... I strongly suspect it would not get anywhere."
[19:40] <Kotono> "I'll have word passed around." Father Ceiar stands now, "Helm be with you." He's not gone long before Eudard returns, huffing and puffing, red with exertion in his armor. "I got word," he says breathlessly, "What's going on?"
[19:41] <Demedais> "A man is sick in here. We are unsure as to if it is contagious, but it was inflicted by a devil. Thus, us two are the safest people to try and heal him." Demedais replies.
[19:44] <Kotono> Wiping his forehead, "Immune and able to cure it, yes." After a few long breaths for air, "Take me to him? What deviltry is behind this deed?"
[19:45] <Demedais> "I'll explain that part later." Demedais grimaces. "The patient is not aware of the identity of the inflicter, and there is no need to reveal it." With that, he opens the door.
[19:50] <Kotono> Croger lies on the cot still, shivering lightly. Eudard comes in and goes to his side, "Peace of viligance be with you," he says. "I am Eudard. Rest as I try and help you." He lays his hands on Croger!
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
03[19:50] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #terrorofdunes
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15." [1d20=9]
[19:52] <Kotono> Croger coughs and then shivers again. Eudard looks to Demedais and shakes his head.
06[19:52] * Demedais grimaces. "Use some lesser restorations; those seem to alleviate the side effects of the illness. I will pray for more removals tomorrow."
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 2." [1d4=1]
[19:54] <Kotono> Eudard prays, the sickness held more at bay! Croger closes his eyes, "Thank you...both of you. Helm bless you." He yawns deeply then, "It's been a long journey to get here. Can I sleep for a little while?"
[19:55] <Demedais> "Very well. We may come in to try further therapies, but you may sleep through them." Demedais nods.
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[19:57] <Kotono> Croger's eyes close thereafter, sleep coming for him with a savage quickness. As it does, "This is troubling. A resistant disease from the hands of..." Stopping there, "What can be done?"
[20:00] <Demedais> "As far as I know, all we can do is continue to try and heal him. As for the being who inflicted it... Seira, Alicia and I have all encountered it. From my understanding, he pretty much shut down any attempt at offense either of them made."
[20:02] <Kotono> "There has to be a better resolution than that."
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:02] <Kotono> "There has to be a better resolution than that." With a look to Croger, "Still...I'll go finish with that blasted troll and giant. If you need me again send someone."
[20:03] <Demedais> "I will. Thank you." Demedais frowns. "I've little idea as to how to approach it, honestly, though I am thinking on it."
[20:04] <Kotono> OOC: SKip along? Do you have any other plans for the day or ideas or anything you wish to do?
[20:08] <Demedais> OOC: Keep an eye on Croger and monitor his condition, if it gets really bad we'll take the risk of having a Helmite heal him.
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 21." [1d20=18]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d4
06[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 4." [1d4=4]
[20:09] <Kotono> As the night goes on, Croger's sleep becomes jerky. He often shudders and shivers under three blankets, groaning out in his dreams. His color worsens as the night goes on.
06[20:10] * Demedais grimaces and calls for Father Ceiar at this, explaining Croger's drop in health.
[20:12] <Kotono> Yawning as he enters, sleep clothes worn, "I see. The disease continues to eat away at him." Carrying a washcloth and basin of water, "I'll pray for his recovery come dawn. For now, minister this to him and try and keep him comfortable?"
06[20:13] * Demedais nods. "I will, Father. I will also pray for spells to try and heal him... though I know not how effective I will be, compared to you."
[20:14] <Kotono> "We can only try."W ith that and another yawn, "But I must go back to rest, lest I be too tired and unfocused to gather magic effectively."
06[20:14] * Demedais nods. "Understood. My apologies."
[20:15] <Kotono> "No apology, just..." A yawn splits his face, "Until the morning, Helm be with you." The rest of the night passes without incident. OOC: Refresh your spells, Deme?
[20:16] <Demedais> OOC: New list will be posted in just a moment.
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC: Tell me when?
[20:19] <Demedais> OOC: Done, link posted in #e.
[20:20] <Kotono> Dawn comes. Croger is still aslumber, shivering in his bed. Father Ceiar returns at the dawnbreak, "Has there been any improvement?"
[20:22] <Demedais> "No, but nor has his condition gotten any worse, thankfully." Demedais says with a slight note of exhaustion. "I have also prayed for the strength to remove his disease... should I try first, in case of contagion?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "By all means," Father Ceiar saysy. "Helm's power with you in this task."
[20:23] <Demedais> "Thank you, Father." Demedais says, before turning and attempting to heal Croger!
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC: Declare what spell?
[20:24] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 remove disease try 1
06[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 remove disease try 1 and gets 9." [1d20=3]
[20:25] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 remove disease try 2
06[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 remove disease try 2 and gets 20." [1d20=14]
[20:25] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 remove curse (on the off chance?)
06[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 remove curse (on the off chance?) and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[20:26] <Kotono> Demedais calls on the power of Helm! Yet Croger's shivers continue, his half-sleep wrakced again by disease and suffering! Father Ceiar watches on, "This disease is so dreadfully resistant to magic. It does not abate even to the will of Helm."
06[20:28] * Demedais grimaces, before using his lesser restorations on Croger and standing. "It truly does not cease..."
[20:29] <Demedais> roll 4d4
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d4 and gets 8." [4d4=1, 4, 1, 2]
[20:30] <Kotono> It's strange. The Restorations seem feeble as they slowly heal them. The first and third do little, only the second really effective. The fourth helps a little as well, his chills slowing after all four.
[20:31] <Demedais> "...it's fighting the restorations." Demedais curses softly, shaking his head. "Father Ceiar, if you can..."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Allow me to try," he says, calling on the removal of disease!
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14." [1d20=7]
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11." [1d20=4]
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 15." [1d20=8]
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[20:34] <Kotono> Each one brings the power of Helm, but none break the remaining chills. "By Helm's eternal eye...nothing at all." Father Ceiar looks up. "It's as if I never cast."
[20:36] <Demedais> "Kh..." Demedais curses, before becoming lost in thought. "Will you join with me in praying for direct intervention or guidance from Helm in this? I can think of no other alternative, if our magics are failing to pierce the disease."
[20:37] <Kotono> "Let us spend the day petitioning the Watcher for that," he agrees, "To give us the power to do so." OOC: Going to spend the day praying then?
[20:38] <Demedais> OOC: Yeah.
[20:38] <Kotono> OOC: Make a wisdom check?
[20:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3 kay
06[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 kay and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[20:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[20:40] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 3." [1d4=2]
[20:41] <Kotono> The day passes. Demedais spends it in reflective prayer, yet no answer has come yet to his silent beckonings. Croger stays asleep for most of the day, his shivers intensifying in the afternoon once more. Dusk creeps closer...
06[20:43] * Demedais shakes his head. "I do not know... I will continue to minister to him through the night. Go rest, Father."
[20:45] <Kotono> Looking on at Croger, "I will. Helm be with you," Father Ceiar leaves as night falls. It's not long after that Croger stirs in his cot, coughing a few times. "Mmmmgh..." He blinks bloodshot eyes, "Where...am..." When he sees Demedais, his vision focuses on him. "Oh. Sir Demedais? How long have I been asleep?"
[20:45] <Demedais> "For almost a full day. We've been working to alleviate the disease, but it is proving heavily resistant." Demedais nods to Croger.
[20:46] <Kotono> He coughs before responding. "Thank you. Those of Helm...always take their duty to protect and aid seriously, do they not?"
[20:47] <Demedais> "We do." Demedais nods. "It is our sworn duty.
[20:48] <Kotono> "Heh...I know. I've heard that before." Coughing thereafter, "You're human. The ways the stories spoke of-" Cough cough! "-of you, one can wonder otherwise. They said the man that killed Kondrux is as tall as a giant and can shoot fireballs from his mouth."
[20:50] <Demedais> "...Stories tend to exaggerate some." Demedais says with a slight smile. "Regardless... Do not overexert yourself. Keeping your strength with you is the best way for you to help us fight this disease."
[20:51] <Kotono> "I will...thank you." His eyes droops hut again, a hazy sleep coming over him. OOC - Will you be doing anything tonight besides watching him?
[20:54] <Demedais> OOC: Praying for inspiration/intervention/guidance from Helm as I watch over him.
[20:55] <Kotono> OOC: Wis check again?
[20:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[20:58] <Kotono> Midnight comes. As the darkest night comes, silence in the temple...it begins. The sound of a deep, mournful bell is heard. It's tones are like that of a funeral procession, each strike long and resonating several seconds. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9 times it strikes.
06[21:00] * Demedais stands at alert at this, sword drawn.
[21:02] <Kotono> The echos linger in the air. Croger goes ramrod stiff at this, entire body quaking! His head turns to Demedais, a grotesque grin parting it. His voice is not his own at all, but the voice of Esthan! "Ah, good evening, Demedais. I trust that I find you in good health and tidings, even if your friend cannot say likewise?"
06[21:04] * Demedais turns to Croger/Esthan, face practically blank. "Hello, Esthan. Why am I completely unsurprised to see you doing this?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "I think you understand the point that has to be made." Esthan goes on with nary a bit of unpleasantness in his voice. "It's for you own good and survival, to break through the hubris you so amply displayed at our last meeting."
06[21:07] * Demedais simply raises an eyebrow at this.
[21:08] <Kotono> "This man's disease is incurable by any means you can muster. Despite all your prayers and efforts, he will die within nine more days. All your might, all your power...and he will still die. If you cannot even save one man from my barest attention, how will you stand alone against Hell?"
[21:11] <Demedais> "If you are seeking to overthrow rulers in Hell, why do you bother with what must be insects to you? Either you waste my time, your time, or both. And either way you fail to impress me." Demedais says calmly. "Though I do have to confess, you have managed to tempt me in one way."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Oh? PRay tell, how have I tempted you?" Esthan chuckles.
[21:13] <Demedais> "That will remain my secret. Perhaps another time I'll bother to explain, though you may figure it out anyway." Demedais says with the same facial expression as before. "Is this all you have sought to do?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "Then learn the lesson, so that you may learn something from it. Then again, perhaps you will not. This man means nothing to you now, does he? To you, he's just an old man.
[21:14] <Kotono> "OOC - Gah.
[21:15] <Kotono> "Then learn the lesson, so that you may learn something from it. Then again, perhaps you will not. This man means nothing to you now, does he? To you, he's just an old man." The horrible smile on Croger's face twists out and then down, face resettling as his stiff posture relaxes.
06[21:15] * Demedais kneels down and checks Croger's vitals at this.
[21:16] <Kotono> Croger is shivering and breathing. He looks about as bad as he did a few minutes ago.
06[21:16] * Demedais curses softly, before looking out to the hallway to see who is awake at this hour.
[21:17] <Kotono> The temple seems peaceful and quiet. No one is stirring, despite the bell Demedais heard. There's a few ritual guards out in the main temple as per normal.
06[21:18] * Demedais calls one of the guards over upon seeing them.
[21:21] <Kotono> "Sir Demedais," At attention as he approaches, "What do you need?"
[21:22] <Demedais> "May I request you keep watch over the ill man in here? I must run to make some arrangements for finding a cure."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Sir," A salute again to him, "It will be done in the name of the Watcher."
[21:23] <Demedais> "Thank you. May the Evervigilant One keep watch over you." With that, he quickly departs for Stronger's shop!
[21:25] <Kotono> Balmuria is quiet in the dark night. Only a few guards and late drunks are out. Elle's shope is closed up at night, as is normal and befitting for it.
[21:28] <Demedais> "...Right. Of course she's asleep." Demedais curses again, before heading back to pray for help from Helm overnight.
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4." [1d20=1]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 4." [1d4=3]
[21:30] <Kotono> The night passes, dawn breaking. Croger is still aslumber, shivers getting worse as the dawn approaches.
06[21:31] * Demedais finishes his prayers for spells, before enacting three attempts upon Croger.
[21:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24." [1d20=18]
[21:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6
[21:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15." [1d20=9]
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25." [1d20=19]
[21:33] <Kotono> Demedais calls on all the power of Helm he can muster! For a few moments his shivering stops on the last spell...but then comes back with an abrupt surge, his entire body quaking like a leaf in the wind.
06[21:33] * Demedais then proceeds with the four lesser restorations.
[21:33] <Demedais> roll 4d4
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d4 and gets 10." [4d4=4, 3, 2, 1]
[21:35] <Kotono> The lesser restorations seem half ineffective! The first and second aid him somewhat, but the last two prove fruitless entirely. His shivers lessen some overall, but are far from subdued.
03[21:36] * mojojojo (~soapfan04@cpe-69-203-1-143.nyc.res.rr.com) has joined #terrorofdunes
03[21:36] * mojojojo (~soapfan04@cpe-69-203-1-143.nyc.res.rr.com) has left #terrorofdunes
03[21:36] * Kotono sets mode: +s
06[21:36] * Demedais curses at this, before waiting twenty minutes for Father Ceiar.
[21:37] <Kotono> FAther Ceiar comes in in 10, looking in. "How is he," he asks outright, "His pallor is getting worse."
[21:38] <Demedais> "We will need to seek another solution, I suspect." Demedais says flatly, before looking to Father Ceiar. "Would you care for a trip - tomorrow, at the latest?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Where to," AS he goes to bring in another basin of water and fresh cloth, "I can get leave for my duties for this, certainly."
[21:42] <Demedais> "To Arcadia, to seek assistance from Helm or a follower of his." Demedais replies.
[21:43] <Kotono> Sucking in a breath, "To the House of the Triad itself?" With along look, "To the promised land of Helm? Surely I marvel at your dedication, Demedais. Can you reach so?"
[21:44] <Demedais> "I hope to be able to. However, the fact remains that I am convinced a cure lies outside of mortal hands in this case."
[21:47] <Kotono> "How will you get there?" Ceiar asks next, "Such a place is removed from our realm of existance."
[21:50] <Demedais> "If I am not mistaken, Seira and Alicia have used Elle's capability to do so, inscribing the spells into scrolls for their use. While I do not think we could hire Elle's time - and nor do I think I could use the scrolls she makes - Gil of Waukeen is also capable of the spell." Demedais replies.
[21:51] <Demedais> A pause. "Alternately, we ask for assistance from Alicia or Seira, if either are present."
06[21:55] * Demedais nods at this. "Alicia I know is in town - we can ask him first."
[21:55] <Demedais> *OOC: Strike
06[21:55] * Demedais nods at this. "Alicia I know is in town - we can ask her first."
[21:59] <Kotono> "Let us hurry then." OOC: Moving along?
[21:59] <Demedais> OOC: Yes.