224. The Crimson Guard in Victoria

[Corwin]

[20:00] <Kotono> ----------
[20:00] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, just to refresh: Who's going and how are yo ugoing?
03[20:01] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[20:02] <Demedais> OOC: Presumably teleport since I'd expect it to be somewhat feasible, Alicia+Seira(+Amaryl?)+Demedais+Pollyanna.
[20:03] <Alicia> OOC: yeah, that
[20:04] <Kotono> OOC: Declare who's taking who and make relevant TP rolls?
01[20:05] <Seira> roll 1d100 Amaryl+Pegasus, Donald
[20:05] <Devilbot> Seira rolled 1d100 Amaryl+Pegasus, Donald --> [ 1d100=35 ]{35}
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d100 for Alicia plus Deme and Polly, aiming for a bit outside Eastern gate
[20:05] <Devilbot> Alicia rolled 1d100 for Alicia plus Deme and Polly, aiming for a bit outside Eastern gate --> [ 1d100=58 ]{58}
[20:10] <Kotono> Woosh! So magicked, the party appears in two groups! The capital of the United Baronies appears before you! It is a large city framed by the light of the morning sun, a tall city wall framing it. The buildings look fairly white on a glance, the entire city looking somewhat rambling and new from the outside. The eastern gates ahead are open, a dusty path coming from the desert leading into the city proper. A few guards stand guard here.
[20:10] <Kotono> path coming from the desert leading into the city proper. A few guards stand guard here.
06[20:10] * Alicia looks around for the elf plus horse contingent.
06[20:11] * Seira likewise seeks out the highly visible paladins!
[20:12] <Kotono> The two groups find themselves quickly. The gate guards are starting to draw weapons, preparing while one makes a shout back. They look on with wide eys.
06[20:12] * Demedais eyes the capital, looking to Pollyanna as he takes a few steps forward, before realizing Alicia isn't following.
[20:12] <Kotono> Donald stretches, cracking his neck. "Man, I remember when I had to take a horse everywhere."
06[20:12] * Demedais then looks back to the gate. "Reminder: teleport us farther away from gates if possible so we don't have to startle guards."
[20:13] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles a little, "Um, Demedais, telling them who we are might be a good idea?"
01[20:13] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira greets the guards, striding over in the red cloak that signifies belonging to the Guard.
[20:14] <Alicia> "Glad we all made it," Alicia comments as she joins Seira and the others, before noticing the distant figures at the gate who're starting to look a mite aggressive. "I actually was aiming for further away... sometimes it's innaccurate, especially if I'm not too familiar with the location, though."
[20:14] <Kotono> As Seira approaches the guards gawk and stare at her. They look at Demedias and then Alicia, before stiffening to attention and saluting quickly. "Sirs!"
01[20:15] <Seira> "I prefer the alleys, myself," Seira returns. "Always try to find one in every town." She returns the salute to avoid keeping the men at attention.
06[20:15] * Demedais follows Seira at Pollyanna's comment, with a slight smile to Pollyanna and a nod to Alicia before he reaches the guards. At the reaction, he shakes his head. "Apologies for the surprise, gentlemen. We've gotten used to this method." He finishes the comment with a salute as well.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Sirs!" One guard repeats, "Welcome! Oh, are you really-" he begins, before cutting his own words off. "Sirs!"
01[20:16] <Seira> "It's just a convenient disguise," Seira says for her part. "So that people aren't startled. I suppose it is ruined when you teleport unannounced."
06[20:16] * Alicia trots after Seira and likewise snaps off a quick salute, wondering just how official this visit is going to be. Since Seira's the ranking officer, she gets to decide at this point.
[20:16] <Kotono> "Will you desire an escorts, sirs," One of the two asks, as just inside the gate, you can see a squad of about thirty soldiers coming at a good clip.
01[20:17] <Seira> "Someone to help us familiarize ourselves with the city and its defenses would be most welcome," Seira responds. "If you could spare them."
[20:18] <Kotono> "Of course!" Saluting again, "The Crimson Guard is here!" The soldier calls back to the approaching soldires! "Summon an honor guard immediately!"
01[20:19] <Seira> "Ah, an honor guard might be a bit much," Seira says instantly. "We're not here to interrupt daily life."
[20:19] <Kotono> Amaryl murmurs to Seira, "They treat you like Scions, almost."
01[20:19] <Seira> Plus it's terribly embarrassing, and she winces when Amaryl points that out.
[20:19] <Kotono> "Sir!" The guard calls back, "Just a normal guard on second command!"
[20:20] <Alicia> "Can probably thank some exaggarated rumours for that," Alicia remarks quietly to Amaryl. Then recalling what she first heard of the Crimson Guard involving a dragon named Kondrux, she's forced to amend, "Then again, they might not even need to be exaggarated at all..."
06[20:20] * Demedais seems to quietly back up, his face a blank mask at this. "Right. Normal guard would be nice. I'd rather not..."
[20:21] <Kotono> "Oh, they don't need to be," Donald grins, speaking relatively quietly for his standards. "Oh come on. We're heroes here, aren't we? Why not get treated like them?"
[20:22] <Demedais> "So long as you don't claim to be me, you can take all the praise you want, Donald. I'll pass." Demedais shakes his head.
01[20:22] <Seira> "Arrogance is not something you cultivate," Seira tells him simply. "And it would give the people we serve the wrong idea if it appears we want to be worshipped instead."
[20:23] <Kotono> A group of five guards approaches from that group ahead, the rest disengaging and retreating back, though many slowing to gawk or stare. A few people come from the streets, commoners looking on.
[20:23] <Alicia> "And we won't get a proper impression of things if we're shown around by people wanting to show off," Alicia mutters as she hangs back, content to follow Seira's lead since she was the one most adamant about coming here.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Sirs," The lead of the five comes forward, a man with ad ark brown beard and strong looking shoulders, saluting to the guard and then Seira, "A normal guard was requested?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "Can I ask someone to see to the pegasus, while we go on the tour? Anything to avoid drawing the extra attention would be welcome," Seira requests, before noddin  at the guard
01[20:24] <Seira> OOC: Bah
[20:24] <Kotono> "Of course, sir," The bearded man says a few words to one of the gate guards, who hurries to the pegasus and takes it's reins. "Is ther eanything else you require?"
01[20:25] <Seira> "Can I ask someone to see to the pegasus, while we go on the tour? Anything to avoid drawing the extra attention would be welcome," Seira requests, before nodding at the guard. "It was. As I've stated, we would like a tour of the city and its defense, if it is not too much trouble."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Of course. I an Lieutenant Viyse," HE wears a polished breastplate, greaves and carries a sword at his side, though he lacks a helmet. "You are Colonlel Seira, Captain Alicia Reynes, Captain Demedais of Helm, yes, and followers and aides?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "Heh, I wouldn't dream of being Demedais," Donald snorts, pausing as his attention is wrested back and forth, his reply late. "If you're going to risk your life fighting evil and terror, you can at least get the up sides to it, or so I say. It's not fair that only evil gets the perks."
06[20:28] * Alicia nods in recognition of her own name.
01[20:28] <Seira> "Donald here actually has a rank," Seira adds, lips quirking in a smile. "What was it, again? Lieutenant?"
06[20:29] * Demedais nods to Viyse's recognition, rubbing his head "Apologies for the stir."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Sir," Saluting to Donald as well, "There's no problem. We're honored that you've come," he says. "There is a ceremony tomorrow," Starting to walk into the gate, "If you are in the city, you would be more than welcome to grace it with your presences."
06[20:31] * Demedais follows Lieutenant Viyse, curious in part. "What is the ceremony regarding?"
01[20:31] <Seira> "We would be honored to," Seira feels obliged to say without, regardless of any feelings she might have on the matter.
[20:31] <Kotono> Donald eyes Seira, "Oh, I do. And yeah, what ceremony, anyway?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Lord Salman has proclaimed that the capital will be renamed, in honor of our victories in the east and to rededicate the city." He answers, going just inside to a street that runs right along the walls. Ladders occasionally rest against the wall, letting one climb atop it. "As you can see, we are positioned so that our archers can have height and reach in any event of an attack from the west."
[20:35] <Alicia> "They're renaming the city?" Alicia blinks as she follows along. That sounds rather silly to her.
06[20:35] * Seira snorts. "I can only say I approve. Is the new name a tightly-guarded secret?"
[20:37] <Demedais> "I see." Demedais muses, glancing along the walls and at the ladders. "Probably allows for speed in scaling the walls regardless of original position..."
[20:37] <Kotono> "I'm not privy to it, no," The lieutenant says as he leads you along the walls. The walls look fairly new and well kept, as do the buildings you pass. People look out o fthem, a few pointing and gawking! A young man, just into his teenage years and growth spurt, even runs up. "Oh...Sir Demedais?!?! Is that you?!"
[20:37] <Kotono> "It's just a name?" Pollyanna shrugs a bit, "What's the occasion for it?"
[20:38] <Alicia> "Name's have history. Tradition!" Alicia argues. "You don't just throw all that away!" Okay, she did just rename her new festhall, but it's practically an entirely new business with no continuity to its previous life as a bordello so that doesn't count.
06[20:38] * Demedais looks over to the man, clearly a bit startled. "Yes? Um. Yes, it is?"
[20:39] <Kotono> Amaryl stays close to Seira, "That is a point, tradition is important at times. But..." Eyeing the young boy, "...like heroes and scions rolled into one..."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Oh...Oh HELM!" He gushes, "Oh, I've wanted to meet you since I heard you wrestled Kondrux the terrible blue dragon and broke his neck with your bare hands!"
01[20:39] <Seira> "Sometimes, it takes courage to replace that which isn't working," Seira says with a shrug.
[20:40] <Kotono> "Someone's popular," Donald mutters under his breath, "Wrestling a dragon, though? Come on."
[20:41] <Kotono> Lieutenant Viyse stops his walk here, "Child, restraint," he says to the boy, "Sir, since you said you didn't want trouble, I'll be glad to escort him home."
[20:42] <Kotono> At that noise more people gawk, pointing. Some point at Seira, some at Alicia, a few at the others.
06[20:44] * Seira decides to let Demedais decide what to do with his fan. Getting him home might work, but Demedais might have a better solution in store that would actually change the hero-worshipping attitude into something productive.
06[20:45] * Demedais seems to stop dead in his tracks, a glance to Donald and then Viyse. "Ah. First, let me set the record straight; I cut it up with the help of the entire guard. And..." A momentary pause, before he shakes his head. "Let me be blunt; it is not a matter of heroism. It is a matter of doing what must be done. You follow Helm, I take it?"
[20:46] <Kotono> "Of course! You follow him!" The boy blurts as he blushes, "Sir Demedais, I also heard that you defeated an entire Malmuthian army then slew an entire bridage of war trolls! That's being a hero, isn't it?"
[20:47] <Kotono> Donald just smiles a little, dangerously close to a smirk. "Still..." He murmurs to Seira and Alicia, "It might just become a bit grating if the entire city is like this..."
[20:48] <Kotono> "LIsten to him," Pollyanna says to the child, "He's very wise about these things. He's telling you something important here."
01[20:48] <Seira> "I had no idea," Seira whispers back. "And I'm under a disguise, at that! I knew there were rumors, but this is downright ridiculous!"
[20:49] <Kotono> "I know." Donald crosses his arms, "Sure, it's not too hard to get a free meal in Balmuria or get to cut in line if you're in the Guard, but this is way more than that. Then again, I suppose the women would be the sam eway..."
01[20:50] <Seira> "I will physically hurt you if you have been doing those things intentionally," Seira whispers sternly. "You know that, don't you?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "Oh, I get a free meal once in awhile, but I don't abuse it. It tends to wear off when you see the same shopkeepers every day. But yeah, yeah, yeah, no abusing the position." Sighing now, "But sometimes people insist themselves."
[20:51] <Demedais> A very large pause, before: "A bit of advice; rumors very rarely hue to truth so closely. Listen. What we have done shows the capability of humanity - all of humanity - more than anything else. If you wish to follow this road, go and devote yourself to training." He seems on the verge of adding about seven other comments, but falls silent at this for a moment, before continuing, "Go, and protect your family, and follow the road your heart
[20:51] <Demedais> " and follow the road your heart seeks."
[20:52] <Kotono> Listening well to Demedais, "If that's what you say, I'll take it to heart!" he says, thumping a hand on his chest. "I will then! I'll makes ure Mom and Dad stay safe!"
01[20:52] <Seira> "It's alright when they do," Seira agrees. "Protesting too much just looks bad and would hurt their feelings."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Yeah." A glance back to Alciia, "That ever happen to you? I figure it does too?"
01[20:53] <Seira> "I bet there is no shortage of freshly-baked bread in the house."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Good then," Lieutenant Viyse nods briskely, "Go home to your family now, child."
06[20:53] * Demedais nods with a smile. "Then go." To Viyse once the kid goes, "My apologies. I didn't feel right saying nothing."
[20:54] <Kotono> "Of course, sir," He nods a little to that, "The stories from Balmuria are lurid. The celebrations when word came that the Crimson Guard defeated Ferdi and forced Malmuth to the negotiations table was euphoric. You can see the impact of it."
[20:56] <Kotono> "At least they're idolizing us instead of Ferdi and his regime?" Pollyanna tries to smile a little, taking Demedais' hand. "Let's go see the rest of the fortifications?"
[20:56] <Demedais> "... Some days, I'm convinced I will never understand." A slight pause, then a smile to Pollyanna. "And imagine if there had been anyone available to gossip about our last trip..."
06[20:56] * Demedais nods to this, taking Pollyanna's hand.
[20:57] <Kotono> "Oh yes. Defeating that horror and the purification at once...all of that...in that sandstorm, too. I can hardly believe it when I think back," Pollyanna murmurs.
01[20:57] <Seira> "Some things are better left unsaid," Seira says, recalling her own last trip somberly.
[20:57] <Alicia> "People sometimes stare," Alicia admits. "Not as many try to learn as I'd perhaps like."
[20:57] <Kotono> "So what don't you understand," Donald raises his voice to Demedais, "I mean, you kicked the crap outta Ferdi and everyone likes you. What's wrong with that?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Well, you're famous...and gorgeous," Amaryl admits quietly, "Stares happen, don't they?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "The most obvious problem here, if I might cut in," Seira voices, "is the concern that people would see that as the natural state of affairs and would grow used to being protected, without doing anything on their own."
[20:59] <Demedais> "What Alicia said, Donald." Demedais replies, not looking to the duskblade, "as well as what Seira just said. We cannot bear all burdens; the people must understand this, or the impact..."
06[20:59] * Seira pauses. "They can stare at me for the second reason, though," she says with a wide smile. "Being pretty is a terrible burden one must bear with dignity."
[20:59] <Kotono> "That may be so. Yet, we have many new recruits into the army and town forces that cite the Crimson Guard as inspiring them," The lieutenant adds. "It's not all idle hero worship."
01[21:00] <Seira> "Thats the kind of impact we actually love to see!"
01[21:00] <Seira> "Well. I would prefer if more joined the worship of Waukeen as a result. But still!"
[21:01] <Demedais> "Good." Demedais nods to the lieutenant. "At the least, that is a relief.
06[21:01] * Alicia nods to Amaryl. "When I was a little girl there was a swordmaster I used to watch all the time. I was so inspired by seeing his movements when he practiced that it put me on the path to becoming a warrior myself, until I was good enough for him to take me as a student. I like to think I can encourage the same reaction in others."
[21:02] <Kotono> "I remember seeing Seira defeat a powerful hawk in front of the Council with her bowwork," Amaryl murmurs to that, "Yes, I think I understand that."
[21:05] <Alicia> "Seira says you've become quite good, too," Alicia smiles at the runaway noble. "So you must have taken it to heart."
[21:06] <Kotono> "I've tried!" Amaryl smiles brightly at that.
[21:06] <Kotono> The party is lead around the perimeter of the city. The wall defenses are pretty thick and solid, about what you'd expect for a wall meant to hold archers. Once that's done and you're back at the eastern gate, "Would you like to see the siege engine reserves and the main city miltiary garrison, sirs," he asks.
01[21:08] <Seira> "You've seen one siege engine, you've seen them all," Seira responds with a disarming smile. "What I'm interested more in is hearing about the city and the daily life in it."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Of course, let me take you to Victory Square," He offers, "It's the main pulse of the city and our central market. Also, the best inns are not far removed from it. Lodging can be arrainged at the best of them if you'd like, sirs."
06[21:10] * Demedais looks to Seira. "I would not mind seeing either one, but that can wait." he says with a nod.
01[21:10] <Seira> "They really do look the same," she says with a shrug. "It's a design thing."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Well, a nice bed would be good," Amaryl admits, "Sleeping on the ground's not very fun."
01[21:12] <Seira> "It's still too early for that!"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Well, it got brought up," Amaryl blushes, "So..."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Well, let's go see that square," Pollyanna starts walking, "Unless we want o gos ee more military matters?"
06[21:14] * Seira laughs. "Alright, I get it." To Pollyanna, she says, "We can always return to the garrison afterwards."
06[21:14] * Demedais nods and follows Pollyanna, at this point just trying to go along with the flow of things. "I suspect we all have something we can do here."
[21:17] <Kotono> Victory Square is quite large - about three dozen buildings could stretch, the square right in the center of the city. White painted buildings and more classical multistory affairs loom over everything. Open shops and open stalls sell a wide variety of goods. Various signs hang, blaring advertisements in loud colors: 'Water of Life: Heals any ache and pain!' 'Vegetables for good copper here!', that sort of thing.
[21:19] <Kotono> The people are about, many looking as murmurs run through the crowd. The party gets a lot of attention, many people even gaping wide with shock and awe. Parts of the square are slowing down entirely as the party enters.
01[21:20] <Seira> "I'm not sure if the solution is to appear more often or not at all," Seira murmurs to the others.
06[21:20] * Alicia finds herself wishing they'd come in disguise instead of going with the big official inspection thing. Still she's a nice person so she smiles occassionally in response to the stares she's getting, hoping the novelty will wear off eventually.
[21:21] <Kotono> "It's sweet," Pollyanna murmurs, uneasiness and a frown showing. "But it's also kind of overwhelming."
[21:22] <Demedais> "I'm not sure there is a solution." Demedais replies just as quietly, nodding to Pollyanna slightly as he looks around at all the stalls to see if there's anything terribly interesting, or at least worth braving the crowd for.
[21:22] <Kotono> One man begins to approach, looking at Alicia. "Exc-excuse me," he calls. "Are you Alicia Reynes?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "Now I really, really want to know what they've been saying about us here," Seira mutters. "Lieutenant, might I trouble you with a strange request and ask just what the rumormill goes on about?"
[21:24] <Kotono> Most of the stalls are normal enough goods. There's a shop at one point called 'Arkhan's Scrolls' that could be of interest, and another stall that has a sign saying 'Protective relics'.
[21:24] <Alicia> "That's right," Alicia nods pleasantly to the man. "Is there anything I can do for you, sir?" She is after all a public servant. Even one who gets paid less than a prostitute does.
[21:25] <Kotono> The Lieutenant lower shis voice, "It varies, but alway spositive after Malmuth was beaten," he answers back. "Defeating the Empire so quickly after the last war was seen as a miracle."
[21:25] <Demedais> "I'm not sure whether trying to set the record straight would lessen up the issue or just cause more gossip..." Demedais shakes his head.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Could you...bless this again," he asks, presenting a plain golden disk. "I-I bought this a few months ago, but I worry that it's luck has faded since you haven't touched it in a time." The disk doesn't look terribly interesting or familiar to Alicia.
01[21:26] <Seira> "At least it's positive and we're not encouraging some horrible practices inadvertantly," Seira mutters.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Isn't Lord Salman here? You could ask him to do something about it," Donald suggests.
[21:26] <Alicia> "Er... again, you say?" Alicia peers at the disc. "I think you may have been conned, I'm afraid, for I don't recall blessing it a first time."
01[21:27] <Seira> "That's actually a very good idea," Seira tells Donald. "Worth a try, certainly."
[21:27] <Kotono> The man's face falls, "That dirty lying....thief!" He says hotly, then bows his head, "Sorry, ma'am, I didn't meant to say that in front of you. He said he was selling relics you'd blessed in the name of Mystra."
[21:27] <Kotono> "See, I have them sometimes," Donald eyes Demedias.
[21:28] <Demedais> "You do indeed." Demedais nods to Donald. "More than sometimes, actually."
01[21:30] <Seira> "For how much?" Seira inquires, joining Alicia.
[21:30] <Alicia> "Sorry," Alicia gives him an apologetic smile. "But the blessing of relics is the purview of the clergy - I'm merely a sword of the church. Just how many relics did he have, out of interest?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "10 gold," he answers, "That's a lot of moeny, but I thought it would be worth it!"
[21:30] <Kotono> "A few dozen," he says, "I even asked him about that. He said you blessed many of them to spread Mystra's blessings."
01[21:31] <Seira> It's not so much that she would get involved herself, but she would certainly support Alicia if she decides to dispense justice personally rather than let the regular soldiers handle this.
06[21:32] * Alicia sighs and shakes her head. "What a shameless liar. I'm sorry for your misfortune, sir. I don't suppose this con-artist is still around, is he?"
06[21:32] * Demedais suddenly undergoes cognitive dissonance for a moment at hearing the old man's story, before shaking his head slightly and letting Alicia and Seira deal with it as he looks to Lieutenant Viyse again. "How much trade does this place get within a day, would you say?"

[Corwin]

[20:04] <Kotono> > "10 gold," he answers, "That's a lot of moeny, but I thought it would be worth it!"
[20:04] <Kotono> > "A few dozen," he says, "I even asked him about that. He said you blessed many of them to spread Mystra's blessings."
[20:04] <Kotono> <Seira> It's not so much that she would get involved herself, but she would certainly support Alicia if she decides to dispense justice personally rather than let the regular soldiers handle this.
[20:04] <Kotono> * Alicia sighs and shakes her head. "What a shameless liar. I'm sorry for your misfortune, sir. I don't suppose this con-artist is still around, is he?"
[20:04] <Kotono> * Demedais suddenly undergoes cognitive dissonance for a moment at hearing the old man's story, before shaking his head slightly and letting Alicia and Seira deal with it as he looks to Lieutenant Viyse again. "How much trade does this place get within a day, would you say?"
[20:05] <Kotono> "He's a traveler, long gone," With a long sigh, "Dammit...but it's good fortune to meet you, ma'am." Looking to Alicia now, "Thank you. I lost friends to the bastards in Malmuth."
[20:05] <Kotono> "A fair deal," Answering that to Demedais, "Trade from the Desert Fiefdoms has increased, with more also passing further east to Balmuria. Trade from Balmuria heading east also goes this way now. It's trickled down well."
[20:06] <Alicia> "We did our best to end things swiftly there," Alicia nods, patting the man on the back. "Look on it as a lesson not to be taken in so easily next time? There's no end of cheats out there, after all."
03[20:07] * Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
06[20:07] * Demedais nods. "That is good news. Hopefully the trade routes will continue to expand...."
05[20:07] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:07] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.114.105) has joined #dunes
[20:07] <Kotono> "Sad but true," He commiserates, "Thank you. Thank all of you," He looks to the others, "For everything."
03[20:07] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:09] <Kotono> "It does bring a lot of wealth," The lieutenant agrees, as more people peer at the party. "Is there anything else you wish to see in the square, sirs?"
[20:10] <Alicia> "You're welcome. May Mystra bless you, since that trinket won't," Alicia gives the man a half-smile as she bids him farewell.
[20:10] <Kotono> With a look about as she glances back at the man, "Pft, con artists. Deplorable, lawless louts."
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:11] <Kotono> With a look about as she glances back at the man, "Pft, con artists. Deplorable, lawless louts." Pollyanna turns back to Demedais then, "Is there anything else you saw that caught your eye here?
[20:11] <Kotono> "
01[20:11] <Seira> "Any landmarks? Historical spots?" Seira shrugs. "Locals always know more about these things, so if you've got the time, Lieutenant, show us more of the city?"
[20:12] <Demedais> "Nothing that's worth inciting the crowd by walking through it." Demedais shakes his head to Pollyanna slightly.
06[20:14] * Demedais then nods to Seira's comment slightly.
[20:14] <Kotono> "This way," Leading the party along through the square, into a side street, "Momuments to the last war are the first thing, and they're nearby." The party is lead along a few streets down, to a quiet, oak infested grove. In the center is a small stone building, a paved path leading to it. "A copy of the formal signings between the new United Baronies and the Empire of Malmuth are kept here on display."
06[20:15] * Seira perks up at the mention.
[20:16] <Kotono> Amaryl looks about, "Did an elf design this? I would think humans would have something grander and not so forest-like."
06[20:18] * Demedais glances around as well, attention mainly focused on the small stone building as he takes a few steps toward it in curiousity.
[20:19] <Kotono> "The Archbaron wished for something serene, to so embody the peace the Baronies had hard won from Malmuth. It's intentionally quiet and out of the way for that reason. The city owns the buildings around it and keeps them low noise and volume to facilitate that." The stone building is plain and sturdy, save for an inscription above the door. It reads: 'For tranquil peace, bought at the price of a thousand lives. Blessed be those that sacrifice e
[20:19] <Kotono> It reads: 'For tranquil peace, bought at the price of a thousand lives. Blessed be those that sacrifice everything so that we can live as we wish.'
01[20:21] <Seira> "It wouldn't be a bad thing to bring trainees here before they are allowed to graduate," Seira muses. "If only to help them understand their position and responsibility better."
06[20:21] * Demedais nods distractedly to Viyse, reading the inscription. "A worthy cause, indeed... I'd approve, Seira."
[20:21] <Kotono> With a growing smile at that, "Officers trained in this city do just that," he says, "It's a tradition for every graduating class of officers in this city."
06[20:22] * Demedais nods approvingly to Viyse at this, before quickly ducking into the building to read the copy.
06[20:24] * Alicia reflects that her familiar would probably appreciate the sentiment on the inscription a lot more than she does. But she doesn't betray her feelings, simply looking around in polite curiousity.
[20:24] <Kotono> Inside of the building is a heavy stone table, decorated with inlaid precious metals, sparkling gold and gleaming silver. Glass cases surround the documents there, statues of various people about. You can see one of Lord Salman, and one of Commander Oberuth as well.
06[20:24] * Seira nods at the latter in approval.
06[20:25] * Demedais looks to see if anyone else is familiar at a glance, before going to look at the documents.
[20:26] <Kotono> There's a few others, none ring any bells as you look at the documents. They're treaties, ending the war between Malmuth and the new United Baronies. They're written nicely enough, official documents without all that much interesting to them.
06[20:27] * Demedais shrugs a bit to himself before looking around one last time and ducking back out.
01[20:27] <Seira> "You mentioned graduating officers," Seira asks Lieutenant Viyse. "How many are we talking about, annually?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "A dozen, perhaps? They fill military and city appointments." Answering that, "It's not thes ame training regimen as the Crimson Guard uses, I believe. It more focuses on producing traditional military officers."
[20:31] <Alicia> "How is the training different, anyway?" Alicia asks Seira, not having gone through Crimson Guard school herself.
06[20:31] * Seira laughs. "That's a very interesting way to refer to us inadvertantly. But true, I suppose. Let's see the rest?"
01[20:31] <Seira> "The training itself? Probably not so different," she tells Alicia. "But the way
01[20:31] <Seira> "The training itself? Probably not so different," she tells Alicia. "But the way we apply it differs a lot."
[20:33] <Alicia> "I wouldn't know, I suppose..." Alicia murmurs as she lets the matter drop, not having been trained as a traditional soldier, either.
01[20:35] <Seira> "There is the traditional training, melee, archery, whichever your focus is. There is tactical training, what you'd want to see in an officer. Ways to train leadership." Seira shrugs. "But we really operate like irregulars more than anything, so we don't do many stuffy things normal officers would."
[20:36] <Demedais> "Stuffy?" Demedais asks with a slight grin.
01[20:36] <Seira> "Well yeah! When's the last time we arranged a parade?"
[20:36] <Demedais> "When's the last time we've been in Balmuria for long enough to do so?"
[20:37] <Kotono> Pollyanna laughs at that, "Yes, it's always teleporting off to do this or that, or defeat the next horrible horror a few kingdoms away."
01[20:37] <Seira> "We don't leave it that much, it's more that it's not part of our duties. Neither is arranging for patrol schedules, though we are expected to have some experience doing that."
[20:38] <Alicia> "It's actually better now that we can teleport," Alicia points out. "Before there were weeks and weeks of travel time to factor in."
06[20:39] * Demedais inclines his head to Alicia. "True. Though it does cause its own stirs."
06[20:39] * Seira wholeheartedly agrees. "Even though we might miss out on meeting strange ghosts out at sea."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Ghosts?" Amaryl's eyebrows raise.
01[20:40] <Seira> "Demedais befriended the last one."
[20:40] <Kotono> The lieutenant listens well enough, as he leads the party away from the quiet little grove. "I can take you to Lord Salman next, the official residences are an impressive sight as well."
[20:40] <Kotono> "Oh yes, I remember that story," Pollyanna smirks a little at that, "Poor child."
[20:41] <Demedais> "Let's... let's not get into that incident." Demedais grimaces a bit. "Still glad it happened, but." At Viyse's comment, he nods. "What part of town are they located in?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "Northern," he answers, leading the party along. The official residences are a pretty series of buildings, a conencted mansion surrounded by a tranquil park of sorts. People come and go on it's paved paths, the building a richly painted white/blue. It's four stories tall.
[20:48] <Demedais> "I see..." Demedais says. "How often is Lord Salman in residence here?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Inside are various official offices and the like. He is most of the time when he's in the city," So answering that as he leads you inside, guards saluting and double-taking afew a few moments, "Other barons usually come to him for important matters, instead of the other way around."
[20:50] <Demedais> "Also understandable." Demedais nods, following their guide in this.
[20:52] <Kotono> Lead inside, workers, servants and common people all brush aside. Some seem to reconize the party, eyeing them with open awe and shock. You are lead into a grand wooden door, where a pair of guards stay on alert. They stay impassive, barring the way. Lieutenant Visye confronts them, "The Crimson Guard has come from Balmuria. It is only proper that they pay respects to Lord Salman while they are here."
[20:53] <Kotono> The guards draw swords and raise them in salute, before parting away from the door. "Enter," they say.
06[20:54] * Seira returns the salute, ready to follow the lieutenant inside.
06[20:54] * Alicia doesn't really think they should be bothering him, but is just going with the flow on this whole trip. Giving the guards a salute with her hand, she follows everyone inside.
06[20:55] * Demedais nods and salutes in return, before making sure he's a half-step behind Seira as they head in.
[20:58] <Kotono> Inside is a sunlit office, comfortable and plush. There is a small working desk and table, a man standing from it. Lord Salman looks over the party, "Hail and well met, Crimson Guard! We have heard that you have come to this fair city; we all welcome you." About the room are several sets of comfortable chairs, a large fireplace, animal heads mounted on the walls, and so forht.
[21:01] <Kotono> "It's good to see you again, Archbaron," Amaryl says formally, a bow to him.
01[21:01] <Seira> "It is an honor, Sir" Seira adds, bowing respectfully herself. "From the looks of things, our visit was a timely one, considering tomorrow's ceremony."
[21:02] <Demedais> "It is an honor and a pleasure to be here, Lord Salman." Demedais bows as well, before letting Seira speak here.
[21:03] <Alicia> "Thank you for your welcome, my lord," Alicia chimes in with the formalities as is proper.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Lord," Pollyanna bows as well.
[21:05] <Kotono> "Yes, your timing is well receieved." Donald follows along as the party introduces themselves, waving and bowing. "You are all welcome to attend as honored guests, if you wish."
01[21:06] <Seira> "It would be a pleasure, Lord Salman," Seira says, reaffirming her previous stance on the matter. "If there is any way we could help with the proceedings, we are, as always, at your disposal."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Or if you could tell us what the name is going to be," Donald chimes in. "I thin keveryone's wondering, aren't we?"
01[21:07] <Seira> "Some things are worth waiting for," Seira mentions.
06[21:09] * Demedais nods at Seira's statement to stay in the city for the ceremony.
[21:11] <Kotono> "It would be only proper to wait," Lord Salman looks to Donald, "Then we will have lodgings made available for you immediately," Lord Salman declares. "Until the morrow; apologies, but the business of the day and preparatinos for the ceremony loom nigh."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Thank you for your generosity." Amaryl curties this time.
[21:14] <Demedais> "Thank you, indeed." Demedais nods. "We will not disrupt you further, then."
[21:16] <Kotono> The group is taken to a high class inn, a night passing in comfort and rest. OOC: Seira/Deme, are you switching up spells at all, or should we move along?
[21:17] <Demedais> OOC: Go ahead and move on.
01[21:17] <Seira> OOC: done
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:20] <Kotono> The next day dawns sunny and warmer. An arid wind comes from the west, as if chasing the rising sun in the eastern sky. The ceremony proper starts at noon, the party can get there any time before that as they wish. OOC: If you have anything you want to do or any preference to arrival, say so?
06[21:22] * Seira intends to ensure nothing goes wrong during the ceremony, deciding to try the spell matrix magic to store a sonorous hum in reserve. In the worst case, she would only feel a bit queasy and waste a couple of spells.
01[21:22] <Seira> roll 1d6
06[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d6 and gets 2." [1d6=2]
[21:26] <Kotono> The party arrives at 11 AM. The main city square has been converted for this, buildings closed and stalls shuffled aside. A grand stage of wood has been erected overnight, painted red. People by the hundreds fill into the square, more looking out from windows of the various taller buildings. AS befitting their stature, the Crimson Guard is given a spot of honor on the stage, offcenter to the left. Plain chairs are there to sit on if they wish.
[21:26] <Kotono> Plain chairs are there to sit on if they wish. As noon creeps closer, they can see the square fill up. Many people point and look to the Guard...
[21:27] <Alicia> So much for just observing the ceremony like anyone else would... Alicia is nonetheless the picture of stoic dignity as she stands throughout.
01[21:29] <Seira> "Here's to hoping it's a really good name," Seira says quietly as they gather for the ceremony.
[21:29] <Alicia> "I still think changing it is a bad idea," Alicia whispers in return.
06[21:29] * Demedais is standing a bit farther away and to the side from the chairs, sweeping over the crowd as the tries to keep an eye out for anything. At Seira's crack, he smiles, before, "Do we want Message up?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "So many people," Amaryl looks over them, blushing reds tinting her cheeks like a spreading heat. "It depends on the name? If it's a really pretty name..."
[21:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+25 mmm?
06[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+25 mmm? and gets 26." [1d20=1]
[21:32] <Kotono> "How about they name it Demedaispolis?" Pollyanna's lips crack upwards at that, "Or Seiraville, or the City of Alicia?"
01[21:32] <Seira> All it takes is one to try and mess with the ceremony, or just take advantage of it to assault Lord Salman. But they should be ready for it. Hopefully.
01[21:33] <Seira> "I would rather have a market named for me."
[21:33] <Demedais> "I uh yeah no."
[21:33] <Alicia> "It's a nice name for a person, not a place," Alicia replies with a serene smile.
06[21:33] * Demedais does smile a bit at Pollyanna at that, though.
[21:34] <Kotono> Amaryl laughs out loud, covering her mouth with her hand. "That's being silly. Then again...I hear there are mountains in the east that share a name with me now?"
01[21:34] <Seira> "Yes!" Seira smiles. "I named them!"
06[21:35] * Alicia feels really bad for Amaryl at that comment, but Seira was so very earnest...
[21:35] <Kotono> Donald cracks a wide grin from ear to ear. "This is fun. If you don't mind everyone looking at you." waving out to the crowd, and a few cute women in particular, "Just don't let it go to your head, isn't that it?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "That's almost not fair," Looking to Demedais at that, Pollyanna nudges his ribs, "Have you gotten anything named after me, dear?"
06[21:37] * Demedais seems to stiffen a bit at this, before frowning slightly. "I... think..." Squinting for a second, his face suddenly becomes practically stone calm. "...Say, Alicia. Can you come with me for a walk for just a moment?" At Pollyanna's comment, he gives a near-unreadable look. "Let me answer that in a second, dear."
[21:37] <Kotono> The crowd continues to watch and chatter, a steady veil of noise echoing around.  More people come in, the square getting packed. It won't be too terribly much longer now, the sun near it's zenith.
06[21:38] * Alicia agreeably stretches her legs alongside Demedais for a moment, expecting that he'll elaborate.
01[21:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
06[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 27." [1d20=18]
[21:39] <Kotono> "Sure," Pollyanna blinks to that, and then smiles a little. Under her breath, "Careful, Deme."
06[21:39] * Demedais nods and calmly, serenely, and masterfully steers Alicia off and behind the stage, before asking in a soft tone, "Call it a gut hunch, but I think I've spotted something. Mind checking it out? Probably best if you turn invisible and fly over.there; best to not disrupt the crowd or give it away."
[21:40] <Alicia> "That'd be great, except I can't turn invisible," Alicia points out. "I could pick up Marie, though - she's good at avoiding notice."
01[21:40] <Seira> Mmm. Seira keeps an eye on the troublesome roof without being obvious about it.
[21:43] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais muses. "That does put a damper on things... That's one option, sure. Also... perhaps just teleport over it and fly down? I'm not sure, here."
[21:44] <Alicia> "Perhaps it would be best if you were to tell me what the problem is?" Alicia suggests with saintly patience.
[21:45] <Demedais> "I believe there's someone in a position to try and attack on one of the rooftops, behind a steeple." Demedais replies. "I can't be sure, but it doesn't seem likely those colors would be on a roof naturally."
[21:46] <Alicia> "What colours?" Alicia presses.
[21:47] <Demedais> "White and red. It caught my attention due to how out of place it was." Demedais notes.
[21:48] <Alicia> "Can you elaborate? Was it someone in white and red clothes? A flag? What?"
[21:49] <Demedais> "I think it was a person, but I couldn't tell for sure. I doubt it was a flag, what with where it was positioned." Demedais shakes his head.
06[21:50] * Alicia represses a sigh. "Okay, I'll be back in a second, we'll get my familiar to check it out." And with that she teleports to Marie's current location, where she's putting Balmuria's finest through their paces at the garrison.
[21:50] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 35." [1d100=35]
[21:51] <Kotono> OOC: Goa head and roll your ereturn trip? It's not long, nothing of note immediately occurs.
[21:51] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 45." [1d100=45]
[21:52] <Kotono> Alicia so reappears, this time with courre eladrin in tow!
01[21:52] <Seira> After enough time has passed for it to appear casual, Seira approaches Pollyanna and Amaryl. "Don't look," she warns them quietly, her back to the rooftop in question, "but we might have a party crasher." She directs them towards the right house, before adding, "Just to be on the safe side, alright?"
[21:52] <Alicia> "Tell her where to look and she'll cover it," Alicia tells Demedais as Marie looks around curiously at the backstage area.
[21:53] <Kotono> "Well, I t hought it might be soemthing like that. Demedais started acting like his haunches were up," Pollyanna nods. "Thanks."
[21:53] <Kotono> The backstage area is behind the stage. It's pretty uninteresting unless the back of astage interests you.
[21:54] <Alicia> Marie isn't that interested, no, she was just curious as to where Alicia was taking her all of a sudden with no explanation.
06[21:55] * Demedais nods and describes the location to Marie, before nodding to Alicia. "Thank you."
[21:56] <Alicia> "Okay, so... I keep an eye on that for...?" Marie asks cluelessly, before Alicia tells her to watch out for bad people. Duly informed, Marie turns incorporeal and zips into the ground so she can stay hidden as she makes her way to the building where she can ascend upwards to investigate. Meanwhile Alicia returns back to the stage.
06[21:56] * Demedais follows Alicia back up casually after about fifteen seconds have passed.
[21:59] <Kotono> Marie thus turns etherial and into the ground, and then up! It's a pretty plain building as far as these things go - first floor is an open air bakery, second looks to be somes ort of weapons shop, the last two aren't discernable as Marie ascends. Reaching up and out, she comes out behind the steeple. Hiding behind it is a winged creature, like an angel. However, it's body is an angry red, it's wings white yet tipping into purple ont he ends. I
[21:59] <Kotono>  it's body is an angry red, it's wings white yet tipping into purple ont he ends. It wears bracers and armor around it's torso, cascading down into a black sheath of cloth around it's legs. It's head is indigo and gray, turning misty instead of having hair. In it's far hand a greatsword is held low, a beautiful horn of gold and oynx hanging from it's belt. It's back is to you, looking out over the scene below.
[22:00] <Alicia> Is it evil?
[22:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 planes wtf is it?
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 planes wtf is it? and gets 18." [1d20=1]
[22:01] <Alicia> How far away is Marie from Alicia? Or any of her companions for that matter?
[22:02] <Kotono> About 300 feet or so straight away, and about 3 and a half stories below. A fair distance, basically.
[22:03] <Alicia> Marie zips back and hides amidst the chairs so she can whisper to the others and tell them what she saw.
[22:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 planes does Alicia recognise it from the desc? (consider this her knowledge devotion roll as well if it comes up)
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 planes does Alicia recognise it from the desc? (consider this her knowledge devotion roll as well if it comes up) and gets 32." [1d20=15]
01[22:03] <Seira> "And was it... evil?"
[22:03] <Kotono> On Marie appearing, "Ah hells," Pollyanna mutters, "At least it's not a demon or a devil then...but what is it?"
[22:04] <Alicia> "No, but he looked kinda shifty!" Marie affirms.
01[22:04] <Seira> "How about we go say hi?" Seira offers. "I can bring us over for a little face to face meeting."
[22:05] <Alicia> "That could cause alarm, but... that thing's an abomination if it is what I think it is," Alicia remarks with a grimace. "We need to know its intentions."
01[22:06] <Seira> "And what would that be?" Seira asks curiously.
06[22:06] * Demedais listens to this causally, deliberately looking toward the area out of the corner of his eye as he faces the rest of the group. "Should someone stay here to ensure he doesn't have backup handy?" he comments at this.
[22:06] <Kotono> "Yes, and if Lord Salman comes while we're dealing with it," Pollyanna adds. "We have a little mroe time before noon, I think."
01[22:07] <Seira> "Well, I would expect the archers to, since there's no reason to take them into melee," Seira tells Demedais. "Donald could remain for their protection."
[22:08] <Alicia> "A Concordant Killer. A perverse blending of good and evil, law and chaos," Alicia explains as she channels some enervation spells into Hell Striker. "There's no telling what it could want, but I really doubt it heralds anything good for us."
[22:08] <Kotono> "I could, but I'd rather go hit it," Donald humphs, "Well, if it needs to be hit."
01[22:09] <Seira> "Since you could fly up if we need help and Demedais can't, you're the superior choice," Seira tells him, activating the protective power of her boots before placing her hands on Alicia and Demedais's shoulders.
[22:10] <Demedais> "Should we quickly step offstage first so we don't shock the crowd?" Demedais comments.
[22:10] <Alicia> "I think that'd be best. I can cast some extra spells with no one seeing, that way as well," Alicia agrees.
01[22:10] <Seira> "Well, if we must," Seira says with a pout, going along with the plan.
06[22:12] * Demedais quickly recites a prayer of protection and guidance before they teleport.
[22:12] <Alicia> Leading the group backstage, Alicia casts Shield and Fly on herself, forgoing any more blatantly obvious spells in case the thing proves reasonable. She then nods to Seira that she's prepared.
06[22:13] * Seira casts Shield, Heroism and Haste in succession, before making sure that Demedais and Alicia are ready and no one is looking at them. And then, they teleport, only to reappear on the rooftop in question!
[22:13] <Kotono> OOC: Make your D100 roll?
01[22:13] <Seira> OOC: It's a dimensional door
[22:13] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, okay.
[22:14] <Kotono> Thus the thre reappear on the roof! The creature is as Marie saw! It continues to look out over the crowd, back to the three heroes as the dimension door works!
[22:15] <Alicia> "You seem a bit out of your usual environment," Alicia opens things up casually, ready to draw her sword if need be but being peaceful for the moment.
01[22:15] <Seira> "Hi there," Seira greets the creature casually. "We come in peace and all that. Do you?"
06[22:15] * Demedais stands between the two, saying nothing as he watches the creature.
[22:16] <Kotono> The creature turns! It's face is like a human face scrawled onto something utterly alien, expression turning into a respectful grimace. "You come. I salute you," He raises his greatsword briefly, "Your powers of perception are remarkable."
[22:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 29." [1d20=10]
01[22:17] <Seira> "Thanks. So what's up? Are you here for the ceremony, too? I'm sorry, but I don't know what the new name would be. You'll have to wait with the rest."
[22:18] <Kotono> "I am Drex, formerly Drexiel of Torm." Lowering it's blade, "Your group is one of my quarries; I am here to kill you. I thank you...your coming here has made dealing with the mundane mortals irrelevant."
06[22:19] * Demedais nods respectfully to the being at this, before looking to the being. "I really can't act shocked here - but may I ask why?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "Formerly of Torm?" Seira asks, ignoring the other parts. "Doesn't that mean you've forsaken his path?"
06[22:20] * Alicia is more interested in why he seeks to battle them if he no longer serves Torm, and waits to hear his answer to the questions put forward.
[22:20] <Kotono> "Torm has fallen into the deepest pits. Some of us did not fall as far as he. His hatred for you is burning, for me... it is merely business. Law, chaos, good, evil. All of it will be absorbed into one true whole."
01[22:21] <Seira> "But doesn't this really mean you've come here to die?"
[22:21] <Alicia> "If it is business then who's? Do you serve another, or do you personally take offence at our existence?" Alicia asks, starting to glow with a radiant golden nimbus of light as she draws Hell Striker.
06[22:23] * Demedais almost opens his mouth to comment on the outsider's philosophy, but shrugs at this and draws his sword, before leaning on it slightly. "While I've no issue with that goal, I suspect you're aiming too low in general."
[22:23] <Kotono> Raising his sword, "I will not lose. I care nothing for you, only for my business. Torm gave unto me a great token in exchange for this service. But...you are not barbarians. You are only part of my business. If there is a good enough compensation to reconsider..."
06[22:25] * Seira draws her own sword, a dagger following. "You know, that's what they all say. It's a shame you won't reconsider doing something like this."
[22:25] <Alicia> "So... now you seek to extort us?" Alicia asks in disbelief.
[22:26] <Kotono> "Why not? You've already died! You merely haven't realised it yet! Then..." His sword raises! OOC - Let's roll initaitive here before I go to work?
[22:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 A
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 A and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[22:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 M
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 M and gets 27." [1d20=20]
01[22:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 nerveskitter
06[22:27] * Demedais looks to Alicia slightly, before a shrug. "Very well."
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 nerveskitter and gets 15." [1d20=4]
[22:27] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 17." [1d20=16]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22." [1d20=15]
03[22:27] * Kotono changes topic to 'Marie>Drex>Demedais>Seira>Alicia'
[22:39] <Kotono> Note: Roll Donald/Polly/Amaryl int next start.

[Corwin]

[17:21] <Kosleep> roll 1d20+2
06[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Kosleep rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[17:21] <Kosleep> roll 1d20+7
06[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Kosleep rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23." [1d20=16]
[17:21] <Kosleep> roll 1d20+6
06[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Kosleep rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12." [1d20=6]
03[17:22] * Kosleep changes topic to 'Marie>Pollyanna>Drex>Demedais>Seira>Alicia>Amaryl>Donald'
03[17:22] * Kosleep is now known as Kotono
03[17:27] * taislp is now known as Demedais
[17:28] <Kotono> > Raising his sword, "I will not lose. I care nothing for you, only for my business. Torm gave unto me a great token in exchange for this service. But...you are not barbarians. You are only part of my business. If there is a good enough compensation to reconsider..."
[17:28] <Kotono> * Seira draws her own sword, a dagger following. "You know, that's what they all say. It's a shame you won't reconsider doing something like this."
[17:28] <Kotono> <Alicia> "So... now you seek to extort us?" Alicia asks in disbelief.
[17:28] <Kotono> > "Why not? You've already died! You merely haven't realised it yet! Then..." His sword raises! OOC - Let's roll initaitive here before I go to work?
[17:28] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 A
[17:28] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 A and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[17:28] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 M
[17:28] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 M and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[17:28] <Kotono> <Seira> roll 1d20+11 nerveskitter
[17:28] <Kotono> * Demedais looks to Alicia slightly, before a shrug. "Very well."
[17:28] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 nerveskitter and gets 15." [1d20=4]
[17:28] <Kotono> <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
[17:28] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 17." [1d20=16]
[17:28] <Kotono> > roll 1d20+7
[17:28] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[17:28] <Kotono> OOC: Marie, you'r eup.
[17:29] <Alicia> "Looks like trouble!" Marie warns the others on the stage as she senses Alicia's killing intent, promptly zipping out from her hiding spot and racing towards the rooftop she earlier spied upon!
[17:30] <Kotono> OOC: How much an MArie move?
[17:30] <Alicia> OOC: 60x4 so 240ft
[17:30] <Kotono> "Damn," Pollyanna nods, "Got it, Marie!" Meanwhile Donald grins a little, looking up towards the roof! OOC - Drex is up, Polly can't do much of note.
[17:32] <Kotono> Drex shimmers like a mirage, vanishing from sight! A moment later, a word of rippling, arcane horror echos forth from him!
[17:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 38." [1d20=19]
[17:32] <Kotono> OOC: Will saves, -2.
[17:33] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 31." [1d20=11]
01[17:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+16
06[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 and gets 19." [1d20=3]
03[17:34] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[17:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 and gets 27." [1d20=10]
[17:34] <Kotono> roll 2d6 str damage Seira for an upcoming to be rolled 2d4 rounds. Also, you're dazed for a round, Seira. I'll PM you the relevant info.
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 str damage Seira for an upcoming to be rolled 2d4 rounds. Also, you're dazed for a round, Seira. I'll PM you the relevant info. and gets 6." [2d6=2, 4]
[17:34] <Kotono> roll 2d4
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 and gets 4." [2d4=2, 2]
[17:35] <Kotono> The word of power sends Seira reeling from it's horrors, while the others stand tough against the unseen Drex! OOC - Deme, you're up.
06[17:40] * Demedais moves forward, taking a stab at the spell! "Illusions of light, shatter under the Evervigilant's eye!" OOC: Moving 20 feet toward where he was, Invisibility Purge, 30ft radius.
[17:41] <Kotono> Demedais so travels, the invisible rendered mundane! Drex stands 10 feet up from where he was and five feet back, hovering int he air! OOC - Seira's dazed a round. Alicia?
06[17:44] * Alicia floats up fifteen feet and casts a spell of her own. "Mother of all magic, bless my aim against this cowardly hiding foe," she intones before calling over to her familiar. "Get ready for plan B, Marie!"
[17:45] <Kotono> Amaryl, meanwhile, peers up! "See that," she whispers under her breath, "I think that's it! It's too far away to effectively attack." OOC - Amaryl can't do much due to the range issues. Ditto with Donald. Marie?
[17:46] <Alicia> Understanding her mistress's command, Marie prepares for action!
[17:46] <Alicia> OOC: holding for Alicia
03[17:51] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[17:53] <Kotono> Drex moves a little forward, towards Alicia and Demedais in the air, ten feet away and up! This time, a word of pure writhing chaos comes from it's mouth!
[17:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 CL
06[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 CL and gets 20." [1d20=1]
[17:53] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia and Seira, make will saves at -2.
[17:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 32." [1d20=12]
01[17:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+16
06[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 and gets 29." [1d20=13]
[17:54] <Kotono> OOC: Both amde it, no ill effects.
[17:54] <Kotono> The word of chaos is mighty and staggering, enough to utterly dazzle any that hear it! Yet the two heroically resist the elemental fury of everchanging chaos, as Demedais resists it entirely! OOC - Deme.
06[17:58] * Demedais intones ancient words of power from Helm to bless his allies and curse this bizarre foe! OOC: Prayer cast, +1 luck bonus to attack/damage/saves/skill checks, -1 to enemy if I break his SR, presuming he has any.
[17:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 CL check
06[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 CL check and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[17:58] <Kotono> The prayer bolsters all the Crimson Guard around, though it shatters like glass against the abomination who battles you! OOC - SEira, you're up.
06[17:59] * Seira gains altitude herself, retrieving the spell stored in the matrix before casting Telekinesis. She tosses her dagger up, and Lagann picks it from midair, ready to strike at their enemies with the enchanted weapon! For now, she intends to keep her distance from her allies, so that they aren't caught in a single spell like that again.
01[17:59] <Seira> Her disguise melts away as she does so, Seira seeing no need to keep it in the face of an enemy like that.
01[18:01] <Seira> OOC: Strike last, sec
01[18:02] <Seira> After casting the spell, Seira attempts to disarm their enemy!
[18:02] <Kotono> OOC: Doesn't trigger an aoO, roll disarm attempt?
01[18:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 34." [1d20=12]
[18:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+32
06[18:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 and gets 47." [1d20=15]
[18:04] <Kotono> The telekinetic force slams against the weapon of Drex, but his grip is like steel, ungiving to the thrust! OOC - Deme.
[18:04] <Kotono> OOC: Er, Alicia.
[18:06] <Alicia> What happens next is a stunning sequence of coordination between paladin and eladrin as Alicia descends on Drex in a righteous weaving fury, drawing her longsword and holding Hell Striker back as she slashes the Sword of the Sealed Gate across the Concordant Killer's chest in a single sublime movement! Before he can react to this, she abruptly vanishes and reappears sixty feet away!
[18:06] <Alicia> In the same instant Marielle appears directly before Drex in the spot Alicia just occupied, the eladrin giggling briefly and immediately rocketing off in the opposite direction, her nimble movements too fast for his sword to follow as she escapes, leaving him all alone and denied the possibility of an easy escape from this battle!
[18:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+42 -3 pa, divine might
06[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+42 -3 pa, divine might and gets 56." [1d20=14]
[18:07] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[18:07] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18
06[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18 and gets 24." [1d8=6]
03[18:07] * Alicia changes topic to 'Pollyanna>Drex>Demedais>Seira>Alicia=Marie>Amaryl>Donald'
[18:09] <Kotono> The sword of the sealed gate digs into the body of Drex, finding it hard, harder and ungiving! SHe manages to tear a little rip into it, a blood glowing white and black twined together leaking out! It steams in the air, a white into indigo smoke billowing out! OOC - Amaryl and Donald are up. Donald will buff with Animalistic Power in the meantime.  More.
[18:09] <Alicia> OOC: +4 damage, forgot devotion adds to that. So 28
[18:11] <Kotono> Below, the crowd seems to have no idea yet of what is coming! Below the battle, people continue to gather and wait as the sun is nearly at it's daily zenith! It's light sheds down below, a cheery blessing to the carnage going on unawares for now! OOC - Drex is up.
[18:19] <Kotono> Drex scowls, a hand going to the gash put onto his skin. "Is that it? Then have your trick be ruined!" This time he flies straight ahead towards Marie, vanishing out of sight as he leaves Demedais spell range, over open streets now! A great sonic blast comes from it as he blows the horn, the cone of sound cascading around Marie! OOC: Fort, Marie.
[18:19] <Kotono> OOC - Strike the horn bit, you obviously can't see it. Fort though.
[18:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
06[18:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15." [1d20=4]
[18:20] <Kotono> roll 10d6 sonic, stunned for 1 round and deafened for 4d6, Marie.
06[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 sonic, stunned for 1 round and deafened for 4d6, Marie. and gets 38." [10d6=2, 4, 3, 2, 6, 6, 4, 5, 5, 1]
[18:20] <Kotono> roll 4d6
06[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and gets 14." [4d6=5, 3, 5, 1]
[18:22] <Kotono> The blast leaves Marie braised and dazed, ears throbbing as the world goes dead silent around her! She is stunned completely, unable to do much as she falls! OOC: 4 stories, calling it 20 feet each story, so 8d6.
[18:22] <Kotono> roll 8d6
06[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 8d6 and gets 31." [8d6=6, 4, 6, 5, 1, 2, 3, 4]
[18:22] <Kotono> Marie hits the ground hard, the world going dark for her! OOC - Marie's at -1 and unconcious. Deme?
[18:23] <Alicia> OOC: wait!
06[18:23] * Seira scowls, and calls down to Demedais, "Give me a moment to pinpoint him!"
[18:23] <Kotono> OOC: Hm?
[18:23] <Alicia> Alicia casts feather fall on Marie before she hits the ground!
[18:23] <Kotono> OOC: Strike then.
[18:24] <Kotono> Marie begins to plummet, her fall slowing near the ground! She lands in the streets softly, dazed and stunned! Coming common people gawk at the eladrin that has fallen from the heavens at their feet! "Hey...aaah!" One calls, while another goes bug eyed, "Are you okay?!" Not that Marie can hear them! OOC - Seira.
[18:24] <Kotono> OOC: Deme, sorry.
06[18:26] * Demedais nods to Seira, pausing for a moment! OOC: Holding on Seira as she requested
06[18:26] * Seira calls upon See Invisibility, so that she would have a target for her telekinesis spell!
03[18:26] * Kotono changes topic to 'Pollyanna>Drex>Demedais=Seira>Alicia=Marie>Amaryl>Donald'
[18:27] <Kotono> Seira can see the unseen! She can see Drex, over the streets and not too far from where Marie was hovering! He has lowered the horn from his lips, gaze traveling momentarily downward!
06[18:28] * Seira grabs at the horn, hoping that pulling it from Drex's reach would be easier than trying for his weapon!
01[18:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 34." [1d20=12]
[18:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26
06[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 and gets 32." [1d20=6]
[18:30] <Kotono> The thrust of telekinetic power sends the horn flying out of Drex's grasp! It is knocked away and goes flying, appearing once more! It sails across the street, landing on a two story roof on the other side! OOC - Deme?
01[18:30] <Seira> "I'll make it clearer in a moment! For now, use that spot as the point of reference!"
[18:33] <Demedais> "Right!" Demedais calls back, advancing to the edge of the roof and as close to where he saw the horn fly away as he can, before quickly snagging the ring of feather fall out of his haversack and slipping it on for the ring of sustenance! "No reason to get dramatic here..."
[18:34] <Kotono> Demedais does so, wisely switching rings to prevent another painful falling episode! OOC - Alicia.
[18:38] <Alicia> While Marie clutches her head and staggers woozily underfoot of the crowd, Alicia floats onto the roof and drops the sword of the sealed gate as she alights next to Demedais, quickly casting a spell to bless him with flight! "Should've done this before we started," she apologises quietly.
[18:39] <Demedais> "Not a problem." Demedais shakes his head. "Take care of Marie if you can."
[18:42] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the crowd below starts to murmur as the plummeting of Marie gets attention! The sonic burst of noise also gets eyes looking upward! The common people see Drex, rendered visible by the aura of Demedais! A wave of noise bursts below, people calling and pointing and reacting! "Daaaammit!" Donald drawls out slowly. "Start shooting at it," he calls, the two archer girls taking the chance and doing just that!
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 3." [1d20=3]
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 19." [1d20=19]
[18:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 crit
06[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 crit and gets 6." [1d20=1]
[18:44] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
06[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 5." [1d8=4]
[18:44] <Kotono> Amid that hail of long range arrows, one grazes Drex's leg! It's hard to see if it does any damage, as good as cloth scraping against mithral! OOC - Drex is up.
[18:47] <Kotono> Drex flies straight up, vanishing from mundane sight! Seira can see that he goes 20 feet up, gesturing! A powerful burst of magical missiles fly and slam into Seira!
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 5d4+5
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d4+5 and gets 18." [5d4=2, 4, 1, 4, 2]
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 18*1.5
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 18*1.5 and gets 27."
01[18:47] <Seira> OOC: Magic Missile?
[18:47] <Kotono> OOC: Yes.
01[18:48] <Seira> OOC: Shield!~
[18:48] <Kotono> OOC: Oh.
[18:48] <Kotono> The magic missiles slam into Seira, breaking into motes of useless force as the slam against Seira's shield spell! OOC - Deme and Seira.
06[18:48] * Seira laughs out loud, and retaliates with Glitterdust!
01[18:49] <Seira> OOC: DC 21
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
06[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 27." [1d20=10]
[18:51] <Kotono> The glitterdust outlines Drex, even as his eyes stay true to it's vision instead of succumbing to the brightness! OOC - TK, Seira?
01[18:51] <Seira> Even as Drex is covered in pretty glitter, Seira tries to restrain him with the power of her mind, flying up with all the distance Waukeen allows her to travel!
01[18:51] <Seira> roll 1d20+22 grapple
06[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 grapple and gets 25." [1d20=3]
[18:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+31
06[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+31 and gets 42." [1d20=11]
[18:53] <Kotono> The force tries to restrain the glittering Drex, but fails utterly to hold him down for a second! OOC - Deme.
06[18:55] * Demedais spots the glittery Drex and smirks, before rocketing upward toward him and giving an upward slash as he closes in! "Hi. So, lemme get this straight. You're fighting mortals despite their lack of long-term influence, ignoring the major instabilities that the Hells and the Abyss provide?"
[18:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 (+1 Haste +4 Law Dev -6 CE)
06[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 (+1 Haste +4 Law Dev -6 CE) and gets 36." [1d20=18]
[18:57] <Demedais> OOC: +1 Luck if it helps.
[18:58] <Kotono> Demedais slashes out, but a field of force stops him! A shield of pure arcane power, stopping the slash inches from Drex! Drex readies his greatsword with a cat's grace and speed, "You're as formidible as advertised." With a growling, terrible smile as it's eyes narrow, "Good. I hate hunting unworthy prey." OOC - Alicia and Marie.
[18:59] <Demedais> "Hardly an answer to my question." Demedais replies blithely.
[18:59] <Alicia> Marie thinks she's done enough for now, and wouldn't be able to hear Alicia's orders anyway, so she turns incorporeal and retreats underground!
[19:01] <Kotono> "There are a million of millenia before the true end times come. Until then...there is the hunt, and there is growing stronger." The two go sword against sword briefly, blocking and trading attacks! "Heaven, Hell, the Abyss, Arborea...all will join together in the end. But until that day...!"
[19:01] <Alicia> Meanwhile Alicia flies up to face Drex on the opposite side from Demedais, Hell Striker whipping upwards as she ascends to scythe through the abomination's flesh! "This'll be the last hunt you ever go on!" she challenges.
[19:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+34 divine might, charge, 4th level arcane strike
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+34 divine might, charge, 4th level arcane strike and gets 44." [1d20=10]
[19:01] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d8+20+4d4+1d6
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+20+4d4+1d6 and gets 42." [1d8=7][4d4=2, 1, 2, 4][1d6=6]
[19:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 CL check
06[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+14 CL check and gets 25." [1d20=11]
[19:03] <Kotono> The blow catches Drex just barely unawares! He starts to twist, sparks of arcane shielding nearly blocking Alciia's blow! But she is able to muscle through it, cutting against his back wings jaggedly! OOC - Ground crew is up. CL check failed.
[19:04] <Kotono> The crowd below waches and calls, some screaming! Amid them, "I see them! It's the Crimson Guard!" One calls, while another bellows, "It's a monster! Run!" A third man kneels by Marie as she vanishes into the ground, watching with huge dinner-plate wide eyes! Meanwhile, the archers reach teh edge of the stage, firing more arrows!
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 26." [1d20=15]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12." [1d20=7]
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 20." [1d20=20]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 9." [1d20=9]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20 crit?
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 crit? and gets 12." [1d20=12]
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4." [1d8=3]
[19:05] <Kotono> Another hail of arrows flies into support of the party! One grazes Drex again, whizzing by the aerial combatants! OOC - Drex is up.
[19:07] <Kotono> Amid the hail of firing arrows and attacks, Drex stands in the storm! He is almost serene as he smiles, "You think you can defeat me?" he asks, his blade a whirling scythe of destruction as he lashes out!
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29 Alicia
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 Alicia and gets 45." [1d20=16]
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 Deme
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 Deme and gets 37." [1d20=13]
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Alicia
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Alicia and gets 37." [1d20=18]
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Deme ACs?
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Deme ACs? and gets 17." [1d20=3]
[19:08] <Alicia> OOC: 39, thanks Deme
[19:08] <Demedais> OOC: 44.
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 3d6+18+2d6+2d6 Alicia ow
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6+18+2d6+2d6 Alicia ow and gets 35." [3d6=3, 1, 1][2d6=1, 6][2d6=3, 2]
[19:10] <Kotono> The whirlwind of blades is endured as best the heroes can! Demedais stands unharmed, while Alicia has a gap in her guard exploited! Her side is cut open, ribs exposed to open air! The blade feels like a poison to her, utterly anathema to everything she is!  OOC - Deme and Seira are up.
06[19:10] * Alicia grimaces at the cutting blade coupled with vile and unpredictable energies surging through the wound. "That'll be the day when I get bested by a deluded mongrel like you!" she retorts fiercely.
06[19:11] * Seira doesn't look too happy as the gives Lagann a mental order to send the dagger out to its maximum range, so that they might strike in tandem. Meanwhile, Seira casts True Strike from one of her scrolls, even as she wills Drex to submit to the strength of her willpower!
01[19:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+22 grapple
06[19:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 grapple and gets 23." [1d20=1]
[19:11] <Kotono> Lagann strikes out in the meantime, dagger flying as commanded!
[19:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[19:12] <Kotono> The dagger dances around Drex, glittering and bright, yet cannot manage a wound! OOC - Deme.
[19:12] <Demedais> "Well, I figure we're kinda committed to the concept since you seem to be." Demedais drawls. "Still." With this, his blade flashes out, trying to land a blow against the being!
[19:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+22 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE)
[19:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+22 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE)
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE) and gets 35." [1d20=13]
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE) and gets 36." [1d20=14]
[19:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE)
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE) and gets 32." [1d20=15]
[19:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE)
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (+2 flanking +1 haste +4 Law Devotion +1 prayer - 5 CE) and gets 30." [1d20=18]
[19:13] <Kotono> Demedais attacks like a whirlwind himself, greatsword flying at a speed now eapon should be able to manage! Yet each time he's blocked, magic and blade deflecting each of his attempts! OOC - Alicia and Marei are up.
[19:14] <Alicia> Marie works her way towards the building she flew through earlier and starts to ascend through it, not exposing herself to the battle just yet. Hopefully it'll be over soon, but Alicia's blood is still up, which implies combat remains ongoing...
[19:16] <Alicia> Drawing on the wellspring of fury that Hell Striker provides, Alicia begins to savagely hack and cut into Drex's flank with all the divine and arcane strength she can put into her blows! "Misguided idiot! Fall into oblivion!" she calls as she attacks!
[19:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+37 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+37 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 53." [1d20=16]
[19:17] <Alicia> OOC: wait, -2 for that, missed my twf penalties
[19:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+35 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+35 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 48." [1d20=13]
[19:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+35 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+35 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 38." [1d20=3]
[19:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+30 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+30 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 32." [1d20=2]
[19:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+30 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+30 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 44." [1d20=14]
[19:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 42." [1d20=17]
[19:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 raging, divine might, 5th and 3 3rd and 1st level arcane strike, flanking and gets 33." [1d20=8]
[19:18] <Kotono> OOC: Three hits.
[19:18] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+12d4+1d6
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+12d4+1d6 and gets 51." [1d8=6][12d4=2, 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1][1d6=2]
[19:18] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+12d4+1d6
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+12d4+1d6 and gets 61." [1d8=8][12d4=4, 3, 3, 3, 4, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3][1d6=5]
[19:18] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+12d4+1d6
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+12d4+1d6 and gets 54." [1d8=7][12d4=3, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1][1d6=2]
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 51+61+54
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 51+61+54 and gets 166."
[19:19] <Kotono> Alicia finds her blows superbly countered and resisted, needing to draw on all of her power and fury to land hits! She does manage some, hacking and slashing and using Demedais' attack to cover her own strikes! She ravages it's back, tearing it wide open like a deshelled oyster! Yet it still exists?! Below the crowds continue to call and watch in shock, as more arrows come!
[19:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 CL check
06[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+14 CL check and gets 21." [1d20=7]
[19:19] <Kotono> OOC: No dice.
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 17." [1d20=11]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 16." [1d20=16]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 6." [1d20=6]
[19:20] <Kotono> The arrows fly, but no solid shots are landed! OOC: Drex is up.
[19:20] <Alicia> OOC: +12 damage, again I forgot devotion adds to damage as well as to hit
[19:21] <Kotono> Drex sags in the air, utterly torn up! "Aaah...you're as...no, you're stronger than..." Breathing in and out to Alicia, "Then...at least..." Breathing out, Drex fights again, surrounded on both sides!
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29 Alicia
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 Alicia and gets 42." [1d20=13]
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 Deme
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 Deme and gets 41." [1d20=17]
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Alicia
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Alicia and gets 24." [1d20=5]
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Deme
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Deme and gets 21." [1d20=7]
[19:22] <Kotono> OOC: ACs?
[19:22] <Alicia> OOC: AC 37 thanks to rage
[19:22] <Demedais> OOC: 44, forgot Haste last time.
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 3d6+18+2d6+2d6 Alicia ow
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6+18+2d6+2d6 Alicia ow and gets 37." [3d6=3, 1, 2][2d6=1, 5][2d6=5, 2]
[19:23] <Kotono> Alicia is stabbed again, chest nearly ripped apart! Only her armor deflects the blow into merely cutting her front open painfully! OOC - Seira and Dmee.
06[19:23] * Seira dives down at Drex, the attack fully coordinated with Lagann! Given the magic she had channeled, this strike can only fail due to a stroke of bad luck!
01[19:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+22 grapple
06[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 grapple and gets 26." [1d20=4]
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+31 grapple
06[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+31 grapple and gets 50." [1d20=19]
07[19:24] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+45 (flanking, flight, charge, true strike, heroism) smite
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+45 (flanking, flight, charge, true strike, heroism) smite and gets 59." [1d20=14]
[19:24] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
01[19:25] <Seira> roll 6d8+18+6d8+5d6
06[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+18+6d8+5d6 and gets 92." [6d8=2, 8, 6, 7, 5, 2][6d8=6, 3, 5, 8, 3, 2][5d6=1, 6, 2, 6, 2]
01[19:25] <Seira> And with that strike, Seira flips away and out of reach, gliding to a safer distance!
[19:27] <Demedais> "Sorry, but. Hope oblivion's close to the merging you seek." Demedais says with a light shrug at Seira's plunge at Drex!
[19:28] <Kotono> Charging in to strike his downed defenses, Seira impales Drex in the stomach! He begins to melt away into harsh, cloying mists! "Guh...Not evne my defenses could stop the three of you...?" With that, the outsider fades away into nothing! OOC - Free action.
06[19:29] * Demedais then looks around to make sure that nothing else is nearby to cause any more ruckus. Also because he -really- doesn't want to deal with the crowd right now.
[19:29] <Kotono> OOC: Spot check Deme?
06[19:29] * Alicia sags in relief, her rage leaving her as quickly as it came, while she heals herself with absorbed spellfire energy. Then she looks towards Demedais. "Now can we crack down on the church of Torm?"
[19:29] <Demedais> roll 1d20+25
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+25 and gets 45." [1d20=20]
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 15d4+15
06[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 15d4+15 and gets 52." [15d4=1, 3, 4, 4, 1, 3, 4, 3, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 1]
[19:30] <Demedais> "Yeah, at this point that's likely our best bet. What was that horn?" Demedais muses distractedly.
01[19:31] <Seira> "He seemed to have used it on Marie, so I took it away," Seira responds, gesturing for the horn to float over to her even as she looks it over for evil!
[19:31] <Alicia> "Don't know, but it really hurt poor Marie," Alicia comments as she descends to collect her longsword, while said eladrin manifests above the roof and asks if they won. Then starts repeating "What?" as Alicia tries to explain that yes they did win.
[19:31] <Kotono> No signs of evil about, as TK brings the horn over as requested. It's made of gold with inlays of a radiant black onyx.
06[19:32] * Seira floats back to the stage, touching down. "The danger has passed!" she announces loudly. "There is no need to panic!"
06[19:32] * Demedais nods slightly. "I see." He then looks down at the crowd, frowns, and looks around again. Just to be on the safe side.
06[19:32] * Alicia at least heals her familiar, who seems somewhat mollified by that as she pokes her fingers in her ears, only for Alicia to swat them away with the remonstration that doing so is bad for them. Marie then starts the "What?" routine again.
[19:32] <Alicia> roll 10d4+10
06[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 10d4+10 and gets 33." [10d4=2, 1, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 1]
[19:32] <Kotono> Donald grins as Seira floats down, "Take me along next time. That looked like a lot of fun!"
[19:33] <Kotono> PArts of the crowd are freaking out, but others begin to calm at Seira's words. "What happened?!" Many call, "Did the Crimson Guard just save us!?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "Your own damn fault for being so slow," Seira whispers to him with a matching grin, before eyeing the crowd and how receptive it might be for a bit of impromptu preaching.
[19:34] <Kotono> "You're safe?" Amaryl puts away her bow, "What was that creature?"
[19:34] <Alicia> Still glowing with celestial radiance, Alicia floats down to the stage with Marie fluttering alongside her. "A misguided abomination in the service of the Hateful Fury," she supplies for Amaryl.
[19:34] <Kotono> The crowd is pretty distracted and a lot of people are either in a panic or gawking at the entire spectacle.
06[19:35] * Seira gives Amaryl a wink and a thumbs up. "What you saw here is the unfortunate consequences of being lead astray by one's anger and hatred!" Seira calls over the crowd, before glancing at Alicia. It might be the best time to educate the people on the threat posed by the Church of Torm.
06[19:35] * Demedais grimaces, before landing on the other side of the stage. "Pretty sure he was alone." he mentions softly.
[19:36] <Kotono> "Good," Pollyanna comes up to Demedais, "No thurt? No sword wounds? No unholy lesions on your body this time?"
[19:37] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes at all of that, "I'm just glad none of you are hurt. I saw it got you a few times, Alicia, but you're healed now?"
[19:37] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, Seira?
01[19:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
06[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 40." [1d20=17]
[19:38] <Demedais> "Failed to touch me." Demedais looks to Alicia as Amaryl asks her.
[19:38] <Alicia> Stepping forward to address the crowd while her familiar looks on in confusion, Alicia speaks up. "That creature was an abomination that should not be. One in the service of Torm, bent on killing us for not bowing to his insane and hateful whims."
[19:38] <Alicia> "The God formerly known for justice and valour is now a maddened pitiable thing, even worse than those such as Bane or Malar, for he seeks to deceive us by virtue of his former reputation!"
[19:41] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check as well, Alicia?
[19:41] <Demedais> A thought quickly occurs to Demedais, and he flags the nearest soldier or guard to tell him which direction Lord Salman is coming from and if he's arrived yet. While Drax seemed to be focused on them, it's possible that others were not.
[19:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+29 (+2 for good folks)
06[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+29 (+2 for good folks) and gets 36." [1d20=7]
01[19:42] <Seira> "But you have seen for yourselves the true form of his trusted servants!" Seira adds, remaining at the front of the stage. "Even gods are not above being swayed by their emotions, and Torm fell deeper and deeper into rage, until he became known to his true servants as the Hateful Fury!
01[19:42] <Seira> And here, you have seen the results of following such a doctrine that seeks to eliminate all those that would not follow it meekly!"
[19:42] <Kotono> Between Seira's start and Alicia's body, the two have the attention of the crowd and then some. The guard so asked hurries off through the crowd at that, hustling.
[19:43] <Kotono> "OOC: Strike, misread Deme's line.
[19:43] <Kotono> Between Seira's start and Alicia's body, the two have the attention of the crowd and then some. The guard so asked says that Lord Salman hasn't arrived yet.
[19:43] <Kotono> He's coming from the north, from the residences to the square.
[19:45] <Kotono> The crowd seems absorbed in the words of Seira and Alicia. They're listening quite well, enraptured.
06[19:45] * Demedais nods and quickly beckons to Pollyanna to come with him, calling for Horse once he gets in range and mounting with Pollyanna before heading off.
[19:46] <Kotono> Summoning Horse gets another gawk from the crowd, the people parting as Demedais and Pollyanna hurry off through the square! OOC - #evil.

---

[19:46] <Kotono> -----------------------------------------------------(Mount Polly, eh? Can that be right next to Amaryl's mountains? That would be awesome.)--
[19:47] <Kotono> Once the square's crowd is broken it's not too hard to pick up speed. Lord Salman travels in an entorage, an honor guard of soldiers around him as they ride on white horses, heading for the square. They're about three streets away now as Demedais gets in sight of them.
06[19:50] * Demedais advances forward quickly, dismounting and walking up to the honor entourage once he's about three-fourths of a block away. "Ah... I need to quickly inform Lord Salman of events in the main square."
[19:50] <Kotono> The honor guard parts, the entorage stopping. Lord Salman raises his voice, "Captain, what is the matter?" he calls.
[19:53] <Demedais> "An outsider was watching the preparations with the intent of disrupting the ceremony and killing us, at the least. He has been dispatched, however, and Alicia and Seira were calming the crowd as I left. I felt it necessary to confirm your safety after the event, and thus have come here." A slight pause. "Also, may I give you something?" he replies, after fishing through his backpack for the component to the Shield Other
[19:54] <Demedais>  after fishing through his backpack for the component to the Shield Other spell.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Well done to have detected and dispatched this event," Lord Salman says, taking the ring offered. "This ring is magic?"
[19:55] <Demedais> "It is not, but wearing it will allow one of my more potent magics to be used, shielding you from any attacks that slip through." Demedais shakes his head. "Pollyanna can testify to its efficiency."
[19:57] <Kotono> The ring is put on. "We are impressed with the speed you have reacted to this. Is the square fully safe now?"
[19:58] <Demedais> "I believe so, yes. No threats were spotted within any range." Demedais nods.
06[20:00] * Demedais also invokes the spell at this, since it'll remain on Lord Salman for six hours after.
[20:01] <Kotono> "Ride at the head of the honor guard," Lord Salman instructs. "You have earned it, and it is ag ood defense in case other threats await in lurking danger."
[20:02] <Demedais> Demedais pauses for a short second, before, "Yes, milord." With that, he remounts, glancing to Pollyanna before he gets in formation and leads the honor guard back the four or so streets to the square!
[20:03] <Kotono> OOC: #evil.
[20:03] <Kotono> OOC: Er, #dunes.

---

[19:46] <Alicia> "But rest assured," Alicia goes on. "Whether they be corrupt followers of an insane god, scheming fiends, or rampaging wyrms, none can stand against the righteous! We will meet them unflinchingly, with the strength and honour that they lack, and still prevail!"
[19:48] <Kotono> A cheer rises up from Alicia's words, the crowd spellbound with the two women! "We'll even turn them into magical artifacts afterwards, since it's not enough to simply beat our opponents! We use them for justice afeerwards!" Donald calls.
01[19:49] <Seira> "Torm was so consumed with his fanatical quest to eradicate the enemy, be they fiends or evil deities, that he forgot his purpose!" Seira speaks. "He forgot who his enemies were. He even went so far as to forget himself!" Seira sweeps her arm at the crowd. "Learn from his example, and don't stray into fanaticism! Don't be lured in by such creeds!"
[19:50] <Alicia> Why must you ruin the moment, Donald? Alicia decides it best just to ignore them. "The Colonel is right! The differences that seperate us from our foes give us meaning - they call such things as mercy, compassion, and understanding weaknesses. They revel in their ignorance! They are wrong, and will be defeated at every turn!"
[19:52] <Kotono> More cheers from the crowd at these words! They seem into it - cheering and calling and listening! The panic seems to have settled down, thankfully. Amaryl looks to Donald and blushes, whispering something to him. Donald turns to her, blushing himself. "Hey, I thought it sounded fearsome...!"
01[19:53] <Seira> "Waste not, want not is not a campaign slogan against evil deities, Donald," Seira whispers to him.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Oh," Donald colors intensly, slipping back a few steps.
[19:57] <Alicia> "Do not be deceived! The world is changing rapidly, and this is merely another symptom of that," Alicia explains, projecting her voice across the crowd. "Now Torm has shown his true colours for all to see, and we will not be fooled any longer! If he seeks to bring low civilisation to sate his base urges, we will treat him the same as the foul deities he now runs with!"
[19:57] <Alicia> "No longer will Torm's lies be accepted! No longer will we be deceived! He is not the God we once knew, and cannot be given sympathy when he opposes our safety and well-being!"
01[19:58] <Seira> "No God who abandones his true followers, or even goes as far as sending outsider assassins after them as they struggle to remain true to his old ways is worth your worship!" Seira adds, thinking of those wronged by Torm to fuel the strength of her message.
[20:00] <Kotono> The cheers of the crowd grow louder! The crowd begins to chant DOWN WITH TORM! DOWN WITH TORM! like a frenzy!
[20:01] <Alicia> At this point Marie regains the use of her ears and immediately deflates. "Aww, I missed something good, didn't I?" she moans.
[20:03] <Kotono> At this, there is a slow disturbacne to the north. Over the cheers, one can hear, "Make way! Make way for the Archbaron!" Voices call out, competing with the cries of the crowd.
01[20:04] <Seira> At that, Seira gains some altitude to be able to see the plaza better.
[20:05] <Kotono> Approaching from the north, an honor guard proceeds through the crowd! Demedais is at the head of it, Lord Salman in the center.They approach on white horses(And Horse, respectively), coming towards and around to the stage.
06[20:05] * Alicia then raises her hands in a gesture for the crowd to settle down. "Let us not forget the original reason for our gathering here!" she calls. "Torm cannot disrupt that! All hail the Archbaron!"
[20:08] <Kotono> The crowd, already well primed up, listens and cheers! Amid hails and well wishes, the honor guard reaches the stage! Lord Salman dismounts, nodding to various people in the crowd. "Come, Demedais," he says over the cheering, walking up the stage.
06[20:09] * Alicia ceases her glowing now, not wanting to overshadow her boss.
03[20:09] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-181-63.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
02[20:09] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-181-63.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
06[20:09] * Seira likewise finds Lord Salman arriving to the stage safely, and glides back down, saluting him as she touches down.
03[20:09] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
03[20:11] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
06[20:11] * Demedais follows Lord Salman up, giving a slight nod to the others. "Looks like you placated the crowd well." he murmurs to the two, before stepping back and letting Lord Salman speak.
[20:12] <Kotono> Raising his hands to the crowd, Lord Salman struggles but eventually gets a measure of quietness as the crowd calms down. "Long has our nation suffered and struggled with it's heavy destiny. Bitter is the cup of sacrifice that has been raised to our lips; our very war to exist was a painful, long struggle. Then from there we have had to endure poverty and the crawl into prosperity." (M ore)
[20:13] <Alicia> Marie lands on Alicia's shoulder and settles in throughout this speech while the paladin heals herself a bit more before standing at attention.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Then another war...then things no man should ever have to see and fight. Yet...from the lowest common soldier and goodwoman, to the Crimson Guard's valiantry, we have endured and grown strong. Victory after victory lies at our feet, earned with the blood and sweat of our nation." Gesturing now to the Crimson Guard, "The Crimson Guard is the personification of our nation. They struggle with a clear head and a good heart, triumphing over the wor
[20:15] <Kotono> They struggle with a clear head and a good heart, triumphing over the worst and shining as examples of the best!" (More)
[20:18] <Kotono> "Let our homeland be known as a noble land that struggles and triumphs over all the darkness in the deep nights around us! Let us be known as the sword of light that severs away the horrible nightmares! Let us be known as victory; let our capital reflect that with it's very name! This city shall be known as Victoria!"
06[20:19] * Alicia applauds at the conclusion of the speech, her familiar doing likewise. It's not a terrible name, she supposes.
01[20:19] <Seira> Much better than previously! Seira applauds as well.
[20:19] <Kotono> More cheers come as the short speech is finished, cheers are sounded. This lasts a short while, until Lord Salman speaks again, "There is much to reflect on and say amid ourselves, but the rest of this day shall be a day of celebration!"
06[20:20] * Demedais submits applause as well, before listening to Lord Salman.
[20:21] <Kotono> More cheers at that, and once those are down, "All the halls of festival and taps shall be open! Celebration has been paid for and arrainged, so let this day of festival begin!" With another cheer, Lord Salman steps back. To the Guard he speaks again, "Well done, the news of your dispatching of the hidden threat is well receieved. What was it's motives?"
[20:22] <Alicia> "It claimed to have been offered a great boon from Torm for slaying us," Alicia provides. "It mentioned having other targets as well but never said who they could be."
01[20:23] <Seira> "Spreading the doctrine of Torm and eliminating Torm's enemies thus seems to be the creature's goals," Seira adds. "It appears that Torm's fall from grace can no longer be kept secret."
[20:23] <Kotono> "We were informed of the previous reports on Torm's growing perfidy. To think, such a noble bastion would debase himself. If that is so...there is a Temple of Torm in Balmuria?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "Unfortunately so," Seira confirms.
06[20:24] * Demedais nods at this. "Though its founder has been made aware of Torm's... current state, and now no longer supports the temple."
[20:25] <Kotono> "We will provide you with instructions on how to manage the affair. We cannot allow an open enemy to hold court in one of our great cities. However, we have taken pains to infiltrate an agent into it's ranks as well, should this day come. He will be of aid to you."
01[20:25] <Seira> "Wouldn't Torm, well, know?" Seira asks the obvious.
[20:27] <Kotono> "Perhaps so, but there is little point to doing nothing," Lord Salman says. "We have taken pains to give him some protections."
06[20:27] * Demedais nods slightly.
[20:27] <Alicia> "Just because he knows doesn't mean he'll do anything about it," Alicia replies. "Although it does seem he's taking a more pro-active stance than most others - except possibly Shar - most deities tend to assume their followers can look after themselves without handholding."
[20:28] <Kotono> "The relevant information will be provided to Commander Oberuth immediately," Lord Salman says, "But for now...let the celebrations commence." OOC: You have to go in a few, Deme?
01[20:28] <Seira> "He did try to direct Eudard with visions," Seira tells Alicia, "though I suppose it would be moot." Turning back to Lord Salman, she continues, "King Lorthan of Pallanth has been informed of the situation as well, so hopefully something could be done there as well."
[20:30] <Kotono> "We will be in contact with the elvesn on that matte,r" Lord Salman nods.