227.5 Demedais and Alicia

[Corwin]

[21:02] <HelicopterKo> It's not long after this that Demedais gets some sleep. The next morning, as Demedais puts on his armor and prepares for another day, 'Croger is recovering. Disease rooted within. Needs final component. Can you come to Ilmater's realm?'
[21:06] <Demedais> "Will arrive as soon as transport can be arranged. Thank you again." Demedais replies, before quickly going to try and find someone who can take him there, first checking with the Temple of Helm, befor asking Gil and then Alicia, anticipating Alicia being busier than most and thus not wanting to burder her.
[21:10] <HelicopterKo> Demedais ends up finding Alicia and Antenora at the garrison. On talking to them and adding a lesser restoration to Alicia's rate of recovery, the three gather. "Anything to help ruin Esthan's schemes," Antenora speaks up.
06[21:11] * Demedais nods, still a bit numb. "Thanks, Alicia. You two ready?"
06[21:11] * Alicia nods. "Same place as before, right?" she confirms, feeling a lot more together after a good night's sleep and some magical healing.
[21:12] <Demedais> "Yeah. I'd presume same mount and all." Demedais affirms.
[21:14] <Alicia> "Alright. We'll land a ways away, but I can teleport us to the temple right after," Alicia informs them, "We'll have to stay overnight since it takes that long for it to recharge, but there are worse places to spend your time." With that she takes their hands and plane shifts them to the temple they left Croger at in Ilmater's realm.
[21:14] <Alicia> Or within 500 miles of it.
[21:14] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 268." [5d100=98, 49, 34, 62, 25]
[21:21] <HelicopterKo> You appear on a vast rocky slope. It is like you remember, Martyrdom eternal and unchanging. You feel better here, pain and suffering gone. Burdens are lifted from you, pain leaving.
[21:22] <HelicopterKo> Antenora looks about, letting her eyes close. She doesn't speak, staring off with unseeing eyes above.
06[21:22] * Demedais glances to Alicia, a slight nod.
06[21:22] * Alicia breathes in deeply, feeling considerably better. However, knowing Demedais's personal stake in this she doesn't linger, instead seguing right into her teleport spell to send them to the temple they visited last time, right outside the gates.
[21:22] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen once
06[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen once and gets 38." [1d100=38]
[21:23] <HelicopterKo> Woosh! The three appear just at the gates instantly, without problem or difficulty. Here the great open air temple to Ilmater can be seen again, all it's glories waiting ahead.
06[21:24] * Demedais quickly advances to where he last met Granta and where he left Croger!
06[21:25] * Alicia bows her head briefly to the temple before she follows after Demedais, letting him take the lead.
[21:26] <HelicopterKo> The two find the path to that place to be obvious and easy. They feel guided to it, Antenora trotting along. She spents her walk silent, looking about with a growing grin.  Granta awaits you where she was before, Croger lying on the ground with his eyes closed. Around him, magic circles blend and whirl together on the ground.
06[21:27] * Demedais stops a few feet away from the edge of the circles, before bowing. "Granta. You called for us?"
[21:28] <HelicopterKo> "I did. Thank you for coming so quickly," She goes to kneel at Croger's head. "We have managed to identify the exact malady and problems afficting Croger."
[21:28] <Demedais> "What is it?" Demedais asks, also kneeling.
[21:30] <HelicopterKo> "Deep in his heart, the fang of a Pit Fiend has been embedded through dark sorcery. This vile magic uses it to ensure that the victim will never be able to recover, for each time the disease is cured, the fang poisons them again immediately." She puts both her hands over Croger's chest, "However, it is not impossible to cure."
[21:31] <Demedais> "What is the final component, then?" Demedais says, wincing inwardly. The fang of a Pit Fiend? Sheesh.
[21:32] <HelicopterKo> Antenora goes to kneel by him as well, "I've never heard of that," she says, and then quietly, "I'd know better than most, and that's still nothing I've heard of."
[21:32] <Alicia> Aren't those fangs like a foot long? Oh well, surely they can shrink it via magic as well... "So it's poison and not a disease?"
[21:36] <HelicopterKo> Granta takes a long look at Antenora, then back to Alicia and Demedais. "Technically yes, though the end result doesn't change. To dissolve the fang, the blood of a saint must be sprinkled over his chest and heart while the proper names are invoked. Further, this saint must share his bloodline within nine generations."
[21:37] <Demedais> "...A saint." Demedais murmurs, frowning.
[21:38] <Alicia> "That has to be related to Croger?" Alicia concludes.
[21:38] <HelicopterKo> "That is correct. This is a difficult requirement, obviously. Barring that, the only option will be to petition Ilmater himself." Granta looks to them, "Do you know of his family at all?"
[21:39] <Demedais> "...If I'm not mistaken, I'm his only family." Demedais murmurs.
[21:39] <Demedais> "He... may have more, but I'm the only one I know of."
[21:39] <HelicopterKo> "Hm?" Antenora shakes out of her revere, looking to Demedais.
[21:40] <HelicopterKo> "..." Granta frowns intensly at that, "Croger told me of a child he abandoned to a Church of Helm when I asked him the same question. Are you that child?"
[21:40] <Demedais> "Heh. You might not have heard of that, no." Demedais chuckles at Antenora's surprise. "But... I have very good reason to believe I am that child, yes." Taking off his helmet at this. "Though I learned it but two days ago."
[21:42] <HelicopterKo> "I was afraid of that," Granta murmurs a few words, a golden light spreading over Croger's chest. "From all I heard of Croger, and your words to me, I have little doubt that this fiend wishes to torment you through your father now. Unless you are a saint yourself..." she spreads her hands, "Which I would suspect not, all matters considered."
[21:43] <HelicopterKo> *from croger
[21:43] <Demedais> "Did he himself mention any other family?" Demedais asks, before nodding. "I came to the same conclusion regarding his motives, yes."
[21:45] <HelicopterKo> "He had a wife, but she has passed. His father and mother were unremarkable, and he never met his grandparents. At the worst, Croger is safe here. In Martyrdom, he will never suffer and the fang will never cause him pain. Ilmater's mercy will protect him. But, a more permanent solution is desirable."
[21:45] <Alicia> "Surely there has to be another way?" Alicia asks in disbelief at such an unlikely cure. Pit Fiends might be the elite but they're still leagues more common than saints, so it just doesn't fit her concept of magic for the cure to be so much more difficult than the disease.
[21:45] <Alicia> "Couldn't some magic be used to sustain his body while the fang is cut out of his heart and then have it healed over, or something like that?"
[21:45] <HelicopterKo> "The fang manifests as a spiritual wound, not as an actual physical object. Were surgery possible to remove it, it would have been done so."
06[21:46] * Demedais rocks back on his knees a bit. "I see..."
[21:46] <HelicopterKo> After another moment, "Further, can you tell me anything more on this Esthan? I worry again that he is a greater fiend, or perhaps the identity of a better well known spawn of the Pit."
[21:46] <HelicopterKo> *an identity
[21:47] <HelicopterKo> "Duke Agares nearly came to our world. That came close to bringing about an apocalypse," Antenora says, "From all I know, a Duke of Hell or greater walking in our world would be impossible to hide."
[21:49] <Alicia> "He claims to be an agent for an unknown devil that wants to topple Asmodeus - said master being an abomination with power matching at least the greatest of Dukes, though its identity is still unknown" Alicia provides. "Although we know he's worked for Martinet as well."
[21:50] <HelicopterKo> "My first instinct may be an Arch Duke of Hell. But, if that Esthan has walked your world, then he cannot be that directly. But his master, now, he may very well be an Arch Duke or worse. The difficulty of curing this curse is on par with a strong Duke's power. From what I know of Martinet, this is not his style, but..." Spreading her hands again, "When dealing with the upper echelons of Hell, it is best not to make assumptions, for they
[21:51] <HelicopterKo> "When dealing with the upper echelons of Hell, it is best not to make assumptions, for they hide behind a thousand schemes."
06[21:52] * Demedais closes his eyes for a long moment, lost in thought as the three talk.
[21:53] <HelicopterKo> "If I knew his master, it might help in some manner. It also may not. You are his son then, Demedais? He can stay here forever. Ilmater's mercy will certainly protect him and take him in. You can petition Ilmater directly, or if you can find Esthan's master's name, it may open new revelations."
[21:56] <Alicia> "It just doesn't seem right - how can a mere pit fiend's curse require such a convoluted cure, or the direct intervention of a deity to alleviate?" Alicia shakes her head, not liking this one bit. "Everything else in magic is built around equivalent counters - shield negates magic missile, death ward negates phantasmal killer, and so on. There has to be something we're missing here."
06[21:56] * Demedais keeps his eyes closed for a moment further. "I... if Ilmater will keep him until a further solution is found, he has my thanks." Standing as he opens his eyes, "I apologize, Granta, but I must think. If... if Croger awakens, tell him I've come to visit, and I should be back within four hours."
[21:57] <Demedais> "If you three wish to discuss it, please. This is outside my realm of expertise." Demedais shrugs, shoulders slumped a bit as he turns to walk out of the temple.
[21:57] <HelicopterKo> "That is why I am so interested in his master. This speaks of means beyond the rank and file of Hell. Not any Pit Fiend could invoke this," Granta answers. Antenora looks at Demedais a time as he stands, then, "...Do you want compnay," she asks.
06[21:57] * Alicia turns to Demedais at that. "Do you want company, or...?" she deflates at the dismissal. "We'll be here."
[21:58] <Demedais> "... not right now." Demedais shakes his head. "Thank you, all three of you." With that he walks away, looking to get out of the temple and think from there.
[21:59] <HelicopterKo> OOC: #evil, Deme?

---

[22:00] <HelicopterKo> OOC: Going to go anywhere in particular, or just walk and think randomly?
[22:01] <Demedais> OOC: Demedais did have plans but that dashed his mood badly, so... From the top of the summit in any direction, is there any city-like area or set of houses?
[22:03] <HelicopterKo> Demedais takes to wandering down the mountain. It is an easy walk, his body spry despite the turmoil in his heart. He walks for a time, looking about. Amid them, one place stands out. It's a plain little house tucked against the side of the cliff. A chimney emits gentle white smoke.
06[22:05] * Demedais strays toward the house, aiming to see if there is anyone actively willing to talk there.
[22:09] <HelicopterKo> The door to the house is open. Demedais can smell food cooking. Garlic and onions and other such things, as well as cheese. A middle aged man in chain mail and a tunic sits just inside, propped up against a wall, his chair at an angle.
06[22:09] * Demedais knocks on the door. "Ah... excuse me."
[22:10] <HelicopterKo> The man looks up, black haired and clean shaven. "Yes?" He asks, "You're welcome to come in and take a load off your legs."
[22:11] <Demedais> "...thank you." Demedais replies, stepping in. "I'm sorry to intrude, but..."
[22:12] <Demedais> "Oh. Demedais." Demedais adds as an afterthought.
[22:12] <HelicopterKo> "It's fine. Company's a reason to celebrate, not apologize." He stands up, his chair clattering back into place. He goes over to Demedais, "Let me get you something to eat. Oh, and Crega."
[22:13] <Demedais> "...Thanks, Crega." Demedais smiles as best he can.
[22:16] <HelicopterKo> Going and getting a ladle, a thick stew of cheese and broth is poured. It smells like garlic and onions, a pale white color. "It's rich, but I figure, you're in Martyrdom. Enjoy what you can here."
[22:17] <Demedais> "Heh. I'm but a visitor here..." Demedais shakes his head as he accepts the bowl. "Forgive the bizarreness of this question, but what Gods reign here?"
[22:19] <HelicopterKo> "Ilmater does, though it is part of the House of the Triad in Arcadia, so all those of the Triad hold special dominion here." Sitting opposite Demedais, "You don't really look like the noraml sort here, either."
06[22:20] * Demedais nods slightly. "I'm not, no. And what Gods reside within Arcadia?"
[22:21] <Demedais> A pause. "Sorry for being indirect, but... I'll explain in a minute. Right now, I'm just trying to build a frame of reference from which I can explain."
[22:22] <HelicopterKo> "Arcadia is mainly dominated by the House of the Triad," he goes on, "I understand. The House of the Triad is Ilmater, Helm, Tyr, though there's also Siamorphe."
[22:23] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 K:R Siamorphe if applicable
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 K:R Siamorphe if applicable and gets 22." [1d20=8]
[22:26] <Demedais> "I see." Demedais says, sipping the soup a bit. "Excellent. Thank you... Ah. Part of the reason I ask is because for a long time, our world was... much like a sealed jar. Nothing went in or out, effectively. I have heard that Torm no longer resides here - that does not surprise me. But... what has happened to the void that he has left?"
[22:29] <HelicopterKo> "Well," Leaning back, "I haven't really followed that all that much. I hear Helm's more active these days. But he's the God of Duty and covered some of those matters already."
06[22:31] * Demedais nods slightly, before inclining his head in thought. "... I see. I suppose my next question is clear, and yet I still feel like it is not my time to venture there..."
[22:32] <HelicopterKo> "Venture where," Crega inquires, raising an eyebrow.
[22:34] <Demedais> "Toward where Helm resides. ...in my world, I am a paladin and sworn follower of Helm, and perhaps his greatest agent amongst men, though I cannot state that with certainty, as much the world is still unknown to us. But... much has happened, and we have an unclear view of what has happened, there." Demedais replies.
[22:36] <HelicopterKo> "Naturally, you want to go to him," The man says as he listens. "Why are you in Martyrdom, then?"
[22:38] <Demedais> "...One day, a man came to our temple with an unnatural illness. I sought to cure him, but all my talents, and that of a comrade, were of no avail. Upon learning that this was caused by a devil of immense power, I brought him here in the hope that he could be healed. I am here today, visiting." Demedais says, eyes closing halfway through.
[22:38] <HelicopterKo> "If anywhere can, it's here," Crega nods approval. "How is he doing?"
[22:39] <Demedais> "They need the blood of a saint related to him to cure it."
[22:40] <HelicopterKo> "That's...." Trailing off, "That's utterly insane."
[22:40] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais grins. "That was my reaction."
[22:41] <Demedais> "I was an oprhan, raised and adopted by the Temple of Helm... when I was eighteen, I swore to protect any who came under my roof, and do what I could. He is no exception. Indeed... he's perhaps the embodiment of my oath, in more ways than one."

---

[22:00] <HelicopterKo> As Demedais walks away, "That son of a..." Antenora breathes out, eyes closing tight. "And Alicia, I agree with you. It doesn't make sense to be this hard. To go to this effort just to torment someone...It lends a lot of weight to the thought it is an Arch Duke or something truly vile."
[22:02] <Alicia> "There's a massive gulf between a Duke of the Pit and Lord Ilmater, so even if it was one there should still be lesser cures than the personal intervention of a greater deity," Alicia insists.
[22:02] <Alicia> "Hmm... oh, Granta, we are reasonably sure that Esthan's master resides in Avernus, although I understand a lot of unique devils not fitting in with the establishment also lair there, so that may not help too much."
[22:08] <HelicopterKo> "Avernus, eh?" Rubbing her chin, Granta reaches behind her. From nothing a scroll comes out, "Let me check. There's Haagenti, who is said to reside in Avernus. He's an unusual case - he was pardoned by Asmodeus but is an outcast in Hell, from what I understand. He is called the Dark Dreamer and resides over dreams and creativity. Semyaza, a fallen Seraph, also holds such rank and has a realm in Avernus. However, he is not a true outcast.
[22:08] <HelicopterKo> also holds such rank and has a realm in Avernus. However, he is not a true outcast. There are the various Dukes of Avernus, though most are involved in the Blood War most intimately."
[22:11] <Alicia> "Neither seems to really fit, on the face of it," Alicia looks thoughtful. "Unfortunately no amount of divinations will help in this - we recently encountered a gnomish Time Magus who was able to divine past events in spite of all manner of precautions against it, but even he admitted Esthan and his Master were beyond his sight."
[22:15] <HelicopterKo> "Hmph. There are other outcasts on Avernus, though many keep a low profile. I recently heard a Duke from Stygia had the same fate. It seems that the only concrete lead is Esthan...but time magic...hmph." Standing up now over Croger, "If forbidden magic did not work, surely at least an Arch Duke. That would eliminate even Dukes of Hell, if I am correct in my knowledge. Perhaps it's even a God making a power play in Hell."
[22:17] <Alicia> "That's something we hadn't considered," Alicia admits. The lawful evil gods haven't really been very active in the world. "Are there any you know of offhand that might have ambitions to depose Asmodeus?" she asks Antenora.
[22:17] <HelicopterKo> "This adds another stone onto the scale of 'Go hit Esthan until he tells us more'," Antenora mutters.
[22:20] <Alicia> OOC: I'll roll for any knowledge I might have. Planes or Religion?
[22:20] <HelicopterKo> OOC: Whcihever is higher.
[22:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 38." [1d20=18]
[22:21] <Alicia> OOC: planes
[22:30] <Alicia> "Hmm... I'm not sure. Maybe Bane, but... I don't know, would he have used the word Abomination?" Alicia ponders, before sighing. "I just don't know. Some days I'm tempted to just go to Avernus and start knocking heads until I find someone who'll spill the beans, but even that would surely be an exercise in futility. They're just too well concealed."
[22:31] <HelicopterKo> "I hate to sound so reckless, but the idea of making Esthan tell us things while stabbing him with holy, silvered weapons continues to grow more and more appealing," Antenora says. "We're shooting arrows in the dark."
[22:33] <Alicia> "Probelm is finding him. He's protected against divinations and moves around too much - Latha's been trailing him for months and she hasn't gotten close since Pallanth in the Summer." Shaking her head, "We've danced this dance of speculation time and again already, and still it gets us nowhere..."
[22:35] <HelicopterKo> "It's been said before, but we need to find some damned way to get some advantage on him and stop dancing around on the strings he dictates," Antenora glowers, "Though...there is one thing I wonder. As I recall, ESthan appeared to Demedais and then Seira, who forced a meeting with him. Then he made himself known to you and now Demedais again. I wonder if Seira's next? Working in threes would appeal to a devil, too."
[22:38] <Alicia> "Considering what he did to Demedais's father... Seira could be put in a horrible situation herself if that happens," Alicia concludes.
[22:38] <Alicia> Taking a deep breath, she decides to just put the matter aside, "Is there anything we could do around here while we await Demedais, Granta?" she asks the healer. "Antenora and I have some meagre healing ability ourselves to offer, although likely our efforts in that field wouldn't be needed in this place..."
03[22:41] * Demedais is now known as taifk
[22:42] <HelicopterKo> "It is appreciated. However, it is not needed here. I bid you, rest. Your burdens show on your face, both of you. Let your troubles out here, for it is a realm of spiritual healing as surely as it is a realm of phsyical healing."
06[22:45] * Alicia nods. "Alright, how about we go see if we can get something to eat and relax for a few hours until Demedais gets back?" she suggests.
[22:46] <HelicopterKo> "You can find food sold that ways," Pointing to deeper into the temple, past resting people and healers, "I will wait here for you."
[22:47] <Alicia> "Thank you, Granta, you've been very kind," Alicia smiles at the older woman, before starting in the indicated direction.
[22:48] <HelicopterKo> As the two walk, Antenora looks up at the sky ahead. "Hey, Alicia," she speaks aloud, "About yesterday. I'm sorry I got so upset at you."
[22:50] <Alicia> "You were worried, so I can understand why, even if I did take it as a slight," Alicia shrugs, clapping Antenora on the shoulder. "You're forgiven."
[22:51] <HelicopterKo> "Thanks," Smiling and laying her hand over Alicia's, "You did worry me, r unning off into Stygia alone."
[22:55] <Alicia> "The best part is it'll make them reshuffle things again," Alicia explains. "The defences they had were ideally suited for stopping a breach in the same vein as when my sister and I fought our way out with our unfrozen allies."
[22:55] <Alicia> "By coming at them in a different way and escaping with two souls, they'll see that such defences were a complete waste and adopt something suited to stopping the tactics I used yesterday. Something less overwhelming but with more finesse - which I'm hoping won't be suited to stopping my next plan."
[22:56] <HelicopterKo> "Good." Antenora has a small smile show on her face, as people lie in easy rest around you. "A full assault next time?"
06[22:57] * Alicia nods as they stroll along in search of food. "Seira's expressed an interest as well, and I'm sure we can cajole a few others for such a worthy cause."
[22:59] <HelicopterKo> "Excellent." Smiling even more now, "How was that enchanted forest? I heard a few bits from Marie, but nothing solid."
[23:04] <Alicia> "We met nymphs that wanted to spend a pleasurable eternity with Demedais, pixies that just wanted something to eat, two headed elves needing help concluding their debates, dogs that could snap a pit fiend's leg off in their jaws, fey lords who could withstand more punishment than any two balors, and that was before we even reached the tower!" Alicia runs through a few of the highlights.
[23:04] <HelicopterKo> "Impressive," Antenora marvels, "I spent the time walkinga round the city, helping at the temple and practicing. It sounds like you had the far more exciting time."
[23:09] <Alicia> "Would've been handy to have you around," Alicia agrees. "To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed it ended so soon - we tried to finish things as quickly as possible, thinking we could explore at our leisure once we'd accomplished our goal, but instead the realm was sealed or vanished away - I'm not quite sure which - once we laid hands on the Fourth Resort."
[23:09] <Alicia> "It feels like we barely scratched the surface of the place, although I should be grateful it means we didn't have to slay any more of its defenders."
[23:10] <HelicopterKo> "A pity." Agreeing with that as you walk past a pair of barechested men lying in the warm light, "You succeeded in freeing them?"
06[23:12] * Alicia nods. "Considering all the time we spent worrying about it, it was amazingly simple. We just had to defeat the magus and recover the Resort, that was it," she admits. "Although the delay let us sharpen our skills, so I can't call it a complete waste."
[23:24] <HelicopterKo> "Still, a trip to Mechanus..." Antenora sighs longingly, looking up at Alicia. "Would that not have been as fun as Arborea? Plus, less reasons for our mouths to get away from us when bantering."
[23:28] <Alicia> "Well, we did meet a nice Quarut there as well, so maybe Mechanus wouldn't be so bad," Alicia allows. "I'm sure we'll find a reason to go there some day."
[23:30] <HelicopterKo> "It would be pleasant," Antenora smiles long at Alicia there, "Do you want to go?"
[23:36] <Alicia> "It doesn't particularly call to me, to be honest," the paladin admits. "I'm sure it would be interesting, but in the same way Pallanth is interesting, like a pleasant foreign country rather than a place that grabs my heart and doesn't let go."
[23:37] <HelicopterKo> "Aaaaah." Antenora goes back to looking ahead. "A pity." Her voice cracks a little, a hint of regret. "Well, I won't force you into it, Alicia, if you aren't feeling that call to it."
[23:41] <Alicia> "Oh, don't be like that, Antenora," Alicia gently remonstrates. "I'm happy to visit there with you if that's what you want. Certainly I'd far rather go there than Limbo - luckily Marie seems scared of that place herself, anyway - so you don't need to feel like it's an imposition."
[23:42] <HelicopterKo> "Heh," Smiling a little more again, "That's fortunate. " As you walk, to come to several open air fires. Here food is cooked and prepared, several mortals at work and others sitting around, feasting.
[23:44] <Alicia> "Still..." Alicia reflects as she heads to one of the cookfires, "I can't help but feel I'm spoiling myself. These realms aren't really meant for mortals, after all."
[23:47] <HelicopterKo> "You're not an ordinary mortal," Antenora answers. Food lies about on plates and platters, free to take. Meat, vegetables, fruits, grains, cheeses, drinks, more. "Not in the least."
[23:51] <Alicia> "No, I suppose not," Alicia admits, grabbing a plate and a grab-bag of what's on offer. "But I still live like any other, and will surely die like any other. Despite my magic and skill and blessings, I'm no different where it really matters."
[23:52] <HelicopterKo> "I wonder..." Antenora murmurs as she abstains from the food. The cooks, various mortal men and women, smile cheerfully at the two as they go.
06[23:56] * Alicia smiles and thanks the cooks, going to take a seat as she starts eating. "All that said, though, I'd by lying if I said I wasn't curious to see more of them," she confesses. "Let's see... Baator, Elemental Plane of Water," she begins to tick on her fingers, "Astral Plane, Celestia, Abyss, Elysium, Arborea, Endless Staircase... I've still got a lot to go if I want to see them all."
[23:57] <HelicopterKo> "We can go see them all...well, the ones that aren't festering holes of vile evil," Antenora says after some extra consideration. "But those have a way of getting your attention anyway."
Session Time: Fri Apr 10 00:00:00 2009
[00:01] <Alicia> "Yes, more likely than not we'll have to visit such places, though hopefully just visit," Alicia agrees readily, tearing off a hunk of bread and wrapping some sliced meat around it before she pops it in her mouth and chews contentedly.
03[00:03] * taifk is now known as Demedais
[00:04] <HelicopterKo> It's very good. It's like the taste is alive in your mouth, full of pleasure. "It's just that..." Antenora trails off as she looks up. "Most mortals aren't meant to go to these places. But every so often one will find themselves drawn to them instead, more at home there than at the Prime. To right wrongs, to inflict cruelty, to simply ponder existance, whatever it is. I wonder if some of your true destiny lies out here now." After another
[00:04] <HelicopterKo> " After another pause as she licks her lips and then looks at Alicia, "That's why I was so worried, Alicia. You were so eager to rush off alone."
[00:10] <Alicia> Finishing her current mouthful, "Taldeer said something similar," Alicia admits, not wanting to rehash yesterday's argument. "That people who wander the planes never return. I'll admit, I do feel... more comfortable, dealing with matters here than I do with our quest to ultimately slay Daa-vid..." she looks thoughtful, mulling it over.
[00:10] <Alicia> "Part of it's just that it's so much clearer. Rescuing unjustly damned souls is clearly a right and proper act. But undoing the seals on the Prime? When I see the sorts of horrors that it invites to roam the world, I wonder if future generations might curse my name..."
[00:12] <HelicopterKo> "The Prime Material is a place of grays, I think. There's no shining instinct to follow your ethos or easily given example. Good and evil openly compete with each other there for souls. Here, matters are far more decided and clear. With certain exceptions," Lowering her eyes down to her own body, "Maybe, in essence, you're too pure and just for the unclean mortal world?"
06[00:14] * Alicia takes a swig of her drink - whatever it is - and eyes Antenora. "That's a terribly depressing thing to say," she opines.
[00:16] <HelicopterKo> It's clear like water, but tastes fainly sweet and refreshing. "Is it really? If the Outer Planes are the destination of the soul, what harm is there being more drawn to them than the mortal realms?"
[00:17] <Alicia> "That it's true doesn't make it any less depressing," Alicia returns with a crooked smile.
[00:18] <HelicopterKo> Grinning now, "Pray tell," Inching closer to Alicia, "Why is it depressing? Perhaps you will be a glorious figure leading hope in the darkest corners of existance one day."
[00:25] <Alicia> "It's just depressing to hear of my home in such terms..." Alicia shrugs. "Besides, if I can lead hope I'd like to do it for the Prime before anywhere else - it's the root of all the other planes... It and all the other primes, anyway."
[00:27] <HelicopterKo> "That's fair, but the Prime is always going to be a battlefield. It has forever and it will be forever. You're only striking at the symptoms on the Prime, not the causes in the Outer Planes."
[00:32] <Alicia> "I was always taught the other way around, but I suppose it could be argued either way," Alicia muses, eating some more meat and bread and chewing thoughtfully. After swallowing, "Regardless, I still maintain I'll have plenty of time for such things when my soul passes fully to Mystra."
[00:32] <Alicia> "Even if I do have to spend a while serving my former familiar as she claims will happen," she concludes with a chuckle.
[00:33] <HelicopterKo> "Please. I'll make sure you don't have to suffer through that." Antenora starts to laugh. "I'd think that Mystra would have more mercy than that!"
[00:35] <Alicia> "Marie's every bit the devoted servant I am, she might have earned the reward?" Alicia laughs as well. "Really, though, such things are hopefully far away, so we shouldn't worry too much about them."
[00:36] <HelicopterKo> "Hopefully!" Laughing again now, "Oh Alicia. From hero to lantern archon servant.
[00:36] <HelicopterKo> OOC: Gah.
[00:37] <HelicopterKo> "Hopefully!" Laughing again now, "Oh Alicia. From hero to lantern archon servant. If that does happen, I'll make sure to pet you and make sure you have a lot of fun while you are."
[00:41] <Alicia> "Spending a while as a carefree little thing like that could be a nice break," Alicia considers, before stifling a chuckle. "I sometimes think about Marie like that. Some ancient dried up old elven sage who hadn't had let her hair down in the last four centuries finally dropping dead and then all of a sudden she's a playful little coure."
[00:42] <HelicopterKo> "A sense of balance on rebirth?" Antenora raises an eyebrow, before falling into laughter again. "You'll have people to keep an eye on you, certainly."
[00:43] <HelicopterKo> After a moment, Antenora stops. "You know, I could begin tos tudy magic just before that and..."
06[00:44] * Alicia cocks her head. "And...?" she prods.
[00:44] <HelicopterKo> "Would a lantern archon fit atop my head," Antenora looks Alicia over critically.
06[00:47] * Alicia sighs and puts her face in her hand for a moment, just shaking her head. "They're too big and don't have anything they can use to grab on with," she retorts.
[00:48] <HelicopterKo> Breaking into another peal of laughter, "Oh Alicia, you don't have to look so exasperated! You'd make a lovely familiar! Besides, they can float. They don't need anything to grab onto, they can just stay there."
[00:51] <Alicia> "Everyone seems to look forward to my death as a way to demean me..." Alicia laments theatrically. "Maybe Seira's onto something with her quest for immortality?"
[00:52] <HelicopterKo> "If only!" Antenora leans back on her elbows, armor grinding. "I just happen to find the thought of hugging you as a lantern archon unbearably cute. Surely there is nothing demeaning about that, is there?"
[00:54] <Alicia> "I suppose there is something innately huggable about a big ball of fluffy warm light," Alicia allows with a chuckle. "Certainly moreso than a skinny miniature elf, for all the other advantages a coure might enjoy."
[00:55] <HelicopterKo> "You know," Looking up to the sky again, "I wonder if Marie was virginal or a jilted woman in her mortal life? That would explain that as well, if you run with that idea."
[00:58] <Alicia> "If you asked her I'm sure she'd spin you a delightful tale of lost love and betrayal, without the slightest shred of truth to it," Alicia snorts, finishing off her meatbread and washing it down with water before biting into an apple. "She's an excellent little storyteller, that much is true."
[01:00] <HelicopterKo> "She has the soul of a bard. I do hope that she finds honesty to be a virtue she gains as she gets holder, for she is far too loose with the truth to suit my tastes. Still..." Craning her neck to look over to Alicia, "That reminds me. We should be getting back sooner or later, and also...aren't Pollyanna and Demedais to be wed? When?"
[01:02] <Alicia> "Pollyanna indicated she wanted a Spring wedding," Alicia replies as she gets up. "I don't think they have a date, though."
[01:03] <HelicopterKo> "I'll ask him once this is all settled," Antenora says, the two heading back. OOC: #evil?
[01:03] <Alicia> OOC: sure

[00:04] <HelicopterKo> ---
[00:04] <HelicopterKo> OOC: STreerike that.
[00:05] <HelicopterKo> "I see, I see," Leaning back in his chair again, making the back of it wobble, "You sound like a good person. Protecting everyone who comes to you and being the lead servant of Helm on your world? If that's not a saint, surely it's close?"
[00:07] <Demedais> "...Haven't always been able to protect everyone." Demedais says, thinking on Shamal. "That, and... there are other issues there. Though..." (More)
[00:10] <Demedais> "The devil, the one that inflicted this, was doing so to try and strike at me, to undermine my confidence. He's been pursuing myself and a group of friends for a while now. ... His use of the man with the illness was to taunt me. Without any other recourse, I brought him here to be mended. It was just a few days ago... when I learned..."
[00:14] <HelicopterKo> "You learned that...?" Crega presses, "What did you learn?"
06[00:16] * Demedais is silent for a moment. "I was tested by an opponent of immense talent, who subjected everyone in our group to an individual temptation. Mine... sent me back to the moment I was left on the doorstep, and offered me the chance to live with my birth parents instead." Demedais chuckled. "The tempter approached it badly, but ... he was able to show me something. The faces of my birth parents."
[00:16] <Demedais> "My mother was a very beautiful woman, so clearly I didn't take after her in any way. My father... was the man I brought here for treatment."
[00:17] <HelicopterKo> "You are-" Crega stops there, "...That explains it all."
[00:20] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais nods. "But... I suspect I do not qualify for sainthood as it stands. Call it a hunch, but... the Helm I devoted myself to was the Helm of many years ago. I have absolutely no hesitation in following the truth of Helm's teachings now, but... in my world, the truth is only beginning to be known. Even I..." A shake of the head.
[00:21] <HelicopterKo> "You're uncertain." Crega says after a few more moments, "You doubt yourself?"
[00:26] <Demedais> "...In part, yes." Demedais says after a moment, closing his eyes. "I have dedicated, and will continue to dedicate all I am to Helm. Yet I have also sworn to protect and save all those I can... The fact that he is my father... Truth be told, that's only relevant so far as it puts me as perhaps the only person who can help him."
[00:29] <HelicopterKo> "Did the devil who did this know he was your father?" Crega asks as he focuses his eyes on Demedais. They are deep, long eyes, ones that meet his but are difficult for Demedais to look back into.
06[00:30] * Demedais still makes the effort to match Crega's stare. "Given he tempted me first with finding out who my father was, I certainly believe so."
[00:31] <HelicopterKo> It's really hard. Yet as hard as it is, Demedais feels enthralled by that gaze, fascinated by something in it. "Does he know you well? Does he know of any indecision you may hold on these matters?"
[00:33] <Demedais> "He knows everyone in my group well, and seems hideously well-informed. Given this, he probably could figure out that I had for a while felt like I should try to find him, though I had no good way of doing so and as such let the issue rest."
[00:35] <HelicopterKo> "I suspect that he tries to force your hand. The only possible person who could save your father is you, according to what you say. But your heart is torn by indecision. Why this devil has chosen to give you this corundrum; does he seek to crack your strength of faith with an impossible choice?"
[00:39] <Demedais> "Or go to him crawling and begging for help. Which -isn't- happening, but..." Demedais shakes his head, before meeting Crega's eyes again. "...It is possible that that is what he seeks, but if so, he misaimed, for he gave me someone I can, in the end, find a way to do something for. He chose someone I could protect."
[00:40] <HelicopterKo> "I think you need to go to your father, then," Crega's gaze travels to the door. "PRotect him, however you can. That's your duty and your oath, isn't it?"
[00:42] <Demedais> "It is." Demedais nods slightly, standing. "Thank you very much, Crega." There is a slight smile on his lips. "It helped to sort this out and think this through."
[00:43] <HelicopterKo> "Listening it something anyone can do. Go to him. Go to your father that you just found. Don't waste any more time, Demedais."
06[00:43] * Demedais nods slightly, bowing before departing and heading back up the hill.
[00:46] <HelicopterKo> The trip back is without incident and easy enough. The hill presents no problems; Demedais reaches Granta and Croger. Croger is still lying in the circles, Granta sitting besides him.
[00:47] <Demedais> "No change?" Demedais muses, kneeling as well.
[00:48] <HelicopterKo> "No. Alicia and Antneora went for food, they haven't returned yet." Granta replies. "HAve you soothed your inner thoughts?"
[00:50] <Demedais> "Mostly, yes. It has occurred to me that there is another thing I should do here, but... I believe I am calmer now. And good, Alicia likely needed the meal." Demedais replies.
[00:51] <HelicopterKo> "Have you made a decision yet?" Looking down to Croger once more, who still sleeps peacefully, "As his son, your words carry weight."
[00:54] <Demedais> "If Ilmater will listen to a paladin of Helm's plea, I am willing to try that." Demedais replies. "Regardless, there is no safe place on our native plane for him so long as Esthan roams there. Thusly, this is logically the best place for him while a cure is sought. And if it means my own blood as the only road... I am committed to protect those who have come to me."
[00:57] <HelicopterKo> "When you are ready, I will take you to petition Ilmater," Granta says. "HIs mercy is infinite. Surely he will not decline your request, though he may require a service for it to spread his ethos."
06[00:59] * Demedais nods to this. "I understand. And... I believe myself to be ready now." A look to Croger, before a silent nod again.
[01:00] <HelicopterKo> "Would you like to wait for the other two," she asks.
[01:01] <Demedais> "...heh. Yes." Demedais nods. "That'd be wise. My apologies."
[01:04] <HelicopterKo> Antenora and Alicia return about twenty minutes later. On the two returning, "Demedais wishes to petition Ilmater directly," Granta says.
[01:05] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia nods after getting over her brief surprise. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
[01:06] <Demedais> "If you could stay with Croger in the event he awakens, it'd be much appreciated." Demedais nods, a slight smile on his face
[01:07] <HelicopterKo> "He shouldn't. The circle is devised to keep him asleep, for the ritual I had researched is easier with him asleep." Granta speaks, "You can wake him by moving him from the circle, should you desire."
[01:07] <Alicia> "We'll watch over him to keep him safe, at least," Alicia offers agreeably.
[01:08] <Demedais> "...Oh." Demedais pauses, before chuckling. "Makes more sense than what I was thinking. And... thank you, Alicia." Another smile to the two, before Demedais looks to Granta. "Please, lead on."
06[01:09] * Alicia gives Demedais a supportive smile. "Good luck."
[01:09] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais nods back to Alicia.
[01:12] <HelicopterKo> Demedais and Granta walk now, walking ahead. They walk deeper into the open air temple. It doesn't really seem to be long, the destination coming in sight in easy time and a short walk. Ahead is seven beautiful angels. They sing a song of martyrdom of soul soothing beauty, each unclad. Their bodies are perfection given form, yet they are marred. Little bleeding wounds cover them,  deformites all over. Yet...somehow they make them even
[01:13] <HelicopterKo> deformites all over. Yet...somehow they make them even more beautiful. It is impossible to look at them squarely, yet you can see the wounds and the magnificence they bestow. They stand in a wide square. In the center sits a single throne of rose thorns and blossoms, all bound together with red string.  "Go. Stand amid them and pray your request to Ilmater. The Crying God will hear."
[01:16] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 K:R check here
06[01:16] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 K:R check here and gets 17." [1d20=3]
06[01:17] * Demedais inclines his head slightly. "Kneel in front of the throne, then?" he asks softly.
[01:18] <HelicopterKo> "Yes," Granta stands back.
06[01:21] * Demedais nods, and advances the appropriate distance slowly, before kneeling in front of the throne.
[01:22] <HelicopterKo> The angels sing louder at this. IT's like a cascade of purifying thought coming in contact with Demedais. He can see himself standing alone, the last man defending that must be defended. An impossible battle against hordes, yet he stands proud and true even as he is overwhelmed. Satisfaction and joy fills his heart.
[01:29] <Demedais> And just as quickly he wrenches his thoughts back to the task at hand, a mite embarrassed. "The Crying God, The One Who Endures... Ilmater, I, a mere soldier and follower of Helm, have come here to beseech you for your aid, and in your infinite mercy. My father, Croger, has been stricken by demonic illness far beyond my capacity for healing. He lies in your temple now, sleeping, under the care of your servant, Granta." (More)
[01:34] <Demedais> "I entreat thee, Crying God, to bless him with your tears and cleanse this illness; I pray to thee, One Who Endures, to remove this infernal curse from his spirit, mind and body; I request thee, Ilmater, to make him whole again. In this, I am at your mercy."
[01:40] <HelicopterKo> A single teardrop of blood comes from one of the thorns of the throne, falling onto Demedais' head. It vanishes on contact, yet the song around him reaches a chorus of praise.
06[01:40] * Demedais nods his understanding. "Thank you, Ilmater, for your mercy and understanding."
03[01:41] * HelicopterKo is now known as Kotono
[01:42] <Kotono> The angels resume their song, sweet as always.
[01:42] <Demedais> With that he stands, bows, and then walks respectfully backward ten paces before turning and leaving the circle, nodding to Granta with a warm smile. "Thank you. The ritual you've planned should work with my blood."
[01:43] <Kotono> "Let us hurry then," Granta quickens her pace. Thet wo return to Croger, Alicia and Antenora thereafter. Granta stands back, but is already speaking. "Onto his chest, Demedais," is all she says.
06[01:46] * Demedais nods as he also approaches. "How much will suffice?" he asks, taking off the Fourth Resort and drawing his sword enough to have the edge available for cutting himself with.
[01:46] <Kotono> "It should not be much, but I am not certain." Granta considers, "Start slow and add more as needed."
[01:46] <Kotono> Antenora raises an eyebrow at this, "Good luck, Demedais," she says, standing nearby.
06[01:47] * Demedais nods slightly, and kneeling over Croger's sleeping form, grips the blade of his sword with his hand, allowing the blood to flow onto Croger's chest!
06[01:47] * Alicia holds off on any questions since it sounds like they have things well in hand, simply standing back and observing.
[01:51] <Kotono> Threadsplitter runs red as Demedais slices his palm and hand open! Droplets of blood run down the blade, drizzling down onto Croger's chest! Each drop glows rose-red as it lands! Foul brimstone scented smoke rises up in retort, fading away in a few seconds. From his chest, as more blood falls, it emerges out! A long fang, expanding out as it reaches the air! It is several inches long and growing, wrapped in rose thorns and red string! For a
[01:51] <Kotono> It is several inches long and growing, wrapped in rose thorns and red string! For an instant, cracks run up and down the fang, before it shatters into brimstone that dissolves on touching the ground. OOC: Seven damage, Deme.
[01:52] <Demedais> "Is that all that is needed?" Demedais says, relenting for a moment.
[01:53] <Kotono> "It's done," Granta says with a smile. "I believe that he is saved now."
06[01:54] * Demedais nods slightly, healing himself just enough to staunch the bleeding as he steps out of the circle, also smiling softly.
[01:54] <Alicia> "That's wonderful!" Alicia claps her hands together once. "Congratulations, Demedais - you beat Esthan's sick game and saved your father."
[01:55] <Kotono> "Good. It took a lot, but it's one defeat for Esthan," Antenora says. "It's a step forward to sending him screaming back into Baator."
[01:55] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais says, shaking his head. "Thank you, Granta. I owe you."
[01:56] <Kotono> "There are no thanks needed. Ilmater will provide for me, and his wisdom will bring it's own reward. This triumph is that reward." Approaching Croger, she begins to rub away the circles. "With this influence gone, he should awaken soon."
06[01:57] * Demedais nods his head slightly.
[01:58] <Kotono> "Would you like privacy with him," Granta asks after the circles are half smudged and wiped away.
[01:59] <Demedais> "... I would, for a few minutes." A wan smile to Alicia and Antenora. "I'm sorry, but one last time... We'll figure out our plans after this, alright?"
[02:00] <Alicia> "That's perfectly fine, Demedais, don't worry about it," Alicia assures him. "We'll be over there when you're ready," she points to the collection of cookfires she was at earlier.
[02:01] <Kotono> Antenora gets up, "I'll keep Alicia occupied," She chuckles, "We were having a wonderful time over there before. Come and get us when you're ready."
[02:02] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais grins, before kneeling down next to Croger again. Though at Antenora's words, he almost pauses mid-kneel with an unreadable glance at the two.
06[02:02] * Alicia shrugs at Demedais giving her a funny look before she heads off.
[02:04] <Kotono> Antenora doesn't seem to notice, the two going off. Croger's starting to stir, moving his eyes a little.
06[02:05] * Demedais removes his armor's gauntlet and places his non-bloody hand on Croger's shoulder as he awakens, content to let him awaken at his own pace.
[02:06] <Kotono> Croger awakens a few moments later. His eyes open. He looks right into Demedais' eyes. "The hurt man said I'd be better when I woke up." His voice is relaxed and calm, "You're back, too."
[02:07] <Demedais> "I am. And yes, we believe you're well now." Demedais says, smiling.
[02:08] <Kotono> "Great. Demedais, I want to thank you. I thought I was going to die when I was traveling to Balmuria. I thought my time was up."
06[02:10] * Demedais shakes his head. "I... I made an oath when I was eighteen, to protect anyone that came to the temple looking for aid. So long as I have that capability..." A squeeze of Croger's shoulder. "I won't fail." His right hand - the cut one - is notably out of Croger's line of sight.
[02:12] <Kotono> "You didn't." Slowly starting to sit up, supporting himself each step of the way, "You're really a hero. I'd heard all the stories and bar tales, but this makes me appreciate it. You took me to the realms of the Gods to save me, just some random commoner who was sent to you by an enemy."
06[02:13] * Demedais shakes his head. "You came to me, you asked my protection. That was all that was needed. ...Though, I have a question."
03[02:14] * Carthrat (~carthrat@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #evildunes
[02:14] <Kotono> "If I can answer it, I will," Croger says, "If I can do anything to repay you..."
[02:15] <Demedais> "...Don't worry about repayment." Demedais shakes his head. "When I came here this time, it was to find the final part of the cure for you. Did Granta tell you what she thought would be needed?"
[02:16] <Kotono> "A family member who was a saint, or Ilmater's aid," He answers, "Seeing as how I don't have any surviving family..." He shrugs. "Ilmater was very merciful to an old man."
02[02:16] * Nao (~carthrat@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
[02:16] <Demedais> "No surviving family? What happened to your wife, then?" Demedais replies.
[02:25] <Kotono> "She passed recently," he answers, "A brief illness...but she was old."
[02:26] <Demedais> "I see. And...Granta said you had one child?" Demedais asks kindly.
[02:27] <Kotono> "She did?" With a look of momentary surprise, "Yes, but we had to give him up when he was a baby."
[02:27] <Demedais> "Whom did you give him to?"
[02:28] <Kotono> "The T..." He stops there, utterly cold. His eyes widen as he tries to speak. Nothing coherent comes out, "D-Demedais, were you, were you raised by the Temple of Helm?"
06[02:32] * Demedais doesn't respond for a second, sitting back a bit as he kneels. "...only a little bit ago, I was adventuring with the rest of the Crimson Guard and allies, when each of us were singled out by the master of the place and tested... tempted. My temptation was... on a rainy day, a cloth over me. I pulled the cloth back... and saw a woman, one with soft brown hair..."

[Corwin]

[18:42] <Kotono> <Demedais> "I see. And...Granta said you had one child?" Demedais asks kindly.
[18:42] <Kotono> > "She did?" With a look of momentary surprise, "Yes, but we had to give him up when he was a baby."
[18:42] <Kotono> <Demedais> "Whom did you give him to?"
[18:42] <Kotono> > "The T..." He stops there, utterly cold. His eyes widen as he tries to speak. Nothing coherent comes out, "D-Demedais, were you, were you raised by the Temple of Helm?"
[18:42] <Kotono> * Demedais doesn't respond for a second, sitting back a bit as he kneels. "...only a little bit ago, I was adventuring with the rest of the Crimson Guard and allies, when each of us were singled out by the master of the place and tested... tempted. My temptation was... on a rainy day, a cloth over me. I pulled the cloth back... and saw a woman, one with soft brown hair..."
[18:44] <Kotono> "C.." He starts to speak again, but Croger's words can't seem to form. He simpl stares, slack jawed.
06[18:48] * Demedais bows his head. "He gave me the option to start over again, in that new, different time, with... with that family. ...I said no." Looking to Croger, "Because it would have meant abandoning my duty here, and... would have involved abandoning those I swore to protect. But before the vision ended... I saw my father, as well." (More)
[18:49] <Demedais> A slight pause, before Demedais chuckles. "I'm no saint... but by Ilmater's mercy..." With this he holds up his other hand, the cut still present but not bleeding. "...my blood still worked.
[18:52] <Kotono> Croger tries to speak again as his eyes take in Demedais' wounded hand. His words come for nothing, trying over and over to speak. "I...It's true then...Demedais?" He manages at last.
[18:53] <Demedais> "...given the list of evidence for it..." Demedais says softly. "I think so... Father."
[18:57] <Kotono> "Oh...My boy..." Croger embraces Demedais roughly, "I never thought I'd see you again!"
06[18:58] * Demedais returns the embrace happily. "Things... work out sometimes...!"
[19:00] <Kotono> "It must be fate. To find out that my son has become such a legendary hero and done all of this..." Croger says warmly.
[19:02] <Demedais> "Heh. I've still got a lot more to do..."
[19:05] <Kotono> "I do, too," Croger murmurs, "I wish your Mother had lived to see this day."
[19:06] <Demedais> "I'm sure she's happy, still." Demedais replies, shaking his head. "Unless she wanted a son that didn't beat up devils and demons for a living. Then there's an issue."
[19:08] <Kotono> "She'd be proud of you," He insists, "She never stopped wondering about you."
[19:10] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais grins. "That's... good to hear." A final pat on the back, before he pulls out of the embrace a bit, looking to Croger. "All this said... Estahn
[19:10] <Demedais> "All this said... Esthan isn't likely to take this recovery of yours too well."
[19:12] <Kotono> "He's not human, is he?" Leaning back himself, "You said he was a fiend of some sort, a devil?"
[19:14] <Demedais> "A devil, who himself is immensely powerful, and has the aid of an even more powerful devil as his support." Demedais shakes his head. "Kinda bluntly, he likely divined that you were my father, and was thus going to use you to strike at me..."
[19:16] <Kotono> "I trusted him entirely. He passed himself off well," Croger grimances. "Do you think he'll try repeat the same thing?"
[19:19] <Demedais> "Not likely - and I don't blame you for trusting him. He's... very talented, at times. This being said, I wouldn't be too surprised if he tries to strike at you directly." Demedais replies. "Just to hammer the point home."
[19:21] <Kotono> Croger smiles a little there, "I was afraid of that, but...That hurt man...I saw a man covered in wounds in my dreams. He said that I'd recover and find wisdom here to guide others to mercy. That man, that was Ilmater, wasn't it?"
06[19:22] * Demedais nods. "Ilmater told me as well of this. Personally, I'm hardly opposed. Gives us time to eliminate Esthan as a threat... and perhaps after that you can see about spreading what you learn here in Balmuria?"
[19:23] <Kotono> "Yes, I want to. All of this, I wouldn't be here if not for Ilmater. I wouldn't have found out about you if not for him. Despite the pain he was in, he made sure I recovered. There has to be a lesson in that."
06[19:25] * Demedais nods. "Then that solves both issues there." A pause. "...on an unrelated note, do we have a family name?"
[19:26] <Kotono> "No. We've been commoners. Well enough off commoners, but still commoners. You, though...Demedais Dragonslayer, or Demedais Fiendbane? You certainly are famous enough to have a family name of your own now."
06[19:27] * Demedais chokes a bit. "Ah... heh. I'll figure something out, then. Main reason I ask is, well... I may bring my fiancee to see you."
[19:28] <Kotono> "Fiancee?" Widening his eyes, "I had wondered if perhaps the other woman I saw was with you, the black haired one. She was captivating."
[19:33] <Demedais> "Alicia? No. She's an ally in the Crimson Guard. And if you've heard tales of me, she's perhaps the unsung hero of sorts - she's managed to defeat foes that..." Demedais shakes his head with a grin.
03[19:34] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:34] <Kotono> "I've heard of her, but..." Stopping there. "Seeing her in person, well...you'd have been a very lucky man."
[19:35] <Demedais> "Heh. Perhaps, but I'm more than happy with Pollyanna." Demedais shakes his head.
[19:43] <Kotono> ---
[19:44] <Kotono> Okay Deme. Do you have any ranks in GI?
[19:44] <Demedais> OOC: Nope.
[19:44] <Kotono> OOC: Do you, Alicia? You're with him and can help if you'd like.
[19:45] <Alicia> Nothing better to do.
[19:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 and gets 32." [1d20=16]
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 Antenora will support
06[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 Antenora will support and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[19:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4 Aid Another?!
06[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 Aid Another?! and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[19:51] <Kotono> One has to admit that it's really not that rotten a duty to draw. Spending time talking with the blessed, happy and the celestial is far from a trying task.  You find that there's not much in teh way of arcane magic being sold here. Healing magic is offered abundantly, as is all sorts of restorations and the like. Clerical magic in general can be found in a few places. There is one place to try, but it's apparently a crapshoot. A Mercane ho
[19:51] <Kotono>  but it's apparently a crapshoot. A Mercane holds a small shop a ways downhill of the open air temple to Ilmater. He tends to have odds and ends, as it's said he does business with a number of the travelers that come here.
[19:52] <Demedais> "Worth a shot?" Demedais shrugs after managing to disengage himself from a long talk about holy trees.
[19:52] <Alicia> "I've dealt with Mercane before," Alicia informs the group. "They're fair bargainers, but they just have what they trade for, not what they make - it's pot luck whether they have what we need, and that's some *serious* magic you're looking for, Demedais."
06[19:52] * Demedais nods. "Makes sense. We can inquire, at least."
[19:53] <Kotono> "It's possible we could also find something unrelated but useful there, if it is a matter of fortune," Antenora walks at Alicia's side. "If all else fails, perhaps Marie and I could visit Dweomerheart? If anywhere has those to buy, it would be there."
06[19:54] * Demedais shrugs and nods a bit. "Your call there."
[19:54] <Alicia> "Well, really it's yours - you're the one that wants this magic after all," Alicia replies as she leads the group towards the Mercane encampment.
[19:55] <Demedais> "Details." Demedais shakes his head. "But alright. Let's see if he's got anything."
[19:56] <Kotono> It takes an hour or two to walk down the Mercane's shop. It's an orderly four story house built into the side of the ever rising slope of Martyrdom. It's painted a faint blue color, standing out from the stone around it. A sign hanging just outside of the building says, 'Bang the door knocker to be admitted'.
06[19:57] * Demedais reads the sign, before using the door knocker on the door.
[19:59] <Kotono> The door knocker is shaped like a goblin's mouth, the iron half circle inside of it hitting the stone door hard! The sound is followed by the faint sound of footsteps, then the door being opened. Coming to the door is a blue skinned humanoid with sharp, long ears and wearing a dark blue robe with red accents. "Customers?"
[19:59] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[20:00] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais nods agreeably. "We've come looking for a few different items."
[20:02] <Kotono> The Mercane stands aside, looking over Demedais - well, more over his shoulder at Alicia and Antenora briefly, then his attention goes back lighting swift to Demedais. "Come in." Standing aside, you can see that a neatly organized shop lies ahead. Rows on rows of shelves of goods sit, each one neatly positioned. Signs about say things like 'Ask before you touch something! It's dangerous!', 'If you break it, that's considered purchasing it!'
[20:02] <Kotono> 'If you break it, that's considered purchasing it!' and 'Unless you're dying, keep walking if you're looking to buy healing.'
06[20:03] * Alicia gives the Mercane a brief smile, stepping inside and contenting herself with an idle look around the store while Demedais enquires about his needs.
[20:04] <Kotono> Antenora follows, and silently to Demedais and then Alicia, 'Be wary. His intellect is superhuman.'
06[20:05] * Demedais finds the signs somewhat amusing, stepping to a somewhat clear spot in the store as he lets Alicia and Antenora look around. "My apologies, but do you have any scrolls of Teleport Circle available?"
[20:06] <Kotono> Most of the goods are lined up on shelves. There's a fair few, ranging from wonderous items to scrolls to weapons and armor. Alicia could spent awhile looking if she likes. "Do be careful not to touch anything!" The Mercane raises his voice to Alicia, "Occasionally, there might be an unknowingly cursed item, ors omething that can discharged if improperly handled." Then, to Demedais, "Let me check. I think I have a scroll or two in of that c
[20:06] <Kotono> "Let me check. I think I have a scroll or two in of that circle. Maybe. Those are rare and quite precious." He goes to a little table in a corner, taking out a well torn book and flipping it's pages.
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 49." [1d100=49]
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 90." [1d100=90]
[20:07] <Alicia> "Don't worry, I won't touch anything," Alicia confirms, just looking.
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 91." [1d100=91]
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 50." [1d100=50]
[20:11] <Kotono> "Let's see...I have two in. A scroll of Meteor Swarm, which is wonderful if you want to cause extrodinary fiery harm to someone. I'm afraid it can't teleport you much. But...it's your lucky day. The other scroll happens to be Teleport Circle. Funny story, I bought it off an astral deva who insisted it was a scroll of Time Stop. It turns out that it had an illusion changing it to look like a scroll of Time Stop and not Teleportation Circle.
[20:11] <Kotono> a scroll of Time Stop and not Teleportation Circle. Why, I'll never understand." Meanwhile, Alicia looks about. Near her is a rusty cloth bag and a tan colored cloth bag.
06[20:13] * Alicia already has the last word in nondimensional storage on her person, so the magic bags don't interest her too much. Overhearing the Mercane she laughs under her breath at the serendipity of actually finding the beyond-mortal-magic desired on the first try.
[20:14] <Demedais> "Heh. It does seem rather serendipitous." Demedais muses. "Is the illusion still present on it?"
[20:16] <Kotono> "I dispelled it," He answers. "It can be yours for 5,000 gold or the equivalent in goods, gems or other methods of payment. I'm quite flexible."
[20:19] <Demedais> "I think I'll have to pay in gems and gold, as most magical good on me are things I use consistently. My apologies." Demedais says.
[20:27] <Kotono> "That will do," The Mercane says, going to get a scroll down from one shelf in particular.
06[20:28] * Demedais nods and withdraws the appropriate coinage and gem combination from his bag with a nod.
06[20:28] * Alicia drifts over towards Demedais while the Mercane is busy. "Have you thought about getting something to let you fly, Demedais?" she suggests.
[20:29] <Kotono> Antenora dutifully follows, "That is a consideration. Plus, flying is lovely and useful both."
[20:30] <Demedais> "I have, yes... perhaps this would be a good place to find something, you think?"
[20:30] <Alicia> "He seems to have a wide selection, no harm in asking," Alicia shrugs, after a brief glance at Antenora following her description.
06[20:31] * Demedais nods. "Fair enough. I'll wait until he's pulled the scroll down before asking."
[20:32] <Kotono> The scroll is brought over, wrapped in a little cloth cover. "You can examine it beforehand if you'd like," he says.
06[20:37] * Demedais accepts the scroll, glancing at it for a second. "I think I'll have to trust you on it, though I'm not afraid to do so. Arcane magic is not my area. On a side note, do you have any tools or items that would allow for flight?
06[20:37] * Alicia obligingly casts Detect Magic and takes a look at the scroll.
[20:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[20:38] <Alicia> "I'm afraid the spell is beyond me, but the power of magic on the scroll is consistent," Alicia offers.
06[20:39] * Demedais nods slightly. "Very well, then."
03[20:40] * Kotono is now known as Anastasia
[20:40] <Anastasia> "Ah," Clapping his hands together, "Will you be buying, then?"
[20:41] <Demedais> "The scroll, yes." Demedais nods. "Though perhaps we should wait until everyone's finished transactions and looking?"
[20:42] <Anastasia> "Is there anything else any of you are interested in?" The Mercane looks to all three.
06[20:43] * Alicia shakes her head. "Nothing I'm looking for, no," she affirms.
[20:44] <Demedais> "Um. If you have anything that would enable a form of flight...? Not a scroll, I can't cast those. I guess I'm looking along the lines of a ring or a tunic, or something in that vein."
[20:44] <Anastasia> "Let me check..." He paws through the book again.
[20:44] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 65." [1d100=65]
[20:44] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 85." [1d100=85]
[20:44] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
[20:44] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 91." [1d100=91]
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[20:44] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
[20:44] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 26." [1d100=26]
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 21." [1d100=21]
[20:46] <Anastasia> "No, nothing in that vein. I do have a Serpentine Owl, but it's of limited use before it's magic fades." Closing up the book, "If you're staying in Martyrdom, I can have you notified if anything useful comes in."
[20:46] <Alicia> "We'll be leaving tomorrow," Alicia shakes her head, turning to Demedais. "Maybe ask Elle if she can make something?"
[20:47] <Demedais> "I'm afraid I'm not, no. We're looking to go back tomorrow. Thank you for checking, though." Demedais says, before nodding to Alicia. "Most likely option, yeah." With that he hands the appropriate amount of coins and gems over in a bag! "Thank you for the scroll."
[20:48] <Anastasia> "Good business with you," The Mercane takes the money and gems, looking them over.
[20:48] <Demedais> "And with you." Demedais nods slightly, looking to the other two. "Ready?"
06[20:49] * Alicia nods and heads out. "Do you have anything else you want to do while we're here, then?"
[20:50] <Demedais> "Not that I can think of, no. Is your ring recharged?" Demedais asks.
[20:51] <Anastasia> "I suppose we must return," Antenora says, "This is a pleasing realm to have visited."
[20:51] <Alicia> "Tomorrow at noon," Alicia reminds him.
[20:52] <Demedais> "Oh, right." Demedais mutters. "Sorry, staying awake near-constantly makes me forget usual timings.
[20:53] <Anastasia> "Are we going to do anything or just kill the time," Antenora looks between the two.
[20:53] <Alicia> "Well, if you've got nothing else you need to do, how about we just wander around until tomorrow?" Alicia suggests. "If our trip to Brightwater was any indication, we're sure to find something interesting here if we look for it."
06[20:55] * Demedais considers, before shrugging. "Sure, I'm game. When you guys need to rest, though, wouldn't mind staying at the Temple. ...Croger's gonna stay there for a while, at least."
[20:55] <Alicia> "I don't think you can get tired here," Alicia muses, starting off away from the Mercane's establishment in a random direction.
[20:56] <Demedais> "Maybe?" Demedais muses, following Alicia.
[20:57] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 70." [1d100=70]
[20:57] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 10." [1d100=10]
[20:57] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 72." [1d100=72]
[21:00] <Anastasia> The three end up wandering Marytrdom for awhile. While they see many a fascinating site and miraclous thing, nothing of extreme notice occurs doing this time. The next day winds around well enough, Alicia's ring recharged.
06[21:01] * Alicia slips the plane-shift ring onto her finger in exchange for the freedom of movement one. "Time to go," she announces, offering her hands to the others and then plane-shifting them back to Balmuria!
[21:01] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 341." [5d100=6, 82, 95, 84, 74]
[21:01] <Alicia> roll 1d9
06[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d9 and gets 5." [1d9=5]
[21:03] <Anastasia> Woosh! The three appear in rugged mountains! The sun is distant and cloud covered. Around you, you see high ountain ridges, the party stnading on a little slope. In the distance, one can spot skittering, crackling lizards scurrying away.
06[21:03] * Alicia doesn't linger, instead teleporting the group to her house!
[21:03] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 79." [1d100=79]