228.3 Alicia and the Sahuagin Bandits

[Corwin]

[23:07] <Kotono> Xavier is wearing full plate. Morund and Darill are wearing breastplates right now.
[23:10] <Alicia> "Xavier, are you confident wearing lighter armour? You won't be able to fight underwater wearing full plate, I'm afraid," Alicia addresses the most heavily armed one present.
[23:10] <Alicia> armoured*
[23:15] <Kotono> "I can, sir," he promises, "I intend to use a spear in this environment, which I can use as well."
[23:17] <Alicia> "Alright. A short spear would probably be better if you're not entirely confident of your ability to maneuver quickly underwater. I'll bring you three along with Abagail for spell support - don't worry too much about your weapons since I'll enchant them, just make sure they're appropriate. We depart in one hour - make your preparations and reconvene here," she orders crisply.
[23:19] <Kotono> "Sir," They salute approriately. OOC: Ready to skip along?
[23:20] <Alicia> OOC: yep, I'll grab Anty and Marie, although Marie will stick around to leave with the boats. Jessica knows to call me if shit hits the fan on her end.
[23:20] <Kotono> OOC: Where are you going to meet up with the other threeee?
[23:20] <Alicia> OOC: at the garrison like I said (4, Deme's goons + Abagail)
[23:31] <Kotono> Alicia head to the garrison, finding everyone there and prepared. The three new members of the guard wear breastplates and carry short spears. Abagail wears a plain water blue dress, her hair kept up in a bun. The streets are busier than usual, the garrison bustling despite dawn just creeping over.
[23:33] <Alicia> Wishing Marie good luck and seeing her off to join her team, Alicia spends a moment enchanting the spears of her troops as she addresses them.
[23:33] <Alicia> "It's unfortunate that we've never had a chance to fight - or even train - together," she admits, "But we don't have the luxury of time. However, if each of you could quickly outline where your strengths in battle lie, it would help me prepare how best to use you."
[23:46] <Kotono> Xavier steps up here, "We've all taken orders under Helm to varying degrees," he explains, "I'm the most martial, Morund blends precision fighting with it, and Darill has some magical capacity, ma'am."
06[23:49] * Alicia nods. "Alright. Antenora and I have the most maneuvrability underwater, so we'll attempt to break up any attacking force quickly while you four stick close and mop up the stragglers - the three of you should focus on guarding Abagail, since she poses the biggest ranged threat with her spells. Work together to try and flank or contain any who engage you. Any questions?"
[23:52] <Kotono> "That's all," Abagail nods curtly, "I'm familiar with how underwater magic works from my texts."
[23:54] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods, channelling an alter self spell into her blade and tapping Antenora first. Her skin takes on a silvery transluscent hue, and any flesh exposed below her midsection shows blue-ish scales adorning it.
[23:54] <Alicia> She follows it up by casting the same spell on herself, becoming slightly slimmer and shorter, pointed ears poking out from her hair and her skin turning blue. "Everyone ready?" she confirms.
[23:56] <Kotono> "I feel like I'm about to be put in a pan an dfried," Antenora observes under her breath as she agrees. "Ready."
[23:56] <Kotono> "Ready," Darill says, the other four approaching alicia.
[23:56] <Kotono> *Alicia
06[23:57] * Alicia then teleports the group to the sea elf village, arriving in the centre not far from Darlina's home.
[23:58] <Kotono> OOC: roll?
[23:59] <Alicia> roll 1d100 studied carefully
06[23:59] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 studied carefully and gets 98." [1d100=98]
Session Time: Wed May 06 00:00:00 2009
[00:00] <Alicia> OOC: similar area
[00:08] <Kotono> After several long moments, Alicia realizes that her spell has failed. Nope, no teleportation at all.
06[00:10] * Alicia looks slightly alarmed at this development. "There must be anti-teleport wards... I didn't even know anyone at the village could do that, and the other possibility is even more alarming. I'll aim for just outside..." she now attempts to teleport the group to a spot about five hundred feet from the South edge of the village.
[00:11] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually
06[00:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually and gets 64." [1d100=64]
[00:15] <Kotono> Woosh! This time you appear just where desired, in the drink! IT's quite dark here, but you can see something ahead. Several elves with nets and tridents are swimming about, keeping a careful watch out.
06[00:16] * Alicia casts light on her sword so they'll be obvious and also benefit from the light itself. "Form up," she instructs, starting to swim towards the armed elves at a slow pace so the non-aquatic members can keep up with her.
[00:21] <Kotono> The light shines as the members form up behind her! At this the watchmen get attention. There is a tense moment, until one calls in Elven, "Who are you?"
[00:22] <Alicia> "Alicia Reynes," Alicia calls back in the same language, "We've come from Balmuria to assist you in repelling your attackers."

[Corwin]

[20:18] <Kobreakfast> <Alicia> OOC: similar area
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> > After several long moments, Alicia realizes that her spell has failed. Nope, no teleportation at all.
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> * Alicia looks slightly alarmed at this development. "There must be anti-teleport wards... I didn't even know anyone at the village could do that, and the other possibility is even more alarming. I'll aim for just outside..." she now attempts to teleport the group to a spot about five hundred feet from the South edge of the village.
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually and gets 64." [1d100=64]
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> > Woosh! This time you appear just where desired, in the drink! IT's quite dark here, but you can see something ahead. Several elves with nets and tridents are swimming about, keeping a careful watch out.
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> * Alicia casts light on her sword so they'll be obvious and also benefit from the light itself. "Form up," she instructs, starting to swim towards the armed elves at a slow pace so the non-aquatic members can keep up with her.
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> > The light shines as the members form up behind her! At this the watchmen get attention. There is a tense moment, until one calls in Elven, "Who are you?"
[20:18] <Kobreakfast> <Alicia> "Alicia Reynes," Alicia calls back in the same language, "We've come from Balmuria to assist you in repelling your attackers."
[20:19] <Kobreakfast> Tridents are lowered at these words, "Thank goodness! Our messenger reached the surface city?"
[20:21] <Alicia> "They did," Alicia confirms. "More of our soldiers are being gathered to come by boat, but we're here as an advanced force. What's the situation?" she asks as she swims closer. 'Who died?' is the unspoken question on her lips.
[20:25] <Kobreakfast> "We are to bring you to Oolu as soon as you arrive," the sentry answers, "Please, this way, Oolu is in control of the situation."
[20:25] <Kobreakfast> Abagail snorts, bubbles forming around her nose.
[20:26] <Alicia> "Lead the way," Alicia nods, resisting the urge to swim off and check on Darlina by herself. There are a lot more lives at stake.
[20:31] <Kobreakfast> The party hurries along, swimming to the sea elf village. You find that the caves are well defended, several armed elves out in a loose defensive spread. Oolu is amid them, organizing. He cocks his head back, sighing visibly. "Alicia! Over here," he calls.
[20:32] <Alicia> "Oolu! What happened?" Alicia calls back, swimming over and finally giving into the urge to ask, "Are Darlina and Namor safe?" she asks urgently.
[20:36] <Kobreakfast> "They are. It's such a long story! Of course, we don't have time for that." As the party approaches, "Raiders from the open sea came in a surprise attack at night, a warband of about 25 or so. We were able to repulse them - I'll explain that more in a moment - with minimal losses. Don't worry, they're safe. Darlina got a nasty wound, but she's not in any danger."
06[20:36] * Alicia takes Oolu's word for it, wanting to have all the information to hand, anyway. "Go on," she nods.
[20:40] <Kobreakfast> "Namor kept crying so much tonight and wouldn't calm. It was so loud I went out on a swim to relax, as did a few others. We stumbled on the radiers about to attack." With a solemn shake of hsi head, "If not for that, we would have been caught off on the flat."
[20:40] <Alicia> "Blessed child," Alicia smiles in spite of the grim situation. "How did the battle go?"
[20:43] <Kobreakfast> "Our losses were minimal - with the surprise lost, we were able to net many of the first wave and I eliminated some of the others. A fair few wounded, which makes us vulnerable if they attack again. Some of the prisoners are being interrogated now."
[20:44] <Alicia> "If you show us to the wounded, we have healing magic available," Alicia offers, "Ensuring we're at full strength in case further attacks come should be the first priority."
[20:44] <Kobreakfast> Morund nods briefly to that, "We can all help with that."
[20:45] <Kobreakfast> "Yes, this way," Oolu says. Glancing at Abagail, "Apologises for the lack of a welcome suiting you," he breaks into Common to her. "I'll make it up to you personally another time."
[20:46] <Alicia> "Just smile and nod," Alicia tells Abagail in a none too quiet aside as they head off to tend to the wounded.
[20:48] <Kobreakfast> Thus, you are taken to the wounded. Several elves are in varying states of injury, from minor scrapes to serious wounds. As those who can heal break up to do so...OOC: Using Lay on Hands or spellfire, 'licia?
[20:48] <Alicia> OOC: lay on hands first, then spellfire once I've expended that
02[20:57] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@pix050-176.pix.wmich.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:00] <Kobreakfast> Going about, the elves are healed at the hands of Alicia and her underlings. Cries of gratitude and thanks fill the ears of this cave as they are mended. Oolu comes by as the last one is fixed, "Thank you. You want to see Darlina now?" OOC: All your LoH and say 8 levels of spell fire.
[21:01] <Alicia> "Yes, you said she was injured as well?" Alicia asks, turning to the elemental.
[21:02] <Kobreakfast> "She's resting with Namor. To be honest," A moment here, a bit of an honest, brightening smile on her face, "She asked for you to come see her if you came. She's in her room."
03[21:03] * CC is now known as Seira
[21:04] <Alicia> "I'll go see her - Antenora, you're in charge until I get back," Alicia tells the erinyes before she swims off to see Darlina and her godson.
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03[21:06] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[21:08] <Kobreakfast> Alicia swims off in a hurry! She finds Darlina resting, lying idle int he water by Namor's crib. Her left arm and chest are wrapped in bandages of seaweed, her eyes half closed. She doesn't show any reaction to Alicia entering.
[21:08] <Alicia> "Darlina?" Alicia greets the elf gently in elven from the doorway, not wanting to startle her.
[21:10] <Kobreakfast> "...Alicia?" Darlina turns her head, grimacing, "...hey...you made it?" With a crooked smile, "I made a mistake, trying to stop a trident with my shoulder."
[21:12] <Alicia> "Better your shoulder than your head," Alicia replies with a faint smile, kicking off the floor and drifting closer before she takes out her wand of cure light wounds, waving it over the injured arm. "I'm just glad you and Namor are safe. When I heard you'd been attacked I was so worried..."
[21:12] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+1 and gets 7." [1d8=6]
[21:12] <Kobreakfast> The wounds mend somewhat at that beckoning. Straightening at that, "I'm sorry." Bowing her head to that, "But you're here, I know we're all safe now."
06[21:13] * Alicia gives it another go, not wanting to leave anything to chance. "You've got nothing to apologise for," she uses her free hand to tilt Darlina's head upwards. "You were defending yourself and your home. The ones who should apologise are the ones who attacked you."
[21:13] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+1 and gets 5." [1d8=4]
[21:14] <Kobreakfast> "Yeah, I know. It felt right ot say," Blushing as her wound heals, Darlina embraces Alicia. "I'm still glad to see you."
06[21:16] * Alicia returns the affectionate hug before putting the wand away. "It's been a while, I know," she apologises, but doesn't dwell on it. "I heard our little boy chased everyone out with his crying, and that's how the raiders didn't get a surprise attack," she leans over the crib, smiling.
[21:18] <Kobreakfast> Namor is fast asleep, curled up. "He is a lucky child," Darlina says, lingering at Alicia's side. "Thanks for coming. If not for Namor and then Balmuria, we would have been beset by a tragedy."
06[21:21] * Alicia gently strokes the infant's head before turning to Darlina. "We're going to make sure the ones responsible won't dare to try anything like this again," she promises, a firmness in her tone at odds with her loving actions.
[21:22] <Kobreakfast> "Good. It has to be done," Darlina agrees, "When it's over, you'll come back and visit before you return to Balmuria, won't you? We'll have a celebration."
[21:23] <Alicia> "I will - I'll introduce you to Antenora as well, since she's here too," Alicia promises. "For now I shouldn't linger, though - I need to see to the defences and then work on a punitive raid in response to this."
[21:28] <Kobreakfast> "Careful," Darlina bids as Alicia goes off. Finding Oolu again is without incident, the group gathering a little away. "Now then," Oolu begins, "We need a response to this. From what the prisoners have said, we have a fairly good idea who's behind all this. Gluark, a local sahuagin warlord. You went to Oceanoholm with Darlina, didn't you?"
[21:29] <Alicia> "I did," Alicia nods. "I vaguely recall hearing rumours about a Sahaugin warlord at the time, but it wasn't relevant to our purpose."
[21:30] <Kobreakfast> "It is now," Antenora sits in the cave you're in, walls carved with fresh drawings and work all over. She plays her fingers over the tip of her spear.
[21:30] <Kobreakfast> "If it's just the underwater equivalent of banditry," Darill speaks up, "A good hard strike will break the power of the warlord for a time, and perhaps for good if we do enough and eliminate this Gluark?"
[21:33] <Kobreakfast> "I haven't been to Oceanoholm lately, so I'm not sure if the situation's changed. No matter, if he's making a move against us, we have to take counter measures." Oolu says. "That's a given."
[21:33] <Alicia> "There's always one who'll step up if we kill the leader. But even so, they'll surely think long and hard before stirring up trouble in our neck of the woods if our response to this is sufficiently robust," Alicia outlines before addressing Oolu, "What have you learned from the prisoners?"
[21:35] <Kobreakfast> "Gluark's behind this. Apparently, he's developing an interest in the bay as a source of power and wealth. They're not sure if more are coming - they were dispatched away without any information about that. Theyh're all repeating the same story, so it's either true or they prepared a cover lie and they're all decent liars."
[21:37] <Kobreakfast> "How bothersome," Abagail tries to toss her hair, but it doesn't really work underwater. Instead she gets a faceful of flying locks, coughing and waving it out of away. "Ggh. If they're all common bandits, a display of magical prowess should go far in demoralizing them."
[21:38] <Alicia> "How well organised did they seem in combat?" Alicia asks. "How they handled themselves there would give some indication as to whether they seem competent enough to come up with a story," Alicia muses in a somewhat lecturing tone for the benefit of her rookies.
[21:38] <Alicia> "Most brigands and the like are braggarts at heart, and don't care to lie for the benefit of their erstewhile comrades after being captured anyway. Professional soldiers are different."
[21:40] <Kobreakfast> "They used pairs in battle. No one fought alone unless seperated. They were fairly hard to flank. They knew how to fight reasonably well." Oolu ticks off on a flowing finger of water, "They weren't geniuouses, but they were competent."
[21:41] <Alicia> "The fact that they didn't break when their surprise attack was foiled is somewhat telling, in that case," Alicia muses. "If you like I could speak to one of the prisoners and ascertain things for certain - did you get any information from them regarding their base of operations and total numbers?"
[21:42] <Kobreakfast> "Nothing defininte," Oolu says, "Go ahead, by all means."
[21:42] <Kobreakfast> Antenora looks up, 'Alicia.'
06[21:43] * Alicia looks up as well at the prompting.
[21:44] <Kobreakfast> 'A thought. If this Gluark is any sort of competent warrior or problem, we may want to take him back to Balmuria. No need to a repeat of David.'
[21:44] <Kobreakfast> 'Or,' A mere moment later, 'Of course, if he wants to fight to the death, its' irrelevant.'
[21:45] <Alicia> 'We'll see when we face him,' Alicia tells Antenora, not wanting to commit so early in the game. "Alright, Oolu, where are the prisoners kept?" she then asks the elemental.
[21:47] <Kobreakfast> Oolu takes Alicia to one narrow mouthed cave. Here elves stand on guard, heavy stone boulders pushed away to reveal small, narrow rooms. In one of them, a sahuagin sits on the ground. It wears torn clothes, a crude bandage wrapped around it's arm. It's eyes stare at Alicia.
[21:48] <Alicia> "My name is Alicia Reynes," Alicia greets the sharkman without preamble, regarding him cooly as she speaks in elven. "Do you understand me?"
[21:52] <Kobreakfast> "Yes." It meets her eyes, voice masculine. "What do you want?"
[21:56] <Alicia> "Information," Alicia replies curtly, stepping forward. "To start with, tell me who ordered the attack on this village."
[21:58] <Kobreakfast> "Gluark," he says, matter of fact.
[22:00] <Alicia> "Tell me about this... Gluark," Alicia invites sibilantly, curling the fist of her left hand tightly as she leans over the prisoner. "Where does he hide himself?"
[22:01] <Kobreakfast> The prisoner shakes his head. "I'm willing to help you, but I'm not going to sell out my friends. If I tell you, you'll counter attack."
[22:02] <Alicia> "Of course I will," Alicia replies as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "There's a surfacer expression; you reap what you sow. Do you know what that means?"
[22:04] <Kobreakfast> "Naturally." He nods agreeably to all this, "That's why I won't tell you."
02[22:05] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@pix050-176.pix.wmich.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[22:08] <Alicia> "So you'd prefer for Gluark to sow with abandon, tossing lives away on fruitless attacks on otherwise peaceful villages, without ever reaping the bitter harvest that he is owed?" Alicia asks, interested enough to simply engage with the prisoner for the moment. He seems a reasonable sort, hopefully she can convince him without needing to resort to anything drastic.
03[22:09] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
[22:10] <Kotono> A shrug. "I don't care about that. I care about my friends, that's all. I won't be the traitor to them."
[22:13] <Alicia> "That's commendable," Alicia admits honestly. "I can respect that." She then leans forward, looming over the sharkman. "The problem, my piscine friend, is that you participated in an unprovoked attack on *my* friends. That's something I have a lot more trouble respecting."
[22:13] <Alicia> "So you can either tell me where to find Gluark, so I can take up my issues with him personally, or I can go hunting, and damn anyone foolish enough to stand in my way," she finishes with a feral smile.
[22:15] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check, Alicia, say?
[22:15] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[22:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[22:17] <Kotono> His confidence cracks visibly, shaking and with a noticiable choke in his speech. "Y-yes, but..."
[22:18] <Alicia> "I'll find him eventually," Alicia promises, "You can be sure of that. The only question is how many bodies I leave behind me before that happens."
[22:23] <Kotono> "...If you attack, will you take prisoners," he asks.
[22:26] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia replies. "Any who surrender or are too wounded to fight will be spared. We're not in the business off mass slaughter, but we *will* send a strong message to any would-be warlord who follows after Gluark that polluting our waters with bloodshed is a terrible idea."
[22:29] <Kotono> After some thought, "There's an underwater canyon about five day's travel to the north and two to the west. It's where our main base is. If Gluark isn't on campaign somewhere, he's there."
[22:30] <Alicia> "Describe it," Alicia asks, mentally focusing to absorb every detail. "As closely as you can, every physical detail you can remember." With a good enough description she could teleport there immediately.
[22:34] <Kotono> He does so. It's a crack in the earth, little sunlight reaching that far below the surface waters. A sea of seaweed makes it difficult to find naturally, and the sahuagin use that as a nautral defense. Past that, it's like a vertical city-tower, with caves carved out of the canyon's length. The upper levels are barracks and storages, with the lower levels holding Gluark and his lieutenants as well as most of the ill gotten goods they've gathere
[22:34] <Kotono> as well as most of the ill gotten goods they've gathered.
[22:37] <Alicia> "Excellent. You've been very helpful," Alicia concludes afterwards. With that dismissal she leaves to rejoin Oolu and her expeditionary force.
[22:38] <Kotono> You find them in the same cave, talking strategy. Xavier is standing up, "...well, if we can get some trained soldiers and an elven force, it would make a solid tactical reserve. The idea would to be to flush them up to the surface and our ships, where we can bring overwhelming force to bear."
06[22:39] * Alicia decides not to introduce herself just yet, curious to see how Demedais's trainees stack up in terms of tactics.
[22:43] <Kotono> As Oolu nods, "Now, if they break the surface of the water, archery and nets will deal with them. If not, we can still deploy weighted nets and sinking objects. Basically, put them between a rock and a hard place." He finishes, "The only problem is that it fails if they attack in several waves, or have overwhelming numbers. But in that case, we may need to retreat to Balmuria and counterattack. At worst, I'm sure we can repulse any attack that
[22:43] <Kotono>  At worst, I'm sure we can repulse any attack that reaches the city."
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[22:44] <Kotono> "I'd hate to retreat, but if they have such numbers..." Oolu grimaces, "That's the best idea we've had. If it looks like naother battle is going to happen, I'm going to have all the women and children retreat towards Balmuria anyway."
[22:44] <Alicia> "There won't be another attack for at least ten days," Alicia announces her presence. "Their base of operations is in a canyon five days journey from here. Right now Gluark has no idea that his attack even failed."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Excellent," Antenora smiles at that, "Still, that idea may have merit until they're dealt with. If Gluark is a capable commander, he may have a hidden second wave with reinforcements coming at a delay. If they find the first group succeeded, they retreat and no harm done. If not, they could do anything from probe to attack to try and send fast word back of the failure."
[22:47] <Kotono> "Like unarmed fighting?" Morund makes a slight grimace, "Lead with your left, knock themout with your right?"
[22:47] <Kotono> "It's possible, that's all, but it's a good analogy," Antenora says.
[22:48] <Kotono> "
[22:48] <Kotono> "No. Why not hit all at once?" Darill rumbles, "If you defeat them in one swing, there's no need for a second."
[22:49] <Kotono> "Because one blow can be dodged. The second might slip past expectations. It's different styles of attack," Abagail snorts, running a hand through her hair. "You don't always use your strongest spell to start a battle. Of course, if this man is a brainless warlord, I doubt he's so tactically minded."
[22:50] <Kotono> "Prepare for rain even when the sky is sunny," Antenora looks to Alicia, "Did you get any idea what sort of man Gluark is?"
[22:51] <Alicia> "So you don't throw good money after bad, Darill," Alicia tells the young paladin. "Defeating an opposing force in detail is a valid tactic, but not having any reserves puts you in a bad position if the enemy proves more adept than expected. Regardless it matters little - I could take us to Gluark's fortress within six seconds."
[22:51] <Alicia> She then gives Abagail a sweet smile, "Brainless and warlord do not belong in the same sentence, my dear. If he was a brute he'd merely be an enforcer for a more mentally adept would be conquerer."
[22:51] <Kotono> "Are you joking? They're just bandits with fins," With a look of disguist, "Summon a few monsters, fry th estronger ones and they'll curl up like the dogs they are."
[22:53] <Kotono> "What happens when you've undestimated someone?" Xavier crosses his arms, "You might get a bloody nose, you might get embarrassed, or you might end up in a shallow grave somewhere."
06[22:54] * Alicia shakes her head. "I don't know much about Gluark, it's true, but to reach a position of leadership requires both political savvy and the muscle to back it up. He's not some thug hiding out of a cave with a handful of his buddies, he's leader of a large military force. Don't assume he's inept, because he wouldn't have gotten this far if he was."
[22:55] <Kotono> "Hmph." With a look, "I understand, Captain." Abagail doesn't reply after that. Instead, Oolu does. "So you're going to wiggle your eyebrows and take a force right to Gluark's front door?"
[22:56] <Alicia> "That's the plan, yes," Alicia nods. "I'll wait until our reinforcements arrive from Balmuria to ensure the village remains well protected, though. Given the distances involved, a delay of half a day won't help give Gluark any advance notice of what happened here."
[22:58] <Kotono> "With your leave then," Morund says, "Can we rest during tha ttime, to ensure we're sharp for the battle?
[22:58] <Kotono> "
[23:00] <Alicia> "Actually, we'll spar," Alicia replies. "I've never had a chance to train with any of you or see you in combat, and since we now have the luxury of time I'd like to appraise your skills before we head into battle."

[Corwin]

[20:15] <Kotono> --
[20:16] <Kotono> After a hard morning's work, time has safely passed. No second assault has shown itself, the village bracing and preparing. Above, ships are keeping a watch at the surface. OOC: Alicia, ball's in your court.
06[20:19] * Alicia is rather impressed and not a little relieved by the prowess of Demedais's three trainees, the gulf between them and the guardsmen she normally trains all too apparent. Idly she wonders if it's a matter of raw talent or if it's down to training methods - she'll have to ask Demedais when she sees him next. For now, though, it's time to confront Gluark.
[20:19] <Alicia> "Now remember, you three won't be able to move much underwater with your armour weighing you down, so stick close and let the enemy come to you - Abagail should do a good job of provoking them, I'd hope. If you get into trouble, though, give a shout and Antenor or I will break off to assist you," she goes through some last minute instructions.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Understood," Xavier nods, "I think we can handle that, ma'am."
[20:25] <Alicia> "Any last minute spells you want to cast, do so now," Alicia gives them a moment's warning to ready themselves, casting Shield for her own benefit at this juncture.
[20:29] <Kotono> A few spells are called on, names invoked. "I'm ready," Abagail says.
06[20:32] * Alicia also casts voice of the archon and cloak of bravery in case either could be needed. "Our primary objective is Gluark himself - if we can put on a show of force sufficient to deter his followers, so much the better, but see to your own safety first."
[20:32] <Alicia> With that, she casts the spell to teleport the group to Gluark's fortress, aiming for the base of the tower past the seaweed forest described by the prisoner.
[20:32] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 17." [1d100=17]
[20:42] <Kotono> You appear in dim, dark waters. The pressure is thick on you, as you stand amid a sea of seaweed on all sides. Below is the gash into the ocean, a long canyon. It's like a tower - you can see lights below, several 'stories' of carved out caves and terraces lining below.
[20:44] <Alicia> "Looks like we're close enough," Alicia observes, casting message on the group. Given how slow the others are at swimming, the journey will be perilous enough even with a short distance. "Follow my lead," she instructs, slowly swimming into the canyon so the others can keep up.
[20:45] <Kotono> Thus, the group swims down! As they do...
[20:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Antenora has good spot+see in darkness, so she's a no brainer here
06[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Antenora has good spot+see in darkness, so she's a no brainer here and gets 32." [1d20=13]
[20:47] <Kotono> As you swim down, approaching the highest level, "Alicia," Antenora speaks up, "I can see sahuagin on several of the stories and terrences. I don't think any have seen us, but I can see at least a dozen, as well as sharks and octopi."
[20:49] <Alicia> "Form up and stay close," Alicia instructs. "They likely won't be happy to see us, but we're going to have to get past them."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Straight ahead down to the bottom," Xavier asks as you do so.
[20:52] <Alicia> "No, we're not nearly fast enough in the water to do that - they'd surround us easily if we even tried. We have to engage each layer of defence as it comes," Alicia replies with the sad reality of their situation. Her and Antenora are fine, but the others are fishfood if they try to outrun the sea's natural inhabitants.
[20:56] <Kotono> Thus you descend down! As you do, you see the first layer - several large, open terrances built into the canyon. While most of these are empty, it's the ones the next level below that have your foes - several of them, some on patrol and others milling about.  At about 100 feet away, a cry of alarm goes up! Several of them begin tos wim up with a haste towards the party, a band of perhaps a dozen armed with tridents!
[20:57] <Kotono> "Here they come!" Antenora says aloud, as Morund grins morosely, readying his weapon!
06[20:58] * Alicia has her sword ready, not yet ignited as she takes the lead. "Lets see if they're interested in parlaying, first," she murmurs, preparing herself...
[20:58] <Kotono> As they swim up, coming to within fourty feet, "Identify yourselves!" One of them calls, "Now!"
[21:02] <Alicia> "My name is Alicia Reynes!" Alicia calls back in the case that her name inspires fear even below the waves. "We have come to punish Gluark for his unprovoked attack on the community of El Mysha!"
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18." [1d20=13]
[21:04] <Kotono> "Tsch!" One of the sahuagin hisses at Alicia's words, swimming backwards! Another sneers, "Sound an alarm, we have an attack! Get 'em!" With that, most of the sahuagin charge at the party! OOC: I'm calling initiative here, say.
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Abby
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Abby and gets 26." [1d20=20]
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Xavier
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Xavier and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Morund
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Morund and gets 19." [1d20=11]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Darill
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Darill and gets 21." [1d20=18]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 sahuagin group Hatbot likes the bitches, I see.
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 sahuagin group Hatbot likes the bitches, I see. and gets 13." [1d20=12]
03[21:06] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Abagail>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Sahuagin(10)>Xavier'
[21:09] <Alicia> "Wrong answer, fool!" Alicia surges forward faster than her foes can react, a hiss of steam from her blades as they ignite and promptly evaporate the surrounding water, striking out at the one who ordered the attack! In deference to the helpful prisoner she holds back on lethal strikes until she considers themselves to be in actual danger, instead attacking merely to incapacitate.
[21:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2 devotion for monstrous humanoids
06[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+2 devotion for monstrous humanoids and gets 15." [1d20=13]
[21:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -4 nonlethal -6 pa
06[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -4 nonlethal -6 pa and gets 30." [1d20=15]
[21:10] <Alicia> OOC: is he evil?
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[21:10] <Alicia> roll 1d8+25+2d6+1d6
06[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+25+2d6+1d6 and gets 43." [1d8=6][2d6=5, 1][1d6=6]
03[21:10] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Abagail>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Sahuagin(9)>Xavier'
[21:11] <Kotono> Charging forward, Alicia smacks the closest sahuagin, sending it into a dazed spiral down and out! ABagail holds for the mometn, staying behind the warriors! OOC: Holding her action until she can move behind a wall of big men. Anty's up.
[21:12] <Kotono> Antenora swoops down as holy fury takes over her mind, striking down on the other side of the sahuagin as well!
02[21:12] * Kallen (~carthrat@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 (+2 charge, +2 FS 9/10, +2 weapon, -4 nonlethal, -6 PA)
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 (+2 charge, +2 FS 9/10, +2 weapon, -4 nonlethal, -6 PA) and gets 37." [1d20=20]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 (+2 charge, +2 FS 9/10, +2 weapon, -4 nonlethal, -6 PA) crit?
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 (+2 charge, +2 FS 9/10, +2 weapon, -4 nonlethal, -6 PA) crit? and gets 32." [1d20=15]
[21:14] <Kotono> roll 4d8+1d6+92 nonlethal, so out cold
06[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+1d6+92 nonlethal, so out cold and gets 119." [4d8=6, 5, 7, 8][1d6=1]
03[21:14] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Abagail>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Sahuagin(8)>Xavier'
03[21:15] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Abagail>Sahuagin(8)>Xavier'
[21:16] <Kotono> The unlucky foe who takes Antenora's charge gets her spear butt dead in the face, sent hurtling down deeper in the canyon like a shooting star! Seconds later, you hear a heavy impact echoing through the waves! Darill and Morund advance now, fully moving to reach with 10 feet of the sahuagin. Abagail follows then, a crackling bolt of energy goes for another one of the fishmen!
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 3d6
06[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6 and gets 11." [3d6=5, 4, 2]
03[21:16] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Abagail>Sahuagin(7)>Xavier'
[21:17] <Kotono> The fishman shakes all over, going limp in the waters! A moment later, the charge hits the party like a sack of bricks to the head! Two go for Alicia dead out, calling bellowing battle charges!
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8." [1d20=2]
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26." [1d20=20]
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 crit?
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 crit? and gets 22." [1d20=16]
[21:17] <Alicia> OOC: AC 33
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4 and gets 11." [1d8=7]
[21:18] <Kotono> One of them lands a lucky blow into Alicia's arm, managing to lightly penetrate her supernaturally tough flesh! Two fan out to go for Antenora as well!
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 14." [1d20=8]
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[21:18] <Kotono> She fends both off easily, as two go for Xavier at the front!
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4 and gets 12." [1d8=8]
[21:19] <Kotono> One of those scores a wound on Xavier's side, as the last one goes for Abagail, Morund able to take a spearing at him as it does!
[21:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (+3 weapon, -2 underwater)
06[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 (+3 weapon, -2 underwater) and gets 24." [1d20=14]
[21:20] <Kotono> roll 1d6+4
06[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+4 and gets 6." [1d6=2]
[21:21] <Kotono> It's a bleeding deep wound as he struggles past, bleeding as he charges Abagail!
[21:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 14." [1d20=6]
[21:22] <Kotono> OOC: Eratta, that was a wound on Darill. Sorry. Mixup.
[21:23] <Kotono> Abagail has a shining field of force around her, blocking the trident dead on! A moment later, Xavier comes down, going to try and spear the approaching Sahuagin! Abagail glances back, "Hurry! Get moving and stop it!"
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-4 nonlethal)
06[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 (-4 nonlethal) and gets 20." [1d20=9]
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d6+9
06[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11." [1d6=2]
03[21:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Abagail>Sahuagin(6)>Xavier'
[21:24] <Kotono> With a thwap to the side of it's head, the sahuagin is out, floating limply in the water! Below, you can hear and see things starting to mobilize from the lower terrences! Sharks, sahuagin and octopi, to name a few! OOC: Alicia.
06[21:25] * Alicia strikes out quickly to incapacitate the two sharkmen flanking her, before moving five feet closer to the group behind her.
[21:26] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -3pa -4 nonlethal
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -3pa -4 nonlethal and gets 20." [1d20=5]
[21:26] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -3pa -4 nonlethal
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -3pa -4 nonlethal and gets 22." [1d20=7]
[21:26] <Alicia> OOC: do they hit? Not going to bother with the rest if so, since they're soft targets
[21:26] <Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[21:26] <Alicia> roll 1d8+13+2d6+1d6
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+13+2d6+1d6 and gets 19." [1d8=1][2d6=3, 1][1d6=1]
[21:26] <Alicia> roll 1d8+13+2d6+1d6
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+13+2d6+1d6 and gets 28." [1d8=7][2d6=4, 3][1d6=1]
[21:27] <Alicia> OOC: I'll continue if needed, but that should KO both
03[21:27] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Abagail>Sahuagin(4)>Xavier'
[21:27] <Kotono> With deft moves Alicia knocks out both sahuagin with ease, sending them limpid in the water! She then positions, as...OOC: Antenora's up.
[21:28] <Kotono> Antenora assesses the two around her, before thumping them with the butt of her spear, "Run. We've fought creatures millenia old and infinitely more powerful. You're nothing more than bubbles in the ocean to us!"
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 (+2 weapon, +2 FS 8/10, -4 nonlethal, -2 PA)
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 (+2 weapon, +2 FS 8/10, -4 nonlethal, -2 PA) and gets 29." [1d20=10]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 19." [1d20=5]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25." [1d20=16]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1d6+15
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1d6+15 and gets 20." [1d8=2][1d6=3]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d8+15
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+15 and gets 16." [1d8=1]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d8+15
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+15 and gets 22." [1d8=7]
03[21:29] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Abagail>Sahuagin(2)>Xavier'
[21:30] <Kotono> With deft movements, two more are laid low, barely even able to reach! Darill sets on the two on him, shortspear dancing out! Morund slides and swims around, as ingle attack at it's now flanked side!
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 28." [1d20=17]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Morund
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 Morund and gets 27." [1d20=15]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5 and gets 10." [1d6=5]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d6+3d6+4
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+3d6+4 and gets 22." [1d6=1][3d6=6, 6, 5]
03[21:31] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia>Antenora>Darill>Morund>Abagail>Sahuagin(1)>Xavier'
[21:32] <Kotono> This sahuagin meets a far less favorable fate, speared in front and back and sent hurtling into the realms beyond this one! Abagail shakes her head, "Surrender, or..." she says, power crackling around her! The last survivor drops it's trident and swims off in a panic! "Let him go," Abagail asks lazily, "He does seem to have reconsidered his chances of survival."
[21:33] <Alicia> "We outmatch them so much we can afford to hold back," Alicia agrees. "Antenora, heal Darill when we engage the next wave?" she suggests to the erinyes, starting to slowly descend so as not to create too much distance between herself and the poor swimmers.
[21:34] <Alicia> *triton, at the moment
[21:35] <Kotono> "Understood," Antenora nods! The party descends down to the next layer! Here you see waves coming! From below, four large sharks rush up, as well as five sahuagin! One has a trident made of gold, leading the charge as they're 50 feet away! From the terrances, five more sahuagin emerge at your sides, three on one side and two on another! OOC: Initiative?
[21:35] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11." [1d20=4]
[21:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Abby
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Abby and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Xavier
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Xavier and gets 18." [1d20=14]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Morund
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Morund and gets 25." [1d20=17]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Darill
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Darill and gets 8." [1d20=5]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 below sahuagin
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 below sahuagin and gets 7." [1d20=6]
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 sharks
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 sharks and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[21:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 3 sahuagin on the left
06[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 3 sahuagin on the left and gets 20." [1d20=19]
[21:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+ 2 on the right
06[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+ 2 on the right and gets Error: Check syntax." [1d20=1]
[21:41] <Kotono> Morund>Antenora>Left Sahuagin(3)>Abagail=Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(2)
03[21:41] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Left Sahuagin(3)>Abagail=Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(2)'
[21:41] <Kotono> Morund advances and waits for the moment, while Antenora peels off! She goes to the left terrance, holy energy filling Darill before she charges the leftmost foe!
[21:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 (+2 weapon, +2 charge, -4 nonlethal, -4 PA)
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 (+2 weapon, +2 charge, -4 nonlethal, -4 PA) and gets 37." [1d20=20]
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 (+2 weapon, +2 charge, -4 nonlethal, -4 PA) oh for the love of shit
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 (+2 weapon, +2 charge, -4 nonlethal, -4 PA) oh for the love of shit and gets 19." [1d20=2]
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 4d8+76
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+76 and gets 85." [4d8=4, 1, 1, 3]
03[21:43] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Left Sahuagin(2)>Abagail=Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(2)'
03[21:45] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(2)'
[21:45] <Kotono> With a heavy blow that sends her target down like a pile of gold into Mammon's vault, Antenora utterly incapacitates her target! The two others gawk at her, before calling, "We need m-more reinforcements!" as they flee back into the cave they came from! "Now! They're mowing us down like shrimp!" OOC: Abagail and the sharks.
[21:47] <Kotono> Abagail makes a snapping gesture, as...
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 5." [1d4=4]
03[21:47] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Celestial Dolphins(5)>Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(2)'
03[21:48] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Celestial Dolphins(5)=Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(2)'
[21:48] <Kotono> Five gold and shining dolphins appear, going to deal with the pair of menaces on the right flank!
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 1
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 1
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 1 and gets 12." [1d20=6]
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 1 and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 2
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 2 and gets 17." [1d20=11]
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 2
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 2 and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 1
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 (Smite evil) Sahuagin 1 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 2d4+2
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+2 and gets 10." [2d4=4, 4]
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 4d4+4
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d4+4 and gets 12." [4d4=1, 2, 4, 1]
03[21:49] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Celestial Dolphins(5)=Sharks(4)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(1)'
[21:50] <Kotono> In the storm of golden fish, one of the sahuagin is knocked silly and out, battered hard in flashes of white! The other is only hit once, staggered horribly but staying upright! Meanwhile, the four large sharks tear ahead! The first goes right for Alicia, charging her!
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (+2 charge)
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 (+2 charge) and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[21:50] <Kotono> As this one is stopped with Alicia's feint and parry, a second goes up for Darill!
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 23." [1d20=12]
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d8+5
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+5 and gets 11." [1d8=6]
[21:51] <Kotono> It scores a bite on him, as the third swims upward and goes for Morund!
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30." [1d20=19]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d8+5 owwies
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+5 owwies and gets 9." [1d8=4]
[21:52] <Kotono> The last swims up and goes for Alicia as well!
[21:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15." [1d20=4]
[21:53] <Kotono> But this last is stopped! Xavier swims ahead, going to impale the side of the shark on Morund!
[21:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (-5 PA, swinging for the bleachers here)
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 (-5 PA, swinging for the bleachers here) and gets 12." [1d20=2]
[21:54] <Kotono> The spear grazes off it's side, however, just missing! OOC: Alicia. You have a pair of sharks saying hi to you.
06[21:55] * Alicia shows little mercy to mindless fish, her sharp blade leaving a trail of steaming bubbles as it scythes through the water with no resistance to tear them apart!
[21:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2 devotion animals
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+2 devotion animals and gets 4." [1d20=2]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 divine might
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 divine might and gets 36." [1d20=14]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 divine might
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 divine might and gets 36." [1d20=14]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 divine might
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 divine might and gets 26." [1d20=9]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 divine might
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 divine might and gets 21." [1d20=4]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 divine might
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 divine might and gets 30." [1d20=18]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 divine might
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 divine might and gets 22." [1d20=10]
[21:56] <Kotono> OOC: All hit.
[21:56] <Alicia> OOC: rolling seperately, once one dies I'll transfer attacks to the next
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+1d6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+1d6 and gets 23." [1d8=1][1d6=4]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+1d6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+1d6 and gets 26." [1d8=5][1d6=3]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+1d6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+1d6 and gets 22." [1d8=1][1d6=3]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+1d6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+1d6 and gets 24." [1d8=2][1d6=4]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+1d6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+1d6 and gets 22." [1d8=1][1d6=3]
[21:56] <Alicia> roll 1d8+18+1d6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+18+1d6 and gets 27." [1d8=7][1d6=2]
03[21:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Celestial Dolphins(5)=Sharks(2)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill>Below Sahuagin(5)>Right sahuagin(1)'
[21:57] <Kotono> Alicia aggressively tears the sharps apart, leaving little but blood and cartilidge in the water! Darill meanwhile busies himself with stabbing the shark on him, "Some support here," he calls, as he dodges a bite of his own!
[21:57] <Alicia> "This is for El Mysha!" Alicia yells as she eviscerates the deadly predators of the deep, wanting the sahaugin to know exactly what brought this on them.
[21:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 29." [1d20=18]
[21:58] <Kotono> roll 1d6+3
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+3 and gets 9." [1d6=6]
03[21:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Celestial Dolphins(5)=Sharks(2)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill'
[21:59] <Kotono> He scores a solid if not decisive wound on it's side, as the five sahuagin below hesitate! "No good, they're too much!" The one with the gold trident says with fury, "Fall back!" With that, the line of them do just that, sinking deeper into the canyon! The one surviving sahuagin on the right withdraws, flying back into the caves he came from! OOC: Morund is up.
[21:59] <Kotono> Morund flanks with Xavier, taking a swipe at the shark's side!
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 26." [1d20=14]
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d6+3d6+4
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+3d6+4 and gets 17." [1d6=4][3d6=2, 1, 6]
[22:01] <Kotono> He gets a shot right in it's head, tearing deeply into it! Antenora, at this, turns away and goes to assist the two as Morund is healed!
[22:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (+2 charge, +2 weapon, -10 PA)
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 (+2 charge, +2 weapon, -10 PA) and gets 27." [1d20=12]
[22:01] <Kotono> roll 2d8+62
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+62 and gets 66." [2d8=1, 3]
03[22:01] * Kotono changes topic to 'Morund>Antenora>Abagail=Celestial Dolphins(5)=Sharks(1)>Xavier>Alicia>Darill'
[22:03] <Kotono> The shark is ripped in the center, impaled and bleeding all over as it thrashes about in it's death throes! Abagail snorts, gesturing to the dolphins, who swim down into the depths to follow the retreating forces! The last shark roars, turning away and going for the most blood - where Alicias wims, having torn apart two sharks!
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[22:03] <Kotono> This doesn't work out so well for it, leaving it close and a miss, as Xavier swims a little below, preparing! OOC: Alicia, you're up. I think we know what's about to happen to Mr. Shar.
[22:03] <Kotono> Shark.
06[22:04] * Alicia slices downwards at the shark, hoping split its head apart in one decisive strike!
[22:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 -13pa
06[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 -13pa and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[22:05] <Alicia> roll 1d8+39+1d6
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+39+1d6 and gets 48." [1d8=4][1d6=5]
[22:12] <Kotono> Alicia does just that! With that move, the battle is over once more! OOC: Free act for the moment.
[22:13] <Alicia> "Anyone needs healing, say so now?" Alicia invites in the lull before they press the attack, ignoring her own little scratch.
[22:13] <Kotono> "I'm fine," Darill calls, "I've had worse sparring!"
[22:14] <Alicia> "Then lets press on before they can fortify themselves, or spirit Gluark away from here," Alicia urges, starting to descend but still pacing herself so the others aren't left behind.
[22:16] <Kotono> Thus you swim down! Two more terrances down, no sign of immediate reinforcements. But as you swim by, "Ho!" A sahuagin calls from the cave of the fourth terrance. "W-wait. I have a message for you, intruders, from Gluark!"
[22:17] <Alicia> "Speak! We have business with the coward for his unprovoked attack on My Elsha!" Alicia barks in reply.
[22:19] <Alicia> OOC: that
[22:19] <Alicia> OOC: El Mysha
[22:19] <Kotono> "Gluark would like to parley with you," he says, "Over just that very matter."
[22:21] <Alicia> "Lead us to him, then," Alicia replies, the churning steam around Hell Striker ceasing as she douses the blade's flames, levelling a warning glare at the sharkman. "But there had better be no tricks."
[22:22] <Kotono> He swims out and to the party, bowing, "T-this way," he says, heading down. "As long as I lead ahead, there shouldn't be any problems."
[22:23] <Alicia> "For your sake there had best not be," Alicia assures him, gesturing for the others to follow her but keeping a wary eye out.
[22:25] <Kotono> You are lead deeper into the canyon, several levels transversed. On reaching the bottom, you are taken past sahuagin and sharks held at bay. You are taken into a deep, winding cave, past yet more guards. Eventually, you come into a large, pleasant room. The walls are decorated with coral, a few hidden sorces of light glowing beyond the delicate decoration. A stone throne is here, a slender, small sahuagin sitting in it. He looks indolent and sl
[22:26] <Kotono>  A stone throne is here, a slender, small sahuagin sitting in it. He looks indolent and sleepy. Waving a hand as bubbles come from his mouth, "You came about that village in the bay?"
[22:26] <Kotono> A pair of large sahuagin stand on either side of his throne, but otherwise the room is quiet.
[22:26] <Alicia> "You are Gluark?" Alicia asks, eyeing the sahaugin. He's not really what she expected. Naturally she checks for evil.
[22:27] <Kotono> "Yeah," he smothers a yawn in his hand. "The one and only. You're Alicia Reynes and company? A bunch of surface dwelllers on vacation?"
[22:31] <Alicia> "It would behoove you to quell any smart-mouthed impulses you may have, Gluark, when your life hangs in the balance," Alicia warns. "El Mysha is under our protection - your attack failed, but the fact that you even attempted it is intolerable."
[22:32] <Kotono> Yawning again, "It seems so, yes. That bay would make a pleasant pearl in my collection, but it seems that it's out of my reach. Ah well, no harm, no foul. You're going to swim out of here with an agreement that I'll leave the bay alone and you'll leave me and my enterprises alone."
[22:34] <Kotono> Xavier scowls and then gapes at him, holding his tongue with a stormy expression.
[22:34] <Kotono> "You're so confident to border on the absurd. You're not the one to be dictating terms here," Abagail laughs.
[22:35] <Alicia> "The people killed in your ill-advised attack would beg to differ with your appraisal," Alicia replies cooly. "As it is, an example must be made, lest every other petty warlord would think they can get away with such foolishness and suffer naught for it."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Ah, examples." Going to lie acros his throne, head supported up by his hand as he looks supremely sleepy, "You're a bright girl. What sort of example will be made if you attack me here. Oh, certainly, you'll kill me. I'm not a weakling, but I know my betters in battle. Of course..." After a long, horriblly sleep inducing yawn, "What about the prisoners I have here, held at swordpoint. The moment a ruckus is detected in the throne room or somet
[22:38] <Kotono> The moment a ruckus is detected in the throne room or something goes awry, there's standing orders to kill them. Oh, and of course, all the friends I have in Oceanoholm. A slow, steady trickle of assassiations from the sea. Little air breathers, found floating like a dead fish in the bay, face down. So please, tell me more of your examples."
[22:40] <Alicia> "Oh, we can do far, *far* worse than kill you," Alicia promises grimly. "You really have no idea what you've landed yourself in. But first of all..." her eyes glint dangerously as she puts potent magical force behind her words, "I'd suggest you order the release of your prisoners."
[22:40] <Alicia> OOC: DC 22 will
[22:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20." [1d20=9]
[22:42] <Kotono> "Ah yes, that would be agreeable," he straightens up, "Guards, would you do what she says? It seems like a fine idea."
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30." [1d20=19]
[22:43] <Kotono> Antenora cracks a tiny smile at that, 'Well done,' She thinks to Alicia.
[22:43] <Kotono> Darill snorts at that, but stays otherwise quiet.
[22:44] <Alicia> 'It was quite satisfying,' Alicia replies to Antenora, waiting for the guards to follow Gluark's orders.
[22:45] <Kotono> "On second thought," Gluark yawns as they gawk and start to go, "Belay that order." He sits up straight now, "Oh, that was very good of you. You almost had me. Beauty and brains, I'm impressed."
[22:46] <Kotono> After a moment, "If I give that order or anything like it again, kill the prisoners," he appends.
06[22:48] * Alicia allows a slight frown. "Alternatively, I could simply use the same trick to have your own guards gut you," she informs him menacingly. "We've been very nice and only fought to incapacitate the warriors we've faced up till now, but now the lives of any we fight are forfeit."
[22:48] <Alicia> She levels a stare at the guards, wanting them to understand how dire their situation is. "Consider carefully the value of your own lives when following his orders."
[22:50] <Kotono> "So? The order's given. No matter what, if you don't adopt a better tune..." Yawning as he draws a finger across his throat, "The prisoners become part of the great circle of life. Understand that, you two?" OOC: Make an intimidation check, Alicia?
[22:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 32." [1d20=12]
[22:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 27." [1d20=17]
06[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 14." [1d20=4]
[22:52] <Kotono> The two guards shrink and shiver at Alicia's gaze, looking back and forth between Gluark and Alicia! They are utterly paralyzed, stark terror showing!
06[22:54] * Alicia smiles ferally. "It seems your word isn't worth much, Gluark. They know not to fight on the losing side. Of course, your associates in Oceanholm can do as they please - they'll be brought to account just as you if they try anything. But if harm comes to your prisoners? You'll only *wish* I'd killed you."
[22:56] <Kotono> OOC: Intimidation again?
[22:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 24." [1d20=4]
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 34." [1d20=19]
[22:59] <Kotono> Gluark laughs a little, his yawns ceasing. "What's the worst you can do, hm? Make my bed and cook me dinner?" He springs up, flipping through the water, to land standing on his throne. "If you're going to, attack me. If not, leave. I'm growing tired of this."
[23:00] <Kotono> Abagail nearly chokes, "You impudent little FISH!"
[23:00] <Kotono> 'Any ideas?' Antenora asks tersely inside Alicia's mind.
[23:00] <Kotono> Morund crosses his arms, spear held askance, "I'd say you're sounding desperate, not tired."
[23:05] <Alicia> "I'm going to go and find the prisoners. This fine gentleman will lead me to them," Alicia replies with a dark smile, indicating the guard on the left. "His friend on will swim ahead and warn the guards that if any harm comes to the prisoners, the consequences will be very dire. Then I'll come back here to finish our conversation."
[23:05] <Alicia> She pauses for effect, "Anyone who attempts to stop me will die. I can't promise it will be painless."
[23:06] <Kotono> Gluark scowls, "I said not! Men, you know what you need to do!" A hint of menace lies in those words! OOC: I'm going to hav eyou roll and opposed charisma check to him.
[23:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8
06[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10." [1d20=2]
[23:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
06[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7." [1d20=6]
[23:07] <Kotono> The guard on the left shudders and shivers, before nodding to Alicia! Without looking back, the one at the rights wims off in a furious panic, out of the room!
[23:08] <Alicia> "I hope he warns his friends in time," Alicia smiles gently. "I'd so hate to have to slaughter them. Will the rest of you stay here and keep Mr Gluark entertained until I get back?" she asks, drifting back to the door.
[23:09] <Kotono> Antenora smiles darkly, twisting into a mocking smirk. "Oh yes. I may not look like it, but I know ALL about Hell." Antenora looks Gluark right in the eye, "Before you think fo anything else, let me tell you what's waiting for you if I have to put a spear between your worthless ribs."
[23:10] <Kotono> "Or about how well you'll fry with electricity, like a fish on a grill," Abagail smirks as well.
[23:11] <Kotono> Gluark sputters once, "How dare you!" he gawks at the guards, "W-Where are you going?!"
06[23:11] * Alicia trusts that the four of them can easily handle the warlord if he acts up, and serenely follows her guard to find the prisoners. At least outwardly, inwardly she's worried her gamble will fail, but it's looking good so far, and maintaining a confident front will hopefully assure its success.
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 (Ruling a total of +8 bonuses between what you've done+other stuff)
06[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 (Ruling a total of +8 bonuses between what you've done+other stuff) and gets 26." [1d20=10]
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[23:12] <Kotono> OOC: +4,b ut moot.
[23:13] <Kotono> Alicia is lead along by the guard. Several sahuagin stare, but none dare cross your path! You are lead deeper in, to a blocekd off cave with a crude door. Several soldiers wait here, but your escort says, "I-In the name of L-Lord Glua-ark...open and free them," he says, "Or else!"
[23:14] <Alicia> "You really don't want to know what 'what else' means," Alicia addresses them with an unsettling smile on her lips, a gout of steam clouding the blades of her sword momentarily as she ignites them for a fraction of a second.
[23:16] <Kotono> The sahuagin scurry to open the door! Inside, you can see several dozen mermen, sahuagin and sea elves inside. They all look miserable and thin, little if any clothing and several bruises on them.
[23:18] <Alicia> "You're all free to go," Alicia addresses the prisoners. "I am confident your captors will have more sense than to harm you at this point, but if you come with me I will guarantee your safety."
[23:20] <Kotono> A few of them come out, in ones and twos. Many of them are beaten and bloodied, leaning on each other as they stumble out in disbelief. "Who are you?" One woman, moving slow with a large stomach fortelling a coming birth, asks. "A...are we getting out of here?"
[23:22] <Alicia> "My name is Alicia Reynes," Alicia replies, moving amongst the prisoners and using a touch of spellfire on each of the most wounded to try and perk them up. "Gluark attacked the community of El Mysha and is being brought to account for it - his followers are being given mercy on the understanding that they not follow his doomed example," she concludes, sweeping her gaze over the resident guards.
[23:23] <Kotono> Thanks drown Alicia as the men and women stagger out. A few embrace her, crying openly. The soldiers stand, petrified and looking away.
06[23:25] * Alicia returns a few hugs here and there, before guiding the prisoners back towards Gluark's throneroom. She idly wonders if her friends have had to kill him, yet.
[23:26] <Kotono> Gluark sits on his throne, gripping it's edges with his hands. Antenora sits on his lap, running her fingers over his chin with an evil smirk. Abagail sits on the other rail, yawning and looking so terribly bored. Xavier keeps a watch at the door, while Morund and Darill stand in front of the throne, chatting quietly.
[23:27] <Kotono> "Oh there you are, Captain." Xavier stands aside.
[23:27] <Kotono> Morund grins from ear to ear, "Captain, I think he's ready to listen to reason. We've had the most enlightening conversation while you were gone."
[23:28] <Alicia> "He hasn't given you any trouble, I presume?" Alicia asks, resisting the urge to laugh at the scene before her.
[23:28] <Kotono> "Oh no, we're still talking." Antenora purrs, "He's so curious about Baator! I just can't help but tell him more and more!"
[23:28] <Kotono> "None at all, Captain," Xavier echos.

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kotono> <Alicia> "My name is Alicia Reynes," Alicia replies, moving amongst the prisoners and using a touch of spellfire on each of the most wounded to try and perk them up. "Gluark attacked the community of El Mysha and is being brought to account for it - his followers are being given mercy on the understanding that they not follow his doomed example," she concludes, sweeping her gaze over the resident guards.
[20:06] <Kotono> > Thanks drown Alicia as the men and women stagger out. A few embrace her, crying openly. The soldiers stand, petrified and looking away.
[20:06] <Kotono> * Alicia returns a few hugs here and there, before guiding the prisoners back towards Gluark's throneroom. She idly wonders if her friends have had to kill him, yet.
[20:06] <Kotono> > Gluark sits on his throne, gripping it's edges with his hands. Antenora sits on his lap, running her fingers over his chin with an evil smirk. Abagail sits on the other rail, yawning and looking so terribly bored. Xavier keeps a watch at the door, while Morund and Darill stand in front of the throne, chatting quietly.
[20:06] <Kotono> > "Oh there you are, Captain." Xavier stands aside.
[20:06] <Kotono> > Morund grins from ear to ear, "Captain, I think he's ready to listen to reason. We've had the most enlightening conversation while you were gone."
[20:06] <Kotono> <Alicia> "He hasn't given you any trouble, I presume?" Alicia asks, resisting the urge to laugh at the scene before her.
[20:06] <Kotono> > "Oh no, we're still talking." Antenora purrs, "He's so curious about Baator! I just can't help but tell him more and more!"
[20:06] <Kotono> > "None at all, Captain," Xavier echos.
[20:09] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods. "Okay, before anything else we really need to get these people back to their homes," she turns to the assembled former prisoners. "Are you all from the same town? Is it near here?" she asks the mistreated group.
[20:10] <Kotono> The prisoners glare at Gluark. From one beaten merman, "You BASTARD!" he says, "What did we ever do to you?"
[20:11] <Kotono> Another hisses but responds to Alicia, "We're all from surrounding villages or small families. Easy pickings for a warlord."
[20:11] <Kotono> Gluark stays rigid still, eyes as wide as dinner plates.
[20:13] <Alicia> "Well, Gluark certainly won't be harming anyone ever again," Alicia briefly turns to regard the warlord for a moment. "And hopefully this will serve as an object lesson for any who would hope to fill his shoes."
[20:13] <Alicia> "On that note, though... lets all go outside," she suggests, intending to get Gluark's former minions to spread the word en route so that they'll all gather out in the open where she can address them. "Antenora, would you restrain Gluark and drag him along as well?"
[20:13] <Kotono> Antenora continues to stroke under his chin, giggling now. "They're so happy to bring your sins home, Gluark! You could have an express ticket to Caina right now! Isn't that a good idea?" Nodding to Alicia, "Of course." She readies her rope and gets to tying him up. Abagail hops off, as Morund approaches, "Ma'am?"
[20:15] <Alicia> "These people were surely robbed," Alicia indicates the prisoners at Morund's questioning. "First we need to ensure they have their belongings returned to them, then ensure they safely return to their homes. And I want to make sure all the bandits here understand exactly what awaits them if they continue their lifestyle."
[20:16] <Kotono> "Of course," he agrees, saluting. So Gluark and company head outside, everyone gathering...OOC: Go ahead and set yourself up here, Alicia, you have something in mind?
[20:24] <Alicia> Casting Voice of the Archon first, Alicia gets everyone outside as she planned. Once everyone's gathered, the paladin literally glows in the hazy darkness of the undersea canyon, drawing all eyes to herself as she displays Gluark's beaten form before both his followers and his victims.
[20:24] <Alicia> "This is the fate of those who seek to profit on the suffering and loss of others!" she declares. "Gluark thought he was mighty. Thought he was above repercussions. He was wrong. Think long and hard any of you who would hope to follow in his footsteps - no matter what temporary pleasures you might enjoy, justice *will* catch up."
[20:24] <Alicia> "We have shown mercy to you, his followers, this day, in hopes that you will take careful heed of what has transpired. If you choose to live peacefully and productively from here on, you will have our blessings. But rest assured, we *will* be watching, and will not tolerate continued aggression."
[20:24] <Alicia> She stops at that, sweeping her gaze across the assembled bandits to see how their taking her ultimatum, her expression not one forgiving of any dissent.
[20:26] <Kotono> The powerful words rip through the men, eyes on Alicia and the bound, dazed Gluark. Many are afraid, some shamed, others terrified. The prisoners look at Gluark and the various assembled men at arms with disgust and loathing, simmering like a magma boil ready to burst.
[20:30] <Alicia> "Now, I've no doubt you've hoarded your shamefully taken treasure, so each of these unfortunates you've victimised are going to tell us exactly what you stole from them, and you're going to go and get it from wherever you store such things and return it to its rightful owner."
[20:30] <Alicia> With the law laid down, she has the prisoners go over their losses and instructs a group of bandits to go about retrieving them.
[20:36] <Kotono> As this happens, Xavier swims over to Alicia, "Ma'am," he salutes again, "How much longer will our enchantment to breathe underwater last?"
[20:39] <Alicia> "The four of you have about three or four hours left," Alicia replies quietly, thinking back to the times given by Seira. "I'll teleport you back to the sea elf village long before that, but I want to make sure these people are safely on their way first."
[20:40] <Kotono> "Of course, ma'am," Xavier agrees. "Ah, may I speak freely?"
06[20:41] * Alicia inclines her head, curious as to what he has to say that protocol might ordinarily stop him.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Well..." He coughs, "I just want to say it was an honor to fight with you. The senior members of the guard are always off doing things we can barely believe. You're as formidable as Sir Demedais says."
[20:49] <Alicia> "Don't sell yourself short, ensign. You'd have given me a run for my money two years ago," Alicia gives him a faint smile, "And you're far younger, too. It's a credit to Demedais's skill at training you, and I'll be giving you all commendations in my report."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Thank you, ma'am," A smile blooms on his face. Meanwhile, under glares and work, goods are turned. The beaten prisoners get clothes and wealth, loading up.
[20:54] <Alicia> Once everyone looks to have had their belongings returned, Alicia instructs her followers to aid any of the prisoners who look to need assistance (except Antenora who's got Gluark on a leash), herself offering a hand to the heavily pregnant sea-elf.
[20:54] <Alicia> "We're leaving now," she informs the bandits with a cold edge of steel in her voice. "Remember what I said, remember what has happened today. And do not give us reason to return."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Thank you..." The woman says, "...May I talk to you, please," she asks, "It's about...." she looks down at her belly.
[20:56] <Alicia> "Is it close?" Alicia asks softly as they start to slowly swim out of the canyon. If she were human Alicia might say so, but who knows with elves?
[20:58] <Kotono> "No...I mean...it's about...who put me like this," she says. "...I...When I was taken..." She closes her eyes tightly, "During your speech, I saw him. He's still here. Will you...will you please make sure he meets justice?"
[21:00] <Alicia> "You've been... you've been held for that long?" Alicia's eyes widen as her decision to show mercy on the bandits is harshly tested.
[21:01] <Kotono> She nods, "They just left me in there. I...I just want to go home now, but can you do something about him? My child..." her hands go to her stomach, "A half breed with never fit in and never be accepted, but...could you at least make it so that I can tell my child that justice exists?"
06[21:02] * Alicia looks back down at the bandits, not very far away due to the need to match speed with the three armoured humans. "Point him out," she asks gently.
[21:03] <Kotono> She does so. One in the back, a sahuagin much like the rest. He looks afraid and anxious. She only does it for a moment, keeping to Alicia's side.
[21:05] <Alicia> "You!" Alicia calls down, pointing to the one indicated. "Come here!"
[21:10] <Kotono> With a visible start, the sahuagin looks away a moment, before approaching. With a slight glare, "What do you want?" he asks, as the pregnant woman hides behind Alicia.
[21:12] <Alicia> "This woman says that you violated her," Alicia replies curtly. "My mercy only extends so far. What do you have to say in your defence?"
[21:14] <Kotono> With a growl, "Hey, you said we'd be able to leave! So what if I did? It happens. It's part of pillaging."
[21:20] <Alicia> "Oh, I'll let you leave," Alicia promises with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "But since what you did can't be remedied as easily as giving some personal belongings back, I'm afraid another penance must be exacted." She turns to the other former prisoners. "Did anyone else suffer 'that part of pillaging'? Speak now and identify the perpetrators."
[21:22] <Kotono> A few of the women come forward. One looks like she may be in a family way as well, though most aren't, at least visibly. None meet Alicia's eyes, most blushing or starting to tear up.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Tsh," Hissing, and with open, shaking fear, "W=-what the hell do you think you're going to do to me?"
[21:23] <Alicia> OOC: are they all pointing at this dude?
[21:24] <Kotono> OOC: Non are pointing, feel free to ask them to point out the do-er, though.
[21:25] <Kotono> OOC: Oh.
[21:25] <Kotono> Of the pointing, one is to the same one, though five others are identified.
06[21:26] * Alicia orders the other five to come and join this one currently with her.
[21:29] <Kotono> They slink forward, six in total now. None look happy, most look terrified of Alicia.
[21:31] <Alicia> "Have the rest of you anything to say in your defence?" Alicia asks, sorely tempted to just kill them all in spite of her declaration to show mercy.
[21:32] <Kotono> One speaks up, "...I'm sorry..." is all he says, keeping his gaze at his feet. None of the others offer anything, looks of alternating terror and panic and hate.
06[21:37] * Alicia takes a deep bubbly underwater breath. "I said I would not kill any of you, and I won't. But your actions cannot go by with a simple warning." She turns to the distraught and violated women, expression softening as she addresses them.
[21:37] <Alicia> "As the victims, you must decide their fates. I like to believe that people can change, and mercy is an ideal to aspire to - but I have not suffered as you have."
[21:38] <Kotono> The pregnant woman gasps as well, "It's our choice?" she asks, "We can decide...whatever we want?"
06[21:40] * Alicia nods grimly. "Their lives are in your hands."
[21:46] <Kotono> The women all talk for a time. The men are anxious and look amid themselves, while Antenora swims up to Alicia. 'Gluark's starting to stir a little more. I don't think we can keep him intimidated forever, so he'll be a bit more of a handful once he starts thinking rationally.'
[21:48] <Alicia> 'Don't worry, we'll be teleporting to El Mysha soon, he can be incarcarated there,' Alicia replies to Antenora, keeping an eye on the rapists as their victims deliberate.
[21:51] <Kotono> The pregnant one comes forward to Alicia. "We've decided," she says, and then quietly to her, "...We want them gone. Forever." Heavy emphasis is on the last word.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Very well," Alicia nods. Since she just said that she wouldn't kill any of them, she has to be held to that. On the other hand, she's somewhat loathe to delegate the responsibility, and making the victims do it would be too cruel... After a moment's thought, she comes to a decision.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Alright, you six are coming with us. Everyone, we're leaving," she gets Abagail to help her in corralling the rapists, leaving the three ensigns to assist the former prisoners who need it the most.
[22:05] <Kotono> The party does so, liningup. The six look nearly panicked, though Abagail and a few sparks, as well as Alicia's gaze keeps them inline.
06[22:06] * Alicia has her large party leave the canyon, starting to head for the nearest settlement as indicated by the former prisoners and getting some distance away from Gluark's base of operations before anything else.
[22:07] <Kotono> The nearest settlement is about two hours away from here. Alicia can go to it or as close to it as she likes.
06[22:10] * Alicia only continues for about twenty minutes until they're well clear away from the canyon before she starts with the rest of the plan. "Right, since not all of us can breathe water, this is where we part," she begins. "First I'll teleport you four plus Gluark to El Mysha," she gestures to her group sans Antenora. "Then I'll return to deal with those six," she adds in a lower voice.
[22:10] <Alicia> "Due to my limited spells remaining, Antenora and I won't return to the bay until tomorrow. If I don't return within a few minutes, Antenora, it means I went off target and you'll have to take matters into your own hands."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Understood." Antenora nods to Alicia. 'Do you mean to kill them?' she asks a split second later.
[22:15] <Alicia> 'Their fates are sealed, one way or another,' Alicia replies, spending a few minutes to familiarise herself with the terrain before she gathers her first indicated group and teleports them to the front door of Darlina's home, aiming for a familiar spot.
[22:15] <Alicia> roll 1d100 very familiar
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 very familiar and gets 78." [1d100=78]
[22:15] <Kotono> The elven village is bustling right now. Guards patrol, people about. Including two sea elves who gawk as Alicia and company appear right in front of them!
[22:17] <Alicia> "See to Gluark's confinement," Alicia tells Xavier. "His fate lies in the hands of those he wronged." She doesn't linger, instead teleporting right back while her mental image is still fresh in mind.
[22:17] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually, maybe studied carefully if one round of looking away is more or less the same as currently looking?
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually, maybe studied carefully if one round of looking away is more or less the same as currently looking? and gets 96." [1d100=96]
[22:18] <Alicia> OOC: Fuck. Off target or similar area.
[22:18] <Kotono> roll 1d10 In this case I'll give you benefit of the doubt
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 In this case I'll give you benefit of the doubt and gets 5." [1d10=5]
[22:18] <Kotono> roll 1d10 In this case I'll give you benefit of the doubt
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 In this case I'll give you benefit of the doubt and gets 9." [1d10=9]
[22:18] <Kotono> roll 1d9
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 and gets 3." [1d9=3]
[22:20] <Kotono> There is a problem. Namely, Alicia is standing in thick forest. Forest as far as the eye can see and then some! This isn't underwater, something that Alicia's sea elven lungs can appreciate, the drier air not as pleasant to breathe as water.
06[22:20] * Alicia coughs up the water currently in her lungs and swears as she looks around, wringing out her clothes and taking off her boots to tip the water out of them before using a cantrip to dry herself off fully.
[22:21] <Kotono> It looks like a chunk of forest lands. Perhaps the Barbarian Lands? No civilization is in sight at all.
[22:21] <Alicia> Once dry she returns to human form, sighing and casting Fly so she can take off and ascend above the tree canopy. Might as well see where she is, not like she can actually do anything now.
[22:23] <Kotono> Alicia is in the middle of aw hole lot of forest. To the west, she can distantly see what looks to be the ocean, but it's quite a ways away.
[22:24] <Alicia> Any other interesting landmarks in the vicinity she might kill time by investigating since she can't do much else till tomorrow?
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: Make a spot and listen check?
[22:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spot
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spot and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[22:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 listen
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 listen and gets 17." [1d20=10]
[22:24] <Kotono> Alicia spots what look sto be a little grove in the forest. It stands out a bit, a gap in them to let in sunlight without canopy.
06[22:25] * Alicia marks the direction and lands before she sets off on foot towards the grove. Might as well occupy herself somehow...
[22:27] <Kotono> The grove is sunny and full of wildflowers, as far as Alicia can see. In it, several women frolic. These women are long haired and clad in simple clothes. Amid them a few elves play, as well as what look to be a couple of pixies. Pan pipes can be heard as well, coming from the forest somewhere.
06[22:29] * Alicia isn't really in the mood for frolicking and fun, so she backs off, instead just finding a place to settle down and relax just out of earshot of the grove. Might as well just cool her heels and set up camp when evening approaches. Hopefully Antenora can get home okay, although she'll try teleporting to that spot in the morning just in case the erinyes chose to wait by hovering above the waves.
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 17." [1d100=17]
[22:35] <Kotono> The night passes without incident. Alicia sleeps and dreams...dreaming of a garden's hedge maze, of a beautiful, rose tinted realm. Of a woman's laughter, like intoxicating sonic wine. It is a pleasant, hot blur. As she awakens in the morning, she can remember, "Oh Alicia...so beautiful. To sleep, perchance to dream again, away from your mundane life?" G'renna's voice. Alicia is sure of it. "I'm still here...if you ever change your mind." She c
[22:35] <Kotono> "I'm still here...if you ever change your mind." She can almost swear that was said out loud, as she rises from her slumber. She can see G'renna in her mind's eye, as if she was just besides her. "We could have so much FUN."
06[22:37] * Alicia wakes quickly to full alertness, sitting up and looking around warily. "G'renna?" she asks in faint disbelief.
[22:38] <Kotono> Just the forest. Just Alicia alone, yet she can remember the dream's moments with an odd vivid clarity.
[22:39] <Alicia> Well... that was too many words for a sending spell. Alicia looks around in all directions for any evil auras. "Hell Striker, do you sense anything around here?" she asks her sword for a second opinion. "Or did you sense anything a minute ago?"
[22:40] <Kotono> 'No evil,' Hell Striker reports, as does her own vision. The forest looks serene enough on a glance..OOC: Spot if you like
[22:40] <Kotono> ?
[22:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 26." [1d20=19]
[22:40] <Kotono> Alicia doesn'ts ee anything awry. A few birds are chirping, a deer is just out of sight in the foliage, but no signs of succubi.
[22:41] <Alicia> Lastly Alicia casts detect magic, in case any lingering auras from some sort of interplanar communication linger on her.
[22:42] <Kotono> There is a fading aura around Alicia.
[22:42] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[22:43] <Alicia> "You little sneak!" Alicia glowers at nothing in particular, at least relieved it wasn't a product of her own imagination. Regardless she has more pressing matters to deal with. First of all she casts alter self to assume the form of a sea elf, and her typical early morning greater magic weapon on Hell Striker. Then she teleports to where she left Antenora yesterday.
[22:43] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 36." [1d100=36]
[22:44] <Kotono> Woosh! Alicia appears in the drink! Nothing of note is around - it's pretty quiet here. Just ocean and fish and a bit of seaweed.
06[22:44] * Alicia swims up to the surface of the water and looks around on the off chance her friend is flying nearby.
[22:45] <Kotono> No sign of Antenora about. The sky is slate gray - looks like rain's coming.
[22:46] <Alicia> Okay. Next she swims down back to the seabed and circles around a wide one hundred feet perimeter to see if there's any sign that Antenora sanctioned the six rapists in her absence.
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC: Make a spot check?
[22:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 15." [1d20=8]
[22:47] <Kotono> Alicia doesn't find any sign of it. No disturbed seabed, no bodies about.
[22:48] <Alicia> Hmmm... it's possible she saw to disposing them, or even that some sharks came along and ate the corpses entire. Alas there's nothing Alicia can do here, so she teleports to just outside her front door back home, not wanting to soak the floor inside.
[22:48] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[22:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 24." [1d100=24]
[22:49] <Kotono> Woosh! Alicia is home now, in all her wet elven glory. The morning streets have a few people passing. You get a gawk from a young man, "Holy Helm it's a sea elf out of thin air?!"
06[22:51] * Alicia gives him a little wave as she reverts back to plain old human Alicia, using a cantrip to dry herself off before she unlocks the door and heads inside. "Anybody home?"
[22:52] <Kotono> From upstairs and distant, "Alicia?" Jessica calls back.
06[22:53] * Alicia heads up the stairs. "I'm back. Has there been any sign of Marie?"
[22:54] <Kotono> As Alicia does, "I'll be downstairs in a minute, sister!" she calls, "Marie's been out this morning! Sit down and I'll make you some breakfast when I come down!"
[22:56] <Alicia> "Actually I need to go ask Shankar to cast a sending to find out where Antenora is - take your time and I'll be back in quarter of an hour," Alicia calls back to her sister, heading back out and going to the temple next door.
[22:57] <Kotono> Finding Shankar is luckily without incident. He's in the main alter room, coming away from it towards Alicia. "You're back already," he greets, "I heard you were gone to deal with that incident in the bay."
[22:58] <Alicia> "Good morning," Alicia greets the priest before explaining, "It was resolved swiftly, although the aftermath needs to be attended to. I had to teleport repeatedly and my last one took me off target, leaving Antenora behind. Could you try a Sending spell to ask her where she is and make sure she's okay?"

[Corwin]

[17:09] <Kotono> * Alicia gives him a little wave as she reverts back to plain old human Alicia, using a cantrip to dry herself off before she unlocks the door and heads inside. "Anybody home?"
[17:09] <Kotono> > From upstairs and distant, "Alicia?" Jessica calls back.
[17:09] <Kotono> * Alicia heads up the stairs. "I'm back. Has there been any sign of Marie?"
[17:09] <Kotono> > As Alicia does, "I'll be downstairs in a minute, sister!" she calls, "Marie's been out this morning! Sit down and I'll make you some breakfast when I come down!"
[17:09] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Actually I need to go ask Shankar to cast a sending to find out where Antenora is - take your time and I'll be back in quarter of an hour," Alicia calls back to her sister, heading back out and going to the temple next door.
[17:09] <Kotono> > Finding Shankar is luckily without incident. He's in the main alter room, coming away from it towards Alicia. "You're back already," he greets, "I heard you were gone to deal with that incident in the bay."
[17:09] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Good morning," Alicia greets the priest before explaining, "It was resolved swiftly, although the aftermath needs to be attended to. I had to teleport repeatedly and my last one took me off target, leaving Antenora behind. Could you try a Sending spell to ask her where she is and make sure she's okay?"
[17:14] <Kotono> "Certainly," Shankar agrees, thet wo going to do just that. "The message?"
06[17:16] * Alicia thinks for a moment, bearing in mind the word limit before saying, "Antenora, are you alright? If there are any landmarks nearby Alicia can try teleporting to you. Otherwise can you fly home okay?"
[17:22] <Kotono> Thus, Shankar casts! When it's done, "She says, 'I'll return by the end of the day, don't worry.
[17:22] <Kotono> "
06[17:24] * Alicia looks relieved. "Good. Thank you, Shankar," she smiles at the priest. "The teleport spell is wondrously convenient, but when it takes you off target it's anything but."
[17:28] <Kotono> "I've read stories about it," he agrees, "Mastering that magic is difficult, even when you've reached the fifth circle. Not until the seventh is is reliable."
[17:30] <Alicia> "That's still some ways off for me, but maybe one day..." Alicia agrees with a trace of wistfulness. "Anyway, I'd better get going. I need to check in at El Mysha and make my report to the commander. I'll talk to you later," she gives him a wave before heading out. But first she goes home for breakfast.
[17:35] <Kotono> OOC: Want to skip along?
[17:36] <Alicia> OOC: Sure. I'll turn back into a sea elf after breakfast then go visit the village to make sure everything's cool there
[17:36] <Kotono> OOC: Before or after you report?
[17:37] <Alicia> OOC: Before. I want to know what's up there before I fill in the Commander
[17:41] <Kotono> El Mysha is still on alert. But now it's a more lively one, smiles and celebration tentatively mixing with open relief. Many see Alicia and openly cheer or wave to her.  Oolu comes out from the caves amid the cheering, all smiles. "Oh Alicia!"
[17:42] <Alicia> "Hello, Oolu," Alicia swims over to the elemental. "Sorry I wasn't able to stay for long after dropping off Gluark yesterday. I trust all is well?"
[17:46] <Kotono> "Oh yes, very well." Once close, he gives Alicia a warm embrace, a bit lingering. "With Gluark in our hands and visible support, all the tension from the attack is melting away."
06[17:49] * Alicia tolerates the hug, so long as it isn't too touchy. "What will you do with him?" she asks as they part.
[17:53] <Kotono> It's not too touchy, not quite. Kinda flowy and watery all over, but then again, Alicia is underwater. "Some sort of public trial or condemnation. Maybe an exile, maybe imprisonment, maybe execution. I'd prefer to avoid the last one if I can.
[17:53] <Kotono> "
[17:56] <Alicia> "It's distasteful but sometimes necessary," Alicia replies. "Did the others from Balmuria head up to the boats on the surface?"
[17:57] <Kotono> "They did," Oolu agrees, "Oh, Darlina's going to be happy to see you, too. If you have time today, go visit her? Anyway, things are under control here. I'm not going to detain you all day."
[17:58] <Alicia> "I'll check in with the boats first then I'll visit her," Alicia replies, kicking her feet and starting to ascend. "I'll see you later, Oolu."
[18:01] <Kotono> Swimming up, Alicia breaks the surface! She finds three boats out here, spotters calling out that a sea elf has emerged to the surface.
06[18:02] * Alicia waves and swims over to the nearest one so she can climb up. "It's me, Captain Reynes," she calls.
[18:04] <Kotono> The spotters salute, a rope latter lowered to let her climb up. Once she does so, she finds Abagail waiting nearby.
[18:05] <Alicia> "Good morning, Abagail," Alicia greets the mage as Marie also flies over from a nearby boat to greet her mistress. "Oolu already told me everything was under control down below, I assume things are fine up here as well?"
[18:06] <Kotono> "Yes. No problems and nothing has gone wrong. I can get the ship's captaint o come if you'd like a detailed situational report, but I heard it this morning. It's about what Is aid now."
[18:08] <Alicia> "There's no need for firm details on nothing, no," Alicia cracks a smile. "My teleport back to rejoin Antenora went awry yesterday and I ended up in Pallanth, but a Sending confirmed she's on her way home. Hopefully things will remain peaceful in the bay for now."
[18:09] <Kotono> "Well then." Shrugging, "Are you going tos tay on board? We're out here until we receive orders otherwise." Lowering her voice, "Ma'am, if the matter's done, will we get orders to return to Balmuria soon?"
[18:11] <Alicia> "Most likely," Alicia agrees, leaning closer and matching her volume. "A few boats will likely be kept, but I doubt our elite forces would be left to idle on patrol. I'll be teleporting back to make my report in a little while, and we'll see what the Commander says then."
[18:13] <Kotono> OOC: Good to skip along then?
[18:13] <Alicia> OOC: yep
[18:26] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth waits in the garrison. On Alicia coming to him, "Alright, I got reports from the boats that the matter's mostly dealt with," he begins, "Elaborate and report."
06[18:43] * Alicia delivers her report in clear and concise tones. "Interrogation of prisoners from the raid on the village revealed that they were in the employ of a Sahaugin would-be warlord named Gluark. One of the prisoners gave me a detailed description of his headquarters which I used to teleport us all there."
[18:43] <Alicia> "Once there we engaged the defences, easily sweeping them aside before one of his men asked us to come and parlay with him. We did so and he offered to leave the bay alone if we left him alone. I countered that an example had to be made of him, although he was confident we wouldn't do anything as if we attacked he would have his guards kill several dozen prisoners he was holding."
[18:43] <Alicia> "Furthermore, he said friends of his in Oceanholm would proceed to attack surface-dwellers near the sea. Despite his confidence, I was able to convince his guards it was in their best interests not to follow his orders - the prisoners were promptly released and Gluark taken into custody."
[18:43] <Alicia> "At that point we had the bandits return the prisoner's belongings, and I suitably impressed on them the folly of attempting to fill Gluark's shoes. Several bandits had taken liberties with the female prisoners, and were executed for it by Antenora. Gluark himself was remanded to El Mysha to decide what to do with him."
[18:43] <Alicia> "My last teleport took me off course, so I lost contact with Antenora, but I've been in touch via Sending magic and she expects to return before the end of the day."
[18:47] <Kotono> Once that is all said, "The devil's in the details, hm?" Thoughtfully, "I believe I understand well enough. Well done, Alicia, you swiftly and decisively lead the assault to dispatch the threat."
[18:49] <Alicia> "Thank you, sir. I'd also like to express my commendations for the others who participated in the assault. Abagail, Xavier, Morund, and Darill all fought well, and took care not to slay their opponents outright, following my example even though I did not order them to for fear of limiting their effectiveness."
[18:49] <Alicia> "I believe that such restraint proved a decisive factor in being able to keep Gluark's followers from staying loyal to him in the face of our threat."
[18:55] <Kotono> "Understood," Oberuth agrees, "From what I understand, your detachment was barely wounded at all."
[18:58] <Alicia> "Darill and myself were both slightly scratched, but there weren't any real injuries to speak of, no," Alicia replies. "To be honest, having never seen those three in action before I didn't hold out much hope, but I was very pleasantly surprised - together we rolled right over all opposition."
[19:10] <Kotono> "Good." Oberuth crackes a tired smile, "It reassures me that Balmuria will stay protected, no matter what."
[19:13] <Alicia> "It is good to know," Alicia agrees. "Will there be anything else, sir?"
[19:14] <Kotono> After a few moments, "No, go ahead. That's all for the official report. However," He gestures to a chair, "Alicia, sit down."
06[19:14] * Alicia looks a bit curious but obligingly takes a seat.
[19:25] <Kotono> "Alicia," Oberuth begins, hesitating for a few moments. "Do you hold any official rank or honor in the church of Mystra?"
[19:29] <Alicia> "Well..." Alicia frowns slightly, "Technically you could call me a Knight of Mystic Fire, as I was ordained as one after completing my training and my vows. But it's a very old order and I've never met any others, or even heard of any existing recently, so it's not a title I typically use." She looks at Obureth uncertainly, "Why do you ask, sir?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "It came from above. That is, the question did." Oberuth folds his hands together now, leaning forward. "It seems a minor, petty question to go to the bother of sending a request for me to find out the answer to it. There wasn't even an order to keep it confidential."
[20:24] <Alicia> "Above?" Alicia blinks. "Who wanted to know? And why?" she asks. It's not like her church affiliation is any secret, what does it matter her title?
[20:26] <Kotono> "Lord Salman's offices." Shrugging again, "I don't know. It's a strange question to ask, and why ask me? If it was official business, why not send an inquiry to Balmuria's church?"
[20:29] <Alicia> "How very odd," Alicia frowns momentarily. The only reason she can come up with for them to care would be if they were planning to act against Mystra's church and were gauging how invested she was in it? It bears watching... "I suppose it could just be simple record-keeping," she posits a more innocuous explanation, that's admittedly just as feasible.
[20:30] <Kotono> "It's possible. In fact, I have no reason to think it's anything suspicious." With a shrug, "But it's such an odd way of getting the information that I thought it would be prudent to mention it to you."
[20:31] <Alicia> "I'll ask Shankar if he's heard anything," Alicia shrugs, deciding to give her employers the benefit of the doubt rather than be paranoid. "Will there be anything else, sir?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Go on." Oberuth waves a hand. "Dismissed."
[20:33] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods, getting up. Okay, now to go see if Elle has any Sending scrolls in stock.
[20:34] <Alicia> Actually... screw it, she's not going to waste her money. A limited 25 word exchange with G'renna would be futile.
[20:34] <Alicia> Hopefully the succubus was just acting out randomly and will leave her alone. Alicia decides to just leave the matter alone for now.