231. Zetsuboko Aftermath

[Corwin]

[18:56] <Kotono> -------------(Did you know that Kokonuts are a good source of vitamins and minerals?)---
[19:01] <Kotono> The group gathers to Commander Oberuth now. They meet as they often do, the Commander weary faced but attentive. "It's been a few days since you've been back," he begins, a glance at Alicia's features, "I'm ready to hear your report about what happened."
06[19:03] * Seira can't help but poke at a feather.
06[19:03] * Alicia looks pretty much as she normally does. Maybe a bit more of a healthy glow in her skin, but otherwise she seems fairly human and unangelic. "Well, as you know we scried on Filetta and attempted to teleport to her location," she begins the sordid tale of tentacles and woe.
[19:04] <Kotono> "Go on," A nod to Alicia and the others, "There was some further incidents afterwards in Balmuria, from what I've heard, too."
01[19:04] <Seira> OOC: No on the feathers, sadly
06[19:04] * Seira shakes her head. "Incidents? Really?"
[19:06] <Kotono> "A few. Congratulations to the Temple of Waukeen, by the way," Oberuth says, "Go on, Alicia."
[19:06] <Alicia> "Well, we arrived slightly off target, but not enough for it to matter much," Alicia goes on as asked. "We appeared just outside a mansion built atop a rock formation by a waterfall. There we were confronted by former ambassador Armand along with a group of augmented trolls and goblins."
06[19:06] * Demedais leans back a bit, waiting and letting Alicia speak.
[19:08] <Alicia> "Dialogue didn't offer much in any constructive sense, and battle was soon joined. He was slain quickly enough and we entered the 'mansion' itself. There we were confronted by former general Olburt, Filetta, along with a group of Vrocks and... other things I don't quite have a name for. Battle here was more pitched, but we prevailed in the end."
06[19:08] * Seira listens quietly herself, ready to protest if anyone claims Filetta to be related to her.
[19:08] <Kotono> "Good. They were a hanging thorn in our side," Commander Oberuth briefly closes his eyes, "That puts the last memories of the war to rest, then. With Olburt and Almand dead, the last of Ferdi's cronies are gone."
01[19:09] <Seira> "Except Claris! Who's not a crony, really, but a very nice person!"
06[19:10] * Alicia nods. "The last obstacle was their benefactor herself - for simplicity my familiar has dubbed her Zetsubokou, which apparently means something in Draconic. It's as good a name as any. In any case, she spouted her usual rhetoric, but then when I used an antimagic aura in her vicinity we not only saw her true form, but she began to speak in a markedly different tone."
06[19:11] * Alicia looks at Demedais expectantly, since he interacted with their foe the most at this point.
[19:13] <Demedais> "Ah, yes. Quite frankly, from what I've pieced together - both during the event and after - Zetsubokou, as Alicia's familiar put it - was an entity from beyond existence, so to speak, that managed to possess the woman we saw and I spoke to, there." Demedais begins.
[19:13] <Kotono> "Beyond existance? Do you mean the Outer Planes, like the devils?" Commander Oberuth asks, "Or another plane removed from ours?"
[19:15] <Alicia> "Further than the Outer Planes. A realm beyond imagining," Alicia explains briefly. "It seems beings from such a place interact very poorly with our reality, but we'll get to that in a moment..."
[19:15] <Kotono> "Alright. Continue," To Demedais, the Commander waits.
[19:19] <Demedais> "Beyond even both of those. I'm talking.. about a being pretty much made of the antithesis of reality." Demedais replies. "Anyway, with the anti-magic field suppressing Zetsubokou, I talked to the woman being possessed. She... was, quite bluntly put, mad; she mistook me for her brother, Phiel." (More).
[19:20] <Demedais> "I also learned that she had claimed this power through Gehenna somehow. After, ah, somewhat convoluted negotiations, I convinced her to give up the power, which as a side effect caused her soul to seperate from Zetsubokou and pass on." Demedais shrugs.
01[19:20] <Seira> "She stabbed herself to death," Seira supplies helpfully.
[19:21] <Kotono> "...I see." Commander Oberuth glowers deeply at that, "I won't pretend to understand those motivations, but continue."
[19:21] <Alicia> "At this point the entity controlling her was able to reassert itself," Alicia interjects, "And promised to escape and resume our battle at a later point. Since it seemed this was our best chance to finish it off while weakened, I had Antenora bind it with the Sword of the Sealed Gate." (more)
[19:22] <Demedais> "Not precisely; as she disengaged from the magic, it killed her." Demedais shakes his head, but lets Alicia talk.
[19:23] <Alicia> "Things... got a little out of hand at that point," she shakes her head as well in recollection. "Instead of being a vaguely humanoid horror of infinite reflections, it turned into a colossal... thing. Words can't really do it justice, but it was enormous and had many appendages with which to strike us, and it was most displeased."
[19:23] <Alicia> "Apparently it hadn't expected our countermeasures, and swore to destroy our entire reality in its attempt to escape."
[19:24] <Kotono> "We're here, so that's a good sign," Oberuth notes, a dry wit in his words.
[19:25] <Alicia> "Clearly," Alicia agrees, a faint smile playing across her lips. "While it's presence may have been anathema to our reality, it was still very vulnerable to blades and spells. While it certainly took more punishment than anything else we've fought, we were able to kill it."
[19:25] <Kotono> "Good." With a long, drawn in sigh of breath, "How does this tie into Pollyanna saying she was blessed by Helm, or a crowd outside of your house, Alicia?"
[19:26] <Demedais> "May I?" Demedais asks Alicia at this.
06[19:26] * Alicia coughs. "Yes, well... you recall Lord Salman's office was asking about my official connect-" she then stops and nods to Demedais. "Go ahead, by all means."
[19:29] <Demedais> "Ah. Well... Remember when Alicia said it was going to destroy our entire reality to escape?" Demedais asks. "It could have done that simply by being here, unbound by anything. ...Helm told me that all it would have taken was ten minutes before reality and existence begun to twist, sicken and collapse, and that manifesting enough divine magic to kill it would have simply ripped this world apart."
[19:32] <Kotono> "...." Commander Oberuth rubs his temples long at that, "I see. That isn't going to happen since it's slain? Is there any danger of another?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "Not immediately so, at least?"
[19:34] <Demedais> "It's slain, world is safe, and... as far as I know, no danger of another for a long while. Gehenna is going to be experiencing crusades against it for even allowing this in some form, apparently." Demedais grimaces.
[19:35] <Alicia> "From what I understand, such beings are tremendously rare. There's about as much risk of it happening as another claiming a fresh source of the same power Daa-vid did," Alicia speculates. "It may be within the realms of possibility, but it's not the sort of thing we can really anticipate."
[19:36] <Kotono> A nod, "Thankfully." Oberuth allows a long sigh, "So Helm came in contact to you directly, Demedais?"
[19:39] <Demedais> "Partially. I would call it direct, though through a dream." Demedais nods. "From reading a bit between the lines of what was said, there is normally no way for them in - they had to be brought in. Thusly the crusade against Gehenna. But yes."
[19:40] <Kotono> "I see." Considering this, "It's something out of our hands, then?"
[19:41] <Demedais> "I would say so, yes." Demedais agrees.
[19:41] <Alicia> "I think we have enough problems with Hell to be too concerned about picking fights with its neighbour as well," Alicia shakes her head. "If the rift can be found and sealed, I'm sure there are those acting to do so already."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Agreed entirely. The Outer Planes can take care of themselves." Oberuth elaborates, "Now Alicia, what was all of that at your house a night or two ago? Or should it be Saint Alicia now?" Despite it all, Oberuth cracks the slightest smirk there.
06[19:43] * Demedais glances to Alicia bemusedly. "Must have been sleeping through that in my conversation with Helm..."
06[19:44] * Seira raises her hand. "Was out of town on business."
[19:44] <Alicia> "Ah, so you have heard," Alicia represses a sigh. "Yes, I suppose you'll need to inform Lord Salman's office, since they were asking about my official station in the church... it's not something I asked for, but Shankar tends to be enthusiastic..." she shrugs eloquently.
[19:45] <Kotono> "Understood. The timing is ironic." Commander Oberuth looks oddly at Alicia, raising his eyebrows. "You don't seem happy at your beautification."
[19:47] <Alicia> "More pertinent, however, I was summoned to Celestia to meet Mystra herself - presumably she doesn't want me getting too fond of Dweomerheart just yet. In any case, She explained much of what Helm told Demedais, and elevated me in Her service."
[19:47] <Alicia> Alicia snaps her fingers and her transmutation is dispelled, reverting her to her 'real' form, fluffy white feathered wings and all. "And this is a change I prefer far more than sainthood," she admits with a smile. "The whole saint business just seems a bit over the top for someone who isn't even dead."
[19:49] <Kotono> "Wings?" Commander Oberuth stares at them, "Just like Latha. Congratuations, nonetheless...you really do look like an angel now."
06[19:49] * Demedais looks to the wings. "Heh. Impressive."
06[19:50] * Seira reaches out to poke at a feather!
[19:51] <Kotono> The wings are very soft to the touch. A bit sensitive to the touch as well, something Alicia can feel. It's not painful, but merely that she can feel the sensation of two new appendages.
[19:51] <Alicia> "You should see Antenora, now," Alicia smiles, her wings ruffling slightly at the poking. "She's in the same boat, although for her it's less of a change."
06[19:51] * Seira will be sure to touch Antenora's wings, too.
[19:52] <Kotono> "Can you fly with them?" Oberuth's scowl is only momentary. "Are you an outsider now or are you human still?"
[19:53] <Alicia> "Oh, they're fully functional," Alicia asserts. "As for what I am... well, I'm still me. I suppose I do now have a lot of the traits angels have, but I live here, not on the planes."
[19:55] <Kotono> "So would this explain of what Pollyanna said? Were you blessed as well, Demedais? And if that makes two ofyou, what of you, Seira?"
01[19:56] <Seira> "Congratulations," Seira tells Alicia, smiling. "As for myself, Sir? Waukeen invited me to the mountains, where she appeared to me in a dream. I was going to ask her all that I was so curious about, but she shared her true purpose with me for an instant and I was speechless for too long and missed the chance, regrettably."
[19:56] <Demedais> "I was, though what I got was, um, nowhere near as dramatic. If I can perfect it, it'll be useful, but... I think I'll need Seira and Alicia's help for it, as it's not an area I'm used to training." Demedais nods.
06[19:57] * Seira shrugs. "When you need me, I'm there."
[19:57] <Alicia> "Oh?" Alicia looks at Demedais with some interest. "If it's something I can help with I'll be glad to."
[19:58] <Demedais> "Uh. Mainly need the help with reflexes - it's an area I've let languish, but..." Demedais thinks, before nodding. "Actually, Seira, mind helping me demonstrate quickly?"
01[19:59] <Seira> "Demonstrate how?" she asks in confusion.
06[20:01] * Demedais nods slightly and stands up, keeping his sword in its scabbard as he pulls it up. "Just, uh, try to lunge or claw at me or something. I don't think it'll work on magical touch attacks, and I'm not too sure I want to try yet."
06[20:01] * Seira frowns, but then shrugs again, grabs her chair and tries to brain Demedais with it.
01[20:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 you wanted this, right?
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 you wanted this, right? and gets 31." [1d20=19]
[20:03] <Demedais> OOC: AC 37, so I take my AoO as I block
[20:04] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (-4 nonlethal)
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (-4 nonlethal) and gets 21." [1d20=2]
[20:05] <Kotono> Seira swings the chair right at Demedais! With an abrupt burst of blinding speed, Demedais counters from the missed overswing! The flat of his blade just misses Seira, coming within an inch of a perfect counter attack!
01[20:05] <Seira> "Interesting," Seira remarks, placing the chair back down. "We should try it again some time, with real weapons."
[20:06] <Alicia> "Oh, those are good reflexes," Alicia nods, impressed. "With a little work you'd be impossible to attack."
[20:07] <Kotono> "I've never seen anyone able to so quickly counter an attack," Oberuth agrees, "Including people with daggers who spend years practicing at it. Let alone with a greatsword."
[20:07] <Demedais> "Actually the main reason I asked you to demonstrate was because I guessed you'd catch on and dodge." Demedais shrugs. "It only works if I can predict where the attack is and thus avoid getting tangled up in it, but I've practiced my defensive game enough that it'll be useful."
[20:09] <Kotono> There is a knock on the door. Commander Oberuth clears his throat briefly, before, "Enter."
06[20:09] * Seira leans against her seat rather than taking it back.
06[20:09] * Demedais quickly redocks his sword and scabbard, a bit embarrassed.
[20:09] <Kotono> A soldier enters, bearing a sealed envelope. "A message from the mission to Parsifal, sir," he salutes, presenting it to the Commander.
06[20:12] * Alicia doesn't really have time to recast her spell and hide her wings, but half the city probably knows about them by now anyway. Besides, lots of people in Balmuria have wings.
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[20:13] <Kotono> "Thank you, dismissed," Oberuth says to the man, opening the envelope and scanning it's contents. "..ah, good." Sighing with all his wind, "It seems that Eudard's done a good job stamping out the plague. They're saying that it's under control now."
[20:13] <Alicia> "That's good to hear," Alicia nods happily. "They say when they'll be back?"
[20:14] <Kotono> "At least a few more weeks. They aren't leaving until it's safe to resume shipments out of the city," Oberuth puts the message aside, "Even a few years ago, this would have been a catastrophe for the Baronies to deal with. Now, a few prayers and quick actions and far better contained."
01[20:16] <Seira> "And that's just the beginning," Seira promises.
06[20:17] * Demedais nods approvingly. "Good to hear."
[20:17] <Alicia> "Even with magic, curing a plague is no simple matter," Alicia notes. "I remember there was an epidemic in Kelara years ago, and the healers had to be very careful to keep the people they'd cured seperated, otherwise they'd just catch the disease all over again since they never actually built up immunity the way people do when they recover normally. They've done a good job to control it so well."
[20:19] <Kotono> "It's fortunate." After that, Commander Oberuth looks to the three, "Is there anything else you need to report now?"
[20:20] <Alicia> "Nothing on my end, sir," Alicia shakes her head.
01[20:20] <Seira> "Nothing really comes to mind," Seira admits.
[20:21] <Demedais> "I can't think of anything; we've explained why the recent burst of events, so."
[20:21] <Kotono> "Dismissed then," Oberuth says, "Seira, stay a moment?"
01[20:22] <Seira> "Of course, Sir," she agrees, nodding at Alicia and Demedais.
06[20:22] * Alicia casts a quick spell to hide her wings, salutes, and heads on out! "If you want we can spar for a bit to work on your new technique?" she offers to Demedais.
06[20:23] * Demedais salutes to Seira and Oberuth, then, "Sure. Any help would be appreciated on it."
07[20:23] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
[20:24] <Kotono> Once the two are gone, "Saving the world." With a long, drawn out sigh, "Seira, when did it go from commanding a garrison to directing a group of legendary heroes? It's like every briefing changes my expectations even more."
01[20:25] <Seira> "Probably around the time we learned of the seals around Daa-vid, Sir," she responds with a smile.
[20:27] <Kotono> With a rueful laugh, "Do you ever wish it was how it was before? Simple things, minimal magic, human problems?"
01[20:28] <Seira> "Sometimes," she admits. "The grass always looks greener, and all that. But I'm pretty comfortable with the way our world is shaping up, and it can be pretty fun to be the one shaping it."
[20:35] <Kotono> "...hm." Oberuth says at last, then around a laugh, "Yes, yes. Go ahead, dismissed. Go out there and shape the world some more."