232.3 Demedais in Training

[Corwin]

[21:12] <Kotono> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Deme Ko)--
[21:13] <Kotono> Demedais finds the three appretences finishing up a patrol. Several soldiers are dragging a roughed up looking man in splint mail along. Xavier whistles as he leads the way, hefting a heavy metal shield in his arms. They're in front of the garrison's dusty front.
[21:14] <Demedais> "And what happened here?" Demedais inquires, stepping up.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Oh Sir Demedais," Morund straightens up a bit, "A mercenary started a fight with a citizen over some silly misunderstanding. We had to restrain him before he seriously hurt someone."
[21:16] <Kotono> The man is out cold, bruises on his face and with a big sword-shaped welt across his mouth, forehead and nose.
06[21:19] * Demedais nods. "I see. Fair enough - and your current plan for him? Let him cool down at the garrison?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Let him cool down and have a magistrate deal with him," Xavier says, turning to the guards. "Toss him in a holding cell." Giving the shield to one of the soldiers, "Put this in storage, in case he needs to pay a fine or any damages."
06[21:20] * Demedais nods to this approvingly.
[21:25] <Kotono> Once the man's gone, Morund following alone, "Have you ever fought underwater, sir?" Xavier asks.
[21:28] <Demedais> "...Once or twice?" Demedais muses. "It's not an area I have talent in at all. Which reminds me, I did hear of the commendations you three received. What did you three think of that mission?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "Oh," Darill lights up there, "It was different. We weren't at our best even when we could breathe water, but it was a resounding success. Captain Alicia, well...she's amazing and so charismatic. Her cohort is...well...rather frightening at times."
[21:30] <Kotono> "She knows a lot about Hell," Xavier shrugs, "Good policy as far as I'm concerned. Those Hellcats are bad enough, and apparently they're lesser devils."
[21:31] <Demedais> "Antenora?" Demedais asks, before nodding. "She has her reasons and her talents - a stalwart ally for Alicia, yes. What roles did you three play?"
[21:33] <Kotono> "We were mostly support and dealing with the sideguards." Xavier says, "Captain Alicia was in command and was familiar with the terrain and circumstances. Abagail supported us with magic as well. We faced two waves of sahuagin, which both were dispatched, as well as sharks they used to attack us."
06[21:35] * Demedais nods. "Still, I honestly doubt Alicia would have given the recommendation had she not appreciated the assistance."
[21:37] <Kotono> "She spoke highly of us," Darill agrees, "Considering that, well...maybe we're going to be as well known and as heroic as the highest members of the Guard in due time now?"
06[21:41] * Demedais muses. "On the one hand, I'd approve as it drives the point home that this isn't solely the province of myself, Alicia and Seira. On the other hand, I feel compelled to provide a two-part warning; one, that attention can be highly dragging, and two, that if it isn't a weight on your shoulders, it's a threat to overinflate your ego." Demedais says the last with a slight grin. "Still. Yes, it's more than possib
[21:41] <Demedais>  "Still. Yes, it's more than possible; I look forward to hearing your continued exploits, myself."
[21:42] <Kotono> "It's not all bad," Darill blushes a bit here, but grins like the Cheshire Cat. "When I tell a girl I'm in the Crimson Guard, if they didn't like me before..."
06[21:49] * Demedais chuckles. "Indeed. Still, be vigilant. And... yes. The Hells are, quite annoyingly, a real threat; still, I suspect you three could fare well against some of them now, including the damn hellcats."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Yeah," Morund murmurs as he comes back, "Sir, I wanted to ask you something."
[21:52] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais asks, turning to Morund.
[21:52] <Kotono> "There's an elf who serves Colonel Seira, his name is Donald. I heard him say that he used to be a human. Is that true, sir," Morund asks. "As I recall, you know him."
[21:53] <Demedais> "Um. Yes, he was. He was killed during a fight, but, by fortune... a rare magic was on hand that resurrected him. Albeit as a different race." Demedais nods slightly.
[21:56] <Kotono> "That magic..." Shuffling now, "I have a curiosity. Can it be repeated?"
06[21:57] * Demedais frowns. "Very... rarely, I'm afraid, but it might be possible if you set out in search of it. Are you referring to the race-changing properties, then?"
[21:58] <Kotono> Morund curtly nods, "I am. I wasn't aware of such magic existing, but the possibilites are considerable.
[21:58] <Kotono> "
06[22:00] * Demedais nods, musing. "Well. I don't know, myself, how the magic works; replicating the race-change aspect might be possible. Consult Elle and Seira both, is what I would tell you; myself, my training has been mainly in healing and support through divine magic, which lacks such abilities." (More)
[22:02] <Demedais> "Though... two options occur to me: I know Alicia and Antenora both use a spell named Alter Self, though that may not have all the effects you're looking for. Aside from that, consulting a druid might be optimal. Shamal was one, but she's passed on; I don't know if there are any others in the region. Probably in the Barbarian Lands... Which I've been meaning to get back to patrolling, on a side note. It may be a whil
[22:02] <Demedais> "Which I've been meaning to get back to patrolling, on a side note. It may be a while from now, but do you three have any interest in a trip to that area? It'd perhaps help familiarize all of us with the giants."
[22:03] <Kotono> "You know, I remember the giant who came to visit," Xavier murmurs, "That's a good idea."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Seconded," Morund murmurs, "If we ever see a battle group of them comign to Balmuria, it's going to be an unpleasant day."
[22:05] <Demedais> "If we ever see a battle group come to Balmuria, I suspect Seira and Alicia will have a field day with the spells they know. As might I - I've been working on spells to give advantages against larger foes. Still, no reason to presume they'll ever intend hostilities... and no reason to not take precautions just in case." Demedais nods.
[22:07] <Kotono> "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst?" XAvier nods, "It's av ery pragmatic saying. Lord Helm would love it."
[22:11] <Demedais> "Pretty much." Demedais grins. "But yes, Morund, inquire with Alicia, Seira and Elle regarding the possibilities. And, speaking of the Watcher..." Demedais says, the grin lingering, "I'd like to see if I can teach you three a trick he's given me. In its base form, it may not be as usable for all three of you, but I think we can figure out ways to adapt it..."
[22:15] <Kotono> "Really?" The three exchange looks, "Well, we weren't particularly bruised up by that mercenary, so some practice isn't a bad idea, sir."
06[22:16] * Demedais nods slightly, gesturing as he leads the way to the practice yard. "Don't worry, this won't be overly taxing and I'll let you get back to any patrols in a minute. But I wanted to demonstrate it so I could explain myself."
[22:21] <Kotono> A minute later, Morund is on teh ground. He's rubbing his side, looking up at Demedais. "How in the blue blazes did you counte ros fast?!"
[22:24] <Demedais> "Heightened reflexes. I acquired them quickly, but that was a blessing; I want to try and see if you three can acquire them as well by observation and training." Demedais nods. "This being said, what works for me may be unoptimal for you. Think of someone trained with sneak attacks - what better chance for one than in the middle of an enemy attack?"
[22:25] <Demedais> "Or, alternately, if someone's attempting to attack not just you but others around you, a well timed strike might be able to interrupt their own attack. This is all conjunction..." Demedais muses, "...But I believe that with training, both and more are possible.
[22:27] <Kotono> "Let's get trying, then," Xavier steps forward, "If you have the time right now, sir?"
[22:27] <Demedais> "Certainly. Now, the first thing you'll need to do is trust your defenses. It may be possible to take a hit and return it in this manner, but I haven't experimented with it thus far..."
[22:28] <Kotono> ---