234.2 Seira, Amaryl and Yoshi

[Corwin]

[19:11] <Kotono> -------
[19:11] <Kotono> OOC: Seira, what did you wann ado? There's talking, there's Yoshi and a few other things you wanted to hit offhand?
01[19:13] <Seira> OOC: Right-o. If order matters, I'll bring Yoshi over first, since it's an obligation that shouldn't wait.
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Taking anyone or going yourself?
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC: Er, by yourself?
01[19:17] <Seira> OOC: Amaryl would surely want to come. Beyond that... Elle or Donald, if they want to?
[19:18] <Kotono> OOC: Donald'll tag along, sure. Elle will see it once it's in Balmuria, she's busy making items and such.  Any spells cast before TP?
01[19:20] <Seira> There's what I precast. GMW has joined that list for now, btw (I'm listing such on the memorized spells page) for her splitting bow. Also, water breathing on us, since we'll kinda need it.
01[19:20] <Seira> ------
[19:20] <Kotono> Okay.
[19:20] <Kotono> ----
[19:21] <Kotono> OOC: Roll TPs?
01[19:22] <Seira> roll 1d100 oasis
06[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 oasis and gets 81." [1d100=81]
01[19:24] <Seira> roll 1d100 entrance chamber to the base
06[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 entrance chamber to the base and gets 42." [1d100=42]
[19:27] <Kotono> OOC: You mean the steel jungle, or that one rusty door just out of the water?
01[19:28] <Seira> OOC: Just out of water
[19:35] <Kotono> Woosh! The trio appear just out of the water in the upward sloping tunnel. If they were to go on, the gnomish fortress would be found. Amaryl instead goesto the edge of the water, "Yoshi should be back in his lair now?"
01[19:35] <Seira> "Or near it," Seira responds, stepping into the water. "We'll have plenty of time on the water breathing spell, so that's not a worry."
[19:38] <Kotono> Donald follows along, "Good thing all those River Winders weren't hostile. It was a nice change of pace in retrospect. Everything else wanted us dead and deader past that point. Except those weird headless crystal men. Say, Seira, are we just going to leave them in there?"
01[19:40] <Seira> "A good point," Seira admits. "There are certainly things within we won't leave forever, like that mindless being or the winter-something-or-other. Sealed evil in a can always finds a way, right? Case in point, Daa-vid." Seira shakes her head. "But that's not really what you asked. What do you think should be done with the crystal constructs we can command with the gnomish keys?"
[19:43] <Kotono> "A can? What?" Donald cocks his head, "Nevermind. Sealed evil in a can..." Donald just shakes his head in return. "I don't know. Any bright ideas?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "Well, it's a lot like a can. It's this small confined space evil is stowed into and forgotten, but then foolish adventurers end up opening, thus unleashing it on the world. In many ways, it's a lot like the Magic Jar situation. So why not use a can in the phrase?"
[19:50] <Kotono> As Donald splashes into the water, "Nevermind," he repeats, "So Yoshi's a fair bit of swimming away...you know, why didn't we just teleport closer to him instead of swimming for awhile?"
01[19:51] <Seira> "This spot is unique, right?" Seira asks, letting Donald lead. "It's got a door with the base's designation on it, and it's been torn by Lagann in a fairly specific way. Are you seeing where I'm getting at?"
[19:53] <Kotono> "Yeah, yeah, don't want to end up surrounded by kraken." Donald starts to walk along the bottom, "Let's just hurry then?"
[19:53] <Kotono> Amaryl shivers.
01[19:54] <Seira> "We got out of there just fine, right?" Seira asks brightly. "In fact! Let's return some day and challenge them to a duel over their stuff!"
[19:58] <Kotono> Donald half grins, half shakes his head. "Maybe." Thus, the trio swim to Yoshi. They find him where they first met him, surrounded by his pile of 'gems'.
01[19:59] <Seira> "Yoshi!" Seira calls out to the dragon-snake, waving. "Let's go home!"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Dragon!" Yoshi swims towards Seira, wrapping around her.
01[20:10] <Seira> "That's a yes," Seira says with a smile, extending her hands to Amaryl and Donald. "Ready to return?"
[20:11] <Kotono> "Hello Yoshi," Going to pet the dragon's head fondly, "I'll be a little like you some day, and Seira already is. That's right, dragon!"
[20:11] <Kotono> Donald just watches the snake go, "Yeah, I'm ready. What about his horde?"
01[20:12] <Seira> "It's Yoshi's to decide! We'll talk about that as I introduce him to Elle, really."
01[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d100 oasis
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 oasis and gets 78." [1d100=78]
01[20:16] <Seira> roll 1d100 backyard, home!
06[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 backyard, home! and gets 39." [1d100=39]
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC: Going to do anything else with Yoshi immediately?
01[20:16] <Seira> OOC: Yes! I want to intro him to Elle. Can I take him to her shop, or is it impossible due to size?
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC: He's not that freakin' huge. He can wrap around you, too, like a snake-mummy wrapping.
01[20:18] <Seira> OOC: I laugh and bring him along
[20:19] <Kotono> After finishing up the three plus Yoshi head ot Elle's shop. Elle isn't to be immediately found, but Alice is. "If you're looking for Countess Strong...aaaaaaaah!" Ailce screams, "SNAKE! GIANT SNAKE!" She bolts up in a hurry, a wand in hand. "SNAAAAAKE!"
01[20:19] <Seira> "How can you have a fear of snakes?" Seira exclaims in dismay. "You're a mage! Besides, it's a dragon. He just looks like a snake."
[20:20] <Kotono> Donald steps in front of Alice, "Don't worry, Elle, we have it under control,"  he hollers, "Calm down, calm down. it's just a half dragon, half snake. It loves Seira."
[20:21] <Kotono> Amaryl starts and then starts to giggle, "Alice, it has dragon blood. It's a noble creature and it doesn't have a fear aura like a dragon! You have no reason to be afraid!"
06[20:21] * Seira pats Yoshi's head.
[20:22] <Kotono> Ailce doesn't say a word, but starts to flee to the back. In a hurry, she nearly runs into Elle running to the front. "What's going-" Alice breezes past her, leaving the magess blinking. "...Seira. Oh. Oh. So that's what...Oh. Ooooh. Alice, do you...nevermind." turning and finding Alice gone, "Just, ah, stay out here for a moment. I'm talking with a client."
01[20:23] <Seira> "Sorry! I didn't think your assistant had a fear of dragons!" Seira calls back apologetically. "Even those that look like snakes!"
[20:24] <Kotono> "That makes two of us!" With that, Elle goes to the back and comes out maybe a minute later. She exhales hard, "So, let's get to the point of this. It's a lovely snake. A half dragon, from the looks of it?"
01[20:25] <Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees, smiling. "His name is Yoshi. I wanted you to meet him, but I actually took care to bring him here because I thought he might want to be one of your customers."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Don't worry. Even if it's dangerous, I won't let it hurt you," Donald lingers at Elle's side. For her part, Elle goes to the snake, leaning into it's face to study it. "Yoshi? Hello, Yoshi. WHat do yo uwant to buy?"
[20:27] <Kotono> Yoshi peers at Countess Stronger, coiled around Seira. It's head extends from Seira's neck, flicking a forked tongue out at her. "Dragon. Shinies."
[20:27] <Kotono> "Draconic...and a few words of it." Elle stands up straight, "From what I know of half breeds, it's smarter than a snake, but hardly human intelilgent? That fit?"
01[20:28] <Seira> "You don't have a policy about trying out items, as long as they don't leave the store or break down in the process, right?" Seira asks. "A headband of intellect would suit him really well, I think, but I want him to make an informed decision on his own. It's his money, after all."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Oh." Now with a little knowing look, "You want to make him smarter? How much smarter?"
01[20:30] <Seira> "All the way, of course! Why stop at half measures? Yoshi could afford it, and if he comes up short, I'll front the difference easily enough."
[20:31] <Kotono> "You're lucky. I have one of those on hand," Elle goes to the back, "Hold on. I can't sell it to you - it's an order for someone who hasn't come to claim it yet - but it's worth a try to see how much he likes it."
06[20:32] * Seira nods. "I can always loan out my own to him for a while, but it's really up to Yoshi whether he just wants to stay with me and play with his loot or travel with me and gather ten times that."
[20:35] <Kotono> Donald follows Elle, who comes back with a gold and platinum wrought circlet of leaves and laurels. It's craftsmanship suggests delicate, non human hands, so fragile it looks like a droplet of sweat will cleave straight through it. Approaching Yoshi, "Put this on his head? I don't know how fast he'll learn and adapt with it, so I'm curious too. I've never tried increasing an animal's intellect so markedly.
[20:35] <Kotono> "
[20:35] <Kotono>  I've never tried increasing an animal's intellect so markedly.
[20:35] <Kotono> > "
01[20:36] <Seira> "Ah, but Yoshi is a magical beast! A dragon! He literally has the prerequisite smarts in his blood and every fiber of his being!" Seira responds, taking the circlet from Elle and placing it carefully on Yoshi's head.
[20:38] <Kotono> "Dragon blood is better than an animal's blood," Elle watches as the circlet is put on. Yoshi stirs his head about and back and forth. "Dragon?" He repeats, his voice more hesitant. "Dragon. Dragon." He twists around, looking into Seira's eyes, face in front of hers.
01[20:39] <Seira> "It may be confusing," Seira tells him, speaking slightly slower than normal. "Yes, you are a dragon." She gestures to her side. "This is Elle, my friend. She let you borrow a part of her loot. Do you like it?"
[20:40] <Kotono> "That's right. Seira's a dragon," Amaryl goes to the side of the wrapped pair. "A big old, cute dragon. Can you say any of that?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "Dragon. Seira. Seira is cute dragon." Yoshi works through those one word at a time, "Cute dragon. Seira."
01[20:49] <Seira> "Yoshi is a very nice dragon, too!"
[20:50] <Kotono> "Yoshi! Nice dragon." Yoshi works with it, as Elle intently watches.
[20:51] <Kotono> "The progress already is interesting...hmmm. His mind's using the intellect naturally.:
01[20:52] <Seira> "Amaryl," Seira continues, gesturing at the elf, before proceeding onwards. "Donald. The nice wizard who ran away in terror was Alice. We like her but she needs to adventure a bit to toughen up."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Amaryl. Donald. Alice. Seira. Yoshi. I am..." It tries to speak, "Dragon. Horde. My horde. Where is my horde?" Yoshi looks about.
[21:03] <Kotono> Donald cracks a grin at that, "Yep, it's a dragon."
01[21:03] <Seira> "We left it back at your previous lair," Seira informs him. "Since no one was there to oppose us, and you left it alone before while going traveling through the water currents, I thought it would be safe for a day. Would you like me to bring it over to your new home?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "Yes! Horde!" Yoshi spins tolook Seira in the eye, "Horde!"
[21:04] <Kotono> "Don't worry, we'll get it. Seira has a horde, too. Maybe you can share a horde with her?" Amaryl giggles.
01[21:05] <Seira> "Consider it done!" Seira promises to Yoshi, before her expression grows serious. "I told this to Elle before, but it is important that you listen as well. By traveling with me, you can gain a larger horde than your wildest dreams. Would you like that? I can't promise it would be entirely safe."
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[21:10] <Kotono> "Yes!" Yoshi agrees, "Big horde!"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Of course," Donald whistles, "Any dragon's going to answer like that."
06[21:12] * Seira laughs, shaking her head. "Well, that part was easy. The next is about using it. I want you to think about trading some of your horde with some of Elle's. Like the great circlet she let you borrow."
[21:16] <Kotono> "Trade horde?" Peering at Seira, "Horde has to be big! Huge! What is given for it?"
01[21:20] <Seira> "The capstone of the trade is what you're wearing," Seira starts with. "Aside from looking very handsome on you, it allows you to talk to me like this, and to think of new ways to get loot. By itself, it would be priceless, but like I said it's only the best part, not the entire thing.
01[21:20] <Seira> Four thousand golden coins are the other part. Have you ever tried sleeping on a loot made of golden coins? It's very comfortable! And four thousand make for a really enormous bed!"
[21:26] <Kotono> "Mmmm, treasure," Yoshi considers, "I am...awake now. I want treasure. Horde. I want horde. I want horde like that."
01[21:27] <Seira> "Being awake is important to propely get and enjoy one's treasure."
[21:30] <Kotono> "See? Seira will help you get that," Cheerfully smiling now, "Get it, Yoshi?" Amaryl beams.
[21:30] <Kotono> "Yes, yes, I can help you with that. Seira and I will work out the details," Elle smiles broadly, "It's not that expensive for a big dragon like you, surely."
01[21:31] <Seira> Yoshi's gems should cover forty thousand, Seira figures, unless she seriously overestimated his treasure. In that case, however, she'll just have to pick up the slack. "You can afford it, and I think you should, to be a proper dragon. But the choice has to be yours, you understand."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Want it," Yoshi says decisively, curling around Seira's midsection.
01[21:33] <Seira> "And there we have it," Seira tells Elle with a grin. "You said you didn't have a circlet like this for purchase, but how about a lesser version?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "I have a one," Ellegoes and comes back with a more mundane circlet made of rope, iron and silver highlights.
01[21:38] <Seira> "You'll have to make do with this one for a while," Seira tells Yoshi, glancing at his face. "But it just means you only part with some of the horde in return, until the real one is finished. How does that sound?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Okay." Yoshi agrees, "Trust you, dragon Seira."
01[21:41] <Seira> "That's a smart choice," she responds, grinning.
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[21:56] <Kotono> -----------------------------
[21:57] <Kotono> A few days later, Elle and Celebrimbor are gathered again at Elle's shop, at Seira's request...OOC: Go ahead and start?
03[21:57] * asdgsdfasdf is now known as asdgsdfasdfhdfgsdfgjfghdfgh
01[22:00] <Seira> "I have good news and bad news," Seira opens with. "The good news is that I think I can adapt the spell on that scroll you found," she says, nodding at Elle, "into a ritual that would allow me to advance with my immediate project of creating portals."
01[22:00] <Seira> She seems to deflate, then. "The bad news is that it's a go-around for what I truly hoped to find, and having seen once again the wonders the world had in the time of the gnomes, I once again realize how far away from them we are, unless we master such ways of using magic." She looks hopefully at Celebrimbor. "Unless you've had a breakthrough of your own?"
[22:07] <Kotono> "We were discussing spell pools and the like," Celebrimbor begins, "And various applications there of. I've made some considerable progress towards the theory. The spellgem research isn't that far removed from it; the aspect of gathering in energy works veryw ell on a different scale."
01[22:09] <Seira> "As the point of this meeting is, beyond updating each other on our progress, to find ways of helping one another. Is there any ways the Baronies could provide aid to your research?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "I could use assisstants - low knowledge ones, mostly to test the theory in action," Celebrimbor continues, "If successful, it means I'm mostly done."
01[22:14] <Seira> "I'll ask around the school for volunteers," Seira promises. "We're due a few graduates, if I'm reading the progress reports right. There must be those who'll take research over a job as an artificer or adventuring."
[22:17] <Kotono> "It will help," Celebrimbor says, "How goes teleportation circles? Success yet?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "And we arrive at the third reason I've asked you to come." Seira takes a deep breath. "I'll make the attempt the day after tomorrow."
[22:21] <Kotono> "Oh, good. I'll want to be there," Celebrimbor agrees, "Where is the first connection to be made?"
01[22:23] <Seira> "From the temple of Waukeen here, in Balmuria, to the ancient temple of Helm chosen to serve as the hub. It's symbolic in many ways, but I won't bore you with details. Rather, did my old man make any progress on your end? If he had brought the idea up and gained support for it, the second portal would be opened to the Citadel, rather than back to Balmuria, a week after the first had stabilized."
[22:26] <Kotono> "He's been making steady progress. Politics take time, but if I hurry him he should have it well in hand," Celebrimbor agrees, "I believe this can be done."
06[22:26] * Seira smiles in amusement. "How is he liking politics?"
[22:28] <Kotono> "He does well enough at it. He gets people to go along with what he wants. When your father focuses, he's very charismatic. He knows all the right people, too."
[22:28] <Kotono> "As for liking it?" Celebrimbor strokes his chin, "I've seen him with growing energy and involvement."
01[22:32] <Seira> "It sounds I should interfere, like any loving daughter would," Seira mutters quietly to herself, nodding. "Right," she says, raising her voice. "That fits." Placing the topic aside for the moment, she asks, "You want to come for the ritual, naturally. Would there be more interest from Pallanth? It's naturally kept secret, but I'm sure we could accomodate a couple incognito guests."
[22:34] <Kotono> "I can fulfill that role as well. There's no need ot drag the entire Council there. Also, in the small chance something goes awry, that limits the risk to us."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Ah yes. We trust you, but not enough to put everyone in the same place as the magical experiment." Elle's voice is tinted with dark amusement, "Sensible, but..."
06[22:35] * Seira laughs. "For what it's worth, I would be very surprised if it exploded in my face. And pissed off, can't forget that. An investment of slightly over fifteen thousand!"
[22:38] <Kotono> "I've lost worse before in my youth," Celebrimbor laughs as well, "A magical staff, ruined by a stupid mistake. Angry is a gross understatement."
01[22:40] <Seira> "Staves can do that," Seira agrees. "So do scrolls, now that I think about it. It won't hurt to take the proper precautions, you're right. We can always use illusion magic to display the scene at a later date, when we can make this information public."
[22:44] <Kotono> "That will work," Celebrimbor says, "So the day after tomorrow?"
06[22:45] * Seira nods resolutely. "I'll need to gather the supplies and prepare everything. If you happen to see him, tell Dad he can show up if he wants to? Not that I care either way or anything."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Of course you don't." Celebrimbor's chuckle is dry as the desert wind.
06[22:47] * Seira crosses her hands in front of her chest. "Of course not." The topic must be changed yet again, and she chooses to ask, "By the way, any chance you've managed to reproduce a spellgem or three so far?"
[22:48] <Kotono> As Elle laughs, "Seira, you're acting your age."
01[22:48] <Seira> "Yes, well. Don't get used to it," she says with a huff.

[Corwin]

[19:13] <Kotono> > "I've lost worse before in my youth," Celebrimbor laughs as well, "A magical staff, ruined by a stupid mistake. Angry is a gross understatement."
[19:13] <Kotono> <Seira> "Staves can do that," Seira agrees. "So do scrolls, now that I think about it. It won't hurt to take the proper precautions, you're right. We can always use illusion magic to display the scene at a later date, when we can make this information public."
[19:13] <Kotono> > "That will work," Celebrimbor says, "So the day after tomorrow?"
[19:13] <Kotono> * Seira nods resolutely. "I'll need to gather the supplies and prepare everything. If you happen to see him, tell Dad he can show up if he wants to? Not that I care either way or anything."
[19:13] <Kotono> > "Of course you don't." Celebrimbor's chuckle is dry as the desert wind.
[19:13] <Kotono> * Seira crosses her hands in front of her chest. "Of course not." The topic must be changed yet again, and she chooses to ask, "By the way, any chance you've managed to reproduce a spellgem or three so far?"
[19:13] <Kotono> > As Elle laughs, "Seira, you're acting your age."
[19:13] <Kotono> <Seira> "Yes, well. Don't get used to it," she says with a huff.
[19:13] <Kotono> "It's refreshing to see. You don't have to be trying to save and better the world every moment of your life," Elle continues to chucklew armly.
01[19:15] <Seira> "There is no way to argue with that which doesn't sound childish," Seira concedes after searching for a suitable retort and failing.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Excellent!" As Elle glows with mirth, Celebrimbor clears his throat. "Ahem."
01[19:19] <Seira> "We're getting off track, right? We shouldn't!"
[19:23] <Kotono> "Indeed. As I was saying, Saul's doing well with politics. I'm sure he'll be along with us to see your first teleportation circle, too." Celebrimbor hides a little smile not at all, letting his show on his face.
01[19:25] <Seira> "A permanent one!" Seira exclaims. "This... it's a real legacy. Even if a horrible monster from beyond eats our world, it'll still remain! Floating... in nothingness...." Seira shakes her head. "But improbable gloom aside, it's finally something I'll make that's here to stay and help people. Generations of people!"
[19:26] <Kotono> "That's what will make you remembered," Celebrimbor murmurs, "You have a vision for the future that has the drive of humankind and the long term of elves and your draconic totem."
[19:26] <Kotono> *long term view
01[19:28] <Seira> "Plus it's really cool!" Seira adds mischievously. "I can put my initials and Waukeen's symbols on the circles and no one will be able to erase them for more than thirty minutes, give or take!"
[19:32] <Kotono> "Momuments to the future..." Celebrimbor considers it even longer, "Yes, yes, this project may just succeed yet. Is there anything else? I should begin my preparations for this event soon, then."
01[19:33] <Seira> "Since everything was largely prepared aside from the final component, so to speak, we're pretty good to go," Seira responds in a businesslike fashion.
[19:36] <Kotono> "Until then," Celebrimbor rises, "We shall gather at your inn when we are allr eady to go and teleport?"
01[19:38] <Seira> "There wouldn't be a reason to, as the temple of Waukeen is within walking distance. But we can gather there all the same."
[19:47] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along?
01[19:47] <Seira> OOC: Yep
03[19:52] * tai-auuuuuuuuuugh is now known as Demedais
[20:03] <Kotono> ---
[20:04] <Kotono> Several people gather at the Temple of Waukeen at the appointed time. Seira with Amaryl tagging along. Elle and Celebrimbor are there, as well as Gilartal and Father Ceiar. Finally, amid all of them, Saul stands as well. They all watch and wait on Seira...
03[20:05] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Demedais
06[20:15] * Seira is as ready as she'll every be, having prepared a tatoo ahead of time. Drawing it upon her body was a new experience, but a mirror, some trickery with mage hand and a bit of trial and error with normal paints before switching over to the magical components of her spell allowed her to create a very serviceable and even flattering image of Waukeen over her front. (more)
01[20:18] <Seira> To avoid messing with things too much, she forgoes her usual precast spells and much of her magical attire, opting for a simple robe and only those items that are necessary for the ritual. The procedure should be simple enough, with the preparations over and done with. (more)
01[20:21] <Seira> First, the symbolic drawing of a five radius circle on the stone floor in the center of the chamber, keeping the image of the fortified destination chamber at the forgotten temple of Helm in mind the entire time. A second, seven feet radius circle of runes is in appearance, there to ward people off lest they step onto the platform by accident in the future.
01[20:21] <Seira> Then, as the work on the inner runes completes and they glow brightly before dimming to almost nothing, Seira finally invokes the spell from the scroll!
[20:22] <Kotono> Everyone watches without a noise, letting Seira do this difficult, precise work without interruption.
01[20:25] <Seira> It would be a hilariously bad time for a random devil attack, Seira muses idly, calling upon Permanency to seal the newly-formed portal.
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC: Any relevant checks to make?
01[20:26] <Seira> OOC: Amusingly enough, with the tattoo spell I barely scrape by the requirements! No nat 1 for me? Although if you'd like we could risk an explosion for kicks.
[20:28] <Kotono> Seira begins the long, hard work of casting Permanency! She falls into her work, the hours slipping by in a haze. It is a long ritual, the twenty four hours each creeping by at a steady, driving clip. Her friends stay the entire time, a few murmured words and potions passed around a little past halfway. Seira battles her own exhaustion, working along with as much focus as she can continue to muster. (More)
[20:28] <Kotono> working along with as much focus as she can continue to muster. (More)
[20:30] <Kotono> Six hours...ten hours. Sixteen hours...minutes become eternities as Seira works. Her inner concentration is supreme, keeping her focus intact as she works. She calls on the names that hold back the flow of time, extending it into eternity. Calling on the Quaruts of time to be held at bay, warding away the chaotic maelstrom of time endless. At last, with a bevy of words of power that shake the entire room, the magic is complete! Seira finds
[20:31] <Kotono>  At last, with a bevy of words of power that shake the entire room, the magic is complete! Seira finds herself slipping down to her knees, exhausted. But, she can tell, the magic is done. It's done -right-.
[20:33] <Kotono> The one at Seira's side first is Saul. He gets on one knee, "Tired?" He says with a cocky grin, "Superbly done. The magic looks stable to me. It seems you really have gotten the right side of this magic down."
06[20:35] * Seira laughs, pressing a hand against the stony surface, and the secondary circle wavers, becoming invisbile to the untrained eye. She is exhausted, and the trip she wanted to take would have to be delayed by at least a day, but she just resist one last, flashy touch. (more)
01[20:35] <Seira> A simple Detect Magic spell, able to be cast by anyone with the little bit of magical training, would bring the outwardly circle into the visible spectrum once more, thus warning people of where to step. And those without it may well just pass this simple storage room by without a second glance. (more)
01[20:35] <Seira> "I know it worked," she responds confidently. "I could feel it. This works. This will keep on working!"
[20:36] <Kotono> "In Waukeen's name, ship away this tiredness. Trade it to another who can make better profit of it!" Saul murmurs, as Seira feels her fatigue vanish. "So this will take us to that submerged desert temple now?"
[20:36] <Kotono> Amaryl approaches slower, "It worked, didn't it?"
01[20:37] <Seira> "Only one way to find out, isn't it?" Seira asks with a grin, taking Amaryl's hand and stepping forward with her. "See you there!"
06[20:42] * Seira appears with Amaryl in a ten by ten feet room that only fits the circle and not much else. It has one exit covering an entire wall, currently left opened, and a corridor leads from it, eventually splitting into many side rooms designated as future departure areas.
01[20:42] <Seira> The destination chamber carries Helm's crest, just as the chamber of origin bore one of Waukeen, but Seira pays it no mind as she steps outside to make room for the portal to be used once more.
[20:43] <Kotono> "It worked!" Amaryl look sabout, "Seira, that's so amazing!"
[20:44] <Kotono> A moment later, Saul and Celebrimbor appear, then Father Ceiar and Gilartal and Elle. "I'm impressed. That was no small feat of wizardry," Elle goes to look about the room, "It's only half of one loop, but it's a big first move."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Hehe! It is, isn't it?" Seira asks giddily. "I might be tipsy from all the chanting and the drawing, and my tattoo is flaking uncomfortably, but I wouldn't trade this for the world!" She tilts her head a moment afterwards. "Well, maybe the flaking. It's actually really itchy and I didn't pick up Prestidigitation today. Yesterday?" She looks confused briefly.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Praise be to Helm," Father Ceiar bows towards the crest of Helm on the door, "This venture does seem to be a success thus far."
[20:46] <Kotono> "You did well, Seira. If you're still tired after the Restoration, go sleep," Saul says, "Can you manage a teleport back home?"
01[20:47] <Seira> "Probably," she agrees. "And I'm fine, really! Sleep is no cure for extreme happiness!"
[20:48] <Kotono> "Let's return to Seira's inn?" Celebrimbor suggests, "Celebration can be had there for those who still have the energy."
01[20:49] <Seira> "Right," Seira agrees. "Drinks will be on Donald!"
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: Roll your TP back? Anyone who you can't fit Celebrimbor will greater TP back.
01[20:51] <Seira> roll 1d100 ring, inn
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 ring, inn and gets 77." [1d100=77]
[20:53] <Kotono> It's morning but the party is started at Seira's! Celebration and a large meal is ready there. Donald helps serve it out as everyone sits back and relaxes. Commander Oberuth is there as well, toasting Seira. As everyone settles in to eat and talk, currents of pleasant conversation rippling in the air. "Excuse me. Colonel Seira?" Private Smoot approaches. His voice is utterly respectful. "Sorry to disturb you, ma'am.
[20:53] <Kotono> "
[20:53] <Kotono> His voice is utterly respectful. "Sorry to disturb you, ma'am."
01[20:55] <Seira> "It's okay, it's okay!" she says happily. "Is this just you being respectful, or does it concern Guard business?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Neither, ma'am." He says, avoiding Seira's gaze. "I have a message for you. Someone wishes to meet with you here. However, his appearance would be highly disruptive, but it is terribly urgent business. He assures you that he wishes to meet under a white flag."
[20:58] <Kotono> "A white flag? What the hell?" Commander Oberuth puts down a tankard, "Private, start explaining yourself. Who wants to meet with us that needs a white flag to do so?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "Ah, I see," she says, before telling him, "Hold still, please," and casting Detect Magic and Detect Evil.
[21:00] <Kotono> "He said he is a cornugon, sir," Private Smoot reports, "He wishes to make it very clear this is for a matter of mutual danger. He has no desire ot bring any harm to us in this matter, sirs."
01[21:01] <Seira> "Mmm. Commander, would you mind accompanying me?" Seira requests, thinking to Amaryl, 'I'll go see what this is about' before nodding. "We're the ones in a position of power, so it would be us both or none at all. But we'll hold to that truth as long as he does. Lead the way?"
[21:02] <Kotono> "Donald, get the Hammer of the Shard ready, just in case," Commander Oberuth says shortly, rising. "I intend to, Seira."
01[21:03] <Seira> "Even without the right spells, we're more than enough to deal with a cornugon," Seira mutters, but agrees with the sentiment of always being prepared. "You know where it's at, Donald."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Devils?" Saul says it like a foul curse, an Infernal inflection to the word. "Seira, do you want Protection From Evil cast on you before you leave?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "I do, yeah," Donald hurries off and away. Elle looks up from her plate, "Damnations. If you need any help at all, let Amaryl know. We'll come running."
01[21:04] <Seira> "Sure," she agrees after a moment's thought. "I've got a pearl to let you recast it, too."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Let me borrow that," Saul goes to SEira, "Waukeen, ward away the magics of duplicity and the touch of the fiendish!" OOC: Protection from Evil on you, Seira
01[21:05] <Seira> OOC: Cool. I doubt we'll need it, but it's stupid to turn down 'don't mind rape me' spells
[21:07] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth and Seira follow Private Smoot. He leads them outside of the south gate. Just outside, in the various spring up and small buildings around it, Private Smoot leads you to one. It's not far from where Shamal lived, Seira can note if she cares to. It' sjust a simple one story homestead sort of building.
01[21:09] <Seira> "So, private, how exactly did you come across a cornugon?" Seira asks curiously.
[21:11] <Kotono> "I was on the patrol out and I heard someone call to me from this building. I...well, I felt like I had to listen. He was just so persasive. Once I was in there, well..." A helpless shrug, "He talks very well, ma'am."
01[21:12] <Seira> "Oh, I know! Incidentally, we should probably have people patrol in pairs, Sir."
[21:12] <Kotono> "We do," Oberuth growls, "Private, WHY were you alone?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Ah...my partner for the day is sick, sir," He explains, "The replacement assigned was running late, so..."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Next time, have the gate guards GET someone to go with you," With a chilly evenness in his voice, "Do you understand, Private?"
01[21:14] <Seira> "It's best to stick with a tried and true method that's been reached through countless years of trial and error," Seira adds. "Just common sense."
[21:16] <Kotono> "S-s-sirs!" Private Smoot stands aside, as Oberuth opens the door and strides in.
06[21:18] * Seira looks around for fiends and various magical and evil auras as she follows. "So, here I am, although not entirely alone," she announces. "We're here to talk. And listen, naturally."
[21:20] <Kotono> You walk in! The room is mostly empty, bits of old furniture tossed to the sides of the room. In it, in front of a fireplace glittering with red hot coals, stands the creature. It's midnight black scales and wings dominate, it's body a momument ot perfect diabolical construction. "I finally meet you in the flesh, Seira." With a terrible smile that shows teeth that could rip your throat out with a mere bite, "You've not met me, but your imp
[21:20] <Kotono> that could rip your throat out with a mere bite, "You've not met me, but your impact has been felt all the same."
[21:20] <Kotono> "Explain your reason for this, devil," Oberuth doesn't quite bark it like an order, but it's certainly the same in tone.
06[21:21] * Seira sincerely doubts the fiend could actually rip her throat out any more she could his. "Yes, how about we get to the chase? I assure you we can simply have the pleasantries afterwards. I enjoy flattery as much as any mage."
[21:23] <Kotono> "Hah." With a feral, hateful look, "Yes. For as much as you ruined my plans in the Desert..." He trails off, eyes like little burning coals from the fire place. "I was given new orders from a superior two days ago. I am to lure my hated enemies into a trap and attempt to slay them - the Crimson Guard."
01[21:24] <Seira> "Ah. You are rather out of luck, then," Seira notes. "Also, does your superior hate you? Because there was this pit fiend that sent his subordinates to their death before while informing us of their arrival ahead of time. It seemed to amuse him. Hey, maybe it's even the same one!"
[21:27] <Kotono> "Oh yes. Esthan," With a snarl at that name, "He's been using my servants like pawns in his own schemes, and has the a uthority and power to do so. I've lost important agents thanks to his meddling. A contact in Parsifal, a barbed devil in Victoria..." With a snap, "And now he seeks to use me in the same way. All for his silken tongued crusade against you. I don't intend to be another burnt offering to him."
[21:27] <Kotono>  another burnt offering to him."
01[21:29] <Seira> "I would say I feel sympathy, but...." Seira pauses. "You know what? I actually do feel it, a tiny bit. Enough to keep me interested in what it is that you want, and what it is that you can offer me in return for that."
[21:30] <Kotono> "I can't oppose Esthan politically. His authority is without question." Folding his arms as he snarls and paces back and forth in front of th efire, "He uses so much magic on himself that I would be shredded like tissue paper unless I surprised him, and even then I would most likely die slightly slower. I have no resuorce to him by yourselves...but neither do you, do you?"
01[21:32] <Seira> "That depends," Seira responds with. "I'll be uncharacteristically open with what is essentially an enemy and say that Esthan has his base of power, and we have ours. In either, we are unbeatable. Outside of them, it becomes a matter of who has more resources and better intelligence on hand."
[21:33] <Kotono> "He can call on enough devils to law anyone low. His magic is that of an archwizard." With a dour, deep smile, "I know for a fact that the times he's met you, he's had so much magic on him that you'd never stand a chance of winning. However, if you can get him when his defenses are somewhat lower..."
01[21:34] <Seira> "I'm listening," Seira indicates.
[21:35] <Kotono> "I can give you the location he'll be at in about a week," Going on now, "He'll still be terribly formidable, but if you hit him hard and before he can bring all his power to bear..." Spreading his arms out, "You may be able to defeat him."
01[21:39] <Seira> "And what's in it for you?" Seira inquires. "Is that when the deadline given to you for an attack on us expires?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "About. If you succeed, we both continue on with our plans and lives.  Perhaps I rebuild and defeat you one day. Perhaps you kill me. Or we never fight." With an intense look at Seira, "But we allhave a chance then with Esthan gone."
03[21:42] * Demedais is now known as tai-stomachaughblagh
01[21:45] <Seira> "Mmm, yes." Seira nods. "You liked my honesty before, right? I'll continue it, then. Even if we accept as truth Esthan being more powerful than us, we are not the ones with a week's deadline. Your chances of killing us are fairly small. Your chances of surviving under a boss of Esthan even if you do kill us all are even slighter,
01[21:45] <Seira> especially since he has some sort of plans for us and would kill you for ruining them. So while we could benefit from this, it won't be as much as you would. Thus my question of what you can bring to the table to sweeten the deal."
01[21:46] <Seira> *a boss the likes of
[21:46] <Kotono> OOC: Bluffing there Seira, or do you really mean it?
01[21:47] <Seira> OOC: I'm not looking for a bribe, I'm interested in information. If that's not clear, let me add a line.
[21:48] <Kotono> OOC: Go for it.
06[21:48] * Seira pauses briefly. "Esthan's dealings in Prime, his little projects... they would come to a stop if he's gone. Tell me about them and about his goals here along with that location, and I can ensure that you won't pick up where he left off, thus clearing my conscience of dealing with you in the here and now."
[21:50] <Kotono> "His greatest plans are beyond me. I am a minion to him, not an equal," Slamming his fist into the wall hard, "I know what I do of him from my own counter-spying, but it is limited. I don't even know what his true plans for you are. He did send one of my servants to destruction for little reason, just to work against Alicia Reynes."
01[21:52] <Seira> "What little you know is fine with me," Seira responds evenly. "Let's not mince words. You're pretty much screwed. Go against Esthan and die. Follow his wishes and die regardless of success. Desert and die painfully. Only by working with us do you not die!" Seira frowns. "But why should someone who defeated Esthan, the one you couldn't lay a finger on, let you just pick up where he left off?
01[21:52] <Seira> Assuming you don't want to die next anyway, curbing your potential activities is the only way out I can offer you."
[21:57] <Kotono> "If you don't cooperate with me, Esthan continues what he's doing. Do you think you have a prayer of defeating him alone?" Glaring right back at Seira, "You need my help as much as I need yours."
01[22:00] <Seira> "I was just like you," Seira says, nodding. "I raged about stopping him, and how it had to happen. My dad told me I would get my chance. It only made me angrier, but it remains a truth." She peers at the fiend. "That date within a week is the best date that fits within your schedule.
01[22:00] <Seira> But ours is more flexible, not to mention extended. For all we know, it might be a close call in a week, while in a month we might have another, better one. An almost-perfect chance to take Esthan out."
[22:01] <Kotono> "And let you go back to corrupting all these poor people who would never go afoul without you?" Commander Oberuth steps forward there, "We will defeat Esthan in due time AND you. Don't presume to treat us as equals or as a superior, devil. You will cooperate with us on OUR terms, not yours. Or what? You get slain by us and go racing to curseed oblivion or becoming a pitiful oozing pile of devil shit?"
01[22:01] <Seira> "Yes, that option does not appeal," Seira agrees. "Although I think I said it far nicer."
[22:05] <Kotono> "So let's review. You cooperate with us and then get the hell out of this world. You don't and either Esthan kills you or we kill you, stuffing your miserable soul into whatever nightmare form gives monsters like you pause. Or if you're particularly foolhardy, I cut your miserable head off here and mount it over the front gate of the city. Choose." Oberuth draws his sword with a soft snicker-snack of steel escaping it's bonds. "As I see it
[22:05] <Kotono>  Oberuth draws his sword with a soft snicker-snack of steel escaping it's bonds. "As I see it, at least working with us gives you the chance to torment other devils in Hell."
01[22:06] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira exclaims. "Threats are fine and proper, but we really shouldn't attack until the obvious sign of a double-cross, Sir! For all we know, this might be the first time a fiend dealing with us has enough sense to cut his losses and deal honestly!"
[22:09] <Kotono> "Hah." Oberuth raises his blade, "Seira's right again. The choice is yours, devil."
01[22:09] <Seira> "I don't know what sort of gossip goes around me, but as long as a deal is fair and doesn't endanger the people I'm sworn to protect, I will hold on to it," Seira promises.
[22:11] <Kotono> With a growl that belches up from the deepest pit of it's chest, "Impudence! You inferior creatures have no right to dictate terms to me! You are nothing but rotting bags of flesh wrapped around a soul!"
01[22:12] <Seira> "Cut the self-aggrandizing crap!" Seira snaps back. "We're sacks of rotting flesh? I'm a dragon, dammit! Show the proper respect to those you come begging to kill your untouchable boss!"
[22:14] <Kotono> With a hiss as it steps back, "You have a week because that's my limit. At that point, I'll be thrown away as Esthan uses me as another chip against you. Plus, when I'm dead, he can easily assume all the diabolical power in this world. He'll have even more authority and all you'll have to show for it is a meaningless victory over me!"
06[22:16] * Seira snorts. "I can be flexible. Tell me all you know but the location itself, then. If I'm convinced the situation is as dire as you say, I may reconsider my terms."
[22:20] <Kotono> "In a little under a week, you will receive word from Bey Kerem. He will ask to see you as soon as possible. Of course, it is an ambush and a trick. I'm to lure you in for my overdue revenge and kill you. Of course..." With a feral smile, "I don't think I'm expected to win, but to die chasing my desire. All while you do Esthan's work. So he can claim that he helped you eliminate a great evil afterwards."
[22:20] <Kotono>  helped you eliminate a great evil afterwards."
01[22:24] <Seira> "No, no." Seira shakes her head. "While this helps establish your credentials, I meant more like which part of it would allow him to easily assume all the diabolical power in this world, to quote you."
[22:25] <Kotono> "I control all the diabolical actions from around the edge of your civilized world at the Jungle to deep within Malmuth. What's to stop him from setting himself up if I'm dispatched? He has the power and authority to do so."
06[22:29] * Seira is quite incredulous at such brazenness, but decides not to show it. "I... see. Okay! So what's the deal you offer us, specifically? Are you going to be pitching in and doing your best to coup poor Esthan?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "I give you the location and time when we have a chance at him with as few defenses as possible. We hit him hard as possible. It's a poor plan, no tactics. But with such a foe and so little time, there's no choice."
01[22:31] <Seira> "How specific can you be with the time, and how far in advance?" Seira inquires. "The place, can it be chosen well ahead of schedule? Can you tell me of Esthan's defenses, both active and passive, as well as why he would have lowered them at this time?"
[22:34] <Kotono> "A day or two in advance. Preparations must be cautious - if he detects anything wrong in advance, teleportation ruins our efforts," Going on now, "I know of a few. Complete protection from any sort of scrying or detection. All of my own commissioned attempts have failed completely. A belt he wears underneath his clothing enhances all of his abilities. When he suspects battle or danger, he casts myraid defensive and augumenting spells. He
[22:34] <Kotono>  When he suspects battle or danger, he casts myraid defensive and augumenting spells. He can't keep all of those up all the time. As long as his foes stay in line with his plans, it's not a problem. But if he get surprised..."
01[22:35] <Seira> "So we're talking two-three minute duration spells?" Seira asks. "He must have his favorites, or a certain order he prefers to use to get his defenses up."
[22:36] <Kotono> "That I can't help you as much with," With a growl again, "He keeps his secrets well, and since detection is impossible once cast..." With a look of complete disdain, "It limits the information I have there."
01[22:38] <Seira> "Sounds right to me," Seira agrees, glancing at Oberuth. "Sir?"
[22:39] <Kotono> "Stay here," To the devil first and then to SEira, "We'll return. Come with me, Seira."
06[22:40] * Seira nods.