032.3 "When on business, I go by the name Grandfather Time."

[Corwin]

[20:02] <Kotono> ---
[20:07] <Kotono> Ithea's morning is a pleasant one. Wake up, have breakfast, take a cap nap. These days a re not to be wasted in her life, rare treasures to be relished. After her nap she curls up with a good book, losing herself into it. Unfortunately, a knock stirs her from it, followed by, "Are you home, Ithea?" Sylvie's voice is heard, followed by another knock.
[20:08] <Ithea> "Yup, what's up?" Ithea asks, setting the book aside, and opening the door.
[20:11] <Kotono> With her is Kascha, who replies, "We're going to investigate Quaruts, a type of Inevitable. Are you interested?"
[20:24] <Ithea> "Sure!" Ithea says, immediately digging through her memories for any starting point for their search. "What's this for anyway?"
[20:24] <Ithea> roll d20+29 K:P quaruts?
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+29 K:P quaruts? and gets 36." [d20=7]
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC: Quaruts are the Inevitables of Time. They protect time and serve the Temporal Compact, the universal divine agreement to ban time magic and time travel of all types. They are immune to paradox, able ot travel time and fearsome opponents in battle.
[20:31] <Ithea> "You're looking into something involving time?" Ithea asks after a moment's pause.
[20:33] <Kotono> "Ye-oh!" Sylvie smiles a moment, "I forgot you haven't heard yet. Long story short, we're investigating time paradoxes. You really need to get ouf ot his room more." Taking Ithea's arm, "C'mon already!"
[20:35] <Ithea> "Yeah, yeah, let's go do some reasearch," Ithea says, letting herself get dragged off.
[20:35] <Ithea> ooc: research*
[20:36] <Kotono> "We'll start in the library," Sylvie says, "Ithea, you take the lead. We'll help you out."
[20:39] * Ithea nods and once at the library, starts searching for books on the subject.
[20:43] <Kotono> OOC: Make an K:A check with the +5 library bonus. Those two'll aid.
[20:43] <Kotono> roll 2d20 aiding
[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d20 aiding and gets 30." [2d20=20, 10]
[20:44] <Ithea> roll d20+29+5 K:A
[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+29+5 K:A and gets 45." [d20=11]
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC: That with the aiding bonus?
[20:47] <Ithea> ooc: no, add aid bonus to that
[20:47] <Kotono> OOC: 49 then, okay.
[20:52] <Kotono> Besides what you already knew, you find out some other information. Quaruts can call on the power of Mechanus in the form of of wishes. They are relentless and powerful, second only to the Defenders of the Divine in the Inevitable Heirarchy, and more prestigious than than higher branch. Further, you investigate paradoxes.  Reports of paradoxes are rare, and said to be contained and captured by
[20:52] <Kotono> those that Enforce the Temporal Compact. While there's little information about those that enforce it, yo udo come up with one name: Inariel.
[20:54] * Ithea tries moving onto searching information about that Inariel then, hopefully a more focused search brings up something, if not maybe Tannin can dig something up later.
[20:59] <Kotono> As you open up the first book, you see something is scribbled in the margin: Ithea - 3 hours, Morningwatch, Astral Plane. Arrive early due to the native conditions. Inariel.
[21:02] * Ithea blinks at that and passes the book silently to Sylvie and Kascha, only clearing her throat to get their attention from what they're looking over.
[21:03] <Kotono> Kascha gets it first, "What is - oh." She reads the margin, "...oh."
[21:03] <Kotono> Sylvie cranes her neck over Kascha's shoulder, placing a hand on it as she reads. "Hah." A smile comes to her face, "I suppose that if you can manipulate time, you can do things like that."
[21:07] <Ithea> "It's certainly an interesting trick, I'll give him that. Doesn't say to come alone either, so either of you interested in a trip?" Ithea asks, closing the book after the two have read the message.
[21:11] <Kotono> "I wouldn't miss this," Sylvie says, Kascha nodding as well. "I'll manage the magic to take us there!"
[21:16] <Ithea> "Anybody else looking into time paradoxes that would want to come?" Ithea asks, since they have some time before they have to get to their meeting.
[21:18] <Kotono> "No. The others are handling other angles," Sylvie explains. OOC: REady to hop along then, Ithea?
[21:19] <Ithea> ooc: yep
[21:21] <Kotono> A shift later, you stand in the Silver Sea. Only it is not so silver here. The silvery depths have a golden tint to them, as if the first light of the dawn was being shed all over. It seems to constantly bubble and boil over, as if the entire realm is about to become one grand, great morning sunrise as far as the eye can see.
[21:24] * Ithea takes a brief moment to appreciate the sight, before looking around, trying to figure out the way to go to get to their meeting.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Beautiful!" Kascha gasps, spellstruck! Sylvie smiles a moment and inhales ina nd out as Ithea looks about. To the side you can see something on the horizon - it looks like a house of some sort. It's just floating there in the Astral, as if nothing's odd about that at all.
[21:28] <Ithea> "I'm guessing that's where we want to go?" Ithea asks the others as she points in the direction of the house. "Want to start heading there, or enjoy the view a while longer?" she asks with a smile.
[21:30] <Kotono> Sylvie flies ahead, while Kascha lingers. "It's like..." she murmurs, "...something beautiful and terrible happened here," she whispers.
[21:31] * Ithea frowns a little, lingering near Kascha as she turns to look at her. "I do agree with the beautiful part...but why do you feel as if something terrible might have happened here?" she asks, curious as to the statement.
[21:33] <Kotono> Wiping a tear from her eye as she turns to Ithea, "I just do. In here," Tapping above her heart, "Don't you feel it? There's a celebration of memories here, but also a deep, abiding sadness. The light celebrates and mourns both."
[21:39] * Ithea shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't. It's possible something of the sort did happen here, perhaps Inariel might know. It's nice that it's touched you so strongly, regardless of what might have happened, though."
[21:39] * Ithea starts to float after Sylvie there.
[21:42] <Kotono> Kascha follows, muted. Ahead you see it is indeed a house. A simple, peaceable house. The front door is open, warm light spilling out. As you approach, you feel a peace come over you. You feel enveloped, warm, safe. An absolute love that touches you to the core, Sylvie stopping her fight cold. Kascha drifts but continues, face becoming a rapturous smile. "Oh, that presence! Inariel must be
[21:42] <Kotono> powerful and pure."
[21:47] <Ithea> "Here's hoping," Ithea says, though she agrees, given the sensation. Stopping at the front, she knocks on the door, while peeking inside, figuring it's more polite to be welcomed inside than just to step inside because the door is open.
[21:47] <Ithea> "Hello? Inariel?" she calls out.
[21:47] <Kotono> "Enter." It's a spry, vigorous voice that answers you, as Sylvie bows her head and stays where she is. Kascha takes that as her cue, heading on inside.
[21:49] * Ithea also steps inside at that cue, though she pauses after crossing the treshhold, looking back towards Sylvie, silently questioning her, wondering if she plans to stay outside.
[21:55] <Kotono> Sylvie turns away and shakes her head.
[21:56] * Ithea ponders saying something but then just nods her head and finishes going inside the small building.
[22:00] <Kotono> Within is a simple stone floor and living room. Sitting before the fire is an older man. His face has a close-cropped white beard and his matching hair is cut short. His deep blue eyes sparkle with life and mirth, utterly ageless. He appears to be old, yet his eyes betray him. You feel absolute love from him as he approaches you, like a warm blanket of acceptance and happiness. From his back
[22:00] <Kotono> are six wings, each one of pure white. From the tip of each one an hourglass hangs, not sagging the wing at all. He otherwise wears cloth of white. "Would you come sit by me next to the fire?"
[22:03] * Ithea nods. "That will do fine, sure. Inariel, right? I'm Ithea. You...uh, requested a meeting?" the duskblade asks, as she offers a hand as greeting while approaching the angel.
[22:03] <Kotono> "Yes, Grandfather," Kascha says immediately, blusing amoment, "...grandfather?" she cocks her head to the side with a little smile, "Sorry, I didn't meant to be overly familiar!"
[22:04] <Kotono> He takes Ithea's hand, shaking it. "No shame in it. I've had many call me that. When on business, I go by the name Grandfather Time." Focusing on Ithea now, going back to sit after the handshake, "Congratulations. I saw many futures where Medicant may return to the light of day, and seldom few are as bright as yours."
[22:06] <Ithea> "Thank you," Ithea says, taking a seat as well near the man.
[22:10] <Kotono> In this peaceful place Ithea feels herself relaxing, as if she's sitting before the fire as a child, drowsing and her parents nearby at the end of a happy day. "You seek paradox." It's not a question at all, merely a statement. "For that accursed Blade of Endings. 27 is correct, you do need a trump card to compete against Taelfagn. His particular talents are extrodinarily potent."
[22:13] <Ithea> "I don't know the exact heart of why we're seeking paradoxes, I just got dragged into this a few hours ago," Ithea admits. "That sounds about right though?" she comments as she turns to look at Kascha to see what she has to say.
[22:17] <Kotono> Kascha nods, "That's right." Glancing at Ithea, Kascha quickly summarises what's going on - with a few idle corrections by Inariel. "I cannot recommend attempting to find a paradox. Few are hidden from our combined sight, and those that are reside in places that few dare tread to go. Should you nevertheless find one, I can turn a blind eye to it - but be wary, for if any other enforcer of the
[22:17] <Kotono> Compact finds out you have one, they will take steps to take it - by any means needed, and with the full support and consent of every power from Heavens to Hell. Should you find one, step softly."
[22:21] <Ithea> "Why -would- you turn a blind eye to it?" Ithea asks. "I certainly appreciate it, but I'm curious."
[22:25] <Kotono> To that Grandfather Time laughs. It isn't a sound that fills you with anger or embarrassment, but an infectious laugh that stirs mirth within you. "Oh Ithea. Why wouldn't I want to help Aurora?"
[22:29] <Ithea> "I don't know. Seems a lot of people want to see us fail, or there's all these rules made that mean they can't help us, or who knows what," Ithea answers truthfully. "I just naturally tend to wonder about these things now, even when we do get genuine offers."
[22:34] <Kotono> "The Outer Planes are complicated." A simple statement, followed by a rueful smile, "Understand that we are not mortal, not as you understand. We are driven, compelled by what we are and what ideal we represent. Above all other we must advance that ideal to the utmost - and over time, agreements to protect those ideals have come. The End has not yet come, not quite. Until that time, all await
[22:34] <Kotono> and prepare, abiding by the agreements. There were futures where Helm chose other ways to balance his ideals of Good and Law, or where Jaela spoke other words...or even where Annalise was never freed. In all Celestia would have been a fast ally to your Crusade, for instance."
[22:42] <Ithea> "What could have been...that's a question that gets asked a lot by everyone. And you can actually see those 'could-have-beens', huh?" Ithea muses. "Might have been nice to have all of Celestia as allies...maybe we'll convince them in the future still. You said Helm could have balanced his ideals differently, so anything could happen later on, right?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "The future is myriad," Grandfather Time agrees, "There are are futures where you fail - for grand reasons or small ones, or even simply bad luck at the wrong time. There are futures where you succeed...and ones where you succeed past your wildest dreams. The future is forever malleable, and I am in all of them, watching and waiting."
[22:51] <Ithea> "Any advice for hedging our path towards the successful futures?" Ithea asks.
[22:57] <Kotono> "Unfortunately, the duties of my station limit me. We are sorely limited in influencing the future, lest the nine of us become little more than competing chessmasters, manipulating time towards our conflicting ideals." Shaking his head, "I can say this - follow what is Good in your heart. Evil will tempt you in many more ways yet. The paths of easy power Annalise has offered lead are truthfully
[22:57] <Kotono> a path of vast power. All for the price of the darkening of your eternal soul. The overwhelming hatred of devils in the hearts of many of you is identical to that of the devil-hate in the souls of every demon and can lead you to them." Leaning forward now, "Destiny is a powerful force - but there is always the future, and as long as there is a future, is it not fully set. Taelfagn's machinations
[22:57] <Kotono> must come to an end. I have seen the futures where he succeeds again and again and perfects his art." With a softening in his eyes, "Let Lifasa be his last masterpiece before being blotted from this Creation, but not at the price of your own souls."
[23:03] <Ithea> "Was worth asking anyway," Ithea says. "Not sure what I can ask that you could answer....Are there ways to keep the other enforcers from finding out if we do find a paradox?"
[23:03] <Kotono> "Use it sparingly and wisely," Grandfather Time advises, "Flash it around and they will find out."
[23:04] <Kotono> He pauses a few moments, "We know all, but we are not equipped to process all we know. Our limitation is that we each have a special set limitation to prevent us from becoming all knowing. But it only goes so far, and it's not very far in the first place."
[23:11] * Ithea looks to Kascha, wondering if she has any questions that might help with this whole paradox search.
[23:13] <Kotono> Kascha considers a few moments, "There's one question. You said that The End has not come, not quite. Does..." Her she hesitates, a look of worry showing, "Does that mean The End is coming soon?"
[23:16] <Kotono> Here the old angel smiles gently, "Worry not," is his reply, voice quiet, "I have faith in them. They'll win against her. I can say no more." He rises, "Time continues to pass, and other duties call me."
[23:18] <Ithea> "Wait, before we leave," Ithea says, as she stands as well. "...are there any other ways to beat destiny that we should search for? What or who is bringing the End?"
[23:20] <Kotono> "I cannot speak more of The End." Shaking his head, "To do so would cause their failure the moment the words left my mouth. Have faith in them...for you know them, in a way, and they know you. Worry of Lifasa, for that is your battle and The End is theirs."
[23:21] <Ithea> "And beating destiny?"
[23:23] <Kotono> "You have the tools." He pauses long moments, each word spoken slowly and with exquisite care, "The Guardian of 21 knows much." At that he shakes his head, "And I have reached my limits, and dared even to the absolute edge of them."
[23:26] * Ithea frowns a bit, but nods. "Alright then, we'll leave you to your duties. Thank you for the meeting."
[23:27] <Kotono> Kascha rises and curtsies, before turning to leave. On the two leaving, you can see Sylvie is sitting, her back towards the house.
[23:28] <Ithea> "I hope we can meet again," Ithea says in parting, with a short bow to the angel, before going to join Sylvie. "Hey Sylvie."
[23:30] <Kotono> Sylvie turns, her eyes red. She cleans her cheeks off with a hankerchief, "Done," she asks quietly. "Let's go home."
[23:31] * Ithea raises an eyebrow at Sylvie's state. "...are you alright?"
[23:32] <Kotono> "Yeah..." Shaking her head, "21 and that feeling of love...just some things I thought I'd put behind me came back for a repeat performance."
[23:35] <Ithea> "Ah," Ithea replies looking over to Kascha and then back to Sylvie. "Well, uhm, like you said, let's go home, I guess. Let the others know what we've found or keep searching for other leads."

[Corwin]

[19:41] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, what were your plans from here, Ithea?
[19:42] <Ithea> OOC: I have no plans? I could keep researching in the library if anything else can come up, but I don't have any other ideas on things to do.
[19:43] <Kotono> On returning to Aurora, the three get to work again. "Ithea," Kascha speaks up as you settle in.
[19:45] <Ithea> "Yes, Kascha?"
[19:47] <Kotono> "Inariel mentioned the Guardian of 21. Who's that?" As she settles in Sylvie comes back with an armful of books, the library's magic bringing others with her.
[19:53] * Ithea thinks about that, her glance on Sylvie at Kascha's question. "Well...it could be Sylvie, but I guess it could also be the guardian before her? I guess it depends on what Sylvie knows. Given that she's helping us do research though, it may be the guardian before her, which might mean..." Here Ithea shudders. "...a return to the depths of the Abyss."
[19:56] <Kotono> Sylvie looks up at that, "You mean the being that guarded 21?" Ithea sees Sylvie frown just a little bit, "I have to say he wasn't what I expected. On the other hand, he did give me leave to return to 210 if I wanted. Did he do the same for you?"
[20:00] <Ithea> "I can't even recall, I tried very hard to forget all that crap. And I -still- can't forget those creepy stuffed Ithea dolls," Ithea answers with another shudder.
[20:01] <Ithea> "Apparently I had voodoo demon fans or something."
[20:03] <Kotono> "Stuffed Ithea dolls?" Kascha tilts her head to the side, "In the Abyss?"
[20:04] <Ithea> "Yes. Voodoo ones at that! It was very disturbing!" Ithea exclaims.
[20:05] <Kotono> "Creepy." Sylvie says shortly. "Well, we can hit the books or go visit him. At least we won't have to go through 209 again. So General," A lazy, almost mocking emphasis is put on that as Sylvie grins, "Which one?"
[20:07] <Ithea> "Well...if we don't have to go through 209, I think I could stomach a straight visit to 210. 210 didn't seem -that- bad," Ithea says hesitantly, even in the face of Sylvie's friendly mocking of her title. "How many plane shifts do you have left in you, Sylvie?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "One more. I can get us there, and can you get us out, Kascha?" To Sylvie's question Kascha nods.
[20:14] <Ithea> "Alright, we have a way in and out, so I think that makes the decision," Ithea says. "Let's go see what that being can share with us."
[20:16] <Kotono> The plane shift is a momentary lurch. For a terrible moment Ithea feels the bugs crawling all over her, whispering into her ear. Then she stands before the shrine of 210, the entryway before you.
[20:18] * Ithea ignores the bugs, as she takes a calming breath and starts heading into the shrine. "C'mon," she says simply to the other two.
[20:22] <Kotono> Kascha looks about as the trio heads in. Within you find it as before, his words coming as you enter. "Welcome to 210. Yes, I see what you mean," is his greeting. "I do believe I'm being taken advantage of by a time meddler."
[20:23] * Ithea blinks. "Eh?" she says, not understanding his greeting.
[20:24] <Kotono> "If you've forgotten," Sylvie says with a bit of a halfhearted scowl, "The Guardian here has a habit of answering questions before you can pose them."
[20:27] * Ithea shrugs, and focuses on the guardian. "So you know why we're here, and what we're looking for, right?" she asks. "Information about paradoxes that we can use?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "What you call unmatter isn't matter at all. Creation is made of matter. The building blocks of everything is matter of differing types. What lies beyond Creation is the opposite, for Creation is the opposite of what is beyond. Normally they cannot interact in any meaningful manner, save for destruction. A creature from the beyond threatens Creation simply by existing here and must be banished
[20:32] <Kotono> back or destroyed utterly." Going on from this after a moment, "Unmatter is the base stuff of beyond. On occasions, due to confluxes of forces within and beyond Creation, small quatities will be sucked in, perfectly self contained. It can be used, forged and even weaponized in Creation in those instances. Paradox is one of the most practical ways to withstand using it."
[20:33] <Ithea> "Okay, specifically, can you share information that we don't already know and that we can use?" Ithea corrects herself.
[20:39] <Kotono> "Yes. The simplest way is to travel to beyond and manage to bastardize yourself with the blood of what lies beyond. A tiny bit, enough to resist destruction from unmatter. In the first days many powerful entities did this, only to be stricken down by the Three when they attempted to abuse it and threaten Creation. Just the right amount will allow you to exist in Creation and use unmatter. Too
[20:39] <Kotono> much and you will either transform into a creature of the beyond or cause great tearings in reality on your return, and be smited by all to save Creation itself." Here he continues, "Would you care for the formulas and rituals to properly imbue oneself safely?"
[20:47] <Ithea> "...yes, please," Ithea says. This isn't necessarily the right way to go, but more options to consider out of are always good, right? "Would someone imbued by such be easily noticed by the enforcers of the Compact, or only when they use unmatter?" she also asks.
[20:58] <Kotono> "This Temporal Compact, as you understand it, seems to have nothing to do with the beyond, only time." The Guardian replies, "It is not a matter I am fully familiar with, but I don't see why it would."
[21:02] * Ithea nods. "Good to know."
[21:02] * Ithea then waits for instructions on these formulas and rituals, barring the others having any other immediate questions!
[21:04] <Kotono> Instantaneously, several books appear in the air before Ithea. "These books and a willing subject can be used to create the proper preparations as well as a spell that will allow transit to Beyond and back."
[21:08] <Ithea> "Great! Thank you, this may be extremely helpful to us. Do you know of any other things that could be of use to us? Other ways of surpassing our destinies, knowledge about our enemies, anything at all?" Ithea asks, as she gratefully takes the books, sharing a look with the other two in case they have anything to add as questions.
[21:12] <Kotono> Sylvie shakes her head, while Kascha smiles up, "I'd like to ask you a lot of questions, actually." Taking out a tome and quill, "Would you mind if I interviewed you for lore?"
[21:13] * Ithea can't help it and snorts a short laugh, before saying, "Uhm, let him answer my questions first, alright?"
[21:21] <Kotono> "Destiny? Oh, that concept about time and the mortal idea of fate." The Guardian says, "What seems like destiny or fate is merely the favoring of future probability strands over others. You see, every single possibility is a potential future. Some are stronger and more likely than others, and when coaxed, can become nearly unescapable. The Incarnation Law favored destiny for all, and an ordered
[21:21] <Kotono> meaning to mortal life. The Incarnation of Chaos loathed destiny and sought to tear it down, for ordered meaning is anathema to Him. The Incarnation of Balance made it so that destiny was strong, but not inescapable. You have to be strong and overcome the fate dictated before you. Strength in Chaos makes it easier, but ultimately you must diagnose what your destiny is and defeat it. The creature
[21:21] <Kotono> you know as 27 has told you what you must do. The names of the creatures mean nothing to me - spirits or mortal creatures not of my concern."
[21:27] <Ithea> "Okay...thanks. We'll question 27 more, I guess. Ask away, Kascha?"
[21:30] <Kotono> The Guardian speaks before Kascha, "Yes there is. No it isn't. It is extremely difficult, if the questions were simple the conflicts would never have been between Good and Evil. It isn't about strength as much as ideas. The idea of Good has to utterly defeat the idea of Evil. You could, and if you did, it would be a huge victory, but another would come as you've only slain a symptom of the
[21:30] <Kotono> underlying cause. I don't know - not even the Incarnations could answer that, and the Incarnation of Law long grappled with the answer to that question."
[21:31] <Kotono> Kascha opens her mouth each time and shuts it, "Um...oh....oh!" she begins to furiously scribble away, "...you really can tell when I'm going to ask?" Reddening, "Um, how-"
[21:31] <Ithea> "...You're going to have to share what your questions were going to be later on, Kascha," Ithea notes. "That sounds like it might have been an interesting discussion."
[21:34] * Ithea pauses, and looks at the guardian. "Speaking of...I don't suppose you know some ways that we can lift Bahamut's curse, the curse on both Kascha and myself, do you?" she asks, while he's being helpful, doesn't hurt to keep trying to take advantage!
[21:34] <Kotono> "I am not bound by linear thought or what you define as limits. Yes, there is. Several. The concept of only one is a mortal conceit. What it describes is how well your spirits resonate with each other. Does it matter? No, I can't, I don't know. Be yourself and pay attention. Connect to other people and you'll find it eventually. That? A mortal preoccupation."
[21:34] <Kotono> Kascha again open sand closes her mouth, settling for scribbling away!
[21:34] <Kotono> Sylvie glances over at Ithea, a smile growing on her face. "It's fun to try and guess the questions," she murmurs to her.
[21:35] <Ithea> "Better than guessing the answers, I suppose," Ithea comments back, waiting on a reply from the guardian about the curse.
[21:40] <Kotono> "From your image of her, of course she is one. Age and origin are irrelevant once you have the divine spark. That I do not know, nor that or that." A moment's pause before it continues on, "That question has no meaning to Them, origins are for creatures with limitations. It may be so, I was created to deal with one part of this Creation. Yes, it is. An echo of the simple fact of the Three. All
[21:40] <Kotono> the others are closer to mortal concepts, but not quite. Ah, anything that is limited is a mortal in my thoughts. The definitions you assign between limited creatures are irrelevant."
[21:44] <Kotono> As Kascha continues to desperately write away, "Of course I can. That is not a question I will answer. Because the answer is both forbidden and meaningless to you. She already knows those answers, ask her. Hm. It may be so, it is not an impossible task. However, I know nothing of it. They are not stronger than each other, only different. I care nothing for them. Law and Chaos are the concerns
[21:44] <Kotono> of the Incarnations, and Good and Evil are mortal creations."
[21:46] <Ithea> "...Kascha had a lot of questions, didn't she?" Ithea whispers to Sylvie in surprise at how long the being's speech is still ongoing.
[21:51] <Kotono> "6, 7 or 8 work best, particularly in conjunctions of 6 and 8 or 7 and 3." A pause there as Kascha catches up, and then, "Don't even bother with the next question. The Abyss is what it is; those who gaze into it too long find themselves drawn in. I have never thought of that. It is irrelevant, for procreation is irrelevant to me. Should I desire another of myself, the enaction of will shall see
[21:51] <Kotono> to it. No, it is not like veins of Mystra. The Weave. It is. It needs nothing else to power or justify it. Sources are for limited creatures. I suppose it could be done. Besides the will of the Incarnations, the material that could dissolve my awareness is not native to Creation."
[21:51] <Kotono> "Chock full of them," Sylvie whispers back, "He doesn't seem to mind, but...she's still going?!"
[21:52] <Ithea> "I'm wondering if he even heard my question...I have to admit, those really are interesting answers he's giving..."
[21:55] <Kotono> "The Incarnations are not bound to Creation, of course. I suppose I could, but the concept of suicide is irrelevant to me. For that matter, choosing to return from nothingness is possible for me. Awareness as you define it is woefully unprepared to define the awareness of a limitless creature. Yes. I would be aware and oblivious at the same time. Yes, that is why. I can be any number of states
[21:55] <Kotono> at any time. Yes, non-linear is close enough. Including time, though I largely observe it due to my duties.  I suppose I could, but you would be the ones in danger once you left this place. Those who cannot manipulate time have no chance against those that can. Yes, they could do that. Or that. Or that. That is intentional, I would suppose. It is not a matter I concerned myself with, but my
[21:55] <Kotono> understanding of time would suggest thus."
[22:00] <Kotono> "I could, but your mind would shatter from it. That is quite literal. Filling your mind with over 7,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times 3 of its maximum capacity would cause your brain to liquefy into plasma and burst. No, I have not, though I could simulate it on you if you desire." A dry chuckle follows as Kascha turns deathly
[22:00] <Kotono> pale, "Yes, I suppose that was. Why? Death is merely another state and a particularly weak one. Mortal creatures overcome it all the time, and sometimes even of their own will. It's not a true state as much as a transitory description. Death is a change. Even what you define as oblivion, such as a spirit dying on its home plane, is merely a transference of the spirit's matter to another form.
[22:00] <Kotono> Because it is almost impossible to escape that perfect resonation. Yes. Mortal souls and ethos resonate. Yes, that's correct. The lore is essentially accurate."
[22:06] <Kotono> "You were thinking of it. Yes, I suppose that did give you false hope. Why would I? This is entertaining. I am not lonely, but nor do I not appreciate visitors. Yes, that's correct. No, in this case the numbers are coincidental. Nine circles of magic merely happen to share the sane number as Baator. Yes, that's correct as well. There is no limit, only what the caster can reach with his skill.
[22:06] <Kotono> That is a meaningless question. Because she is magic and magic is she. That is an answer you are not prepared to understand. Yes, that's why, accepting your basic supposition about her status. She could, I suppose, again accepting another supposition." A pause as Kascha catches up, then, "Tiny bits of matter, smaller than the eye can see. Yes, that's correct. Some are aireborn, some are liquid
[22:06] <Kotono> or solid borne, and a few use magic to propagate. Of course, entities can create new ones if they care to or change the rules. Irrelevant, that is a concern of bodies made of flesh and blood."
[22:07] <Kotono> Sylvie's eyebrow starts to twitch, "Oghma's libraries," she breathes, "Is she still going?!"
[22:08] <Ithea> "Seems like. Well, worst case, it'll stop once she runs out of paper, right?" Ithea says, eying the tome that Kascha's writing in. How long would it take to fill it, really?
[22:09] * Muirfinn (~Dis@c-67-175-227-120.hsd1.il.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[22:11] <Kotono> "Magic does not need to precisely follow material rules such as that. Certainly so. The amount of effort is many times greater than magic and ultimately blends back into magic. That is correct, yes. Heat can help, as can purified air. Air is the hardest source to control, and distance is the best way to do so." You can see Kascha's tome is really rather thick, nad has many pages indeed. "It
[22:11] <Kotono> could, though they are not intristically related beyond the medium of transport. Yes, that's correct. Yes, that's correct. ...hah." A chuckle, "Now that is an interesting idea, mortal. It would be best to slay the fiends controlling pestilence before attempting it, such as the Oinoloth and several demon princes. Reprisals, it is an act directly in opposition to their ideals. Further, too much
[22:11] <Kotono> could lead to mutations. Unplanned changes to the host entity as a result of exposure to exotic forces. Yes, that is correct. Mmm, complete collapse into an entity of pure energy or death. There may not be a difference, depending on how you wish to define both states."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Essentially, yes. Extreme might, magic and resources is traditionally best, as well as divinity. Yes, 21 could help. Yes, that is correct. No. What you define as unacceptable drawbacks is well exceeded by this idea. You don't really believe that. Yes, it was that obvious.  You have a love of learning. Faint traces of guilt from your childhood linger. Yes. Yes, that's correct. Those things in
[22:19] <Kotono> those formative years matter greatly to mortal creatures. Imagine it as the first brustrokes on a canvas, setting the tone for the entire painting. No, of course not. Yes, the entity you are thinking of would be ample proof. " At this point Sylvie exhales, "I'm thinking about interrupting," she mutters.
[22:24] <Kotono> "I suppose I would be, for mysteries that would plague mortals are obvious to me. No, you are essentially happy. Yes, that's correct. She made her own mistakes and lives with them every day. Pride comes before the fall and makes it all the more painful. Time and friendship. 21 is 21. It brings only the Truth. What that brings to the bearer is up to them." At this point Kascha glances over at
[22:24] <Kotono> Sylvie with a blush, even as the Guardian goes on. "That's correct. What must be done is often not a pleasant thing by mortal reckoning." At this point Sylvie crosses her arms, while meanwhile the Guardian replies, "Yes, she did happen to overhear you. Eladrin have good ears. Yes, that would be for the best."
[22:24] <Kotono> "But-" Kascha begins, before blushing head to toe. "Sorry, sorry. I got carried away, didn't I?"
[22:25] <Ithea> "It's fine, though I'm still curious if the guardian has any answers about Bahamut's curse."
[22:25] <Kotono> "Yes, I do," he answers, "I can see it on you."
[22:26] <Ithea> "Alright, but my initial question was, is there a way to get rid of it? If so, what way is that? Or ways if there's more than one way?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "Yes. I could deal with it, but the acts of deities are not trivial to remove," The Guardian says. "Divine Will is true will and not strictly magic. As thus, it is a form of unlimited will."
[22:39] <Ithea> "How nontrivial is it exactly? Would it hurt to remove? Do us harm? Would it work differently removing it from either of us?" Ithea asks her own sets of questions.
[22:40] * Ithea silently also wonders if it would be easier to remove from Kascha since she was more of a 'wrong place, wrong time' victim.
[22:43] <Kotono> "For me? No effort. For you? If I succeed fully it is gone. This is not certain. If I fail, there is a good chance I can at least alter part of the curse. If I am completely thwarted, the chain reaction could be destructive."
[22:44] <Kotono> After a moment, "Oh yes, Bahamut will be aware the curse is broken if I succeed. Be aware."
[22:47] <Kotono> Kascha frowns, "I'd be willing to try. I really don't want this curse," Withering a little bit, "It's going to ruin all the work I've put into dragon learning!"
[22:50] * Ithea also frowns. "Are you sure you want it removed now? It might be for the best if we try and see if someone else could remove it, Kascha, if not we can always pop back in here to try then. If we can get a heavenly being to remove it, it might do more to convince Bahamut not to get involved a second time cursing you?" Ithea questions. "Imagine how he'd react if he senses the curse vanishing in the Abyss?"
[22:50] <Ithea> "Actually, would waiting make removing the curse harder or even easier, Guardian?" Ithea asks from the other being. "Or would it make no difference?"
[22:50] <Kotono> That gets Kascha to pale to complete whiteness, "Oh no! I don't want him to think I've Fallen and come after me!" Suddenly withering massively, "Good thinking, Ithea."
[22:51] <Kotono> "It is irrelevant," The Guardian replies. "Time has no component in this will."
[22:53] * Ithea nods. "Alright, if it makes no difference, it really might be best to wait and see if we can't find any other options before returning here, Kascha. I might have said otherwise if the curse's hold worsened with time, but thankfully that isn't the case."
[22:53] <Ithea> "At least we have an option standing for later on, right?"
[22:54] <Kotono> "You can come again," The Guardian says, "This has been entertaining."

[Corwin]

Kascha's question and answer session as follows. It might have been hard to tell at the time, but at points she changed gears when she felt a line of questions were exhausted. A blank line is used to indicate these. The Guardian is not a mortal creature and has a unique outlook and way of answering some questions.

Spoiler: ShowHide

Kascha would also like to state that she didn't really get to think through some of her questions for entirely obvious reasons.

1. Is there a way for Good to win: Yes there is.
2. Is it possible for any of us to do it: No it isn't.
3. Why: It is extremely difficult, if the questions were simple the conflicts would never have been between Good and Evil. It isn't about strength as much as ideas. The idea of Good has to utterly defeat the idea of Evil.
4. Does that mean we need to kill the Gods of Evil and the fiend lords: You could, and if you did, it would be a huge victory, but another would come as you've only slain a symptom of the underlying cause.
5. Which side do you think is right: I don't know - not even the Incarnations could answer that, and the Incarnation of Law long grappled with the answer to that question.

6. Um, how do you know what I'm asking before I ask it: I am not bound by linear thought or what you define as limits.
7. Well then...um...if you know all the answers, is there a soulmate out there for me: Yes, there is. Several.
8. Several?!: The concept of only one is a mortal conceit. What it describes is how well your spirits resonate with each other.
9. But, what if I meet more than one of them: Does it matter?
10. Who are my soulmates? Tell me who they are: No, I can't, I don't know.
11. How do I find them: Be yourself and pay attention. Connect to other people and you'll find it eventually.
12. What if its someone I don't expect or shouldn't fit: That? A mortal preoccupation.

13. Is Seira a true Goddess?: From your image of her, of course she is one.
14. She's wonderful, but she's so young and not like the other Gods! I don't meant to doubt her, but sometimes I wonder how she can be so nice and unlike most of the others: Age and origin are irrelevant once you have the divine spark.
15. How strong will Seira get? How strong will Donald get? How strong will I get: That I do not know, nor that or that.

16. Where did the Incarnations come from: That question has no meaning to Them, origins are for creatures with limitations.
17. Well, if they didn't come from here, does that mean they came from somewhere else? Another Creation: It may be so, I was created to deal with one part of this Creation.
18. Does that mean its possible: Yes, it is.
19. Are the Three why the number 3 recurs in meaningful ways: An echo of the simple fact of the Three.
20. What about the other numbers: All the others are closer to mortal concepts, but not quite.
21. But aren't they related to the Outer Planes: Ah, anything that is limited is a mortal in my thoughts. The definitions you assign between limited creatures are irrelevant.

22. Can you tell me if there are others besides the Three: Of course I can.
23. Are there: That is not a question I will answer.
24. Why not?!: Because the answer is both forbidden and meaningless to you.

25. Can you tell me more about 21, then: She already knows those answers, ask her.

26. <On reflection Kascha has blotted out this answer. She writes a note saying that this is a personal question.> It may be so, it is not an impossible task. However, I know nothing of it.

27. What do you think of the four competing ethos: They are not stronger than each other, only different.
28. Which one do you think will win: I care nothing for them. Law and Chaos are the concerns of the Incarnations, and Good and Evil are mortal creations.

29. Back to numbers, which ones are most effective against Baator: 6, 7 or 8 work best, particularly in conjunctions of 6 and 8 or 7 and 3.

30. Say, Ithea said the Abyss made dolls of her. Why: Don't even bother with the next question. The Abyss is what it is; those who gaze into it too long find themselves drawn in.

31. You know, you're starting to remind me of a bad date the way you dodge questions: I have never thought of that.
32. Really, you've never thought about having a date: It is irrelevant, for procreation is irrelevant to me.
33. But what if you want a wife or children: Should I desire another of myself, the enaction of will shall see to it.
34. Enaction of Will? You mean magic: No, it is not like veins of Mystra.
35. Wait wait wait. What are the veins of Mystra: The Weave.
36. So you can do magic without using magic?! Is that true: It is.
37. How: It needs nothing else to power or justify it. Sources are for limited creatures.
38. You sound like a God more than anything else. Could you even die: I suppose it could be done.
39. How: Besides the will of the Incarnations, the material that could dissolve my awareness is not native to Creation.
40. How would they do it: The Incarnations are not bound to Creation, of course.
41. Could you kill yourself: I suppose I could, but the concept of suicide is irrelevant to me. For that matter, choosing to return from nothingness is possible for me.
42. What, that makes no sense: Awareness as you define it is woefully unprepared to define the awareness of a limitless creature.
43. Wait, you can be both aware and unaware at the same time: Yes. I would be aware and oblivious at the same time.
44. So because you have no limits, you can also ignore the limits we know, including being a single state: Yes, that is why. I can be any number of states at any time.
45. You sound as if you are a non-linear creature: Yes, non-linear is close enough.
46. Then you ignore time as well: Including time, though I largely observe it due to my duties.
47. So could you make us a paradox: I suppose I could, but you would be the ones in danger once you left this place.  Those who cannot manipulate time have no chance against those that can.
48. Could the keepers of the Temporal Compact remove us from history? What about trying again if they lose? How about changing history so we never meet you: Yes, they could do that. Or that. Or that.
49. That makes it sound as if no one can defeat them: That is intentional, I would suppose. It is not a matter I concerned myself with, but my understanding of time would suggest thus.
50. Could you give me the same ability to control and manipulate time: I could, but your mind would shatter from it.
51. I've seen bad things, couldn't I take it: That is quite literal. Filling your mind with over 7,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times 3 of its maximum capacity would cause your brain to liquefy into plasma and burst.
52. Oh Seira...how do you...did you...: No, I have not, though I could simulate it on you if you desire.
53. You bastard, that's...are you making fun of me? Is that a joke: Yes, I suppose that was.

54. Why do you speak about death in such a cavalier manner: Why? Death is merely another state and a particularly weak one. Mortal creatures overcome it all the time, and sometimes even of their own will. It's not a true state as much as a transitory description. Death is a change. Even what you define as oblivion, such as a spirit dying on its home plane, is merely a transference of the spirit's matter to another form.
55. That reminds me. Is it...: Because it is almost impossible to escape that perfect resonation.
56. So it's what I thought: Yes. Mortal souls and ethos resonate.
57. So the lore of I know is correct: Yes, that's correct. The lore is essentially accurate.

58. Wait a moment, you implied you know more about the Temporal Compact: You were thinking of it. Yes, I suppose that did give you false hope.
59. Are you trying to get rid of me: Why would I? This is entertaining.
60. Sorry, it's like you're making fun of me and plucking half formed thoughts out of my head...wait, are you lonely: I am not lonely, but nor do I not appreciate visitors.
61. So does companionship mean nothing to you: Yes, that's correct.

62. Is there any relation between the nine circles of magic and the nine layers of Hell: No, in this case the numbers are coincidental. Nine circles of magic merely happen to share the same number as Baator.
63. Yes, I've read and see magic beyond the ninth circle. What is the ultimate circle of magic: Yes, that's correct as well. There is no limit, only what the caster can reach with his skill.
64: Well, what's the highest spell Mystra could cast: That is a meaningless question.
65: Why: Because she is magic and magic is she.
66: What is the limit of her power, then: That is an answer you are not prepared to understand.
67: So, assuming Mystra is beyond mortal ken as you define it, would she be closer to being a creature like you and a creature of this 'will': Yes, that's why, accepting your basic supposition about her status.
68: So could she change magic then, if it's a matter of her will:  She could, I suppose, again accepting another supposition.

69. Fine. Moving on, how do diseases spread? I've always wanted to study them: Tiny bits of matter, smaller than the eye can see.
70: So they're tiny bits of matter that...touch the body, or invade it: Yes, that's correct.
71: They travel through the air: Some are aireborn, some are liquid or solid borne, and a few use magic to propagate.
72. Are there limitless diseases out there: Of course, entities can create new ones if they care to or change the rules.
73. What are the worst ones: Irrelevant, that is a concern of bodies made of flesh and blood.
74. If these diseases are really tiny bits of matter, can they be cured without magic like how you'd brush off wetness from something, or repair a crack in a jar: Magic does not need to precisely follow material rules such as that.
75. But are there ways: Certainly so.
76. Is this a worthwhile path to follow for those who don't have access to magic: The amount of effort is many times greater than magic and ultimately blends back into magic.
77. So this is a waste of time: That is correct, yes
78. Well, how can I prevent diseases without magic then? I've been on Primes where the sick far outweigh the resources to heal them: Heat can help, as can purified air. Air is the hardest source to control, and distance is the best way to do so.
79: Could control of Air or Fire aid this: It could, though they are not intristically related beyond the medium of transport.
80. So between these 'entities' and Air and Fire, is this at least in part a matter of the Outer Planes: Yes, that's correct.
81. So if the sources of all this could be changed, could that cure disease on a great scale? If the source of these diseases was changed to something that aids life instead, could it turn disease into a blessing: Yes, that's correct. ...hah. Now that is an interesting idea, mortal. It would be best to slay the fiends controlling pestilence before attempting it, such as the Oinoloth and several demon princes.
82. I see, would the consequence of doing this be severe: Reprisals, it is an act directly in opposition to their ideals. Further, too much could lead to mutations.
83. Mutations: Unplanned changes to the host entity as a result of exposure to exotic forces.
84. Oh yes, too much positive energy can be fatal, including in a situation like this: Yes, that is correct.
85. What's the worst that could happen to living beings if this happened: Mmm, complete collapse into an entity of pure energy or death. There may not be a difference, depending on how you wish to define both states.

86. Speaking of divinities and archfiends, do you have to be another God or Power to kill one: Essentially, yes. Extreme might, magic and resources is traditionally best, as well as divinity.
87. 21 would help bypass some of that: Yes, 21 could help.
88. So could I kill an archfiend with 21 and enough force: Yes, that's correct.

89. This entire idea here with disease and the archfiends, would the likely results be within acceptable drawbacks: No. What you define as unacceptable drawbacks is well exceeded by this idea.

90. Sorry, my stupid questions wasted your time: You don't really believe that.
91. Is it really that obvious: Yes, it was that obvious.
92. I just want to find out more, even when the questions might be stupid. Is that wrong: You have a love of learning. Faint traces of guilt from your childhood linger.
93. <Kascha politely blotted out this question as well, as it deals entirely with her personal life> Yes. Yes, that's correct. Those things in those formative years matter greatly to mortal creatures. Imagine it as the first brushstrokes on a canvas, setting the tone for the entire painting.
94. <Again with some blotting> No, of course not. Yes, the entity you are thinking of would be ample proof.

95. You'd be an amazing counselor, wouldn't you: I suppose I would be, for mysteries that would plague mortals are obvious to me.
96. Is it because of what you've said and done: No, you are essentially happy.
97. <Kascha has blotted out these questions out of respect for Sylvie's privacy.> Yes, that's correct. She made her own mistakes and lives with them every day.  Pride comes before the fall and makes it all the more painful. Time and friendship. 21 is 21. It brings only the Truth. What that brings to the bearer is up to them.

[Corwin]

[20:04] <Koaway> --------------
[20:05] <Koaway> OOC: Okay, Ithea. Last time you talked to the Guardian and got a buncha info. Anything you're going to do to immediately pursue any of that, or are you going to be around Aurora for a bit?
[20:07] <Ithea> ooc: be around Aurora, I guess?
[20:11] <Koaway> roll 1d100
[20:11] <Serith> Koaway roll for Serith < 96 > [d100=96]
[20:11] <Koaway> roll 1d100 subtables
[20:11] <Serith> Koaway roll for Serith < 18 > [d100=18]
[20:14] <Koaway> Ithea watches the catfolk practice. They are in the courtyard, going through drills. As she watches, "Ithea?" Tannin's voice is heard, just besides you.
[20:14] <Ithea> "Yes, Tannin?" Ithea asks as she turns to look at Tannin.
[20:16] <Koaway> Tannin is there, hood drawn down. He nods a moment, shoulders slumping, "Just got back in from my latest job," he says, "Exhausted. Got somewhere to sit? Need to talk."
[20:17] <Ithea> "We can head to the cafeteria, or just sit somewhere around here if you're that tired," Ithea says. "Which job were you on?"
[20:19] <Koaway> Tannin wobbles a few feet, before sitting down heavily. His eyes close as he stares up, "Lotta. Devil greensteel, got that first. Wasn't bad. Got some info on using it to make things. Then went after Medi's old friends. Oooof..." Grunting as he tries to get up and fails, "Found one. Tracked 'em down. Got in a bit, but mana poisoning." Groaning, "Too much pure magic."
[20:22] * Ithea frowns. "Mana poisoning? Which friend was this, and was it an attack on you or just the situation or place?" she asks as she kneels in front of him, watch Tannin. If he looks bad enough, she'll try dragging him to the healer ward, though with what he's talking about mana poisoning, she isn't too sure if that'd help?
[20:24] <Koaway> "Dweomerkeeper Resel," Tannin groans. His eyes are a glassy purple with hints of silver. "Wasn't an attack. Had to get to his inner sanctum to talk to him. Too much," Grunting at that, "Ooooh..." he murmurs, before going limp.
[20:30] * Ithea frowns and grabs Tannin, deciding to go drag him to the healer ward after all. If it looks like the beds there are making things worse, she'll take him to his room instead and contact Galariel or maybe Tepen, see if either of them know how to treat mana poisoning. But first, off to try those beds!
[20:32] <Koaway> Once on the beds Tannin begins to rest. Hanna's nearby, watching Ithea and helping her load Tannin in. "What happened," she asks as they get the chaos-blooded in?"
[20:35] <Ithea> "Mana poisoning, apparently. I wasn't sure if how the beds worked would make things worse as I've never dealt with that before, so I want to watch him first," Ithea answers. "You know anything about it, Hanna?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "No," Hanna shakes her head, as Tannin begins to rest. "I'll try a Heal if it looks like it'll help."
[20:59] * Ithea checks Tannin's pulse and just observes if his complexion is getting worse on the blessed beds or better. If he looks to be getting better, she'll nod to Hanna's offer.
[21:04] <Kotono> His pulse is steady, his color improving. As you watch the pod begins to glow with cracking fires of various colors - including the blue arcane fire Ithea is so familiar with. Heatless, damageless fires, at least.
[21:05] <Ithea> "Okay, looks like healing magic isn't doing anything bad with this poisoning effect he spoke of, probably safe to try and help him with a heal spell," Ithea answers.
[21:10] <Kotono> Hanna does just that! Tannin slumps and sighs, stirring in the bed. HIs eyes open, now a shade of off silver-white. "Oh, I'm back so soon?" he mutters.
[21:11] <Ithea> "Brought you to the healer ward after you fainted on me, Tannin," Ithea explains. "Hanna happened to be here and helped get you back to normal a fair bit faster."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Right." Closing his eyes again, "You'll need to go find Resel yourselves. In Dweomerheart, find the Starry Night Compendiums - it's a magery shop. There's a door in the back, the password is Eternal Weave. There's a portal past it to Resel's realm."
[21:18] <Ithea> "You said you got to his inner sanctum, did you have a chance to talk to him at all, or did you just end up having to leave before that because of the whole mana poison stuff?" Ithea asks, though she does commit to memory the information he just shared.
[21:19] <Kotono> "Didn't have a chance to talk to him. He has a big inner sanctum," Grunting and licking his lips, "He invited me to try and reach him once Aurora came up - he'd heard already, I think. Probably got lead around by the nose the entire time."
[21:23] <Ithea> "You think he actually is willing to meet but just wants to make us work for it, or was it some sort of game to him, running you around?" she asks the investigator for his impressions of Resel.
[21:26] <Kotono> "I think he's the sort that makes you earn it," Tannin replies, "You know the type - holy quest before you get your foot in the door."
[21:27] <Kotono> Hanna snorts, "I'll have you know there's nothing wrong with that. It's a good insurance policy - even if the random person who wants tos ee you is up to no good, doing something worthwhile helps hedge against disaster."
[21:29] <Ithea> "Nobody said there was anything wrong with it," Ithea points out. "I was just curious as to what type of person he was. But it's good that he's the first type and not the second."
[21:35] <Kotono> "Mmmm," Tannin smiles as he rests back, "Anyway, I'll get a report out once I feel up to it. That's the most important part, since you're investating Medi's old friends."
[21:38] * Ithea nods again. "Right. The stuff about the greensteel can wait for the report as well. You just get some rest, I guess. I'll go look in the library for information about mana poisoning, see if that gives some insights about Resel's realm too."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Thanks, Ithea," he murmurs, "...oh yeah..." he adds, sounding half asleep, "Hold up."
[21:48] * Ithea pauses on her way back out, and waits for the sleepy investigator to say whatever he wants to say before she takes off.
[21:49] <Kotono> "Have someone...stay guard here..." Muttering that amid a haze, "Don't wanna...wake up and see 27 staring at me."
[21:52] * Ithea blinks. "Uh...okay? Hanna, are you going to be around here for a while, or should I send for someone else?" Ithea says as she scratches the back of her head. She didn't know that the feelings between Tannin and 27 were mutual.
[21:57] <Kotono> "Oh yeah, I'll stay," Hanna takes a seat nearby, "I'd be  unsettled if I found 27 staring at me while I slept, too."
[21:58] * Ithea nods. "Have a good rest then, Tannin. And thanks, Hanna," she says as she heads towards the library.
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC: Make an K:A check with library bonus added?
[22:03] <Ithea> roll d20+29+5
[22:03] <Serith> Ithea roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=6]
[20:10] <@Kotono> Mana poisoning is too much magic in the body and blood. This is a rare condition, only caused by exposure to excessive amounts of pure magic. Only rarified and purified magic, such as the Weave's energies, are capable of doing this. While it grants a rise in caster level and magical potency, it takes a likewise toll on the body. It leads to reduced endurance, life energy and ultimately death.
[20:16] * @Ithea tries to find reference about avoding the negative effects or reducing them, checking for references of whether an Attune Form spell would even work. On the one hand, it's a spell and the poisoning involves too much magic, on the other hand, the healing magic seemed to help Tannin, so it was worth looking into.
[20:17] <@Kotono> Attune form wouldn't help. The best way to cure is for the victim to escape the poisoning effect and cast as many spells as he can, back to back. Burn off the excess magic in his body, causing them to escape in flames of various types - resembling such things as arcane flames, spellfire and silver fire.
[20:38] * @Ithea hums at that, scratching her chin and moves on to check about anti-magic fields or dampen magic spells.
[20:40] <@Kotono> Those spells are effective in s uppressing it, but not eliminating it. While it does suppress mana poisoning, it also prevents the body from breaking down the excess magic as it is suppressed.
[20:43] * @Ithea looks into spell resistance's effectiveness!
[20:46] <@Kotono> Resistance to magic doesn't play into it at all.
[20:49] <@Ithea> Not having any other ideas, Ithea starts putting books away, shelving further research for later. She'll go look for other people and see where they're at, what they've found, and so forth.
[20:52] <@Kotono> Wandering about, you find Sylvie and Kascha. They're holed up in a corner of the library, the books from the Guardian shared between them. There's also a bottle of brown booze between them, the two adding little bits of it to the tea they drink. "Oh Ithea," Sylvie looks up, rubbing her forehead, "Looking for a migraine today?"
[20:53] <@Ithea> "Are you? What -are- you drinking, you two?" she asks in jest.
[23:03] <Kotono> "Tea and whiskey. Vile cominbation," Kascha makes a face. "It helps with the headaches from studying the books here."
[23:03] <Ithea> "And here I thought you two -liked- books!" Ithea says with a straight face as Kascha makes another one.
[23:03] <Kotono> "It's so terrible that it distracts you enough and a bit of ab uzz helps with the headache," Sylvie says, "What's in here is the opposite of mathematics, crammed into math."
[23:04] <Ithea> "That didn't even make any sense, you know."
[23:04] <Kotono> A moment later Kascha giggles at that, as Sylvie gives Ithea a terribly long suffering look.
[23:04] <Kotono> "That's why it gives you such a headache," Sylvie retorts, "It doesn't make any sense, but here it is, and it's entirely self consistent, even when completely disproving various mathematical cornerstones."
[23:07] <Ithea> "Oh? What sort of things get disproven?" Ithea asks, grabbing one of the books from the guardian and beginning to look through it.
[23:16] <Kotono> "According to this, one plus one is both 8, 12, and several symbols I'm still decoding. At once." Rubbing her forehead again, Sylvie sighs, "Apparently what lies beyond this Creation is utterly and completely incomprehensible to us."
[23:18] <Ithea> "But you said it was self-consistent, right? So everything's fine, just some new math to learn!" Ithea says in a positive tone.
[23:24] <Kotono> "It's..." Kascha begins, groping verbally. "It's um...complicated, at the same time. Words can't really explain it." Then she snaps her fingers, "Why don't you spend some time reading them?"
[23:24] * Ithea nods, looking more seriously in to the book she'd begun scanning through.
[23:30] <Kotono> OOC: Make an int check?
[23:34] <Ithea> roll d20+6
[23:34] <Serith> Ithea roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=13]
[23:35] <Kotono> Mentally, it's like...trying to do a loop de loop while juggling crystal spheres whilst reciting elven poetry, all at the same time. It's completely disorganized and meandering, yet requiring conclusions and work that are utterly absurd to work towards. It makes Ithea's head begin to pound after a good five minutes of it. Math isn't supposed to do this!
[23:37] <Ithea> "...Okay, screw the internal self consistency, gimme a sip of your nasty drink," Ithea says as she rubs her forehead, and closes the book.
[23:43] <Kotono> A glass of spiked tea is slid on over. "There's really not much in it. Just enough to take the edge off. You don't want anything more than the slightest buzz," Sylvie warns, "It's like a tightrope act."
[23:44] * Ithea raises an eyebrow, but takes the warning to heart as she first takes a sip of the concoction.
[23:47] <Kotono> It's bitter tea - and the strong, overwhelming taste of cheap booze. It's like a bad party just erupted in Ithea's mouth, and no one ever wanted to be invited!
[23:47] * Ithea makes a face like Kascha's earlier. "Lovely drink," she says.
[23:50] <Kotono> "It's the worst one I could think up," Sylvie chirps, "It's a hangover cure from Pandemonium. Minus the Pandemonium grown whiskey, but that's mostly poisonous anyway."
[23:50] <Kotono> Kascha makes a face and sips her own glass again, "I've had something like this worse only one time, and I'm certain she made it as a punishment. It is effective, however."
[23:51] <Ithea> "Let's see how effective," Ithea says, opening another of the books.
[23:58] <Kotono> OOC: Int check again, Ithea?
[23:59] <Ithea> roll d20+6
[23:59] <Serith> Ithea roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=6]
[00:03] <Kotono> Hours of this pass. The trio makes good progress, as Ithea stumbles between just a light buzz and a crushing headache. It's like swinging back and forth between extremes, all while trying to make headway.  At last the book you're on is finished! Sylvie sits back with a dramatic sigh, rubbing her forehead, "We should've asked the Guardian for the abridged edition."
[00:06] <Ithea> "We'll figure it out, we've got time to go over it," Ithea says a bit more encouragingly.
[00:21] <Kotono> "I hope," Kascha says, "There's also a question - are we going to prepare information on someone for this entire infusion or are we just practicing?"
[00:24] * Ithea shrugs. "I was just trying to make sense of it, so practicing I guess?"
[00:30] <Kotono> "Then we're done for the day," Sylvie sighs, blowing her bangs up, "By the way, 21 doesn't see all this as lies," she points out, "It's just...a different truth."
[00:34] <Kotono> "I suppose that means all that insanity related to it is valid? I mean," Kascha says, "What I've read of Beyond or the Far Realm often suggests that it's pure insanity or madness, nothing coherent or real. It's more like a different plane?"

[Corwin]

[19:54] <Kotono> As Ithea heads back to her quarters, abruptly Elena appears before her. Her hair is mussed and she looks harried. "Quick, Ithea! We have a guest and everyone else is busy between Jaela and Annalise and that other stuff! He's in the strategy rooms and he's familiar, I think he's visited before but I didn't have time to linger!
[19:54] <Kotono> "
[19:56] <Ithea> "I'll head there then," Ithea says with a nod, though she pauses and looks at Elena's state. "What's this about Jaela and Annalise and other stuff? No, nevermind, you can tell me afterwards, I guess. Go and do what you've got to do."
[19:56] * Ithea starts hurrying towards the strategy room.
[20:00] <Kotono> On coming there, yo ufind the figure familiar. A humanoid with bowed head, wearing a brown friar's robe. A crown of light blazes around his head. "Ah, I believe we've met before."
[20:05] * Ithea nods at that statement. "We did briefly, yes. Welcome back to Aurora, what can we do for you?" she asks with a smile as she finally places the figure. "...Priest, was it?"
[20:13] <Kotono> "That's right," he says, "It has been some time."
[20:17] <Ithea> "Did you decide to take Jaela's offer up and come join us?" Ithea asks as she sits, gesturing for Priest to sit as well. "I'm Ithea by the way, I don't recall if I actually introduced myself last time, sorry."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Honored," Priest replies, "My convent desires to meet with the leaders of Aurora. We have heard much good, and are indeed interested in helping."
[20:26] <Ithea> "Your help and that of your convent would be greatly welcomed, Priest," Ithea says. "I'm sorry not all of us were here to welcome you, we've all been busy with various tasks lately. I know for certain Jaela's tied up with something."
[20:28] <Kotono> "I can take such things in stride," Priest replies, "I can wait within the temple to the Triune Goddess I saw on my way in."
[20:30] <Ithea> "I'll accompany you," Ithea says, standing back up. "Are there any questions you have? I can probably answer most of them, I hope."
[20:32] <Kotono> "Several. First of all, what faiths hold sway within Aurora?" Priest inquires, "I also spied a shrine to Tempus, and I have heard several of Lady Gwynharwyf's berserkers are here as well."
[20:41] <Ithea> "Right now, we only have places of worship for Tempus and the Triune Goddess. We do have various worshippers for Gwynharwyf as you mentioned, as well as Mystra, Selune, Seira, and a couple of others," Ithea answers. "The tortles for example worship a group of four deities. I only recall Mother Ocean of those though, I'm afraid."
[20:42] <Ithea> "We have a fairly diverse bunch," Ithea says with a grin.
[20:48] <Kotono> "A diverse bunch," Priest says thoughtfully, "None of the faiths are having any sort of friction?"
[20:51] <Ithea> "Not that I'm aware of, thankfully," Ithea answers again. "I do hope to add a shrine for Mystra at some point for my people, and I assume that the various others will also want to have similar places for their deities, but everyone is united in Aurora's goal."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Good." A smile at that, as he follow towards the temple. As yo upass through the hall, past the Medicant Golems, past Mirima and the Graceful Blow leaping atop them and fencing, like tiny footholds over an endless abyss, "I sense many good hearts within Aurora as well."
[21:23] * Ithea nods to that, not having any disagreement with the observation. "It's one of the reasons we'll triumph one day, I'm sure," is all she says, while waiting for any other questions from Priest.
[21:23] <Kotono> You reach the temple first, Priest going to sit within. As he rests here, the momentary silence serene, "I've heard that Queen Morwel personally blessed your Crusade."
[21:28] <Ithea> "That's something you'd have to speak with Afina and Jaela to confirm, though I believe that is the case," Ithea answers with a nod of her head.
[21:29] <Kotono> "Wonderful," Priest speaks up, "The Lady of the Lake seldom gives such open approval. That removes any doubt I had.
[21:29] <Kotono> "
[21:32] <Ithea> "That's good to hear. How many of your convent wished to join us alongside you, Priest?" Ithea asks her own question, looking curiously at the robed figure besides her.
[21:34] <Kotono> "The entire convent," Priest replies with just a hint of a smile.
[21:34] * Ithea raises eyebrow at that. "...ah."