036.5 Ithea and the Wise Convent

[Corwin]

[19:54] <Kotono> Busy busy busy busy! Ithea's doing this and that - oh, there's toasts about Operation Black Cloud and Yian, too. Her day passes in a haze of drinks and duty, leaving her drained and a little hung over the next morning. Still, duty resumes. In particular, there's a message for her - Morniel would like to see her.
[19:57] * Ithea gets ready and goes to visit Morniel then!
[19:59] <Kotono> You meet with Morniel in the strategy room. "Ithea," He offers his hand out as she enters.
[20:00] <Ithea> "Morniel," Ithea says in return, shaking his hand. "You wanted to see me?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "There's a matter of diplomacy I need help with," He begins.
[20:02] * Ithea grabs a seat, and motions for Morniel to continue.
[20:09] <Kotono> "There's been a lot of diplomacy going on, and we've received a missive from another source." Going on, "The Wise Convent has made contact, asking for a diplomatic meeting. According to what I've uncovered, they're a group of paladins and holy warriors dedicated to righteousness. What's interesting is that they asked for you by name, instead of someone more fitting to the role, like Jaela."
[20:10] <Ithea> ooc: who's the wise convent? knowledge check assuming we haven't heard before and I just forgot?
[20:12] <Kotono> OOC: K:R.
[20:13] <Ithea> roll d20+27
[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+27 and gets 33." [d20=6]
[20:16] <Kotono> The Wise Covenant is a group of holy warriors and paladins dedicated to righteousness. While not many, they work to improve the Planes and fight evil. They are based out of a small fortress on the Astral Plane. The Githyanki seem to tolerate and ignore them, and vice versa, which suggests some sort of understanding.
[20:17] * Ithea raises an eyebrow at the mention. "You're right, I kind of figured they'd ask for Jaela given what they do. And they asked for me specifically you say, Morniel?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "Yes," Morniel replies, "By name, no less."
[20:19] <Ithea> "Strange, I've never really interacted with them, that I can recall. Did you get a name from the person who asked for me? Was it a catfolk or something?" Ithea asks, pondering that.
[20:20] <Kotono> "No. It was a diplomatic missive," Morniel says, "Delivered by a knight-errant. He's resting right now, he had along journey through Ysgard to get here. His name is Viul."
[20:29] <Ithea> "I see. Well, they do sound like the sort of people that we'd love to welcome, honestly, so I can't think of any reason not to go. And really, I am curious about them asking for me," Ithea admits.
[20:30] <Kotono> "Right. He's resting right now, which gives you time. Choose someone to go with you, just in case." Morniel says.
[20:31] * Ithea nods. "Of course," she says, before calling for Elena, figuring she'd be best to ask who's around and free for a little diplomatic trip.
[20:33] <Kotono> Elena appears, utterly bedraggled and sagging, "Now what?" she asks, "Sorry Ithea, bad time! Really bad time! Annalise is back and they're in the baths and Hanna wants to kill her and Jaela's there and I'm going back and forth like a confused bee!"
[20:34] <Ithea> Ithea's eyes widen and she takes a deep breath of air. "Annalise is -back-? Are you kidding?" she says in shock.
[20:35] <Kotono> "N-no!" Elena blurts out, "I mean, I saw her myself!"
[20:38] * Ithea frowns. "Since you said this Viul is resting, the diplomatic mission can wait a bit longer, I want to know what's going on with Annalise coming back," she says to Morniel as she stands up, turning to Elena. "Go ahead, I think I'm going to join you and see what the heck is going on. What I wanted can wait."
[20:40] <Kotono> "It's in the baths," Elena says, as Morniel nods. "Go then."
[20:42] * Ithea nods, starting to head towards the baths.

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Kotono> Meanwhile Ithea enters, seeing the scene before her. "Jaela," she grinds out, ever so slowly, "You're so bullheaded that it required extreme measures to get through to you. Damn it!" Snarling again, "Fine. I need you! I need you, and I realized it after I left. I only barely avoided two abduction attempts on me by Orcus, another by a solar and then the devils got involved. I need you and I
[20:52] <Kotono> need you in a position where your damned mother or someone else can't talk you out of it! I'm still not strong enough to keep my old enemies at bay. I'll be lucky if they only return me to that holy sword paralysis."
[20:53] * Afina greets Ithea with a grateful nod, having more numbers can only help if they need to subdue Annalise. She's surely fed since she left and gotten those ninth circle spells she boasted of being on the cusp of before.
[20:53] <Jaela> "I told you that you could come back at any time. I told you that you would be among friends, whatever happened with us. Even today, I told you that we could all try to start over. But none of it was enough! Why, dammit?!"
[20:55] * Ithea gives Afina a nod as well, stopping besides her as she frowns and watches the words fly between Jaela and Annalise.
[20:55] <Kotono> Meanwhile Sylvie enters, looking about in confusion. She glances at Ithea, mouthing, 'What's going on?' to her. Meanwhile, "I want you, you idiot," Annalise drawls out, "Preferably in a way that weeds out all that damn divine foolishness you have in your head."
[20:56] <Afina> "Sylvie's on her way," Afina tells Ithea quietly. "If Annalise can't convince Jaela and Hanna... ah, Sylvie," she smiles at the blonde. "We may need 21, if you don't mind waiting to see how this resolves."
[20:56] <Kotono> "I have nothing better to do," Sylvie replies, as she gets a death glare from Annalise.
[20:57] * Jaela takes a deep breath. "I think it's past time you understand just what it is you've been looking down on all this time," she tells Annalise. "And if the Triune grants me this miracle, I will show it to you. I just need you to look."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Do I have a choice?" Annalise fires back.
[20:58] <Jaela> "Am I bluffing?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Fine," Annalise snaps.
[21:02] <Jaela> Jaela comes down to one knee and draws the blessed symbol of her patron goddess. "My lady Angharradh," she says in prayer. "I was never able to show Annalise what I felt. Perhaps she spent too much time as she is to see it, or perhaps I was the one lacking. But with your help, it might be possible. Please grant me this miracle and let her experience real feelings, not the shade of them she has. Please let her truly understand how I feel about her, how my mother feels about me, the good and the bad. Everything."
[21:06] <Kotono> The scream that rips out from Annalise is loud enough to awaken the dead. Her hands go to her head, as she thrashes about! For several seconds this happens, Jaela's holy symbol glowing brighter and brighter yet! After about seven seconds it glows so bright as to blind everyone in the room, a final flash of light! Annalise's scream stops, as she lies face up on the ground.
[21:07] * Afina blinks her eyes a few times to get rid of the spots dancing in them and looks speculatively at the vampire.
[21:08] <Jaela> "Do you still think it's a waste?" Jaela asks quietly into the sudden silence. "Is this something you want me to get rid of? I've wanted you to feel the same way for as long as we knew each other."
[21:10] <Kotono> There's no immediate answer - Annalise just lies ther.e
[21:11] * Ithea casts detect magic, focusing her glance on Annalise's face, trying to figure out what they just saw and what effect it might have had on Annalise.
[21:11] * Jaela rises to her feet and comes over to Annalise to check up on her.
[21:11] * Afina is happy to remain in the peanut gallery for now.
[21:15] <Kotono> Annalise's face has mended by now, as you detect no unusual magic in her. "Urgh," she murmurs, sounding really rather dazed.
[21:18] * Jaela picks Annalise up. "The only way to compromise here is to put Annalise in the jail, is there?" she asks the others. "Even after everything, I want to try and save her. And the Triune is on my side." She channels a dimensional anchor into her left gauntlet, and then taps Annalise with it. "This way, there should be no objections?"
[21:18] <Kotono> Annalise mutters something else, but she sounds really rather dazed.
[21:23] <Afina> "No," Afina shakes her head. "If it really was a bluff... I can let things slide. But we're not good."
[21:24] <Jaela> "Please help me until I get there, then," Jaela requests, taking the lead.
[21:26] * Ithea isn't sure how much luck Jaela's going to have turning Annalise's mind with her in a cell, but she seems to be able to handle the situation on her own, and is willing to step aside on the issue.
[21:26] <Afina> "Sorry to get you down here for nothing, Sylvie," Afina apologises to the human first, and then to the angel, "And I'm sorry as well, Hanna. I did what I thought best." Then she flies alongside Jaela to offer whatever help is needed along the way.
[21:26] <Kotono> Sylvie shrugs, falling in. Meanwhile Hanna just stares, taking long, deep breathes now.

[Corwin]

[21:37] <Kotono> Elena is summoned - looking downright tired now, sagging and using a quarterstaff to prop herself up. "Whew," she waves with one hand, "Buuuusy. What do you need, Ithea?"
[21:40] <Ithea> "Now that things have calmed down, well, relatively anyway, I wanted to check who's free for a diplomatic mission with me, Elena. Jaela would have been good for this one but she has her own problems, obviously," Ithea explains to Elena. "Going to be dealing with a holy order of warriors and paladins."
[21:46] <Kotono> "Jaela's busy, Crystal's out with Queen Ilsenine in diplomacy. Those would be my first two," Elena frowns and hums, "Kascha's out with Muirfinn and Stille. Misalea could be good, or Balyss. Both sort of grew wings today a nd look like angels now."
[21:48] * Ithea raises eyebrow. "Do they now? Wonder how that happened. I'll ask one of them, thanks, Elena," Ithea says, as she goes hunting for Balyss first.
[21:49] <Kotono> "Sure," Elena calls, "Oh, aren't you going to ask me where one of them is! I'd rather do it now instead of coming back. I really need a breka."
[21:50] * Ithea smiles. "Sure, why not. Where can I find 'em?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "Balyss is in her room and Misaela flying around Elrisa's tower," Elena reports back.
[21:55] <Ithea> "Thanks," Ithea says, as she goes searching for Balyss. After that she'll stop to see Viul, and if he doesn't mind having a third person around, she might as well ask Misalea as well to help round out the group.
[21:56] <Kotono> After a knock on Balyss's door, "Coming," Balyss is heard, "Hold on!" It takes about half a minute before the door opens, a plain tunic with back torn out worn. "Oh Ithea. Come on in. I'm just ruining my warddrobe trying to get a few to fit my addition."
[21:59] <Ithea> "Are you now? I'd heard you and Misalea both got some wings, something to do with that then?" Ithea asks as she looks inside the room, stepping in and looking at Balyss.
[22:01] <Kotono> "Well yes," Her wings are large and long, white as a dove's. They flutter in the air, lifting Balyss up a few inches off the ground. "I can't wear my old shirts with them. I asked around, you need customized clothes for it. Easy enough if you visit any particular Heaven, at least."
[22:03] <Ithea> "How'd the wings come about, if you don't mind my asking?" Ithea questions as she eyes the wings, distracted from her true purpose being there. "They're very pretty by the way."
[22:06] <Kotono> "Thank you. Oh, I was in Brightwater and I felt an urge to go do something, and they sort of grew in," she explains, "It was a gift from Selune."
[22:09] <Ithea> "Do Misalea's wings have anything to do with that as well?" she asks curiously. "Or just a weird coincidence that you both got them at about the same time?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "Nothing that I know of. She follows the elven deities," Balyss puts her arms under her chest, "Coincidence."
[22:14] <Ithea> "Huh, weird," Ithea comments. "Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to come join me for a diplomatic mission, but if you're having wardrobe problems..." Here Ithea scratches the back of her head. "Well, I guess I could always ask Misalea, she's apparently flying around so I'm guessing she's not having the same problem."
[22:15] <Kotono> "Diplomatic mission," Balyss says curiously, "I have a few things I can salvage," Balyss says, "What sort of mission?"
[22:19] <Ithea> "Ever hear of the Wise Convent? They're a group of holy warriors and paladins from the Astral Plane, I think. Apparently they were asking for me by name, sent a guy named Viul over with the request for a meeting."
[22:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 and gets 38." [1d20=11]
[22:21] <Kotono> "Yeah," Balyss says, "A small group of holy warriors based on...the Astral, isn't it?"
[22:22] * Ithea nods. "That's really all I know about 'em, honestly."
[22:23] <Kotono> "I'm for it," Balyss says, "When do we leave?"
[22:24] <Ithea> "Well, that Viul guy is apparently resting, so we're waiting on him, mostly. I was going to check up and see how he's doing, and also see if he cares about taking more people, figured I might ask Misalea to join us too," Ithea explains. "You want me to just go check on that while you work out the wardrobe stuff? I can come back for you," she also offers.
[22:33] <Kotono> "Go ahead," Balyss says, "Pick me up before you go."
[22:34] * Ithea nods and heads for the room where Viul is most likely resting, knocking on the door.
[22:53] <Kotono> It's not hard to find Viul. It's one of the guest rooms. The knight-errant in question is an elf with sharply silver hair, but is otherwise elven in apperance. He wears a light layer of chain mail and tunic over it, an empty swordbelt at his waist. He looks at Ithea  amoment before, "Ithea?" he asks, "Ithea of Aurora?"
[22:55] <Ithea> "That would be me. I'd heard your order sought a meeting with me?" Ithea says as she offers a handshake to the elvenly Viul.
[22:59] <Kotono> His grip is strong, his smell that of leather and the sweat of the road. "You've heard right. Would you like to come in, so we can talk about it civilized?"
[23:06] <Ithea> "Sure," Ithea says as she steps inside, and she quickly asks the question she'd been wondering over. "I don't suppose you know why your order was asking for me specifically? Not that I mind, but normally I would have imagined an order of paladins to come asking to talk to Jaela."
[23:08] <Kotono> "I'm afraid I'm not privy to that reason," Viul confesses, "Unfortunately, what I know is commands sent across Creation by magic."
[23:10] <Ithea> "I see. I suppose that's simply something I will have to ask when the meeting occurs then," Ithea says. "Have you rested well? Would you like more time to see Aurora or would you rather be returning as soon as you're able to? We do have a wonderful cafeteria and various other places worth stopping by if you're not pressed for time."
[23:17] <Kotono> "We can leave when you're ready," he says, "Evil does not rest, so I try to as little as possible. We have to keep up."
[23:18] * Ithea nods. "I understand. I was going to ask a few of my friends to come along as well. One is already waiting and getting ready, but I still need to visit the other if you don't mind. We can leave right afterwards," Ithea says.
[23:21] <Kotono> "Understood, ma'am," He nods slightly, "Where shall I wait for you?"
[23:22] <Ithea> "If you prefer waiting here, that's fine, or at the gates will work as well," Ithea says. "Whichever is most comfortable for you."
[23:22] * Ithea waits for his decision before she takes off again.
[23:24] <Kotono> "I'll wait here then," he says, "Thank you, ma'am."
[23:26] * Ithea nods, and goes off to first find Misalea who's probably still flying around outside.
[23:30] <Kotono> Misalea indeed is flying around Elrisa's tower, Adrian standing atop it and watching her. She has a nonstop grin on her face, swooping about.
[23:34] * Ithea tries to get the attention of either of the duo from below the tower, cupping her hands around her mouth and calling out Misalea's name. If she seems too into her flight for it, she'll just cast Flare (making sure not to cast it too close to Misalea) and try to get the attention of one of the two that way.
[23:35] <Kotono> After a few calls Misalea swoops down, "Ithea!" she calls, "Hello there!"
[23:38] <Ithea> "Hey, Misalea," Ithea greets back, smiling as she stares at the new wings of a different person. "Sorry to distract you, wanted to see if you're free for a diplomatic trip. Where'd the wings come from, by the way?"
[23:41] <Kotono> "Afraid not," Shaking her head, "We're waiting on a trip back to our world and investigating a tomb related to the Graceful Blow." Pausing to blush, "The Seladrine, as a reward for my renewed piety."
[23:42] * Ithea nods. "Congratulations, lots of rewards going on with wings. Balyss is sporting her own set as well," Ithea comments with a smile. "Anyway, that's fine. If you're busy, you're busy. What about Adrian, is he free or joining you as well?" Ithea asks.
[23:44] <Kotono> "He's coming with us," Misalea says, "Sorry."
[23:45] <Ithea> "Nah, it's fine. It's not like some devils are going to attack while we're at a holy order anyway, just me and Balyss will be fine," Ithea says, waving Misalea's apology away. "Good luck with the tomb thing, and take care of yourselves, alright?"
[23:47] * Ithea starts heading back for Balyss and then Viul.
[23:55] <Kotono> Balyss is picked up without incident. She falls in step with Ithea, "Any luck with Misalea?"
[23:57] <Ithea> "Busy with her own stuff," Ithea answers with a shake of her head as she starts leading the way back to Viul. "So it's just the two of us, if that's alright with you."
[00:03] <Kotono> "No problem with me," Balyss replies, and thus you find Viul. He's dressed in heavy plate armor now, "I'm ready, ma'am," he says once you meet him. "How shall we travel?"
[00:07] <Ithea> "Let's go see Tepen, see if he can open up a gate for us. Hopefully he also has a scroll so we can get back after the meeting," Ithea says. "He's usually at the library, so let's head there."
[00:14] <Kotono> "I can handle it," Balyss speaks up, "Planar magic isn't too hard for me."
[00:20] <Ithea> "That'll work too then," Ithea says. "Viul, can you describe our destination a bit better?"

[Corwin]

[19:59] <Kotono> "It is a steel and stone fortress, crested with caps of white chalk-stone." He explains, "Blue and green pennants flap on it, and the entire thing floats on a bed of semi-solid air."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Should be able to manage that," Balyss says, "Ready?"
[19:59] <Ithea> "Ready," Ithea says with a nod.
[20:04] <Kotono> Woosh! In a moment you are in the Silver SEa. Time ceases to be, hunger and thirst fading like a memory of yesterday. You stand on a pattern of swirling blue and green, a large courtyard ahead of you. There's stables, several detached buildings and a main, rather heavy looking stone keep. Blue and green pennants flap, as if there is a breeze to blow them, yet you feel nothing like that.
[20:08] <Ithea> "This is the place then, Viul?" Ithea asks as she looks around.
[20:12] <Kotono> "We are here," he nods, looking about, "No one's outside, so no training right now." Rubbing his chin a moment, then going to pull on the tip of his long, pointed ear, "There's probably recitations inside, or a meeting of some kind."
[20:16] <Kotono> Balyss takes a long look around, "Reminds me of Moonholm a bit. One big fortress, religious order. It's where I'm from on the Prime," She explains, "Recitation's religious services of some sort?"
[20:20] <Kotono> "No," Viul shakes his head, starting ot lead along, "It's stories of our exploits, as well as passing on useful information on the foes we've defeated. It's a good way to learn lore, and it usually segues into how to strike weak points effectively."
[20:20] <Ithea> "Oh? That sounds intriguing," Ithea says, excited by that idea.
[20:22] <Kotono> "Oh yes, it's part of our knight training," Going on as you cross the courtyard, "In particular, we learn lore, much like a well learned bard or sage. We learn how to strike effectively and precisely on specific foes."
[20:26] * Ithea nods. "The fact that your order share that knowledge with one another certainly would help reduce the chances of being unprepared in an encounter," Ithea says. "How long do these recitations last?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Hours?" Wavering a hand as you reach the gates, a sturdy, simple affair, Viul going to the side and pulling a lever, "We usually do them here, so time's irrelevant. Strangest damn thing, ma'am."
[20:27] * Ithea laughs. "Ah, right, Astral."
[20:31] <Kotono> Balyss falls in with that, laughing away. "I've never been here. How do you manage? I feel like everything's off, and I'm taking too long or not enough to do everything."
[20:35] <Ithea> "So who's the leader of the convent, Viul? Would they be the one who sent the request for a meeting, or do you organize around a council or something else?" Ithea asks, as she continues to let Viul lead them.
[20:38] <Kotono> "We have one supreme leader. You'll meet him," Viul promises. Ahead is an entry hall. Glass cases have various weapons and armor on display. The heads of various creatures hang on the wall - a vampire's head, the head of several chromatic dragons, that of several great beasts and other such things. The floor here is solid stone, decorated in the same blue and green swirl as where you appeared
[20:38] <Kotono> on plane shifting. Far ahead are doors leading further in, as well as hallways snaking away here and there.
[20:41] <Ithea> "What's his name?" Ithea asks, not having much more to talk about as they keep following.
[20:44] <Kotono> "Calmargan." Thus you head deeper in, down a side hall. A few rooms are peeked into, "Not in there, either," Viul murmurs, "He must be..." At this you are lead upstairs, towards a single closed door at the end of a hall. Viul knocks here, and a voice calls, "Enter." Exhaling, "The other knights must be out. He's in here. Go ahead."
[21:00] * Ithea steps inside after nodding to Viul. "Hello, I'm Ithea of Aurora. Your order wished to speak with me?" she says as she enters, searching for the source of the voice.
[21:19] <Kotono> Inside you go. A vast desk is against the side wall, full of papers, inkpots and quills.  The other side is taken up by a long pile of pillows, as if begging one to recline in them and rest. The back wall is transparent, a stone window out into the Silver Sea. Here Galmargan stands. He is a man on first glance, yet his face is perfectly symmetrical, not a blemish to it. His hands are clasped
[21:19] <Kotono> behind his back. He wears armor that seems as much light as it does metal, shining intensely and obscuring his finer features save for his face. He is bald, eyes a steely gray. "Ithea," he greets, coming forward and offering his hand out, "Slayer of Pit Fiends."
[21:27] <Ithea> "A pleasure to meet you," Ithea says as she accepts the hand, shaking it, observing Galmargan and trying to place his exact species from what she can see.
[21:27] <Kotono> OOC: K:P c heck.
[21:28] <Ithea> "My companion, Balyss of Moonholm," Ithea also says, gesturing to Balyss, to introduce her.
[21:28] <Ithea> roll d20+32 K:P
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+32 K:P and gets 49." [d20=17]
[21:44] <Kotono> His grip is good and strong, Balyss and host shaking hands as well. "I'm familiar with your recent exploits in Ysgard. One of my knights was in attendance and told me what he'd heard about what you did."
[21:47] <Ithea> "Thank you. I assume you're referring to the incident following Valinholm's tournament, correct?" Ithea asks.
[21:48] <Kotono> "That's right," He replies, "I'd heard of your crusade, and what you did to that pit fiend is impressive work."
[21:51] <Kotono> "They're tough bastards - or so I'v eheard," Balyss says, "I haven't had the dishonor. Had ot deal with more demons back before I joined Aurora."
[21:52] <Ithea> "Thank you for the kind words, we got lucky capturing him before he did worse," Ithea replies to Galmargan. "Did you wish to know anything else about our crusade?"
[21:55] <Kotono> "I've heard a lot. Is it true your world was overrun?" he asks.
[21:57] <Ithea> "Lifasa, yes," Ithea says with a frown. "Those of us who survived the horrors of the devils pouring into our world and corrupting it are what make the backbone of Aurora's forces."
[22:00] <Kotono> "We'd like to help," he goes on, "But I'd like to see the measure of you in person, first." Turning, hands behind his back, "Draw your weapon. I want to see if you can manage a strike on me."
[22:07] * Ithea raises an eyebrow, wondering what's up with all these stoic types always asking for that before they're ready to join. Thankfully, she knows what to do, as she draws her weapon as requested. The glaive almost immediately begins moving, all while a brief burst of magic flashes along the length of the weapon through her hands before it surges forward straight at Galmargan's side.
[22:07] <Ithea> OOC: quick cast true strike for +20, -4 nonlethal. Because he didn't say no magic.
[22:07] <Ithea> roll d20+56
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+56 and gets 71." [d20=15]
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage.
[22:07] <Ithea> roll d10+16 nonlethal
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d10+16 nonlethal and gets 17." [d10=1]
[22:09] <Kotono> WHAM! Before he can even react you clock him right in the side! He tumbles over in an ungraceful heap, groaning and holding his ribs. "Agaaaah!" Slowly sitting up and rubbing his side, "I thought so." Laughign a little bit, "I never can get that to work. It works great for everyone else, but whenever I try it, I get bruised ribs for my trouble."
[22:11] <Ithea> "For what it's worth, not the first time I've heard that request. I always figured on doing exactly what I just did if it was ever asked of me," Ithea says with a shrug and smile as she goes help him back up.
[22:13] <Kotono> "So have I," Wincing as he gets up, "It's always been intimidating to me, since I have to strike without understanding my opponent. But I can't make it work worth a brass penny." Now smiling as he rights himself, "If you don't mind, I'd like to sit down for the next part. You two are welcome to join me."
[22:17] * Ithea nods as she goes sit down as well, letting Calmargan catch his breath first.
[22:20] <Kotono> Balyss comes along, "So what's this next test?"
[22:21] <Kotono> Settling into the cushions, all soft and entirely relaxing despite the stone floor, "We learn and hone the intellectual side of or training by story and recitation." Folding his hands into his lap, "Tell me the story of your victory over the pit fiend."
[22:27] <Ithea> "There's honestly not too much to say," Ithea says as she scratches the back of her head. "Actually, we had a warning that it would appear and attempt to kill one of our companions, a pixie named Lief. Following the warning, the warmaster and I rushed to see if we could help, and we arrived to see the destruction Yian caused attempting to capture Lief.
[22:27] <Ithea> We interrupted, surprising Yian with a burst of deadly attacks breaking past all the defenses he hadn't even had a chance to raise up yet as I teleported the warmaster and myself behind him and attacked with all we had before he had a chance to be aware of us. The only lesson to really get out of that particular fight is that pit fiends suck at defending against surprise attacks."
[22:29] <Ithea> "Oh, and I guess I also learned that Tiamat's not a picky bitch, but uh, that's probably not a lesson you care to ask about," Ithea adds as an afterthought.
[22:34] <Kotono> "Ah yes," Steepling his hands together, "With recitation we focus more on storytelling, laced with useful and direct faces and observations. For a pit fiend, you'd have mentioned if your weapon was sufficient to truly wound it, and what enabled that. For instance. Still, your tactical grasp is good - a surprise attack is always good tactics."
[22:36] <Ithea> "Oh, sorry. Uh, I guess I'll actually try to make it more of a story if you don't mind the ending having already been spoiled?" Ithea comments.
[22:37] <Kotono> "If first you don't succeed and you aren't dead, try again?" Balyss quips, "Do you have any training in oratory, Ithea?"
[22:43] <Ithea> "Not even the slightest bit," Ithea says drily. "Hell, I only started to learn how to deal with people more socially some time after Aurora, when I started worrying we'd piss off -everyone- in the universe. Well, that and traitorous friends wanting to put me in the spotlight just to make me uncomfortable. I'm sure you know just what type of friend I'm talking about."
[22:48] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Balyss suddenly reddens, coughing into her hand, "I'm familia rwith being the center of attention yes. Moving on!" Quickly clearing her throat, "I know someone who's good at stories. There's really a lot of little trick sto learn about it, or you just sound boring."
[22:49] <Kotono> "That's fine, just try again," your host says, "Just give it an honest try."
[22:54] * Ithea shrugs. "Well...I suppose the best place to start is 27. All you need to know is that he's a badger-like creature that has a gift for prophecy. We've seen them come true before, so when I came back one morning to my room to find a note saying Yian would kill Lief if I did not act soon, well, I didn't doubt it's authenticity."
[22:56] <Ithea> "This warning also implied that I should take the warmaster with me, for Yian was known for his martial arts and none is more capable in that field than the warmaster," Ithea keeps going. "Obviously, I went to go grab him, before consulting with others to both locate Lief and having a way to get to him. That's when we found out about the Valinholm tournament."
[23:00] <Ithea> "The colosseum...it was in ruins as we appeared near it. Smoke and fire all around us and no signs of any living," Ithea notes. "No sign of Lief nor Yian either, and for a moment we perhaps wondered if we'd moved too late. We began to move through the crumbling structure, racing for any signs amidst the burning bodies, until the very land shook, as if crying at the defilement from Yian's presence."
[23:02] <Ithea> "That's when we spotted both Yian and Lief, the pit fiend towering over one small pixie, all that still stood against him in defiance," Ithea says, pausing before smiling in amusement. "Well, flew against him, I suppose would be more accurate. Yian was already crowing his victory, and Lief replied with the best answer possible."
[23:04] <Ithea> "I don't think I'll imitate his voice, but he just told Yian to fuck off," she says, her grin getting wider. "So yeah, that's where I clapped the warmaster's shoulder, and in a flash we were at the pit fiend's back. Yian could only cry out how none could have foreseen this...nevermind that's how we found out about him."
[23:05] <Ithea> "Well, my glaive went through every single opening I could spot, as did the warmaster's fists, and Lief's arrows. He went down kind of fast after that," Ithea says with a shake of her head.
[23:07] <Kotono> At the comment about Lief's words Calmargan does indeed smile, listening to everything, "A fine strategy. A distraction while the ambush was being set up and the enemy was overwhelmed. A good way to do a battle."
[23:10] <Kotono> "The only better way is to end the fight before it begins," Balyss agrees, "It's good when you can manage that, but unfortunately rare."
[23:10] * Ithea laughs. "True, although it'd have been even better if we'd actually planned that all out. Could have gone worse in a lot of ways if only Yian had somehow noticed us before I teleported us inside his defenses. Lief thankfully also reacted with less surprise at our presence than Yian did, so he kept at the battle while Yian merely tried to mouth us off."
[23:13] <Kotono> "Truth." Offering his hand out, "We'd like to help you with a detachment of knights. We can also teach you some of our style and secrets to help you against the devils. Evil's relentless, we have to be fast friends and faster allies."
[23:15] * Ithea accepts the hand, shaking it again. "We'd appreciate it. We'll make sure the trade is fair, your warriors will have much to learn in the fights that are to come, and things to learn from us as well."

[Corwin]

[21:10] <Kotono> Ithea is deep in her studies of magic when Aurora shakes! The entire grounds quiver like jelly, sending her skittering out of her seat in her room!
[21:16] <Ithea> "What the...?" Ithea exclaims as she reachers for her chair and quickly pushes herself back up, eyeing out the window suspiciously for darkened clouds before she goes for her polearm, immediately enchanting it as she starts moving for the door to outside. "Elena! What the heck just happened?!?" she exclaims, calling for the blue girl (and partially wondering what crazy outfit she'll pop in this time).
[21:19] <Kotono> There's no immediate Elena to elaborate on things. Looking out the window you can see that the outer sphere of force around Aurora glistens with colors! A moment later, "Ithea?" Stille's voice, calling from outside.
[21:21] <Ithea> "Stille! Do you know what's going on?" Ithea asks, as she zeroes in on him. "Elena's not answering."
[21:24] <Kotono> Calling out, "Aurora just started shaking!" he calls, coming in. He carries within him a silver tray, "I was bringing you refreshment, but I think there are more pressing matters now."
[21:29] * Ithea nods. "I'm wondering why Elena's not answering either. I'm going to head to the control room and see if Galariel has some answers, if we need to start moving Aurora or anything," Ithea says as she starts heading towards the closest portal.
[21:36] <Kotono> Pausing to put the tray down on Ithea's desk, Stille follows! Thus the two head to Galariel! You find him where he always is, kneeling! Colors play along the surface of his form, a grimace of concentration on his face! Slowly the colors begin to fade - very slowly. "Aurora will survive," he answers immediately, "The chaos is limited in scope and under control. We have conpensated and are
[21:36] <Kotono> purging it."
[21:37] <Ithea> "What exactly happened, Galariel? Anything either of us can do to help?" Ithea asks, frowning at the state of the angel.
[21:41] <Kotono> "Annalise," His voice is slow, "Unleashed a torrent of primal chaos. It is controlled...and Annalise is no more," He finishes, slowly rising. His form twitches, growing huge and then small, small as an ant! His voice manages to carry, "These effects are bothersome but are bleeding off the chaos in benign, safe ways."
[21:42] <Ithea> Ithea's eyes widen. "Annalise did this?!?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "Yes." Galariel's reply is curt. Meanwhile Stille clears his throat, "Be that as it may, she is no more? Then at least there is no further threat?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "Yes," Galariel confirms again, growing back to normal size.
[21:48] * Ithea frowns. "Very well, if the threat is gone, my other questions stands. Anything we can do to help?"
[21:50] <Kotono> After a moment, Elena a ppears. She's dressed up in a cat's costume, down to whiskers - then in a maid's uniform, and then it flows into a towel just barely keeping her decent, "Galari-oh! Ithea! I was just going to find you!" she turns, "Um sorry!" Turning back, "The courtyard should be stable," she reports, adn then turning back, "Are you aware of what's happening, Ithea?"
[21:54] <Ithea> "Galariel mentioned Annalise had something to do with it, but that the situation was resol...what -are- you wearing, Elena?!?" Ithea exclaims, as she turns and stares wide-eyed at Elena's latest costumes.
[21:57] <Kotono> Said outfit morphs into a ribbon that just barely covers her bosom and wraps down to cover her gender, getting her to eep and blush, "GAH CHANGE ALREADY!" she shouts, and fortunately it does. Now clad in a wizard's robe and hat, "Whatever the chaos turns to, I think," she says, red-faced.
[21:57] <Kotono> Galariel coughs into his hand and slowly rises, "No matter. We're bleeding off the chaos in the safest ways possible."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Right," Elena nods quickly, ""Yes, I'm making sure commanding staff is aware. Next is Adrian then, bye!" Then Elena is gone, vanishing away.
[21:58] <Kotono> "I have to say," Stille rubs his chin, "She takes that remarkably well."
[21:59] <Ithea> "She does, uh, adjust fast to things, I suppose," Ithea says, still a little disturbed by that other costume.
[22:03] <Kotono> Galariel nods, "She is adaptable," he intones, "You may go back now."
[22:04] <Ithea> "Right," Ithea says. Musing briefly, she says, "I'm going to go check out Medi's quarters, see if this last trick of Annalise's didn't do anything to affect it, for good or ill," as she starts heading to a portal.
[22:05] <Kotono> "A wise thought," Galariel says, "Perhaps it may have momentarily weakened the seal." Thus, the two head back to the portal way! You find the portal to Medi's quarters as it always is, quiet.
[22:07] <Ithea> "That was one of my hopes," Ithea comments, as she departs. Once next to the quarters, she starts examining the doors, casting detect magic as she does so.
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC: Spellcraft.
[22:09] <Ithea> roll d20+31+3 (cunning knowledge)
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+31+3 (cunning knowledge) and gets 42." [d20=8]
[22:11] <Kotono> The magic is undisturbed, serene and entirely unmoving.
[22:12] <Ithea> "...No change it seems," Ithea says with a disappointed shake of her head.
[22:13] <Kotono> "Damn," Stille pats Ithea's shoulder, "I've heard a little bit about this portal, and about how Medi personally sealed it. It's eluded all the best thus far?"
[22:19] * Ithea nods. "Annalise was admittedly the one who most spent time here, examining it," Ithea answers. "I guess I was hoping all that last show of hers would have done something."
[22:20] <Kotono> "Maybe if directly applied?" Stille rubs his chin as he looks down at the portal, "By chance, do you have any idea precisely what she did and how she did it?"
[22:23] <Ithea> "I never really paid it much attention, so no. Why, you have any ideas to try?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.
[22:31] <Kotono> "If we can replicate what she did a few minute ago and focus it on the portal, perhaps we could get in," Stille says, "That's all."
[22:34] <Ithea> "We'd have to ask Galariel, well or maybe anybody that was around Annalise when she did that. See if they know -exactly- what she did and how, it might be worth a try," Ithea says, starting to head back to the control room.
[22:36] <Kotono> Going back is without incident. You find Elena there, currently 24 feet tall and wearing nothing at all! Her entire body glows red with a blush, her arms somehow keeping her decent as she dances about, "...care if Annalise opened a portal to Renbuu's realm, just stop the chaos from changing my clothes!" Said clothes appear a moment later, a monk's robe much like Priest wears. Then it mutates
[22:36] <Kotono> again, becoming a set of sterling silver armor. Galariel smiles - ever so slightly his lips turn up. "It's the safest way," he says, as Elena shrinks down to a mere 12 feet, and he grows wide as he is tall, like being stretched out. "The worst of it's gone now."
[22:38] <Ithea> "Uh, yeah, speaking of the effect being gone...what are the chances of replicating what she did, but focused at Medi's door?" Ithea asks, after clearing her throat to get the two spirits' attention again.
[22:42] <Kotono> Elena turns red all over again, "No, no, no, no!" Shaking up and down, waving her arms, as her outfit becomes that of Afina's, down to the garish hat, "This is bad enough one time!"
[22:43] <Kotono> Galariel is expressionlessly stern at Ithea's words, "I'm not certain. Predicting this level of chaos is futile,"  he says, "But it seems to have had a disruptive effect. As to replicating it, possibly. I am no expert in chaos, but I believe Canderella at the last is aware of what happened. She is quite enjoying it."
[22:46] <Ithea> "Sorry, Elena, but it's to try to get into Medi's quarters. And we do want to try to focus it anyway, so uh, you hopefully won't even be able to tell?" Ithea says optimistically, before nodding to Galariel. Off to find/meet Canderella then, and see if she has any insights to offer on chaos!
[22:52] <Kotono> Stille tags along, but pauses, "Wait, Ithea." he says.
[22:54] <Ithea> "Hrm?" Ithea asks, pausing as well to turn to look at Stille.
[22:54] <Kotono> Turning to Elena, "Where is Canderella right now? There's hardly any point to searching blind, is there?"
[22:56] * Ithea grins. "I always forget that," Ithea says, scratching the back of her head.
[22:56] <Kotono> Scowling as her outfit becomes that of Ithea's, matching hers perfectly, "She's in the laboratories."
[22:57] <Kotono> Stille grins back, taking her hand from the back of her head. He gives it a squeeze, "Thank you," he says, "Shall we, Ithea?"
[22:58] <Ithea> "Let's. We'll do our best not to make your fashion problem get worse, Elena, alright?" she says as they depart.
[23:02] <Kotono> The laboratories are full of things you know - magical diagrams, tables, beakers, potions, solutions, summoning circles, spellbooks. It is full of stranger things yet - oversized scales, diagrams of outsiders and elementals, skeletons of things you can't even name, great machines that melt and toss metal about like water, things that apply pressure strong enough to momentarily crack diamond,
[23:02] <Kotono> and odder things yet. You find Canderella in here, sitting atop a table full of glass bottlies. She lies back admit it, a smile playing on her face as she somehow manages to not knock a single bottle over.
[23:05] <Ithea> "Canderella?" Ithea asks, getting her attention as as they enter the room, simultaneously knocking alongside the wall as she passes by.
[23:06] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm?" Her voice is languid as she sits up, wrapping some loose hair around her finger. With a come hither smile, "Wasn't that just lovely? Oh, that brings back memories of the good old days."
[23:07] <Ithea> "That chaos? It was certainly...surprising."
[23:13] <Kotono> "The best kind of surprise," Canderella purrs, coming up and slinking over to Stille. She puts an arm around his shoulder, "Didn't you sense it as well?"
[23:13] <Kotono> Stille coughs into his hand and steps away from Canderella, "I felt a tingle in my blood, but nothing more, I'm afraid."
[23:16] <Ithea> "All I got was a trip to the floor from the earth shocks, actually," Ithea answers.
[23:19] <Kotono> "I'd have thought you'd have caught it," Tapping her lips with one finger, as she gives Stille a pouty look, "Too bad, it really is magnificent."
[23:21] * Ithea raises an eyebrow. "Right, well, regarding that little display of power...Galariel said you might be able to explain it a bit better to us, in the hopes of reproducing it, maybe a little more focused or targeted?"
[23:25] <Kotono> "Oh, that? Someone was naughty. I don't know where she got her hands on crystallized chaos, but mmmmm," Shivering, "It's not really crystallized, it doesn't have a consistent form. Concentrated chaos is more apt."
[23:28] <Ithea> "How concentrated does that get? Could it be focused to affect a smaller area?" Ithea asks. Pausing she also adds the obvious, "And how exactly does one go about getting that anyway?"
[23:31] <Kotono> "It's a secret," Whispering low, a finger to her lips, Canderella goes to put an arm around Ithea, "I'll tell you if you give me something special." Winking at her, as Stille begins to approach, a protest on his lips, "Can we debate the philosophy of endless change and chaos together?"
[23:33] <Ithea> "...sure?" Ithea says, not really getting the point, but since that was supposed to be concentrated chaos, it's probably relevant, right?
[23:45] <Kotono> "Deal!" Smiling now, "Concentrated chaos is what slaad are made of. The stronger the concentrated chaos, the stronger the slaad."
[23:46] * Ithea blinks. "So...wait, she blew up a slaad?" she asks.
[23:47] <Ithea> "I'm almost scared to ask Elena or Galariel if 27 got blown up by Annalise somehow," Ithea mutters.
[23:52] <Kotono> Canderella giggles, "She didn't do that nor did she blow one. Though that's one way of getting a certain type of chaos," Humming, "Legends say...well, I say, since I know it's true, that powerful concentrated chaos can only be found near the Spawning Stone. Of course, going that close invites the wrath of Ssendam. Best not to."
[23:52] <Kotono> Stille starts to say something, but coughs into his hand right after.
[23:56] <Ithea> roll d20+32 K:P Which one was Ssendam again?
[23:56] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+32 K:P Which one was Ssendam again? and gets 36." [d20=4]
[23:58] * Ithea gives a small sigh of relief for 27's sake. "You said you know it's true...so you've 'invited' some wrath on yourself then?" Ithea asks.
[23:59] <Kotono> Ssendam is the slaad lord of Insanity. He is said to be the strongest lord of all the slaad, at least most of the time. He also controls the Spawning Stone, according to legend, and interestingly enough, prevents serious mutation ot slaad-kind, despite being the incarnations of pure chaos. It is said that he or Ygorl (or both, accounts do vary some) fear Renbuu.
[00:13] <Kotono> "Oh no, I was told this. We went over Limbo lore when we transferred over," Canderella explains, "The greater of our numbers were tasked in instructing us, as well as captive slaad."
[00:15] <Ithea> "Oh, I see," Ithea says, musing on that. "Wonder how Annalise got her hands of it if it can only be found there though."
[00:15] <Ithea> "Annalise wasn't away from Aurora that long either."
[00:17] <Kotono> "A conrundrum that vexes me as well," Stille admits, rubbing his chin again.
[00:17] <Kotono> "I can guess," Canderella says, "I talked to her just a little bit, and to others that know her. But it would just be guesswork."
[00:18] <Ithea> "Share away, if you have any ideas, better to have some guesswork to start off of than none," Ithea suggests, gesturing for Canderella to continue.

[Corwin]

[19:35] <Kotono> "The older you are and the longer you survive comes with perks. One of them is gathering favors, IOUs and knowing dirty secrets about other creatures," Canderella says languidly, resting back now, "My guess would that she had a favor or blackmail on someone and used that to get it. Another benefit of being old is that you know things forgotten to general knowledge. Maybe she knew a place
[19:35] <Kotono> to get concentrated chaos without difficulty. Something like those would be my guess."
[19:39] <Ithea> "Nothing we can really use now that she's gone, unfortunately," Ithea says with a frown. "But it does make the most sense."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Alas," Stille murmurs, "At least we know what she did and we can take steps to obtaining it."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Murmuring to both, "I'll call in that debate later, Ithea."
[19:42] <Ithea> "Sure, just let me know?" Ithea says with a nod, as she scratches her chin and prepares to leave the laboratories. "It was nice finally meeting you by the way, Canderella."
[19:44] <Kotono> Smiling just a little bit, "Likewise, and I'm sure we'll have chances to get to know each other. Makes me think a bit - what was lost by not knowing Annalise, and what was gained?"
[19:45] <Ithea> "Well, we'll find that out in the coming days, won't we?" Ithea comments with a smile at that.