160. Plotting with Lord Househaven

[Corwin]

[19:59] <~Kotono> Snow. You appear in a fine manor's front lawn, full of snow and untouched by footsteps. It's pristine in a snowy, unnatural way, almost painfully bright thanks to the sun shining from a nearly cloudless sky.
[20:00] <@Erad> "Dumb question, but is this where you were aiming?" Erad asks with a look around.
01[20:02] <@Annerose> "Shut up."
02[20:04] * Yu (~dfvsdfsdf@174-19-249-90.phnx.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:04] <~Kotono> OOC: Quick refresher since it's not in the logs,w ho teleported with you?
[20:04] <@Erad> "Hey, I don't know how this magic of yours works." Erad says with a huff. "Don't get snippy."
[20:04] <@Erad> OOC: I think it was just us and the wagon, wasn't it?
01[20:05] <@Annerose> OOC: I can take Helena and Amanna, if they're interested? T, Cresiel and Rock will mind the store.
[20:05] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Since I was wrong on those rolls being the teleport rolls, 1d100 real quick.
01[20:05] <@Annerose> roll 1d100
[20:05] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 47 > [d100=47]
01[20:06] <@Annerose> "I-It's very difficult, alright?" Annerose mutters, before steeling herself. "No time like the present," she adds, heading up to the door to knock upon it.
[20:08] <@Erad> "Hey, I'm not trying to make fun of you, I just literally don't know if it works or not." Erad says as he walks after her. "Relax, okay?"
[20:09] <~Kotono> You trudge through the snow - or at least Erad and Amanna do. Helena and Annerose glide over it. The door is knocked on and within moments a older gentleman opens it. A butler, a thin mustache and goatee well trimmed. "Ah, Miss Annerose, Mister Erad and friends. Please come in. Would you like a chance ot wash up or have refreshments before coming in?"
01[20:09] <@Annerose> "That would be lovely, thank you."
[20:10] <@Erad> "Oh, uh... yeah, sure." Erad nods.
[20:10] <~Kotono> Helena tilts her head to the side, "Were you expecting us?"
[20:11] <~Kotono> "Lord Househaven communicated that you may appear unexpectedly. It is the way of adventurers." You are lead to rather comfortable room not far from the entrance. It has basins of water, some simple snacks and other such things to clean yourself up. "Should you require a more filling meal or a full bath, please say so and one will be provided," the butler bows. "Do any of you need changes of
[20:11] <~Kotono> clothes?"
01[20:13] <@Annerose> "I think my clothes suit me well, but thank you," Annerose responds, pleasantly surprised. The trip hadn't been lengthy, but it was nerve-wracking all the same and she appreciates the chance to freshen up a bit nonmagically.
[20:14] <@Erad> "Thankfully we haven't been slumming it much lately." Erad says. "But yeah, thanks."
[20:16] <~Kotono> The party freshens up. New clothes and a bath are provided for Erad on request. Once done the butler says, "I presume you wish to meet with Lord Househaven? He is awaiting you."
01[20:16] <@Annerose> Annerose smiles at him. "Please, lead on then."
[20:17] <@Erad> "I don't know if you'd notice, but has it gotten any warmer out here, by any chance?" Erad inquires as they go.
[20:18] <~Kotono> "The last few days have been mildly less frigid," The butler concurs, "More sun than in the last few weeks. We hope the brutal winter is beginning to moderate itself."
[20:21] <@Erad> Erad nods with a bit of a smile.
[20:23] <~Kotono> Lord Househaven's office is rather small. It's a little study with a big fireplace, a few comfortable chairs and a big, darkly varnished desk. Lord Househaven is sitting with several papers before him, reading one and pausing to sign the bottom. "At last. Please leave us, Demry," He says, his butler bowing and leaving. Once the door's closed, "Well?"
01[20:25] <@Annerose> "We did have to take a few detours along the way, but I trust you've noticed the change in the weather recently, Lord Househaven?" Annerose asks as she approaces the desk while keeping her distance from the fireplace.
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Good. News travels slowly in the winter, doubly so in this weather." Lord Househaven says, "How is the situation in the mountains?"
[20:27] <~Kotono> Amanna takes a seat, "Hopefully healing, though it is hard to say," she admits, "Annerose, Erad?"
01[20:29] <@Annerose> Annerose takes one next to Amanna with a slight nod at her. "We've come to discuss our next course of action with you," she tells Househaven. "With Lord Maggen now dead, Arenel in our hands and the few of his cronies that managed to get away far on the border licking their wounds in Auril's sanctuary, we have a chance to help our nation recover."
[20:32] <~Kotono> "It has been a cruel winter, but it is one Malana will survive. Kabath as well," A short nod to Amanna. "You have an idea, Annerose?"
01[20:38] <@Annerose> "A suggestion, My Lord. It will take time, but word will go out. And when it does, Maggen's corrupt allies will start wondering if they are next. They might send forces to crush Arenel, or they might double-down on their oppression because their subjects will, too, hear about what happened eventually. On their own, our people don't stand much of a chance. But with a reliable leadership and a promise of a better tomorrow, we could rally them behind the same cause." She sighs, looking down at her joined hands resting in her lap. "I've been to Misty Harbor, and I've seen the corruption. Why, one of the nobles seemed to literally consort with fiends! And the few spots of goodness are either dying out, or were being sent out to die in a war our people did not need. Do we really want to go back to that sort of slow death for Malana? How long will our nation last like this?"
[20:41] <~Kotono> "As long as a man can last without air, or a plant withou tth esun," Lord Househaven agrees, "But speak clearly and decisively, this is not a thing to speak of in half measures."
01[20:47] <@Annerose> "I thought I was," Annerose admits, meeting his gaze. "If we were to work together, we could bring down Lord Scion Jonah. Then, depending on the Dynast's disposition, we determine our course of action. If he was lied to by his trusted advisors, we help him rid himself of sycophants, psychopaths and sadists amongst the nobles and put an end to the oppression of the commoner. If he is cheerfully participating in the willful destruction of his own country, then I seek for us to replace him. Is that clear enough, Lord Househaven? I want us to gather all suitable allies towards that cause and pursue it to bring salvation to Malana and its people, and I want to start on this right away."
[20:48] <~Kotono> "I don't like it, but Malana's ill. The only medicine we have is a harsh one." Helena agrees quietly.
[20:49] <~Kotono> Lord Househaven sits back, steepling his hands together. "If it must be done, it must be done," he finally says. "It must be done the right way, in a way that does not leave to a civil war. Yet we are in the same position if the new Dynast repeats the mistakes of the old."
01[20:51] <@Annerose> Annerose inclines her head. "If either of us tried to do something on our own, I suspect a civil war would be the only outcome. But together we have other options. We could rely on your name, Lord Househaven. We could rely on mine. We could forge alliances through are separate acquaintences, draw up support from different social circles. With my magic, we could do this over quite the area indeed."
[20:58] <~Kotono> "We may have to," Lord Househaven says, and after some consideration, "Erad, you're being quiet. What do the rest of you think of all of this. I would have all of your councils before a matter of this gravity."
[21:03] <@Erad> "I..." Erad takes a breath. "I consider myself someone who follows the law. It is difficult for me to consider the action to eliminate Dynast Franz, but..." He takes in another breath at this and holds it for a moment before he exhales. "We can't know what's going on with him, but Annerose is right. If the Dynast is causing this stagnation and destruction of our country because of greed and
[21:03] <@Erad> selfishness, then those who consider themselves followers of the law should take all measures in resolving the problem. A matter of law doesn't matter if the entire country is devastated and frozen. Besides, I don't think we've broken any laws thus far -- you gave us a mission, you have authority to do so. So there's really not been any conflict there -- nor do I expect there to be one going
[21:03] <@Erad> forward." He finishes.
[21:04] <@Erad> "If Bahamut disagrees with the path I've chosen, then He can reveal a new one to me." Erad says simply.
[21:04] <~Kotono> "Very well," Lord Househaven says, "Before we go on, how is the rest of your troupe?"
[21:06] <@Erad> "I'd say the rest of them are all right, besides some headlong foolishness they encounter every so often." Erad says with a small sigh.
[21:08] <~Kotono> Helena sighs, "We do seem to get into trouble, don't we?"
[21:09] <@Erad> "Well, if Annerose could resolve everything by talking, it'd be a lot more boring." Erad says.
[21:10] <~Kotono> "Such is the nature of adventurers," Lord Househaven says with a ghost of a smile. "I see two things that must be done - Annerose's proposed path is a wise one. We have to save Malana before it's too late and we lose our chance," he says, "Also, we must successfully finish of Auril's power in the mountains. If we allow those followers alone...just as winter comes again after summer, they will
[21:10] <~Kotono> return when the time is right."
[21:11] <@Erad> "I wonder if they'd be expecting us to come after them so soon." Erad says with a look at the fireplace. "They probably don't think we have any idea of where they are."
[21:12] <~Kotono> "Magic might be in play," Amanna says, "A skilled diviner can find out almost anything, though I do not know if Auril's followers have one."
[21:13] <@Erad> "Sure didn't help Jack any. But that might've simply been overconfidence on his part." Erad says. "Hm, I guess the question is whether we go and continue roughing up the Aurilites on their homeland or amass some extra resources."
[21:15] <~Kotono> "Why not both?" Amanna says, "If it's a matter of the capital and social battles, it is not my preferred battlefield. Nor is it Rock's."
[21:16] <@Erad> "Hm. That's true." Erad says with a nod. "We could certainly do that, I think."
[21:19] <~Kotono> "I leave the choice in your hands," Lord Househaven says, "You know your own capabilties the best."
[21:20] <@Erad> "By any chance, Lord Househaven, do you know of anyone well-versed in magical items? I think both Annerose and I can agree that we've all come into a... surplus of income lately that we should probably use to better arm ourselves." Erad says. "But I don't know if there's anyone capable of making something suitable for where we're going to be going."
[21:21] <~Kotono> "I do. I know a good, reliable man in Misty Harbor," Lord Househaven says, "He only takes new customers by recommendation by a noble."
[21:22] <@Erad> "How fortunate we know one, then." Erad says with a chuckle.
[21:25] <@Erad> "Is there anything else you'd have of us?" Erad adds.
[21:25] <~Kotono> "For now, no. Go," Lord Househaven says, "Keep me informed as you can."
[21:26] <@Erad> OOC: I think we're good from here
[21:27] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Annerose Go ahead and confirm or not since you may not have a chance to talk to him for awhile again.
01[21:33] <@Annerose> Having been silent for a while, Annerose chooses now to speak up again. "Actually, if I may? Lord Househaven, much as you've asked us earlier, I would like to decide on a specific course of action. Speaking of diviners, a particularly powerful one I met at the capital told me that if we worked together we could save the country while avoiding civil war. I've been working towards that goal, trusting in her, but the time has come for me to move past her recommendations. Are there any nobles you know of who could be worthy allies in this endeavor? Do you require our help in persuading them? Do you have anyone in mind who could assume control over Arenel, or would you prefer to have us continue to do so directly? Would you wish for us to begin reaching out to the commoners or start making waves from our perch in Arenel? Are there any who approach Maggen's depravity, where it comes to the way they treat their citizens? And finally, would you like to decide on how we all are to present ourselves? Would you like to be at the center of this push for justice and a better Malana? Or do you prefer to support us and work from the shadows? Or, perhaps, would you like us to share the focus and force our enemies to divide their own?"
[21:39] <~Kotono> Lord Househaven sits back and considers that, "A few, I've not been idle," Lord Househaven says, "Letters can still go, even if it's slow and expensive going. As for Arenel, it's ultimately not our choice who takes the Lordship there. It'll come down to the Dynast in the end, though that won't happen until the spring."
01[21:42] <@Annerose> "I beg to differ," Annerose responds. "Should a corrupt noble be picked by the Dynast for the job, it is very much up to us whether we allow this to take place."
[21:48] <~Kotono> A chuckle, "Conceded, but that's the sort of thing that can lead to reprisals. As it is you'll be on thin ice once word of what happens reaches the Dynast. One does not lightly kill a Lord."
[21:49] <@Erad> Erad folds his arms. "Maggen's crimes against humanity were long enough that I'm not really worried about that part."
01[21:51] <@Annerose> "It is very much a case of succeed or die, I'll agree. At the same time, I cannot in good conscience abandon the people I've only just freed."
[21:52] <~Kotono> "Authority doesn't always care about right and wrong. Sometimes it only cares about itself," Lord Househaven warns. "Some will want you dead simply to protect Malana's and the Dynast's authority."
01[21:53] <@Annerose> "Which is exactly why I'd like to have a plan of action rather than wait for them to strike first."
[21:58] <~Kotono> "I propose more direct action," Amanna says, "Why do treason by half measures. If the Dynast is the problem or too weak, let's strike straight at the Dynast and put a better one in place, one who will do the right thing regardless of advisors. A single, decapitating strike."
01[22:03] <@Annerose> "If it succeeded, there would still be all those advisors left in place," Annerose cautions. "And our own message wouldn't have had a chance to propagate. If we tried to proclaim ourselves in charge, it would lead to civil war."
[22:05] <~Kotono> "Then we need an intermediate step, we need Arenel to be our own power base. If we become the authority in Arenel, we'd have something to stand on and work on. Maybe we need to aim lower and play a longer view?" Helena speaksup.
01[22:07] <@Annerose> "I think we should openly rule it, and declare it a safe haven for anyone," Annerose proposes. "Aside from offering refuge to those who are abused by their lords, we shall make slavery illegal within its walls. Few things would make our intentions clearer than this."
[22:07] <@Erad> "There might be some sort of legal way we could assert ourselves as the 'Lord' of Arenel as a group, perhaps." Erad says. "I don't know that much about the actual laws for that kind of thing, but I know people always managed to find some sort of ...what are they called, loophole for things."
01[22:08] <@Annerose> "Actually, that doesn't really matter. You could be the one, just so long as word spreads that we are behind this change."
[22:11] <~Kotono> "The legal way is, since there's no clear succession, is to get the Dynast to appoint you," Lord Househaven says, "That's another angle that could be tried."
01[22:13] <@Annerose> Annerose blinks. "Are you proposing to bribe the Dynast to accomplish that, Lord Househaven?" she asks in surprise.
[22:16] <~Kotono> "Bribery is a serious crime...as is killing a Lord," Lord Househaven has a ghost of a smile. "No, I think maybe it's time you meet the Dynast himself."
[22:17] <@Erad> Erad sits back and taps his foot. "I mean, it'd be really difficult for even the Dynast to just shuffle the 'Liberators of Arenel' to some prison. If we met him in person we could probably get a much better idea of what's really going on, too."
01[22:19] <@Annerose> "How would this occur?"
[22:20] <~Kotono> "You go to the capital and I get you into the right parties," Lord Househaven says. "Simple enough to do considering the recent war."
01[22:23] <@Annerose> Annerose considers this for a while longer. "The plan, then, becomes leaving a few of us behind to keep watch over Arenel while the rest of us return to Misty Harbor. And while they welcome any who aren't content with the way they are treated, you will attempt to find like-minded nobles for the cause, Lord Househaven? And finally, we'll get a chance to make up our mind about the Dynast upon meeting him in person?"
[22:25] <~Kotono> Lord Househaven considers it a time after, "I think that's the best choice," he says. "You can reach Misty Harbor under your own magic?"
01[22:28] <@Annerose> "Yes, though it would be best to do it tomorrow," Annerose responds, after a brief glare at Erad to dare him to say otherwise. "I've used up a lot of the magic to deliver supplies to Arenel."
[22:29] <@Erad> Erad holds his hands up defensively for a brief moment and doesn't say anything else.
01[22:30] <@Annerose> "Would you like to come along, Lord Househaven? Or do you have your own means of swift travel?" Annerose inquires, moving on.

[Corwin]

[20:02] <~Kotono> "I'll go with you, if you can manage it," he says, "I do not have means of swift travel on hand right now."
01[20:03] <@Annerose> Annerose nods slowly. "In that case, it's best to do this as we return tomorrow."
[20:06] <~Kotono> OOC: Good to move on now then?
[20:06] <@Erad> OOC: Yar
01[20:06] <@Annerose> OOC: Sure. Let's say I study the place for an hour, then roll the teleports? Also, who will be staying behind in Arenel?
01[20:07] <@Annerose> OOC: I think Erad, myself and T would work for coming to Misty Harbor
[20:10] <~Kotono> OOC: This is up to you on how you split the party. Cylen would prefer to stay in Arenel, Rock's suited to the fighting here. Amanna wants to stay. Helena can go either way, depending on how you need numbers.
01[20:11] <@Annerose> OOC: I can only bring two others if I'm also bringing Househaven, so let's go with a yuki onna at each city
01[20:11] <@Annerose> roll 1d100 Arenel
[20:11] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 52 > [d100=52]
[20:12] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, doing anything in Arenel besides passing out food and setting them up?
01[20:13] <@Annerose> OOC: No. I'll promise to try and swing some raw materials and stuff in a few days
[20:13] <@Erad> OOC: Other than making sure someone IDs the armory while we're gone, no
01[20:15] <@Annerose> roll 1d100 Househaven, next morning
[20:15] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 31 > [d100=31]
[20:16] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, then teleporting over to Misty Harbor? Roll for that too, we'll start from there. SEc.
01[20:16] <@Annerose> roll 1d100 Misty Harbor
[20:16] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 88 > [d100=88]
[20:23] <~Kotono> OOC: Where are you aiming for there?
01[20:25] <@Annerose> OOC: Right, I was aiming for the entrance close to where we met Rock. It's a very memorable place for me.
[20:26] <~Kotono> It's snowy and foggy. A cold, thick fog that covers everything and limits visibility. The snow is covered in a layer of half melted, slushy ice. Mmm, feels nice, at least for Annerose. T looks around and shivers, "Right, somewhere with a fireplace sounds good now."
01[20:27] <@Annerose> "Do you want to kill me?" Annerose asks, though she keeps to the inside of the wagon.
[20:28] <@Erad> Erad will guide the wagon towards Misty Harbor's entrnace, either way.
[20:32] <~Kotono> Lord Househaven merely sits next to Erad at the front, undeterred by the weather. As you approach, he simply meets the gazes of the bundled up, shivering guards. "L-Lord Househaven! Stand aside, a Lord is coming through!"
[20:33] <@Erad> Well, that was a lot easier than last time. Erad continues to guide the wagon inside!
[20:37] <~Kotono> You're let right in. No search, not a second look. "Even a corrupt system can be useful," Lord Househaven says, "Most nobles use it to smuggle what they please and avoid taxes."
01[20:38] <@Annerose> "It's exciting!" Annerose echoes from within the wagon. "I do believe it's the first time I'm being smuggled!"
[20:40] <@Erad> "I'm pretty sure you're not the one that would need to be smuggled, considering what happened before." He can't help but laugh a little at that. "Ah, where would you like us to go, Lord Househaven? Oh, we might want to stop in and see how Shining Light Cathedral is doing, also."
[20:41] <~Kotono> "I own a villa here," Lord Househaven says, "We'll regroup there."
[20:42] <@Erad> Erad nods and starts the wagon in that direction!
[21:07] <~Kotono> It's a nice villa - an actual house in the nice part of town, well kept and cozy. You're given rooms there and...OOC: Okay, agenda?
01[21:08] <@Annerose> OOC: T gathers info in secret, following the same pattern as before -- where people are oppressed and need help the most
01[21:08] <@Annerose> OOC: I'd like to go with Househaven to meet potential allies and to parties to verbally fight with evil nobles
01[21:08] <@Annerose> OOC: Erad?
[21:09] <@Erad> OOC: I'll go meet with the blacksmith or whatever it is and see if we can spend some money on worthy causes
[21:16] <~Kotono> OOC: You mean the magic item maker?
[21:18] <@Erad> OOC: Yes, whomever it was that Househaven mentioned.
[21:11] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, Erad in here and Annerose in #evil.

[Corwin]

[21:22] <~Kotono> The wizard in question lives in his own villa. Yet you walk down a pleasant dead end in the good part of the city, Lord Househaven pausing here. "Take this," he says, passing you a wooden token with a blue triangle painted on it. "It'll show you the way and you'll understand why it's invitation only. I've already sent word that you're coming and my recommendation."
[21:23] <@Erad> "Thank you." Erad says as he takes the token and will continue on.
[21:29] <~Kotono> You walk ahead. The dead end twists, a pleasant villa ahead. The snows on the ground are in mountainous piles, leaving most of the lawn clear. A stone path leads right to the front door. The villa itself is a three story affair, large and rather sprawling. There's a barn ot the side where you can glimpse horses, as well as a few buildings back and almost behind it.
[21:30] <@Erad> "...Wizards." Erad says with a bit of a sigh as he goes up to the door to knock on it.
[21:35] <~Kotono> It opens before you can even knock. A man dressed in thick robes of dark purple is there, hood drawn back. He is a bald, thin man with rings pierced throughout his lips, cheeks and ears. He speaks clearly and carefully, "Welcome to my home, Erad. What is your budget?"
[21:38] <@Erad> He probably knows your name because of Househaven, you dummy. It isn't because of any other weird, magical reason. "On my person I have a bit less than twenty-five thousand, probably more if I were to sell some of the things I'm wearing to replace them. We have a lot more that simply hasn't been converted to actual gold as of currently, but I couldn't give you an exact number, so... I guess
[21:38] <@Erad> stick with twenty-five thousand for now and we'll take it from there?" He asks.
[21:45] <~Kotono> A nod, "What do you desire to have made?"
[21:47] <@Erad> "Er... sorry, you're probably going to have to help me out with that." Erad explains. "Despite our accomplishments, I'm not really... familiar? I guess is the word, with what's even out there. I mean, if you've got any suggestions for someone who fights with their fists, I'm all ears." He says. "Oh... uh, something that could combine all these accessories would be nice, too, I'm sure there's
[21:47] <@Erad> something that does that." Erad gestures at his necklace and circlet.
[21:48] <~Kotono> "What do they do?" The man asks, impassive as he begins to lead you within.
[21:50] <@Erad> "They enhance my health and make me a little more wise." He says as he follows after.
[21:53] <~Kotono> OOC: What are they mechanically? Just tell me OOC for ease of use.
[21:53] <@Erad> OOC: +2 wis and +2 con
[21:57] <~Kotono> The man's gaze turns on you, burning blue. A deep sky blue, clouds seen dancing over them, drawing you in. For a moment his eyes seem tos wallow the world - and then stops. He merely says, "It would be best to make it a new item. I will do it in exchange for both of those items."
[21:59] <@Erad> "Can you by any chance make something that makes me a little better at everything?" Erad asks.
[22:01] <~Kotono> "I could," He says, "It would cost you 50,000 gold at least, perhaps more. Such items are rare and powerful."
[22:04] <@Erad> "Jeez." Erad says as he lets out a breath. "I wasn't expecting that much, but I guess it makes sense, since it saves you needing to wear a bunch of different stuff. Well, I can't promise I'll have that much, but it's entirely possible... How long would it take to make something like that?"
[22:06] <~Kotono> "Weeks," the mage says, stopping before a simple wooden door. "Is this the fate you wish to pursue?"
[22:08] <@Erad> Is this guy for real? It takes that long? There's probably someone out there who just farts and makes stuff like this for even less...  "What can you tell me about something that might bolster my fighting ability? I've got this belt that seems to do it pretty well, and... this thing..." He gestures at the Mechanus' Ioun Stone. "Do you know of much else?"
[22:09] <~Kotono> OOC: What do those do?
[22:10] <@Erad> OOC: It's a monk's belt and the Ioun Stone increases his effective monk level by whatever his int mod is

---

[20:07] <@Kotono> The mage merely nods, "There are ways," he says, "I have heard of gauntlets by the sponsor of your kind."
[20:09] <@Erad> "Does that mean, by any chance, you might have heard of where someone might find something like that?" Erad asks.
[20:10] <@Kotono> "I know of an old collector of antiques," The mage says, "Magical and mundane. I heard he has them."
[20:13] <@Erad> "Do you need the money up front for an item, or would it be acceptable if I paid when the item was completed?" Erad asks. "In an ideal and perfect world, which I realize we don't currently live in, I'd like to somehow augment this," He waves his hands at his monk's belt, "But it sounds like if we went that road I'd probably have to loan it out to you while you did it, so...  yeah, anyway."
[20:14] <@Kotono> "Up front for supplies," The mage says. "What have you decided on?"
[20:17] <@Erad> "I can't afford the combined thing right now, but that is something that I want. Let me sort that out and I'll return -- do you accept anything besides gold?" Erad asks.
[20:18] <@Kotono> "Items for full value, if I care to purchase them," he says, "I am selective."
[20:20] <@Erad> Erad nods. Oh! "Actually, since you don't seem nearly as weird as the last guy that I asked... --er, no offense..." Erad will take the dragon staff off his back. "I'm trying to figure this thing out. The last person I asked about it... uhh... was kind of vague. I'll pay for you to look it over and see if you can tell me anything about it -- I feel like the key to it is more or less beating more
[20:20] <@Erad> dragons up with it, but I can't be sure."
[20:23] <@Kotono> "The fee is 500 gold," The mage says, "Is that acceptable?"
[20:25] <@Erad> "Yeah, sure." Erad says. He reaches into his pack to take out the money.
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Post the expense in loot.
[20:28] <@Erad> OOC: Yep
[20:44] <@Kotono> OOC: Anything else to do here?
[20:46] <@Erad> OOC: Get the location of the antique's road show guy and go talk to him
[20:56] <@Kotono> OOC: He'll set it up for a paying customer, sure.
[20:58] <@Erad> OOC: woop
[21:00] <@Kotono> The collector in question agrees to meet you privately at the Ten Pixie Tavern. It's a nicer place, waiters bringing drinks and food and without a bar at all. Instead they bring out bottles for the patrons to choose from. The smell of food is thick in the air, rich things that make your stomach rumble. Your contact is supposed to be at the table closet to the western wall.
[21:01] <@Erad> Huh. Annerose might like this kind of atmosphere. Either way, he will walk through the tavern to find the correct location.
[21:10] <@Kotono> It's a single table a little away from the others, where a simple man with distinctly plain features sits. A little under six feet tall, unremarkable in spite of beign just a tad tall. He has a plate of cheeses and meat before him, "Erad?" he asks. "John. I'm an agent for the collector, who wishes to stay anonymous."
[21:14] <@Erad> "I doubt anyone could do a good job at impersonation." Erad says as he takes a seat. "Good to meet you." He nods. "Your boss must have made a lot of 'friends' in his days collecting things." Erad huffs.
[21:16] <@Kotono> "Yeah, peril of doing business," he smirks just a little bit. "Anyway, I hear you're interested in the Talon Gauntlets?"
03[21:17] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #dunes
[21:19] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Is that what they're called?" He nods. "Yeah, I was told that I guess I fit the bill of someone who could make the most out of them. Actually, I have a friend who might be looking for something too, uh..." He rubs his chin for a moment. "We found it in a dragon's lair, it was a tiara... I think... Snow Queen... something or other. I don't know if he might have any other parts of it,
[21:19] <@Erad> but I figured I'd ask on behalf of her since she's indisposed at the moment."
[21:29] <@Kotono> "I can ask about it, but I think they have something of that. A gown, I want to say. Maybe. I don't run inventory," he admits, "Anyway, for the gauntlets, what sort of offer are you making?"
[21:31] <@Erad> "I have no idea. I can imagine gold isn't something that's terribly interesting to your boss..." Erad muses. "Actually, I can probably show you a few things you might be interested in... we brought some of it with us in our wagon."
[21:35] <@Kotono> "That'll do," The man stands up, "Let's get to this." OOC: Asusming you are, what are you going to show him?
[21:37] <@Erad> OOC: I'll take him to the wagon and show whatever it is we took to try and have T actually sell. I think we brought some nondecript things from the castle to have T sell, but I figure he probably hasn't actually sold any of it yet. I'll try and find if we specified anything
[21:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Let me know.
[21:43] <@Erad> OOC: Okay, plan was to have T try and sell some of the art while we were in Misty Harbor, but nothing specific other than that
[21:50] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Did it list a total value?
[21:51] <@Erad> OOC: It did not, I can post what the entry on the loot post said if that helps at all.
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: No need.
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=9 ]{9}
[21:53] <@Kotono> Luck is with you. One piece - a painting of an otherworldly creature called an erinyes - gets his attention. He looks it over and whistles, "Dema, if I don't miss my guess," he says, "I didn't know this one was still around. I'll pass on an offer for that."
[21:56] <@Erad> "If you were interested, there's... er... a lot more than this." Erad gestures offhandedly. "It was going to take us forever to sort through all of it, but if you were interested in taking a trip with us back once our business is sorted here, there might be more he'd like. I... uh, can understand you kind of have to take my word on that, though."
[21:59] <@Kotono> "Found a trove, eh?" The man says, "I might be. Let me talk to my employer, see what he wants here. I'll meet you there for dinner in...4 hours and we can finalize this if he's favorable."
[22:00] <@Erad> Erad nods. "You... could certainly say that." He nods. "Sure, I'll see you then."
[22:03] <@Kotono> Four hours later and he's back, "You have a deal," he says, "Got the painting ready?"
[22:04] <@Erad> "Oh, uh... well I hadn't touched it since you were here, do you want me to wrap it in something?" Erad asks. "Sorry, I just beat up the dragons, I don't tend to know much about the stuff afterwards, you know?" He laughs a little at that.
[22:09] <@Kotono> "I have supplies for that," The man says, "Here," he takes out a package from...where the hell did it come from? You aren't sure. It's now on the table before you. "Also, it's a gown. Extremely expensive, it's highly enchanted."
[22:10] <@Erad> Erad blinks. "Woah, wait, both items for that painting of that ugly thing?" He clears his throat. "Ahem, sorry, I'm not the collector, so my opinion really doesn't matter."
[22:11] <@Kotono> "No, no," he shakes his head, "Not that. I meant also that it's a gown like I thought it was."
[22:12] <@Erad> "Oh!" Erad nods. "Yeah, okay, fair enough."
[22:13] <@Erad> "Once our business in the city is done, does your boss have any interest in having you appraise some of the other things we found, or would you just rather we bring it back here?" Erad asks. "I figure we can be flexible on this sort of thing, it'll just take us longer to get it all here."
[22:13] <@Kotono> Thus the trade is done. OOC: Loot.
[22:18] <@Erad> Erad nods as he puts them on!
[22:22] <@Kotono> OOC: Do you qualify for the relic power?
[22:22] <@Erad> OOC: I do, in fact!
[22:23] <@Kotono> OOC: You have true believer? Okay.
[22:24] <@Kotono> When you put them on, the gauntlets shimmer with platinum-shaded light. They feel good on your hands, right. You feel warm, powerful and secure.
[22:25] <@Erad> Erad smiles at that and nods to himself. "I'm sure you can find us one way or another in town, so just let me know what your boss wants to do." Erad says.
[22:28] <@Kotono> "Will do," The man says, offering him a hand to shake and then withdrawing it, "Those safe to touch?"
[22:29] <@Erad> Erad just starts laughing at that. "Man, I hope so or things are going to get really difficult for me."
[22:31] <@Kotono> "Magic," The man chortles a bit, "It's amazing, isn't it?"
[22:31] <@Erad> Erad rolls his eyes. "Annoying, more like... I swear, everywhere you look, some asshole wizard has gone and done something."
[22:33] <@Erad> "Oh, uh... no offense, if you or your boss...you know." Erad gestures offhandedly again. "It's not all bad, I know."
[22:37] <@Kotono> "Wizards don't come with a sense of morality attached, I know," he shakes his head, "I'll be in touch about the dress if she wants to make an offer."
[22:38] <@Erad> Erad nods. "If there's anything else the Torch Bearers can do for you or your boss, let me know."

---

[20:04] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Okay, next move then?
[20:05] <@Erad> OOC: I'll go check in at Shining Light Cathedral and make sure nothing untoward is happening.
[20:06] <@Space_Cat> roll 1d100
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=26 ]{26}
[20:06] <@Space_Cat> Your trip there is uneventful. It's open, some improvements and repairs having been done. There's a few people coming in and out as well.
[20:09] <@Erad> Erad nods and will head inside to find Dawnlord Macgregor.
[20:10] <@Space_Cat> Inside is bustling - and he's there, leading a service with several dozen people listening to it. "...and the light of Lathander will shine bright on you, now and forever."
03[20:11] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:11] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[20:11] <@Erad> Erad will take up a spot in the back and listen in!
[20:14] <@Space_Cat> "Amen," The gathered repeat, as the Dawnlord goes to stand behind the altar. Sunshine streams in from the windows, bolstered from being mere weak and watery sunshine to a healthy glow. "Today we are going to discuss prosperity. Who does not want to be rich? After all, is not success and wealth a mark of nobility?"
[20:19] <@Erad> Huh, magical glass? Erad shrugs some and continues to listen.
[20:21] <@Space_Cat> "Yet not all of us are prosperous. Why?" Macgregor continues, "The Dawnlord grants us many things, including the potential. But not all potential blooms at the same time. Not all crops grow the same, some children mature faster than others. It is so that Lathander's blessings are the same."
[20:23] <@Erad> Erad nods. Hope is one of those blessings, and Erad is happy to see it spreading so well.
[20:28] <@Space_Cat> "I will not speak long on this, only ask for you to consider this and trust in Lathander. We will all have our days in the sun. They may not be today or tomorrow, but they will come." He clears his throat, "Now a few announcements. Our weekly dinner get together tomorrow is canceled if you haven't heard yet. Next week's will be here and is on. Likewise, noon and dusk services are canceled
[20:28] <@Space_Cat> tomorrow, though the dawn service is not. In better news, our recent increase in titles will see the revival of the Dawn Seeds program. More information will be provided next week, but it's designed to help followers of Lathander start business and new ventures."
[20:31] <@Erad> Hm, cancelled? Is tomorrow a holiday or something? Erad shrugs and will have to ask about that.
[20:33] <@Space_Cat> From here people rise, chatting away and shaking hands. The Dawnlord is amid them, wishing them well as they leave. Once they're gone he turns to you, "Erad," heg reets you warmly, coming over and shaking your hand.
[20:34] <@Erad> Erad gives him a good handshake. "Dawnlord. I'm glad to see no one tried anything in our absence. Or, perhaps I should say nothing obvious."
[20:39] <@Space_Cat> "We've been recovering thanks to your help," The handshake is firm, "I also hear you helped with the war.'
[20:40] <@Erad> Erad nods. "We've been getting around. I wanted to stop in and make sure everything here was okay, since we hadn't been back in a while. That stuff that you mentioned during your sermon about being cancelled... is that something you need our help with, or is it not a big deal?"
[20:41] <@Space_Cat> "It's for repairs," Macgregor says, "It's a blessing, we just can't have services with men working in here."
[20:43] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Good. Oh, we haven't seen hide nor hair of Smiles or any of his plans lately, so I'm not sure if we've just been lucky or he's just too many steps ahead of us." He shrugs at that.
[20:47] <@Space_Cat> "Take your blessings as you get them," He says, "Can I offer you lunch?"
[20:47] <@Erad> "I wouldn't want to put you out, but it'd be a good opportunity to catch up with anything going on in the city." Erad says with a nod. "I can tell you about dealing with Maggen, too."
[20:49] <@Space_Cat> From here it's a simple lunch - bread, meat, cheese. OOC: Go ahead, I gotta BRB, so do your end of expo first.
[20:52] <@Erad> Erad will give a rather brief explanation of finding the green dragon and trapping it in the cave, then go on to explain the -other- green dragon... and subsequently the feast and then the trip into the mountains, including the attempted arrest and so on and so forth. He will further explain the meeting with Maggen and the rather unfortunate meeting with the silver spell and the subsequent
[20:52] <@Erad> beatdown that followed. "I won't lie -- I felt a great deal of satisfaction to see his life extinguished." Erad says with a look off to the side. "The world is better off without him in it."
[21:04] <@Space_Cat> "We all know the stories," Dawnlord Macgregor says, "It is never a good thing to eend a life, but sometimes it is needed."
[21:05] <@Erad> Erad nods. "What's been going on here?"
[21:11] <@Space_Cat> "We've been growing. Lathander blesses us," The Dawnlord explains, "Especially once news that the heroes of the war were tied to this church. Our flock has grown and our tithes are allowing us to escape poverty."
[21:12] <@Erad> Erad nods with a smile. "I don't know if you'd heard, but we're traveling with a guest from Celestia. I'm hopeful that at saome point I can meet another follower of Bahamut."
[21:14] <@Space_Cat> "I had not," Macgregor says, "I can help with that, however. Is aw another of your kind recently."
[21:23] <@Erad> Erad's ears perk up. "Really? What can you tell me?"
[21:27] <@Space_Cat> "He was looking for something. I'm not sure what since I barely had a chance to talk to him, but it seemed important. I think he was checking all the taverns, someone in those would know more."
[21:30] <@Erad> "Well, we tend to be memorable." Erad says with a laugh. "I'll look around."
02[21:49] * Tohsaka (uid69210@highgate.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
[21:50] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Anything else here?
[21:50] <@Erad> OOC: Nope, he'll go poking around at bars to see if he can find a lead or maybe run into the other dragonperson.
[21:51] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Diplo check, +4 circumstance bonus.
[21:53] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{19}
[21:53] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=5]
[21:53] <@Erad> OOC: Whoops, forgot. Serith, unless you just want to take the lower of the rolls
[21:54] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Choose and reroll.
[21:54] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15 serith
[21:54] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+15 serith --> [ 1d20=13 ]{28}
[21:54] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=6]
[22:00] <@Space_Cat> You wander and end up in a tavern. Unremarkable enough and you get  adrink. As you nurse it, "Yeah, saw someone like you," the barkeep says, an older man with a limp.
[22:01] <@Erad> "What were they asking about?" Erad asks as he puts a few gold pieces on the table. OOC: I will deduct 5 gp
02[22:07] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
02[22:07] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[22:08] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[22:08] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[22:11] <@Space_Cat> "A few things," The gold's taken and you get a refill, "Was looking for information about a wreck off the eastern coast, a ways south. Said it was haunted or build on ruins or something. Adventurer shit. He was also looking for the hero Erad."
[22:13] <@Erad> Oh, he's more famous than he thought. "He say anything about where he was going after this?" Eras asks.
[22:14] <@Space_Cat> "South along the coast,' The barkeep says, "Was pushing on even in the weather. Brave or stupid, not sure which."
[22:16] <@Erad> "Any mention of it he was staying in town at all or did he seem like he was just stopping in before he left?" Erad asks.
[22:20] <@Space_Cat> "He wasn't staying long, at least that was my impression. Haven't seen him since," The barkeep says.
[22:23] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Oh, how long ago did you see them?"
[22:26] <@Space_Cat> "About a week ago?" The man says, "Something like that."
[22:26] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Okay, thanks." Yeah, they're surely gone by now, but at least it's a lead.
[22:31] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Now what?
[22:31] <@Erad> OOC: Good question. There's not much else to do on my end so I guess he'll just walk around.
[22:32] <@Erad> OOC: Unless T wants help doing whatever it is he's doing.
[22:42] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Lemme pause you then, we're over and I' mostly running to try and keep Annerose moving, since her one scene is running supe rlong.
[22:43] <@Erad> OOC: Yeah no problem

[Corwin]

[21:17] <~Kotono> Soon enough you find out there will be a party this evening: A ball in the castle, where even the Dynast may make an appearence. It's up to you to prepare for it. OOC: Set yourself up, including outfit and the like. Impressions matter, so bear that in mind.
01[21:27] <@Annerose> Such an engagement requires she take things up a notch, and so Annerose ordered an evening gown to go with her gloves and tiara, one fit for a princess. Along with styling her hair into a braid to wear over her shoulder, a few stray hairs escaping it to give herself a wilder appearance and the jewelry selected to accentuate her appearance she should fit in quite well, rather than look the part of an adventurer who bumbled into the ball by sheer accident.
[21:32] <~Kotono> Lord Househaven is dressed in somber black, save for a thick, warm black cloak colored deep brown on the inside. He meets you near the doors, "You look lovely," he says, taking your hand and bringing it to his lips.
01[21:34] <@Annerose> Annerose bashfully brings her other hand to her cheek. "Why thank you, My Lord."
[21:42] <~Kotono> "This way," He leads you to a waiting horse drawn carriage, the streets mostly clear of snow. Once inside and moving, "Are you familiar with Misty Harbor's nobility and faces?"
01[21:43] <@Annerose> "T gathered up some gossip on the various knights the last time we were here. Most of it quite unflattering, I'm afraid."
[21:45] <~Kotono> "Likely," Househaven says, "The rot in Malan runs deep."
01[21:51] <@Annerose> "I must admit I'm at a loss as to who might be a suitable ally here," she admits.
[21:54] <~Kotono> "There are many who won't be," Lord Househaven admits, "Others play their cards closer and are cagey."
01[21:54] <@Annerose> "Anyone I should pay a special attention to?"
[22:02] <~Kotono> "Knight Demoise," Househaven says, "He's been keeping his nose clean the past few years and keeping his cards close to his chest."
01[22:03] <@Annerose> Someone T didn't find dirt on, so that's a good start. "What could you tell me about him?" she inquires.
[22:05] <~Kotono> "Son of a squire," Lord Househaven says, "Given fully noble status ten years ago after saved ane ntire patrol from a raiding party from Kabath. It went from a near massace of 100 soldiers to a smashing victory. He has a good head for tactics and strategy, he's made a lot of money in trade since then.  He's a widower, his life died in childbirth. He's remarried since then, recently in fact."
01[22:09] <@Annerose> "Did he have a chance to participate in the recent hostilities?"
[22:11] <~Kotono> "No, he was out of the country. A task from the Dynast," Lord Househaven says. "He got back just after hostilities ended."
01[22:11] <@Annerose> "Is it common these days for a knight to receive a personal mission from the Dynast that takes him out of the country?"

---

[20:08] <@Kotono> "He is nobility, it is part of the duty to our liege," Househaven says, "It's not unusual."
01[20:09] <@Annerose> Annerose inclines her head in understanding.
[20:11] <@Kotono> "So it was not suspicious," Lord Househaven says. "Perhaps ill or fortunately timed, depending on your ambitions."
01[20:12] <@Annerose> "I'd say fortuitous, given that he managed to avoid danger."
[20:15] <@Kotono> "Yes," Lord Househaven says, as your carriage comes to a stop.
01[20:18] <@Annerose> Annerose waits for him to go out first, intending to follow Lord Househaven's lead for the time being.
[20:19] <@Kotono> You come out in a courtyard. Soldiers form a line for you to pass through, at attention on either side. Ahead is a gate leading into the castle proper. Lord Househaven offers you his arm as you step out.
01[20:20] <@Annerose> Annerose takes it with a grateful smile, matching his pace.
[20:26] <@Kotono> Inside the halls are dimly lit and soldiers stand at attention. The two of you follow a path that leads to grand doors, an old man outside of it. "Lord Househaven," he bows, "Ah, may I have your name, ma'am?"
01[20:30] <@Annerose> "Annerose," she responds, smiling at him as well.
[20:44] <@Kotono> He matches your smile and goes in ahead of you, "Announcing Lord Househaven and his guest, Annerose!"
01[20:53] <@Annerose> She sincerely doubts anyone here wouldn't know she's around, but it would be interesting to see those who wish her ill to pretend to be shocked and surprised.
[20:54] <@Kotono> Within is a grand ball room. Here people dance and chat, all dressed richly. Lords and ladies alike, several turning and applauding as the two of you enter. Out of the side of his mouth Lord Househaven murmurs, "Merely smile for now."
01[20:56] <@Annerose> It being something she can do, and do well, Annerose keeps a pleasant smile firmly on!
[21:03] <@Kotono> Once you're a ways in and armed with a flute of champaign each, "Do you prefer to strike out on your own or get the guided tour?"
01[21:06] <@Annerose> "It would be nice to have an ally at my side," Annerose murmurs, sipping at her champagne.
[21:10] <@Kotono> "Well then, let's go." OOC: What's your strategy here as well as plans? Go ahead and refresh me.
01[21:12] <@Annerose> OOC: He said that Knight Demoise might be a suitable ally, so let's get introduced to him! Also, there's plenty of enemies here, so let's say hello to them and insult them from behind a brilliant smile~
[21:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d2
[21:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Can I get a Serith or a miko into here?
03[21:17] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #evildunes
[21:18] <@Kotono> roll 1d2
[21:18] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d2 --> [ 1d2=2 ]{2}
[21:19] <@Kotono> You approach a couple - a gray haired man in formal uniform, medals on his chest. A rather pretty woma, albeit middle aged, is at his side, in a lovely blue gown. "Knight Silas and his wife," Lord Househaven says, "Firm supporters of Jack Maggen."
01[21:23] <@Annerose> "Political alliances? Or ideological companions?" she asks him quietly, keeping the flute in front of her lips as she speaks.
[21:30] <@Kotono> "To himself and his ideaology is asshole." Househaven replies, completely serious.
01[21:32] <@Annerose> "How delightful!" Annerose chirps as they finally approach the pair. "Knight Silas, Dame Silas, what an unexpected pleasure it is to make your acquaintence!"
[21:36] <@Kotono> "Lord Househaven and Lady Annerose," The man says gruffly, offering his hand to Househaven, who shakes it. He then takes you rhand and kisses your knuckles. "I heard all about how you brought defeat to the dogs of Kabath."
[21:37] <@Kotono> Dame Silas smiles, a rather pretty one that doesn't reach her eyes. "Annerose," she says, rather plainly. "An uncommon name these days, though I believe it was more popular in the past. I'm rather fond of it, as it reminds me of my roses."
01[21:39] <@Annerose> "I believe we all have a duty to protect our great nation from its enemies," Annerose responds to the knight, before smiling at his wife. "Yes, I'm rather partial to it myself. It was quite popular when I got it, so it's quite a shame to see it fall out of style."
[21:40] <@Kotono> "Ah, you are marvelously well preserved for a human, but you're anything but. One must remember that," Lady Silas says, "I hear Auril offers her faithful worthy rewards like that."
[21:41] <@Kotono> Knight Silas smiles, "Let's leave the ladies to talking about their needlework," he says, "Lord Househaven, we really should discuss that matter about the border."
01[21:47] <@Annerose> "She does, actually," Annerose muses, before leaning over in a conspiratorial manner. "Though I can let you in on a little secret. It's nowhere near as exclusive as she presents. She likes to keep appearances, certainly, but-- why, I've seen a human turn just a few weeks ago, merely for getting caught in a terrible snowstorm!"
[21:51] <@Kotono> "Goodness! This winter has been brutal, has it not?" Lady Silas leans in, and in a similarly low tone, "Though not a matter that constrains you any further now."
01[21:54] <@Annerose> "Oh, I don't know. I certainly enjoy the cold, and I could sit outside in a storm just watching the snowflakes for hours. Not a single one is like the other, you know? But I happen to enjoy company, and it gets a bit boring without other people to talk to."
[22:00] <@Kotono> "Quite, quite. It's why we have so many balls. There's always so much to talk about," she replies, "I hear you're also a sorceress and you made the Queen of Kabath kneel to you."
01[22:03] <@Annerose> "Close enough! She didn't actually kneel, but I did force her to step back and sue for peace. It just goes to show that you can get through to anyone if you know to speak their language."
[22:08] <@Kotono> "Power, of course," Lady Silas says, and in a lower voice, "I have some minor talent as a sorceress. It is not amazing how much even a little power opens doors?"
01[22:09] <@Annerose> "Oh, I suspect there is no such thing as minor talent where it comes to sorcery," Annerose says with another smile. "My preferred theme is quite obvious, I should think. How about yours?"
[22:12] <@Kotono> "I'm ever so fond of magic to move things about," she says, "A nudge here, a push there."
01[22:14] <@Annerose> "A very versatile and useful field," Annerose agrees, nodding slowly. "And unlike so many of them, one you would always have a chance to practice in the comfort of your own home."
[22:22] <@Kotono> "Absolutely, Anne," She flashes you another dead-eyed smile, "Do you mind if I call you that? Being able to just do that at home is terribly useful, no?"
01[22:27] <@Annerose> "Please, be my guest!" Annerose responds. "You know, when you spoke of subtle powers, of nudging things? I must admit my imagination was immediately drawn towards a mage whose work I came across in the past. I call him the Smiling Man, he being so mysterious I lack his given name. He's quite the instrumental figure in our nation's history. Perhaps you've heard of him?"
[22:29] <@Kotono> "Oh, I've heard of him," Lady Silas lowers her voice even quieter, only pausing to get some wine from a passing waiter. She sips and then goes into it. "An archmage who walks the world, doing as he pleases and answering only to himself. He is power taken to the ultimate, because what is power if not freedom?"
01[22:31] <@Annerose> "Most certainly. Why, I've witnessed him open the very earth to lead a tribe of vicious trolls out onto the surface!" Annerose says in a matching conspiratorial tone of voice, eyes widened slightly. "And yet, his true ability lies in the subtler things. The nudges. A word here, a suggestion there... and further down the line, events he had set in motion with that errant word snowball."
[22:38] <@Kotono> "Remarkable, isn't it?" Lady Silas whispers back to you, "That is what power is. The slightest thing and people and things are but pawns to move. Surely you have talents there by your fey blood."
01[22:47] <@Annerose> "I wouldn't mind listening to a few pointers," Annerose muses. "After all, it's not really my area of expertise."

---

[20:05] <@Space_Cat> "Mmmm. Less is more," Lady Silas says, "Learn to need as little control as you must, so a little goes a long way. The art of verbal combat is a natural pair to those talent.s"
01[20:10] <@Annerose> "You're quite right," Annerose agrees. "And yet, sometimes one needs to do something that draws every eye, don't you think? Such as the aforementioned parting of the earth. With a display of prowess thrown in here and there, the rest of one's work is often perceived in a much better light."
[20:11] <@Space_Cat> "Exactly," She smiling, "Mmm...there's a group of us that meet. To compare our conquests, if you will. An exclusive club with many benefits. "
01[20:13] <@Annerose> Annerose returns the smile, inviting her to go on with a subtle gesture.
[20:14] <@Space_Cat> "You have to prove yourself to join us," she says,
[20:14] <@Space_Cat> OOC: gha.
[20:15] <@Space_Cat> OOC: Gah.
[20:15] <@Space_Cat> "You have to prove yourself to join us," she says, "A trifling thing. Prove your prowess to me, this evening or another time. Show me your magical and verbal mastery on this battlefield."
01[20:20] <@Annerose> Annerose raises an eyebrow in amusement. "My dear lady Silas, you must first tell me whether my present company is insufficiently subtle, or simply not very impressive, so that I know how to better myself." After all, what would be a better victory in the social arena than a relative nobody in the court showing up with Lord Househaven?
[20:22] <@Space_Cat> "Your point is conceded, so it will not be a difficult thing for you," Lady Silas smiles, "But it is a matter of doing it to show your worthiness, and with this in mind, not past deeds."
01[20:24] <@Annerose> "Ah, certainly. I understand perfectly now."
[20:29] <@Space_Cat> "I look forward to tonight's entertainment then," Lady Silas says.
01[20:30] <@Annerose> With another pleasant smile, Annerose seeks to rejoin Lord Househaven so that they might seek out Knight Demoise!
[20:34] <@Space_Cat> roll 1d100
03[20:35] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:37] <@Space_Cat> roll 1d100
[20:37] <Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}
[20:37] <@Space_Cat> roll 1d100
[20:37] <Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=69 ]{69}
[20:38] <@Space_Cat> Lord Househaven is just finishing up a discussion and joins you. "How was it," he asks out of the side of his mouth as you rejoin him.
01[20:39] <@Annerose> "I think she liked me, provisionally," Annerose murmurs back, covering her mouth with an ornamental fan.
[20:40] <@Space_Cat> "Really?" Lord Househaven says, "I would not have expected that."
01[20:41] <@Annerose> "How well do you know Knight Silas, from before their marriage?" Annerose asks curiously.
[20:47] <@Space_Cat> "Somewhat, we attended many of the same functions, "Lord Househaven says.
01[20:49] <@Annerose> "Was he much the same man, with the same political inclinations?"
[21:04] <@Space_Cat> "Yes," Lord Househaven says, "Perhaps more interested in wealth now, but he has a wife."
01[21:08] <@Annerose> Perhaps. She might have read too much into that woman's words, Annerose muses to herself.
[21:13] <@Space_Cat> As you walk, there is a sudden pause. A single trumpet note plays, which immediately quiets the ballroom.
01[21:15] <@Annerose> Annerose gives a questioning look to her companion, though she doesn't break the silence.
[21:19] <@Space_Cat> "The Dynast is going to make an appearence," Lord Househaven says, "Be ready."
01[21:20] <@Annerose> How long has it been since she's seen family? Annerose can't help but get a bit excited at the prospect, though the anticipation is once more covered behind her fan.
[21:45] <@Space_Cat> More trumpets blow and the far doors open. The man that comes through is short and rather sallow-skinned, dark hair strides in. He wears rich clothes and a golden circlet. His expression is disinterested, bored as his gaze sweeps over everything. Silence comes as all the ball room kneels before him.
01[21:46] <@Annerose> Annerose follows suit gracefully, peering at the Dynast and his entourage once they've passed her.
01[21:47] <@Annerose> OOC: With DE!
[21:50] <@Space_Cat> He radiates faint evil. The Dynast looks around, merely nods and walks right back out.
01[21:52] <@Annerose> Mildly disappointing, though not unexpected.
[21:54] <@Space_Cat> "His Majesty does not always care to take in the festivities," Lord Househaven says as everyone rises.
01[21:57] <@Annerose> "What might he find interesting?"
[22:05] <@Space_Cat> "Are you aware of the Dynast's interests?" Househaven asks.
01[22:06] <@Annerose> "Only the gossip, for what it's worth. There's truth in it, then?"
[22:12] <@Space_Cat> "More or less," Househaven says, "Depends on the gossip you heard."
01[22:15] <@Annerose> "Nothing much," she tells him quietly. "Laziness, being easily lead by the Lord Scion, private parties with pretty men?"
[22:20] <@Space_Cat> "About right," Lord Househaven says, "He's disinterested in it all."
01[22:23] <@Annerose> "That's unfortunate," she notes, suppressing a sigh.
[22:25] <@Space_Cat> "Perhaps you should try and meet him tonight anyway," Lord Househaven suggests, "Maybe one of the heroes can manage to get his attention."
01[22:30] <@Annerose> Annerose nods her agreement, saying, "We should make the attempt."
[22:31] <@Space_Cat> "Follow me," Lord Househaven says, striding towards the door the Dynast went through.
01[22:31] <@Annerose> Annerose does so!
[22:42] <@Space_Cat> Two guards stop you, "The Dynast does not wish company," they say. "Please return and enjoy the festivities, Lord Househaven."
[22:43] <@Space_Cat> "Really, Annerose and I wish to speak to the Dynast. If he is not immediately available, his immediate chamberlain would do." Lord Househaven says.
01[22:44] <@Annerose> Having been about to speak, Annerose belatedly recalls that Lord Househaven asked her to follow his lead. She simply looks supportive at his side, waiting for any subtle indication that he wishes her to press their case or, perhaps, in which direction.
[22:48] <@Space_Cat> roll 1d20+15 then
[22:48] <Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d20+15 then --> [ 1d20=9 ]{24}
[22:48] <@Space_Cat> The guard considers and nods, "Wait here, please," he says, going and leaving you with just the othe rone.
01[22:50] <@Annerose> "Is it really such an exceptional request?" Annerose inquires politely, keeping her voice just the tiniest bit confused.
[22:57] <@Space_Cat> "The Dynast made his orders clear, ma'am," The guard replies.
[22:57] <@Space_Cat> roll 1d100 luck check, really
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 luck check, really --> [ 1d100=73 ]{73}
01[23:02] <@Annerose> "It does seem like a shame that everyone should be festive but the Dynast himself, doesn't it?" Annerose wonders. "It was our hope that, perchance, hearing a story of the battle against the Queen of Kabath, the one in which she was driven from our land, might entertain our illustrious liege."
[23:07] <@Space_Cat> "Yes," Lord Househaven agrees, as the remaining guard looks at you.
[23:07] <@Space_Cat> "You're that Annerose," he says, blond eyebrow rising as he takes you in.
01[23:08] <@Annerose> "I have it on good authority that the name dropped out of use, rather unfortunately," Annerose says, spreading her arms in a gesture of helplessness. "To the point where I've yet to meet another Annerose in my travels. Now, it's true that I'm not wearing my armor, but that would have been a bit too crass for such an occasion, wouldn't you agree?"

---

[20:10] <@Kotono> "Y-yes, ma'am," the guard stumbles over it but gets that out, going quiet.
01[20:12] <@Annerose> "And Lord Househaven is certainly in good standing with the court?" she continues, glancing over at her date. "If the Dynast cannot trust His Lordship, why, who could he feel safe around?"
[20:15] <@Kotono> The guard quickly returns, "The Dynast has consented to see you, Lord Househaven and Lady Annerose," he says, "This way."
01[20:16] <@Annerose> Annerose smiles to show her appreciation, letting Brent Househaven lead their way inside.
[20:21] <@Kotono> On you go. Through a few rich halls and out onto a sheltered balcony. A shimmering field of force keeps the cold and snow out while giving yu a view of Misty Harbor. The Dynast sits there, looking out at it with his head resting on his hand.  "Eh, Househaven?" He doesn't even look over, "What do you need?"
01[20:22] <@Annerose> This is a time where she'll wait for Househaven to introduce her and take things from there!
[20:25] <@Kotono> Lord Househaven kneels and stays that way a moment before rising, "Dynast, may I introduce you to Lady Annerose."
[20:32] <@Kotono> "Hm? Oh, one of Maggen's killers," He looks over, vaguely interested, "Are you here to beg for his domain as yours?"
01[20:35] <@Annerose> "The Dynast is very well informed," Annerose notes, curtsying in greeting at the look. "Who better to keep the country safe than the woman that caused the Queen of Kabath to retreat? The disagreements within Auril's church should have no adverse affect on the nation."
[20:36] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:36] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=98 ]{98}
[20:37] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a Diplo check.
01[20:37] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+22
[20:37] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{26}
[20:47] <@Kotono> The Dynast looks at you long, "It would have continuity," he finally says, "As long as you get the church to quiet down, I don't care."
01[20:49] <@Annerose> Annerose curtsies again, thrown off her game somewhat despite her best intentions. There's apathy, and then there is this sort of behavior. "I would be honored to serve Malana in this way."
[20:53] <@Kotono> "Househaven," he glances at him, "I'll send you the details in a few days." He covers a yawn with his hand, "If Auril listens to you, tell her to knock off the snow, Annerose. I'm sick of it."
01[20:55] <@Annerose> "It has grown warmer in the past few days, Dynast," Annerose says respectfully. "I shall endeavor to keep at it, of course."
[20:56] <@Kotono> At that the Dynast turns away and Lord Househaven gently nudges you with his elbow, then turns and walks out.
01[20:57] <@Annerose> Annerose follows his lead, struggling to keep her composure. She wrestles her confusion down by the time they reach the exit, however, keeping it firmly under lock and key.
[20:58] <@Kotono> As you go out, in a quiet aside, "His mood is unusually detached, even for him. That was...unexpected."
01[20:59] <@Annerose> "And he is very well informed," Annerose can't help but note in that same quiet tone. "I cannot imagine how it fits with the apparent apathy."
[21:01] <@Kotono> "Unusually so," Lord Househaven frowns, "The entire encounter was not as expected."
01[21:02] <@Annerose> "Would you like to try and see if we can't get Knight Demoise for a chat, or call it a night?"
[21:07] <@Kotono> "Another night. This development will change things," Lord Househaven says, "I suggest you go and prepare yourself, since the official announcement will greatly impact things."
01[21:09] <@Annerose> "The next meeting with Lady Silas will prove interesting, if nothing else," she says with an amused smile.
[21:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along then?
01[21:09] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes

[Corwin]

[20:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=87 ]{87}
[20:06] <@Kotono> You wander the snowy, sunny city. No fog today, only frigid sunshine that ever so slowly melts the snow. You take in the sights, and by noon, you're getting really rather hungry. You could us esomething to eat.
[20:07] <@Erad> Erad will pick somewhere at random that happens to be on his path and doesn't look terribly seedy.
[20:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:08] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=73 ]{73}
[20:11] <@Kotono> It's a seafood restaurant. You get some fried fish and vegetables. It's pretty passably good. As you eat and your main course is brought, the waitress stop sand gives you an eye. She's older but still walks well, hair in a steely gray bun. "You ain't human," she says, "Shit, all sorts of inhumans around here lately."
[20:13] <@Erad> "What was it that gave me away?" Erad asks, a note of amusement in his voice. He shrugs a bit. "Sometimes, the worst people are human."
[20:15] <@Kotono> "Yeah, but you hear about those fairies that steal babies or dwarves that trade human slaves," The woman grimaces as she puts her food down, "Or you half dragon sorts. Slaves to big dragon tyrants."
[20:17] <@Erad> Erad can't help but laugh a little at that. "Yes, there are some like that. But I'm not a half--you know, it isn't really important. Suffice to say, if you see any dragon-people causing trouble, you let me know. I'll set them straight."
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Yeah, saw one poking around a few days ago," she says, "Damn thing's up to trouble, I tell you what," She waggles a finger at you, "Digging for information!"
[20:22] <@Erad> "What were they looking for?" Erad asks. "I'm sorry if they bothered you."
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Something about a ship to the south or something," she says, "Really insistent. Tipped good, though."
[20:26] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I'll make sure he doesn't cause you trouble again, madam. Anyone else causing trouble lately, now that isn't so cold out?"
[20:29] <@Kotono> "Yeah, but it ain't your business. Just crooks and thieves squeezing." She says, "You want anything to go with that?"
[20:34] <@Erad> "I'm fine, but thank you." Erad says.
[20:36] <@Kotono> The waitress goes off then, leaving you to your meal. It's good enough, ea tleast. OOC: Anything else you wanna do here or mov eon?
[20:37] <@Erad> OOC: I'm fine to move on
[20:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=34 ]{34}
[20:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=24 ]{24}
[20:39] <@Kotono> You return to the inn a little early. You find T there already, lying on his bed and with an icepack on his head. A rather spectacular goose egg is there and he has a black eye. "Yo," T greets, "Your day go better than mine?"
[20:42] <@Erad> "Well, I don't see how it possibly couldn't have." Erad says. "Who did you piss off?"
[20:46] <@Kotono> "The husband of the wife I was meeting. In her bedroom," he grimaces, "Turns out he's a stonemason, built like a fucking castle and brought a bunch of his friends over for an early dinner."
[20:47] <@Erad> "Can't you turn invisible?" Erad asks.
[20:51] <@Kotono> "Look," T says, "One, it was innocent. She was trying to seduce me! I just wanted information. Two, when you see a three hundred pound mass of muscle coming at you, you dive out the window. Three, I couldn't have guessed it would ber ight by all his friends. Four, I fought to knock them out since I was surrounded anyway."
[20:55] <@Erad> "I'm just saying you could have gotten out without a fight at all." Erad says. "But I understand."
[20:55] <@Kotono> 'Yeah, yeah, hindsight," T sighs, "How was your day?"
[20:56] <@Erad> "I traded one of those ugly pieces of art for these." Erad says, showing the gauntlets. "Apparently the guy has a piece of Annerose's armor too."
[20:57] <@Kotono> "Yeah? I'll run it by her when she gets back. I think she's off hobnobbing," T says.
[20:58] <@Erad> "Oh, and there was some other dragonborn in town." Erad says. "They're investigating something south of here on the coast."
[21:00] <@Kotono> "Yeah, got any details?" T asks, "Doesn't really narrow it down besides being Bahamut sh-er, related."
[21:00] <@Erad> "Not really. They were looking for me, too, apparently." Erad says.
[21:01] <@Kotono> "Want me to look into it? I could use a day off from my main work," T says.
[21:02] <@Erad> "If you're bored." Erad says.
[21:06] <@Kotono> "Done," T says, "Hopefully Annerose gets back soon, girl feels like she should've beenb ack by now."
[21:11] <@Kotono> As the two of you chat and the time passes, Annerose returns. "Oh, there she is," T says.
01[21:12] <@Annerose> "Good evening," Annerose greets them. "Did you have a productive time?"
[21:13] <@Kotono> "Jumped out of a window from a woman's bedroom, her husband following me. That sort of day and it wasn't half as fun as it sounds," T says. "You?"
01[21:13] <@Annerose> "Became a feudal lord. That sort of day."
[21:16] <@Kotono> T looks over, "Really," he says, casually. "Now you're just having us on."
[21:16] <@Erad> "Huh, no kidding?" Erad asks. "I got some rumors on a dragonborn and traded some ugly art piece for these." He indicates the gauntlets.
01[21:18] <@Annerose> "No kidding," she affirms. "I made some friends at the banquet, and Lord Househaven and I were able to have a private audience with the Dynast. He knew all about Maggen, but cared about it as little as he cared about anything else. In the end, he's putting me in charge... if anything, he seemed more interested in the snow to stop falling than any of this."
[21:19] <@Kotono> "Fuck, are you serious?" T turns and puts aside the icepack.
01[21:21] <@Annerose> "Of course I am. It is about to shift a few alliances, I'll say that much."
02[21:21] * Mushroom_Cid (~dfvsdfsdf@174-19-241-41.phnx.qwest.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[21:22] * Mushroom_Cid (~dfvsdfsdf@174-19-241-41.phnx.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[21:23] <@Kotono> "Fuck." T says, packing enough emotion in that to blow over a house. "Why?!"
[21:24] <@Erad> "You seem more upset about this than I'd think." Erad says with a glance at T.
01[21:25] <@Annerose> "I actually share the emotion. I have so many questions, such as why he doesn't care about anything at all and acts so detached. How he even heard what happened. How he managed to learn and retain the information if he's apathetic. Why he's playing along. Unfortunately, I don't know. This, however, will grant me the ability to find out."
[21:26] <@Kotono> "Exactly!" T says, "You don't just do that. It speaks of a plot or a seriously damaged individual."
[21:26] <@Erad> "Did you have time to see if he was any, like... spell or something?"
01[21:26] <@Annerose> "It's not a plot, at least not one I'm afraid of springing," Annerose muses. "And unfortunately, the guards would've seen the casting of divinations with a dim eye."
[21:27] <@Erad> "Ah." Erad nods.
01[21:28] <@Annerose> "But this secures my invitation into several circles where I'd be privy to all the gossip," she points out again.
[21:30] <@Kotono> "Anyway, you met him. What do you think of him?" T asks, "How far are we going to have to take this?"
01[21:32] <@Annerose> "I don't think he cares about ruling at all," Annerose says frankly. "If the reason for that is long-term mental domination, then he wouldn't be suited for it after we managed to break it, either. Let's find out what, if anything, he actually wants out of life."
[21:34] <@Erad> "Oh, before I forget." He says as he pushes himself off the wall. "There's a collector in town that has some Ice Queen Gown or something, I think it matches that tiara of yours. I traded him one of the art pieces from Maggen for my gloves, so we could probably fnd something else to trade for if you want."
[21:37] <@Kotono> "Hm," T murmurs, "Do you think he's dominated or is it just a possibility?
[21:37] <@Kotono> "
01[21:38] <@Annerose> "I would really like it for my official debut," Annerose happily agrees. "Perhaps something to look into tomorrow morning?" To T, she says, "I have only Lord Househaven's assertion to go on, that the Dynast was too detached for his usual self. Besides, don't we all wish for an explanation?"
[21:44] <@Kotono> "Yeah." T says, "So...how do we play this?"
01[21:47] <@Annerose> "We'll gather two kinds of allies, one type that genuinely agrees with us and wishes to save Malana, and the other from those who sense the shifting of power and wish to end up on the right side of history. At the same time, any cause we publicly support is going to get a boost. I'm thinking of the local church of Lathander. It's already got its enemies, so that aspect wouldn't change. But we might bring more donations to them simply by speaking out about them."
[21:49] <@Kotono> 'Yeah. Should do the same for Bahamut too. He's had our back with Erad," T admits, "From the other dragonborn we've heard about, he's trying."
01[21:51] <@Annerose> "We'll need to try and gather information about Auril's faithful, too, and that fortress," Annerose muses. "We won't be able to coexist."
[21:51] <@Kotono> "Yeah," T says, thoughtful. "What do you think, Erad? You're being awfully quiet."
[21:52] <@Erad> "I think the idea is sound. If we're looking for support, I'd like to track down the dragonborn I heard about and see what his deadl is." Erad says. "I can fly out of town pretty easily so you all could stay here."
01[21:56] <@Annerose> "Then let's keep at it. T, keep looking for potential support and enemies both. I'll be doing much the same, except in different circles. If either of us has a chance to make a useful alliance, we seize upon it. Then, if nothing much changes within a week, we'll reevaluate this approach."
[22:00] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so T off questing for dragonborn and Annerose in social blitzing?
01[22:00] <@Annerose> OOC: First, let's get an awesome gown~
[22:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, Erad doing that while you go get a gown then?
[22:03] <@Erad> OOC: Sounds good
[22:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, Annerose in here and Erad in #evil this time. Mix it up.

[Corwin]

[22:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Plans here/how are you pursuing him/her?
[22:09] <@Erad> OOC: Let T poke around, then probably just fly out and go along the coast. You probably can't miss a shipwreck.
[22:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[22:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15 T Diplo
[22:15] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+15 T Diplo --> [ 1d20=2 ]{17}
[22:16] <@Kotono> OOC: T swings and misses, big time.
[22:16] <@Erad> OOC: As long as he doesn't get another black eye
[22:17] <@Kotono> OOC: He didn't. Okay, just gonna go try th ecoasts?
[22:17] <@Erad> OOC: Yeah.
[22:20] <@Kotono> OOC: A Perception check for general reference?
[22:21] <@Erad> roll 1d20+17
[22:21] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{35}

---

[20:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:16] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=89 ]{89}
[20:20] <@Kotono> You fly around and search - and soon come on something. A few miles from Misty Harbor you see the shoreline is snowed under. No surprise there. What is a surprise that a boat's beached there, broken up and with bodies lying on and around it.
[20:20] <@Erad> Erad will fly down towards the wreckahe, keeping an eye out for anyone that isn't a dead body! ...Or even if they are dead bodies, like zombies.
[20:23] <@Erad> OOC: wreckage, too
[20:27] <@Kotono> Indeed, as you approach, the bodies begin to rise. Broken bodies, freshly dead - and rising, gaping wounds and all. They moan and start to stumble around in the snow.
[20:30] <@Erad> Well, that isn't good at all. Can he really deal with all of them by himself, though? For now he'll watch from the air and see if they start shambling anywhere or just meander.
[20:35] <@Kotono> There are perhaps two dozen of them. Right now they're just meandering around, stumbling about aimlessly.
[20:37] <@Erad> Even if the odds are -- ...oh, right. He takes the staff off of his back and flies down a bit more, gauging the range. OOC: He's going to fly above them with the intent of totally cheating and using the staff to kill them. It hits a 50ft radius, will that get all/most of them?
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Should take 2-3 blasts depending on luck, assuming a single blast kills.
[20:39] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[20:40] <@Erad> He'll fly to the largest collection and hover 15 feet above them. "May Bahamut carry your souls to the afterlife! Ixen caex!" He shouts, brandishing the staff!
[20:41] <@Erad> roll 8d6 fire damage, DC20 reflex halves
[20:41] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 8d6 fire damage, DC20 reflex halves --> [ 8d6=37 ]{37}
[20:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[20:46] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{15}
[20:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[20:46] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{10}
[20:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[20:46] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{2}
[20:46] <@Kotono> It ends up taking three blasts - but the slow, shambling zombies are easily burnt to a crisp with your staff.
[20:47] <@Erad> Erad mends his wounds after that, dusting his hands off. OOC: Lay on Hands for 25 and Wholeness of Body for 20 to cover the 45 I spent using it. How nice it works out that way.
[20:48] <@Erad> Now that that's out of the way, he will investigate the wreckage for anything -- it's strange that this ship even crashed here, not to mention why the corpses all got up...
[20:51] <@Kotono> You approach the ship. It's beached on its side and broken, several holes in the hull. It's a wreck and ruined cargo litters all around it and is slowly brought in with the tide.
[20:53] <@Erad> "So were the holes there before... or after it crashed. Hm." Erad shrugs and flies up a bit to get a better vantage point. "Did someone betray you all?" He will fly around after talking to himself and see if he can find any marks on the side of the ship that might identify what it was before it crashed.
[21:00] <@Kotono> OOC: Have ranks in anything relevant here?
[21:00] <@Erad> OOC: The only thing that might be is K:H and that's kind of shaky.
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Not relevant, no. Okay. Raw int check.
[21:02] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2 smart dragon
[21:02] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+2 smart dragon --> [ 1d20=11 ]{13}
[21:03] <@Kotono> No sign of anything like that. It just looks like a broken ship to you.
[21:04] <@Erad> Then why in the world is it here, and why is another dragonborn even looking into it? None of this makes sense. All right -- fine. Erad takes a breath and goes lower to see if maybe he can find a log book or something. Heck, maybe an intact treasure chest full of holy relics!
[21:05] <@Kotono> OOC: Where are you entering from?
[21:07] <@Erad> OOC: I guess he'll start from the front and work his way back, depending on how much of the boat's even still intact.
[21:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:23] <@Kotono> You start checking the ship. The front is mostly intact and ou check the deck. Nothing there - the ship's wheel is destroyed, you note. Going a bit below decks, you hear the groan of the walking dead from within.
[21:24] <@Erad> How annoying. Hopefully the deck had the most of them, but even if not, he'll just have to get rid of these, too.
[21:24] <@Erad> He will continue forward, slowly.
[21:27] <@Kotono> You continue in and...OOC: Fort save.
[21:28] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15 mettle
[21:28] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+15 mettle --> [ 1d20=16 ]{31}
[21:33] <@Kotono> You feel an unearthly chill as you enter.
[21:35] <@Erad> Erad makes a face. Of course there'd be something like that here.
[21:36] <@Erad> He will continue forward for now -- either because of stubborness or concern.
[21:42] <@Kotono> You walk down the side of belowdecks. A door above is thrown open ans a single, shambling zombie landsb efore you. It reaches out for yo uand...OOC: Init.
[21:43] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[21:43] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{19}
[21:45] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[21:45] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{16}
[21:45] <@Kotono> OOC: Open.
[21:46] <@Erad> "Go away." Erad says simply. OOC: Are we talking close enough for full attack range or farther?
[21:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes. Close enough.
[21:48] <@Erad> OOC: Oh, since we're here, the two primary claw attacks that the gauntlets of the talon offer, are those rolled at my highest BAB or do they take a penalty? I guess I should've checked to make sure I can use them as part of a flurry.

---

[20:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Was answered in #elysium last session, so go ahead.
[20:03] <@Erad> OOC: KOBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!
03[20:04] * Rei-Junior (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 2d20+14 Let's see if this is formatted right
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 2d20+14 Let's see if this is formatted right --> [ 2d20=32 ]{46}
[20:05] <@Erad> OOC: Not in the least, okay
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14 Flurry
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+14 Flurry --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14 Flurry
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+14 Flurry --> [ 1d20=18 ]{32}
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9 Flurry
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+9 Flurry --> [ 1d20=15 ]{24}
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9 Flurry
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+9 Flurry --> [ 1d20=4 ]{13}
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9 Claw 1
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+9 Claw 1 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{10}
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9 Claw 2
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+9 Claw 2 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{11}
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14 Crit?
[20:05] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+14 Crit? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{19}
[20:08] <@Kotono> OOC: All but the 13 and below hit.
[20:08] <@Erad> OOC: Okay. Do you even want me to roll damage?
[20:08] <@Erad> OOC: I also forgot I can't crit undead (sadface) but so it goes
[20:09] <@Kotono> Sure, go ahead.
[20:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[20:09] <@Erad> roll 3#3d8+3+3d6
[20:09] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 3#3d8+3+3d6 --> [ 3d8=18 3d6=9 ]{30}, [ 3d8=10 3d6=12 ]{25}, [ 3d8=11 3d6=13 ]{27}
[20:11] <@Kotono> One zombie, shredded up. It falls, torn apart by your assault. OOC: Free act.
[20:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Also make a Fort save.
[20:11] <@Erad> roll 1d20+17 mettle
[20:11] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+17 mettle --> [ 1d20=7 ]{24}
[20:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Are you immune to disease?
[20:12] <@Erad> OOC: I am, in fact.
[20:15] <@Kotono> OOC: Carry on then.
[20:15] <@Erad> Erad huffs. A necromancer on board, maybe? He continues forward for now.
[20:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[20:17] <@Erad> roll 1d20+17
[20:17] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{28}
[20:23] <@Kotono> As you do, you hear a faint groaning from further ahead.
[20:25] <@Erad> How many people were -on- this boat? Erad continues forward, saying a silent prayer to Bahamut for protection.
[20:37] <@Kotono> You read the end, a sideways stairway going deeper into the overturned ship. From here you can hear the moaning clearly, it's coming from belowdecks.
[20:38] <@Erad> Erad ventures on -- If the source of the zombies is still here, he has a duty to get rid of it.
[20:43] <@Kotono> Down the stairs you go. This leads into the cargo hold. Here about a dozen zombies shuffle and shamble about. Crates and barrels have been knocked over, the entire hold a cramped mess. Far in the back there's a greenish glow coming from something. You can't see it from here.
[20:46] <@Erad> Well, using the staff at this point would just light everything on fire, which would cause its own problems... although perhaps the acid version of it wouldn't be an issue? Hmm... OOC: Is there any room to fly above or does it seem like I'll need to wade into zombies?
[20:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Not a lot. Yo ucould try but your legs would be in grabbing range.
[20:56] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[20:57] <@Erad> In that case, the best thing is... Erad takes a few more steps down the stairs. "Oh no, not zombies. It would be awful if they all started moving towards me and got close to each other." He says, slightly louder than normal. OOC: Idea should be obvious, so we'll see if they decide to cooperate nicely or not.
[20:58] <@Kotono> OOC: Init.
[20:58] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1 zombies
[20:58] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d20-1 zombies --> [ 1d20=13 ]{12}
[20:58] <@Kotono> roll 1d20 ???
[20:59] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d20 ??? --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
[20:59] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:59] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
03[20:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'Erad(22)>???(18)>Zombies(12)'
[20:59] <@Kotono> OOC: Holding I presume?
[20:59] <@Erad> OOC: You are correct.
[21:01] <@Kotono> The zombies do just that, shambling for you mindlessly.
[21:01] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 AC?
[21:01] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 AC? --> [ 1d20=18 ]{26}
[21:03] <@Erad> OOC: 22.
[21:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+4 fort save waived since disease immune
[21:04] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d6+4 fort save waived since disease immune --> [ 1d6=3 ]{7}
[21:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Go.
[21:05] <@Erad> OOC: Are they close enough yet that the 50ft blast of acid would hit them all? Or at least most of them?
[21:05] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[21:06] <@Erad> "Uvelucal caex!" Erad shouts, as he brandishes the draconic staff!
[21:06] <@Erad> roll 8d6 Acid, Reflex DC 20 halves, SR applies
[21:06] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 8d6 Acid, Reflex DC 20 halves, SR applies --> [ 8d6=35 ]{35}
[21:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1 reflex
[21:08] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d20-1 reflex --> [ 1d20=14 ]{13}
03[21:08] * Kotono changes topic to 'Erad(22)>???(18)'
[21:09] <@Kotono> Zombies fall - cut down, dissolved by the acid. 60ft away, on the far end of the hold, you see a glowing green skull rising up. As it does, a thin purple beam flies from it towards you.
[21:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 touch AC?
[21:09] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
[21:09] <@Erad> OOC: 18!
[21:10] <@Kotono> In sheer desperation Erad throws himself back and away, out of the cargo hold. It saves him from the beam, which hits a step, which immediately becomes aged, rotted and worthless. Whew. OOC: Go.
[21:10] <@Erad> OOC: K:A to possibly figure out what this is? Not that it matters trhat much since he's going to smash it, but you know.
[21:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[21:12] <@Erad> OOC: Or R or P if those are more appropriate.
[21:13] <@Erad> roll 1d20+7 smart dragon
[21:13] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+7 smart dragon --> [ 1d20=5 ]{12}
[21:13] <@Kotono> OOC: A is the one, got it i one.
[21:13] <@Kotono> You aren't sure what it is besides a scary, glowing green skull.
[21:13] <@Erad> Well, that'll have to do. Erad flies over to smash it!
[21:13] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14+5 smite evil
[21:13] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+14+5 smite evil --> [ 1d20=16 ]{35}
[21:14] <@Erad> roll 3d6+3+3d6+3d6 first 3d6 is holy, last 3d6 is acid
[21:14] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 3d6+3+3d6+3d6 first 3d6 is holy, last 3d6 is acid --> [ 3d6=8 3d6=5 3d6=14 ]{30}
[21:15] <@Erad> OOC: Oh and add 5 to that because of the Smite
[21:15] <@Erad> OOC: Unless somehow this is a good, non-evil glowing skull that shoots lasers, I guess
[21:15] <@Kotono> You touch it and crack it all over. It's far tougher than it should be, taking it. The touch makes your entire body...OOC: Are you immune to negative levels?
[21:16] <@Erad> OOC: I do not believe so.
[21:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d4 negative levels owwie
[21:17] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d4 negative levels owwie --> [ 1d4=1 ]{1}
[21:17] <@Kotono> The touch withers your arm, leaving you feeling exhausted, weaker. Ugh. Whatever it is disgusts you, antithetical to yourself. OOC: It's up.
[21:17] <@Kotono> As you recoil from that, another beam fires from it, right at your chest.
[21:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 touch AC?
[21:17] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=6 ]{14}
[21:18] <@Erad> OOC: I think it's still 18, thankfully.
[21:18] <@Kotono> But you lash out with your staff instinctively. To your relief it immediately parries the blow perfectly, not harmed in the slightest. Go.
[21:19] <@Erad> He has no real other options other than striking it again... But he takes a breath, centering his focus as surging his power with a call for Bahamut to aid him!
[21:19] <@Erad> Roll 1d20+10 against DC of 15
[21:19] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+10 against DC of 15 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{24}
[21:20] <@Erad> With power surging into his fists, he yells and tries to land one more punch to shatter the skull!
[21:20] <@Erad> OOC: That should've been a 23 but thankfully it doesn't matter
[21:21] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14-1+4+5 5 Smite and +4 from the extra strength and -1 from the lost level
[21:21] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+14-1+4+5 5 Smite and +4 from the extra strength and -1 from the lost level --> [ 1d20=8 ]{30}
[21:22] <@Erad> roll 3d6+3-1+4+5+3d6+3d6 first 3d6 is holy, last 3d6 is acid
[21:22] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 3d6+3-1+4+5+3d6+3d6 first 3d6 is holy, last 3d6 is acid --> [ 3d6=8 3d6=12 3d6=6 ]{37}
[21:23] <@Kotono> roll 1d4 negative levels from contact again
[21:23] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d4 negative levels from contact again --> [ 1d4=3 ]{3}
[21:23] <@Kotono> Pain. The contact withers your entire body, leaving you to fall to your knees. However, it's enough. The skull shatters - and shards of it fly right at you. OOC: Reflex.
[21:24] <@Erad> Another cry to Bahamut in his hour of need, Erad tries to get out of the way!
[21:25] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13+2-4 True Believer, improved evasion, unless because of the negative levels he doesn't 'have' it and in that case just regular evasion
[21:25] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+13+2-4 True Believer, improved evasion, unless because of the negative levels he doesn't 'have' it and in that case just regular evasion --> [ 1d20=17 ]{28}
[21:26] <@Kotono> You're too fast. You dive back, the shards flying. You see a few land close to you, cutting through the wood and leaving a ring of rot around it. Whew. OOC: Free act.
[21:27] <@Erad> Erad groans from the filth and evil as he pushes himself back to his feet. He's in no shape to deal with anything else at the moment, but he looks around for any further sources of evil.
[21:28] <@Kotono> All the shards radiate faint evil. Nothing else does here.
[21:30] <@Erad> Erad says a prayer to Bahamut for the souls that were trapped by whatever that thing was. He'll give the cargo hold a cursory look around to see if there's anything usable for now since it seems like the threat has been dealt with.
[21:31] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[21:31] <@Erad> roll 1d20+17-4
[21:31] <Rei-Junior> Erad rolled 1d20+17-4 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{30}
[21:32] <@Kotono> OOC: Any ranks in appraise?
[21:33] <@Erad> OOC: No sir
[21:36] <@Kotono> The cargo hold is full of stores spices. Some are ruined but many are not. You know pepper and cinnamon when you see them, but many more are foreign to you.
[21:42] <@Erad> A spice transport? Hm. OOC: Are they in jars or just raw?
[21:43] <@Kotono> OOC: Sealed jars. A few are brokena nd the spice spilled, but most are intact.
[21:46] <@Erad> Erad will take some time to take the jars and put them in the bag of holding he has. When they get back to town they can try and find a way to figure out where it was intended to go. Erad says a prayer for the lost souls to forgive him for the 'theft'.
02[21:46] * Rei-Junior (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Quit: )
[21:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Doing anything else here?
[21:48] <@Erad> OOC: He'll look around the rest of the ship since he's guessing if there were any other zombies they all died when the skull died.
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception for searchin'.
[21:53] <@Erad> roll 1d20+17-4
05[21:54] -eraniss.tx.us.lunarnet.org:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Serith into the channel.
03[21:54] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[21:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Fixed.
[21:54] <@Erad> roll 1d20+17-4
[21:54] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=4]
[21:56] <@Kotono> You don't find any more zombies. You do find a few coin bags if you wanna liberate those, though.
[21:57] <@Erad> There's no sense in leaving them for bandits or others to find. He can just donate the money when they get back. He will also say a prayer of thanks.
[21:57] <@Kotono> OOC: I won't loot topic them if you're just donating them, so note you're donating 53 gold and some change.
[21:59] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[22:00] <@Erad> OOC: He'll give the other parts of the ship a once-over before he leaves.
[22:01] <@Kotono> You find a few more coin bags and some weapons - daggers, cutlasses, nets. That sort of thing. Also some food rations if you want to eat crummy ship food.
[22:02] <@Erad> Erad will pass on the crummy ship food but take the other items with a prayer for the lost. But, really, wasn't there a dragonborn around here? Did they just come and go already? Or maybe he somehow beat them here...?
[22:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 90 > [d100=90]
[22:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 lucky?
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 6 > [d100=6]
[22:07] <@Kotono> You head out of the ship. As you do, you see the beach is inhabited. A dragonborn is there, kneeling besides a burnt zombie. With her are a pair of female twins, blonde and busty, clad in heavy armor. They carry swords and maces, as well as a shield each. The wind carries something the dragonborn says, "Fire. Someone knew what they were doing here."
[22:08] <@Erad> "I appreciate the compliment." Erad says.
[22:21] <@Kotono> The three turn, "You!" The dragonborn says, wearing heavy armor of his own and carrying an axe. "Erad?"
[22:23] <@Erad> "Am I that famous already?" He asks. "Usually everyone's all over Annerose because 'oh look it's a precious frostmaiden' and all I get is the 'oh you're a creepy dragon go away'."
[22:28] <@Kotono> The male dragonborn comes forward, smiling as he clasps your hand. "Lord Bahamut sent me a vision of your works to inspire me in these dark times."
[22:32] <@Erad> Erad returns the shake, albeit a bit more weakly than he'd like. "I was really starting to wonder if I was the only one." He says with a smile. "There was some sort of... floating skull or something in there." Erad gestures back at the ship. "I think it had created the zombies. I killed it, but it sapped my strength from doing so. I don't know whether or not the people on the ship were killed
[22:32] <@Erad> by the skull -- or its master, or if someone just used this as an opportunity for evil."

---

[20:00] <Kotono> The identical twins stay back, watching warily.
[20:01] <Kotono> "I know not," The dragonborn says, but smiles - s howing a lot of sharp and draconic teeth. "Let me escort you to town then and buy you a meal. 'tis the least I can do, and I would care deeply to hear more of your stories and learn your lessons."
[20:04] <@Erad> "I'm not sure I'm the type to be teaching anyone." Erad says with a grunt. "But I can introduce you to the others, at least, once we get back." He says with a smile. "They're good comrades." He adds -- and, although they haven't tried to backstab him, he does use his ability to check for evil -- just to be on the safe side.
[20:07] <Kotono> No evil. "Those two are hired mercenaries," the dragonborn says, "I was short companions for this leg of my journey. I just call them A and B since I can't tell them apart."
[20:08] <Kotono> One of the two gives the dragonborn a rather sour look, "You're lucky your coin's good," she says, "I have a name!"
[20:08] <Kotono> "Yeah, sister," The other adds, "...But B's a cute name for you."
[20:11] <@Erad> Whew. Erad can't help but chuckle at that. "I'm not sure I could do any better -- except maybe ask them to always wear something to tell them apart." He says with a shrug. "Anyway, I've seen way more than I wanted to of ships today, shall we return?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Yes," The other dragonborn says. OOC: Returning to Misty Harbor?
[20:13] <@Erad> OOC: Let's go back!
[20:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
03[20:19] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:20] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=94 ]{94}
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d100 subtables
[20:20] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 subtables --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: Make an immediate Will save, -2 penalty.
[20:26] <@Erad> roll 1d20+18-4
[20:26] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+18-4 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
[20:26] <@Erad> OOC: mettle forgot that
[20:26] <@Erad> OOC: if it matters
[20:32] <Kotono> You feel momentarily disoriented as you walk up the beach, an odd feeling and shiver going through you.
[20:33] <@Erad> Erad turns and glares back at the boat, making a mental note to come back with the others who are more magically inclined before he trudges on.
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=87 ]{87}
[20:39] <Kotono> The rest of the trip back to Misty Harbor is without incident. You get lunch at a little tavern that serves great roasted chicken, marinated and tender. Over your meals, "It's good fortune to finally meet you," the dragonborn says.
[20:45] <@Erad> Erad smiles and nods. "It's good to finally meet someone who doesn't follow in Tiamat's footsteps, truthfully. I've literally only met evil dragons so far..." He says with a small huff. "Surely, there's a gold or platinum one hiding somewhere in this world."
[20:47] <Kotono> "There must be, I heard of a copper," The dragonborn says after spearing some chicken. He eats it and adds, "I also heard a pair of green dragons chased a silver off. A mated pair."
[20:50] <@Erad> "Oh, yeah, they're dead." Erad says with some firmness. "Boy, let me tell you..." He will then go into a brief (but informative) recap of findng out about the green dragon and then trapping it in the mysterious cave and the subsequent finding of its lair -- and its mate.
[20:51] <Kotono> OOC: Just for giggles, have any skills related to speaking or storytelling?
[20:53] <@Erad> OOC: He's got a +4 to charisma checks!
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC: Make one then, since why not.
[20:55] <@Erad> roll 1d20+4 a teller of stories dragon
[20:55] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+4 a teller of stories dragon --> [ 1d20=16 ]{20}
[20:59] <Kotono> The story goes well and you draw them in. You can see the twins stop eating in favor of listening. When it's done the dragonborn merely smirks, "As Bahamut willed it. A wrong has been made right."
[21:02] <@Erad> "He was a real asshole anyway." Erad says with another huff. "Always teleporting and whatever. Oh, hey, I don't know if I'll have the time, but would you mind taking a trip south to check on my hometown if you happen to be going that way?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "I could go that way," the dragonborn says, "Which town?"
[21:05] <@Erad> "It's called Ailan." Erad says and gives some directions. "I've been remiss in not at least checking on it, but duty has had me preoccupied."
[21:07] <Kotono> "I will," He vows.
[21:12] <@Erad> Erad nods. "You're always welcome to look us up... I'm not sure where exactly we're going to be in the next few weeks, but we're good friends with the Shining Light Cathedral, so if you need to get us a message, they can handle it."
[21:14] <Kotono> "I will. Bahamut travel with you," He bids.
[21:16] <@Erad> "Oh, you know, I never did catch your name." Erad says.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Vyth," The dragonman says, "Draconic for steel."
[21:20] <@Erad> "Haha, it's appropriate. Well, Vyth, be safe. You two keep an eye on him, all right?" Erad says to the twins. "We can be a bit too single-minded sometimes."
[21:22] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then, next move?
[21:24] <@Erad> OOC: He's going to go to Shining Light to get this awful level reduction removed so he doesn't die to a housecat.
[21:27] <Kotono> MacGregor goes to see you and examines you. He has you lie down in the back, "You do need magical healing," he says, "The loss of life you suffered is cursed. Only magic will fix it."
[21:28] <@Erad> "Yeah, I kind of gathered that from the fact that I got it from a spooky green floating skull." Erad says. "You ever hear of something like that? I think it was making zombies or something. Probably some necromancer's... something-or-other."
[21:29] <Kotono> "No, but there's as many tools are there are heretics," MacGregor says, "Wait here, I won't be long."
[21:31] <@Erad> "Oh yeah, I won't be going anywhere. This is an awful feeling." Erad says.
[21:33] <Kotono> It's not long until MacGregor returns with a glass vial full of shining dust. He begins to pray in a language you don't know, but you catch Lathander several times amid it. The dust is sprinkled onto your body, and you soon feel much better.
[21:34] <@Erad> "...Ah, that does feel better. How much does that stuff cost?" Erad asks as he moves to sit up.
[21:38] <Kotono> "100 gold, it's diamond dust," The cleric says, dusting his hands off.
[21:40] <@Erad> "Well, here's a donation of half that." Erad says as he takes out the coins he found from the ship. "I found, uh... a lot of spices and things, you guys use them for incense or anything like that?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "We use spices for cooking," MacGregor shakes his head with a warm smile, "LIke everyone else, when we can afford them."
[21:44] <@Erad> "Well, here." Erad starts to dig around in his bag of holding for some of the jars he took from the ship. "Let's see..." OOC: He'll take out one of each (as best he can tell since he's no spice expert here) jar.
[21:49] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. More
[21:49] <Kotono> .
[21:51] <Kotono> The spices are taken. "Thank you. We'll use them well."
[21:54] <@Erad> "Yeah, I know you guys will." Erad says with a smile. "I'm really hopeful that this place turns into a focal point for other people who've been stuffed under Auril's shi-....nonsense for a while. I wouldn't mind seeing an... uh... Eldathian? Is that right? Whatever. Either way, I think it's good to have a place to congregate with like-minded people, even if you don't all follow the same
[21:54] <@Erad> deity, you know?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Auril has tob e stopped, that much is clear," MacGregor says. "Even if this winter is defeated, another is coming."
[22:01] <@Erad> Erad nods. "We're working on it. I think we'll be in town for a bit longer, so let me know if you need us for anything, okay?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "I will," MacGregor promises. OOC: Anything else to do?
[22:23] <@Erad> OOC: He's going to go find T and see if they can find out anything about that ship.
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, he's currently r unning an operation for Annerose, so lemme pause you there. It's time anyway, though I'll run Annerose a tad later to try and get her moving for next time.
[22:25] <@Erad> OOC: OK

[Corwin]

[22:08] <@Kotono> Annerose meets the middle man in the same place Erad did. He's waiting and drinking a mug of ale, "Annerose?" he asks on seeing you, everyone else in the tavern giving you a respectful distance.
01[22:09] <@Annerose> "The one and only," she responds with a grin. "Name fell out of use for some unfortunate reason."
[22:12] <@Kotono> '"Mn," he murmurs, "So you're interested in that dress?"
01[22:13] <@Annerose> "Erad says it fit my tiara rather nicely," Annerose muses. "I was interested enough to come and take a look myself."
[22:16] <@Kotono> "Before that, what are you interested in offering for it?" The man asks.
01[22:21] <@Annerose> "The tiara is worth thirty thousand, give or take," Annerose responds, tapping her head. "If the two are a pair, the same price would be fair."

---

[20:10] <@Kotono> "Hardly," The man says, "My boss is sure it's worth much more than that, even if he deigns to trade money for it. This one's tricky since it's a masterpiece of any collection."
[20:12] <@Annerose> "Fair enough," Annerose agrees. "However, for works of art of that nature I would need to be able to appraise it myself. I'm sure you understand." She smiles disarmingly at him. "Also, in that case I believe it would be more productive to trade for it. I understand that it is exactly what Erad has done himself? There is something crass about offering mere gold for any sort of masterpiece, I feel."
[20:22] <@Kotono> "My boss agrees, so what are you offering?" The man says, sitting back. "Theoretically."
[20:24] <@Annerose> "Equivalent value in unique art pieces not seen outside of a private collection for generations," Annerose responds, "along with a very nice gift for the mediation itself."
[20:27] <@Kotono> "What range are we talking?" The man asks.
[20:30] <@Annerose> "It is a very nice collection, enough to bankroll a small nation. My pockets are quite deep. However, I cannot be more specific without first examining the dress myself, as I've said."
[20:33] <@Kotono> "We can do that. How do you feel abou ta walk?" The man gets up, "We have a place nearby that'll do for it."
[20:33] <@Annerose> "Please, lead the way."
[20:39] <@Kotono> You're lead to a small manor home a ways down the road. A few stone faced and burly guards stand watch outside, arms crossed and scowling. They step aside as you approach. Within you find no furniture or anything, the entire manor empty. But in a back room it is on a stand - the dress you've been looking for. The aquamarine gown sits serenely, undamaged by time adn whatever hands had it before.
[20:40] <@Annerose> "May I?" Annerose says, looking at it from up close with her magical sight.
[20:40] <@Annerose> OOC: Taking 10 for Spellcraft 26
[20:43] <@Kotono> It looks like it. You can't fully analyze it, but you don't see any sign of it being a fake.
[20:47] <@Annerose> "Ah, I see," she finally speaks up after her careful appraisal. "Three times my original offer-- no, more than that. In the area of a hundred thousand, if we were to use mere money for such things?"
[20:49] <@Kotono> "That's not an improper bid," Theman kicks back against the wall, watching you all the while.
[20:50] <@Annerose> "How did such a thing come into your possession?" Annerose asks curiously, happy that she guessed right.
[20:59] <@Kotono> "I'm not the owner, just a middle man," he says, "I'm not clear on the details of how it came into my boss's posession."
[21:02] <@Annerose> "And the owner would prefer to remain anonymous, even for such an exchange?"
[21:03] <@Kotono> "Precisely," The man says, "The owner wishes to stay anonymous."
[21:05] <@Annerose> "Very well." In the end, she can't say it matters. Really, the dress is a weapon, looked at it the right way, while art is just the purview of the bored rich. It would be a worthwhile trade for her. "In that case, it's my turn now."
[21:19] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, going to have things appraised and see if they'll bite?
[21:19] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes, with T's help
[21:19] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:19] <@Kotono> OOC: What total value are you looking to offer?
[21:20] <@Annerose> OOC: 110k
[21:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, +5 bonus.
[21:24] <@Annerose> OOC: Taking 10 for 37
[21:27] <@Kotono> Much of the art horde is looked over, "Yeah, gimme that, that, that, that and that," The man says, "I think that'll do." That will exhaust much of the collection's value, you can note.
[21:29] <@Annerose> Annerose glances at T to keep things honest. Not that she expects someone Erad already had dealings with to cheat her, but she knows her strengths and appraisal of art is not one of them.
[21:33] <@Kotono> T gives you a nod. "It's about right," he says.
[21:34] <@Annerose> "You have yourself a trade," Annerose tells the middleman. "And, naturally, should you hear of any other pieces that go with that dress I would appreciate the information."
[21:40] <@Kotono> "Done," A handshake, "Staying in Misty Harbor?
[21:41] <@Annerose> "I like the city and what it allows for."
[21:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Loot post.
[21:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Anything else to do now?
[21:50] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's make friends! There's that knight Househaven suggested we hit up, and there's Lady Silas who'll be overjoyed to see me again, I'm sure.

---

[20:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. How ar eyou getting in contact with them?
01[20:04] <@Annerose> OOC: I'll defer to Househaven's expertise
03[20:04] * Rei-Junior (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[20:06] <@Kotono> You catch Lord Househaven in his study. He's doing paperwork and signing documents. "There's a few ways," he says as he fixes both of you up a goblet of wine. "You can go call on them unannounced. It's a mild gaffe, but excuseable if you know them, have a good reason or have the charisma to smooth it over. Otherwise, find out the next party or eventthey're attending and catch them there. Or, if
[20:06] <@Kotono> you know where they shop or spend their days out, run into them there."
01[20:09] <@Annerose> "I might just do the latter," Annerose muses. "Thank you for the suggestion, My Lord."
01[20:10] <@Annerose> OOC: I will use Disguise Self to be someone unremarkable who won't be tied back to me and GI the knight in question. I'll be sure to switch characters every now and then so it won't all be tied back to me.
[20:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure, make your check.
01[20:11] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+22
[20:11] <Rei-Junior> Annerose rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{29}
[20:14] <@Kotono> It takes all of themorning and some of the afternoon, but you get wha tyou need. Knight Demoise favors a few clothing shops as well as single armory. He has an interest in plays and sees them sometimes as well.  Any of those give you a good chance of running into him, though it suggests it may take sticking with one or a few attempts  - eithe rway a bit of time.
01[20:20] <@Annerose> She doubts they shop for the same clothing, so that's out if she wants to stalk the place. But weapons are certainly nice, and Annerose decides to make a habit of doing a circle of the weapon shops as her real self. Eventually, she will be able to casually run into the knight in question. And, perhaps, make acquaintences of others.
[20:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Roll 1d100, it's basically a luck check. Lower the better.
01[20:24] <@Annerose> roll 1d100
[20:24] <Rei-Junior> Annerose rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}
[20:31] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 random encounter in place of it at least
[20:31] <Rei-Junior> Kotono rolled 1d100 random encounter in place of it at least --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
[20:41] <@Kotono> You spend the next day trying. No luck at all. Just as you give it up for the day, off to get a late lunch, you catch sight of something. A figure in the corner of your eye, a nondescript man. Watching you you think, right by an alley.
01[20:44] <@Annerose> He must be pretty blatant if Annerose can spot him, which suggests others are around. Annerose keeps on walking, as if she hadn't seen a thing, searching for a suitable alley to duck into. Ideally, without anyone occupying it who might be hurt in a fight.
[20:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception check.
01[20:52] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[20:53] <Rei-Junior> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
[20:58] <@Kotono> You don't notice anyone anymore, but you soon enough find an alley. It's quite duckable, no one's in it and it's not a dead end.
03[21:00] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[21:00] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
01[21:21] <@Annerose> Annerose does so, choosing a time when the view of her is briefly obscured by a procession of people and then immediately turns into an elderly homeless man and slumps in a darkened corner. She huddles into herself, appearing to pay no attention to anyone who might give chase through that same alley.
[21:23] <@Kotono> Soon enough a young woman casually strolls into the alley. She's perhaps 25, a peasant of little notice. She looks around and then goes to you. "Excuse me," she says, the jangle of coins as she takes a few gold coins out from her pouch, "Did you see a woman come through here? She would have looked obviously inhuman, marked by winter."
01[21:24] <@Annerose> Annerose shakes her head, not making eye contact, though her gaze keeps on drifting to the coins.
[21:25] <@Kotono> The woman grunts and sighs, before dropping one of them. "Get yourself some food and a bath, you reek," The woman says , already hurrying her pace up and going to the othe rend of the alley and out.
01[21:40] <@Annerose> Easily fixed with prestidigitation, though Annerose will wait on that. Considering the day a wash, she scurries away in her guise with the intent to change and cleanse herself magically once she's far enough away.
[21:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to try again the next day? You have a few days to burn before the announcement.
01[21:41] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes. If T is around, I'll ask him to shadow me and see if anyone is interested in me.
[21:43] <@Kotono> OOC: That's doable. Roll 1d100.
01[21:43] <@Annerose> roll 1d100
[21:43] <Rei-Junior> Annerose rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=88 ]{88}
[21:43] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 59 > [d100=59]
01[21:43] <@Annerose> roll 1d100 Rei
[21:43] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 4 > [d100=4]
[21:43] <Rei-Junior> Annerose rolled 1d100 Rei --> [ 1d100=50 ]{50}
02[21:46] * Rei-Junior (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Quit: )
[21:51] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+22 T stealth
[21:51] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=18]
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 T perception
[21:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=4]
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 disguise
[21:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=14]
[21:55] <@Kotono> No luck, but come your lunch break you meet up with T - after some shape changing and evasive maneuvers he insisted on. It's a nice place, T picking up the bill as you feast on soup, salad and fresh bread. "You have a team on you, at least 3 people and probably more. They're patient, well trained and professional. These aren't rookies, someone's paying good money to keep an eye on you."
01[21:56] <@Annerose> "Could you find out who's the interested party?"
[21:58] <@Kotono> "Yeah. Could do it a few ways." T dunks his bread into his soup and eats it that way. "Could get one alone, knock them out and convince them to talk. It'll work but they'll know the number's up. I could try tracking them, but I might get spotted or get into a situation that goes south."
01[22:01] <@Annerose> Annerose finishes with her salad, starting on the soup afterwards. "Let's try tracking them, but use invisibility and run off if you think you're spotted. Disengage if it looks like you're lead into a trap, too. Maybe so long as they treat this like a game, we can draw it out."
[22:05] <@Kotono> "Yeah, I can do that," T says. "Go, show up for an hour or two. We need to find out. I want to know if they knew you were going to be there or got lucky. See, I'm worried there might be a leak in Househaven's staff. On the other hand, you are distinctive. Enough numbers or contacts in a  city this size will suss you out.
[22:05] <@Kotono> "
01[22:05] <@Annerose> "Will do."
[22:13] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+22 T stealth
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=15]
[22:13] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 disguise
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=10]
[22:13] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 perception
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=11]
[22:14] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 K:L
[22:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=1]
[22:23] <@Kotono> Over dinner that night T catches up and gives you the news, "Well, good news is that I pinned it down more. Group of six," T says, "They're meeting someone in the Sinking Siren tavern, but they went into a back room without windows. Couldn't manage to sneak in, was too risky to try anything else."
01[22:29] <@Annerose> "Might want to ask a waitress there," Annerose tells him with a smile. "Spread the wealth around. And find one without an angry husband?"
[22:31] <@Kotono> "Gonna in disguse, tomorrow," T says. "Alter self is a hell of a spell."
01[22:33] <@Annerose> "Have fun! I know I will, trying to accidentally run into that knight."

---

[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=7 ]{7}
[20:05] <Kotono> Luck is with you today. Well before noon you're passing by, when you catch a glimpse of someone who looks like the description you were told going in, along with a small entourage.
01[20:08] <@Annerose> Rather than leap right in, Annerose picks up a hand crossbow to study. And, while she does it, she certainly finds the time to see what interests the knight and his entourage.
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC: As in you're going in there, since I presumed you were on the street, since you said you were doing a circle of the weapon shops?
01[20:12] <@Annerose> OOC: I figured I was browsing them
03[20:12] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:12] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, fair enough.
[20:19] <Kotono> It's a hand crossbow. It's good at shooting crossbow bolds, you imagine. Crossbow-y. A paragon of crossbows. The noble strides in, mostly hidden by his entourage. He goes up to the sales counter and leans in, whispering something. The shopkeep there nods and immediately calls, "Hans, get out here and escort our guest!"
01[20:24] <@Annerose> Clad as she is in her icy armor, Annerose hopes that she looks like she belongs. That's just the minimum requirement, however. She needs to appeal to herself, and a brief mental effort covers the crossbow in a thin layer of frost as it is enchanted by her unique ability over weapons. Unique enough, she hopes, to draw the eye even without a direct demonstration.
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 he has some ranks in spot, see if he notices
[20:27] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 he has some ranks in spot, see if he notices --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
[20:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=16]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 he has some ranks in spot, see if he notices Rei
[20:27] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 he has some ranks in spot, see if he notices Rei --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
[20:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=19]
[20:27] <Kotono> Your display gets the knight to glance over, doing a doubletake. He leans in and says something to one of his entourage - well dressed men with visible weapons.
01[20:30] <@Annerose> It seems she got his attention, so Annerose gives him the leisure of approaching her while she fiddles with the weapon.
[20:38] <Kotono> Instead, one of the entourage comes forth. He's tall, blonde and well made. Handsome in his way, perhaps 30 or so. Lean but muscled, a soldier's body. A longsword is at his side. "Excuse me, miss?"
01[20:39] <@Annerose> "Yes?" Annerose asks, keeping the crossbow pointed safely at the floor even though it's unloaded.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Are you Annerose?" The man asks, "Lady Annerose, excuse me."
01[20:43] <@Annerose> "The one and only," she responds with a smile.
[20:45] <Kotono> "My master would like to meet you - and he apologies for this, but the times are dangerous," The man says, "If you'd wait 5 minutes, he'd like to meet you personally."
01[20:48] <@Annerose> Annerose glances past the soldier and towards Knight Demois, before she slowly nods. "It would be my pleasure, kind sir," she says amiably.
[20:50] <Kotono> The knight is looking your way and nods slightly back. "Thank you," The man says, then returns. They are all lead back in in, giving you time by yourself. OOC: Chance to do anything or simply wait.
01[20:51] <@Annerose> Since she's getting exactly what she wanted, Annerose continues browsing the store to pass the time. She tries a rapier next, followed by a short sword.
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC: Any skill in appraise?
01[20:56] <@Annerose> OOC: Sadly none. But I'm a paladin and I can stab things, I know real weapons from fakes at least?
[20:59] <Kotono> They're real weapons. Decent quality you think. Soon enough the knight and entourage come out, the former bowing. "Ah, Lady Annerose," he says, "The hero of the most recent war."
01[21:01] <@Annerose> "I'm honored that one of your stature would recognize me on sight, Sir Demoise," she demurs, wondering if she miscalculated. Meeting her personally apparently means while in the presence of all these hanger ons, though Annerose can work with that if she has to.
[21:03] <Kotono> He reaches out and offers you his hand, "I'm flattered you'd know me like that," he says, "But this is hardly the place for a conversation. May I treat you to lunch?"
01[21:05] <@Annerose> "It is approaching that time," Annerose muses, taking the proffered hand. "Certainly, Sir Demoise."
[21:06] <Kotono> A simple, polite handshake. As you walk the entourage falls in around you, and in a low voice, "I recently had a close call with an assassin," he murmurs. "I should warn you to be aware of that in case they try again."
01[21:10] <@Annerose> "I've had to deal with a few myself," Annerose responds, matching his tone of voice.
[21:14] <Kotono> "Then you understand," He says with a knowing smile.
01[21:36] <@Annerose> "Between my actions and what I try to stand for, it's an unfortunate occupational risk," she agrees.
[21:41] <Kotono> "
[21:42] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes," Demoise agrees as you're lead out. You're escorted to a fancy restaurant - all servants who whisk you into a private room, his guards staying outside.  It's just the two of you at a white-cloth covered table, as silent servants bring forth the first dish - dates and almonds, simple but expensive finger food.
01[21:48] <@Annerose> Annerose partakes, keeping her fingers clean with a brush of prestidigitation. The assassin story sounds like a good one, so she voices, "Did you manage to identify him? The assassin, I mean."
[21:49] <Kotono> "He got away," Knight Demoise sighs, slowly eating a date. "I haven't made a lot of noise about it, we don't really have any proof."
01[21:50] <@Annerose> "It can be difficult," Annerose commiserates. "There was this one... man, I suppose? A shapeshifter. I wouldn't have caught it without the more animalistic talents of some of my companions."
[21:53] <Kotono> "Fortunate," The knight agrees, "The sad truth is that someone's always willing to kill for what you have."
01[21:55] <@Annerose> "And that's not even the scary part. It's the ideological adversaries that cannot be deterred."
[21:56] <Kotono> "Those are the worst. A man who loves money can be bought. A man serving an ideal can't be," Knight Demoise says.
02[21:59] * Tohsaka (uid69210@highgate.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
01[21:59] <@Annerose> "And yet, aren't they a twisted badge of honor of sorts?" Annerose muses, tapping her lips thoughtfully. "I know I shouldn't, but I feel a tiny bit pleased whenever Auril sends another assassin after me. It certainly makes me feel like I'm doing something right."
[22:00] <Kotono> Your companion cracks the slightest smile, pausing to eat an almond. "Enemies are a sign of success. A man with no enemies is a trembling thing, a milquetoast nothing who stands fornothing and does nothing."
01[22:02] <@Annerose> "The flip side, then, must logically be that one is measured by one's friends and allies as well?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "True friends and allies," Knight Demoise smiles, a bit of a twisted look as servants bring in another course. A salad, tossed greens and l ittle vegetables. "Money can by people who act like that, and many are none the wiser."
01[22:26] <@Annerose> "No doubt. Yet, somehow, like draws to like," she notes, moving on to the salad. Though arranged and prepared much better than her recent fair, it is rather similar to what's available while she travels.
[22:27] <Kotono> It's good - fresher thani t should be by season. It has to be magic. "When it can," Knight Demoise pauses to focus on his salad, "Remarkable what gold can buy. Even if half of this was grown in Kabath."
01[22:29] <@Annerose> Annerose shrugs lightly. "Our adversarial relationship with them doesn't really extend to their farmers. Those who could fight, went to war. As for the rest, how can we blame them when they are already second class citizens in their own nation?"
[22:31] <Kotono> A pause for more salad eating, at which point there is a knock on the door. One of his bodyguards comes in and whispers into his ear. Knight Demoise frowns, "It seems the palace has need of me. I must go, I apologize. I should be free tomorrow morning for breakfast," he offers.
01[22:32] <@Annerose> "I think I would like that," Annerose says with a pleasant smile, accepting the apology.
[22:33] <Kotono> He rises, "Please, enjoy the rest of the meal," he offers, "It's already paid for."
01[22:35] <@Annerose> Annerose inclines her head, figuring that she might as well do that. Besides, it would give T more of a chance to catch those tailing her and see whether they're interested in her companion as well.

[Corwin]

[19:40] <@Kotono> The party's enjoying a late dinner - plain chicken and soup, nothing interesting - when T strolls back in. He's banged up, a bloody bandage around his head. He's sporting a huge black eye and is limping, but he makes it in. "Ow." He says eloquently, then stumble-falls onto the nearest bed. "Got the goods, though."
01[19:41] <@Annerose> "You're hurt too badly for an inappropriate joke, so how did things go?" Annerose asks, bringing a bowl of soup over to him.
[19:42] <@Kotono> "It's foreigners of all things," T grimaces and sits up, sipping the soup slowly. "All that skill, that knowledge? Pretty sure they used magic to train it. You know much of the world past Kabath or Krygur?"
[19:43] <@Erad> "You really ought to carry a wand for healing or something." Erad says as he channels some energy to heal the worst of the injuries.
[19:43] <@Kotono> "Yeah, thanks. Was about to suggest you do an Inari on me," T says, as his injuries mend. OOC: How much healing?
[19:43] <@Erad> roll 4d6 channel energy for the heck of it
03[19:44] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #dunes
[19:44] <@Erad> roll 4d6 channel energy for the heck of it
[19:44] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 4d6 channel energy for the heck of it --> [ 4d6=13 ]{13}
[19:47] <@Kotono> T's injuries mostly mend. "Yeah anyway, I'll pick one up while we're in the capital," T says, "Maybe a few. Point is," T looks to Annerose, "You know much about what I asked about there?"
01[19:49] <@Annerose> "Never had much cause to learn."
[19:52] <@Kotono> "I don't feel like playing geography tutor," T says, rubbing his jaw and taking off his bloody bandage. He's mostly healed, just a scab over his forehead and a bit of swelling around his no longer black eye. "Short version is that there's a lot of stuff out there, but these three countries are big enough that we tend to be more inter-focused than outer-focused. Doesn't mean they don't exist,
[19:52] <@Kotono> and you've gotten the attention of Burailand. I don't know much about it myself, it's a jungle kingdom and the people are darker skinned. Magic's probably changed them to fit in here. I figured this all out by listening - the guy who's running this teleported over like it's casual, gave them some potions and creams to use and got a report about your activites. Apparently, you're a 'potential
[19:52] <@Kotono> target', whatever that is. They weren't considerate enough to spill what that little gem meant."
[19:53] <@Kotono> Pausing to have more soup and then go up and get some chicken to go with it, "Which isn't what I was expecting. It's a genuine damned unrelated bit of bullshit. I was sure it had to be noble problems or someone taking a wind up at you for whatever reason, but it looks like it's someone else's problem on our doorstep."
01[19:53] <@Annerose> Annerose blinks. "I really thought Auril," she admits, giving Erad a helpless look. "Isn't it always Auril?"
[19:55] <@Kotono> "I know!" T says, "I figured it would trace back to either Auril - someone mixing you up or thinking you're an undercover Aurilite somehow - yeah I know, but idiot's mangle logic. Anyway, it would be that or a sincere Aurilite tryign to wreck you."
01[19:57] <@Annerose> "I don't even think Auril likes the jungle? So if it's not Auril-- and target? What does that mean? They want to attack me after all?"
[19:57] <@Kotono> "I'm not sure," T says, "To cut a long story short, I got sort of caught by good operational habits. They had a completely unannounced patrol slip by and found my spot, so I had to brawl my way out. That disguise is busted, but they didn't get a look at my real face."
[19:58] <@Erad> "It would kind of weird for an Aurilite to even live in some sort of jungle, right?" Erad agrees with Annerose at a nod. "Maybe we should just... I don't know, ask them."
[19:58] <@Kotono> Rubbing his jaw again, "Really don't take them lightly. They know what they're doing, even if they're foreign assholes."
[19:58] <@Erad> "I mean, do we know for certainty that they're trying to do harm?" He asks. "Sorry, maybe you all already figured that out."
01[19:59] <@Annerose> "Actually, how did you come to blows with them?
01[19:59] <@Annerose> "
[20:04] <@Kotono> "Well, they caught me listening in and peeking in on their meeting - I had to do some fancy moves to d othat, let me tell you. When they saw what they rightyl presumed was a spy, things got violent. I mean, I was better, but they still got some hit sin," T says.
01[20:06] <@Annerose> "I think I'm with Erad in this," Annerose says slowly. "Let's try approaching them. At the first sign of trouble, I can teleport us away to avoid making a mess at the capital at this crucial time."
[20:08] <@Kotono> "Yeah, in the morning," T says, "They're probably on high alert still and I could use some shut eye."
01[20:09] <@Annerose> "Just so long as the two of you keep guard."
[20:12] <@Erad> "Easy enough." Erad says with a nod.
[20:14] <@Kotono> OOC: That the plan then? Sleep, prepare and go say hi?
01[20:15] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes
[20:17] <@Erad> OOC: Yar
[20:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=13 ]{13}
[20:23] <@Kotono> It's a nice enough place in the morning - a rainy, chilly morning that's above freezing, slowly working down the great heaps of snow. The door's shut as is normal in this weather.
01[20:24] <@Annerose> Annerose walks up to it and knocks cheerfully!
[20:35] <@Kotono> No response for a good half minute, until a head pokes out. Bald, old, shabby. "Sorry, ma'am, we're cl-" he says and stares, "Begging your apology, Miss Aur-" Then he sees Erad, "Another of your-" Then T and he frowns, "What is someone like you doing traveling with two...people like that."
[20:35] <@Kotono> "Oh, you know. Seeing the sights, having fun, knocking on your door," T says.
01[20:36] <@Annerose> "Not an Aurilite," Annerose firmly points out, though she smiles all the while. "But I did understand that there was a certain amount of interest about me in Burailand and I decided to see just what sort of interest it was."
[20:38] <@Erad> Erad stays quiet for the time being!
[20:39] <@Kotono> "Yeah, so if you could go tell the bosses what's up, we'd appreciate it. Oh, and if you'd let us in, since it's  abeast of a day out here. Isn't it nasty out here, Erad?" T says.
[20:41] <@Erad> He glances over. "Yes, quite nasty."
[20:43] <@Kotono> Baldy grunts and opens the door, gesturing you over to the fire. IT's fairly typical for what it is, the scent of booze and sickness still in the air.
01[20:44] <@Annerose> Annerose eyes the fire distrustfully, keeping her distance. Just being indoors is enough.
[20:44] <@Erad> Erad will follow Annerose inside and glance around!
[20:45] <@Kotono> T goes to the fire and sits by it, warming himself up. It's not long until an older gentleman in fine clothes and with a dark wood cane comes on out, the top of the cane a glossy silver. "Miss Annerose, I presume?"
01[20:46] <@Annerose> "That would be me, though I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage," she responds, shifting to face him fully.
[20:49] <@Kotono> "Makaleth Ryver," THe man introduces himself, "Was that your agent yesterday?"
01[20:50] <@Annerose> "That's right," Annerose responds. "Since it unfortunately came to blows, I decided to come and see whether we could resolve things properly before they escalated, as such things inevitably do on their own. In my defense, however, my tail was so sloppy even I noticed it."
[20:56] <@Kotono> "Someone made a mistake. All the plans in the world foiled by someone having an off day," Makaleth replies, using the cane to help him along to a seat, which he sits into heavily. His hair's gray-white and he has a fair deal of wrinkling. "Strictly speaking, you're our target of interest, but Erad may be as well. Bahamut is not well known in our nation, so we have few examples of dragonborn."
01[20:57] <@Annerose> "Might you clarify what you mean by target of interest, and what criteria is being used to mark one as such?"
[20:57] <@Erad> "Well, considering you haven't snapped your fingers to have some goons ambush us, would we be correct in making the guess that you're not here to start trouble?" Erad asks.
[21:04] <@Kotono> "Our nation is one of year round warmth and is getting warmer. Followers of the scourge known as Imix are strong. We seek to study winter to learn better how to fight them," The man says. "As for you, dragons have been gone from Burailand since the Banishing centuries ago. Little lore about dragons remains."
[21:06] <@Erad> OOC: K:R For Imix?
01[21:06] <@Annerose> "Oh, I see," Annerose says slowly. "Yes, outside of a suitable dragon I must be the safest bet." If they're lying, T will likely pick up on that, so for now Annerose treats what she is told as the truth.
[21:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[21:07] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 Imix??!?!
[21:07] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+12 Imix??!?! --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
[21:09] <@Kotono> Imix is the Prince of Elemental Evil for the Elemental Plane of Fire. He is a scourge that wipes away life and leaves behind only ash. He is foul and hot tempered, an enemy to anyone good hearted. He has little presence in Malana or the surrounding areas, in part due to Auril's control, but it's never been a region he's been strong in anyway.
[21:10] <@Erad> "From Auril's frozen bitterness to the heart of fire of an evil elemental prince." Erad says with a huff. "I wonder if they made a pact to stay out of each other's ways."
01[21:13] <@Annerose> "A pact," Annerose deadpans. "You're joking."
[21:14] <@Erad> Erad shrugs. "It could happen, couldn't it?" He looks over at Makaleth. "Is Lathander's following strong in your part of the world, then?"
[21:15] <@Kotono> "He is known. Regardless of that, we seek secrets of winter from you," Makaleth says. "As well as dragon secrets. Are you willing to part with some of your blood? We wil compensate you handsomely."
01[21:18] <@Annerose> Annerose purses her lips as she thinks about the offer, before telling Makaleth, "I will not part with my blood, if that request was made to both of us. I will, however, be happy to take on two apprentices and teach them to safely draw out winter's power." She tilts her head, deciding to amend it with, "Safe, as far as the instructions go. My own life might involve a certain amount of danger due to my occupation."
[21:18] <@Erad> "I'm not entirely sure those sorts of secrets are mine to give." Erad says. "I'm sure you don't have any objections to my ensuring that you're not just spinning some yarn here?"
[21:25] <@Kotono> "Go ahead," He says to Erad. Then ot Annerose he says, "That's acceptable. Where will you be in about two months?"
01[21:26] <@Annerose> "Is this about travel times?" she asks curiously. "I was under the impression you had a teleporter on hand."
[21:27] <@Kotono> "It will take time to select canidates," The man says, "But that does reduce it signifigantly."
01[21:28] <@Annerose> "Very well. You shall be able to get in touch with me at Arenel."
[21:28] <@Erad> Erad will cast detect evil!
[21:30] <@Kotono> The man does not radiate evil.
[21:32] <@Kotono> "I will," Makaleth says, "It is only a matter of time now." OOC: Y'all good with moving along?
01[21:32] <@Annerose> OOC: Sure
[21:32] <@Erad> OOC: OK
[21:35] <@Kotono> OOC: Anything else to do before the big announcement?
01[21:35] <@Annerose> OOC: No
[21:35] <@Erad> OOC: I'll just say Erad would meditate and pray on the request but other than that no

[Corwin]

[20:08] <@Kotono> "Here we go," T says, adjusting the collar of his outfit. It's a pearl gray doublet and pants, joined by gold accents. It fits him well, his hair freshly trimmed and clean. "Our transportation's waiting for us." OOC: Go ahead and set yourselves up.
[20:11] <@Erad> Erad, for his part, wears his usual explorer's outfit, though he made sure it was clean and pressed nicely. That's about as far as he cares about going. "Well, I guess it's a little less daunting than walking into Jack Maggen's palace."
[20:19] <@Kotono> "Little bit," T flashes you a grin, "Wonder when Annerose'll be down."
[20:21] <@Erad> "Whenever she's ready. That weird dress was expensive, I'm sure she doesn't want anything to happen to it. On that note, I really hope this day doesn't end with us being put on a trial again." Erad says with a huff.
[20:22] <@Kotono> "Nah, at worst Annerose'll pardon us or something," T says, "I could get away with so much now."
01[20:24] <@Annerose> The main component of Annerose's outfit is, inevitably, her new evening gown. A gentle shade of aquamarine, it that flows over her body as if it were alive. The strapless gown takes great care to cover much of her body, which suits Annerose just fine as she would like to avoid any unintional skin contact; at the same time, it manages to be enticing by its cut and the slit it has in the side, about level with  her left thigh. Such a gown is fit for a queen, which makes the of frozen flames upon Annerose's head sit naturally, with none being able to question its place. A few blonde hairs escape it michievously, while the rest are bound into a braid that descends casually over Annerose's left shoulder. A gossamer cloak floats behind Annerose, made of the same color as the dress, while long, formal gloves of a darker shade reach just below her elbow, limiting the chances of unwanted skin contact even more.
01[20:24] <@Annerose> An amethyst rests on a delicate platinum necklace, a reimagining of her original, uninspired trinket, and a pair of slippers look too delicate to walk in without magical support complete her outfit. The rest of the impact, however, will come from Annersose's increased ability over nature! She lowers the temperature upon herself drastically, making it easier to condence the humidity in the air to form snowflakes dancing about her form. At the same time, the temperature upon all those around her is kept comfortable and pleasant, even warmer than usual.
01[20:24] <@Annerose> Annerose descends at last, stopping at the top of the stairs and smiling down at Erad and T. "Sorry to keep you waiting," she says, coming over to join them.
[20:25] <@Erad> "Yeah, I guess." Erad says with a shrug as he looks over. "You really don't do things in small measures, do you?"
[20:25] <@Kotono> T whistles, "Niiiiice. You're gonna make a hell of an impression of them."
01[20:26] <@Annerose> "Then let's go and make it~"
[20:31] <@Kotono> Soon enough you're taken to the palace. It's much the same as last time, but you're whisked away to a side room with Lord Househaven. Comfortable, rich, warm and with some of the party foods laid out for just the four of you. An officious and fat man sees to you, smelling of too much perfume, "You'll be called in when the time is right," he explains, "Make sure to be ready to make your grand
[20:31] <@Kotono> entrance. Lord Househaven, you have been given the right to make the announcement."
[20:32] <@Erad> Erad gestures at Househaven and Annerose. "You two make the entrance, I'll just try and not pass out from the overabundance of both pomp and circumstance in the air."
01[20:34] <@Annerose> Annerose looks a bit awkward at that, but is soon all smiles once more. "Would it be long from now?" she asks.
[20:36] <@Kotono> "Oh, not long. Only two hours, once all the introductions are done," The fat man simpers.
[20:36] <@Kotono> "Then I'll see to it," Lord Househaven rises.
[20:36] <@Kotono> T kicks back, "Better in here than out there," he says, "Say. We got any cute maids around? I'm hungry but don't feel like going over there."
01[20:37] <@Annerose> "Of course," Annerose agrees politely, before ignoring T. Instead, she wonders whether she should try to take a peek at any magical auras once she's called. It's just a matter of splitting her concentration, after all....
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: You all going to do anything or just wait?
01[20:40] <@Annerose> OOC: Waiting fits my plans, so I'm going to wait
[20:44] <@Kotono> It's a rather boring two hours. But soon enough the fat man returns, "It's time, it's time!" he claps his hands and smiles, "Now line up! Lord Annerose at front and her retainers behind her," he gestures at Erad and T. "Just look good, you're accessories here."
01[20:46] <@Annerose> Lady, surely? Then again, a flunky's opinion isn't really relevant here, so Annerose acquiesces politely.
[20:50] <@Erad> Erad tries very hard to not roll his eyes. He fails miserably at it, but so it goes. He lines up accordingly.
[20:51] <@Kotono> T rolls his eyes but takes position, "Here we are, Erad. Doomed to be footnotes in history. Truly our deeds and ego will never be known."
[20:51] <@Kotono> "Silence, minion," The fat man shoots back at T, "Now then," He claps his hands, "Follow me."
[20:52] <@Erad> "Oh, a minion now." Erad says quietly to T.
01[20:52] <@Annerose> "Not having the self-control and temperance to even fake it is why you remain the minions, minions," Annerose says in a quiet voice that only projects to the pair from behind her hand. That it covers her amused smile is just an added bonus! Then, she follows the true minion smoothly.
[20:54] <@Kotono> "Well dang, my life is complete now," T whispers back, "I can retire to a cheap bar like any respectable minion."
01[20:55] <@Annerose> Annerose lets some smugness show as her response, before she channels it into confidence. Her stride is self-assured, without being too bold. That's for adventurers, and today she's wearing a different hat.
[21:06] <@Kotono> You're lead to the doors in and they are opened. Hundreds of noble eyes on are on you as Lord Househaven announces, "Now introducing the new Lord of Arenel!"
01[21:14] <@Annerose> Annerose doesn't pause as she enters the chamber. She was told to make it a grand entrance, and so the snowflakes dancing around her pick up speed! Annerose is enveloped in a maelstrom of snow, obscured from the eye for a brief moment, and then the curtain of snowflakes rushes out in every direction! It passes harmlessly through bystanders, touching any exposed skin with the lightness of floating flower petals. In the meanwhile, Annerose is revealed with an inner glow that almost seems tangible, and as she continues moving towards Lord Househaven her steps have an almost supernatural grace!
01[21:14] <@Annerose> OOC: Nimbus for +4 charisma~
[21:16] <@Erad> In his role as minion, Erad simply looks across the gathered for any immediate signs of either awe or absolute disgust. More the disgust than anything else.
[21:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception Mr. Dragon.
[21:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20
[21:16] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=15]
[21:16] <@Erad> OOC: Well that was supposed to have +17 on it so that would be 32
[21:24] <@Kotono> Lord Househaven turns adn quietly says, "Introduce yourself and give us a few words." Meanwhile Erad can see most people are just anticipatory for the moment, though you can see a few in the back looking less than happy.
[21:25] <@Erad> Erad makes a mental note of the appearances of those people to investigate later and makes no other obvious moves.
01[21:33] <@Annerose> "Arenel is a charming town," Annerose speaks, being sure to pay attention to each and every one of the gathered guests without seeming to favor any over the rest. "We have quite a bit of our share of snow," she continues with a conspiratorial smile, "though lately winter has grown milder and more accomodating. In fact, that is a trend I hope to continue, as our beloved Dynast so desires." She pauses briefly, and her next words are carried by a more serious tone. "My name, ladies and gentlemen, is Annerose. Previously of the Torch Bearers, and now of Arenel as well. It is my heartfelt wish to execute the Dynast's wishes faithfully and strive for a better Malana for all."
01[21:43] <@Annerose> "Arenel is a charming town," Annerose speaks, being sure to pay attention to each and every one of the gathered guests without seeming to favor any over the rest. "We have quite a bit of our share of snow," she continues with a conspiratorial smile, "though lately winter has grown milder and more accomodating. In fact, that is a trend I hope to continue, as our beloved Dynast so desires." She pauses briefly, and her next words are carried by a more serious tone. "My name, ladies and gentlemen, is Annerose. Previously of the Torch Bearers, and now of Arenel as well. It is my heartfelt wish to execute the Dynast's wishes faithfully and strive for a better Malana for all."
[21:45] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a Diplo check here, Annerose.
01[21:47] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+24
[21:47] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=11]
[21:49] <@Kotono> Your words go over well - to most. Erad can see that amid the polite clapping a few look displeased. Mostly the same suspects, but an older man in finery doesn't quite conceal a frown at it all.
[21:51] <@Erad> Erad merely turns and gestures slightly to T and then looks in the general direction of the displeased oldie.
01[21:52] <@Annerose> Not being privy to any of this, Annerose curtsies at the applause.
[21:55] <@Kotono> T looks that way and nods ever so slightly, as Lord Househaven picks up, "Now, let us all return to our dancing and festivities in honor of the new Lord of Arenel!"
01[21:58] <@Annerose> With another smile at those gathered, Annerose turns towards Lord Househaven to make it easier for him to ask her for the dance!
[22:04] <@Kotono> "May I have the first dance?" Lord Househaven smiles, as T murmurs to Erad out of the side of hi smouth, "You saw the old man who looked pissed?"
01[22:05] <@Annerose> "I'd be delighted, My Lord," Annerose happily responds, certain that her minions will find something to occupy them for the duration!
[22:06] <@Erad> "Mhm." Erad says. "And his grumpy friends."
[22:08] <@Kotono> "Wanna go shake some answers out? Diplomatically, of course," T smirks.
[22:09] <@Erad> "They probably won't want to talk to a monster." Erad says with smile. "I suppose we can see regardless."
[22:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, lemme move Erad into #evil then.

[Corwin]

[22:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, just going to be T's wingman here like implied or taking a more active roll?
[22:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Role?
[22:21] <@Erad> OOC: T's better at talking, Erad will just chime in as needed and/or be blunt as warranted.
[22:24] <@Kotono> OOC: OIkay.
[22:27] <@Kotono> T leads you along to the old man - who is getting a glass of wine as you get close. "Hi friend," T greets, "T, official minion of Lord Annerose. Or is it Lord Arenel or...oh well, anyway," he comes forward and smiles, "This is Erad, I'm sure you've heard of him, he's a little bit distinctive."
[22:28] <@Erad> "Dragonslaying just really doesn't get you the same kind of respect it used to." Erad laments.
[22:31] <@Kotono> "You're THAT Erad?" The old man says, tone cool. "One of the dragonslayers from down south."
[22:32] <@Kotono> "Got it," T grins, "See, my friend here is a man of few words. But he has that one down pat."
[22:33] <@Erad> Erad inclines his head. "It's good to meet you."
[22:37] <@Kotono> "Yeah, so let's get down to it," Erad says, "Didn't like the dress, or do you have a problem with Annerose? Yep, that's me being on a first name basis with a Lord and now you know she'll go to bat for me if you try anything stupid here." He pats the man on his back, "So come on, time to share."
[22:38] <@Erad> "What he's trying to say is that we're not the scheming in the shadows types." Erad says. "If there's a problem, we'd like to deal with it head on. Not through bullying -- there's been enough of that already with Maggen."
[22:49] <@Kotono> "I don't approve of lifting some ice-blooded commoner up so fast," The man finally says. "What was the Dynast thinking?"
[22:51] <@Erad> Erad glances over at T. "Well, I appreciate the honesty. Is it the ice-blooded or the commoner part that's worse?"
[22:54] <@Kotono> "Yeah, see, being refreshingly direct works." T says, "Now I grew up in some rougher places, and spitting it out is the way things work there."
[22:54] <@Erad> "Because, trust me, we are not friends with a lot of ice-blooded people." Erad says. "I don't think that's much of a secret."
[22:55] <@Kotono> "It's more of the damn same down south," The old man bristles, "Like hell if she isn't another Maggen with tits. It's always Auril this, Auril that down there. What about Umberlee? You see her more north."
[22:56] <@Erad> Erad puts a hand to his chest in an elaborate motion, as if suddenly awestruck. He recovers, somehow, and straightens himself out. "Boy, do I have some good news for you."
[22:57] <@Kotono> T throws his head back and laughs, "Oh, you poor damn fool. Oh, this is precious." He pauses, gets a glass of wine and slams it back. "You  have no idea. Erad, fix him on this one, this is just perfect."
[23:00] <@Erad> Erad straightens his tunic out. "Now, I realize you have no reason to believe me. I wouldn't, probably, if I were you. But something dragonborn take very seriously is being truthful and honest -- we would dimish Lord Bahamut if we did anything else." He clears his throat. "To that end, I can say with utmost confidence that Annerose, and the Torch Bearers by extension, are the largest thorns
[23:00] <@Erad> in Auril's sides you've seen in your life. We went to Arenel originally after a rather long campaign of dealing with Aurilites and all their complete awful shit --..uh, excuse me, sorry." He clears his throat again. "Sorry, I get a bit carried away, I'm not one for formal affairs. Anyway, we're the ones who helped fund the Shining Light Cathedral here in the city. Trust me on this, the
[23:00] <@Erad> absolute last thing we ever want to do is give Auril an inch in Malana."
[23:01] <@Erad> "She even sent a dumb white dragon after us a few weeks ago." Erad says with a turn upward of his nose. "Damned thing didn't stick around to die properly, of course."

---

[20:12] <~Kotono> "Nah, you're right," T adds, "Call shit what it is: Shit. Aurilites are full of it."
[20:16] <~Kotono> "Yet she bears winter's mark," The old man says. "Why?"
[20:18] <@Erad> "Have you ever heard of a yuki-onna?" Erad asks. "I don't quite get it myself, but they're basically maidens of winter, but they aren't associated with Auril. Trust me, we've run into that confusion a few... uh... dozen times."
[20:24] <~Kotono> "Yeah, well, it's a little more complicated that that, but she's not Auril's slave. Just trust us on t his one, that and her body count of Aurilites." T says.
[20:30] <~Kotono> The old man grunts again, "So she's not Maggen again?"
[20:30] <@Erad> "You have the word of a dragonborn she is not." Erad says.
[20:36] <@Erad> "Oh, and the guy who also killed him." Erad adds, like it's a second thought.
[20:39] <~Kotono> "Maggen's dead and getting the cold shoulder somewhere frozen," T shrugs his shoulders, "You have my word that it won't be another Auril mess. Hopefully without any more magically enhanced winters, half of one's been enough."
[20:40] <~Kotono> The man gives you a long look, "What is she going to do, then?"
[20:43] <@Erad> "Feed the starving, to start." Erad says. "Get the local lords in order so they stop being horrible human beings to literally everyone who isn't an Aurilite."
[20:46] <~Kotono> "About time, though I hear some of them have ran off to hide somewhere in the mountains," The old man says.
[20:50] <@Erad> "Yeah, we met them too." Erad says. "They really are cowards. At some point we're going to head up there to deal with them and their winter wonderland. Anyway, I hope we've suitably quelled any fears you might have with her. I hope we can rely on your support going forward, Lord...?"
[20:53] <~Kotono> The old man chuckles, "Knight Wainward." He gives you a long look and then offers you his hand.
[20:54] <@Erad> "Knight Wainward." Erad says as he shakes his head. "There has long been too much politicing while regular citizens suffer under the hands of cruelty."
[20:58] <~Kotono> His grip's strong enough, calloused. "And you gave those Kabathian dogs a scolding. For that you have my respect."
[20:59] <@Erad> "Ironically, I think that entire situation was someone playing a third role." Erad says. "It was one of those situations where everything was just too perfectly coordinated to be anything but. However, the matter is resolved now and Malana is more united than it was, so whatever plans were attempted there they failed."
[21:03] <~Kotono> "Good enough," The man says, "How did the Queen take it?" he asks, a vicious smile forming, "Penelope has long deserved to have some humility forced on her."
[21:05] <@Erad> "My understanding of the honor duel was that she was defeated gracefully." Erad says. "I was not present for it, however. You could ask Annerose, if you wanted any confirmation."
[21:07] <~Kotono> "I will," Knight Wainward says, "That I will."
[21:08] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Knight Wainward, are there any others you think we might want to speak with? If we can clear up any misunderstangings before they become... uh, festering wounds, that would do us all well."
[21:12] <~Kotono> "Half of the court who got fat and rich off Auril," The old man says, "Especially anyone from the south."
[21:15] <@Erad> "I don't know that there's going to be a lot of convincing we can do to make them less awful human beings..." Erad laments. "But I suppose as long as we're clear that suppressing people and starving them isn't going to work anymore, that might not be a bad idea."
[21:24] <~Kotono> "Tymora's luck on you, you'll need it,"T he man grunts.
[21:25] <@Erad> "You know, T, we should probably look for Knight Windor while we're here. He did make some rather outlandish threats to us the last time we saw him." Erad says with an incredibly serious expression -- hiding his complete and utter sarcasm not a whit, on that note.
[21:28] <~Kotono> "Oh yeah, we could," T says, "By the way, Annerose went off somewhere," T says, leading you away and lowering his voice. "Not sure where, missed her leaving."
[21:30] <@Erad> "She can handle herself." Erad says. "Don't dwell on it."
[21:38] <~Kotono> "Yeah, I know. Just letting yo know," T says.
[21:40] <@Erad> Erad nods and goes to look around to see if they can come across their wonderful old friend.
[21:42] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=41 ]{41}
[21:42] <~Kotono> No luck there - you don't see him around immediately.
[21:46] <@Erad> "Wonder if he just never came at all." Erad muses. "I'm not really sure what else to do, do we just drum up more support?"
[21:47] <~Kotono> "Sure, we got work to do," T says, "Also nice thinks to drink. You in?"
[21:51] <@Erad> "The drinking, no, but the rest is fine." Erad agrees.
[21:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, make a Diplo check here.
[21:52] <@Erad> roll 1d20+11 charismatic dragon with 0 charisma
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+11 charismatic dragon with 0 charisma --> [ 1d20=8 ]{19}
[21:59] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+15 T
[21:59] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+15 T --> [ 1d20=20 ]{35}
[21:59] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+35 T exploding crit might matter here
[21:59] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+35 T exploding crit might matter here --> [ 1d20=18 ]{53}
[22:07] <~Kotono> From here it's just general spreading the word, feeling people out. It goes well - you can tell T's in his element here. He's laughing, talking, patting backs. Soon enough you're talking to a middle aged woman - Dame Elsbury - with her hair in a bun and wearing a military uniform. She keeps her voice down, "Good riddance. Auril's kind are a plague."
[22:09] <@Erad> "I'm willing to allow for some religious freedoms for people," Erad begins, "They were allowed to take it too far."
[22:13] <~Kotono> "Much too far," The Dame smiles faintly, "Is Lady Annerose available for lunch in the next few days?"
[22:15] <@Erad> "I'd rather not just speak for her, but I suppose that is a job of a minion." Erad admits. "I'll make sure she can find time to meet with you, Dame Elsbury. Oh -- do you know, by any chance, did Knight Windor find the time to make it up here?"
[22:20] <~Kotono> "Yes, I heard he's out of town this week," Dame Elsbury, "It must be urgent to send him scurrying away with the roads being such a fright."
[22:21] <@Erad> "Probably desperately trying to find someone's cloak to grasp onto." Erad says with a snort. "I wonder if Annerose's authority falls on him now."
[22:25] <~Kotono> A laugh at that, as...OOC: About to merge you allb ack into #dunes, so please hold briefly.

[Corwin]

[22:19] <@Kotono> You begin to dance. As you do, all eyes on you barring those that join the dance, "Well done. The Dynast did not elect to attend, but has made his will in this matter clear."
01[22:21] <@Annerose> And with this one step, a change will begin! "I just wish everyone could be here," she admits.
[22:24] <@Kotono> "Go visit them after this, you're due home whenver you wish to leave," Lord Househaven says, "Or stay longer and build political webs."
01[22:26] <@Annerose> "With magic, I can do both~" Annerose reasons, an easy smile dancing on her lips. "I think I should help build an alliance for us, and then see about improving life in Arenel's surroundings. Would you have any suggestions, My Lord?"
[22:31] <@Kotono> 'Yes. My suggestions are to get your new domain in order first," Lord Househaven says, "Secure your seat of power and prepare against the Aurilites. In your position, you have time until the rest of Malana is a serious going concern. Don't enter agreements without checking with me, until you get good at understanding how people manipulate you and can make something perfectly reasonable be a
[22:31] <@Kotono> critical setback or worse."
01[22:34] <@Annerose> Annerose inclines her head to indicate understanding. "Then I only need to keep my two appointments and pay my respect to my friends here, before I'm ready to return," she muses. "Will you be remaining in the capital for the time being?"
[22:36] <@Kotono> "Yes," Lord Househaven says, "Politics are the immortal beast, never staying dead."
01[22:39] <@Annerose> "We should secure a way to communicate reliably," Annerose points out, snowflakes trailing in her wake as she spins. "Sending is a bit beyond me right now, so maybe a trinket based on the spell? I also remember seeing animated birds to carry messages, though they seemed to have fallen out of style lately. Would you have any preference?"
[22:46] <@Kotono> "The latter works, but is expensive," Lord Househaven says, "Inquire in Arenel to its viability. I'll have a reliable spellcaster manage the sendings until then."
01[22:47] <@Annerose> "That should be doable. Even if a suitable mage isn't living there now, I'm confident I could invite one~"
[22:53] <@Kotono> A smile as the dance ends, a parting between the two of you. OOC: Okay, mingling plans here?
01[22:54] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's see if Lady Silas wants to say hi!

---

[20:15] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:15] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
[20:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d100 subtables
[20:16] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 subtables --> [ 1d100=79 ]{79}
[20:24] <~Kotono> You soon enough head for her but are interrupted, "Excuse me," A servant comes up, bowing, "My Lord, I have a message for you."
01[20:24] <@Annerose> "Yes?" Annerose asks, hoping it's not the prelude of an assassination attempt.
[20:29] <~Kotono> "Lord Scion Willsworth wishes to meet with you," The servant says, "Please follow me."
01[20:34] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+11 K: Nobility on who he is and whether it would seem demeaning to accept
[20:34] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+11 K: Nobility on who he is and whether it would seem demeaning to accept --> [ 1d20=7 ]{18}
[20:38] <~Kotono> Not at all. Especially as the way it's phrased it's two things. First, it's a higher ranked noble asking for your time. Nothing wrong with that, it's basic networking. Two, it's also phrased like an order, which you're honor-bound to accept as a memory of the nobility.
01[20:40] <@Annerose> "Certainly," Annerose agrees, gesturing for the servant to lead the way.
[20:46] <~Kotono> You are lead to a balcony. Here you are several stories up, able to see all the nighttime city, still heavily covered with snow. The sky is clear, a cold breeze as the stars twinkle above. The Lord Scion is looking out at the city, back to you. He wears a purple cape, hair brown. "Lord Scion," The servant bows, stepping back and slipping away right after.
01[20:47] <@Annerose> "Lord Scion," Annerose echoes him, inclining her head in greeting. "What an unexpected honor."
[20:50] <~Kotono> "Maggen was a dog. A rabid dog," He turns to you, a glass of wine in hand. He sips it - he's in his fourties perhaps, though in excellent condition. He wears a military uniform, bedeckoned with shiny medals. "Sometimes a beloved pet must be put down because they're a danger to others.
[20:50] <~Kotono> "
01[20:55] <@Annerose> "There are limits to good taste, and attempting to spread a zombie plague across your very countrymen crosses them," Annerose agrees.
[20:57] <~Kotono> A pause and another long sip as the wind blows. "You could say it's bad for business. Our business is Malana and our coffers are full. Yours will become full if you understand what's best for business."
01[20:58] <@Annerose> She has no retort this time, merely a slight nod of her head to indicate she's listening.
[21:02] <~Kotono> "Auril is good for business," The man goes on, "However, the clergy did overreach under Maggen. Let them hide in their retreat, they will calm down as the seasons pass. I will remind them of the proper order of things, and they in turn will establish a working relationship with you. An extremely profitable relationship. I understand Maggen took 10% of all offerings to Auril, which is not
[21:02] <~Kotono> unreasonable."
01[21:03] <@Annerose> "I've not known any Aurilite capable of such restraint, Lord Scion," Annerose notes doubtfully.
[21:05] <~Kotono> Another sip, a longer one as he finishes his wine. "An understandable impression, as Maggen let them too far off the leash. As I said, I will remind them of the proper order of things. Plus, as a new Lord, it is only reasonable you be granted a partial exemption to taxes to the Dynast in your first year, so you can establish your treasury. "
03[21:06] * Nerem (NeremWorld@97-126-5-38.tukw.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
02[21:06] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@97-113-74-100.tukw.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[21:10] <@Annerose> That's easy to understand, at least. He's talking about a bribe of sorts, Annerose muses. "A most welcome initiative, Lord Scion," Annerose says, a smile tugging at her lips. "What else might be good for business, if I might be so bold as to inquire?"
[21:17] <~Kotono> Lord Scion Willsworth has his own smile - a faint thing in the starlight. "Improving mining operations, 5% of that tax is exempt from royal taxation to the Dynast, so that goes straight to your treasury. Work the commonfolk and your treasury will expand. I will have a messenger with more information on various means to you on the morrow. So long as you understand how things work and cooperate,
[21:17] <~Kotono> you will soon be richer than you could imagine, and you need not waste it on things that Maggen did, such as his experiments."
01[21:19] <@Annerose> Annerose makes a face at those.
[21:25] <~Kotono> "Remember, Annerose," The man turns back to the view of the city, "What's good for business is for for you. Maggen was ultimately bad for business and look where he is now."
01[21:26] <@Annerose> "I understand, Lord Scion, and I shall await your messenger to peruse that information."
[21:27] <~Kotono> "Return to your party," The Lord Scion commands.
01[21:30] <@Annerose> "By your will," Annerose acquiesces, after a glance out at the city from the balcony.
[21:37] <~Kotono> OOC: Plans from here?
01[21:38] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's see if Lady Silas wants to say hi!
[21:41] <~Kotono> You return back out. The party is going full swing now, people dancing, chatting and doing all the sort of mingling you'd expect. (More)
[21:41] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:41] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=55 ]{55}
[21:42] <~Kotono> You look around and don't see her. On asking a servant, "Lady Silas briefly stepped out," The servant says, his gaze turning to a side door away from the hall. "That way my Lord."
01[21:43] <@Annerose> Annerose smiles at the servant, deciding to try the door in question!
[21:51] <~Kotono> It leads to a hallway to restrooms. You find Lady Silas within, sitting on a simple stool there. She looks pale and sweaty, a maid fanning her.
01[21:56] <@Annerose> "My goodness!" Annerose exclaims. "Lady Silas, are you alright?"
[21:58] <~Kotono> "Stomach sickness," The maid says as she keeps fanning, "I've sent for a doctor."
[21:59] <~Kotono> "Abysmally misfortunate timing," Lady Silas says, "Excuse me for the lapse in decorum."
01[22:01] <@Annerose> "Unfortunate indeed," Annerose commiserates, deciding to wait for the doctor.
03[22:02] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[22:02] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[22:08] <~Kotono> It doesn't take long for a young man to come in - wearing Lathander's robes and his holy symbol. He stops, "Lady Annerose!" he bows to you right away. He looks familiar, but you can't pin a face to a name right away.
01[22:10] <@Annerose> Being of Lathander's flock, it would make sense they crossed paths. And she intended to visit the cathdral as it is! "Hello," Annerose greets him, though she glances sideways at Lady Silas in a hint.
[22:13] <~Kotono> "Oh," He says, coming over. His eyes glow yellow-white as he scans her and...
[22:14] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 (+5 healer's vision)
[22:14] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 (+5 healer's vision) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
[22:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=6]
[22:14] <~Kotono> OOC: Strike.
[22:14] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 (+5 healer's vision) Rei
[22:14] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 (+5 healer's vision) Rei --> [ 1d20=4 ]{16}
[22:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=10]
[22:15] <~Kotono> "It looks like stomach sickness and I don't see any poison," he says, "Thank Lathander for mercies. A small blessing should help you, and please join me in prayer after, my lady."
01[22:16] <@Annerose> "I'm glad to hear it," Annerose says, smiling pleasantly. "Perhaps we could meet afterwards?"
[22:19] <~Kotono> "Yes," Lady Silas says with as much composure as she can manage, and a healing spell follows. Immediately her complexion improves and the young man says, "Now please bow your head and repeat after me. Lathander, the father of the sun and protector against the shadows..."
01[22:20] <@Annerose> Annerose withdraws at this point, as there is no trouble and she'd much rather use the chance to mingle.
[22:25] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, mingling? Make a Diplo check.
01[22:25] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+24
[22:25] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{31}
[22:25] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=6]
01[22:25] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+24 S
[22:25] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=7]
[22:25] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+24 S --> [ 1d20=15 ]{39}

[Corwin]

[22:30] <~Kotono> You mingle, talking. It's busy and you make a lot of small talk, but soon enough you link up with T and Erad as the evening wears on. "Whew," T says, "Ready to pack it in or got anything else to get done here?"
01[22:33] <@Annerose> "I think it is a good time to retire," Annerose agrees. "It would be good to stop by the cathedral, if you two are up for it?"
[22:34] <~Kotono> 'Yeah, if they're still open this late," T says, "Still got some more go in you, Erad?"
[22:35] <@Erad> "I'm not the one who sampled half the drinks they were offering, need I remind you." Erad replies.
01[22:37] <@Annerose> She'll be sure to let Lord Househaven know she's leaving, as well as make certain no faux pas is being committed!
[22:37] <~Kotono> T grins and...OOC: Okay, plan at the cathedral?
01[22:38] <@Annerose> OOC: Show up, check on how they're doing, see if they have any troubles
[22:39] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, we're a bit over so we'll pick up next week there and then onto your next moves and possibly going back to Arenel. Before we pause, let me know your plans for the next IC week, barring something derailing them.
01[22:41] <@Annerose> OOC: Okay, so there's the cathedral. I'd like to catch up with Silas and Demois, and it seems there's someone else that wants to meet me. I'd also like to see MUSCLE WIZARD and check about improving one of my items, though that's probably OOC?
[22:41] <~Kotono> OOC: Sure. Erad, anything on your end?
[22:47] <@Erad> OOC: Nothing really, he's had his fun.
[22:47] <@Erad> OOC: Oh, I lied. Go talk to that guy who was investigating his dragon staff.
[22:48] <~Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[22:48] <~Kotono> OOC: Ideally we'll finish up here and head back to Arenel soon, since that's where the next plot is waiting for y'all.

[Corwin]

[20:11] <~Kotono> You meet with the wizard again. He looks you over before he says, "There are whispers," he begins gently.
02[20:12] * Celebrated_Ascendant (~Horphant_@75-172-237-236.phnx.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:16] <@Erad> "Oh? I can let you hold onto it for a while if that would help." Erad says with a bit of a shrug. "I don't quite always get the magic stuff going on around me -- it's probably willful ignorance."
[20:21] <~Kotono> "The staff is a channel to another being," The man says, "The whispers of it have been here for ages. Treasure lost in the hoards of dragons, fated to stay in the hand of dragons."
[20:23] <@Erad> "...Huh." Erad rubs his chin. "I guess that makes sense. When I picked it up the first time, I did feel... something. So in order to unlock whatever it can really do, I need to strengthen my bond with that other being?"
[20:24] <~Kotono> "It's taking your life, to what ends I don't know," The man says, "It may be innocent or it may be sinister. Bear this in mind if you wish to try and strengthen it."
[20:25] <@Erad> Erad nods. "All right. If you ever happen to come across further information on it, please tell Lord Househaven."
[20:32] <~Kotono> "I will," he says, "Be cautious."
[20:33] <@Erad> Erad nods again and will head back! OOC: He'll spend the rest of his time having T try and sort out what spices they have and how much he thinks they may be worth since he never really had a chance to mention that trip to begin with.
[20:34] <~Kotono> OOC: T'll take 10 for appraise. More.
02[20:42] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
02[20:42] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[20:59] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #dunes
[20:59] <~Kotono> "Well, good news and bad news," T says, "Good news is that the spices are worth a lot. Bad news, a few of them have contamination or bugs in them - local problem, nothing with the sealant. Take the time to sell these right and you got maybe 4,000 gold in spices, give or take some."
[21:01] <@Erad> "Huh. Isn't there magic that can fix that? Purify food or something like that?" Erad asks.
[21:07] <~Kotono> "That's cleric magic, isn't it?" T says. "We got a dearth of useful clerics...oh right, MacGregor. If you can that fixed it'll bump it up to about 6,000."
[21:08] <@Erad> Erad nods. "We'll take it with us back to Arenel and have Amanna fix it there. Then we can use some in the food to give out to people. Or we can just sell it once we've got everything established."
[21:17] <~Kotono> "Free advice? If you can find someone with that much food to buy, you'll get a lot more mileage out of it by selling them and buying food than as flavoring," T says.
[21:19] <@Erad> "I was just thinking that it's probably been a while since anyone had any good seasoning in their food." Erad says. "If you think we'll end up doing more good by just selling it and buying food that way that's fine."
[21:24] <~Kotono> "Yeah, spices are for the rich," T says, "At least imported ones."
[21:25] <@Erad> "We can keep some for nice occasions, then." Erad says with a smile. "I'll take them by the Cathedral and have someone work their magic on it."
[21:28] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T says, "Get it done before we go back to Arenel."
[21:29] <@Erad> "I'll put it on my list of things to do." Erad agrees. "Which is apparently just that, currently."
[21:31] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T says, "Annerose is doing her thing and...huh. That's a thought," T suddenly grins, "Erad, Erad, Erad. Why don't we go and make some money?"
[21:31] <@Erad> Erad's expression sours. "Whenever you have gold coins in your eyes, I get leery. What's your idea?"
[21:42] <~Kotono> "Erad, Erad, Erad," T grins, "It's just a little bit of a hustle. Nothing dangerous, just taking money from rich fools who don't know better adn who would waste it anyway."
[21:43] <@Erad> "As long as it isn't anything against the law." Erad says firmly.
[21:43] <~Kotono> "Eeeeeh..." T waves his hand, "Depends on how you define the law."
[21:45] <@Erad> "Then why don't you tell me what your plan is and I'll decide." Erad says.
[21:48] <~Kotono> "Well, it's an old trick. It takes a good vocabulary, fast talking and an iron clad contract," T says, "We basically promise a rich idiot something that's cheap and done in a way that they think it's much more than it is. Afterwards we point that out and it's not our problem legally. It's a great trick if you have the charisma to pull it off. You don't but I do, so you'd be the straight man,
[21:48] <~Kotono> plus you'd add gravitas to it - you're known in the city now."
[21:51] <@Erad> "Why don't we just promise some rich idiots that Arenel will support them if they donate to our cause?" Erad asks. "I mean, it wouldn't be a lie anyway, if they're not morally bankrupt."
[21:53] <~Kotono> "Yeah, but that's bad. SEe, we're offering open ended benefits there, plus something in the future and that person might change in the future. Bad idea," T says. "Besides, you have to do that discreetly. It's bad form to sell influence that openly. Not that it doesn't happen, but it reflects badly on all of us."
[21:54] <@Erad> "Oh, and the more or less lying part with your idea doesn't?" Erad asks with a huff. "I don't think we can afford to pull that kind of stunt just yet."
[21:56] <~Kotono> "Details, but eh," T admits, "Bahamut's all law and order, isn't he?"
[21:57] <@Erad> "There've been a few times I've skirted around the edges." Erad admits. "I'm trying to stay on the other side unless absolutely necessary for a while."
03[22:09] * Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[22:09] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[22:09] <~Kotono> "Yeah, I don't see the point," T admits, going back over to his bed and hopping on. "See, the law's just what someone says is right. If you wanna argue about good, that's something else, isn't it?"
[22:13] <@Erad> "That's how I've been able to skirt the line." Erad says. "Theoretically, killing Maggen was murder and against the law. Realistically, the world is better off without people like him in it. You don't see me getting struck by any lightning, right? I just think something like this crosses too much of a line. ...Well, then again, if we can target people who support Auril or other types of profane
[22:13] <@Erad> deities..."
[22:15] <~Kotono> "Eh, whatever," T says, "The point I'm making is that I think respecting the law beyond what you have to is silly. Why worry about it if you're concerned about doing good?"
[22:16] <@Erad> "No one ever said being a paragon of justice would be easy, T." Erad says with a smile. "Besides, That doesn't mean we can't get into trouble every now and again."
[22:18] <~Kotono> "Yeah, yeah. Now if you ask me, I'm thinking of ways to roll our problems without any stabbing. Didn't mind it so much for Maggen since he was human trash, but don't want to get into the habit." T remarks. "'course, that usually means trouble since guess who makes the laws?"
[22:20] <@Erad> "Some people will never see reason." Erad says. "Some people can never be redeemed -- I've resigned myself to that fact. However, that doesn't mean we have to carve a path of death in our wake. In that, we both are in agreement."
[22:24] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T says, "Gonna be more of those when we finish settling accounts with Auril's servants."
[22:28] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Exactly.
[22:40] <~Kotono> "Speaking of, do we have a plan there yet?" T asks.
[22:42] <@Erad> "I think the plan is to establish things in Arenel first." Erad says. "Theoretically, if we can get everything there taken care of, I think getting the resources to find out where that Auril camp in the mountains is will be a lot easier. Then we can just have Annerose teleport all of us there. It's certainly better than trying to find the place in the mountains to begin with."
[22:47] <@Erad> "But I'm just a minion, so what do I know?" He shrugs with a grin.
[22:48] <~Kotono> "Yeeeep," T grins back, "Quite a lot, apparently."
[22:56] <@Erad> "Either way, I guess I'll go get these spices fixed." Erad says.

---

[19:55] <@Erad> [14:46] <Kotono> "Well, it's an old trick. It takes a good vocabulary, fast talking and an iron clad contract," T says, "We basically promise a rich idiot something that's cheap and done in a way that they think it's much more than it is. Afterwards we point that out and it's not our problem legally. It's a great trick if you have the charisma to pull it off. You don't but I do, so you'd be the
[19:55] <@Erad> straight man,
[19:55] <@Erad> [14:46] <Kotono> plus you'd add gravitas to it - you're known in the city now."
[19:55] <@Erad> [14:49] <Erad> "Why don't we just promise some rich idiots that Arenel will support them if they donate to our cause?" Erad asks. "I mean, it wouldn't be a lie anyway, if they're not morally bankrupt."
[19:55] <@Erad> [14:51] <Kotono> "Yeah, but that's bad. SEe, we're offering open ended benefits there, plus something in the future and that person might change in the future. Bad idea," T says. "Besides, you have to do that discreetly. It's bad form to sell influence that openly. Not that it doesn't happen, but it reflects badly on all of us."
[19:55] <@Erad> [14:53] <Erad> "Oh, and the more or less lying part with your idea doesn't?" Erad asks with a huff. "I don't think we can afford to pull that kind of stunt just yet."
[19:55] <@Erad> [14:54] <Kotono> "Details, but eh," T admits, "Bahamut's all law and order, isn't he?"
[19:55] <@Erad> [14:55] <Erad> "There've been a few times I've skirted around the edges." Erad admits. "I'm trying to stay on the other side unless absolutely necessary for a while."
[20:01] <@Kotono> "Eh," T's reply is laconic as he rubs his face, "What's the point of all the law and order?"
[20:04] <@Erad> "Because that's how I choose to live my life." Erad responds simply. "Just the same way you choose to skirt it -- I have my principles and my code and I follow it as best as I can."
[20:05] <@Kotono> "But why?" T says, "When you get down to it, what drives you to it?"
[20:09] <@Erad> "I suppose I'm indebted for being reborn." Erad says with a shrug. "So to show my thanks I try and make the world a better place -- one where laws and order are used to help bring people together, not push them aside."
02[20:09] * Celebrated_Ascendant (~Horphant_@75-172-237-236.phnx.qwest.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:22] <@Kotono> T lets it go at that, quiet following. "At least someone thinks like that, instead of seeing them as weapons," he finally breaks the silence.
[20:25] <@Erad> "There are multiple sides to everything. As you've seen, a good man who follows the law shouldn't necessarily follow an evil law." Erad says. "Likewise, you can bring good doing unlawful things, but you don't approve of people murdering others for any reason, right? So there's always a different perspective to use."
[20:27] <@Kotono> "Truth is but the eye of the beholder, for the eye strips away all fantasy and replaces it with reality," T remarks to himself.
[20:28] <@Erad> "I'm sure there's a religious quote from a holy text of Bahamut about the laws of man and something or other, but suffice to say, as long as we're doing good, we're doing good, you know?" Erad says.
[20:29] <@Kotono> "Good enough," T says. OOC: Lemme pause you here, #evil shouldn't run much longer.

[Corwin]

[20:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 88 > [d100=88]
[20:14] <~Kotono> Your trip to the cathedral is unremarkable. It's mid morning, the doors open wide and the sky cloudy. Nonetheless the streets are increasingly free of snow, more people going about despite it being a few degrees below freezing.
01[20:16] <@Annerose> Annerose relishes the cold, in no great rush to reach the cathedral.
[20:21] <~Kotono> You indeed enjoy it, but soon enough you're there. Inside is busy enough, people coming and going. More than even last time. A few who pass you stop to bow or give you the right of way as you enter.
01[20:23] <@Annerose> A smile on her face, Annerose heads in while hoping to chance upon Dawnlord MacGregor.
[20:25] <~Kotono> He's in there but busy, talking to several people. But once you're in and seen, he makes his a pologies and comes over. "I heard the news," he says, "Congratulations!"
01[20:29] <@Annerose> "Thank you," Annerose responds politely. "I was hoping you could give me a few moments of your time, in private?"
[20:33] <~Kotono> You are taken aside and into privacy easily enough. "Yes?"
01[20:34] <@Annerose> "There's only so much I'd like to say in public," Annerose tells him, looking amused. "Celebrating getting a lordship for killing the previous much-deserved owner might be in poor form."
02[20:42] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[20:59] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #evildunes
[21:00] <~Kotono> "Regardless," MacGregor said, "Justice was done."
01[21:01] <@Annerose> "Oh yes," Annerose agress, fingers drumming on a window sill as she gazes outside. "It was an important step forward. But I'm not inclined to stop, Dawnlord."
[21:07] <~Kotono> "What next, then?" MacGregor asks.
01[21:12] <@Annerose> "Those in power in our land fall under three general categories," Annerose responds. "Those who also wish to make life better for its people, the followers and leeches who are drawn to power, and the irredeemably evil who stop themselves from dunking people in molten silver merely because it's wasteful. The first two would be my support, whether as my natural allies or out of a sense of preservation. Or, perhaps, greed? That leaves the third group." She turns to face the Dawnlord. "I'd like your help classifying our nobility, and then your assistance with approaching those whose aid benefits this cause."
[21:16] <~Kotono> "As in a great guid eto them," The Dawlord asks.
01[21:21] <@Annerose> "As a guide," Annerose agrees. "And because Jack Maggen was only the most overt of those few in power whose sins have determined they must die. I've heard of others almost as vile, but a large part comes from gossip. If I'm to act, I need more than that. Are you comfortable with helping me, Dawnlord? In the clearest terms possible, I don't intend to abide nobles who present a cleaner face to the world while abusing and murdering the very people under their care."
[21:24] <~Kotono> "I do," The Dawnlord says, "Lathander's light reveals all, including the shadows people cast. But it will take time to assemble this and do so without incurring suspicion."
01[21:28] <@Annerose> "We have the time. I still need to attend to affairs at Arenel. I haven't left it unattended, but my presence may well accelerate its recovery, especially when backed by the Dynast." She shakes her head in amusement. "I'll also make a few more contacts here before I go. Ah, and speaking of this, I was wondering how I might stay in touch with the capital. In particular, with Lord Househaven. My current idea was the use of Sending, though it would be difficult relying on the services of a hired wizard I could not trust fully. I don't suppose Lathander has some special insights, here?"
[21:29] <~Kotono> "As of now, no. I will pray on it and see if an answer comes. We can manage a few sendings to you, but it's not the best long term solution. If we can find something that doesn't require powerful magic every time, it would be superior."
01[21:32] <@Annerose> Annerose nods. "As with my other plans, I felt it best to get as many second opinions with those I trust as possible." She smiles again. "But enough about that. How have things here been? Is there anything you require? I'm in a position to help things along, if so."
[21:37] <~Kotono> "As of now, no, we are booming," MacGregor says, "Simpyl being affiliated and supported by a Lord will provide a great deal of political protection. So I suppose I betray myself in a few sentences. Offer us your public support."
01[21:39] <@Annerose> "Certainly," she immediately responds. "Either at a time of your choosing in the city proper, or outside. I'll play off whatever you say."
[21:43] <~Kotono> "Tomorrow at our dawn service," MacGregor says, "It need not be long, simply declare that you approve of and favor this church. Doing will declare to all that you an ally and will fight for this church, so many will not try and those that do will try more circumspectly."
01[21:44] <@Annerose> "You've got it~"
[21:44] <~Kotono> "Thank you," MacGregor says and...OOC: Next thing to finish off?
01[21:45] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's see if Lady Silas is feeling better
[21:52] <~Kotono> Lady Silas has a lovely villa in the city. You are escorted and to a patio outside - warm and pleasant despite the snow, no sign of it within. Elegant, wrought iron furniture is about, as well as live, healthy rosevines and roses woven about the outer fencing of the patio. Lady Silas is here, sipping something warm and watching the first snowflakes of an oncoming snowfall. "My Lady," the
[21:52] <~Kotono> servatn that escorts you back clears his throat and bows.
01[21:54] <@Annerose> Annerose waits a few moments to be acknowledged, deciding to base her actions upon that.
[21:57] <~Kotono> Lady Silas rises, "My Lord," she greets you, "Welcome. Please be seated. Would you care for a refreshment?"
01[21:59] <@Annerose> "Yes, thank you," Annerose says as she finds a comfortable spot to sit. "Perhaps the same thing you're having, Lady Silas?"
03[22:09] * Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-76-187-72-129.tx.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[22:10] <~Kotono> "Warmed cider," Lady Silas says, the servant bowing and going off.
01[22:12] <@Annerose> "I hope you're feeling better?" Annerose notes once they're alone. She looks outside at the falling snowflakes, and at a gesture, a pair dance an elaborate waltz through the skies.
[22:15] <~Kotono> "I am, merely a bit of sickness," Lady Silas says.
01[22:19] <@Annerose> "I'm glad to hear that."
[22:20] <~Kotono> "As am I," Lady Silas says, "Yourself? How does your new authority sit with you?"
01[22:21] <@Annerose> "Quite well." Annerose looks amused. "I was hoping to ask whether it counts as proving myself."
[22:24] <~Kotono> "What can I say?" Lady Silas smirks, "It was masterfully played all around."
01[22:27] <@Annerose> Annerose matches that smirk for a brief moment, before complaining, "My one regret is that people call me Lord."
[22:41] <~Kotono> "Oh? Whyever is that?" Lady Silas asks.
01[22:41] <@Annerose> "I like the sound of Lady better, why else?"
[22:49] <~Kotono> Another smirk at that as your cider is brought over. "Unfortunate, but Lordess never caught on."
01[22:50] <@Annerose> Annerose makes a face. "I'll just have to suffer in dignified silence," she says, taking a careful sip. She smiles at the servant who brought it over in gratitude, before returning her attention to Lady Silas.

---

[20:02] <@Kotono> "Such is your dreadful fate," Lady Silas says, "One must endure."
01[20:07] <@Annerose> "I suppose," Annerose agrees, before deciding a bit of directness is in order. "Lady Silas, when we spoke at a reception a short while prior, you mentioned that you, along with like-minded people, had a habit of meeting from time to time? Just a harmless way to pass the time, perhaps share some of the latest gossip?"
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Yes, and of course you're invited now," She says with a coy smile, "Are you interested?"
01[20:24] <@Annerose> "It seems like the right avenue to extend my social circle here at the capital," Annerose responds, asking curiously, "The meetings are informal, I understand? How often do they take place?"
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Every few weeks, the next one is in 11 days," Lady Silas says, "I'm hosting the this time here."
01[20:26] <@Annerose> "How delightful!"
[20:28] <@Kotono> "I trust you'll attend?" Lady Silas asks.
01[20:29] <@Annerose> Annerose smiles at her. "Certainly."
[20:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Good to skip along? This is a bit in the future and I'm trying to get y'all over to Arenel finally.
01[20:30] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes
[20:31] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Anything else that needs to be done before hopping on back?
01[20:32] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's go back

[Corwin]

[20:36] <@Kotono> Soon enough the three of you get together, ready to return one cold but clear morning. OOC: Chance to chat (and see if Erad's back) and then do the teleportation rolls.
01[20:38] <@Annerose> "Before we go," Annerose says, looking over at T, "do we have all the supplies Arenel might need loaded up in the wagon?"
[20:39] <@Kotono> "Yeah," T says, "It's taken care of."
01[20:40] <@Annerose> "Good! I might need to return in ten days or so, but for now I'm ready to head out. Get in the wagon, I'll focus on just outside the gates."
03[20:43] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #dunes
01[20:43] <@Annerose> roll 1d100 I know my return spot outside the gates
[20:43] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d100 I know my return spot outside the gates --> [ 1d100=54 ]{54}
[20:45] <@Kotono> The return is uneventful and you appear there. It's cloudy and snow flurries fall, but it's not nearl yas brutally cold as it was before. The gates are manned and open.
[20:55] <@Kotono> "Finally," T says, starting forward, "So, we going to get set up and smashing some Aurilites?"
[21:01] <@Erad> "Yeah, what is our next step?" Erad asks.
01[21:05] <@Annerose> "We get together with everyone," Annerose responds, "and fill them in on what we managed to achieve at the capital. We'll arrange for the distribution of supplies in the meanwhile, and see if there are any immediate problems to handle."
[21:07] <@Erad> "It's nice to not have to feel like I need to look over my shoulder while we're here." Erad says with a look around anyway.
01[21:08] <@Annerose> Annerose adjusts her dress, taking a seat properly in the wagon itself. "Let's go straight to the palace, I think?"
[21:09] <@Kotono> Things are going - moving, living, a typical winter day in Arenel, you suppose. The trip ot the palace is unremarkable enough, and once within, you're greeted by Helena, "Everyone," she calls as she hurries along.
01[21:10] <@Annerose> "We're back," Annerose says, perhaps needlessly. "Is everything quiet?"
[21:10] <@Erad> "Manage to keep everyone out of trouble?" Erad asks as he stretches.
[21:11] <@Kotono> "Inside the city but not outside," Helena replies, "First of all, Amanna's gone, she was suddenly recalled to Kabath. It was urgent but short on details, and included magical transport. She isn't sure when she'll be back."
01[21:12] <@Annerose> "I'm sorry to hear that. I hoped for a chance to say goodbye, if it came to that."
[21:14] <@Kotono> "She left a short letter," Helena says, "Read it later, it's addressed to all of you."
01[21:14] <@Annerose> Annerose nods. "I will. Now, you mentioned troubles outside the city?"
[21:14] <@Erad> "Hm... in the immediate, then, should we begin another search for someone dedicated to the healing arts once we sort everything else out?" Erad asks.
[21:17] <@Kotono> "Not a bad idea," T says, "We always need healing."
[21:18] <@Kotono> "Yes, Aurilites are raising trouble," Helena sighs a gusty, misty-cold breath. "Attacking, converting, taking away the faithful to their redoubt - which we're still trying to find. Cylen's working on that. Our working theory is that they're preparing an invasion and take over before anything legitimate can happen, including raising an entire army if need b.e"
[21:19] <@Erad> "Pretty sure they're shit out of luck on that, then, yeah?" Erad asks with a look at Annerose.
01[21:19] <@Annerose> "I'm happy to inform you that something legitimate has happened," Annerose tells her with a grin. "You're looking at the new Lord of Arenel. Plus, the Lord-Scion intends to send people to reign the Aurilites in, which should give us plenty of time to organize."
[21:24] <@Kotono> "W-what?!" Helena stares and her jaw drops, "How?!"
[21:24] <@Kotono> "Oh, a little bit of talking and a little bit of the ol' T charm," T says casually, grinning.
01[21:25] <@Annerose> "T wasn't actually there."
[21:29] <@Kotono> Helena still stares, "Still, that changes the entire picture. That makes them rebels, which...."
[21:29] <@Kotono> "Which means its our problem still, but at least we can call them the bad guys from another angle," T points out. "So it's ismple. We find them, we smash them and we move on."
01[21:30] <@Annerose> "Not just rebels, but about-to-be-sanctioned rebels," Annerose muses. "On the one hand, I agreed to let the Lord Scion a chance to deal with them. On the other, you all realize how little love I have for either him or the Aurilites. In fact, so long as I don't personally appear to deal with them I'm even within the letter of his request of me."
[21:34] <@Kotono> "Which was?" Helena cuts in.
01[21:38] <@Annerose> "Like I said. He requested the opportunity to sanction the Aurilites, and get them to toe the line. It was the sort of request you don't deny. However, interpreting it in a way I wish? That's far more feasible." Annerose nods to herself. "We'll figure this out. T, I need you to go with Cylen over our information about the Aurilites to see if you spot any patterns, or a clue to their sanctuary that got missed in all the data. And Helena, once we're done here please arrange for the proper distribution of supplies we brought back from the capital." Annerose thinks for a moment, before asking, "Are the local mages still content to cooperate with us?"
[21:43] <@Kotono> "They are," Helena replies, "The sooner we can find them and stop this, the better."
01[21:45] <@Annerose> "Let's arrange for a formal announcement of my title and responsibilities. Then, immediately after, we can see whether one of them can manage a Sending, so we can stay in touch with our allies at the capital. Erad was right, too. We need to see if there are any priests that we could recruit to keep the populace cared for and healthy. Then, it's a matter of figuring out how to care properly for all those who live in remote communities outside city limits. Have we managed to feed them, at the very least?"
[21:46] <@Kotono> "Our supplies have lasted that long," Helena says. As you talk, Cylen enters, "Good new- ah, you have returned," Cylen nods, hood up as he enters the room. "We have a lead on a possible Aurilite base. Not the base, but a base."
01[21:50] <@Annerose> "How far is it?"
[21:50] <@Kotono> "Several days away. It's an abandoned mine to the southwest," Cylen replies, "Signs of forification as well as inhabitation, as well as a few wintry creatures sighted, such as polar bears and winter wolves."
01[21:54] <@Annerose> "A teleport away, in other words," Annerose muses. "Though I'm a bit confused. Do they really have enough manpower to hold more than a single base?"
[21:56] <@Kotono> "They may very well, if they's gathered reinforcements," Cylen says, "They may have aid from beyond this world. Auril may send helpers to boost the cause."
01[21:58] <@Annerose> "How delightful." With a look at Helena, Annerose asks, "Do you think we need to strike them in force, once we're done with the ceremony?"
[21:58] <@Erad> "Maybe we can pray and get some divine help sent our way too." Erad muses.
[22:00] <@Erad> "I'd like to see their faces if a dragon came down on top of all of them, I admit." He adds.
[22:00] <@Kotono> "I am here," Cylen adds quietly.
[22:01] <@Kotono> "I was thinking all of us could go and clear it out," Helena says, "Deal with it head on, retreat with teleportation if it goes wrong."
01[22:02] <@Annerose> Annerose nods. "Then that's what we'll do. Teleport over, declare them rebels and demand their surrender. The rest should take care of itself."