Chasing Picke 019

[Corwin]

19:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Going to say or do anything, or good to head back to Mellanics?
19:00 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@914C1EE0.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
19:01 <Devar> OOC: we will meet up with Skaya for Operation: save Picke
19:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:06 <•Kotono> Once at town, Picke dismisses you and rides off. IT's not hard to go meet up with Skaya at Sanda's store, the party getting together as night falls...OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
19:07 <Devar> "We can't possibly let him do this, even if he did overstep on his authority." Devar says. "Do you think we can beat him there and maybe smooth things over?"
19:08 <Skaya> "I don't think we should, actually," Skaya admits. "But how about following him anyway, and just breaking him out if he's about to be executed? I don't really mind leaving Laremy afterwards."
19:10 <Devar> "We have a scroll of teleport so we can go wherever. My suggestion of it comes to that is the underwater city, there's plenty of resources there and you guys can go to that treasure place we found." Devar says. "But... well, I'll follow whatever you guys want to do."
19:11 <Skaya> "I think Anne should stay here and pretend she doesn't know anything. We'll leave her to look after Mellanics officially. That works?"
19:11 <Devar> Devar looks over to Anne - it's her decision!
19:12 <•Kotono> Anne's quiet for a time, then sighs long and low. "I'd agree to that, but. If Picke truly wants to sacrifice him for the good of the rest of us, there's no shame in respecting that. Sacrifice is a virtue, not a sin."
19:13 <•Kotono> With a scowl, "It's a waste is what it is, a sacrifice to the ego and idiocy of the noble class here," Rina retorts,  "Picke's been good to us."
19:13 <Devar> "Surely Moore doesn't advocate for people to kill thenselves like this." Devar says. "He's not a martyr - there's no point in his death."
19:13 <Skaya> "I think it's fine for him to sacrifice himself. But since he's doing that without involving me, I'm also free to rescue him from the consequences, no?"
19:15 <Devar> "We've already lost so many to war, I'm not about to let us lose another to peace." Devar says resolutely with a nod to Skaya.
19:16 <•Kotono> "I respect what he's doing, even if I don't like it," Anne answers instead, "I think Picke would say he's being a hero, and he's right. Sometimes a hero is the one who stays behind to cover the retreat, or attracts the ire of those in power so that others can do good freely. But I have no more desire to see Picke perish than you do...but at the same time, if he did betray the trust the Queen
19:16 <•Kotono> put in him, even for the best of reasons, I can't fault a reckoning there, either."
19:16 <•Kotono> "That would sound a lot better if our opinion of Laremy's leadership wasn't in the outhouse," Sanda snarks, "I've heard the Queen's a weak ruler, which may be the real problem."
19:18 <Skaya> "I don't really mind some dirty dealings between nobles. I don't mind if they blame Picke for everything, too. But there are a whole lot of punishments available, and execution is one I don't want to see happen," Skaya says with a frown. "If they love war so much, tear up the document and restart it!"
19:19 <•Kotono> "Before we argue more," It's Rina who cuts in, "I think we're dancing around something important."
19:19 <•Kotono> "Which is?" SAnda inquires, "Do tell, Rina, I'd love to hear what we're missing."
19:19 → Devar_ joined (~Devar@lunarnet-65181883.sub-174-211-99.myvzw.com)
19:19 <Devar_> "I guess it depends a lot on how she views the outcome as a whole. If she sees it as something to celebrate he may not suffer anything."
19:19 <Skaya> "Whether we can do it? How far we're willing to go? How closely we'll follow him? Milla?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "Are we going to stay with Laremy for this entire war, or are we going to go? We're talking about it like it's an option to pack up and leave, and we even have offers to other countries," Rina points at Anne, then Skaya, Sanda and finally Devar. "If we're going to do that, we can just take Picke and let that be our answer."
19:21 ⇐ Devar quit (~Devar@353F62D4.DD8D6C49.5AE48FD2.IP) Ping timeout: 180 seconds
19:21 <Skaya> "I can only speak for myself, Rina, but I want to respect Picke's choices. I'm not going to be forcing him into anything unless the choices of others go against my bottom line. As for that, I'm perfectly fine with agreeing to help with the Eis front in return for his life."
19:23 <Devar_> "We also have that Cornucopia, which we know is going to be invaluable soon." Devar says. "But ultimately... I'll follow your lead, Skaya - Lady Eldath put me on a path with you for a reason, and I won't abandon you - or Picke."
19:24 <Skaya> "It may well be best utilized as we travel during the summer and keep our ears to the ground for the needy," Skaya proposes. "The need of it here is lessened if the war ends quickly."
19:25 <•Kotono> "Either way," Anne says at last, "Of course, if the Queen is reasonable, then all of this doesn't matter."
19:26 <Devar_> He nods. "If we leave, my vote is the Water city to get extra supplies for ourselves. And yes, Anne is also correct. So what are our next steps?"
19:27 <Skaya> "Anne and Milla stay here to keep the Petty Kingdoms honest, and the rest of us travel after Picke?"
19:28 <Devar_> Devar nods.
19:28 <•Kotono> "I can see to my charges as well," Anne agrees, "It's been too long."
19:31 <Skaya> "Do any of you need to pack, or we're good to leave right now?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "I'm fine," Sanda says, as Rina simply nods in agreement.
19:33 <Devar_> "I have everything." Devar says simply.
19:35 <Skaya> "Then let's go! Our horses survived so far!"
19:37 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, so general plans here?
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: Follow in our wagon after Picke. Offer him a ride and assure him we won't get in his way unless he wants us to.
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: If he's too fast, let's just follow in his general direction and see from there
19:39 <Devar_> OOC: if for some reason we need to go super fast we can conjure some phantom horsies
19:39 <Skaya> OOC: We have our own regular horses! They've very good.
19:42 → Devar joined  ⇐ Devar_ quit 
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=62 ]{62}
19:44 <•Kotono> It's a good thing you're vigiliant. Picke leaves in the middle of the night on a fast horse, cloaked and hooded, moving fast. Just him by himself out an eastern gate of the city.
19:47 <Skaya> Time to go!
19:48 <•Kotono> You go out - but you find soldiers are there and close the gate behind Picke. As you approach, "By order the gates are closed at night. Please wait until the morning to leave town," A soldier calls as you approach, bearing a lantern.
19:50 <Skaya> "Fine," Skaya says as she leaves without complaint. "Devar, one of us could quietly fly after him and lead the way later with telepathy. Or we could just go later. Thoughts?"
19:50 <•Kotono> Rina mutters, "He definitely say this coming," she comments.
19:51 <Devar> "It might be too late if we just wait, I think." Devar says. "In theory, we could also have Milla open the gates, I bet they're closed on his orders. Or... can anyone cast Dimension Door?" Devar asks with a smile. "But I can go after him either way if you want."
19:54 <•Kotono> "I have dimensional anchor ready, but not door," Sanda disagrees, "Sorry. BAd luck with the odds there."
19:55 <Skaya> "There's no need to go for complicated plots. Just fly over and tell us the general direction later?"
19:55 <Devar> "I mean he's really only going to be headed to one place, isn't he?" Devar asks. "But yeah, I can follow him and keep you posted." He says, starting to fly up.
19:56 — Skaya settles down to wait. It can't be more than a few hours, and the land is large enough several days of travel would be needed to get anywhere in the north-east. When Picke is forced to rest, they can just keep going and catch up.
20:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me Perception as you fly on, Devar.
20:00 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21
20:07 <•Kotono> You go on for about ten minutes until you spy a horse tied to a tree. Notably, there's no sign of Picke, just his horse sitting there.
20:10 <Devar> Was this all some sort of ruse and he has another method of travel? Devar will relay that back to Skaya, but for now just stay in the air and keep an eye out as best he can.
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception again.
20:11 <Skaya> 'If he truly manages to escape us, good job. I don't want to force things that much with the Guild Master. For now, maybe fly in an expanding spiral pattern a bit before returning to the horse? Come morning we'll try to see if we can track him.'
20:12 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21 again
20:16 <•Kotono> Whatever Picke did to escape, it's solid. Devar doesn't see any traces of him from the air. Be it skill or magic, he seems to have given you the slip, at least for now at night.
20:17 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
20:18 <Devar> Devar will fly down to the horse and cast detect magic - perhaps there's some residual magic in the air that will clue him in, especially if there's a strong aura of Conjuration magic there!
20:20 <Devar> OOC: Spellcraft for 30 if it matters
20:24 <•Kotono> There's no magic on the horse. However, you do find that a simple sheet of paper has been wedged into the horse's saddle, sticking out and quite visible up close.
20:25 <Devar> Devar will take the note to read it to himself and to Skaya.
20:28 <•Kotono> Thus you see: If you're reading this, you did what I'd do in your position. I won't tell you not to follow me because I know you won't listen. Instead, I'll point out that Laremy needs strong heroes for this war and the days beyond. So that even if things go the worst they can, I can shield all of you.
20:29 <Devar> "Well, then you also understand that we can save you from your own self." Devar says to no one in particular. 'I'll bring the horse back with me' he sends to Skaya.
20:29 <Skaya> "Seems like Picke tricked us but at the same time he's fine with us following," Skaya tells Rina and Sanda.
20:30 <•Kotono> Rina mutters something unkind, while Sanda muses, "He predicted us that well?"
20:31 <Skaya> "He has an advantage over us-- well, several, really, but the main one is that he's free to choose and set the battlefield."
20:33 <•Kotono> "He does, and statistically speaking, he has a huge advantage. We don't know if he's faked us in all sorts of ways," Sanda muses, "Which means we just need to choosea nd go, rather than chase our tails."
20:34 <Skaya> "What do you think? Capital or the Eis front? I heard the Queen was at the front, but capital does make more sense."
20:36 <•Kotono> "We go to the Queen," Rina speaks up, "If she's at the front, we head to the front. If Picke knows her well enough to have that sort of authority, he can plead his case to her directly."
20:37 <•Kotono> "That's my own thinking," Sanda admits, "If she's weak, that means she can be manipulated, and not just by people hostile to us."
20:37 <Skaya> "Then let's head for the front. We can pick up on rumors there, and find out if we're on the right trail."
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, then, when is the party leaving? The morning?
20:42 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
20:51 <•Kotono> THus with the morning, the party heads out. The gates are open now and it's a warm, sunny day. As you head out you see the city is emerging - people are out and talking quietly. Half hopeful and half morose, at least on a glance.
20:52 — Skaya doesn't get in their way. Their part of the war is over, she sincerely hopes.
20:57 <Devar> Devar goes with Skaya silently, hoping today has more peace in it than the last few.
21:03 <•Kotono> Hope indeed. Sanda's gaze lingers on them as you go, but there's no real time. Instead you reach the roads and begin to travel onwards and...OOC: Sorry, was a moment. Looking out for anything in particular as you all go?
21:03 <Skaya> OOC: No, we'll just keep our ears open to rumors and make sure to keep watch at night.
21:05 <•Kotono> You make good time, and soldiers begin to give way to farms and roads, and the villages that connect them. You stop for a brief lunch at a small tavern in one of those villages. A  middle aged man runs it and gives you a look, "You there, travelers! Do you come from Mellanics? Does it still hold?" A few people here, farmers and those types on a glance, turn with some interest.
21:06 <Skaya> "Not only does it hold, it'll keep holding! There's cease fire on the southern front!" Skaya cheerfully responds.
21:14 <•Kotono> The clatter of mugs, the scraping of chairs against the ground, "There's peace?" The barkeep says, gray-shot hair tossed as he steps back, "All the word said our brave soldiers suffered setback after setback."
21:14 <•Kotono> Rina smiles a little sadly, "They did the best they could. They were never the problem."
21:17 <Devar> "Hopefully it leads to more peace in the future." Devar says.
21:19 <•Kotono> "Still, peace. MEllanics won't fall," Murmurs go thorugh the people, "Praise be to Tempus. It means victory is closer at hand." However, the barkeep looks on, "That means," he say sslowly, "Did the city surrender?"
21:22 <Skaya> "No. You've heard there was a huge battle where Laremy lost a large amount of soldiers?" Skaya elaborates. She gives them just enough time to recall the event, before she goes on to say, "That prisoner camp got raided, and with thousands of soldiers bolstering the ranks again and a few other factors continuing the war into the winter wasn't worth it for the Petty Kingdoms."
21:24 <•Kotono> A few cheers go up at that, "What hero lead that raid?" The question is raised by one, as another says, "They knew they couldn't do it again and were going to get licked!" A third calls, "Victory!" Meanwhile, the inn keep smiles, "That's the best news I've gotten all month. Sit down and have something on us, good travelers!"
21:25 <•Kotono> "I won't say no to free," Sanda goes and has a seat, "Thank you."
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina joins her, "Whomever did it is a real hero," she says, keeping the smug out of her voice. Mostly.
21:26 <Skaya> "Yes! And that was our very own Milla Knightson, the daughter of the Heroic Guild Leader of Mellanics!"
21:30 <•Kotono> Cheers go up at that, "To Milla Knightson!" And moments later, "I know her father, a real hero! He saved me and my entire herd once! A good family of real heroes of Laremy!"
21:30 <•Kotono> Sanda side eyes Skaya at that, openly amused, but joins in with a toast of, "To heroes!"
21:31 <•Kotono> "To heroes, no matter where they are, and to the Heroic Guild!" Rina joins in, keeping even less smug out of her voice.
21:32 <•Kotono> "You two have the look of them heroes," The tavern keep murmurs as he brings some bread, cheese and fruit over. "Two of you with wings, adn all of you look like the type."
21:32 <Skaya> "To free drinks!"
21:36 <•Kotono> With that cheers go up and food comes for free. The entire mood is high and bright, and you depart in good spirits. Once out and back on the road, "I wonder if they'll be as happy when they see what we gave up for it?" Sanda muses aloud.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Probably, or at least happy that they aren't in danger of occupation," Rina says as she rides, "That will do any day."
21:37 <Devar> "It isn't as if the cities that got traded are going to be burnt down." Devar says.
21:38 <Skaya> "Given it was seized only thirty years ago it's just a fact of life. The Eis war is the decisive one."
21:41 <•Kotono> "That's the one we need to win, preferably before winter," Rina remarks, "If we get sucked into this, got a clever plan, Skaya?
21:41 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, Id hope Devar can talk some peace into them if that happens," Sanda comments, waving her hand in his direction.
21:42 <Skaya> "This time, I want to learn the facts on the ground before committing. If some noble here caused it, we might resolve this grudge."
21:45 <•Kotono> "We might," Is the agreement, as you begin to travel onward and forwards.
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}

[Corwin]

18:50 <•Kotono> Onward. The party continues east and slowly north. Two days of travel pass uneventfully. On the third day, under a sky promising rain soon, you come to a road barricade. Soldiers man it, a few dozen including mounted knights with lance and a few archers as support. It's on fairly flat ground, not too far past a small river bridge (not a collapsing one, thankfully.) The line of travelers slows
18:50 <•Kotono> here, each one being inspected carefully. Even from a distance it's not hard to tell that's what happening, a merchant's wagon being searched by soldiers, the angry merchant silent in the face of armed men.
18:52 <•Kotono> Sanda peers ahead, "A checkpoint? I suppose there's worry of infiltrators."
18:54 <Devar> "I doubt we'll get held up here for very long." Devar says. "Given who we are."
18:55 <Skaya> "But all the same, better to have you take the lead," Skaya tells Devar.
18:56 <Devar> He nods and will move to the front of their group!
18:57 <•Kotono> Rina nods, rubbing her forehead as you go. It's mostly just waiting, and soon enough. "You there," Devar gets greeted, "Mandatory inspections due to the war. You should be on your way soon." As soldiers get to work, going for the wagon, "Do you have anything to declare or that we should know of?"
18:59 <Devar> "No sir." Is the simple answer to the soldiers with a nod to them.
19:02 <•Kotono> "Good," Rina and Sanda step back and away, letting the soldiers work. As they do, "Dire news from Mellanics - the city surrendered in some manner. All because of treachery from the south," A sour grunt, "Of course we know they'll send spies north now, to undermine us against Eis."
19:03 <•Kotono> Sanda glances over, "The odds of us being spies is zero, just so you know."
19:03 <•Kotono> The soldier, a taller man with a squinty gaze, grunts and rubs his head, mussing up his hair. "Most spies we catch are women." Sanda gets a long look, "People tend to overlook them. No offense, ma'am."
19:03 <Devar> "War is always complicated." Devar says.
19:04 <•Kotono> Sanda actually smiles at that, "Really? Someone's smarter than average. Though Devar's right, war is complicated."
19:04 <•Kotono> That gets a flicker and a glance at Devar, "Did you say Devar?"
19:04 <Devar> He raises a hand in greeting. "That's me."
19:07 <•Kotono> "
19:08 <•Kotono> "It must be a coincidence," The soldier decides, "I heard a tale of a man named Devar, along with others, in Daresl..an..." His voice trails off as he takes in Skaya, Rina and then Sanda.
19:08 <•Kotono> Sanda smiles and makes a little wave with her hand, "Unlikely that it's a coincidence, isn't it?"
19:09 <Skaya> "Hello," Skaya greets the soldier. "What are the odds, right?"
19:09 <Devar> "We don't try and make a big deal out of it." Devar says with a smile.
19:10 <•Kotono> "Boys, pack it up," The soldier calls, "These are the heroes of Dareslan! I even recognize the wilder stories, and look, that's not armor, those are real wings!" A point at Skaya and then Devar. "They're good, true men and women of Laremy." Cheers go up from the soldiers as Devar gets a clasp on the shoulder, "We won't waste your time with this, sir. I'm sure you're needed to help against Eis.
19:10 <•Kotono> Sorry to slow yo udown."
19:11 <•Kotono> "Wiped Welland's butt when they couldn't even figure it out," One other soldier calls, "Great work!"
19:12 <•Kotono> "Showed them how Laremy is," Another laughs, "Real wings, too! Real strong magic."
19:12 <Devar> "No apologies are needed. You're doing your jobs, just as we are." Devar says, giving them all nods and smiles. "Keep up your own work - keep the people safe."
19:13 <•Kotono> With that, the party is waved right through. Once past and out of earshot, "You'd think everything would be more of a tell," Rina murmurs, "But Sanda and I aren't as obvious as you two. Or Anne sine she sometimes starts to float without thinking about it."
19:14 <Skaya> "It's the wings. They're really great!"
19:15 <Devar> "Well, we also don't go around announcing ourselves as 'The great heroes of Dareslan and Laremy! Behold our wonder!' or anything like that." Devar says. "And I'm glad we don't."
19:15 <Skaya> "The great heroine of Laremy is Milla, anyway."
19:18 <•Kotono> "She did a lot to hold things together for us to arrive," Rina says, "I have a bad feeling that if she hadn't been there, we would have arrived too late."
19:19 <•Kotono> "Even if so," Sanda disagrees, "That raid was the turning point, and honestly, from what you've said, Skaya's quick thinking to let that one, far weaker noble free instead of Hans to negotiate."
19:21 <Skaya> "I dislike the necessity of such a raid but it did work out surprisingly well," Skaya muses. "Now let's not ever do anything like that again."
19:22 <Devar> Devar nods. "I'm sure it had nothing to do with it, but I have to wonder if the Other Milla somehow had any impact on this one." A shake of his head. "I'd like to go back and visit her someday, maybe once we've sorted out this pending issue."
19:24 <•Kotono> "If she's even awake," Sanda muses, "But let's win this war first and see to the peace."
19:24 <•Kotono> OOC: Good to move along?
19:24 <Devar> OOC: yar
19:25 <Skaya> OOC: sure
19:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=79 ]{79}
19:33 <•Kotono> Onwards. More days pass as you approach Bluehill, but too northernly to pass through it. The countryside is tense but quiet - no problems, and soldiers enougha round to seemingly fend off any problems. That is, until one morning you come to a small town - or maybe a large village. Enough to have a town square, but through the sunlight you can see something. Everyone's gathered there, around
19:33 <•Kotono> what looks to be a gallows.
19:34 <Skaya> "What's going on?" Skaya asks curiously as she approaches to take a look.
19:35 <Devar> Devar frowns, but will follow Skaya over.
19:39 <•Kotono> Rina is tense as Sanda simply follows. Well over a hundred people are here as half a dozen are marched up to the gallows. A dirty group of men and women in pauper's clothes, ranging from middle aged to young men and women. Boos rain down, some rotten fruit thrown for good measure. A woman turns, "They took money to give aid to a fugitive Eis soldier. It's said the soldier only escaped justice
19:39 <•Kotono> thanks to them. The entire Plantier family," She spits to the side, "Traitors."
19:44 <Devar> Devar frowns even more at hearing about this, but he looks over to Skaya to see how and if she wants to intervene.
19:44 <•Kotono> Rina steps forward, "Tell me more," she insists, voice low.
19:45 <•Kotono> "That fugitive murdered three good soldiers in his escape from captivity, and another when he fled from the Plantiers," She answers, "I knew that man, Jennie's son from Whistlebrook. Their blood is on their hands."
19:47 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, as the family is put into the nooses, a round, short man waddles up to the stage and declares, in a booming voice, "Good citizens of Laremy and of Willow Brook! Today we bear the solemn responsibility of seeing the Queen's justice be done!"
19:47 <Skaya> "How were they caught?" Skaya asks even as she looks over the family. Are there kids? Because they can't be responsible for any decisions.
19:47 <•Kotono> No, the youngest looks perhaps 20. They look scared more than anything else.
19:48 <•Kotono> "The soldiers followed the trail back, Robert Plantier - the patriach - confessed under interrogation." Is the answer, "To everything. They knew, but gold was more important to them."
19:49 — Skaya nods and says her thanks before thinking to Devar through their rings of telepathy, 'Up to you. You can beg the authorities for clemency and life imprisonment.'
19:51 <Devar> Devar takes a breath in and out and looks over at them for a long while - before he looks around for someone who looks to be in charge in some capacity.
19:54 <•Kotono> All eyes are on the fat man on stage. He continues, "They sold the life of Alan, son of Jennie and Viren, for gold stolen from good citizens of Laremy. This is high treason. Treason agains the crown, treason against the nation and treason against every one of you here. For such there can be only one punishment."
19:55 <•Kotono> Sanda's expression has tightened, b ut Rina? She simply looks to both of you, a question unspoken, hand towards her sword.
19:58 <Devar> Devar will take to the air to fly over the crowd - probably garning some shouts, but move to land about 15 feet in front of the fat man on stage. "Please - wait a moment." Devar says, raising his voice. "I do not intend to argue the facts of their crimes, or the needfulness of punishment for acts of treason." He begins, turning to gesture at the people gathered. "I only ask for one thing for
19:58 <Devar> them - that you to not end their lives needlessly. Lives spent in repentence can be put to use for the kingdom and country - lives lost, especially after this war has already taken so many, leads only to more tragedy."
20:02 <•Kotono> Devar gets cries and gasps for certain, but silence falls at his words. Shock, disbelief. The fat man gapes, mouth open uselessly as he stares in complete shock. "A f-flying E-Eldathian?!" he sputters at last, pointing at Devar. "W-what is the meaning of this?!"
20:03 <•Kotono> Sanda approaches Skaya, and in a bare whisper, "Not my choice, but tell me if you need me. Don't like the odds of the crowd not getting ugly."
20:03 <•Kotono> Of them all, the youngest looks on at Devar in open hope, "Please," he gasps out, voice desperate.
20:04 <Devar> "I speak only for myself, not as anyone with any authority." Devar says. "Simply as I am - Devar of Eldath, asking that lives not be taken needlessly."
20:05 <Skaya> "A single Eldathan making a plea for clemency is our best play here," Skaya whispers to Sanda and Rina. "We can't pressure the official with numbers, or it'll backfire."
20:09 <•Kotono> "O-on what grounds should they be spared?!" The fat man blusters, waving, "Look at what they did. They betrayed everyone here!"
20:12 <Devar> "I already explained that. Lives led in repentence are more value to everyone - to the community, to the kingdom." Devar says. "If you want me to beg for their lives and grovel, I don't mind, if that will sate your anger towards them. Yes, they betrayed everyone here - for coin, for belief - it matters not - but everyone should have an opportunity to do better. There's no one in this world
20:12 <Devar> who's never made a mistake, and no one who couldn't be made better by a chance to fix those mistakes. Some of us never get a chance to change, but give these people that opportunity."
20:13 <Skaya> "Death is too easy!" Skaya calls out from behind the crowd, throwing her voice. "Let them pay for their sins for their entire lives!"
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: Bluff? Sleight of Hand?
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: That's an interesting one. Let's call it Bluff for now, sure.
20:15 <Skaya> roll 1d20+22+7 inspiration!
20:15 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+22+7 inspiration! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{31}
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a diplo check here, Devar. +3 bonus from Skaya shenanigans.
20:16 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for, ironically, also 31
20:18 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
20:22 <•Kotono> The sputters from the man only intensify. People look to and fro to try and find the voice that spoke, Yet Skaya's ruse seems a success, as instead one of the Plantier's - a young woman - calls, "It was a mistake! Please, mercy!"
20:23 <•Kotono> "Devar of Eldath is a hero's name," Another voice calls from the crowd, "That wandering bard spoke of him!"
20:23 <•Kotono> More murmurs at that, an intensity of them. "No one can trust a traitor," The fat man retorts, "Ever again!"
20:24 <Devar> "I do not ask that you trust them, or forgive them. Punish them for life if you feel you must until you see they have made amends." Devar says.
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: You didn't get immediately booed off or thrown off. Diplo again, -10 penalty. G'luck.
20:34 <Skaya> 'Offer to take administer their punishment and be their jailor?' Skaya proposes to Devar, as things don't seem to be going the right way.
20:36 <Devar> "If you wish, I'm willing to be their custodian." Devar says. "Knowing that they've been taken away from here and you all no longer have to deal with it."
20:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 still rolling on the diplo though as asked
20:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 still rolling on the diplo though as asked --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
20:36 <Devar> OOC: I mean, of course
20:39 <•Kotono> "That's impossible! Treason! High treason!" The man declares, "They hang! Anything else would be an affront to the Queen's justice!"
20:43 <Devar> "Why is it impossible?" Devar asks. "Is my justice and following the law something you do not trust?"
20:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
20:43 <•Kotono> The man glowers, bristles at that. The crowd's murmuring more and more, "Why do you care? They're traitors!"
20:46 <Devar> "Have you listened to a single word I've said?" Devar asks. "I care because their lives have greater value to you and to this country if they're alive and given the opportunity to repent for their crimes." He stands a little taller now in this moment. "Why are you so intent on their deaths?"
20:46 <Skaya> "Put them to good use!" Skaya calls out again, to try and get the crowd on Devar's side. "Dead is dead, make them pay for their crimes! Make them work!"
20:46 <Skaya> OOC: Bluff 10 for 32 to support Devar here, crowd-wise
20:52 <•Kotono> The man looks on in stunned incomprehension, "Because they're traitors! Good men of Laremy died because of them," he shouts, red faced. Angry. "I didn't serve in the army to see our proud nation betrayed for coins!"
20:55 <•Kotono> "W-we were desperate," The elder man cries, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please, at least let the young ones go."
20:56 <Devar> "If your wish is to see them suffer and pay for their crimes, then give them to me and I will take care of it." Devar says. "Death as a punishment relieves them of their burdens - is that what you want? To give them the 'easy' way out? Like I said, I will take care of it and you can believe they will spend the rest of their lives repenting for this."
21:00 <•Kotono> OCO: Okay, give me one last diplo check, +1 circumstance.
21:02 <Devar> OOC: In that case I will take 10 for 29!
21:04 <•Kotono> Somehow, despite the sputtering, the man backs down. If only because he eyes you long and with disgust, but the crowd is getting ansty. "I can't stop you," he spits out, "Can I?"
21:07 <Devar> "This isn't about that." Devar says. "Only ultimately doing what is best for the kingdom."
21:14 <•Kotono> The man gets a narrow gaze on you before at last, "Then if it's what's best for the kingdom, Robert Plantier hangs," he points at the patriarch, "He took the gold, he made the deal directly and was responsible for it above all others."
21:16 <Devar> Devar looks over at the fat man - is he wearing any particular symbols of faith?
21:17 <•Kotono> He is not. Just a slightly nicer outfit than the others around here. Meanwhile, the man pointed at says, "Let...let them go and I'll hang. At least spare them if not me."
21:18 <Devar> "Sir - do you revere any particular deity?" Devar asks the fat man. "I'm not trying to plea with them for you, but I wish to make sure I include them in what I'm about to say."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Tempus, I follow the right ways," he says, "I may not look it, but I was once a warrior." He bangs his fist against his chest. "I know war."
21:21 <Devar> Devar inclines his head in respect. "Then, Robert Plantier - do you agree - in front of both a believer of Eldath, the lady of Peace, and Tempus, the lord of War, that you take upon you full responsibility - including all sins you have commited - onto yourself? You take full blame, full unerstanding, of what you've done?"
21:21 <•Kotono> Meanwhile the crowd watches the spectacle hanging on the words now that voice throwing no longer confuses them.
21:22 <•Kotono> "I already did when I confessed," he admits openly, "I let gold blind me. I would have done it again to try and advance my family's lot."
21:24 <Devar> "Then with your death may the rest of your family know peace, in a time of war and healing." Devar says. He turns to the other man. "Is that acceptable to you?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "Fine, hero," He spits the word out, but doesn't argue. With a gesture the rest are freed - and with an angry snap, gestures with a sharp cutting motion to the man by Robert. "Do your duty," You have time to see Robert close his eyes before a lever is pulled, his feet drop and there's a horrid little snap.
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina winces and looks away.
21:27 <•Kotono> Sanda does not. She shakes her head slowly, "That his family lives on is a mercy to him."
21:28 <Devar> Devar says a prayer - to both Eldath and Tempus - in this moment, to help guide someone blinded by greed to a better place, in the name of both peace and war itself.
21:28 <•Kotono> The older woman - gray haired and quietly weeping, still approaches you. "Thank you, lord Devar," She kneels, "Thank you, thank you. Oh...oh...oh Robert, you fool..."
21:29 <•Kotono> The fat man glowers, "Give them a moment and march them off. They'll work hard, no doubt about it," he declares, "Make you wish for death as the mercy he painted it as."
21:29 <Skaya> It's a reasonable sentence for the crime and the man pretty much admitted his guilt. Aiding an enemy soldier in a war? But the family shouldn't be implicated, so Skaya is curious how Devar will handle this. Bring them over as prisoners on paper?
21:31 <Devar> "Stand, madam." Devar says, helping her up. "Come, there will be time for that later. Let's get you and the rest out of here." He hasn't actually thought too far in the future, but at least getting them out of the crowd before anyone gets any smart ideas is best!
21:34 <•Kotono> The family, stumbling and teary, follow Devar. Fortunately his luck holds, no one is willing to challenge him. So Devarleads them out. Now what?
21:38 <Devar> He lets out a bit of a breath once they're far enough away. "Whew. Sorry to get you all wrapped up in that, but I just can't abide by that sort of punishment." He says, thrn turns to the rest of the family. "You guys tell me if you think you agree with this idea - I think we buy them a horse or two and get them to go back to Mellanics. That town needs hard workers right now, and I think they
21:38 <Devar> can re-establish themselves working to make the city a better place, especially for those who are suffering after the war. I hear there's an orphanage there that likely could use some fresh faces to help."
21:39 <Skaya> "Or we could travel together," Skaya points out. "It's probably safer."
21:40 <Devar> "If you want, I didn't want to just put that on everyone since this was my choice to involve myself." Devar says.
21:41 — Skaya snorts. "I did support you from the start, you didn't force me into anything. Sanda and Rina were for it, too."
21:42 <Devar> He smiles. "Well, if you want to have them along for now, we can figure it out as we go." He says.
21:42 <•Kotono> With that, words come...next time! OOC: That was not the expected resolution to a one off event and it's about time anyway, so I need time to reload and figure this out. So it lines up extremely well.

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> "We-we owe you our lives," The woman says, as the younger ones look on in quiet awe. "Whatever you want is f-fine," she wipes at her eyes, "I'm just, it's just...oh Robert," she mewls softly.
19:06 <•Kotono> "Mom," A young woman comes and hugs her from behind, sniffling.
19:08 <Skaya> Picking sides in a war is risky. The best they can really do is ensure there is no collateral damage.
19:09 <•Kotono> "Odds are it's best they travel with us, rather than risk the roads." Sanda finally speaks up, "But it's your problem, Devar."
19:09 <Devar> "Don't worry, just rest in there." Devar says. "You've all had a rather long day and probably need to try and relax - though I know that will be hard." To Sanda he nods. "Yes, for now that's probably for the best, we can figure out the specifics later."
19:13 <•Kotono> Rina leads them back and in. Once in there she steps out, and murmurs in al ow voice to you, "Let them grieve in peace," she says, "I'll keep half an eye on them just in case this was a mistake."
19:15 <Skaya> "Let me know if you need help," Skaya tells her just as quietly.
19:15 <Devar> Devar nods and will do just that, taking to the sky to keep an eye on things from there as they continue on.
19:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:19 <•Kotono> OOC: And no bot, I rebooted last night. One sec.
19:21 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@22FFF5BB.ADE2A815.273521D5.IP)
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
19:25 <•Kotono> You travel past Bluehill to your south and onward. Another quiet day - the family mostly keeps to themselves for now, dealing. But that morning? Under a deceptively bright and cheerful blue sky, you see a small group approach. Other travelers stand aside, for it's a dozen horse back riders, lead by a figure in full body plate armor and helmet.  As Sanda guides the horses to do the same, "Stop
19:25 <•Kotono> there! We look for travelers from the Heroic Guild of Mellanics, and you fit the description of them." The armored figure says, a woman's voice.
19:26 <Skaya> "You've found them, then!" Skaya responds from where she's perched on top of the carriage.
19:27 <Devar> Devar, for his part, will stay on the ground near the wagon itself.
19:33 <•Kotono> "You're commanded to travel to the city of Laremy to participate in the trial of Picke Knightson," Is the rider's words, "We are to escort you with all haste."
19:34 <Skaya> "Not to the border?" Skaya asks in surprise. "Is the Eis front so strong that it doesn't need reinforcement?"
19:37 <•Kotono> "Her Majesty has decided that the brief time to settle this is worth attention," The armed warrior says, "Are your horses fast? If not, we can replace them and have those horses quartered safely elsewhere."
19:38 <Skaya> "They're certainly fast, but we only have the two," Skaya admits.
19:40 <•Kotono> "We'll provide more," Is the brisk answer, "Come. There's no time to waste with a war going on."
19:41 <Skaya> "Alright," Skaya acquiesces. In a sense, this is what they've meant to do, just faster.
19:48 <•Kotono> Indeed. As you all fall in, the rider lingers, "Melissine Northgate," she introduces herself as they ride, tapping her chest. An emblem of a barred gate is there, heraldry drawn into her armor. "You've gotten her Majesty's attention, or perhaps your heroism is a bright spot amid the trial before us."
19:48 <Skaya> "Skaya," she responds for her part, allowing the others to introduce themselves. "A pleasure, even under such circumstances."
19:49 <Devar> "Devar of Eldath." He greets her.
19:51 <•Kotono> "Rina," Rina introduces, "And that' Sanda over there. Also, we have a few traveles with us in the wagon, but they're in mourning."
19:52 <•Kotono> "A mild complication," Melissine comments as she rides on, your pace brisk, "I had heard stories that you have a healer with you as well?"
19:53 <Skaya> "She selflessly works to care for the local orphans," Skaya explains. "If you need anyone healed, Devar can help!"
19:54 <Devar> "I'm not as adept at it as her but I can help." He says.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Good, you'll find use at the capital and at the front. There's always need for such things in war," Is the answer you get back.
20:00 <Skaya> Since she's not pushing for Anne there's no crisis at the capital, health wise. That's good!
20:00 <•Kotono> Sanda frowns, "The front? I thought we were going to the capital city?"
20:02 <•Kotono> "Her Majesty needs all good men and women of Laremy now," Melissine comments briskly, "I imagine you'll be commissioned into service once the trial is over by royal edict."
20:03 <Devar> Devar doesn't say anything - he just keeps pace with the others.
20:06 <•Kotono> There's a silence after that - tight and tense, but neither Rina or Sanda elect to break it right now. With that, the party proceeds onward, setting a pace for Laremy proper.
20:06 <•Kotono> OOC: More.
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=54 ]{34}
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{54}
20:13 <•Kotono> A few more days of travel pass. Quiet, focused on progress, but you make headway. With excellent speed you soon approach Laremy City, the capital of Laremy. It's a large city, sprawl kept in check by rings of walls, each bigger than the last. In the center is not the core of the town, or a mere castle. It is a massive fortress, a huge thing overscaled and overmade. It is like an onion, with
20:13 <•Kotono> the oldest core surrounded by laers of newer castle built outwards. As you ride up towards the gates into the city, "Welcome to Laremy City. Ahead you can see Maldaen Castle, the seat of the royal family."
20:14 <Devar> Devar wonders if they're going to notice what Sanda's wearing and ask for it back while they're here.
20:14 <Skaya> "I've never been here before, so it's an amazing sight!" Skaya chirps. "Are we going to the castle?"
20:19 <•Kotono> Rina follows as Sanda takes it all in. "It's impressive. The castle looks like it's been expanded?"
20:20 <•Kotono> "Yes, to meet the Queen," Is the answer, "The castle has been. It's tradition for each king or queen to expand it in some way. Some choose to build higher, others choose to engulf more of Laremy City and force the city to expand outwards ast he castle grows in size."
20:21 <Skaya> "How long has this tradition been going on?" Skaya asks curiously.
20:23 <•Kotono> "Since King Albert the First," A thoughtful hum from your minder,  "Something to do in between wars."
20:24 <Skaya> "What's the newest expansion, then?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "Queen Ellaine has expanded the basements as well as begun plans to build upward above the Queen Marine wing, though those have been stalled by the war." A tsk, "We'll take it out of the hide of Eis."
20:29 <Skaya> "Ah, speaking of the war. Do you know how it started? I'm afraid we were abroad hunting a mass murderer at the time."
20:36 <•Kotono> "You don't know?" A surprisingly long pause after that, "I was under the impression you were aware."
20:37 <Skaya> "Only in general terms, not the actual details," Skaya explains. "And once we've returned, the southern invasion was more imminent."
20:41 <•Kotono> "I see." There's a moment, "That's curious, but I suppose your trials in Welland explain it neatly."
20:42 <Devar> "We didn't really have a lot of time to dig into anything." Devar echoes Skaya's sentiment.
20:42 <Skaya> "Plus Welland is not exactly a bosom ally of Laremy, so any information found there should be taken with a grain of salt, wouldn't you agree?"
21:14 <•Kotono> "They are not," Agreement there, a small laugh. "I grew up learning to prepare for war with them, and how to stop their advances cold."
21:14 <Skaya> "So how about it? Can you share the details about the spark that started this war?"
21:16 <•Kotono> A little nod to that, "Do you know nothing of it at all?"
21:16 <Skaya> "Just that there was some border clash."
21:21 <•Kotono> "There was. The forces of Eis pushed the border, attacked our scouting elements and then invited an outright battle. From there..." A simple murmur, "War. I've heard Eis claims their scouts were massacred," A scoff, "But they lie in war to seduce others to help them."
21:22 <Devar> Devar's still pretty sure the entire situation was a false flag operation, but at this point even if that were the case there's nothing to do about it.
21:23 <Skaya> "Who was in charge of our defenses at the border at the time?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "The town of Watch and Earl Watch, as well as his family and forces," She responds, "Unfortunately, Earl Watch perished shortly in the war, and now Countess Watch oversees such matters, though has been subsumed by royal authority due to the war."
21:26 <•Kotono> "Why the difference in ranks?" Rina comments at that, "Why not Count Watch and Countess Watch?"
21:27 — Skaya is actually curious why it's not a margrave, but maybe Laremy doesn't have that noble rank? Semantics, anyway.
21:28 <•Kotono> "A female earl is a countess," Melissine chuckles again, voice warming as you rid eto the gates. The soldiers guide you past the line and the group is waved through. "There's no earless or similiar rank, all females who would hold the title of earl are given the title of countess instead. There's no difference in authority or loss of it."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Fascinating," Sanda quips, "So when we solve everything and get noble rank, I'll be a countess."
21:29 <Skaya> "Her Majesty is here, however, so royal authority suggests someone executing her will?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Yes, the Countess as well as Sir Bluehill are there," Into the streets. Busy, winding streets. All are wide, enough for several horses to stride through at a good clip. "I believe several special officers of the Queen are there as well ,so the situation is in good hands."
21:35 <•Kotono> A snort from Rina, too loud to ignore. Instead, "Do you draw offense at them?"
21:36 <•Kotono> "I do, or at least one special agent of the crown," Rina adds, "One who saw me tortured for no reason and no gain, simply to applease his ego."
21:36 — Skaya just stares at Rina.
21:38 <•Kotono> Rina takes a breath, "I say this not to offend, but that if I'm going to see the Queen, I'm going to ensure that she knows one of her chosen envoys grossly misused his powers."
21:39 <•Kotono> To her credit, Sanda matches that stare.
21:39 <•Kotono> "Bold words to speak of someone the Queen trusted with power," Your guide comments, "You're willing to risk much for this, hero?"
21:40 <Devar> "Solving injustices is important to do." Devar says. "But perhaps we should focus on our main goal for right now."
21:40 <Skaya> It would be really good if there was only the one. After all, that's one of the big weaknesses of centralized monarchy. But at least Skaya is smart enough not to say it or show that she's thinking this on her face.
21:41 <•Kotono> "I won't let him go on and abuse that power on others." Rina promises, "If he's a special envoy, he's held to a higher standard. And I know Devar, but I won't waste this chance, either. If I save even one person from his stupidity and malice, then it's words well spent."
21:41 <Devar> "Do your best to control your anger over the situation. You don't need to burn everything around you for one person, all right?"
21:42 <•Kotono> At that there's a crackle of fire, Rina's hair ablaze briefly. "I won't," she says, as a few cries from nearby come. "I'm not angry, I'm focused."
21:43 <Devar> "Just don't burn the forest down." Devar says with a smile.
21:44 <•Kotono> "I see. May I suggest you study timeliness and proper comportment?" The words aren't quite cold, but not friendly. "Has this envoy grossly violated the Queen's trust, then well and good he's brought to heel. Do that again and you may well have your head decorate the castle's battlements. A special envoy deserves honor and respect, as they have the trust of the Queen."
21:44 — Skaya gives Melissine a helpless half-shrug.
21:45 <•Kotono> "And that isn't a threat, fire blooded," Shea dds after, "It's advice. Good advice. Take it and heed it well."
21:47 <•Kotono> Rina goes quiet. "I'm sorry." she says, "My anger sometimes burns hotter these, or maybe I've gotten tired of holding it in."
21:47 <•Kotono> *these days
21:48 — Skaya flies over to Melissine's side, asking her casually, "So are your orders to have all of us pay our respects to Her Majesty?"
21:49 <•Kotono> "Yes, with all due haste," Is the answer, "You're heading straight to the throne room after a brief opportunity to clean away the stain of the roads.."
21:50 <Skaya> "I don't suppose there's any leeway in those orders? Because it sounds like you want all of us to speak."
21:58 <•Kotono> "You'll likely be called on to do that," She muses, "Why, does that require preparation and time?"
21:59 <Skaya> "...yes! Let's go with that. Can we just say that Sanda and Rina need to prepare and brush up on etiquette and just quietly leave them behind unless absolutely necessary?"
22:03 <•Kotono> "I'm afraid not, my orders are to present all of you, or at least as many as I found." She looks up, "We have a little time as we ride towards the castle. I suggest you four brush up on etiquette."
22:05 <Skaya> "Understood!" Skaya flies over to Sanda, then, and asks her, "What are our chances of getting through this without a faux pas, statistically speaking?"
22:06 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking?" Sanda lowers her voice, "I'm more likely to be crowned the next Queen, unless you or Devar know more etiquette than I expect."
22:08 <Skaya> "I actually do because I dabble in everything," Skaya responds. "As for the rest, there's actually a trick! It's where you apologize, say you're not sure, and promise to look into it if asked anything. It works so well! And while facing nobility or royalty you just need to be extra respectful and use the correct title."
22:10 <•Kotono> "And," Cutting in, Melissine does add to that, "Wisdom is knowing to shut up and keep your mouth shut, to be crudely blunt about it. Only speak when you need to."
22:11 <Devar> "I'm pretty sure Skaya and I can manage." Devar says.
22:12 <•Kotono> "Then let us go," Is the instruction, as...OOC: Going to tell the others anything or prep at all for this, or just go?
22:12 <Skaya> "But if asked a direct question you really have to use my formula," Skaya insists. "Well, worst case I'll just respond in your place and then it'd be my fault and not yours."
22:12 <Skaya> OOC: Let's cram a bit about noble titles at least and the local people of note
22:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Sounds good. We'll go into that more....next time!

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Kotono> Through the streets - a thong of people and soldiers. The quiet buzz and worry of war. You pass by corners where armored men and women stand. "War! War is here! Those of good Laremy blood, come and answer the call of Tempus for WAR! Defend ourselves from Eis's aggressive treachery!" You hear this shouted as you go by, always at least a few people lingering. Melissine glances at them as she
19:03 <•Kotono> goes, and as if making conversation casually, "Her Majesty doesn't have to order them to do that, but they understand what they need to do without being told."
19:04 <Devar> Devar stays particularly silent during this part of the trip.
19:05 <Skaya> Well, it is a war. Tempus should be happy.
19:05 <•Kotono> Sanda does as well, eyes lingering. Rina shakes her head, "And it makes the Tempus's followers all the more useful to the crown, doesn't it?
19:06 <•Kotono> "Naturally," Your guide agrees as you ride past another. "Influence flows uphill towards power."
19:10 <•Kotono> Rina doesn't answer. Her expression is thoughtful as she mulls that over, but on you ride. Street after street. Each inner wall is a checkpoint to pass, guarded and maintained. From houses to shops, to guild halls and closer to the castle, temples. Each a large building, each well maintained. "This is the Castle's Shadow, and where by tradition all temples are built, then pushed out when
19:10 <•Kotono> expansion of Maldaen Castle mandates it. The greater gatherings have their own temples, and the smaller ones divide up temples for shared use."
19:10 — Skaya prevents herself from laughing helplessly, presenting only a politely curious appearance. The two who should absolutely not talk did not take that advice to heart one bit!
19:11 <Skaya> "Who belongs to the greater gatherings?" she asks.
19:11 <•Kotono> Somehow Sanda stays quiet as well. Rina hmms, "I'll have to look into this when I have some time," she says, thoughtfully.
19:16 <•Kotono> "Several. I don't know them all offhand, but I know the Warheart is here, for Tempus, with lesser wings for the Red Knight and Garagos." She gestures, "Lathander, Selune, Oghma have temples. Mystra, Waukeen. Many of those who came from the Godsrush have shared temples, as there are several groups: The Cauldron, Sylica, Hope's Landing and others. Others do not but have presence: Chauntea I
19:16 <•Kotono> understand is one. Tyr, Ilmater and the like are also well received, and there is a library-temple to one known as Erathaol.""
19:17 <•Kotono> Shaking her head in thought as she rides, "The last I only know of because I once had reason to seek entry. They are secretive, but not a secret as much as," She considers, "Quiet."
19:19 <Skaya> Maybe they should've called for Anne... but maybe that won't matter. "Because you don't want to run a nation through prophecy?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "You know of them?" A note of unhidden surprise in Melissine's voice, "I'm surprised, few do. That library, something is strange of it. Too quiet, too unnoticed even where it is. Not even the bard's whispers and innkeep's fancies about it."
19:21 <Skaya> "I'm well-read. Never met one before, though. Never even imagined I'd be able to run into one here."
19:22 <•Kotono> Melissine nods, "You know of it now, and that is enough. We are grateful, heroes." Her words are different for a moment, deeper, then she blinks and rides on, undisturbed.
19:23 <•Kotono> Rina's entire posture changes in an instant, alert. She doesn't say a word, but instead turns to Skaya and Devar. "Did she...?" she mouths to them.
19:24 — Skaya nods at Rina.
19:25 <•Kotono> Rina nods back and murmurs, "Later," and ride son.
19:25 <Devar> Devar nods as well, following along.
19:28 <•Kotono> At last, the castle gates. They open wide, a grand entrance into a court yard. Stone paths, down corridors and off horses. Deeper in yet. You walk and walk, past inner gate after inner gate. Ten minutes of walking. Fifteen. Soldiers. Pages. Maids. Workers. On the castle stretches as you go, through decorated hall. On them weapons hang primarily, many with plaques beneath them. "Weapons from
19:28 <•Kotono> past wars taken as plunder are hung here, to show the strength of the the dynasty," Meilssine commentates as you walk, "Many with a story."
19:29 <Skaya> "Magical ones, too?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "Not here,"
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:31 <•Kotono> "Not here," Melissine comments, "Too much temptation for thieves."
19:33 — Skaya nods in understanding.
19:35 <•Kotono> Deeper and deeper. A half hour of walking. Further and further in, a steady clip, until you slip from the main path and into some rooms right off of it. It looks to be a small room to several other rooms. "Rooms to wash and cleanse yourself. Bathing supplies are in each room. Partake of them," she gestures, "We will not offend Her Majesty by showing up unwashed without good cause."
19:37 <Devar> Devar will go to one of them, assuming the ladies will want to be separate for this part!
19:37 <•Kotono> "Water after all this heat, lovely," Sanda comments as she goes. Rina almost smiles, but instead lingers a moment. "Say," she murmurs to Skaya and Devar, quietly. "I'm hoping what just happened is a good sign."
19:39 <Skaya> "Our guide is trustworthy, or at least that's what I'm assuming," Skaya responds quietly before following Sanda's example and heading into a room. Cleaning up after travel is so nice!
19:40 <Devar> Devar will likewise clean himself up, and use Prestidigitation for anything that a quick wash and cleanse wouldn't fix.
19:42 <•Kotono> IT is. A chance to refresh and change clothes is good. It's not long, but enough to get things done. You find your guide is out of her armor now. She has short brown hair, a bit ragged, and a quiet look to her. She's rather plain if anything, but moves with strength and grace. She wears a dress, if one stripped down enough not to overly hinder her. "Now then, let us present ourselves to Her
19:42 <•Kotono> Majesty."
19:43 <Devar> "Besides the whole 'kneel down and wait to be called on' is there any other decorum we should be aware of?" Devar asks.
19:43 <•Kotono> "Do not speak out of turn. If in doubt of a title, defer respectfully," Is the answer, "Do what you are told without question, unless the reason is great."
19:45 <Devar> "Simple enough." Devar says.
19:45 <•Kotono> "Then I suppose I'm ready," Sanda announces, "To see the Queen. Statistically speaking, I think we have good odds."
19:49 <Devar> Devar nods, looking to the others to see if they have any questions.
19:49 <Skaya> "I'm as ready as I can be," Skaya assures Devar.
19:52 <•Kotono> With no more talk, the party proceeds onwards. To a grand, open hall. One easily three or four stories from floor to roof, all open in  beautiful, arching domes. In the domes are tiled works of art, mosaics. Here images of mightly leaders crushing all against them can be seen. A warrior-king with battle axe, leading a charge. A knight-king, who leads a thundering charge. An archer-queen, who
19:52 <•Kotono> rains arrows down.These are broken up by large glass windows in the ceiling, which let in sunlight. Far too much sunlight, leaving the entire room as bright as noon. The room itself is as long as a field, and a purple, red and blue swirled carpet, large enough for a half dozen riders to pass side by side on it, leads from door to throne. On the sides of this carpet path stand armored soldiers.
19:52 <•Kotono> There must be a hundred, easily, each at attention. All have stout shield nad weapon at ready, from short swords to massive axes, flails or blades. Past them crowds linger. Hundreds watchinga nd murmuring, most well dressed and kept. (More)
19:57 <•Kotono> Here, at the heart of Laremy's authority, stairs lead to the throne. A tall throne of white and gray stone, polished well and with deep cushions. Here sits one woman. A woman with blonde hair sits there, long and kept back in a bun. She sits, hands in her lap and a bladed scepter on her lap. She is dressed in a gown of unrelenting black and gray. None stand besides the throne as the Queen sits.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Your Majesty!" Melissine greets, taking close but not too close and kneeling. "We present ourselves to you. As requested, I have brought the heroes of Welland, save for Anne of Moore, who was not with them."
19:58 <•Kotono> Rina kneels as well, head bowed. Sanda quickly copies her, doing the same.
19:58 <Devar> Devar moves to the side to give the others room and kneels down next to the others, bowing his head all the same.
19:59 — Skaya kneels next to Sanda, lowering her head before the monarch.
20:01 <•Kotono> The Queen gazes on all of you, "I am pleased that you have come in our dark hour of need. Though I had hoped for all of you. Where is Anne of Moore? Laremy needs healers most of all, to restore her good soldiers." Say what you will, but she has a good voice. Strong, trained and it carries.
20:01 <•Kotono> "My understanding is that she stays in Mellanics to see to the orphaned, as is her calling," Your guide responds.
20:03 <Skaya> So far, so good. But since Melissine is the one responding, they clearly weren't addressed and should keep silent until they are.
20:04 <Devar> Devar continues to stay silent!
20:04 <•Kotono> A weary sigh from the Queen, "Then I decree that Anne of Moore be summoned here. Better late than never, as it is said." An unintrusive page nearby bows and immediately departs on that command. "While I am grateful you have answered Laremy's call for aid, I ask of you this: Why did you linger north so long when war had erupted? Is it not the duty of every patriot to rush to Laremy's bosom at
20:04 <•Kotono> such a time?" Her gaze alights on the party, "I wish to hear it from one of you heroes directly, as to your reasons."
20:05 <•Kotono> Sanda starts to open her mouth, but Rina subtly reaches out and pinches her side.
20:05 <Skaya> 'Do you want to answer this or should I?' Skaya thinks to Devar.
20:06 <Devar> 'I think if I do it may poison the well in some regard because they'll blame it on Eldath. I say you, unless you think it will go over better because it's me.' He thinks back.
20:09 <Skaya> 'Got it,' Skaya responds mentally to Devar, before saying, "Your Majesty, is it not as a direct result of our actions that Welland has stayed neutral in this war? Isn't it good that a monster lead by the lower planes was prevented from releasing more plagues to spread? Such things care little for national borders or human laws. We were pursuing that criminal on an official task from Laremy after many lives were lost to him here."
20:10 <•Kotono> The Queen inclines her head. Acknowledgment at least, maybe even agreement. "And vengeance as well?" A look to Rina, "Did you avenge the theft of your brother and a good man of Laremy from yourself and from Laremy?"
20:13 <•Kotono> "Yes." Rina looks up, "Brachidos started a war with us, and we ended it. Regis rests peacefully now, as do all of the victims Brachidos stole from us. I was entrusted with this mission, Your Majesty, and I tell you that we succeeded."
20:14 <•Kotono> Another inclination of her head. "And you. Sanda, common shopkeeper. You took up arms in the great tradition of Laremy and proved your martial might. Like many others, you forsook peace for the call of steel, spell and war. You have tasted the first two, are you prepared for the last?"
20:18 <•Kotono> Sanda very quietly gulps, only audible to Skaya really. "I did, and I hope I am," she answers, "But who can know war until they see it themselves? Statistically speaking, that is."
20:19 <Skaya> Ah, Sanda. So adorable! If they get through this alright, she'll buy her some delicious local desserts.
20:21 <•Kotono> The Queen seems perplexed a moment, "You are a good daughter of Laremy. The odds favor you," She finally says, and after a moment, "But we have a greater matter to discuss." There's a pause, "Are you heroes, or are you traitors worthy of the noose?"
20:23 <•Kotono> At this, the crowd nearby parts. Picke emerges - in perfectly fine health andin good clothes. He gives the group a quietly resigned look as he joins you and kneels, but murmurs softly, "I'd hoped you'd take the hint with the gate guards at Mellanics."
20:23 <Skaya> "How could we be traitors, Your Majesty?" Skaya responds since it seems they were asked, ignoring Picke.
20:25 <•Kotono> "Picke insisted that the choices to make a peace on his own initiatve was his alone. Yet the freshly returned heroes are thick with him now, and directly responsible for events as I understand them." She considers, "I have had several call for your heads, and that giving up land was a gross betrayal, but I would hear it from your own mouths, just as I have heard it from Picke's."
20:29 <Devar> Since Skaya had been talking already, he leaves it up to her - if she wants him to say anything they've talked mentally already!
20:30 <Skaya> "Of course, Your Majesty. The truth is, as always, resting somewhere in between. While Sir Picke made the decision, being the only one able of making it, the plan he followed was actually mine. With only minor changes, Sir Picke executed it successfully and prevented Laremy from being cut off in two by an invading army that neither Mellanics nor Laremy was in position to militarily stop even with our efforts. More nations would be
20:30 <Skaya> prevented from joining the war, opening yet another front. And the enemy even gave up land they had already seized, including the crucial town of Newkingsland. Now, Your Majesty could lead Laremy to deal with our main foe, Eis, without any distractions. As for the border town of Fyner, it was seized just three decades ago. Retrieving it again should prove no issue afterwards, if Her Majesty so wishes even after hearing Sir Picke
20:30 <Skaya> describe the coming draught and hunger during winter, courtesy of Auril."
20:34 <•Kotono> At that there's a murmur amid everyone. The Queen is still, but Picke takes that chance. "We have been told from above that a terrible window is coming. Auril seeks to pounce in our moments of weakness, and lay everyone in Laremy low, and all the nations around them. There is no chance to win here, and it is this revelation that helped force the Free Cities to the peace table. I could not in
20:34 <•Kotono> good conscience allow this to happen, and see Laremy risk internal revolt and collapse, or complete military defeat."
20:35 <•Kotono> *winter, not window
20:36 <Skaya> "I tend to believe the direct instructions of Shaukdakul, and in this matter there were other gods who made direct miracles in support," Skaya picks up after Picke. "Your Majesty, would it help if I were to add that I have received another augury prior to returning to Laremy? The fall of Mellanics was imminent, a matter of hours."
20:39 <•Kotono> "I see." The Queen is silent at that. A pause to think, perhaps. "Perhaps that was so, the situation was dire. Still, that is not all. You confess and accept you lied to me, Picke?" The Queen asks then. She sighs, "No. You lied so that your allies would look better when they spoke this, didn't you? So that your charges would come out of this well, even if you didn't. Let them speak of all this
20:39 <•Kotono> when they came, and be seen as good, loyal sons and daughters of Laremy?"
20:42 <•Kotono> Picke is completely still. He doesn't say a word, but perhaps that says everything. "I thought so." The Queen continues, "I'm inclined to believe your claims, Skaya."
20:44 <Skaya> "Thank you, Your Majesty," Skaya says gratefully. It helps that she is truthful, and that it shouldn't be that hard to confirm some of her claims. As for the detractors, a queen would know the politics guiding them and the military situation better than her.
20:45 <•Kotono> "Heroes do as heroes do. While some might call for you to face justice, the simple truth is that you acted in good faith and were not the one who had the authority vested in him. The blame shall not be yours. Listen, all here. By my royal right as Ellaine Laremy, I grant Skaya, Rina, Devar, Sanda and Anne a royal pardon for any deeds committed in this peace offering, unless they have lied to
20:45 <•Kotono> me and concealed other wrongdoing, at which point the pardon is nullified."
20:47 <Skaya> This is why you don't lie to your queen! But Picke and Milla are not mentioned. Perhaps Milla is not even implicated, so does that only leave her father?
20:49 <•Kotono> "For now I have no choice, no matter your motives. Picke, I order you imprisoned in the Widow's Tower until I pass further judgment." The Queen sits back, heavily, as your guide continues to stay quiet.
20:49 — Skaya glances at their guide out of the corner of her eye. Can she get away with speaking here?
20:50 <•Kotono> Melissine is quiet, head bowed and keeping her place. No help there.
20:50 — Skaya suppresses her innate desire for action and keep quiet for now. There will be a chance to speak! She's sure of it!
20:51 <•Kotono> Quietly, a murmur, "Before the war, she was never this sharp, this canny. She's changed." Picke manages, voice softly carrying. "She wasn't half this smart before. Something's changed, she's not a weak ruler now, be careful." He then rises as guards come and follows without a fuss, only the murmurs of all watching.
20:51 <Devar> Well, he also was just imprisoned and not outright given an execution sentence, so that's a plus.
20:58 <•Kotono> Once Picke is gone, "Hear this: All of you are called on in Laremy's time of need," The Queen continues, "You will participate on the war against Eis, in positions to be determined. However, I want to know more about this winter and drought first."
20:58 <•Kotono> Sanda looks down but grimaces, as Rina whispers something too quiet for anyone to hear.
21:02 <Skaya> "There has been undue interference with this world recently," Skaya responds at the obvious prompt. "From Brachidos, in service of the lower planes, to Talona's agents having a conflict with him due to his large-scale actions disrupting their own plans. The lates in this crop, Your Majesty, is Auril. The plan is simplicity itself, a harsh winter unseen in centuries, to cause great suffering, famine and death. We suspect it is only a
21:02 <Skaya> prelude for more, but even on its own should we add the difficulties of war into this equation, this winter would be difficult for your citizens to surpass. And come spring, supporting an army would be even more difficult still."
21:05 <•Kotono> "Then the war will be won or lost, for all sides, in the next month or two," The Queen reasons, "And all sides may well lose then. The only choice is to force Eis to surrender."
21:08 <Skaya> Perhaps there is more of an opening to diplomacy, but this is not the time or the place to suggest such. If Queen Ellaine wishes for Skaya to become a strategist or general, that's one thing. But offering half-assed advice during an audience such as this would be silly.
21:10 <Devar> Devar continues his silence!
21:10 <•Kotono> "Is that all, then?" The Queen looks to you, "With all that is happened, is there anything else that you wish to speak of, heroes?"
21:13 <Devar> 'I don't think my speaking up about anything is going to help here.' Devar thinks to Skaya.
21:14 <Skaya> And there it is! Now Skaya will see if she's an idiot.
21:14 <Skaya> "Your Majesty, there was one matter I wished to bring up. With your gracious permission, I will ask. Is it possible to defer Sir Picke's judgement? I too believe that a swift military victory will be best, and he was greatly feared on the southern battlefield. Would it not benefit Laremy to have him trying to regain his honor on the battlefield anew? I ask this because I believe there is a difference between a man making the wrong
21:14 <Skaya> choice that would bring rightful charges upon him, and a man truly betraying his kingdom in his heart and scheming against his queen."
21:19 <•Kotono> "This is not an unreasonable request, but I will not make further judgment until I have had more time to consider everything," The Queen declares.
21:20 <Skaya> "I thank Her Majesty for listening to this impertinent request," Skaya says, bowing her head even lower.
21:27 <•Kotono> "Then you are dismissed," The Queen commands, and your guide rises. "Follow," she murmurs to all of you.
21:28 <Skaya> After performing a curtsy, Skaya follows Melissine.
21:28 <Devar> Devar will rise after their guide does and offer a bow after Skaya before turning to follow them out.
21:29 <•Kotono> Once out Sanda sags with relief, almost toppling over. Rina lends her a shoulder as she breathes out, "So stressful."
21:30 <Devar> "You both have fought an actual dragon." Devar says with a small smile. "It wasn't that bad."
21:30 <Skaya> "It was really exciting!" Skaya admits quietly, all hyper now that they're out of that official situation.
21:30 <•Kotono> Melissine leads you along, "I'll see to some quarters for you while command figures out where you're best used," she says, "Though I overheard what Picke said. Her Majesty has risen to the occasion, as many other monarchs of her family have in times of war."
21:31 <•Kotono> "Also, by the numbers I'm absolutely furious at Picke," Sanda sniffs, "Did he plan all of this to take the blame himself and make sure we came out well?"
21:31 <Skaya> "Is there a shortage of healers?" Skaya asks her. "To the point where despite all these grand churches here, Anne would be needed?"
21:31 <•Kotono> "War demands much," Melissine says, "There's always need for more healers."
21:32 <Skaya> At Sanda's words, Skaya blinks, "That is absolutely the reason someone might claim sole responsibility over something." Such as how Skaya had just then.
21:33 <•Kotono> Rina rubs the side of her head, "You know, he sent that letter that suggested we avoid the war, and has gone out of his way to protect us from it."
21:35 <Devar> "We knew what we were getting into." Devar says.
21:36 <Skaya> "I don't think there are particularly good choices here. Except being healers?" Skaya proposes. "Devar, Anne and I can heal. Rina and Sanda learned some first aid on our journey. We can even be battlefield healers and rescue wounded soldiers to bring them back to the medical tents. How about operating a team like that? After all, there's always a need for more healers."
21:36 <•Kotono> "IF we can convince whomever makes the choice," Rina comments, "If we're in the army now, we probably don't have the choice ourselves. We might have some leeway because we're heroes, but..."
21:37 <•Kotono> Melissine looks more amused than anything, "You did know what you were getting into. Congratulations on not drowning in there."
21:38 <Devar> "My healing is rather limited. It's too bad we can't make use of that dragon's treasure, but there's nothing for it." Devar says.
21:41 <Skaya> "It's fine. A rescue squad would be so good! It'll prove its usefulness!"
21:41 <Devar> "Actually, if healing is that dire, I may have an idea, but we'd need to talk to someone who could make financial decisions." Devar says. "I guess we need permission to go anywhere now, or something like that."
21:42 <•Kotono> "I'll take you to your quarters," Melissine says, as you're lead along. OOC: More.
21:46 <•Kotono> Your quarters are nice pair of rooms. Not small but not large, enough space. "It's shared rooms at war," she explains, "But I think all o fyou want to be kept together, at least for now."
21:47 <Skaya> "It's very convenient for us. Thank you so much!"
21:48 <Devar> "Do you have any idea how long it'll be before we get some sort of assignment?" Devar asks.
21:50 <•Kotono> "A day, perhaps two." Is the answer, "Unusually long, but arguments will be had. Good luck," A nod and you're all left to your own devices. Sanda stumbles to a seat and plops down, "Well, here we go."
21:51 <Skaya> "I'm so proud of you right now!" Skaya exclaims, hugging Sanda.
21:51 <•Kotono> Sanda blinks, "For what?"
21:51 <Skaya> "For letting me be the one to say the risky stuff!"
21:55 <Devar> "Right, so I have a question, since we're all here - well, minus Anne, but I'm sure she'll get here eventually." Devar says. "There's a store - I think I mentioned this already, but it was in the underwater city we went to - I imagine they may carry something that could be helpful, if we wanted to go there. There's also the matter of the treasures I think you two could find - it's why I wanted
21:55 <Devar> to ask someone here if they'd give us some money to go and do some shopping... but ultimately I really don't want us tied up in this, but it's too late for that, so I'm not going to sit and be mopey about war."
21:55 <•Kotono> The answer comes...next time! OOC: Okay, I want to pause us before a new conversation gets going, since I'm tired and want a bit of downtime to mull over how this went. Pieces in the air.
21:55 <Skaya> "I actually think it could be a worthy cause to be healers in this war," Skaya voices, letting go of Sanda. "Certainly, the riches are interesting, but they can wait."

[Corwin]

19:11 <•Kotono> "Logically speaking, every edge we get should be exploited," Sana agrees with that.
19:11 <•Kotono> "I happen to agree," Rina reasons, "And since we're stuck with this, we have to do what we can."
19:13 <Devar> "In that case, do you want to wait until Anne gets here?" Devar asks. "It may give us time to find someone who can give us some extra money."
19:14 <Skaya> "Give it a day, then see if we can go shopping here in the capital?" Skaya suggests. "Anne can't possibly arrive that early."
19:15 <•Kotono> "I suspect we may see battle before then," Rina's quiet, "There's more incentive to win fast now."
19:15 <•Kotono> "What I'm really worried about is Picke's words," Sanda goes on instead, nodding along to Rina, "I'd like to say the Queen's risen to the occasion, but you have to be concerned."
19:17 <Skaya> "Do you, though? It'd be one thing if the change happened before the war...."
19:18 <Devar> "I'd also be concerned if she were acting like a despot or something." Devar says. "But... I mean, what are the possibilities? Some sort of magical doodad that's... making her smarter or something?"
19:20 <Skaya> "Hiding yourself to flush out the traitors, being subverted by a mortal, being subverted by a higher power, being subverted by a lower power. That's the full array of options."
19:21 <•Kotono> "There are," Sanda sniffs, "Maybe Picke's just upset at his entire plan being seen through, but it's still a concern. You're right that it might be true and it's also not a threat."
19:22 <•Kotono> "Then again, how many plots have we come across?" Rinar etorts, "What's one more ball in the air?"
19:23 <Skaya> "To be fair, does this change anything for us? I still plan to act as a healer here."
19:25 <•Kotono> "
19:25 <•Kotono> "Only if the Queen's hostile to us, our interests or Laremy," Sanda reasons after perhaps a few seconds too long.
19:26 <Skaya> "In other words, if the situation changes and we must respond to it."
19:28 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "In the meantime, let's rest a little then?" Rina suggests, as...OOC: Any plans here right away?
19:29 <Skaya> OOC: If no one comes to get us for our job/opinion/anything, we can ask to tour the capital tomorrow and see if there's interesting magical gear to buy
19:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: One second for bot.
19:32 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@FD22B51F.3A683291.484D2595.IP)
19:32 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
19:33 <•Kotono> You have time to rest and get a late lunch. As all of you rest a little over the remnants of it? Sanda's drowsing, sprawled out on her bed. Rina's tending to her weapons. A knock on the door disturbs all, polite but insistent.
19:34 — Skaya comes to answer the door!
19:36 <•Kotono> At the door is a runner. A teenager, a young man. He salutes, "Ma'am," he says, "Are you one of ladies Skaya, Rina or Sanda?"
19:37 <Skaya> "I'm Skaya. What's going on?"
19:38 <•Kotono> "You're ordered to report to General Eastbrook, ma'am," Is the answer, "Immediately, all of you as well as sir Devar."
19:38 <•Kotono> Rina wipes her sword clean, a little frown at the icy mist from it. "Got it. You our escort?"
19:39 <•Kotono> Sanda yawns and gets herself up, "No rest for the weary," she complains, "Statistically speaking, you beat the odds to come this fast."
19:39 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 24 on K:Local - what are we getting ourselves into?!
19:39 <•Kotono> "Yes ma'am," The young man answers.
19:41 <•Kotono> Devar recalls a few mentions of that name. It's a smaller noble house that serves Watch. The family' sproduced several generations of military leaders, most noteworthy in a good way.
19:41 <Skaya> "Lead the way?"
19:42 <Devar> Devar nods to himself about that and will go with the others!
19:43 <•Kotono> You go up a few stories and walk a ways. Away from living quarters to places where soldiers run about. Administration, everyone abuzz here. As you walk through, passing several pages carrying heaps of papers and documents, "Did you really eat fire?" Rina gets abruptly asked.
19:43 <Skaya> "Yes, and it was delicious. She shared some with me," Skaya asserts.
19:43 <•Kotono> Rina considers half a second and smiles, "It goes down good."
19:44 <•Kotono> With wide eyes and a little gasp, "So if I get strong enough to eat fire, I can become fire too?"
19:44 <•Kotono> Sanda snorts but keeps her opinions to herself.
19:45 <Skaya> "Probably not. You need to eat a special fire for that."
19:51 <•Kotono> A little shoulders lump and a sigh as the young man goes on, not pushing it more than that. You're lead to a large room, where a man has office. 30 or so, mustasched and black haired, professional looking. He wears a noble's finery, several rings spied on his fingers. "There you are. Dismissed, go back to your duties, page. Heroes, come in and close the door behind you."
19:56 <Skaya> "Sir," Skaya says, the first to step in.
19:56 <•Kotono> "Sir," Rina follows up as Sanda also enters.
19:57 <•Kotono> "At ease," he commands, taking a moment to wipe ink stained fingers on a cloth and rub them marginally cleaner. "Describe your capabilities to me, so we can best decide where you should be assigned."
19:59 <Skaya> "I can heal and hold my own in a fight," Skaya says in response, deciding to go with the flow for now. "I'm also pretty fast and agile."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Fast, agile attacker who strikes and keeps moving," Rina seconds away. "No magical talent." She doesn't look entirely happy, but she goes along with it.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Mage, just mastering the fourth circle, and also a warrior," Sanda answers, "Statistically improbable, but here I am."
20:01 <Devar> "I have some minor ability to heal, but I'm probably best defending a point or helping to protect people." Devar answers. "I'm also rather adept at defensive magics in general."
20:02 <•Kotono> "A well rounded team," General Eastbrook concludes as he places the cloth down. "And your missing member is a general healer and spellcaster?"
20:04 <Skaya> "She is a priestess of Moore," Skaya answers. "We've had opportunities to work together fighting evil creatures and undead and can pick up on each other's thoughts quite well. Our team may well be larger than the sum of all individual parts would suggest, Sir."
20:06 <•Kotono> "As I thought." With a slow look to each o fyou, "Yes, I can see you're a eam that's leaned to fight together well. That's invaluable, that means together you need little training to be effective."
20:07 <Skaya> "Sir, may I ask how losses have been thus far on the battlefield? At every point I saw the necessity of healers emphasized time and again, far more than I would expect to see."
20:10 <•Kotono> "Considerable, and there have been near constant skirmishes despite the stalemate. What's more, our healers are taxed keeping camp diseases at bay," He continues, "Those that can treat them effectively, that is."
20:11 <Skaya> "Would it be possible to explore the concept of a small team dedicated to extracting wounded from the battlefield safely, and treating the worst wounds right there in the field? We're fast enough and work together well enough to make that happen, and know enough about caring for wounds to succeed."
20:13 <•Kotono> "That is a promising avenue," The General states, "However, before that, I have another idea. The simple truth is, healing and defending won't win this war. What we need are precise strikes that shatter the enemy and accelerate their collapse."
20:14 <•Kotono> "And the fact that some of us can fly makes that idea even more appealing," Rina supplies, sounding unhappy.
20:16 <Skaya> "I don't know if we're capable of that. Does the general have a specific mission in mind?"
20:24 <•Kotono> "Several, the limination of high value allies and commanders for Eis. These strikes would hamper Eis's ability to wage war and overall weaken them." Is the answer, "It's better to ensure we need less healing than to budget for more healing, to solve a problem before it begins."
20:29 <Skaya> "I don't know if we have the strength to triumph under such odds," Skaya repeats. "But if we were able to take out Eis's army and civilian leadership time after time on our lonesome, would it still be a military victory for Laremy?"
20:30 <•Kotono> "Of course it wouldb e. You serve the Queen, so you're part of Laremy," The General bristles at that, "Or has weak words reached your ears?" Devar is glanced at, no subtlety at all.
20:31 <•Kotono> Sanda clears her throat softly before, "I would think that a learned nobleman such as yourself would know better than to try such a low odds play. Does that really do anything to help your cause?"
20:31 <•Kotono> Rina blinks and side eyes Sanda at that.
20:34 <Skaya> Ah, so he's an idiot. Skaya mentally nods to herself.
20:34 <Skaya> "I wish to clarify my words," Skaya voices, ignoring the byplay with Sanda. "I believe that Laremy's soldiers and its citizens draw reassurance from the successes of its army, and gain honor and glory by participating in battles defending the homeland. While there is a certain amount of national pride in any victory over a foe, where the ones who achieve such a victory are so removed from them, would the people truly feel they had a
20:34 <Skaya> part in it were we able to win it single-handedly without them? And to return to my original point, I find it incredibly unlikely that we can succeed. Not when our foes have flying cavalry and a lot more mages."
20:35 <Devar> Devar looks over to Sanda at that and back to Skaya, keeping his mouth firmly shut for now.
20:38 <•Kotono> General Eastbrook sits back at that, jaw clenched. "So little confidence in your abilities, heroes?" he asks back, "Or did that only apply in Welland?"
20:39 <Skaya> "I can't speak for everyone but I was confident we could win the war as we returned," Skaya admits without any shame. "But after clashing with the invaders in the south and learning what the opposition held, I adjusted my mentality accordingly. It's not shameful to understand what you're facing even as you don't shy away from the task ahead."
20:43 <•Kotono> "Overstepping does nothing good," Rina agrees, "We're heroes, not a miracle."
20:45 <•Kotono> Further words are stopped by the door opening. Another man. 50s or so, old and showing it. He walks with a well polished wood cane with agolden handle. He has a clean shaven face and is quite short, barely five feet tall. Stout too. Not fat, just wide bodied and built. He wears green and white finery with a cape to match. "Ah, I heard the heroes of the hour were coming this way. We haven't even
20:45 <•Kotono> met to decide how to best use their talents, but you got a head start, Olaint."
20:46 <•Kotono> Sanda turns to him as General Eastbrook scowls, "Merely not resting idly, sir."
20:47 — Skaya simply observes for now. Perhaps it was a mistake not asking their guide to introduce all the local interests as they were headed in.
20:49 <•Kotono> "Merely not rest idly doing anything else. Skaya, Devar, Rina, Sanda? If you'd spend the day resting from your journey, more information will come tomorrow. I ask that you decline any further requests to talk, unless it's from the Queen herself." The man declares.
20:51 <Devar> OOC: Does a K:L of 24 give me insight into who this person is?
20:51 <Skaya> "I admit our role was not sufficiently clear, Sir," Skaya voices. "Since we are to wait, can we tour the capital for now? At least until the Queen requires our services or Anne arrives?"
20:55 <•Kotono> Devar believes he is Count Laremy - of the city, not the royal family - a high ranking officer and nobleman. Experienced, old and notably with some dwarf blood from his grandmother's side.
20:56 <•Kotono> "By all means," A wave of his hand, "A good idea. It'll keep you out of trouble and attention in the castle," he says.
20:56 <•Kotono> "Now then, we need to talk," General Eastbrook gets a look, and his jaw clenches even tighter, but he bows his head to that.
20:56 <•Kotono> Rina takes the chance, bows slightly and quickly slips out.
20:57 <•Kotono> Sanda does the same, getting out of that entire splash zone to be.
20:57 <Skaya> With a curtsy, Skaya slips away!
20:57 <Devar> "General." Devar bows his head politely. "Your Excellency." Devar bows a little more to who he assumes is Count Laremy and departs with the others.
21:04 <•Kotono> Once out in the hall, "We just dodged politics, didn't we?" Rina reflects, "Someone saw an opportunity."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Naturally," Sanda's expression is sour, "He rolled the dice but failed."
21:04 <Skaya> "Let's just head out and refresh our mindsets."
21:07 <•Kotono> Thus you head out into Laremy in the afternoon. No one bars your way, and soon enough you're free again, at least for now. Amid all the noise of the city - now what?
21:08 <Skaya> "Let's take a look at the marketplace!" Skaya proposes. "See the sights, hear the rumors, hold on to your money bags. Fun times?"
21:10 <Devar> Devar will mention to the others who it was who 'came to their rescue' - just so they know in case they see him again. "Sure thing, though our money bags are rather light at the moment."
21:13 <•Kotono> "It wouldn't hur tto shop, though I imagine the shops are strained thanks to the war," Sanda points out, "At least the ones we're interested in."
21:14 <Skaya> "You never know! Most of the focus is on the war, but we have interests beyond it."
21:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, what sort of shopping doyou have in minds. Also give me diplo for GIing if you're looking to hear the rumors.
21:20 <Skaya> OOC: Diplo 10 for 25
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Is there a Diplo booster for purchase? Pink ioun stone (+2 Con)?
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Amulet of Health +2? Amulet of Mighty Fists +1?
21:24 <Devar> OOC: Devar is poor so he isn't looking for anything. :(
21:29 <•Kotono> First of all, rumors. It's all about the war. Buzz is that Mellanics negotiated a surrender of some kind. Reports vary a lot, but at the last Fyner has been lost. The people are down about it, the mood somber and angry beneath that. There's rumors that the front with Eis is about to collapse, or Eis is about to collapse, or that Girm might enter the war, or that Welland will enter the war on
21:29 <•Kotono> Laremy's side, or a dozen other variants like that. (More)
21:31 <•Kotono> There's rumors that something big happened in the throne room today. A hero fell from the Queen's favor, and others entered into it. Picke, a hero of Mellanics, was disgraced and confined to the Widow's Tower. Some say he surrendered on the southern front, others say he said something to displease Her Majesty. (More)
21:32 <•Kotono> Whispers of food shortages can be heard - that infiltrators from Eis have set farms and crops on fire. It buzzes that food will get tight and be tighter during the winter, and that prices are going to rise rapidly. (More)
21:33 <•Kotono> There was a shooting star last night,a nd everyone say it's an omen. That one nation will fall from grace soon and be defeated. Some thing it's a good sign for Laremy, some the opposite, but tension shimmers and simmers deep within.
21:34 <Skaya> "A shooting star, huh?" Skaya muses as she munches on a local confectionary. "I don't recall seeing one. Did you guys?"
21:35 <Devar> "I didn't." Devar says. "But I don't really spend a lot of time outside anyway if I can help it."
21:36 <•Kotono> "I didn't," Rina says, "I did a little stargazing last night, too."
21:37 <•Kotono> "I didn't, either," Sanda adds in, munching on some fried dough on a stick - simple but a pleasant luxury.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Doesn't mean it didn't happen," Rina says, "But sometimes rumors take life like that."
21:38 <Skaya> "Yes. It does make one wonder where the rumor originated," Skaya says with a shrug. "The rumors about crops set on fire are worse, really. We'll have to find out if that's been happening."
21:40 <Devar> "It could've been someone flying and scouting in the night." Devar suggests. "We can't assume we're the only ones who have that luxury - and there's spells to do it too." He nods to Skaya. "The good news is we're prepared for that."
21:41 <Skaya> "It won't possibly be enough if there's mass-scale sabotage like that happening."
21:42 <•Kotono> "It's also possible that's panic," Rina reasons, "But it makes too much sense if you're an amoral monster."
21:42 <•Kotono> "Or someone who knows a bad winter is coming," Sanda points out at that, a nibble of her bread after, then offering it up if anyone wants a bite.
21:44 <Devar> "I'm not sure what the limitations of it are, so best not to find out." Devar says with a nod. "But still, if we can stop that from happening, we ought to."
21:48 <•Kotono> Some general agreement to that, as, "So, magic shops next?" Rina offers.
21:49 <Skaya> "We can't be remiss!"
21:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}
21:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, besides what was listed above, any shopping priorities?
21:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina's good off as well if someone wants to bororw.
21:53 <Skaya> OOC: If there's anything fitting for factotums
21:54 <Devar> OOC: I think Devar's pretty set unless there's something special that turned up somehow.
21:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure and oh wow, it's just about session end. We'll cover this later today on boards. Cor, post your wish list and roll a d100 for each of them. I'll sort that out. Nag me if no post about it tomorrow.
21:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Pickings are going to be rough due to the current situation, just warning y'all now.
21:58 <Skaya> -----
21:58 <Skaya> Diplo booster
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 diplo booster
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 diplo booster --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 pink ioun stone (+2 con)
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 pink ioun stone (+2 con) --> [ 1d100=46 ]{46}
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 amulet of health +2
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 amulet of health +2 --> [ 1d100=65 ]{65}
21:59 <Skaya> roll 1d100 amulet of mighty fists +1
21:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 amulet of mighty fists +1 --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:59 <Skaya> roll 1d100 cool factotum stuff
21:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 cool factotum stuff --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}

[Corwin]

19:34 <•Kotono> ---
19:35 <•Kotono> It's late in the afternoon when shopping is completed. That's all nicely sorted out, purchases made for Rina at least. She has a nice new circlet, even if not worn at the moment. With that done, is ther eanything else you want to do out here, all?
19:36 <Devar> OOC: Since we're not galavanting off with Teleport, it doesn't seem so
19:36 <Skaya> "Aside from trying the local specialties, I have to wonder if there's another Guild chapter here," Skaya muses. "Want to go and take a look?"
19:41 <Devar> Devar nods. "We can at least get an idea of what's going on there, too."
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Asusming you're not using that. If yo uare, just say so.
19:43 <Devar> OOC: I think we decided to stick around until Anne got here anyway
19:43 <•Kotono> "I can answer that," Rina speaks up, "There is, but it's more of a branch office. Capital's different, too many crown and noble interests here."
19:45 <Skaya> "So best not to get drawn into them?"
19:46 <•Kotono> "I asked, I don't have first hand experience," Rina admits, a quick moment to clear her throat. "But in other words, there's a lot going on and it's easy to get tangled up in the wrong way."
19:48 <Skaya> "Then let's head back and wait a bit more for now?"
19:51 — Devar nods.
19:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:54 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@3A1A9A51.DE90133E.E051626E.IP)
19:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:54 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=23 ]{23}
19:55 <•Kotono> As you walk back, down a street and with as much privacy as you're going to have for some time? "And the horn we bought?" Sanda asks, "How are we going to handle that?" She keeps her voice down, just to the four of you, even as you get glances and looks of interest from the common folk.
19:56 <Skaya> "It's not important until the winter. If things drag on that long, we'll figure out what to do?"
20:00 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya. "We can use it anytime we need to without telling anyone about it, too. If we just happen to be able to help some people with food, you know?"
20:00 <•Kotono> "Understandable," Sanda lets it go at that, and like that night falls. Come the next morning, you're summoned right after breakfast. The page salutes before, "General Laremy orders all of you to report to him to discuss your role in the coming battles."
20:01 — Skaya tilts her head as she glances at the others. He was the one who told them not to listen to anyone but the Queen's summons, wasn't he?
20:04 <•Kotono> Sanda matches that motion towards Skaya and after a moment, "He also ordered us to ignore anything but the Queen's summons. With all respect, he is not the Queen."
20:05 <•Kotono> Rina looks over from the window and adds, "Sorry, but I think you're going to have to do some more running."
20:05 <Skaya> "If the General is merely testing how well we're listening to his previous command, we wouldn't want to disappoint him right away like that," Skaya says apologetically.
20:06 <•Kotono> The page, a young man, lets out a long groan, "Tymora, Lathander and Umberlee, my legs are already tired from yesterday," he complaints at Rina's lighter words, "Fine, but I'll probably be back soon."
20:06 <•Kotono> "Throw in Helm and you have a full set," Sanda quips, as the page turns and goes off.
20:08 <Devar> "So when he comes back and has a message that says 'Unless it's me,' are we going?" Devar asks with a smile over some buttered bread.
20:08 <Skaya> "Let's sacrifice you to go and take a look first."
20:09 <Devar> "Fair enough." He agrees.
20:13 <•Kotono> That gets some chuckles from everyone, and not ten minutes later the page returns. He's sweaty and breathing hard, "He amends his orders to include himself as well as the Queen to people you should respond to," he says shortly.
20:13 <•Kotono> Rina can't seem to help but look right to Devar.
20:13 <•Kotono> After a moment Sanda even matches that, a little smile on her lips.
20:13 — Skaya laughs. "If it was a test, I think we've done our part. Let's go?"
20:14 <Devar> "See?" Devar says as he stands up.
20:14 <•Kotono> "I see, I see," Sanda says lightly as you all rise, "What are the odds of that?"
20:20 <•Kotono> With that the party heads onwa
20:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
20:22 <•Kotono> With that the party heads onwards. You're lead to meet Count Laremy. He has a tower office, up several stories of stairs. By the end your page simply sags against the wall and weakly flops an arm in the direction of the door. A pair of soldiers stand hear, weapons out but not raised. "You're expected," one says, gesturing the party in.
20:22 — Skaya leads the way, giving the page a look that is half amusement and half sympathy.
20:23 <•Kotono> Rina lingers, slipping him a few silver coins, "Have a few good drinks when you have some freedom," she murmurs in understanding, before following.
20:29 <Devar> Devar enters after the others!
20:30 <•Kotono> "Th'yu," He manaages something, glimpsed slumping down as you head in. Here is a large tower room - the top of the tower, windows open to let in a summery breeze. The Count of Laremy stands before one, hands clapsed behind his back as he takes in the view. A glimpse of a view of Laremy city, only seen in passing. On the eastern side of the city a river is glimpsed, something out of your view
20:30 <•Kotono> from your western entrance to the city. That's where his gaze lingers, on boats that travel the river. The office itself is well kept - a brass and gold map of Laremy hangs on one wall, large and opulent. A work of art, with gold and gems showing the great cities of Laremy. In one corner a great potted plant sits, mostly vines that snake up the wall and bask in the sunlight. A side table has
20:30 <•Kotono> all manner of knick-knacks, nad the wall opposite it has a glass case with medals, as well as several weapons and armor in cases as well. The only seat is the one at the Count's desk, none other here. He turns, nods briskly and goes to take it. "You gave poor Jeoffry his day's exercise," he comments.
20:33 <Devar> Devar idly wonders how many times that map has had to be updated. He nods and bows slightly towards Count Laremy. "We hope no offense was taken by our initial refusal."
20:34 <•Kotono> "A common person wouldn't think of that, but obey," The Count comments, hands folded on his desk. "Any worries about authority are subsumed by the ingrained, reflexive obedience. A noble might think otherwise, or a military man with enough experience."
20:35 <•Kotono> "And me, I see your lack of chairs and the verbal fencing, and wonder if we're being tested." Rina says, plainly. "I won't pretend I'm a normal woman anymore, so why act like it?"
20:36 <Skaya> "Is there a benefit in pointing out the obvious, Rina?" Skaya asks mildly, before facing the general. "How may we be of service, Sir?"
20:37 <Devar> Devar looks like he was going to say something to Rina but simply nods to Skaya instead.
20:40 <•Kotono> The Count considers all of you, a moment to silently observe. He inclines his head to Skaya, "It isn't personal. This is my working office. I don't want people staying to be comfortable. It's no slight or test against any of you." A moment, and Rina seems to relax. He then goes on, "Yes. My understanding is that you all wish to be healers?"
20:43 <Skaya> "We are not soldiers, Sir. While anyone can be trained up as one, for us we'll first have to unlearn a lot of what made us so effective thus far. And on the other hand, we want to help as best as we can. We have quite the skillset geared towards evacuating wounded from the battlefield or even treating them under such hostile conditions, and we have a decent healing ability as well."
20:44 <•Kotono> "Elaborate," Is the Count's command, listening along.
20:47 <Skaya> "Assuming Anne is able to join us after Her Majesty sent for her, that's three of us with healing magic. And that's also three of us who can fly. Meanwhile, Rina and Sanda can assist with first aid and with our defense or support, according to each new situation. We can also respond to just about any surprise better than most. At the same time, directly fighting humans to the death would be difficult for us after facing monsters and
20:47 <Skaya> undead for a good long while."
20:48 <•Kotono> "A difference in tactics?" The Count surmises, "I've heard that claimed before."
20:49 <Skaya> "Frankly, for soldiers capable of what we can do a special squad like that might be wasteful. But since we're not soldiers and it would bring the best results, why not give it a try, Sir? If our approach doesn't work, we can always try something else later on."
20:56 <•Kotono> "If we were in peacetime, or even had any time at all, that's what I'd do," The Count says after a long silence, "But-" he pauses, "We received more word of a coming brutal winter. Time is not on our side, and th eluxury to fix these shortcomings does not exist."
20:59 <•Kotono> "So you do what you can," Sanda concludes softly, nodding to herself, "Statistically speaking, that's what you have to do."
20:59 <Skaya> "More word, Sir?"
21:04 <•Kotono> "The divine has chosen to be unusually direct in its warnings about this," The Count answers briskly, "I leave it to the Queen if the details of this are revealed, but events have moved in the past twelve hours."
21:05 <Skaya> "Since the Divine either cannot or would not act directly against Auril in this, this is really the best possible outcome," Skaya muses.
21:06 <•Kotono> "As such, we will resolve this war shortly, and healing is needed more than ever," The Count says, "Ideally, your companion Anne will be here fast enough to participate as well."
21:07 <•Kotono> At that Rina's expression tightens, but this time she keeps quiet.
21:07 <Skaya> "Yes, Sir. May we inquire about the situation at the front? How is the balance of power at present?"
21:08 <Devar> "With respect, without the gold leaf that some might put on it to make it sound better." Devar adds.
21:10 <•Kotono> Devar gets a slight nod at that, "Without the gold leaf," he agrees, "Bloody, brutal and ugly. There's small skirmishes near constantly, but neither side has managed a decisive victory. We're both recovering from larger actions - the attrition and losses to our calvary was considerable, as was theirs. Additionally, we lost more arrow and foot than anticipated. This has been an ugly, dirty war,
21:10 <•Kotono> both were ravaged by saboteurs, and we did the same to them.."
21:13 <Skaya> "Hence the desire for a quick win, to coin a phrase," Skaya muses. "Sir, is the current plan a war of attrition until it is too cold to continue fighting?"
21:14 <Devar> Devar nods respectfully to hearing the facts.
21:18 <•Kotono> "That was the plan until yesterday," Is the admission, "At least until autumn, and win it then. We had little other choice after the initial battles."
21:18 <Skaya> "But not now?"
21:22 <•Kotono> "But not now," Is the agreement, "We have to win, or at least force as favorable a peace as possible."
21:23 <Skaya> "Sir, we heard people talk as we walked around town. Has Eis been burning down our farms?"
21:29 <•Kotono> There's a grim nod, "Yes, and we've been doing the same." Is the answer, "No one likes it, but food is the lifeblood of a nation. If your enemy doesn't bleed inwar, you lose."
21:29 <•Kotono> Sanda's expression instantly drops.
21:30 <•Kotono> Rina glances at Devar, lips tight.
21:30 <Skaya> "Can we negotiate a mutual stop to that? It would only make them more desperate as the truth about this winter comes out. Do we really want to fight a total war?"
21:32 <Devar> "It's something that causes everyone to suffer, not just soldiers." Devar adds, clearly biting his tongue on saying much more.
21:33 <•Kotono> "I suggested the same thing," The Count's expression is likewise unhappy. He lets that miserable silence stretch before, "We will continue to do so until Eis agrees to stop, because otherwise would be allowing the enemy to harm us with impunity."
21:34 <Skaya> "Has Her Majesty sent Eis a missive along those lines? Or a courtier, perhaps?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Matters are being attended to," Is the brisk answer, "Unless you can spontaneously solve our food problems, it's a matter that will be determined above all of our heads."
21:38 <Skaya> Can they? Perhaps so. But they couldn't keep it a proper secret, and if a war heated up over possession of it? Better just nod for now and stay quiet to observe the situation.
21:40 <•Kotono> "So you'll begin training today then," he says, "Is ther eanything I need ot know about your tactics, abilities or such beyond what has been said?"
21:42 <Skaya> "I'm good at most things."
21:43 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her head, as does Sanda. After a few more moments, "Dismissed then, Jeoffry will take you where you need to go."
21:45 <Skaya> "Yes, Sir."
21:46 <•Kotono> Once out you find the poor page there, recovered at least. Once you're going down the steps, "Hopefull we don't see each other again after this, no 'fense," he adds, "I hate these stairs."
21:47 <•Kotono> Sanda lets otu a soft sigh but follows along, "I hate them too, and odds are I won't go up them again anytime soon."
21:48 <Devar> "Yes, I imagine none of us will." Devar echoes.
21:55 <•Kotono> You're taken down and into the guts of the castle. INto the basements, deep underground chambers full of all sorts of storage. Enough to be its own vast d ungeon one day, or at least you get that impression. for now it's all well kept and patrolled as you're taken along, deeper and deeper, until at last the page stops in front of a plain door. "In there."
21:56 — Skaya opens the door and steps in.
21:58 <Devar> "Cozy." Devar says as he follows.
22:00 <•Kotono> "It's like we're back under that lake all over again," Rina snarks as you go in. Here is a plain room. A table, some mismatched chairs and a single person. Picke stands here, looking half annoyed, half out of sorts and half exasperated. "I hope at least one of you expected this after you opened your mouths."
22:01 — Skaya sits down on the nicest chair there.
22:01 <Devar> "It was on a list of things, I think." Devar says as he goes to lean on the wall.
22:03 <•Kotono> Sanda joins Skaya before, "It wasn't that big a longshot," she concludes.
22:03 <•Kotono> Rina stays by the doorway, "It makes sense, solve two problems and have them work together."
22:03 <Skaya> "I'm not really upset, but I do wonder why we were given a proper tactical briefing if we were then going to be directed right here?"
22:04 <•Kotono> "Who gave it to you?" Picke asks, "There's a lot of nobles and officers who like the sound of their own voice."
22:04 <Skaya> "Count Laremy."
22:05 <Devar> "It's possible Laremy thought we were going somewhere else and the poor kid got orders from someone above him to take us here." Devar says. "You never know with politics."
22:06 <•Kotono> "No, he's not one of them. If he told you, he wanted you to know," Picke shakes his head slowly back and forth, "And this may not be what you think. He told me that I was going to help all of you with whatever task he assigned you and make it work."
22:07 <Skaya> "I just think it's a power play in poor taste, that's it."
22:07 <Devar> "We weren't really given any task except to come here."
22:11 <•Kotono> Picke pinches the bridge of his nose long and slowly, "Of all the stupid-" he mutters some unkind words, and just as he does? There's a knock on the door. He comes up short and growls, "Looks like you're right. You're getting thrown in with me and getting jerked around by association. Someone's not happy with you." He goes to the door, where another runner passes over a sealed envelope wordlessly.
22:12 <Skaya> "Another general summoned us the other day, but Count Laremy crashed that meeting and countermanded him."
22:12 <Devar> "Laremy seemed to like us, too. More than the first guy, anyway."
22:14 <•Kotono> The envelope is taken and door closed. Once done, "Then it might be that we're simply being put aside for that, to keep us from muddying the waters anymore. Or for Mellanics, or a dozen other potential reasons." The seal is undone nad the message within read, "A healing unit for emergency response," he reads aloud, "Signed by the Count himself."
22:14 <•Kotono> "He didn't seem nice, but not hostile," Rina reasons, "I didn't relax around him, but I wasn't on the edge of my seat."
22:15 <Skaya> "Do you hate the idea?" Skaya asks. "But that's the only thing I can see myself doing in a war between two nations, short of running diplomacy."
22:15 <•Kotono> "I've seen more than a few people screwed over or killed, but it was "Nothing Personal," You can hear the quotations around it as Picke goes on, "I don't hate the idea at all, it's a good one if it helps all the poor men getting mauled in this war."
22:16 — Skaya nods. "I suppose it's good that we've realized the limits of our abilities, so we were quite truthful when we said we wouldn't be able to just strike at Eis's leaders on our own."
22:17 <•Kotono> "There's attempts every war. Sometimes they even succeed. The lucky heroes usually end up dead or nobles out of it," Picke mentions offhandedly, "So your idea was accepted. No, it sounds more like we're in the way and they want us busy and out of the way. Down here, out of sight, understood to be off limits."
22:19 <Skaya> "Nobility sounds nice until you realize all of the duties that come with the title."
22:20 <•Kotono> "It's the biggest honeypot of them all," Picke almost smiles, "No woman can come close."
22:20 <•Kotono> Sanda immediately stiffens up, "Really?"
22:20 <Skaya> "Did you think you could just delegate, grab some capable people and earn money from taxes while doing your own thing?"
22:21 <•Kotono> As Sanda's back arches and she starts to resemble an irritated cat, a few hints of rain in the air, Picke ignores that and says, "Not at all. There's a mountain of social and political responsibilities. You met Earl Mellanics, you can only imagine what his life's going to be like."
22:22 <Skaya> "Ah, but in fact, if I were to become noble that's exactly what I'd do! And I'll travel all over the place via Teleport."
22:24 <•Kotono> "I wish you good luck with it," Picke offers, then has a seat. "So we're stuck down here, healers to be called on when needed. It's not the worst outcome, is it?"
22:25 <•Kotono> "Politically irrelevant, a distinct lack of heat and sunlight and on call when the broken need our help," Rina ticks off fingers. "It's not the worst outcome, but we'll be at the mercy of this next battle."
22:25 <Skaya> "No, but it's still bad. First of all, are we supposed to rush from here all the way to the battlefield every time? And where should we all sleep?"
22:26 <•Kotono> "We have a room a few doors down, and as for that I presume we'll get orders," Picke runs a hand over his head. "So rather: How do we turn this to an advantage and spin diamonds from the stormclouds?"
22:26 <Devar> "So, just to put it out there - is this what we want to do?" Devar asks, looking over at Skaya. "I've no objections to playing the role of defender and getting people to safety, but we are lucky because we have some options and exits if we want to take them - as an example, we can just go to Welland if we wanted and set some sort of way to increase their food production to make sure there's
22:26 <Devar> enough of it around - not suggesting that's what I want to do, but just putting it out there."
22:29 <•Kotono> "If we run now, at best we're deserters and at worst traitors," Picke points out, "Obvious, but if we do that, we don't ever get to come back to Laremy."
22:29 <•Kotono> "Say it like it's entirely a bad thing next time," Rina admits, "Even if the Queen was better than I expected her to be."
22:29 <Skaya> "Healing Laremy's soldiers leads to several outcomes," Skaya responds, having expected the matter to come up from seeing her friends' expressions. "We save lives, we gain the gratitude of enough people to have an influence, we prevent an even harsher mobilization of untrained peasants and we'll be in position to affect things. Alternatively, if we weren't here, what would it mean? More deaths? Perhaps an endless war and famine?"
22:31 <•Kotono> "More deaths, more loss, more blood. Even a win is worse," Sanda points out, "And we might well be what turns a loss into a draw, or a draw into a bloody victory," She looks up in thought, calming down. "The more I run the numbers, the more I think we could make a big impact healing."
22:32 <Devar> "I'm not sure we can prevent the endless war part." Devar says. "Ultimately, I'm fine with whatever you decide you want to do, I know you're not going to try and march us into the middle of Eis to kill everyone or something. Speaking of, though, if we're going to help with the famine part... we should probably test the limits of that thing before we're in a situation where we don't have the
22:32 <Devar> time do so."
22:33 <Skaya> "It's too early for that," Skaya says decisively. "I'm sorry, but given the backstabbing still going on during an active invasion on several fronts we absolutely can't reveal that right now. If I were in charge with that option, I'd double down on burning down everyone's farmland."
22:35 <Devar> "No, no, I didn't mean to reveal it to anyone, mostly to just test it in private." Devar says. "But if you think even doing that might reveal it, I'll keep it away."
22:36 <Skaya> "Once we understand where we stand a bit better, we could use some private time to prepare supplies for later. We do have some salt on hand."
22:37 — Devar nods. "It sounds like we're just waiting to see what happens for now, then."
22:38 <Skaya> "Probably waiting for either Anne to get here, something unexpected to happen on the battlefield or the Queen getting a better idea than all this," Skaya muses, before glancing over at Picke. "Speaking of all your lectures about us coming here. Do you really think we would abandon you? And if we had, did we need to abandon Anne? Because she would've never left."
22:40 <•Kotono> "It was never about abandoning you," Picke says, "It was about saving you from this. I know you could do better elsewhere, and none of youa re truly chained to Laremy like the way I am." He stands up and regards Skaya firmly, "It's what heroes do, and I know you'd say the same thing to me. It's why I tried everything I could to get you to do otherwise."
22:42 <Skaya> Even if they were callous enough, there's still Anne. She would've never abandoned Mellanics. But really, that's all excuses since they were going after Picke either way. "Do you think Milla is safe? We tried to build up her legend with the people while we were on the road, but that won't matter if someone truly has it out for her."
22:47 <•Kotono> "I don't know, but she can take care of herself," Picke says at last, as...OOC: We're a bit over and it's about time, and we can start fresh with the plot moving on more next time. Have a good vacation, Cor.

[Corwin]

19:05 <•Kotono> ---
19:07 <•Kotono> "So we're healers," Sanda begins after a little pause in the conversation, "If we're stuck down here, how are we going to heal when not as battle supporters?"
19:08 <•Kotono> More words don't come, because there's a steady rap-rap-rap on the door. Picke side eyes it, but Rina smoothly rises and goes to answer it. At the door is a soldier, who passes over a message without comment.
19:08 <Skaya> "Is that an answer to Sanda's question?" Skaya voices, glancing at Rina and Picke.
19:09 <•Kotono> Rina unseals and reads, then, "We're going to have them brought to us if I understand this right, and a healer is going to come down here to assess our level of skill. Our roles and level of responsibility will depend on how well we acquit ourselves in this."
19:10 <•Kotono> "Acquit ourselves?" Sanda echos at that, "Like we're in trouble?"
19:10 <•Kotono> "I don't know, it's just the word they used," Rina glances at Picke. "Can you translate that?"
19:11 <•Kotono> "It means how well we perform," Picke translates, "Someone felt fancy, probably a noble officer with more learning than experience. In other words, they want to see how good we are at this."
19:12 <Skaya> "While we're pretty good, at least half of the point was rescuing people on the battlefield. How is this safe place going to simulate that?"
19:14 <•Kotono> "I doubt it will," At this, Picke rises and stretches slowly, "There's a complicated reason for it. Have you ever noticed that if one of you heals a normal peasant, what fully heals them might not heal you all the way? How stronger creatures can take more abuse? Without getting into the specific details, living creatures have life energy, and stronger creatures have more. It makes them harder
19:14 <•Kotono> to kill, but require more and more potent healing to heal by the same token. In the same way a peasant's coinbag is easily filled with a gold coin, but a noble's coin bag requires many gold coins to fill. What they probably want to know is how many gold coins our healing is worth, to continue the example."
19:16 <•Kotono> "Oh. Positive energy," Sanda says, nodding along. "It's a fancy bunch of words for how strong our healing is, if we need to heal anyone powerful and important, and how easily it heals someone normal?"
19:16 — Skaya sighs. "That's not particularly smart, either. At the core, what you want is to ensure people survive for the time being as you evacuate them. Then you can just pile the wounded together and have Anne heal them all at once."
19:17 <•Kotono> "That means we hope we get someone who isn't a complete idiot," Picke agrees, "And we can deal with them. If it's a fellow healer, our odds aren't bad."
19:20 <Skaya> "I want to do my best, but if those in charge are actively fighting against this so be it," Skaya says with another sigh.
19:20 <Devar> Devar just stays quiet for the time being since what's being said are his feelings anyway!
19:25 <•Kotono> A few nods at that, but little more. Soon enough you get another visitor. It's a tall man in heavy, well polished armor. He's only missin ga helmet, showing his scarred, weathered face. He's maybe 30 but has notably pointed ears. His hair is short and pale brown-blonde, and he wears the holy symbol of Tempus on a heavy chain around his neck. He carries a heavy mace and a heavier axe, the latter
19:25 <•Kotono> across his back. He takes all of you in for a few moments before, "Did you really fight on a ghost ship?" he asks, voice curious. "I was given a vision of such."
19:28 — Skaya visibly perks up as an elf appears! "It was a ship of undead and other abominations but there weren't any actual ghosts and the ship itself was solid."
19:28 <Devar> Devar looks over at Skaya and then back over at the man with a bit of a small smile. "I'm not sure I'd call it a ghost ship exactly, but we did fight on a ship that had undead on it, so close enough."
19:29 <•Kotono> "More a zombie ship," Rina answers, off to the side. "But deadly enough."
19:31 <•Kotono> A near, almost smile at that. "Then you've seen combat worthy of any follower of Tempus. Call me Sil," he introduces himself, "Short for Silver Arlande, servant of Tempus."
19:32 <Skaya> "Skaya, of Shaundakul," she introduces herself in turn. "A pleasure, Sil."
19:32 <•Kotono> "You don't sound like regular military," Sanda points out, "Statistically speaking, you sound more like a civilian. I expected more of a soldier from someone like you."
19:33 <•Kotono> A handshake is offered. "You're not under my command, and I'm not officially part of Laremy's army. I'm tending to matters in Laremy and not the war, so I'm not involved directly."
19:34 <Devar> "Devar, of Eldath." He follows up Skaya's introduction, then looks over at Sanda and back at Sil.
19:34 <•Kotono> A moment of consideration,
19:35 <•Kotono> A moment of consideration, "Tempus teaches us not to disrespect those of Eldath, foolish as I find your faith to be," he offers, then a handshake to Devar in particular. "Who am I to argue with that? Besides, you clearly proved yourself fighting the dead."
19:36 <Devar> "I've heard worse." Devar says with a handshake given.
19:38 <•Kotono> "You also shook up the court, and the Queen was unexpectedly forgiving of the loss of Fyner," Sil continues, "With that nd your heroism in Welland, you're the most interesting people in Laremy right now. I'll speak plainly: I'm a simple man and have no need for misdirection. I speak my mind. If I don't miss my guess, you're down here because you're too politically volitile, and the fact you
19:38 <•Kotono> want to be healers is palatable because of that."
19:39 <•Kotono> With a little grunt under his breath, "More or less," Picke concludes, "Put in time out so not to cause any more trouble."
19:40 <Devar> "It does seem like they want us to be useful, but not so much so that we are noticed." Devar agrees.
19:41 <Skaya> "This really is the best use the country can get out of us outside of diplomacy."
19:42 <•Kotono> "I'm surprised you weren't sent north to Welland," Sil admits, "But they're probably worried you'll be poached if you get too comfortable up there. Even if you're a mess right now, post war you'll be useful."
19:43 <•Kotono> Rina smiles thinly at that, "Or they're idiots who are more concerned with petty power than doing the right thing."
19:43 <•Kotono> "If you want the right thing, find a champion or paladin," Sil retorts right away, "You'll have to bargain hard for it otherwise."
19:45 <Skaya> "So how can we get this thing going?"
19:46 <Devar> "Yes, you've come to speak your mind, but I'm curious what you'd have of us, or why you came to do it?" Devar asks.
19:47 <•Kotono> "Show me your healing. I've cast a special spell to measure it directly," he explains, "If you have multiple ways, show them all."
19:47 <•Kotono> At that Sanda considers, "There's a spell that does that?"
19:48 <•Kotono> "We Tempusmen have made many spells to better understand war," Sil this time finally smiles, "All to better wage it."
19:49 <Skaya> "I'll go first then," Skaya says, channeling positive energy in a wide area around her before reaching over to touch Sil and doing it again, but focused this time.
19:49 <•Kotono> OOC: How much HP do those methods heal?
19:49 <Skaya> OOC: 4d6 30ft radius/21hp one target
19:51 <•Kotono> Healing is channeled. "Impressively capable, especially you don't have the look of a healer," Sil comments, "Very respectable, Skaya."
19:52 <Skaya> "Thank you, Sil," she responds, stepping back to not crowd him. "I also know techniques to stop people from bleeding out and a bit to treat disease, but those aren't magical."
19:54 <Devar> "I don't really have much, but I suppose it's on-demand. I have a few wands I keep on me in case of emergencies." Devar says, moving forward to put a hand on Sil's arm to channel his lay on hands onto him. "That's about half of what I can do in a day. Just keeping the rest in case someone needs to be stabilized or something today." OOC: Healing him for 8, specifically.
20:00 <•Kotono> "I've known many with that gift," Sil answers with a nod, "Not your primary talent, but a useful ability to have. And I undertsand your main healer isn't here right now?"
20:01 <Devar> "She's been royally summoned, it sounds like." Devar says.
20:01 <Skaya> "But it shouldn't be more than a couple more days at most for her to come here."
20:02 <•Kotono> "I'm aware, and waiting would have made more sense, but who passes a chance to meet heroes?" Sil answers in return, "I'll meet with her later then."
20:02 <Skaya> "I think her ability would surprise you," Skaya tells Sil. "She's had a chance to really lean into her healing powers as we traveled."
20:07 <•Kotono> "Good," Is the answer, "That's all I need." He lingers just a moment, "Is ther eanything you all need?"
20:09 <Skaya> "A say in how we'll be deployed? Because it would allow us to familiarize ourselves with the situation and integrate with the army better, if for no other reason."
20:10 <•Kotono> "Not my choice," Sil says bluntly, "But I can make recommendations." For some reason his gaze lingers on Devar, expression thoughtful. "How do you want to be deployed?"
20:13 <Skaya> A blind say isn't much better than none, but why not give it a try? "Why not try a conservative deployment for the first time? Establish a field hospital with the logistical train and have us retrieve wounded soldiers from the frontlines towards it, providing direct healing on the battlefield itself if urgently needed."
20:13 <Devar> "Our goal was to work on rescuing people who couldn't be moved easily." Devar says. "More proactive than reactive, I think we'd hope. But... well, if that isn't possible, just having someone who can speak truthfully and plainly given the other circumstances also has its benefits."
20:18 <•Kotono> A nod to Skaya and a slight smile at Devar, "I'll bear it in mind. Good luck, Picke." A little nod to him as well.
20:19 <•Kotono> "Thanks, Sil," Picke responds, going over to him. "I'll walk you out."
20:20 <•Kotono> The two go off and out. AS they do, there's a murmur to someone just out of sight. Moments later, they depart and a servant enters. "I know it's early, but food's sent early down here to avoid the rush, ma'ams and sir," A rather unremarkable looking man says, a large tray of food and drinks.
20:21 <Skaya> "Thanks! Great idea," Skaya responds as she accepts the tray.
20:22 <Devar> "Thank you." Devar says as well.
20:22 <•Kotono> "Food sounds better than moping. Thanks," Rina offers her thanks, a slight smile. She settles in to eat, and once he's gone, "At least Sil wasn't terrible. I was half afraid it was going to be some un thinking war zealot when I saw him."
20:23 <Skaya> "So I have a question here," Skaya voices once they are left alone. "Do we need to check the food? Because it's the palace."
20:23 <•Kotono> Sanda joins you and goes for some soup - it's really just soup, bread and drinks. Nothing fancy at least, and stops midway to her first bite.
20:23 <•Kotono> "We check the food," Rina doesn't even hesitate. "We just got reminded we made a huge splash."
20:24 <•Kotono> "I keep Detect Poison prepared," Sanda volunteers.
20:24 <Skaya> "Go for it!"
20:24 <Skaya> OOC: What skill can I use to check?
20:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda meanwhile
20:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda meanwhile --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
20:25 <•Kotono> OOC: Anything related to poisons or poison making would do. I'd allow K:N at a higher DC as well, though no normal skill quite gets it entirely since poison sources are so varied.
20:26 <Skaya> roll 1d20+16+7 K:N
20:26 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+16+7 K:N --> [ 1d20=15 ]{38}
20:26 <Devar> "I should probably prepare that one just in case." Devar says. "For all that we don't really need to be worried about it."
20:29 <•Kotono> "It's poisoned," Sanda says flatly, a groan as she puts down her spoon. At the same time Skaya can notice signs of sassone leaf residue, a nasty poison that destroys the body's health. What's worse is that from the color and thickness of it, it's been enhanced to be extra deadly.
20:29 <•Kotono> Rina groans and slumps back, "Why couldn't I be wrong?" she looks up and asks.
20:29 <Skaya> "Boosted poison, at that."
20:30 <Devar> "So is this worth its own investigation?" Devar asks.
20:30 <•Kotono> Rina then hops up, "Back in a few, going to catch that servant," she announces, running off.
20:31 <Devar> "I guess that answers that." Devar says with a sigh.
20:32 <•Kotono> "Trying our first meal down here? I'm more surprised they were so quick to try," Rina comments, "Who did we anger this much for such a fast response?"
20:32 <•Kotono> OOC: Sanda, sorry.
20:33 <•Kotono> A few moments later you hear shouts of alarm outside, and a servant's loud, panicked squawk.
20:36 <Devar> Devar will at least go out to make sure there's not a bigger kerfuffle that needs interceding.
20:39 <•Kotono> A very terrified servant has his hands up, Rina's blade against his chest. Picke and Sil block his escape, as he's marched right back in. He blubbers away, "I don't know!" A near shriek, "All I know is my boss told me to take it down here! I swear on Tempus!"
20:39 <•Kotono> Sil, expression all business, goes right to the food and clutches his symbol, a few murmured words. "You'd best hope you speak truly, because I can detect poison as well."
20:40 <Devar> "I do actually have the ability to cast zone of truth, if we decide we need that at some point." Devar helpfully chimes in.
20:40 <•Kotono> "Good man," Sil nods to Devar. "I wish I had that prepared today."
20:41 — Skaya follows Devar and asks the servant, "Who is your boss?"
20:42 <•Kotono> "Francis!" An outright shout this time, raw terror on the servant's face. "He has me deliver food all the time, this was nothing differente except it was so far down and he told me why, and what to say!"
20:42 <Skaya> "And you didn't think it was strange?"
20:42 <•Kotono> "No! He's my boss!" Is the answer right away, "Not a po-poisoner!"
20:42 <•Kotono> Rina hums at that, "Well, your boss might be expanding his interests then."
20:43 <Skaya> "How do you want to handle it?" Skaya asks Sil.
20:43 <•Kotono> "Odds are he's truthful, I doubt a poisoner would be so up front about it and surrender without a fight," Sanda reflects.
20:45 <•Kotono> "Arrest him for now," A wail of despair is ignored and spoken over, "Though if he speaks all truth, he'll be freed once this can be determined. Then chase after Francis. Odds are he's either gone, dead or both, but it's possible we can catch him."
20:47 <Devar> Devar gives the young man a pat on a shoulder. "We'll get the bottom of it, don't worry." He says. "Are we allowed to go hunting for this Francis? It wouldn't do to get targeted for this sort of thing and have to stay down here."
20:47 <•Kotono> "If he did lie, he's a fool. He knows that would get him the noose, even if no other guilt was found. No one wants their food poisoned," Picke points out, "Poisonings happen, but everyone knows it's expensive because of the risk."
20:47 <•Kotono> "W-we're trained to tell only the truth if this ever ha-happens," The servant cries out, "T-thank you, kind sir!" to Devar now, "Please, mercy, I'll speak nothing but truth!"
20:49 <•Kotono> "No, but that wouldn't be worth all this trouble, would it? Besides, I'm not in the army," Sil decides, "Come with me. I have authority enough for this, and I suspect you'll be worthwhile in investigation."
20:50 <Skaya> "Sure thing!"
20:51 <Devar> "I promise we won't let you hang for doing your job." Devar says, trying to instill some amount of confidence in the poor servant before he goes to follow after Skaya and the others.
20:59 <•Kotono> "Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you," A steady stream of thanks as you all go off. Guards take away the man, though Sil mentions, "Don't be rough," he murmurs, "He's probably innocent. Secure, but nothing more. Unless he tries to escape or subvert justice."  to the guard captain, who nods in understanding and goes off. Once that's done, the party hurries up and...OOC: More.
21:07 <•Kotono> The kitchens are just one of several for a castle this size. It's still a large area, dozens of servants hard at work. A gruff looking woman runs it all, portly and maybe in her fourties. Dark hair gone gray, up tight and high. A voice that shouts rather than speaks, over the chaos of the ktichens. "Francis? He hasn't been back, was about to go send someone to find him, or if a noble borrowed
21:07 <•Kotono> his services." She answers to Sil's basic question.
21:09 <Skaya> "Did he have any visitors earlier?"
21:11 <•Kotono> "Not that I saw, but he was a little energetic today. Made sure to take orders and kept moving all the time," She answers, "He's usually happier to slack wen he can get away with it."
21:11 <•Kotono> Rina says after a moment, "Like he was nervous?"
21:11 <•Kotono> "It could be, ma'am," The woman bows her head in deference, "Or excited."
21:12 <Skaya> "How's his personal life? Any family? Debts, or a love of gambling?"
21:12 <Devar> "You said he hasn't been back, did he mention where he was off to?" Devar asks. "Sorry for the bevy of questions."
21:13 <•Kotono> "He has a wife and children, and he does like to dice," The woman frowns at that, "I know he's done extra work to help settle his scores before."
21:14 <•Kotono> After that, "Just had tasks. Hardly unusual," the woman admits, "I expect my seconds to handle things, they're not babes who need every little detail fed to them."
21:19 <Skaya> "The next logical step would be to check up on the family," Skaya muses, glancing over at Sil. "Want to do that? Or look into his friends here?"
21:20 <•Kotono> "Three prongs. His family," Picke speaks up, "HIs friends here, and the local dice games, in case he's flush and can't resist."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Three groups then," Rina says, "Who checks on what?"
21:23 <Skaya> "Sanda, want to visit the family together?"
21:25 <•Kotono> "I'm fine with that," Sanda agrees readily.
21:25 <•Kotono> Sil looks to Devar, "We can check on his friends here."
21:26 <•Kotono> "Picke and I can see to the dicing games then," Rina thirds, "Hopefully, one group of us gets lucky."
21:26 <Devar> He nods. "Sure thing."
21:28 <Skaya> Returning her attention to the woman running the kitchens, Skaya says, "Please have Francis detained if he does end up returning here and send word to Mister Silver Arlande, here."
21:28 <•Kotono> "Ma'am," Agreement to that, no argument in the slightest.
21:29 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, ready to split up then, y'all?
21:29 <Skaya> OOC: Yes, let's get directions to his house!
21:33 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, Skaya in here and Deva rin #evil then.

[Corwin]

21:34 <•Kotono> That means leaving the castle. Fortunately luck is with you and you're able to slip out well enough. Sanda takes a deep breath of fresh air once out, "Far better," she decides, "The depths of that castle are so dark. It might work if it were an underground lake, but it's anything but."
21:35 <Skaya> "To be fair, it's a bit safer than an underground lake. More people might want us dead, though."
21:41 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
21:41 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, yes," Sanda agrees as she takes another deep breath, "But still!"
21:43 <Skaya> "Let's clean up the country, one poisoner at a time?"
21:48 <•Kotono> A nod and the two of you hurry off, and...
21:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=72 ]{72}
21:54 <•Kotono> Out of the castle and to the the city beyond. Away from the innermost ring of the temples, into the more plain houses. Plain and plainer, simple. Where the common townsfolk are packed in, street after dirty street at least stone. Here laundry hangs in between buildings and children play, while wives work hard and long. One building here is similar to another, but the one you stop before is a
21:54 <•Kotono> small house packed amid many of them. "This should be it," Sanda says.
21:55 — Skaya approaches the door and knocks on it!
21:56 <•Kotono> An answer comes...next time!

[Corwin]

21:34 <•Kotono> ----------
21:35 <•Kotono> Once split up, a murmured aside before anything else. "Have you managed this manner of investigation before?" Devar is asked.
21:36 <Devar> "One of the things we involved ourselves in while searching for Brachidos was plagued food." Devar responds quietly. "Just, we weren't the targets of that, technically."
21:41 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
21:42 <•Kotono> A slight nod, "Then you have some experience with interrogations?"
21:44 <Devar> Devar nods. "I can be diplomatic or intimidating, depending on the situation."
21:48 <•Kotono> "Be the opposite of me as needed, I find it works best to provide two different responses," Sil reckons, "And then play it as they react."
21:48 — Devar nods. "Not a problem."
21:55 <•Kotono> Thus you go on more...next time! OOC: It's just about time and I don't want to start a fresh scene here, so we'll do info gathering next time.

[Corwin]

19:09 <•Kotono> Friends are gathered up swiftly, about half a dozen people here. All men, of ages from adult to middle aged. They stand nervously, not a one seemingly comfortable under Sil's gaze. Once they're all in a simple storage room commandeered for a conversation, "Francis is a wanted man," he begins without preamble, "If you know where he is, you are duty bound to reveal it immediately. Good men
19:09 <•Kotono> of Laremy, it is time to do your duty."
19:09 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+5 circumstance)
19:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (+5 circumstance) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
19:10 <•Kotono> It hardly even takes an effort - one blurts out, "I saw him in the hall, he was hurrying off to the ponds, sir!"
19:10 <•Kotono> "Good man," A slight nod from Sil, all attention on him. "What else?"
19:11 <•Kotono> The others are still tense, btu focused on the man who spoke up as well. Twenty at most, dressed in servant's clothes. "The ponds are where he gambles sometimes, sir."
19:13 <Devar> Devar glances around at the others - do any of them look particularly nervous or like they really want to get out of there?
19:14 <•Kotono> OOC: Sense motive here then.
19:15 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21
19:17 <•Kotono> No, Devar doesn't get that feel from any of them. I fanything, he can notice signs of relief.
19:18 <Devar> "Have any of you seen Francis talking with anyone new?" Devar asks. "Anyone who you haven't seen around before?"
19:18 <•Kotono> "And you mean the ponds in the back of the administrative buildings?" Sil also asks, "The ones with only one entrance?"
19:18 <•Kotono> Headshakes there. "Nothing like that, winged man sir."
19:19 <•Kotono> After that, "Yes sir," The oldest says, "You have the right of it."
19:21 <Devar> "Any idea how bad he was doing at gambling?" Devar asks those gathered.
19:23 <•Kotono> "Not so well," The same man says, "He was on a cold run I think he said, but I never paid much attention. Dice are a waste."
19:24 <•Kotono> "Smart of you," Sil murmurs, more to himself than anything. Then he turns to you, an unspoken question.
19:25 <Devar> "I asked earlier if anyone new had shown up, but how about anyone not new?" Devar asks. "Have any of you seen him spending time with anyone - especially those well-off? Or ones that perhaps he didn't normally associate himself with?"
19:30 <•Kotono> Headshakes all around, and one adds, "Unless you count the people who got well off from gambling against him."
19:31 <Devar> "Yes, especially anyone he owed anything to." Devar agrees.
19:45 <•Kotono> A few awkward laughs at that, as Sil says, "Anything else, Devar?"
19:45 <Devar> "Not from me." He shakes his head.
19:49 <•Kotono> "Then stay here. None of you are likely in any trouble, but it's for everyone's protection."A  brisk nod and Sil leads you out. After a few instructions to the guards he takes off at a brisk walk. "My hope is that Rina and Picke found him already, but if not, we can go there."
19:50 <Devar> Devar nods. "Still, knowing that this isn't likely an outside influence is helpful in its own way, it narrows the scope a great deal."
19:55 <•Kotono> "Just a fool with a weakness for dice and gold," Sil agrees, hurrying on and...OOC: More.
19:55 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 meanwhile
19:55 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 meanwhile --> [ 1d100=94 ]{94}
19:56 <•Kotono> You hurry through halls - and you hear it around a corner. A man screaming incoherently, and a shouted curse from Rina. Then cries and shouts, and, "Stay down!" Picke snaps, "You idiot!"
19:56 <Devar> Devar wastes no time in moving forward to see what's going on!
20:01 <•Kotono> Rina is cradling her hand, "You stupid-" she kicks the downed man as Picke grapples him down. He's down and out, an unremarkable looking man at first from what you can see. Average, if face swelling up and knocked out.
20:01 <•Kotono> "I told you to stop fighting," Picke grunts sourly, hefting him up over his shoulder now that he's down and out. "How bad did he get you?"
20:03 <Devar> "Are you both all right?" Devar asks, as he slowly approaches. "Is this him? He didn't get you with anything poisoned, I hope?"
20:03 <•Kotono> "He drew blood," Rina's entire voice is irritated and nothing but, "Bit down hard as he could, right on the meat of my fingers."
20:04 <•Kotono> "That's him," Picke confirms, "He fought harda s he could until I forced him to march on, then the moment he got a chance, started fighting again. Like he threw a tantrum."
20:04 <•Kotono> "Good," Sil goes around and inspects his face, "He heard he went gambling."
20:04 <•Kotono> *we heard
20:05 <Devar> "...Hm." Devar leans down to cast Detect Magic - is something influencing him somehow? OOC: Spellcraft of 30
20:06 <•Kotono> No sign of magic at all.
20:07 <Devar> "Well, I was worried that there might be some sort of magic influencing him, but I can't find anything like that." He says.
20:07 <•Kotono> As if reading your intent, "No sign of anything unusual with him. Then again, poisoning? He's a dead man and he knows it. Nothing will get him out of this once he's captured. Not a single noble or officer will tolerate it." Picke says grimly, "A dead man fights the most desperate of anyone."
20:08 <Devar> "Well, we still need to understand if this was just over gambling debts or something more." Devar says. "Hopefully that information comes out more easily..."
20:12 <•Kotono> "Let's get him somewhere. Devar, can you heal Rina?" Picke asks, already moving.
20:12 <•Kotono> Sil follows, "Good work, all of you."
20:14 <Devar> "On it." He says. He will put a hand on her to heal her! OOC: He'll use however much lay on hands is needed to heal, but if 8 isn't enough he'll just use 8.
20:21 <•Kotono> OOC: 1 HP is enough.
20:22 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her heand out after, "Thanks, Devar. He bit me. I can't believe he bit me!"
20:23 <Devar> "I've heard that you can get some bad diseases from people, so make sure you get it checked out if you start feeling weird." Devar says. Mentally, he will send a message to Skaya that they've apprehended Francis. "Do we have somewhere to take him where we can get the truth out of him?" He asks to Sil.
20:34 <•Kotono> "We do," Sil agrees, "Better magic than the alternative." A grim note in his voice.
20:34 <Devar> Devar nods. "Especially given that he knows what's likely coming."

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> The door's knocked on. You hear a child crying inside, before a shout of, "Hold on!" from a woman, and then several other childish voices making noise.
19:07 <•Kotono> Sanda glances over at Skaya, "Sounds innocent," she murmurs.
19:08 <Skaya> "It won't be fun," Skaya tells her quietly. Still, they can still get information out of this.
19:14 <•Kotono> The door is opened soon after. A slightly dumpy - well no, more like frazzled and still with pregnancy weight - woman opens the door. Messy black hair tamed and tied back, a baby held in arms. "I'm sorry, whatever you want, you must have the wrong house-" The sound of something loud hitting something else, and the sound of laughter after. "And you'd best not be playing roughly in there!" she
19:14 <•Kotono> shouts back.
19:14 <•Kotono> Sanda's expression becomes tight and after a few moments, simply leaves it to Skaya.
19:15 <Skaya> "This matter concerns your husband Francis," Skaya tells the woman. "Perhaps it would be best if we stepped in for a bit more privacy, Ma'am?"
19:22 <•Kotono> A sudden, worried look, "I'll scream," she warns, "There's soldiers everywhere now, get out! You'll get your money when he can good and pay you!" She goes to slam the door, hurrying back.
19:24 <Skaya> "He owns us nothing but an explanation," Skaya responds, adapting for the circumstances. She can sympathize with the wife's situation, but at the same time.... "As opposed to the soldiers, who are out to arrest him for his crimes, we are interested in ensuring his safety while bringing him in. It is in your best interest to cooperate, but we won't force our way in."
19:29 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a quick diplo check, it feels definitely warranted due to circumstances.
19:30 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 25
19:45 <•Kotono> At least it's enough to stop her from slamming the door in your face. "What did he do?" she hisses low, defensive.
19:47 <Skaya> "He mixed in some pretty nasty poison at his workplace. We think it's to pay off his gambling debts, since he disappeared. But if he really did ditch his family, do you think the guards will care?" Skaya purses her lips as she looks at the woman. "Cooperate with us and help us find him, and I'll do what I can to protect your family. Or don't, and if Francis manages to escape, it's not just his financial debts he'll be leaving on your
19:47 <Skaya> head."
19:48 <•Kotono> A stumble back, "N-no, no no no no," A look of horror dawns on her face, and the baby begins to cry. "I-I don't know where he is, except at work!"
19:50 <Skaya> "May we enter and search the residence? If some of the poison was left here, you don't want your children to stumble on it."
19:57 <•Kotono> Her color turns that of ashes, and with a weak croak of, "I-I'll take them out back," she says, voice starting to choke.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Good," Sanda says, "They don't need to see this."
20:03 <Skaya> With permission secured through coercion, Skaya swallows her distaste for it and heads inside. Any signs of the poison would be key to find, but if there's any documentation... perhaps evidence of a mistress? Proof of some unequal debt contract? Anything that seems hidden, she wants to discover it.
20:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, searching the house then?
20:06 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
20:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, Perception check, +1 bonus for ???.
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 30
20:19 <•Kotono> You search, search and search some more. ?You're certain of one thing - he didn't bring any of this home.
20:20 <Skaya> "Looks clean," Skaya tells Sanda, before seeking out the wife once more.
20:22 <•Kotono> "I agree," Sanda says, "Good for her and the family, at least."
20:23 <•Kotono> You head into a tiny little shared backyard space. The wife and five children total are here, all quiet and waiting. A gloomy pall has settled over things, not the least of which is because the wife's expression is teary. The children are downcast and the baby is only calm because he's being rocked back and forth.
20:26 <Skaya> "The good news is that there's nothing dangerous or incriminating," Skaya says without hiding anything. "If we did miss anything and you come upon it later, just tell the town guard and have them collect it. That's safest for everyone."
20:26 <Skaya> Upon receiving Devar's message, she nods to herself and passes eleven gold coins to the older woman. "I know it won't be easy to stand on your feet properly, but I hope you'll be strong for the sake of your children."
20:32 <•Kotono> The coins are taken with wide eyes, "T-thank you," she whispers, clunching them to herself. "I'll try. If you see him, tell him...I love him, and that he really was a fool."
20:32 <•Kotono> There's sniffles and dread from the kids, but Sanda just adds some more coins and takes the chance to leave, swiftly.
20:33 — Skaya nods, leaving after Sanda. " I feel so disconnected from ordinary people," she says all of a sudden once outside. "I'm not even sure how long that sum can last for a family of six, whether in the capital or in Mellanics."
20:36 <•Kotono> A hum, "I imagine he got paid reasonably well working in the castles, but still, that will help for the immediate future and more if she stretches it. It depends, but I suspect the oldest child will soon find work as well as the family seeking alms and charity." Sanda hurries up, "
20:36 <•Kotono> A hum, "I imagine he got paid reasonably well working in the castles, but still, that will help for the immediate future and more if she stretches it. It depends, but I suspect the oldest child will soon find work as well as the family seeking alms and charity." Sanda hurries up, "I'd rather not linger on this."
20:37 <•Kotono> Though after she glances back at Skaya, "But I can relate now. Ever since all...this started, it's like I've been in another world, and I only visit the world everyone else lives in in between travel and peril."
20:37 <Skaya> "Right. Well, Devar caught the guy, so let's go and take a look." And hopefully it's not some Talona bullshit but just terrible humans being terrible to each other over interests and politics.
20:38 <•Kotono> Thus the two of you hurry back and...OOC: One for both of you real quick, what's your game plan going to be from here?
20:39 <Skaya> OOC: Let's have Devar follow up on who got him to do it and where the poison came from. I'll back him up.
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, that sounds good. We'll pick up there Monday then,  I'm still not 100% and honestly just want to lie down.

[Corwin]

19:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then Devar, how do you plan on following up on that?
19:08 <Devar> OOC: We'll have Sil take Francis somewhere to question him. If need be we'll use Zone of Truth
19:13 <•Kotono> Thus Devar and Skaya follow as Sil takes Francis off. A nice, secure room with soldiers outside. It's lit only by a few candles on the wall, chains there to shackle his arms and legs so he can't escape. One he's set up he's shaken awake. When he sees Sil his expression turns horrified and his color pale. "Good afternoon," Sil greets, then glances to Devar.
19:15 <Devar> "I'll skip the preamble." Devar says. "If you have any chance of not being executed, you will tell us everything you know about your scheme today and who put you up to it."
19:16 <•Kotono> Sil is content to stay back, arms crossed and looking on.
19:16 <•Kotono> "A-a-anything!" Francis manages to choke out.
19:17 <Devar> "Let's start at the beginning. Who was it, and when did they contact you?" Devar asks.
19:21 <•Kotono> A gulp, "Yesterday evening," he says, "A man, he called himself Fritz. He said that he could give me so much gold if I helped him, a-and was so-so...he just knew all the right things to say."
19:21 <Skaya> "Have you done this sort of thing for him before?" Skaya interjects.
19:21 <•Kotono> Sil adds at that, "The good ones always do."
19:21 <•Kotono> A quick, vigorous headshake, "N-never! He came to me!"
19:22 <Devar> Devar frowns immediately and looks over at Skaya, then back to Francis. "What did this Fritz look like? Did they mention any particular patrons that you noticed?"
19:27 <•Kotono> "He was average height," he says, then starts to roll, "He had a mustache and black hair. 30! H-he was 30! His hair wa nice, not like a commoner, he had money. His cl-clothes were nice too," Going right on quickly, "He was missing part of his left e-ear! It really stood out!"
19:28 <Devar> "Does that match anyone you're familiar with?" Devar asks Sil.
19:29 <•Kotono> Sil hms a little at that, more of a vocalization than anything else. After mulling that, "I don't know every mercenary servant, but no, it doesn't. I doubt Fritz was his name."
19:29 <Skaya> "Where did you and Fritz meet?" Skaya asks Francis in the meantime.
19:30 <•Kotono> "In a hall, he came up to me. He kn-knew I went through the back halls to get out of the castle faster," he explains, "The one with the broken window that took so long to get fixed last year!"
19:31 <Devar> "He also could've had magic on to disguise himself." Devar admits. "Hm...and just for the record, what exactly did he ask you to do, and did he mention why he was targetting us?"
19:34 <•Kotono> "To put that in the food to give you," He answers, head bowed, "Only that you would be better to Laremy dead than alive. H-he said that you were t-traitors from Welland. T-that you were going to c-carve everything up with them!"
19:35 <•Kotono> "Was Her Majesty's pardon not enough?" Sil asks, which makes Francis sputter impotently. "She forgave them, so what aright of you to gainsay that?"
19:37 <Devar> "Once the deed was done, what were you supposed to do?" Devar asks.
19:37 <•Kotono> "He said nothing would come of it," he said, "A-and he had so much gold, and promised that the t-truth would come out!"
19:38 <•Kotono> "That and gold blinds men to reality," Sil comments, expression disgusted. "Willful ignorance, one flash of gold at a time."
19:39 <Devar> "Were you supposed to meet this Fritz somewhere to be paid? Or did he give you the money in advance?" Devar asks.
19:41 <•Kotono> "He g-gave it to me," He said, "And promised more would come afterwards."
19:43 <Devar> "Hm." At this, he turns to Skaya and Sil. "So it sounds like this person has an ear to the ground, since how would he have known we'd have been in the basement to begin with in order to receive the poisoned food?"
19:47 <Skaya> "It looks like a trail gone cold," Skaya admits. "Since it happened at the palace, we can't exactly round up all the guards that were on duty and ask for their experiences."
19:47 <•Kotono> "Someone with pull inside the castle," Sil agrees, "Resources and intelligence. That means it's a known force here, so likely a noble."
19:48 <•Kotono> "Someone who also knew to cover their tracks this far, because if caught they'd hang right with him," Sil adds afterwards, "Noble or not."
19:49 <Devar> "Do you think it's worth trying to play up that Francis was successful?" Devar asks. "We could simply spread a story that we got poisoned but Francis managed to somehow or another pass the blame? I guess it would depend on if this individual was able to keep tabs on that many things."
19:51 <•Kotono> Sil takes a few moments, "Surviving the poison does sound different," he muses, "And that Francis pushed the blame off. It would at least buy him a few more days," A murmur, keeping his voice down from the chained man's ears.
19:54 <Devar> "It'd be easy enough for someone like Skaya to keep an eye on Francis covertly and then surprise our mastermind." Devar says to the others, keeping his voice down as well. "I don't think this is something for all of us to do, just having one person do it wouldn't be easily noticed."
19:56 <•Kotono> "Skaya?" Sil asks of her then, "I've no objection to the idea, at least. If this Fritz shows his face again, all the better."
19:56 <Skaya> "Do you really think we can make it work? After going all around like that? And with the poison being a pretty nasty one?"
19:58 <Devar> "I think it's worth a try." Devar says. "It's easy enough to claim that the story got jumbled from one person to another in a place like this - unreliable narration and all that."
19:59 <Skaya> "So what would you like me to do, specifically?"
20:02 <Devar> "I'd say just tail Francis for a bit when he leaves the kitchen - it sounds like this person won't approach him when people are around, so all you'd have to do is watch him a bit and wait for that guy to show up again." Devar says. "If he never does he never does, but this feels like the easiest way to try and capture them."
20:03 — Skaya frowns. "The kitchens we visited and told the head cook to have him detained if he returned?"
20:12 <•Kotono> You see Sil consider it, "That's a good point, and the home that Skaya visited."
20:12 <Devar> "I think you could make up a story that it was a misunderstanding." Devar says. "But it was just an option to try and ensnare this guy, but we can wait for another opportunity."
20:13 <Skaya> "Next time, we can act with this in mind from the start."
20:16 <Devar> "However you all want to approach it is fine." Devar says with a nod. "It probably won't be the last time."
20:19 <•Kotono> A nod at that as, "Then is there anything else to add? This will go up and likely reach a great many ears."
20:20 <Skaya> "Let's just wait and see," Skaya proposes. "And perhaps suggest we should head for the battlefield as soon as Anne arrives? It'd be safer."
20:21 <Devar> Devar nods to that.
20:25 <•Kotono> "I'll see to him then," A look to Francis, "Go ahead and return, I'll have everything taken care of. Good work, Devar," Another nod to him and he turns back to the prisoner.
20:26 <Devar> Devar will take his exit with Skaya!
20:27 <•Kotono> Thus the party returns back and...OOC: Just going to lay low and wait for Anne, then?
20:27 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
20:30 <Devar> OOC: yar
20:32 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=41 ]{41}
20:33 <•Kotono> A day passes. Nothing but a holding pattern, and the next begins the same. It's in the early afternoon that you get a visitor. Anne sweeps in, air windswept and messy. "There you are," Picke looks up from his thoughts, arms crossed and sitting against the wall. "How's everything in Mellanics."
20:33 <Skaya> "It's been a while!"
20:35 <Devar> "Sorry you're getting dragged into all of this." Devar says, but he can't help but show a smile.
20:40 <•Kotono> Anne smiles and comes forward, "The city's in disbelief at the loss, but relieved at once that there will be no sacking again. People remember the last one." After that, "But I suspected I would be, after what we did. My charges are well, and quite insistent on being taken on flights." Her smile grows, "Something to look forward to when peace returns."
20:40 <•Kotono> "Welcome back," Rina agrees.
20:40 <•Kotono> Sanda looks unimpressed, but at least doesn't comment.
20:41 <Skaya> "I signed us up as healers so we don't have to be used by various nobles to kill random people on the other side. Think you're good with this plan, Anne?"
20:44 <•Kotono> "I've no objection," Anne agrees easily enough, "Better than what I feared, all said."
20:45 <Skaya> "Oh, listen! The one in charge of us right now is an elf!"
20:49 <•Kotono> "Oh?" A little murmur at that, " That's unusual, but is it that noteworthy?"
20:50 <Skaya> "Well, how many have you seen in Laremy?"
21:02 <•Kotono> "Not many," Anne concurs without an argument, "But still!"
21:03 <Skaya> "So what happened as you arrived? Were you given an audience with the Queen? Or just sent here straight away?"
21:03 <•Kotono> "Sent here," Anne answers, "Quite briskly too, no less."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Might've been the poisoning," Rina comments, "That happened too."
21:04 <Skaya> "People want to kill us wherever we go."
21:05 <Devar> "We did sort of have an audience with the Queen." Devar says. "Just... one with its own audience."
21:06 <•Kotono> Anne's eyes widen, "Poisoning? An audience with the Queen? Tell me," Anne comes over and takes a seat, "I've missed much."
21:10 <Skaya> "Someone tried to poison us. When we tracked the guy down, it seems like he was influenced and we're not even sure the guy who paid him actually looks the way he described. It was a lot of work for little benefit, alas."
21:14 <•Kotono> "Troubling," Anne concludes at that, "But none of you were hurt?"
21:14 <•Kotono> "We don't always need a walking medicine cabinet with us, though Rina did get bit," Sanda comments.
21:14 <•Kotono> "He bit me! Is till don't believe that," Rina gushes, "He bit me like he was throwing  atemper tantrum!"
21:15 <Skaya> "Rina and I are too suspicious," Skaya affirms. "As for the audience, it went as expected. We set the record straight, no one is getting executed, and we only got these lovely accommodations together with Sir Picke."
21:15 <•Kotono> At that Picke says, "It's better than many outcomes. When the next battle comes - sooner than later - we'll be there healing the injured and tending to them."
21:16 <•Kotono> "Then we'd best be ready. However, there's something else," Anne continues, "I unexpectedly crossed paths with Starre on my way here."
21:17 <Skaya> "You don't say!" Skaya exclaims, perking up. "How has she been?"
21:17 <•Kotono> Rina shifts, "Did she get the good news?"
21:20 <•Kotono> "She's alive and well, if busy," Anne confirms, attention turning to her. "Starre's of mixed opinions - thrilled that he's stopped, but unhappy it wasn't her lot to stop him. Still, she's heading towards the Petty Kingdoms. She has some task there, though she chose not to share the details of it with me. I suspect that it may be one difficult for us to know of, and best if we do not until it
21:20 <•Kotono> is done."
21:21 <Skaya> "Was it a coincidence that you ran into her, or did Starre want to pass something on to us?"
21:25 <•Kotono> "A coincidence, but she did have a message," Anne continues, "Beware of the east, because sickness incubates there."
21:25 — Skaya grimaces. "Did she mean the capital since it was to the east of  Mellanics? Or Eis?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "Eis, I suspect, but she confessed she wasn't clear on the meaning. She had a vision trance," Anne explains, "At the least, she said she didn't believe it meant Laremy."
21:27 <•Kotono> Rina mutters a few things before, "We know they have to be based somewhere. If they're in Eis, it would explain a fair few things."
21:27 <Devar> "I wonder if she means it literally or figuratively." Devar says. "But it's entirely possible someone else is causing trouble there, we did run into those Talonans that one time."
21:29 <Skaya> "Oh. Speaking of delightful things, apparently both sides have been setting fields on fire. Because we have to make the peasants miserable in a war."
21:33 <•Kotono> Anne sighs deeply at all of it, "Troubles and worse ahead," she confirms, "We'll do as best we can, and hope this war ends soon."
21:35 — Skaya nods helplessly. "We can only try our best."
21:37 <Devar> Devar nods to that as well.

[Corwin]

18:18 <KoFOOTBALL> OOC: Before things kick off and just as a chance after vacation, any prep to do before moving on? Purchases, gear to get, anything like that?
18:18 <Devar> OOC: I am still poor :(
18:19 <Skaya> OOC: Your nick
18:20 KoFOOTBALL → Kotono
18:20 <Kotono> OOC: Fixed. Anything for you, Skaya?
18:20 •Kotono was promoted to owner (+q) by ChanServ
18:20 •Kotono was opped (+o) by ChanServ
18:21 <Skaya> OOC: We're good
18:23 <•Kotono> Two days pass. Waiting and preparation mostly, as the castle above buzzes and bustles with noise. It's first thing the next day that you all gather for an early breakfast - or at late one for Sanda at least, who skipped sleep in favor of studying, her spells already prepared and ready - when you get a missive. Picke reads it briefly before, "We're being deployed," he announces, "We need to be
18:23 <•Kotono> ready to leave within the half hour."
18:24 <•Kotono> Rina gulps down the last of her plain breakfast of bread and hops up, "Time to do our jobs, then?"
18:25 <•Kotono> "We waited long enough, now time to hurry," Anne remarks, floating up and staying just above the ground, feet not touching the ground.
18:26 <Skaya> "Where are we headed?" Skaya asks. "Far enough that we should wait on spells like mage armor?"
18:28 <•Kotono> "Far enough," Picke agrees, "A few hours out of town on foot. Unless we get ambushed, we should have preparation time closer to matters."
18:29 <•Kotono> Sanda nabs the rest of Anne's forgotten bread and has it with hers, "In other words, be ready and enjoy these last few minutes before who knows how bad this is."
18:30 <Skaya> "Let's take our wagon," Skaya suggests. "Our horses have survived a lot, and you never know when they might come in handy."
18:34 <•Kotono> General agreement to that, as soon enough you're in the wagons and heading out. Picke leads the way, and you line up with a great many other soldiers. "For now we follow them out of Laremy," he explains, "We'll be guided along to where we're supposed to be closer to things." You can see line after line of soldiers prepare, spears, blade, maces and lances all ready. From foot soldiers to calvary,
18:34 <•Kotono> to archers and even petty mages, the forces of Laremy gather in the castle's courtyards.
18:35 <Skaya> Picke is the more visible of them all, and he is the one that needs merits to return to polite society, so Skaya is all for showing him in the leading position.
18:38 <•Kotono> As the group sets up, Anne murmurs low. "Devar, Skaya, Rina. Perhaps this would be a good ti mefor us to make an impression, and call on our patrons to protect the soldiers of Laremy. That no matter the result of this battle, that they be protected from the oncoming danger."
18:39 <Skaya> Anne has other ideas, but on reflection they are good ones. "I can do that, though I don't know if they'd like Eldath's. What do you think, Devar?"
18:41 <•Kotono> "It does seem a little questionable to invoke Eldath before a battle, but-" Rina stop a moment in thought, "I don't know all the doctrine."
18:41 <Devar> "They wouldn't, but maybe that's the point." Devar says. "Even Tempus respects Eldath's position, if he doesn't agree with it. I think we can find a way that speaks to peace without trying to make it seem like I'm judging them."
18:42 <•Kotono> Anne briskly nods, "Just so. Every soldier wishes to return home in peace, do they not?"
18:42 <Skaya> "I'll follow your lead on this."
18:45 <•Kotono> "I'll go along with everyone, I think it's a good idea," Rina admits.
18:46 <•Kotono> "Then it's just a question of that," Anne murmurs in thought, "Devar? As long as you can work out one for your end of it."
18:47 <Devar> "Focus on the people, not the war or the reasons." Devar says. "Like you said, everyone has some reason to want to return - a loved one or a life to keep living."
18:49 <•Kotono> "Then let us take to the air and raise our voices," Anne says, "Such will get attention the best."
18:50 — Skaya takes off into the air, intending to give the main spot to Anne!
18:59 <•Kotono> Anne leaps up into the air, though Rina stays down as she can't fly. Once the three of you are in the air, "Everyone!" She raises her voice loud and clear, "Know that even though you go into the face of death and danger, that Moore will protect! Good soldiers of Laremy, know that you are not alone, that you walk into danger with protection all around you!"
19:02 <•Kotono> Soldiers turn - a great many, Anne's voice carrying. At the least, attention turns to the group. She takes a moment for all eyes to turn to you and subtly motions Skaya and Devar.
19:02 <Skaya> "May your march be swift, as if you ride the wind itself," Skaya adds to Anne's blessing. "And may the Helping Hand guide you back in victory, for you are indeed not alone, honored warriors of Laremy!"
19:04 <Devar> "Know that The Quiet One wishes for your safe return to your homes, to your families, to your country." Devar echoes the sentiment. "We all live in service to see this through, make sure you stay alive and return to those you cherish!"
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplo all, +2 circumstance bonus.
19:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18 Anne
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Oh Kobot. One moment.
19:07 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@91DE219C.2A7D546.B6E645B1.IP)
19:07 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15+2+7
19:07 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15+2+7 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{40}
19:07 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 30
19:07 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18 Anne
19:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 Anne --> [ 1d20=15 ]{33}
19:11 <•Kotono> The party's words sound loud across the courtyard. At first there's nothing, then a cheer. A second. A third. A rain becomes a storm of cheers, as the men erupt in noise. It washes over you like a steadily growing wave, strong and potent.
19:13 <Devar> Devar smiles to himself, as if in some sort of understanding.
19:13 <Skaya> Can they feel it? Can they all feel the wind? May their journey be swift and free of troubles.
19:18 <•Kotono> Anne smiles widely at those cheers, raises her hand and her holy symbol up, and then descends down.
19:19 — Skaya follows Anne, satisfied. It might have been a gamble, but it worked.
19:20 <Devar> Devar follows the others down as well. "No one can say we're protesting the war, at least."
19:21 <Skaya> "Ah, Devar, you poor soul. Of course anyone can say it if they want to."
19:22 <•Kotono> "Facts and reality don't always matter," Picke comments as he comes over, "Still, good work. It'll make it harder at least. Just don't think harder means impossible."
19:23 <Devar> "Hopefully no one tries to poison us on our way there." He adds.
19:26 <Skaya> "Embrace the healing power of 'trust but verify'."
19:29 <•Kotono> That gets some chuckles as thus, the party proceeds onward. Onwards and...OOC: Perception you two, for my reference.
19:29 <Devar> roll 1d20+11
19:29 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{23}
19:32 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
19:32 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{39}
19:39 <•Kotono> The trip begins shortly. Thef irst hour is marching out of the town and over a bridge. Further on, further ahead. To the east are plains mostly, as the soldiers march onwards. Soon tents are seen in the distance, soon you can see smoke on the horizon. As you do, a runner comes up to Picke, who leans in and listens, then nods. "Follow me," he says, "We're being summoned."
19:42 <Skaya> It's a bit strange this happens before they actually reach the battlefield or the logistical field base, but Skaya follows Picke without question.
19:43 <Devar> Devar does likewise!
19:44 <•Kotono> You're escorted to a large, fancy tent bearing guards and more. You get nods from them when you approach, "Inside," they say, "You're expected."
19:44 — Skaya enters!
19:47 <•Kotono> There are several officers here, as well as maps all about. Soldiers come and go, bringing reports. At the head of this all is an unexpected familiar face - the Count of Laremy. He meets your eyes when each of you come in, and simply gestures for you to join him in the back.
19:48 — Skaya acknowledges the command with a curt nod and approaches.
19:50 <Devar> Devar had a feeling this was where they'd meet up, but simply follows along with what everyone else is doing!
19:52 <•Kotono> In a low voice, "Her Majesty is pulling everything out she can for this," he murmurs, "So I trust you understand the gravity of this situation."
19:52 <•Kotono> "Enough to pull us aside," Picke comments, "Then let us speak plainly."
19:53 <Skaya> "We're all ears, Sir."
19:53 <•Kotono> "Let us," He agrees, "We intend to break through, shatter their center and envelop the sides. It will be bloody, brutal and costly - and it will be enough to ensure an end to this war if all goes well. Her Majesty will lead the charge herself."
19:54 <•Kotono> Rina whistles low and long, "More like throwing heaps of gold out costly, or at least it sounds. I'm not expert, but they're prepared, aren't they?"
19:55 <•Kotono> "Unless Her Majesty has something to break through," Sanda quietly adds, "I hope I'm not seeing what I want to see when I say that's statistically likely."
19:55 <•Kotono> *not a expert
19:56 <Skaya> Is this basically going all in? Except it's a war and not a card game. "Naturally, we will fully support Her Majesty," Skaya voices, keeping such thoughts to herself. "What is required of us, specifically?"
19:57 <Devar> Devar does give Picke a look when it's mentioned the Queen is going to lead the charge, but doesn't say anything else.
19:58 <•Kotono> Picke returns it with a curt jerk of his head, and a mouthed, "Later."
19:59 <•Kotono> "You've impressed Her Majesty quite a great deal," The Count says, "She'd like you there with her on the front lines, as the personal royal medics. To ensure the spearhead succeeds and pierces through the lines."
20:00 <•Kotono> Sanda's lips twist into a half frown, half grimace. After a moment she bows her head at that.
20:00 <•Kotono> Anne considers a moment, "You phrase it as if it is a request, but is such from royalty ever anything but a command?"
20:02 <Skaya> "This is actually a very good outcome for us," Skaya says quietly. "There is no chance of someone taking advantage of the fog of war to command us or to get rid of us. We'll be directly with Her Majesty."
20:02 <•Kotono> "Valuable enough to heal her, and expendable enough that should we die valiantly, it is does not overly harm Laremy," Sanda points out, "No offense, sir," She adds to the count.
20:02 <•Kotono> Anne sighs softly, "Please excuse her," she murmurs to to the Count, "We're all terribly tense."
20:04 <•Kotono> The Count smiles thinly, and it doesn't reach his eyes. "I'll not begrudge you a few errant words this close to battle. Skaya is right, regardless. ANy action against you is an action against the Queen."
20:04 <•Kotono> "Which makes sense as someone struck against us," Rina concludes, "Yeah, I'm with Skaya on this one."
20:04 <•Kotono> "We got royal attention," Picke finally says, "It's only natural we'd come to mind, and Skaya grasped the point of it immediately."
20:05 <Skaya> "Yes, plus Sanda's wrong. If that were the case, our desires would get overridden and we would be commanded to merely guard Her Majesty. Sanda, don't be too nervous." Turning her attention back to Count Laremy, Skaya asks, "Are there any special instructions for us beyond this, Sir? From Her Majesty or from you?"
20:06 <•Kotono> "From me are but two: Protect Her Majesty with your life, and barring that, return alive." He meets your gazes again, "No matter what some think of what happened in Mellanics and with that peace, you're still heroes. We can fight and blame ourselves once we are glutted on the feast of victory."
20:06 <•Kotono> "And from Her Majesty?" Anne asks, gently.
20:06 <•Kotono> "Bring all you can, hold nothing back. If Laremy loses this day, the war is lost, a nd possibly the capital as well," The Count concludes.
20:08 <Skaya> "Understood, Sir. When are we departing?"

[Corwin]

17:50 <•Kotono> "Immediately," The Count answers, "I'll escort you personally."
17:50 <•Kotono> Anne takes a moment to check her gear and goes to follow.
17:51 <•Kotono> Sanda begins to walk as well, and falls in with Picke. She murmurs something to him, and he shakes his head tiredly.
17:52 <Skaya> There's no point in making complicated plans at this stage. Once they arrive, Skaya can see how much autonomy they'll receive as well as what forces are available and propose a plan based on that.
17:53 <Devar> Devar follows along, his spells last a good amount of time, but no sense using them yet.
17:57 <•Kotono> Deeper into thecamp. In the heart of it is a large tent with the banner of Laremy flying strong. It is well guarded, but your escort gets you immediate access. Inside sits the Queen, girded in full armor - functional and well made to her form, but sans a helmet. She is prepared for war, and currently sits alone save for two soldiers behind her throne. Fully armored as well and with full face
17:57 <•Kotono> helmets without a single gap to see through. Neither says a word or moves in the slightest. The Queen sits with her head bowed, eyes closed. All around are the signs of war, even a half eaten meal of camp food. Nothing more fancy, nor barely a reaction when you enter. The Count enters and kneels before her, "As you commanded."
17:58 <•Kotono> Sanda, Anne and Rina all kneel, as does Picke.
17:59 — Skaya kneels alongside the others. They even brought a throne to the battlefield? Amazing!
18:00 <Devar> Devar does likewise. To go onto the field herself in such a fashion, even Lady Eldath would respect that level of boldness.
18:01 <•Kotono> "You may go," She instructs the Count, who rises and does just that. Once he is gone, she looks up at all of you. "I need my flank protected and my wounds healed. I had other ideas, but your arrival and your skills make you perfect for this role, and free my good men at arms for other tasks. For I fully intend to be the tip of the spear that pierces the heart of Eis."
18:02 <•Kotono> Picke looks up at that, "How? I know good and well you've never had any talent for blade, spear, mace or any weapon."
18:03 <Skaya> Really? They're doing it here and now? Picke and Anne are clearly made of the same cloth. Skaya can't help but find the ridiculousness of the situation hilarious.
18:04 <•Kotono> After a moment, "You also know that I'll not have the curse of failing the Queen as she loses her life over their heads if you throw yourself away into the war." Picke continues, "So why? What's changed, Ellaine? I don't want to attend your funeral."
18:05 <Skaya> Ah, this better not be Milla's mother. Where can Skaya even hide during this conversation?! The best option is to mirror the stoic guards behind the queen. She just needs to pretend she has a full plate helmet over her head as well.
18:06 <•Kotono> Anne's still, until perhaps proving Skaya's thoughts right, "If you have no talent, then has something changed? I too have concerns. It's no secret that many have called you a weak ruler, in every sense of the world. Your Majesty, have you hidden your strength?"
18:07 <•Kotono> Rina stays stone still, head down, not touching any of that this time. Sanda sideglances at Skaya but keeps her own council as well.
18:07 <Skaya> Yes, Sanda, you're doing great! Your bestie is so proud!
18:08 <Devar> Devar decides silence is the better option here - he isn't going to tilt the scales any on what's about to likely happen.
18:08 <•Kotono> Her Majesty closes her eyes several moments, and when they open they are clear. Clear, the color of tempered steel. "Have I disturbed you so, Picke, that you would speak out from your already perilious position?"
18:10 <•Kotono> "Yes." Picke answers, "You've changed. That sort of sudden change - do you remember when I taught you to look for the signs of charms, possession and imposters?"
18:12 <•Kotono> "All can be discerned by changes in behavior, big or small," The Queen answers, "I remember that lesson well. I thought it less important than my embroidery or etiquette lessons at the time."
18:13 <Skaya> Ah, what is this even! Skaya has no actual experience around the queen and Picke either lied or concealed the truth thus far so she's not even sure what they're talking about. How awkward, how awkward....
18:13 <•Kotono> Anne shoots Devar a look, tension and increasing worry on her face.
18:14 <•Kotono> "Then...?" Picke asks.
18:16 <Devar> Devar takes in a breath at that. "If I may." Devar says, staying kneeled and not raising his head. "Whatever is going on isn't something I think impacts our role here."
18:18 <•Kotono> "You've been a hero too long," The Queen reflects to Picke, "It does not. More, I understand your concern and find it understandable. But not every such thing is the work of dark forces. And that is all you need to know. I am in no peril, nor is Laremy."
18:20 <Skaya> Is she suggesting she's being puppeted by Celestia? Well, probably not Celestia. And probably not literally puppeted. Skaya's thoughts begin to wander as she tries not to keep them on this current situation.
18:20 <•Kotono> Then, without a word, one of the soldiers behind her steps forward. From pounches on his side he produces several vials, one handed to each of you. "Potions to ward you from flame. I believe Rina has no need of such, but the others do."
18:22 <•Kotono> Each is taken, and once done, "Drink them when we are about to begin for battle. I intend to burn my way through the enemies of Laremy."
18:22 <Skaya> Actually, if they're in full plate and can't be seen, these soldiers are probably outsiders? Especially since a regular human serving the queen would have tried to stab Picke by now. "Of course, Your Majesty," she responds with. What else can she say?
18:23 <Devar> OOC: By any chance would a K:R of 25 tell me if one of Tempus' domains was fire?
18:23 <Devar> Devar will take the vial offered as well.
18:25 <•Kotono> OOC: No,b ut he does have some degree of fire iconogrpahy. It's not uncommon to show war as flames.
18:25 <•Kotono> *graphy
18:25 <Devar> OOC: Got it
18:27 <•Kotono> Once the vials are all taken, "Your primary responsibilities are to keep me in good health, as well as ensure my flank is clear. Rina, I would have you at my back directly, as you have the blood of fire within you. Several of you fly, I desire at least two in the air to protect me from approach from above."
18:28 <•Kotono> "Understood," Rina answers.
18:29 <Skaya> "Anne and Devar can be the aerial defenders. They've got the best defenses and could assist from range if needed."
18:29 <•Kotono> Sanda gives Skaya a confused look at that.
18:30 <•Kotono> "Anne lower," The Queen commands, "So I am in range of her healing at all times. Devar higher."
18:30 <•Kotono> Anne inclines her head at that.
18:31 <Skaya> There's no chance Skaya is leaving her squishy friend on her lonesome, so she'd be protecting the queen from close by while ready to assist Sanda.
18:32 <•Kotono> "Are there questions?" The Queen then asks, "Or am I clear?"
18:33 <•Kotono> Picke shakes his head, as does Rina. Sanda bites down on her lip before, "Forgive me, but statistically speaking, not wearing a helmet is far more likely to lead to injury than wearing one. And ah," she hesitates, "I may have found one of the royal family on our journey, so I bring it up for a good reason."
18:34 <Skaya> "It is a very nice helmet," Skaya echoes. Nice one!
18:34 <•Kotono> "Oh?" The Queen considers, "Show me."
18:35 <•Kotono> Laremy's Helmet is produced and handed over to one of the soldiers, who takes it to the Queen. She examines it, "This has been lost for over a century, I believe." she declares, "That," her gaze sweeps over Anne, Picke and Rina, "Was a good reason to speak up."
18:36 <•Kotono> That doesn't draw any comments from them, but Sanda says, "It's yours if you want it," she offers, "I don't know what the legality of looting is in cases like this, but I'd hate for an arrow to get you. The odds of it are too good."
18:39 <•Kotono> "You will be rewarded for this," The Queen puts the helmet on, and the front guard of it begins to glow a dull red, then a brighter red. Before your eyes the helmet's front is reshaped, leaving it much more open. Then, a thin membrane of what looks to be transparent, glassy steel covers her face anew, protecting without obscuring or hiding.
18:41 <Skaya> "It looks great on you, Your Majesty," Skaya says honestly. Perhaps this is the allure of artifacts made for a family line?
18:53 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "Then let us go," she decides and rises, the two soldiers staying behind.
18:54 <Devar> "My spells last a good amount of time, so I will cast them now, Your Majesty." Devar says - with that, he will cast Luminous Armor on himself and on Skaya! OOC: +7 AC and anyone who attacks you in melee suffers -4 to hit. Also you shed daylight, but it's... already daylight, so.
18:56 <•Kotono> "Go ahead," Permission is given, as Sanda takes the chance to do the same. "If anyone else needs to and desires to, you may."
18:57 <Skaya> roll 1d10+7 false life
18:57 <Devar> "If any of you want regular magical armor I can do that too, but if you're wearing something anyway it won't help much." Devar offers.
18:57 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment.
18:57 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@41E67580.AEA9681A.EB69ADA8.IP)
18:57 <Kobot> OOC: Go.
18:58 <Skaya> roll 1d10+7 false life
18:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+7 false life --> [ 1d10=4 ]{11}
18:58 Channel mode set to -t by •Kotono
18:58 <•Kotono> OOC: Topic fixed.
18:58 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+5 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+6 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
19:00 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
19:05 <Devar> OOC: Devar doesn't have anything else here if people don't need a +6 mage armor for the record
19:07 <•Kotono> With all spells cast, the party heads out. Here the great armies of Laremy gather and prepare. Thousands of soldiers are gathered, from the lowly spearmen, to archers, to heavily armored calvary men and more. All kneel before Her Majesty as she passes, her stride rapid. She pauses amid a great cluster of them. "Soldiers of Laremy." She says, her voice loud, clear and carrying. Silence quickly
19:07 <•Kotono> falls, "I will not waste your time with idle words. I will speak of the plain truth today. Today - we shall triumph! We shall cast down Eis, shatter their armies and end their assault in one swift strike!" It's warm. All of you notice it's growing warm and warmer by the moment as she speaks. "For today victory comes, and today we avenge ourselves!"
19:09 — Skaya can endure quite a lot of heat, so at a point it becomes unpleasantly warm would be when she takes that potion!
19:10 <•Kotono> Cheers rise at that, as the heat increases, "Now - prepare!" Her words spark that heat within you, and you feel a sudden surge of fire in your veins. OOC: +2 morale bonus to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls and saving throws until further notice.
19:20 <•Kotono> With that done soldiers begin to prepare, lines forming. The Queen goes right to the front line, and ahead. You can see fortifications ahead - wooden spikes and blasted land, earthen banks dug up and archers at the ready. The sun shines brightly as a great many mounted knights gather to Her Majesty, who seems content to be on foot.
19:21 <Devar> Devar will take the opportunity to drink the potion he was given and then take to the air - he was told to stay high, so now's as good a time as any!
19:22 <Skaya> Should they use a diamond formation for protection? Or just keep enemies off the queen's flanks? For now Skaya chooses the latter and coordinates with Picke for that purpose. Sanda can just trail behind Rina. As Devar drinks the potion, Skaya chooses to follow suit. Worst case, she's actually pretty well protected against fire.
19:25 <•Kotono> Potions are drank down, the chance taken. Picke comes over, "A loose diamond to cover her flank is my best thought, with Rina as close as the Queen wants her to be, and with two of yo uin the air."
19:26 <•Kotono> OOC: Grants resistance to fire 30, duration unknown.
19:26 <Skaya> "I was thinking the same," Skaya responds. "Let's see what works."
19:29 <•Kotono> With that all line up. Archers prepare. Calvary readies. Foot soldiers grimly brace themselves. Thus you...OOC: Go ahead and elaborate what your basic formation plan is in more detail, since I need an idea.
19:32 <Skaya> OOC: Since the queen intends to burn a path Skaya will let her go ahead unbothered but will be to her left, say 10ft away, and Picke will likewise be 10ft to her right. We'll both be 5ft ahead. Rina will be behind the queen, and Sanda behind Rina. Deva will be a bit ahead of things but high in the air, while Anne will be directly above Rina, say 20ft up.
19:33 <•Kotono> OOC: That works for me. Okay.
19:39 <•Kotono> At this, a horn sounds - from above. A glance up shows aerial rides, on gryphons or something else. No time to look, because with a roar that shakes the sky, it begins. Arrows fly as men scream and charge, hundreds and thousands of battlecries. A moment later arrows come back in retort. The Queen? She zips forward fast as a horse, leaving only sizzling, burning ground behind her. Flames dance
19:39 <•Kotono> along her armor, like tendrils of a hungry beast. Immediately you see a great many of the wooden stakes immolate in moments, reduced to nothing but ash and leaving a clearer path ahead.
19:44 — Skaya keeps pace, though she worries how Sanda will do at this sort of speed.
19:44 <Devar> Well, it seems the ground is covered well enough. Devar keeps pace by flying forward with the Queen, ready to intercept anything coming from the air.
19:46 <•Kotono> Sanda has to move fast, but she manages to loosely keep pace. It's easier for Anne and Devar, in the air. Rina has no difficulty, her own movements swift and unbothered by the flame tendrils - even when they lash out at her. OOC: For my reference, perception up in the air, Devar and Anne.
19:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
19:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
19:46 <Devar> roll 1d20+11
19:46 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
19:52 <•Kotono> With the way cleared, there is a counter - assembled calvary gathers as arrows slam down and...!
19:53 <•Kotono> roll 3#1d20+10 vs all of you ACs?
19:53 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3#1d20+10 vs all of you ACs? --> [ 1d20=9 ]{19}, [ 1d20=16 ]{26}, [ 1d20=5 ]{15}
19:53 <Skaya> OOC: 35
19:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Sanda and Rina are hit once, Anne avoids them all. Devar?
19:58 <Devar> OOC: Mine would be 32 I believe
20:01 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+3
20:01 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+3 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{6}
20:02 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 54/60 Rina 79/85
20:03 <•Kotono> Arrows fly. Sanda takes one in the side, though it doesn't go deep. You think Rina takes an unlucky graze as well, but then like thunder, the lines begin to meet. The clash of flesh, steel and blood is tremendous, and for her part? The Queen is untouched by the arrows, not a one piercing her armor or the flame around her. When she gets close she gestures, a great sweep of flames lashing out at
20:03 <•Kotono> the horsemen that charge you.
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 15d6
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=62 ]{62}
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
20:06 <•Kotono> Screams go up as horses and riders both are set ablaze. Knocked back by the fire, horses scattering and burning riders tossed aside or locked in their saddles, going up with their mounts. Half a dozen are dispatched at once like this, as all around you the cries of battle mix with the cries of pain, and the deathcries of those struck true. More arrows fall wildly but more behind the party now,
20:06 <•Kotono> as ahead you can see great layers of fortifications - the immediate way is momentarily clear, at least for your small group. Foot soldiers with heavy polearms and clubs are at the ready. For everyone else? It's a chaotic melee, calvary mixed in and brawling. Some make it through clean and sweep back, others are knocked down or slain, and others are checked and stuck on one another. The sky
20:06 <•Kotono> above is clear for now, but Devar can see something away and above - something distant, but looking like some sort of draconic riders? Not dragon sized, but not small.
20:08 <Skaya> If those soldiers manage to close in, Skaya will deal with those coming from her side just fine. For now, she draws her kama as she proceeds. The choice between lethal strikes and mercy can always be made later on.
20:09 <Devar> "Wyvern riders, or something akin to it on the horizon!" Devar calls down. He does his best to move past the carnage happening below - he prays for their souls to rest in peace in the afterlife.
20:13 <•Kotono> "I see them!" Anne calls back as well, "Be alert!" Not that it stops the charge - even as elements of calvary not engaged manages to peel back, caving backwards towards your group. Maybe half a dozen of them as the Queen advances - you have a problem! OOC: We're going to go into init for this.
20:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+0 Sanda still sucks at init
20:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+0 Sanda still sucks at init --> [ 1d20=2 ]{2}
20:13 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12
20:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{20}
20:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne would be good if she spends a feat on improved init one day
20:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne would be good if she spends a feat on improved init one day --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
20:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina zoooom
20:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina zoooom --> [ 1d20=8 ]{22}
20:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 The Queen
20:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 The Queen --> [ 1d20=12 ]{21}
20:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 arrows
20:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 arrows --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
20:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+1 soldiers on defense
20:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 soldiers on defense --> [ 1d20=20 ]{21}
20:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3 calvary
20:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 calvary --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}
20:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 ???
20:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 ??? --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
20:15 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 devar init
20:15 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 devar init --> [ 1d20=7 ]{10}
20:15 <•Kotono> Init is Rina (22) > The Queen = Foot Soldiers (21) > Skaya (20) >  Anne (18) > Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > ??? (12) > Devar (10) > Sanda (2)
20:17 <•Kotono> Rina stays in the Queen's shadow, at the ready. You can see the cavalry is spread out and at varying distances, the closest 45ft away and some more than a hundred. Rallying really, just trying to take the chance to stop the charge. For her part the foot soldiers defend and prepare - before tendrils of flame lash out, like great scourges over them. OOC: Soldiers are defending at the moment,
20:17 <•Kotono> they're really a bad matchup.
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 15d6
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=52 ]{52}
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{16}
20:26 <•Kotono> Before you a section of soldiers meet their fate in one gesture, the scent of sharp, cooking pork suddenly thick in the air. More screams join the air as a path is burnt through, flames leaping about and spreading. "Witch! Sorcerer Queen!" You hear such shouts from them as the choice to defend is a tragic one, at least for them. You see a banners and pennants on the line burn merrily, all
20:26 <•Kotono> as...OOC: Skaya.
20:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 oh geez, that was dumb of me
20:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 oh geez, that was dumb of me --> [ 1d20=20 ]{30}
20:26 <•Kotono> OOC: We'll say Picke is holding for count 19.
20:27 <•Kotono> Init is Rina (22) > The Queen = Foot Soldiers (21) > Skaya (20) > Picke (19) > Anne (18) > Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > ??? (12) > Devar (10) > Sanda (2)
20:30 <Skaya> It's nowhere near the queen's intensity, but Skaya can use Burning Hands and does so after getting within range with the cavalry. Perhaps they will break if they see not only the queen can wield such magic, or perhaps the horses will be spooked? For all that she doesn't want to harm innocent animals, Skaya would take the horses falling in battle over having to kill the enemy soldiers if that gives her the win.
20:31 <Skaya> roll 5d4 fire DC16 half, moving 30ft closer so I'm 15ft away from cavalrt
20:31 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 5d4 fire DC16 half, moving 30ft closer so I'm 15ft away from cavalrt --> [ 5d4=13 ]{13}
20:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3
20:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}
20:38 <•Kotono> Skaya's flames come, hot and intense. The rider screams as they get tossed but stay on, saddle locked on. The horse burns and cries out, charge aborted to the side. Both horse and rider fall, a tremendous crash joining the din of battle. "Die!" One cry carries, then a grunt of pain, and then a man groaning, "M-mother!" Picke holds for the other riders to come closer, a grim expression on his
20:38 <•Kotono> face. For her part, Anne maintains her readiness to heal at a moment, expression pained. OOC: A lot of defensive play here for obvious reasons. Calvary's up.
20:46 <•Kotono> They come from different directions. Only five now, and one Picke takes off into motion to intercept. He leaps midway, going for the rider outright, a huge armored knight that...
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 he'll eat the AoO
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 he'll eat the AoO --> [ 1d20=18 ]{27}
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+4
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+4 --> [ 1d8=2 ]{6}
20:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
20:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{31}
20:50 <•Kotono> The knight manages to grab a blade and draw it just in time, slashing across Picke - but it doesn't stop him. He slams hard into knight and knocks him back. The saddle and barding all hold up - but the weight of the impact is too much. The charge is stopped as horse and rider both crash down, Picke landing on top of them. That fight isn't over, but at least it stops the immediate threat.
20:50 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, four remain, charging in.  One has a Sanda problem - namely that she's in the way, and settles for crashing into her, lance first.
20:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike, I miswrote who was where on that.
20:52 <•Kotono> The knight manages to grab a blade and draw it just in time, slashing across Picke - but it doesn't stop him. He slams hard into knight and knocks him back. The saddle and barding all hold up - but the weight of the impact is too much. The charge is stopped as horse and rider both crash down, Picke landing on top of them. That fight isn't over, but at least it stops the immediate threat.
20:52 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, four remain, charging in.  One has a Rina problem - for as they close in, a wall of fire erupts up and out. Horses draw up abruptly, turning away from the charge, at least for the moment. "So much fire!" One swears, "Devils! Fiends!"  OOC: More, updating init.
20:53 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen = Foot Soldiers (21) > Skaya (20) > Anne (18) > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > ??? (12) > Devar (10) > Sanda (2)
20:53 <•Kotono> As that all happens, arrows fly. Not many fly into here, but still, there's a few strays and...
20:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d11
20:54 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d11 --> [ 1d11=6 ]{6}
20:54 <•Kotono> One sails right at Rina's back.
20:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
20:54 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{28}
20:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+4
20:54 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+4 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{7}
20:55 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 54/60 Rina 72/85
20:55 <•Kotono> Rina gets na arrow right in...well, the butt. There's no nice way to say it, and you hear her let out a yelp of alarm. "You-" she hisses at the lucky shot, followed by some less than kind words after. Then- OOC: Perception, Skaya.
20:56 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
20:56 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{38}
20:59 <•Kotono> Out of the corner of her eye, Skaya catches a ripple in the air near the Queen, advancing towards her. Something unnatural, something twisting the air itself. Invisibility?
20:59 <Skaya> "Devar! Sanda!" Skaya calls out, gesturing at the ripple. "Invisible assassin!"
21:04 <•Kotono> At that cry, the unseen creature pivots, rippling more. Enough to be momentarily distinctive from that - and going right towards Sanda instead, a redirection of opportunity.
21:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+20
21:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{33}
21:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+6+5d6
21:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=7 5d6=16 ]{29}
21:05 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 28/60 Rina 72/85
21:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 fort
21:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 fort --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
21:08 <•Kotono> Sanda reacts - just in time to get slashed across her chest. Blood flies from a wound from throat to middle, a diagonal slash right to left. It flickers into visibility - a bleak, eyeless creature with sharp teeth. It has flesh the color of darkened leather, pure muscle and with a sharp looking sword in hand. Around both wrists are heavy iron cuffs, which glow with a pale green light. It is
21:08 <•Kotono> fundamentally humanoid but too tall, the sight of it bringing bile to the back of your throats.
21:10 <Skaya> Damn-- no, it will be fine, she'll be able to get to Sanda in time!
21:11 <•Kotono> "You dare, assassin?" The Queen snaps, glancing back. The heat around all of you rises as...OOC: Devar, you're up. Go.
21:11 <•Kotono> "Ah!" Sanda screams and stumbles, almost falling. Blood flows freely, "A-anne!" she cries.
21:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne will go after Devar since emergency healing is needed.
21:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne making a check in the meantime
21:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne making a check in the meantime --> [ 1d20=16 ]{28}
21:14 <Devar> Devar sees that the others are handling the situation and stays in the air to keep an eye out and not be distracted! OOC: Pretty much just holding since he doesn't have a lot he can do from up there without flying down and that would just be more of a clusterfudge there.
21:15 <•Kotono> "Assassin! Assassin from Hell, dogai!" Anne cries in alarm as healing light washes over Sanda, as well as Her Majesty and Rina. "Someone has summoned a fiend and darkened themselves doing so!"
21:15 <•Kotono> roll 4d6
21:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 --> [ 4d6=17 ]{17}
21:15 <•Kotono> OOC: 17*1.5=25 healing.
21:15 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 53/60 Rina 85/85
21:17 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen = Foot Soldiers (21) > Skaya (20) > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > Dogai? (12) > Devar (10) > Anne (9) > Sanda (2)
21:20 <•Kotono> Sanda staggers, but the creature has already blurred back into invisibility. Nonetheless she takes a wild swing, trying to do something productive.
21:20 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs miss chance first of all, see if she manages to beat miss chance of 50
21:20 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs miss chance first of all, see if she manages to beat miss chance of 50 --> [ 1d100=14 ]{14}
21:21 <•Kotono> A staff swing misses entirely, only hitting thin air. Then heat comes. IT intensifies, yet the creature does not burn. The Queen calls, "Dispatch it!" she struts forward, striking out and incinerating more of the foot soldiers ahead, tendrils lashing out further, any arrows that come close burning away. The heat is heavy - but your protections against fire are holding.
21:21 <•Kotono> roll 15d6
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=55 ]{55}
21:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
21:22 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen > Skaya (20) > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > Dogai? (12) > Devar (10) > Anne (9) > Sanda (2)
21:22 <Skaya> OOC: I can't see any distortions right now?
21:28 <•Kotono> OOC: Not at the moment.
21:29 — Skaya is already a bit farther up ahead and she could catch up as needed. There's plenty of time to be prepared to intervene if she spots the assassin devil again!
21:29 <Skaya> OOC: I'll hold, then
21:32 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, give me Perception with a +4 bonus.
21:34 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 33
21:37 <•Kotono> Meanwhile Picke is busy and tangled - but hops up and tries to disengage, as...
21:38 <•Kotono> OOC: Has to eat an AoO here.
21:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9
21:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{17}
21:39 <•Kotono> This time Picke avoids a frantic slash as he disengages, turning towards the situation as it is. OOC: He's just preparing to deal with a bigger threat than a single cavalryman. Rina.
21:39 <•Kotono> Rina meanwhile looks all around and...
21:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{16}
21:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina holds.
21:40 <•Kotono> The cavalry's fallen back for the moment, circling around. In the chaos you see many on both sides have fallen, others in retreat. However, some do break through - and a few even gallop ahead through the openings the Queen has made, going to flank and envelope the defenders. Even then horses steam and you hear cries of pain, but some get through. OOC: Arrows.
21:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d10
21:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d10 --> [ 1d10=4 ]{4}
21:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 vs Rina again
21:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 vs Rina again --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
21:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+4 title unlocked: Arrow Bait.
21:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+4 title unlocked: Arrow Bait. --> [ 1d8=5 ]{9}
21:41 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 53/60 Rina 76/85
21:43 <•Kotono> As more arrows come, one ends up hitting Rina's arm. It burns up coming in so it's more of a flurry of wood shards than a serious wound, but it still makes her bleed. She curses again as meanwhile - THERE!  A ripple near the Queen, only a handful of feet away, ten or so. The flame around her isn't slowing it at all! OOC: Chance for people who held to act like Skaya.
21:43 <Skaya> OOC: I want to charge it, can I?
21:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure.
21:45 — Skaya takes off, dashing towards the queen kama drawn! But the strike seeks out that annoying ripple in the hopes of striking true at the devil!
21:45 <Devar> OOC: Could I take my held action from last round here, by any chance?
21:46 <Devar> OOC: If not it's okay
21:46 <Skaya> roll 1d100 miss chance
21:46 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 miss chance --> [ 1d100=29 ]{29}
21:46 <•Kotono> OOC: If you held your turn you're welcome to, Devar.
21:47 <Devar> OOC: Okay. So hold on Skaya's miss chance then please
21:47 <Skaya> OOC: I needed over 50 to hit, right? So go.
21:47 <•Kotono> OOC: Attack roll, miss chance is less because it's not total concealment here thanks to having something to hit. Sanda didn't have that in her case since the opening passed.
21:47 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12+2+7 I see!
21:47 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12+2+7 I see! --> [ 1d20=14 ]{35}
21:48 <•Kotono> OOC: Hit.
21:48 <Devar> Devar flies down when he hears the cry of the invisible creature and invokes the power of Goldenfang! OOC: dropping a glitterdust on the dogai, it's 20ft radius to dropping it so it doesn't hit Skaya/The Queen/whatever but may hit some soldiers. DC 24 will to not be blinded, but it will make the creature visible regardless.
21:48 <Skaya> roll 2d8+5+2+7
21:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d8+5+2+7 --> [ 2d8=4 ]{18}
21:48 <•Kotono> OOC: What does your weapon count as to beat damage reduction, Skaya?
21:49 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 will but not really the point here
21:49 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 will but not really the point here --> [ 1d20=8 ]{23}
21:49 <Skaya> OOC: It's magic
21:50 <•Kotono> OOC: Right. Success on fthe blindness, ho wlong does that last?
21:51 <Devar> OOC: Extremely good question, the weapon doesn't list a CL for the spell so I am not sure.
21:52 <Skaya> OOC: When the CL is not listed the minimal necessary for the spell level is assumed
21:52 <•Kotono> OOC: I'll check my notes...in between sessions since we're just about at pause time and Cor didn't want to run late, and I need to chase that down. It'll probably take a few so.
21:54 <Devar> OOC: assuming that minimum is the case I'll just note that would be 3 rounds then

[Corwin]

19:13 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen > Skaya (20) > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > Dogai? (12) > Devar (10) > Anne (9) > Sanda (2)
19:14 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Arrows (13) > Devar = Skaya = Dogai? (12) > Anne (9) > Sanda (2)
19:17 <Devar> OOC: And for reference it is 12 rounds
19:18 <•Kotono> Skaya rushes forward with a flying kick, a direct hit to the center mass of the fiend. IT knocks him back - and right into Devar's cloud of glitter. It coats the creature like a second skin, bright and impossible to miss. It's revealed and after amoment, becomes a now glittery mass of shadows, changing course and fleeing away, through the break in the lines made by the Queen. It's flees 60ft
19:18 <•Kotono> past the queen in a glittering rush, fast. "Cowardly monster!" Anne snaps even as it retreats full tilt, but holds for now. OOC: Holding in case of emergency healing being needed. Sanda.
19:21 <•Kotono> Still up, Sanda points and gestures, before four darts of gleaming force fly to strike the retreating fiend. She holds her chest after, a tight grimace.
19:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 caster level
19:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 caster level --> [ 1d20=9 ]{16}
19:22 <•Kotono> Yet the missiles have no visible effect, not in the slightest. With the Queen safe and the way forward opened, flames blast and scour the way ahead, spreading out to the sides.
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 15d6
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=48 ]{48}
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{10}
19:24 <•Kotono> The gap is made deeper and bigger, as the Queen takes one moment to look back. Behind you the carnage is heavy - war. Soldier on soldier. You see one Eis infantryman caught in it smashing a downed knight's helmet with a mace. Another shows a horse impaled by two spears, the rider tossed aside and down next to trampled, broken infantrymen of Eis. Arrows fly in both directions, over the charred
19:24 <•Kotono> remnants of those blasted by the Queen's flames. Blood stains so much of the ground, no end to it in sight. However, more and more of the surviving infantry pushes through, curling around, pinning the defensive lines.  That's when...
19:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne Perception
19:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne Perception --> [ 1d20=4 ]{10}
19:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
19:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
19:27 <•Kotono> Picke keeps his position now with the dogai in retreat, the remaining calvary backing off as flame tendrils lash out everywhere. Rina glares at the retreating assassin a moment, but you seem to have bought time, at least a few seconds of it. Then she happens to look up and, "Incoming fast!"
19:28 <Skaya> Skaya's body moves sideways at the cry before she even has time to glance upwards to understand the threat!
19:33 <•Kotono> Draconic riders, three of them. Two have dark brown bodies and armored knights riding them, armed with bow and arrow as well as mounted lances. The last is different. It has a body of shining silver and no rider, and leads the other two. It's bigger, stronger, more appealing in every way. While the other two are maybe fifteen feet long at most, this one is easily double that. It bears no weapon,
19:33 <•Kotono> but instead has visible jewelry worn over its body - large bracelets turned into rings, an amulet sized for it and held to its body by sturdy ropes, a shining silver circlet made for it and silvery-white metallic sheathes over its claws. They're perhaps 300ft away and 200ft up but closing in awfully fast, and moving with unnatural agility in the air, deft and and as sure as Anne's supernatural
19:33 <•Kotono> flight.  Indeed, as you watch, arrows come from above from them, firing from their mount even on the move.
19:34 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Draconic Ridersx2 = Silver Draconic? = Arrows (13) > Devar = Skaya = Dogai? (12) > Anne (9) > Sanda (2)
19:34 <•Kotono> "Who are-" Rina begins to ask, but no time.
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 vs Anne
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 vs Anne --> [ 1d20=12 ]{27}
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+17 vs Anne
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 vs Anne --> [ 1d20=20 ]{37}
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+17 vs Anne crit?
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 vs Anne crit? --> [ 1d20=19 ]{36}
19:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+6+3d6 and poison negated thanks to her armor
19:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+6+3d6 and poison negated thanks to her armor --> [ 1d8=4 3d6=14 ]{24}
19:35 <•Kotono> roll 3d8+15+3d6 and poison negated thanks to her armor
19:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+15+3d6 and poison negated thanks to her armor --> [ 3d8=10 3d6=11 ]{36}
19:36 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 23/83 Sanda 53/60 Rina 76/85
19:37 <•Kotono> Arrows fly fast and true - and one gets Anne in the wrist, in a tiny gap in her armor, and goes in so deep the arrow pokes out the other side. The other catches her in another gap in her side, burying deep enough to get Anne to gasp loud, wobbling in the air. Blood flows around the arrows as meanwhile, more strain arrows come and...
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d12
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d12 --> [ 1d12=1 ]{1}
19:37 <•Kotono> One flies almost perfectly at the Queen
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{28}
19:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+4
19:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+4 --> [ 1d8=7 ]{11}
19:42 <•Kotono> Anne sinks down heavily under that assault, as the Queen gets an arrow to the shoulder. Not deep, but enough to make her hiss in pain, "Laremy will not be quenched so easily," she hisses in a voice like fire, unyielding. At the same time Anne desperately sinks and heals herself, landing near Rina.
19:42 <•Kotono> roll 3d8+7 CSW
19:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+7 CSW --> [ 3d8=6 ]{13}
19:42 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 36/83 Sanda 53/60 Rina 76/85
19:43 <Skaya> OOC: Did the dogai(?) run towards the Eis side or all the way through to our back?
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Eis side, through the gap the Queen burned out.
19:44 <•Kotono> The arrow in her hand is dislodged as blood dribbles from the wound, "Ah...ah...Lady Jetina," Anne winces in pain, voice wavering. The dogai continues to flee towards Eis and away, a shadowy blur that moves faster and faster as it retreates. OOC: It and the two of you are up, so go.
19:45 — Skaya gives the fleeing dogai a forlorn glance but her priorities are clear. Losing Regis in a sudden collapse is one thing, but she can't gamble with the lives of her people. Sidling up to Anne, she taps her cheek and channels healing energy into her friend. "I'll heal you, you get everyone else!"
19:45 <Skaya> OOC: +21hp to Anne
19:45 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 57/83 Sanda 53/60 Rina 76/85
19:46 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen > Picke = Rina = Calvary (14) > Draconic Ridersx2 = Silver Draconic? = Arrows (13) > Anne > Devar = Skaya = Dogai? (12) > Sanda (2)
19:47 <•Kotono> The arrow pops out of Anne's side even if blood flows from the wound, "My thanks," She gasps out anew, "I shall!"
19:47 <Devar> Devar for his part will head back to the sky to hopefully intercept any further arrows from the riders, ready to act as necessary! OOC: Holding in case he needs to fly somewhere to heal someone since his is a lot more limited.
19:47 <Skaya> OOC: Blast one of the wyverns with lightning! Maybe the archer will fall!
19:49 <Devar> OOC: Oh, good point, yeah strike that I will do that
19:50 <Devar> Devar for his part will head back up and summon Storm's Eye, pointing it at one of the wyvern rider archers and summoning a bolt of lightning!
19:50 <Devar> roll 5d8 lightning DC 20 ref
19:50 <Kobot> Devar rolled 5d8 lightning DC 20 ref --> [ 5d8=24 ]{24}
19:54 <Skaya> It might even be better, in retrospect, to have the devil-like creature run into the Eis ranks, Skaya reflects as she watches Devar engage. If they don't know about it, perhaps they can attack it. And either way, outlined in glitter as it is, they can't keep harping about Laremy devils while fighting alongside it!
19:55 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 ref
19:55 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 ref --> [ 1d20=14 ]{22}
19:56 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+20 meanwhile
19:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 meanwhile --> [ 1d20=1 ]{21}
19:56 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 K:P
19:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 K:P --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
19:58 <•Kotono> OOC: Do any of you speak Draconic?
19:58 <Skaya> OOC: I do
19:59 <•Kotono> LIghtning flies free and hits one wyvern. It screeches in the air and buckles - but its rider seems to be very securely strapped in. Still, it's enough to hurt it, to wound it even with only a graze. Even as the silver draconic begins to change course, a snarled, "Devil! Baatezu!"  in Draconic carrying long and far.
20:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Sanda.
20:01 <Skaya> "He going after the devil," Skaya helpfully translates.
20:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Sanda will hold a sec pending the Queen.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Well good! At least someone has the right priorities here," Rina snaps back.
20:05 <•Kotono> The way is opened. "Now, with me," The Queen advances a little slower, but all before her burns. No soldiers come close, pinning them back, the heat more intense around all of you. Yet your potions hold, even as the mud and blood steams in the heat. Burnt corpses and shattered lives lie behind you and to the sides, along with the living still clinging to life. The Queen looks up despite her
20:05 <•Kotono> wound and sees the riders above, eyeing them and preparing. "We crush those above us then push through to the back line, and shatter their reserves and leadership."
20:06 <Skaya> "As you will it, Your Majesty!" Skaya responds. What else can she say here?
20:08 <•Kotono> Init is The Queen > Picke = Rina > Draconic Ridersx2 = Silver Draconic? = Arrows (13) > Anne > Devar = Skaya = Dogai? (12) > Sanda (2)
20:08 <•Kotono> Picke does the same, in position even as war rages behind him. Rina is likewise, the two ready but defending themselves from above, not aerial fighters. OOC: Troublemakers are up.
20:09 <•Kotono> From behind the death cry of some great beast, like a shrill screech. No time to investigate however, as the silver draconic fully leaves, pursuing the assassin. The two riders keep distance, firing arrows and staying well above and out of reach of most. They again fire at Anne, trying to take out the healer, perhaps.
20:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 vs Anne
20:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 vs Anne --> [ 1d20=5 ]{20}
20:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+17 vs Anne
20:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 vs Anne --> [ 1d20=16 ]{33}
20:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+5+3d6 still very grateful for her armor
20:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+5+3d6 still very grateful for her armor --> [ 1d8=4 3d6=12 ]{21}
20:10 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 36/83 Sanda 53/60 Rina 76/85
20:12 <•Kotono> Anne staggers as an arrow slams through her shoulder mail and into her flesh. "Kaja take you," she hisses in agony, but does not yield. Arrows aren't even coming your way now - for a few elements threaten them enough that they focus on other targets, the spear having pierced well through. Anne nonetheless heals everyone, bringing relief to all allies nearby.
20:12 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
20:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
20:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike, wrong die.
20:12 <•Kotono> roll 4d6
20:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 --> [ 4d6=12 ]{12}
20:12 <•Kotono> OOC: 18 total all allies except herself.
20:12 — Skaya heals Anne again and then flies out to meet the two riders! She can travel for a bit over a third of the distance for now, not to mention present a nice and visible target, and catch up a moment later!
20:12 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 36/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
20:12 <Skaya> OOC: +21 to Anne again
20:12 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 57/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: And moving 120ft closer to the riders in the air
20:16 <•Kotono> Anne is healed as Skaya flies up. She can see the riders bear the symbol of a blue panther on their armor at this distance. She's closer now and - ! OOC: Perception, Skaya.
20:16 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
20:16 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{38}
20:16 <Skaya> OOC: What knowledge to figure out the symbol?
20:17 <•Kotono> Back towards Laremy's camps, she can see smoke rising. Black, thick smoke, rising up more and more. OOC: K:L for a nything relevant, or K:R but with a harder DC.
20:18 <Skaya> OOC: K:L 10 for 25
20:20 <•Kotono> They aren't local, but you recall stories. The Blue Panther Brothers, a pair of twins whispered to have dragon blood - and their half brother, a draconic of some kind. A wyvern with a silver dragon parent or so the stories go. They operate mostly to the east and south, only a few stories known to you. They strike from above and get the job done quickly and effectively. They're also extremely
20:20 <•Kotono> expensive to hire and choosey on what tasks they take.
20:21 <Skaya> "How much are you being paid to fight alongside devils?" Skaya calls out to the twins.
20:25 <•Kotono> Over the roar of battle, "We were told no such thing, only that they were victims of Laremy's aggression once more!" One shouts in indignant fury, "Yet we saw it, glitterdusted for all to see!" OOC: Devar, you're also up here. Dogai's still in retreat with draconic pursuit.
20:27 <Devar> "If you'll agree to cease hostility, we'll agree to do the same against you!" Devar calls out. "No one here is an ally to evil like that!"
20:28 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplo checks, both of you.
20:28 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15
20:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{31}
20:30 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 30
20:35 <•Kotono> There's no answer - but the bow and arrow is lowered. Instead, the two riders urge their wyverns away and to a smooth turn, going to follow the silver draconic.  As they do, one calls over to the two of you, "You can see sabotage in your back lines," one calls back, "At least protect the innocents there that support the army, and control your own Queen to do the same!"
20:36 <Skaya> "Your Majesty," Skaya calls down to the queen as the threat she ordered eliminated is gone. "Shall some of us deal with the treachery at the back?"
20:39 <•Kotono> A moment's thought before, "You and Devar. You can fly to deal with it swiftly, but Anne will stay with me."
20:40 <Skaya> "It shall be done!" Skaya affirms, and lets Devar lead. She'll catch up in no time!
20:41 <Devar> Devar will start to fly towards the rear! Hopefully whatever is going on is quickly dealt with...!
20:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Fly speeds, you two?
20:44 <Skaya> OOC: 120ft, we can run!
20:45 <Devar> OOC: 90ft here
20:49 <•Kotono> As you fly above, you see the battle is a mess - but more and more, Eis has broken. The spear pierced, despite horrible losses of horsemen. You see some fliers warring in the air, but most are downed, more corpses onto the battlefield. Arrows fly as you avoid them as best you can, more and more smoke rising from the camp. It looks to be coming from the nicer, fancier tents of the nobles and
20:49 <•Kotono> leaders, too.
20:50 <Skaya> Couldn't happen to nicer people? Probably? But still Skaya has to investigate! Where there's smoke there's fire, usually.
20:50 <Devar> "You think it's the person who tried to have us poisoned?" Devar asks as they fly along!
20:50 <Skaya> "No idea!"
20:57 <•Kotono> You fly further along, racing ahead. You see panic - soldiers fight the fires, a few dozen big tents ablaze - except the royal tent, which does not burn, even as flames touch it. More of that horrible smell of burning pork/flesh, more dead.
20:58 — Skaya searches for attackers, saboteurs, monsters-- anything that would explain why so many tents are set on fire!
21:00 <Devar> Devar wishes he'd brought Sanda along for something like this, but  does the same as Skaya, perhaps they can at least help to stop it!
21:02 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception check then, both of you, +2 circumstance bonus.
21:03 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 31
21:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Devar?
21:06 <Devar> OOC: Sorry, missed the ping. Take 10 for 25 here
21:11 <•Kotono> Both of yocu an spy something - a trio of servants, restrained and held at swordpoint, away from the fires. Grim faced soldiers stare at them with unhidden hate and contempt.
21:12 — Skaya touches down by the grim soldiers. Without wasting time, she says, "We were sent by the Queen to investigate. What happened here, and are more arsonists at large?"
21:13 <Devar> Devar comes and lands next to her!
21:14 <•Kotono> They return - and one's face softens, even as smoke fouls the air. "Heroes," he greets, a young man with a shaking hand. "Enemy infiltrators. They...they set that fire and killed-" his expression hardens, his intend clear as he raises his sword.
21:15 <•Kotono> Another guard, an older one, grabs his wrist and pulls his sword arm down. "They'll hang after spilling everything they know," he chides, "The Queen's justice will see to enemies."
21:16 <Skaya> "This day took a toll on Laremy's brave soldiers," Skaya says. "But we're winning. Stay the course." She takes off once more, and checks whether the fires are contained.
21:16 <•Kotono> The three - all men - look on in quiet, sullen anger and fear. One spits out, "Then Tempus take you back to his stinking pit where you spawned from!"
21:18 <•Kotono> "Ma'am," An agreement from the older one, as the tw of you fly off.
21:19 <Devar> Devar ignores the comment and will follow after Skaya - it is important to make sure no more innocents get caught up in this.
21:19 <Skaya> If things look contained they can only return and support the queen's advance once more!
21:20 <•Kotono> On a glance, the fires are being contained - they're even pulling the dead out when they can. It's not hard to notice a familiar face there. Burnt over much of his body and with a gash on his head, the Count of Laremy lies at his final rest with soldiers and several non combatants.  Nearby the burned but living scream in pain, or the worst not at all, charred but wounded past the point of pain.
21:21 <Skaya> Before she goes, however, Skaya makes sure to pass by the wounded and ease their pain as much as she's able to.
21:21 <Skaya> roll 4d6
21:21 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 4d6 --> [ 4d6=18 ]{18}
21:22 <Devar> Devar frowns and says a prayer to Eldath to see everyone safely on to their next lives. The Count especially, though he wonders if this was a specific attempt on his life?
21:22 <•Kotono> Healing. The wounded become whole once more. The charred regrow flesh. Cries of relief come, and in moments, "Look! The heroes of Welland!" Cries go up from the formerly injured along with others nearby, "Lady Skaya! Sir Devar!" Cheers go up from those who can afford to, a moment of brightness amid everything else.
21:23 <Skaya> With a wave at the wounded to acknowledge their grateful cries, Skaya flies back.
21:27 <Devar> Devar follows her lead, hoping nothing else has happened at the front while they were gone.
21:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 meanwhile
21:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 meanwhile --> [ 1d100=75 ]{75}
21:29 <•Kotono> You weren't gone that long, but you see that the battle's broken in favor of Laremy. The enemy line is broken, and foot soldiers pour through. The few remaining aerial forces battle above, but none in your path, and some in retreat. In the distance you see fire dancing, blazing, burning. The enemy camp is ablaze as the Queen strides through. Any who approach burn, though at least she spares
21:29 <•Kotono> those who run.
21:31 <Skaya> There is no need to burden their friends with the knowledge of that treacherous attack, so Skaya merely returns to her original position on the queen's flank.
21:33 <•Kotono> Anne's expression is grave, while the Queen's eyes are closed. Picke's expression is set in stone as Sanda looks ill. "The enemy leadership has fled, our forces will advance." The Queen declares, "Any foolish enough to approach forfeit their lives. Resistance is splintered, and we paid richly in blood to ensure their heroes are busy fighting or dying, at least those who did not confront us
21:33 <•Kotono> directly. What of our back lines?"
21:34 <Skaya> So that resolve didn't last long. "A cowardly attack. The fires are contained, but we've lost some people in the command tents, foremost among them that I could see Count Laremy, Your Majesty. Three posing as servants were already captured to be interrogated."
21:37 <•Kotono> It's hard to miss. For a moment Ellaine looks stricken, before hard, controlled confidence takes over. "That will be accounted for," she promises.
21:38 <•Kotono> Picke grimaces again, but, "Your Majesty, we've achieved our objectives. Do you need to be on the field further?"
21:38 <Skaya> "It all happened very quickly, Your Majesty," Skaya adds. "With that sort of sneak attack, even if we'd been there...."
21:38 <•Kotono> "The assassin and the Blue Panthers was a surprise," The Queen concludes, "But I was right to put my trust into all of you. You performed admirably, and even turned them against Eis."
21:39 <•Kotono> "Even if," The Queen sighs, and for a moment she sounds strange. Ancient, burdened. "Perhaps this is a chastisement for this means of victory."
21:40 <Skaya> Perhaps their not-so-hidden support could send a miracle? Or just a priest capable of raising the dead? Those strong and accomplished could return, and it hasn't been that long.
21:46 <•Kotono> If that plea is heard, it's not immediately answered. Instead, the Queen goes silent for a little time in thought. The flames rage but begin to die down unnaturally - the damage done, perhaps. The cries of soldier sand moans of the wounded are heard instead of the crackle of fire. Foot soldiers rush in, capturing and subduing, taking over what remains. The Queen watches this solemnly, eyes
21:46 <•Kotono> setting on a knight and mount little more than charcoal. "Yes, perhaps this is Laremy's punishment. Another battle scar to wear proudly. No matter." She turns to you, "Know that all of you will be rewarded."
21:49 <Devar> Devar stays quiet at this, but she ought to know his general opinion even without him voicing any of it. "Would you like us to tend to the wounded, Your Majesty?"
21:49 — Skaya bows before the queen. In the end, she merely wants to know whether their part in the war is over, but since Picke's question wasn't answered she can only serve quietly and help if sent to provide aid.
21:51 <•Kotono> After more quiet, "See to the wounded as you can. Picke, Rina, escort me back."
21:55 <Devar> Devar bows and will head off to do just that!