[20:03] * Seira appears, her crisp uniform appearing out of place on her worn out, tired form. She doesn't seem to show her emotions at all, aside from a slight drooping of her pointed ears.
[20:04] <Seira> Once in the presence of superior officers, Seira makes sure to salute them mechanically.
[20:04] <Dinadan> "Sit and rest," Lord Salman instructs pointedly. "There's no need for stiff regulations today."
[20:04] <Dinadan> Celebrimbor smiles a moment at Seira, but bides his time at the moment.
[20:05] * Alicia opens her mouth to reply with a platitude, but closes it upon the arrival of her assumed new colleague, instead looking to the half-elf with vague pity. They just lost someone who sounds like a fine and upstanding person, and here she is trying to save the life of her worthless sister... it's hard to see the justice in such things.
[20:09] * Demedais opens the door and steps in, glancing to Oberuth. "Demedais reporting as requested, Commander," he says simply as he salutes, before glancing at the three unknowns and bowing to them all.
[20:10] <Dinadan> Lord Salman looks Demedais over with a critical eye, "Demedais, Paladin of Helm?" he inquires to the point.
[20:11] <Demedais> "Yes, sir." Demedais nods to Lord Salman, trying to figure out if he's another Malmuthian diplomat who knows too much about him or someone else.
[20:13] <Dinadan> Lord Salman matches that look, wearing a simple white cloak and body armor. His bearded face is full of strength, wizened. "Demedais..." Commander Oberuth gently injerjects, "That's our Lord."
[20:15] * Demedais bows again. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Salman. I apologize for my rudeness." He then straightens up and awaits further orders.
[20:17] <Dinadan> "Sit down if you wish. I'm aware of the current circumstances," Lord Salman goes on, "Ther eis little need for formality today. On behalf of the Baronies, I express our grief over the loss of Captain Shamal."
[20:19] * Demedais takes his seat and nods his head at Lord Salman.
[20:19] <Dinadan> "Thank you, sir," Oberuth murmurs respectfully.
[20:20] <Dinadan> "I will attend the funeral personally," he goes on, a pause. "But I was informed that this happened on a mission. Are you going to attempt this feat again?"
[20:21] * Alicia perks up slightly at this, since she's now part of the unit, she'll likely be expected to take part in the same mission that already killed one of their number. Best to pay attention.
[20:22] * Seira nods curtly. "Without delay, Sir."
[20:22] <Dinadan> "Then, Alicia here will go with you. She is a servant who has entered bondage to commute her sister's sentence. She is a capable warrior and champion of Mystra."
[20:24] <Seira> "...bondage, Sir?" Seira asks, blinking.
[20:24] * Demedais hesitates. "I would suggest a delay, Seira, if only to look up a way to repel those blasted beasts with ease. We do not want to risk such a thing happening again." At Salman's words, Demedais looks at Alicia. "You, too, serve the gods?"
[20:24] <Dinadan> "To help ensure forgiveness for her sister...Beth, my failed assassin." Lord Salman smiles grimly, "She is to serve the Crimson Guard to pay her sister's debt."
[20:25] * Seira dismisses her scrutiny of Alicia at those words, and redirects her gaze to Demedais. "I have the means."
[20:26] * Alicia bows stiffly. "I give my word to serve you faithfully and to the best of my abilities. Please do not concern yourself with my sister." She nods after a moment to Demedais, but doesn't elaborate further for the moment, letting Captain Seira explain her plan.
[20:26] <Demedais> "Then pray do tell." Demedais says.
[20:27] <Seira> "Resist Energy," she says flatly.
[20:29] <Demedais> "That will repel the beasts?" Demedais questions. "Or simply diminish their capabilities?"
[20:30] <Alicia> "If I may," Alicia puts in, "What beasts are we talking about, here?"
[20:31] <Seira> Seira's lips thin into a frown. "I will explain everything along the way. There is no time to waste, I believe."
[20:34] <Dinadan> "Seira....mmm. No." Celebrimbor considers, "I will stay until you return, if your duty demands you."
[20:35] <Alicia> "Time spent planning so that no one else dies is hardly wasted," Alicia counters firmly. "I pledged to serve this unit well, and throwing myself into unknown danger is not a good use of my capabilities."
[20:37] <Demedais> "Shocker lizards." Demedais tells Alicia. "Rather fragile things, but with the potential to call forth powerful lightning bolts in swarms. And they were indeed swarming along that path." Demedais nods to Alicia's words. "Seconded. While this 'Resist Energy' may prove useful, planning for more of them than that spell can handle will no doubt prove beneficial."
[20:38] <Seira> "You are welcome to your planning," Seira says flatly to Alicia and Demedais, turning towards Oberuth. "Sir, I request permission to depart."
[20:39] <Alicia> Alicia's eyes widen for an instant before she manages to school her expression, keeping herself from saying something disrespectful. "They are little more than vermin, are they not? If they cannot be avoided, then fire or loud noise should surely be enough to deter them."
[20:39] <Dinadan> "Wait on them. Like hell if I'm going to send you there alone," Oberuth speaks, quite firm. "...are you letting your personal anger affect your judgment?"
[20:42] <Seira> "That was a fluke!" Seira exclaims angrily, her facade broken. "She did not have to die! Not from those vile things!" She sweeps her arm wildly in front of her. "Resist Energy? That's all you ever need as you slaughter them en masse! To plan-- to plan against such base beasts--"
[20:43] <Dinadan> Commander Oberuth stands, approaching Seira. "Maybe it was a fluke, maybe it wasn't. But I will -not- have you take a dangerous mission lightly that already claimed one life! I will not see one of my Captains act in such a foolish way. You're too important to this city to go off half prepared."
[20:44] * Alicia can't help but privately agree. Really, shocker lizards killed one of this city's elite defenders? What a sorry state of affairs...
[20:45] <Seira> "Hmph." Seira schools her expression. "May I be dismissed, then, Sir?"
[20:47] <Dinadan> "Allow me," Celebrimbor stands at those words, "I had wished to hold my tongue, but I believe I will converse with Seira now."
[20:49] <Dinadan> "Fine," Oberuth relents on that.
[20:52] <Dinadan> Once the two exit, Commander Obeturht turns to Lord Salman. "My apologies."
[20:53] <Dinadan> "It's forgiven," he allows, "Under the circumstances. Now then, go on and tell me in detail about this mission?" He look sto Demedaisa t that.
[20:56] * Demedais says nothing as Seira and Celebrimbor leave, but nods at Lord Salman. "We have directions from Pollyanna, the survivor of the group which accidentally awakened the dragon Kondrux. A nine-day trip to the den of the shocker lizards, and then pretty much through what I'd estimate to be hundreds of them to the dragon's lair. Pollyanna knows the path best; I am going to request her as a guide." He shakes his head, jus
[20:59] <Demedais> He shakes his head, just a bit. "The lizards seemed agitated by something, according to Shamal; they were all exiting their holes and climbing up the cliff toward us. I'm not sure what could be agitating them."
[21:01] <Dinadan> "If the dragon...hmm." Lord Salman considers, before nodding. "Legends speak of the hordes of dragonkind."
[21:03] <Demedais> "Indeed. Obtaining said horde quickly, before Malmuth makes a dedicated search for it, is why Shamal and Seira desired to get to it." Demedais notes.
[21:04] <Dinadan> "Very well then, do your preparations and leave when the three of you are ready," Lord Salman agrees.
[21:06] * Demedais nods before looking to Alicia. "You're now as well aware as I am of the dangers on the road, whatever your opinion on those beasts may be. You have any suggestions?"
[21:08] <Alicia> "As I said before, Shocker Lizards are little more than vermin... I suppose your friend's fate is a lesson in humility, however," Alicia admits, looking thoughtful for a moment. "As I said before, though, they are easily avoided, and if pressed can be scared off without much difficulty - at their core they are simple beasts with simple drives, not actually malicious."
[21:12] <Dinadan> "How many of them are there, anyway?" Commander Oberuth speaks up, "I would assume many?"
[21:12] * Demedais nods slowly. "Death can come anytime; even what looks harmless might be dangerous if you don't account for it. As for avoiding them... the path involves going up and down multiple walls; they were encountered in the middle of one of the gorges. I did not notice any other easy path."
[21:13] <Alicia> "Then merely snipe them from atop the gorge? Their instinct would be to take cover rather than make the effort of climbing to do battle against whatever is assailing them in those circumstances, I think," Alicia suggests.
[21:14] <Demedais> "The group we encountered had about four dozen of them, sir, and that was the first of many groups Pollyanna said resided there." Demedais tells Oberuth. "It is why I am inquiring about some way to repel them. While Seira's and Alicia's magics may be able to take ten or twenty at a time, such large swarms may require other methods, I think."
[21:15] <Demedais> "Seira, Pollyanna and I were, Alicia. ...Shamal moved to try and scare them off by spiderclimbing down the cliff a bit to hit as many as she could with a strong spell. Some of the ones near the bottom were not affected, and... well."
[21:16] * Alicia frowns a bit. "Perhaps she had hoped the remaining ones would be frightened by the display... I confess, I would have assumed they would be, myself, unless it was an especially subtle spell. There may be more to them than normal, in that case."
[21:18] <Demedais> "That is what I suspect. The spell was a rather bright and colorful one... Color Spray, maybe?" Demedais says cautiously. "The fact that they rushed up onto the cliff so that I could slice them apart is why I agree that they may be... driven, currently."
[21:21] <Dinadan> Lord Salman listens to all of this and watches intently, "Be careful. If those beasts are stirred, it speaks of a change of condition. There may be more to this than mere lizards."
[21:23] <Demedais> "It may have something to do with slaying Kondrux." Demedais says after a pause. "Perhaps... he held them in check...? Argh, I hate lightning." Demedais grunts. "First that bloody dragon and now these little miniature dragonlikes..."
[21:23] <Alicia> "Perhaps someone else has found the hoard first and is taking steps to defend it?" Alicia surmises. "Without actually going there, we cannot be sure, however."
[21:25] <Demedais> "If someone else has found the hoard, they have managed to do so in an incredibly small amount of time, and probably hiding their tracks well - although there could be other paths in." Demedais says, frowning. "Without going there, however... yes, we cannot know for sure."
[21:29] <Alicia> "If we are to leave, then I am at your disposal," Alicia bows briefly. She'd like to see Beth, but if her life is no longer in immediate danger she can stand to wait a little bit.
[21:35] <Demedais> Demedais pauses a second, then says, "I.... have something I would to do at the Temple, first, before we go." He bows his head in thought. "I also must retrieve my armor from Shamal's bag; she had placed it in there so that the weight would not be a burden on me when climbing the sets of ropes. It would be beneficial to take that bag with us, thinking on it."
[21:37] * Alicia briefly glances down at her figure hugging and near weightless mithral armour, feeling rather grateful for its constant but unobtrusive presence. "It is a bag of holding, I take it?" she asks curiously. At least they seem well equipped.
[21:38] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais says simply. "Protected by a celestial bison if anyone but her attempts to open it, according to her."
[21:41] <Alicia> "Ah... I suppose she couldn't have forseen what would happen," Alicia manages diplomatically, though it strikes her as rather paranoid.
[21:41] <Dinadan> "I:s there no other that can open it safely?" Oberuth scowls, "It is not an impossible complication, but regardless."
[21:42] <Demedais> "Stronger may be able to dispel it, I think. I'll take the bag to her, with permission."
[21:44] <Dinadan> "Go ahead," OBeruth gives permission, "Dismissed, both of you."
[21:44] <Alicia> After a moment's hesitation, Alicia nods. "I will come with you, then," she tells Demedais. Not asks. Tells.
[21:45] <Demedais> "You are welcome to do so." Demedais nods, not giving any signs he noticed the command as he salutes Oberuth and Salman before leaving to Stronger's shop, taking the bag with him.
[23:53] <Dinadan> ---
[23:53] <Dinadan> The trip back is a quiet one, at least from your guest. Pollyanna barely speaks a word doing the trip up the mountains, as you travel along. Summer continues to back, each day peeling by, another day since the demise of Kondrux...
[23:53] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[23:53] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 49."12 [1d100=49]
[23:53] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[23:53] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 49."12 [1d100=49]
[23:53] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[23:53] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 14."12 [1d100=14]
[23:54] <Dinadan> roll 1d100
[23:54] * Hatbot --> "Dinadan rolls 1d100 and gets 86."12 [1d100=86]
[23:58] <Dinadan> The trip is fortunately without overly distracting incidents. The day pass as you go through the horrid terrain, at last returning. The cleft to keep your horses is there, no sign of lizards. Also, away, are the ravines you scaled up and down, and the second one where Shamal met her fate.
Session Time: Sat Jul 07 00:00:00 2007
[00:00] * Alicia of course is keeping an eye out for any such lizards, not overly discomforted by the lack of conversation from her companions over this journey. They don't have to be friends, after all, and she's only here out of an obligation, herself.
[00:01] * Seira observes the area for lizards.
[00:02] <Dinadan> There don't seem to be any lizards immediately about. Just quiet air, the place quiet. Almost tense.
[00:02] * Demedais dismisses his mount and sighs a bit. "Alright. Time to traverse the ravines." He taps the Fifth Resort lightly, causing it to float around him as he doffs the armor. "You see anything, Seira?"
[00:02] * Seira casts Mage Armor upon her person from a handy scroll, and then begins to climb down, ordering, "Cover me."
[00:03] <Seira> "Not yet," she responds as she climbs down carefully.
[00:03] * Alicia keeps an eye out over Seira as she descends, ready to magic missile anything that threatens her apparent commanding officer for this mission.
[00:04] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais says, keeping an eye out over near that shallower ravine.
[00:04] <Dinadan> Pollyanna mutely strides forth, an arrow at the ready. OOC - Spot checks if yer watchin'.
[00:04] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2
[00:04] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
[00:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 laf
[00:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 laf and gets 11."12 [1d20=10]
[00:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 amusement
[00:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 amusement and gets 4."12 [1d20=3]
[00:06] <Dinadan> So Seira descends down into the first ravine. Nothing immediately comes into obvious view as she does.
[00:07] * Demedais eyes. "They're there, Seira. Move quietly and quickly. I can see them in the holes..."
[00:07] * Alicia proceeds to murmur a brief spell under her breath...
[00:07] * Seira foregoes taking out her bow and steps across to the other side, beginning her climb.
[00:07] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[00:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 71."12 [1d100=71]
[00:07] <Alicia> "Shall we wait until you're on the other side?" she whispers, her words carrying to Seira through the magic of her Message spell, currently linking all four of them.
[00:08] <Seira> "Yes," Seira whispers back, allowing the magical contact. "I will create a killzone the likes of which these beasts have never seen."
[00:09] <Alicia> "Let us know when we should follow... and who should go first," Alicia requests, trying to see if she can spot the beasts Demedais noticed.
[00:10] <Demedais> "I'll take the rear. Alicia, you follow Seira first; then Pollyanna." Demedais says.
[00:10] <Seira> "Pollyanna should be last," Seira objects.
[00:10] <Dinadan> "Arrow cover," Pollyanna mutters, nodding to Seira.
[00:11] * Alicia nods to Demedais, waiting for Seira to ascend on the other side before she follows.
[00:11] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais allows after a moment, keeping an eye on the lizards.
[00:13] <Dinadan> SEirafinishes her climb up, Alicia coming down. Still nos ign of lizards.
[00:13] * Seira adjusts her newly-fitted helm better once she is safely up on the other side, before taking out her bow and asking Demedais to point out the holes where he sees the lizards.
[00:13] <Alicia> Rappeling down with little difficulty, Alicia proceeds to make her way quietly across the bottom of the chasm, and then climb upwards to join Seira.
[00:14] * Demedais points to as many of the holes as he spotted them in, keeping an eye out for the ones closest to Alicia.
[00:14] <Dinadan> This also goes without incident - no sign of the lizards still.
[00:15] * Demedais nods and follows Alicia's example across the ravine.
[00:15] <Dinadan> Demedais goes down. Still no lizards!
[00:16] <Dinadan> Once Demedais is over, Pollyanna follows. HEr trip is uninterrupted, no sign of the shocking menance ..yet.
[00:16] <Alicia> "Onwards, then?" Alicia asks once they're all on the other side.
[00:16] * Seira nods. "Pollyanna, bring up the rear. Make sure to keep a glance back so we won't get into a pincer attack from them and their friends," Seira says, before leading the way on.
[00:17] * Demedais nods, looking down into the new ravine to try and spot them there!
[00:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2 spot check into new ravine
[00:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 spot check into new ravine and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[00:19] <Dinadan> Pollyanna nods, as you head to the second ravine. Here the place where Shamal died is seen, a few lizard corpses still lying in the sun, rotting. No sign of living ones, yet.
[00:19] <Dinadan> OOC: Spot checks again if you like.
[00:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 why not
[00:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 why not and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
[00:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 yes, once in a while this works
[00:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 yes, once in a while this works and gets 6."12 [1d20=5]
[00:19] <Dinadan> None of them notice any lizards stirring here.
[00:20] <Seira> "How long from here to the lair?" Seira asks Pollyanna.
[00:21] <Dinadan> "One more pit and then we're nearly to the entrance," she answers, glancing backSeira's way.
[00:21] <Alicia> "Same order as before?" Alicia asks, crouching over the precipice as she looks down at the numerous lizard corpses. Yes, that many could be a problem...
[00:21] <Seira> "Then this is as good a time as any," she decides, and turns towards Alicia and Demedais. "As our melee vanguard, you would need this the most."
[00:22] * Seira casts the spells of electricity resistance on both, before nodding in response to Alicia's earlier question and proceeds.
[00:23] <Dinadan> Down Seira goes! As she descents, nearly to the bottom, Demedais notices a few stirrings coming out of the holes. Three shocker lizards poke out, one from each hole!
[00:24] <Demedais> "We have company!" Demedais hisses, pointing to the holes. "Only three, however... where are the rest? Seira, return up a bit."
[00:25] <Alicia> "I see them... shall I fire?" Alicia asks, flexing her fingers slightly as she prepares to work her will.
[00:26] <Seira> "Not until I'm either up or they emerge en masse," Seira responds quietly, beginning her climb.
[00:26] <Dinadan> Pollyanna glances back, "Need support," she asks tersely, "Nothing on this side yet!"
[00:26] <Alicia> "Got it," Alicia replies, her tone much matching Pollyanna's as she waits. It's hard not to be infected by how serious everyone is...
[00:27] <Dinadan> Seira climbs up! As she makes her first roundo f effort, two more lizards emerge. The look around and dab their tongues in the air, starting to look up the cliff, int he direction of the PCs. Five total down there at this juncture.
[00:27] <Demedais> "Not yes, Pollyanna. I want to see what these lizards do. If they are being driven, as I suspect... Two more. They seem to have noticed us."
[00:27] * Seira looks down at them in contempt, her bow out. "Take them out," she spits out. "Fire at will!"
[18:25] <Ko-nata> OOC - You guys get a free turn then we'll go into initiative.
[18:25] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[18:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 2."12 [1d100=2]
[18:26] * Alicia extends her arm out, a wordless exclamation escaping her lips as... nothing happens. Then she swears.
[18:26] <Tsunderella> roll 1d20+4 (4pa)
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Tsunderella rolls 1d20+4 (4pa) and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[18:26] * Tsunderella is now known as Seira
[18:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (4pa)
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 (4pa) and gets 14."12 [1d20=10]
[18:26] <Demedais> "Pollyanna, move to snipe them! I'll keep an eye on the other side!" Demedais commands as he goes to keep a watch on the other side.
[18:27] <Ko-nata> OOC - Second hits, Seira.
[18:27] * Seira fires a pair of arrows! One of which hits!
[18:27] <Seira> roll 1d8+9
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+9 and gets 12."12 [1d8=3]
[18:28] <Ko-nata> The two arrows fly, one missing and one skewering it's targetted lizard with ease! It's only barely a live, a giant shaft of wood sticking out of it's midsection! Meanwhile Alicia fails to cast a spell, as Pollyanna trots up! She fires off an arrow at the one Seira wounded, trying to finish it!
[18:28] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ko-nata rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[18:28] <Ko-nata> roll 1d8+2
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ko-nata rolls 1d8+2 and gets 6."12 [1d8=4]
[18:29] <Ko-nata> As Demedais sets up a guard on the other side, Pollyanna finishes the lizard Seira wounded! With one down and surprise, the battle begins! OOC - Initiative.
[18:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 normal init for a change~
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 normal init for a change~ and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[18:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+3
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
[18:30] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 4."12 [1d20=4]
[18:30] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6 lizards group initaitive
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Ko-nata rolls 1d20+6 lizards group initaitive and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[18:31] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+2 Archer grrl
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Ko-nata rolls 1d20+2 Archer grrl and gets 3."12 [1d20=1]
[18:31] * Ko-nata changes topic to 'LIZARDS>Alicia>Seira>Deme>Polly'
[18:33] <Ko-nata> With one lizards down, the other four seem to guage the situation! They advance towards the cliff face, as two more poke up out from the holes! The four advancing are just starting to climb the cliff, at it's base! OOC - Alicia.
[18:34] * Alicia decides to convince those four that climbing is a bad idea, taking a second to loosen her muscles before she attempts to repeat her earlier spell...
[18:34] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 11."12 [1d100=11]
[18:35] <Alicia> And again nothing happens! This makes her slump noticably, grimacing. "Stupid armour..."
[18:35] <Ko-nata> As Alicia fails to cast a spell, a few more seconds pass...OOC - Seira.
[18:35] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5447fe8a.wfd94.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[18:35] <Seira> "Stick to a defensive role for now," Seira tells Alicia, while asking Demedais, "Anything from the other end, yet?"
[18:35] * Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
[18:37] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (pa4)
[18:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0(pa4) --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{5}
[18:37] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (pa4)
[18:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0(pa4) --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{24}
[18:37] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (pa4) confirm
[18:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0(pa4) confirm --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{24}
[18:38] <Seira> roll 2d8+18 exciting!
[18:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 2d8+18 1,0exciting! --> 6,0[ 2d8=10 ]4,0{28}
[18:38] * Seira fires two more arrows while waiting on Demedais to answer.
[18:40] <Demedais> "Nothing thus far." Demedais replies.
[18:40] <Ko-nata> Seira shoots out as she talks, one arrow skewering th head of a climbing lizard! IT falls down and back, dead as a doornail! OOC - Deme.
[18:42] <Demedais> "Tell me if I'm needed on that side!" Demedais says, weapon drawn as he lets the archers and mages do their thing.
[18:42] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna readies, eyeing another one rising as she gets her arrows ready! A pair of arrows carefully fired, trying to down a second one!
[18:42] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6
[18:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{7}
[18:42] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+1
[18:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{13}
[18:43] <Ko-nata> But both arrows whizz down the side of the cliff with no hits, only breaking on the uncaring stone bottom far below!
[18:44] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20
[18:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{5}
[18:44] <Ko-nata> The lizards seem to stare up at the commotion, pausing...before they begin to skitter back, retreating into holes. The two that just came out make it in before anyone has a chance to do anything, while the other three are targets as they run back.
[18:45] * Seira doesn't stop firing at the lizards just because they're running away!
[18:45] <Seira> roll 2#1d20+4 (4 pa)
[18:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 2#1d20+4 1,0(4 pa) --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{6}
[18:45] <Seira> roll 1d8+9
[18:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+9 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{10}
[18:45] <Alicia> "That seems to have cowed them," Alicia observes, wriggling her fingers a bit but refraining from wasting any effort on a defeated foe.
[18:46] <Seira> "They might still remember their previous rout, if they are capable of such things," Seira comments.
[18:46] <Ko-nata> Seira gravely wounds one as Alicia decides to hold her action, as Demedais sees the previous pit is still quiet and empty - for now. Pollyanna draws another arrow, looking to put the one Seira wounded to oblivion!
[18:46] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6
[18:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{16}
[18:46] <Ko-nata> roll 1d8+2
[18:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=2 ]4,0{4}
[18:47] <Ko-nata> Another lizard is downed by that shot, as the survivers flee back into holes. They're gone, just leaving a few lizard bodies behind. OOC - Combat's over, free action.
[18:47] <Alicia> "We should hurry over before they get brave again," Alicia suggests, proceeding to rappel down and then hurry over to climb up Seira's side.
[18:48] <Demedais> "Let's cross quickly while we have them scared, yes." Demedais nods as he waits for Alicia to cross before following.
[18:48] <Alicia> OOC: axe bit about Seira's side
[18:48] <Alicia> OOC: but I'm still heading across
[18:48] * Seira rolls her eyes, but lets everyone else cross before doing so herself.
[18:50] <Ko-nata> The party heads across. This is without incident, the second gorge cleared! Here is a wider, slightly winding around path, not too long. You can see the third gorge ahead now. This one is only twenty feet across, but about sixty five feet deep. Below you can see that a thin pool of water look sto have burbled up, maybe six inches at the bottom. You don't see any lizards around.
[18:51] * Seira casts Jump on her person, following it up with Expeditious Retreat. "See you on the other side," she tells the others, before taking a running leap across the gorge!
[18:53] <Alicia> "I will bring up the rear," Alicia graciously offers, since the others probably won't be able to clear the jump so easily.
[18:53] <Ko-nata> Seira casts her magic, jumping across with ease! She lands on the other side and can see that the path begins to sink down into a a circular depression. Looks like some sort of crater or dried lake in the ground.
[18:53] * Seira will explore that soon enough. For now, she stands ready with her bow, allowing enough space should anyone want to clear the obstacle in a similar fashion.
[18:54] * Demedais eyes Seira, before checking to see if there are any ropes for those less talented at jumping.
[18:54] <Ko-nata> There are ropes, as well as more well handheld and generous cliff walls.
[18:56] * Demedais nods and begins the slower trip across, using Detect Chaos about 3/4ths of the way down to make sure there's nothing of worry down there.
[18:56] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna looks down, frowning. "The water...it's new," she observes.
[18:57] <Alicia> "Doesn't look that deep," Alicia comments, following Pollyanna's gaze. Does the water cover the entire bottom of the chasm?
[18:57] * Demedais looks to see if he can spot the source of the water from where he's at.
[18:58] <Ko-nata> It mostly does, a few edges aren't quite reached. But it's effectively a thin coat of water down. Demedais sees that it's looks to have bubbled up from the ground - there's a small, new crack on the ground here.
[18:58] <Alicia> "I'd suggest hurrying through the water - if any shocker lizards do appear, it would conduct their electricity quite well," Alicia cautions.
[18:59] <Demedais> "Hhm. Coming up from the earth..." Demedais nods to Alicia, before going down the rest of the rope and crossing the puddle, intent on catching up with Seira.
[19:00] <Ko-nata> Demedais splashes through, reaching the other side...without incident! No one sees any lizards about, still.
[19:01] <Alicia> "After you," Alicia gestures for Pollyanna to go first.
[19:01] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna braces and climbs down, going into the drink and walkinga cross.
[19:04] * Demedais keeps an eye on the pit as she goes down.
[19:04] <Ko-nata> The pit looks stable. Nos igns of lizards, just the little strange crack int he earth where the water bubbles up from.
[19:05] * Nephrite (Ryan@131.247.168.83) has joined #evildunes
[19:05] * Alicia waits until Pollyanna has climbed up before she takes a brief run up and jumps over the chasm, her cloak briefly billowing out behind her as she reaches the apex of her leap before landing in a skidding crouch with room to spare.
[19:06] * Seira nods curtly. "Time to go on. Pollyanna, want to lead the way?"
[19:08] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna nods, the pit crossed. Shaking her feet to remove the last drops of water, she leads you into the dried lake. The surface is sli ghtly crunchy, with a few skeletons seen just on the soil level. But your goal is near the bottom, just a little removed. Here you can see a ten foot wide hole in the earth, roughly circular. A rope goes into it, tied to the surface via a heavy metal stick. It looks to go down a good ways.
[19:08] * Alicia crouches over the edge and peers down into the abyss.
[19:09] * Demedais also looks down into it, still keeping an eye out specifically for the damned lizards.
[19:10] <Ko-nata> It goes down about sixty feet, something faintly glowing at the bottom. The wall leading down stays steady, with dozens of little lizard holes lining the sides of it.
[19:10] <Seira> "I'll take the lead," Seira announces, doing just that.
[19:10] <Alicia> "What's that glowing down there?" Alicia asks, squinting a bit and murmuring a spell under her breath to let her perceive the Weave.
[19:10] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=57 ]4,0{57}
[19:10] <Alicia> OOC: detect magic
[19:11] * Demedais nods. "Do not hesitate to climb back up if you lure them out." Demedais says. "The less opposition here, the better."
[19:11] <Ko-nata> "...don't know?" Pollyanna half questions it herself, really starting to frown now.
[19:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 spellcraft laf
[19:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0spellcraft laf --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{21}
[19:13] <Alicia> "Faint evocation..." Alicia mutters. "It's too dim to be a light spell, however. Be careful, Captain," she warns Seira as she begins to descend.
[19:15] <Seira> "Right," Seira responds, climbing on down.
[19:15] <Ko-nata> Seira begins to go down! She can see the walls well, so many little hiding holes for nasty lizards. As she descends she can see the floor, but not enough of it to be any note until she gets to the bottom - but the glowing thing looks to be some sort of rock. (More)
[19:15] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20
[19:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{10}
[19:16] <Ko-nata> It's quiet so far as Seira heads down...thirty feet down, nearly halfway.
[19:17] <Seira> "Hiding holes, perhaps for lizards," she relays to the others, continuing the climb.
[19:18] <Ko-nata> OOC - Hearing check.
[19:18] <Ko-nata> OOC - Just Seira.
[19:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+1
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{13}
[19:19] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 reroll
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0reroll --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{20}
[19:21] <Seira> "There is one nearby," Seira states, resuming her climb down. "Please shoot it down."
[19:21] <Demedais> "Where is it, Seira?" Demedais says, peering hard into the murk.
[19:21] <Seira> "Right where I am."
[19:21] * Alicia looks to see if she can see any lizards near Seira.
[19:23] <Demedais> "Prepare yourself. I would guess it to be in a hole right near her." Demedais says.
[19:24] <Ko-nata> Alicia and Pollyanna look down! As they do, a Shocker Lizard leaps out from the wall after Seira's gone down a few feet, attempting to jump right onto the top of her head! Alicia and Pollyanna can dimly see it thanks to the lighting! OOC - It's doing it's jumping check first, then you can act. If it's completely missing first...
[19:24] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+7
[19:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{20}
[19:24] <Ko-nata> OOC - Okay, you guys above can react to it.
[19:25] <Alicia> Giving a silent prayer to Mystra, Alicia thrusts her hand downwards, fingers outstretched as she works her magic!
[19:25] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=95 ]4,0{95}
[19:25] <Alicia> And this time it works! With a flash, four blue spheres of magical force blast out and down towards the lizard!
[19:25] <Alicia> roll 4d4+4
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 4d4+4 --> 6,0[ 4d4=10 ]4,0{14}
[19:26] <Ko-nata> Stricken in mid air,the shocker lizard is ripped into pieces! SEira gets a slight splattering of lizard, but most of it plummets to the floor below!
[19:26] <Seira> "Disgusting," Seira comments in monotone. "Thank you. Please keep on watching me."
[19:27] <Alicia> "You are welcome," Alicia returns, continuing her vigil.
[19:29] <Ko-nata> Seira continues down. As she does no more lizards make themselves particularly notable. She reaches five feet from the bottom and can see around now. It's a fairly large cavern, with a path leading straight ahead. Lots of stalagmite and the like, the stone gray and green.
[19:29] <Ko-nata> OOC - Spot checks, people aboee that are looking donw.
[19:29] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{17}
[19:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{17}
[19:31] <Ko-nata> At various levels Alicia and Demedais can note lizards poking out, all about the hole down. PErhaps half a dozen in total, forked tongues sticking out.
[19:32] <Demedais> "Seira! Quickly get cover! They're coming out in full force!" Demedais tells her, watching the things. "Alicia, Pollyanna, take as many down as you can!"
[19:32] <Ko-nata> "They're so aggressive now, more than last time..." Pollyanna notes, readying her bow with slightly shaking hands.
[19:33] <Alicia> "There's no end to these things, is there?" Alicia asks rhetorically, preparing to waste more of her spells on the vermin.
[19:33] <Demedais> "We haven't even seen the swarm we saw last time." Demedais notes. "I really don't want to know where they are."
[19:34] * Seira easily jumps the rest of the way, turning the motion into a roll away from the hole and the lizards swarming it.
[19:35] <Ko-nata> Seira lands, far below where the lizards poke out from the walls in the shaft. The object glowing looks to be a rock - not even a big one, but dimly radiating light.
[19:35] <Seira> It seems like an excellent time to call upon her own spell of mage sight, which she does!
[19:37] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[19:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+12 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{19}
[19:37] <Seira> "Are the lizards going my way?" Seira asks quietly, taking use of the message spell connecting them all.
[19:38] <Alicia> "They're staying on the edges of the holes, but seem agitated," Alicia replies, attempting to shoot off some magic missiles at the nearest four in hopes of convincing them to find someplace else to be.
[19:38] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=87 ]4,0{87}
[19:39] <Alicia> roll 4#1d4+1 (1 missile per lizard)
[19:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 4#1d4+1 1,0(1 missile per lizard) --> 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{3}
[19:39] * Seira takes a look around the cavern.
[19:39] <Ko-nata> THe missiles fly out! Each one is stung by the bolts of force, hissing!
[19:39] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20
[19:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{6}
[19:39] <Ko-nata> The lizards look up, but as a whole they slink back into the walls.
[19:40] <Alicia> "Let's hurry down before they come back," Alicia suggests, proceeding to do just that, descending the rope with alacrity.
[19:40] <Ko-nata> OOC - What's your climb check, Alicia creature?
[19:40] <Alicia> OOC: +6
[19:41] <Ko-nata> OOC - With armor penalty?
[19:41] <Alicia> OOC: yes
[19:41] <Ko-nata> OOC - Okay, make a climbing check or take ten or whatever.
[19:41] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10. If Seira could do it then I sure can.
[19:41] <Ko-nata> Alicia descends down the rope! It's an easy trip down, soon reaching the bottom without incident. The lizards seem to have fallen back, none in sight here or on the bottom.
[19:42] * Seira uses Mage Hand to grab the glowing stone from a safe distance.
[19:42] <Ko-nata> "If it's safe..." Pollyanna looks down, "Do you want to go next or last, Demedais?"
[19:43] <Ko-nata> The stone isg rabbed. The light it emits does not change, but it's movement casts shadows all over the cavern.
[19:45] * Seira brings the stone towards her, making contact.
[19:45] <Demedais> "I'll go next." Demedais says, eyeing the climb. "In case I pull one of my famous rope maneuvers, you two may want to stand far away from the rope." With that, he begins to climb down, going slowly.
[19:45] <Ko-nata> OOC - Climbing check.
[19:46] <Alicia> "Famous rope maneuvers?" Alicia asks, raising an eyebrow as she dutifully steps back.
[19:46] <Demedais> OOC: Taking 10 for 14.
[19:46] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna starts to ask, but instead goes quiet as she keeps her bow and arrow ready.
[19:46] <Ko-nata> Demedais manages to climb down without incident. No giant falls this time, only reaching the bottom safely. Once this is done, Pollyanna begins to do the same.
[19:46] <Seira> "Demedais and climbing ropes don't mix," Seira responds curtly.
[19:47] * Alicia keeps her gaze upwards, ready to cover Pollyanna if she gets attacked. "Managed well enough today, at least," she observes.
[19:47] <Seira> "Did he take off his armor this time?"
[19:47] <Ko-nata> Down she goes! This final trip...goes without incident! The four of you are at the bottom at last, safe and sound!
[19:47] <Demedais> "Demedais and climbing ropes with armor on doubly doesn't mix." Demedais says with a slight chuckle as he reaches the bottom. "Was so bloody frustrated by the zombie horse bees, I forgot to take my armor off. Fell about two hundred feet."
[19:48] <Seira> With the glowing stone in hand, Seira begins to lead the way ahead!
[19:48] * Demedais nods and follows Seira, sword in hand.
[19:49] * Alicia winces. "I'll have to learn Feather Fall if I'm going to be working with you in future," Alicia notes dryly, drawing forth her own double-bladed sword and following at the rear with Pollyanna, ready to guard in case they get flanked. Clearly someone's already down here.
[19:49] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna falls in step with Seira, pointing, "This goes a couple of hundred feet, then the first branch occurs. We'll need to turn left." But soon as you walk, you can note something. Left in the center of the hallway is a dead shocker lizard. It's been cut into several pieces with smooth, unjagged cuts, lying there in a pool of it's own blood.
[19:50] <Seira> "Your handiwork?" she asks.
[19:50] <Ko-nata> "...no. We were hunting them to bring back. We wouldn't leave one lying here, or cut it up like that." Pollyanna shakes her head.
[19:50] <Alicia> "Looks fresh, too," Alicia observes. "Scavangers haven't even touched it."
[19:50] * Seira considers how long would have passed since the lizard died.
[19:50] <Ko-nata> The blood still looks somewhat red. A day perhaps?
[19:51] <Seira> "I won't forgive anyone beating us here," Seira says, a hint of anger showing, as she presses on faster.
[19:51] * Demedais nods as he follows Seira.
[19:52] * Alicia continues bringing up the rear, mostly keeping an ear rather than an eye out for trouble, since she can't see very far down here to begin with.
[19:52] <Ko-nata> Down this hall you find a couple of other like lizards, neatly cut up and left to bleed onto the ground. There are more holes in the wall, but none of them have lizards immediately pointing out. OOC - Hearing check, Al-chan.
[19:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[19:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{5}
[19:54] <Ko-nata> Alicia hears nothing as the party advances on. You head deeper in, eventually coming to a sharp, jagged intersection. Half the floor fallsaway into a steep hill to the right, while the path maintains steady to the left.
[19:54] <Seira> "Did you ever explore what was to the right?"
[19:55] <Ko-nata> "No...we chose the correct patht he first time," Pollyanna glances downward, "It...might connect to the river, perhaps, since the path descends later before it?"
[19:55] * Seira nods. "Let's go left, then, for now."
[19:55] * Seira swiftly does so!
[19:55] * Demedais continues to follow Seira. "So, what guided you to become a paladin of Mystra?" Demedais asked as the moved on.
[19:57] <Alicia> "Let me know when we get close to the hoard?" Alicia asks. "Whoever beat us here may still be there as they..." she trails off at Demedais' question. "This is hardly the time for small talk, is it?" she asks archly.
[19:57] <Ko-nata> As the party heads along this way, twenty feet in they find the path widening to about fifteen feet wide. Here they find quite the problem. A gaggle of shocker lizards are here, about a dozen. At the rear is a very LARGE one, about four feet long and probably a few hundred pounds. They look on at the partly plainly, reptilian eyes showing no fear.
[19:57] <Seira> "Fireball!" Seira calls out, summoning just that!
[19:58] <Seira> roll 6d6 burn!
[19:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 6d6 1,0burn! --> 6,0[ 6d6=30 ]4,0{30}
[19:58] <Ko-nata> OOC - If you're going to go offense we can slip into initiative. They aren't surprised, just not immediately attacking. You can keep the damage roll if you do that on your turn, though.
[19:59] <Alicia> roll 1d20+3
[19:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{5}
[20:00] * Demedais nods as he prepares to fight!
[20:00] <Demedais> roll 1d20 lol init
[20:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20 1,0lol init --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{11}
[20:00] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6 the dozen
[20:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0the dozen --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{13}
[20:00] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+5 the biiiig one
[20:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0the biiiig one --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{20}
[20:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 nerveskitter, would I lose init?!
[20:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0nerveskitter, would I lose init?! --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{18}
[20:01] * Ko-nata changes topic to 'BIG ASS LIZARD(20)>Seira(18)>LIZARDS(13)>Demedais(11)>Alicia(5)'
[20:01] <Demedais> OOC: Pollyanna?
[20:01] <Ko-nata> OOC - Oh yes, my bad.
[20:01] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+2
[20:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{17}
[20:01] * Ko-nata changes topic to 'BIG ASS LIZARD(20)>Seira(18)>Pollyanna(17)>LIZARDS(13)>Demedais(11)>Alicia(5)'
[20:01] <Ko-nata> The big lizard stares at the party, it's frame crackling with static electricity. It's surrounded by a blue nimbus of energy, quite potent but not taking a direct action. OOC - Seira.
[20:02] * Seira already called a large fireball on Team Lizard!
[20:02] <Ko-nata> OOC - No saves for the dozen, they die even with half damage.
[20:03] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+9 big one
[20:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0big one --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{29}
[20:04] <Ko-nata> The 12 lesser lizards are baked in a moment! Turned into a charred mess, they are as dead as Shamal! But the big lizard is only lightly scorched, not impressed at all! Pollyanna smoothly draws her bow, eyes focusing on the target as she fires!
[20:04] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{10}
[20:04] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+1
[20:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{4}
[20:04] <Seira> "Demedais, Alicia, you have a measure of protection from the lightning! Pollyanna, attack and move back!" Seira commands.
[20:04] <Ko-nata> But both arrows have littel effect, hitting the walls instead! OOC - Deme.
[20:05] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna takes a few steps back after her arrows miss, unresponsive to them on her face, but following the commands issued.
[20:07] * Demedais nods, eyeing the beast for a second before he moves in, charging in to hit him! "Cover me!" he yells as he swings his blade into the beast!
[20:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (5 PA)
[20:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0(5 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{16}
[20:09] <Ko-nata> OOC - Hit.
[20:09] <Demedais> roll 2d6+14
[20:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+14 --> 6,0[ 2d6=8 ]4,0{22}
[20:10] <Ko-nata> The blade of Demedais cuts a large chunk of the lizard's hide, blood pooling out from it's exposed ribs! However, the electric aura around it shocks Demedais as he strikes!
[20:10] <Ko-nata> roll 2d4+6
[20:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 2d4+6 --> 6,0[ 2d4=7 ]4,0{13}
[20:11] <Ko-nata> But with Seira's protection, the effect is minimal! OOC - Alicia.
[20:13] * Alicia follows after Demedais, her double-bladed sword held at her side as she comes at the creature's flank, not quite close enough to get into position behind it, she nonetheless sweeps her weapon through its flesh as she catches up with the paladin of Helm!
[20:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -3 power attack
[20:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0-3 power attack --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{20}
[20:13] <Ko-nata> OOC - Hit.
[20:13] <Alicia> roll 1d8+11
[20:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+11 --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 ]4,0{14}
[20:14] <Ko-nata> With a sweeping slice Alicia cuts the lizard up, sparks flying up her blade as the metal comes in contact with the eletricity around the lizard!
[20:14] <Ko-nata> roll 2d4+6
[20:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 2d4+6 --> 6,0[ 2d4=5 ]4,0{11}
[20:15] <Ko-nata> But the shock is minimal, the lizard sorely wounded! It steps back, it's aura sparking to life! With a reptilian hizz a great current of electrity arcs out at Demedais! OOC - Ref save, pal-chan
[20:16] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 ohgod
[20:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0ohgod --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{12}
[20:16] <Ko-nata> roll 8d8
[20:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 8d8 --> 6,0[ 8d8=45 ]4,0{45}
[20:17] <Ko-nata> Demedais is sent staggering back, smoking from the blast! The lizard's aura winks out, it's body slumping an dlooking weak after the shot! OOC - Seira.
[20:17] <Seira> "Don't let up!" Seira calls out, as a wand of magic missiles finds its way into her hand, the glowing stone dropping unceremoniously.
[20:18] <Demedais> "Zuh. Blasted lightning beasts...! Kill the stupid thing!" Demedais roars as he recovers from the hit.
[20:18] <Seira> roll 5d4+5
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 5d4+5 --> 6,0[ 5d4=10 ]4,0{15}
[20:18] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 3d4+3 --> 6,0[ 3d4=10 ]4,0{13}
[20:19] <Ko-nata> The shot rips the lizard apart, it's eye out and brains exposed! It only staggers on the very last bit of it's energy, alive only by the purest luck! Following Seira's lead, Pollyanna draws her arrows back and fires!
[20:19] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{20}
[20:19] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+1
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{5}
[20:19] <Ko-nata> roll 1d8+2
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 ]4,0{7}
[20:19] <Ko-nata> With a final arrow it's dropped, keeling over and dead.
[20:20] <Ko-nata> OOC - Combat's over, feelf ree to act.
[20:20] <Seira> "Was the protection effective?" Seira asks, approaching. "Do you require healing?"
[20:21] <Demedais> "Good." Demedais grumbles as he heals himself with his holy energy. "I should be fine for now. Thank you."
[20:21] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna carefully checks her arrow count, looking on at the dead lizard.
[20:21] <Ko-nata> "Down this way, then we'll go left again," she advises now that the thread is cleared.
[20:21] * Alicia whips her sword down to flick the blood off it before turning to Demedais. "That looked like a vicious attack you took," she observes. "Certainly not an average lizard, that one."
[20:21] * Seira nods, and proceeds onwards.
[20:22] <Demedais> "Definitely not." Demedais shakes his head. "Thanks for the protection, Seira; would've been even worse without that."
[20:22] <Ko-nata> "...if you're fallen down 200 hundred feet and survived that..." Pollyanna marvels quietly, but her somber expression returns as she begins to walk again.
[20:23] * Alicia follows after Pollyanna, still keeping her blade at the ready.
[20:24] <Demedais> "Through pure luck, I suspect, but." Demedais follows behind Alicia, trying to stay vigilant.
[20:24] <Ko-nata> A few minutes pass as you walk. You can smell the scents of the earth as you head deeper in. After some time you come to another intersection. There is a path to the left, lightly sloping a bit down, but not nearly as severe as the last passage. There is also a passage right besides the mouth of the one you came out of, going on a parrallel path back in the direction you came. Down this way, a sliced apart lizard can be noted.
[20:25] <Seira> "And now?" Seira asks of Pollyanna.
[20:25] <Alicia> "It seems like whoever came before us didn't have nearly as much trouble with the lizards. That's, what, three so far?" Alicia asks, eyeing the corpse.
[20:25] <Ko-nata> "Left," Pollyanna answers blandly, "I said we'd be going left..." She kneels down at the sliced apart thing, "Always one and always a small one so far. Lucky or stealthy?"
[20:25] <Demedais> "The question is, why didn't the bigger one strike... then again, we were likely more agressive than whomever it is." Demedais muses.
[20:25] <Seira> "Annoying," Seira declares, going left.
[20:26] * Demedais follows Seira, privately agreeing with her.
[20:26] <Alicia> "I suspect we'll find whomever is responsible soon enough," Alicia notes, again bringing up the rear of their little procession.
[20:28] <Ko-nata> Down this gently sloping path you go. More lizard holes on the wall, flicking tongues occasionally seen poking out, but no lizards in earnest. Yet.
[20:28] <Seira> "For want of fireball at will," Seira mutters, pressing on regardless of the tongues.
[20:29] * Alicia is quite happy to leave the lizards alone so long as they return the favour.
[20:29] * Demedais follows Seira quietly, sword still ready to slice at one of them if they try to strike.
[20:32] <Ko-nata> The path ahead is a silent nocture under the mountains. The way is smooth walking for another five minutes or so...OOC - Spot checks.
[20:32] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 hilarity
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0hilarity --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{3}
[20:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 secondded
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0secondded --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{6}
[20:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{4}
[20:33] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{6}
[20:34] <Ko-nata> The path on eventually comes to another junction in a widening of the cavern. There are several paths - one to the left and slowly ascending, one fo the left and descending, one to the right and descending, one far to the right and going straight.
[20:34] <Seira> "Left and down?"
[20:35] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna points to the one right and descending, "This way - we're going to be going to be rappeling or climbing down a chasm wall soon after this."
[20:35] <Seira> "Exciting." Seira proceeds, leading once more.
[20:36] * Demedais follows, a bit nervous about this "chasm wall" stuff.
[20:37] <Ko-nata> You walk a few hundred feet before the cavern widens vastly. You stand atop a cliff about one hundred feet above the surface of the rest of the cavern. On the walls and on the far down floor occasional shocker lizards roam, but none close to you. Your footsteps echo in the cavern as you approach. A rope is tied here as well, another metal pole driven into the ground.
[20:38] * Alicia takes care to walk a bit more silently as she notes the echoes. "Walk softly," she whispers to the others. "We do not know how far sound will travel, here."
[20:39] <Seira> "I plan on summoning a grand storm of ice upon the lizards gathered below," Seira says quietly. "The sounds and other effects should be enough to spook them and allow us passage."
[20:39] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna lowers her tone to a whisper, "It's not a hard time down, the rope is sturdy and you can use the cliff face to help."
[20:39] <Alicia> "But who else might the noise warn?" Alicia asks Seira. "Shocker lizards may be the least of our worries, as we get closer to the hoard."
[20:40] <Seira> "We will get noticed eventually, and then these bigger worries would get the notice while we are inconvenienced by the lizards."
[20:42] <Alicia> "Better to reduce the amount of warning we give, I think," Alicia looks briefly pained as she goes on, "But, you are in command, here."
[20:43] * Seira considers this. "Very well. Demedais, go first. Alicia will follow, then Pollyanna."
[20:44] * Demedais nods silently. "Fine. Keep me covered as well you can." Demedais then begins to slowly descend the wall, using the wall as support.
[20:44] * Sierra_AirConditioningYay (~Melanchth@pool-71-163-232-33.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:44] <Ko-nata> OOC - Climbing check.
[20:45] <Demedais> OOC: Take ten for 14, hope it works well enough thanks to the wall.
[20:46] <Ko-nata> Demedais begins to rappel down the wall! The first few bits of this go well enough, but at the halfway point he notes there is a burrow into the cliff, several feet wide. Big enough for a human to go into. It's dark in there so he can't see much, though.
[20:46] <Demedais> "Was there a gap here before, Pollyanna?" Demedais asks as he clutches onto the rope.
[20:47] <Ko-nata> Calling back down as quietly as she can, "Yes, but we never looked into it. It didn't seem worthwhile at the time."
[20:47] <Alicia> "You only have to mouth the words and he will hear, thanks to my message spell," Alicia tells Pollyanna quietly.
[20:47] <Seira> "Can you see anything inside?"
[20:48] <Demedais> "Let me see..." Demedais says as he peers into the burrow.
[20:48] <Ko-nata> It's dark. Demedais would need direct light to see into it. The light from Seira's stone above isn't enough.
[20:49] <Seira> "How far are we now, Pollyanna?"
[20:49] <Demedais> "I honestly can't tell. Don't have enough light here." Demedais says. "Check it on the way back?"
[20:49] <Ko-nata> "Maybe a third?" Pollyanna replies after thinking a moment.
[20:50] <Alicia> "That far still to go?" Alicia asks, before shrugging. "I withdraw my earlier objection, Captain."
[20:50] <Seira> "We seem to be committed to the current plan, now," Seira says with a frown. "Let's just get down and make the best of it."
[20:51] * Alicia nods, waiting until Demedais is about halfway down before she follows.
[20:51] <Demedais> "How about you withdraw it when I'm out of the way? I can duck into this cave and look inside while you smoke them." Demedais suggests.
[20:51] <Seira> "They're just lowly lizards. Let's get to the bottom."
[20:52] <Demedais> "Fine." Demedais continues his climb down, then.
[20:53] <Ko-nata> Demedais reaches the bottoms afely, Alicia descending as well. The few lizards here begin to look the party's way, but none look to be seriously advancing.
[20:53] * Alicia has a smokestick ready to try and dissuade them if any do make a concerted push in their direction as she waits on Seira and Pollyanna.
[20:54] <Seira> "Proceed, don't wait on me. I'll catch up," Seira tells Pollyanna.
[20:54] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna heads down as well, reaching the bottom without incident.
[20:54] * Demedais eyes the beasts, sword drawn.
[20:55] * Seira puts the glowing stone away and cloaks herself in darkness, descending quietly.
[20:55] <Ko-nata> They give you a wide berth, a few of them skittering away and into holes. So Seira descends downward, able to see thanks to her elven vision.
[20:56] * Seira offers the stone to Pollyanna, and has the girl take lead alongside her now.
[20:56] * Alicia follows, trying to keep her footsteps as soft as possible while she covers their rear, not wanting to draw attention their way.
[20:57] * Demedais stays near Seira and Pollyanna, moving as quietly as he can as well.
[20:59] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna takes it, the party heading along. There is a path straigth and leaning to the left, so taken. It slopes down a little further, soon to a little jagged cliff in the path. It's only five feet high. The path continues on past this, the ceiling only about six feet up or so from the raised floor.
[21:00] * Alicia crouches slightly, only barely able to stand straight here but not really keen to chance cracking her skull on an outcropping.
[21:03] * Demedais stays a bit lower as well, but doesn't let it slow him down as they continue on.
[21:04] <Ko-nata> So up they climb, kneeling down in the narrow passage. This soon ends in a widened hole in the ground, a few lizards just inside. Pollyanna grimaces and points, not even looking at the continuing path. "That way - the floor's given out if you go much farther this way."
[21:05] <Ko-nata> Four lizards are in easy viewing range of the hole, sloping down at about a thirty degree angle, not too steep and wide enough to crawl down. They crawl the walls inside, looking up.
[21:06] * Seira shoots the lizards!
[21:06] <Seira> roll 2#1d20+6 (4pa)
[21:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 2#1d20+6 1,0(4pa) --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{7}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{12}
[21:07] * Alicia remains on guard if any lizards get too close as Seira attempts to drive them off, but doesn't waste any of her spells while they remain unthreatening.
[21:07] * Demedais stays back, readying himself if there's any way they can be taken out.
[21:08] <Ko-nata> But arrows whizz by, but this gets there attention! OOC - Initiative you got their attentino and they're not happy.
[21:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+3
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{18}
[21:08] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+6 for all the shockers
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0for all the shockers --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{17}
[21:08] <Ko-nata> roll 1d20+2
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Ko-nata rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{3}
[21:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 well neither am I
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0well neither am I --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{16}
[21:08] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{13}
[21:09] * Alicia holds her action!
[21:09] * Ko-nata changes topic to 'Alicia(18)>LIZARDSOHFUCKLIZARDS(17)>Seira(16)>Deme(13)>PollyMiko(3)'
[21:10] <Ko-nata> The lizards inintially skitter back a bit, tongues hissing out and eye scrackling. But down the hole you can see several others starting to swell up, at least 15 of them. They're not comin gout yet, but they're there and they don't look happy. OOC - Seira.
[21:10] <Seira> roll 2#1d20+6 (4pa) DieLizardsDie
[21:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 2#1d20+6 1,0(4pa) DieLizardsDie --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{25}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{11}
[21:10] <Ko-nata> OOC - First is a hit.
[21:11] <Seira> roll 1d8+9
[21:11] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+9 --> 6,0[ 1d8=7 ]4,0{16}
[21:11] <Ko-nata> Seira fires, getting another lizard! It's dead, speared throughly and being ran over by others of it's kind as they marshal themselves! OOC - Deme.
[21:13] <Seira> "Alicia, Demedais, hold them off," Seira says, as the arrow finds the lizard.
[21:14] * Alicia nods, preparing to deal with any that get too close.
[21:14] <Alicia> OOC: readied action to go when any of them get within 10 feet.
[21:14] <Ko-nata> OOC: Okay.
[21:15] <Demedais> OOC: One more question; can I see the bottom of the pit?
[21:16] <Ko-nata> OOC - No. The path doesn't change slop efrom as far as you can see, though.
[21:16] <Demedais> OOC: Argh, alright. Well, I get to try it...
[21:18] * Demedais nods, focusing. "Let me try this, you guys. Stand back a bit." At his will, a wall of boiling water springs up, blocking the shocker's way and obscuring their vision as the heat rolls off in waves toward the beasts!
[21:19] * Alicia swallows slightly at the magical display. Between this and the earlier fireball from Seira, she's starting to feel rather inadequate.
[21:20] <Ko-nata> Steaming water covers the hole, the cave becoming quite warm! Splashes of water hit the roof, curving around as the area is not big enough for it's upper reachers. But nonetheless the lizards are quite sounding block by boiling water!
[21:20] <Demedais> "That should make their attacks inaccurate." Demedais muses. "Unless they can see through it... and concentrate with boiling heat in their way."
[21:21] <Ko-nata> Pollyanna doesn't shoot, seeming not to do much. "Hope itw orks, I can't shoot wtih that in my way."
[21:22] <Alicia> "If that doesn't scare them off, nothing will," Alicia replies, licking her lips nervously. "What sort of magic is this?"
[21:22] <Demedais> "That was my one hesitation in casting that. Aim for anything that comes through it - if anything can survive it." Turning to Alicia, "Gnomish stuff. They were good at creating spellgems that let even non-casters use stuff like that." Demedais said.
[21:22] <Ko-nata> Nothing happens. No sign of the lizards testing the wall. No noise beyond the steaming of water and the beginning of sweat forming on your bodies.
[21:23] <Alicia> "Gnomish... spellgems?" Alicia frowns slightly, before shaking her head. "Not the time, but I will have to learn more of this when we return to your city."
[21:23] * Demedais concentrates on keeping the wall up at this point. "Tell me how long to keep it up, Seira."
[21:24] <Seira> "Half a minute, then drop it if nothing happens. I'll be ready to shoot then, hopefully taking anyone still lingering on the other side by surprise."
[21:24] * Demedais nods and waits for that amount of time.
[21:24] <Ko-nata> Half a minute passes, no sign of the lizards at all now.
[21:27] <Seira> "Well?" Seira asks, tapping her foot.
[21:28] * Demedais slowly drops the wall.
[21:29] <Ko-nata> As the water is removed, you see that the path down is now devoid of shocker lizards!
[21:29] * Seira presses on!
[21:29] <Ko-nata> OOC - We'll pause here pending any chatter you guys want to do.
[21:29] * Demedais follows slowly.
[18:22] <Kotono> Down you crawl! It's wide enough to go on, but the party gets several minor scrapes and bruises. Nothing notable, just the perils of climbing down a narrow rock tunnel. Pollyanna speaks asy ou begin to gon, "Second one...we widened the sidepath out so it's easy to see." So you crawl deeper in, the lizards not around. Soon you come to the side passage out, the tunnel going on further past this, sloping more rapidly down. You can begin to here
[18:26] <Kotono> You can begin to hear a whistling faraway, a windy howling. It comes from the side passage primarily. The sides are gouged out, widened to provide each access.
[18:27] <Seira> "Same as before," Seira comments, heading inside.
[18:27] * Alicia continues bringing up the rear, letting the others all get through first before she follows.
[18:27] * Demedais nods and follows her in, before pausing. "Same as what before?"
[18:28] <Seira> "Formation, caution, take your pick."
[18:28] <Demedais> "...right." Demedais says as he follows behind Seira.
[18:30] <Kotono> As you head in, you findthe passage slowly begins to widen. It's not a crawl hole after about 100 feet, enough to where you can half stand if you wish. The sound of whistling wind grows stronger, but you also hear the murmur of water. Also, you can smell...food? Meat. Cooked meat.
[18:31] <Alicia> "Either the lizards fried someone, or there's a camp ahead," Alicia whispers, her nose twitching. "Either way, we should proceed with caution."
[18:31] * Demedais nods, sword again in hand.
[18:36] <Seira> "Do you still have a Message spell handy?" Seira asks Alicia quietly.
[18:37] <Seira> OOC: Strike~
[18:39] <Seira> "I'll scout ahead and give you the signal to proceed via Alicia's Message," Seira suggests. "I'll pass along any useful information, so do the same for me." With that said, her form blurs and she proceeds to follow the smell of cooked meat.
[18:39] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais mouths.
[18:39] * Alicia nods and waits, preparing to cast defensive spells before they head in, depending on what Seira finds.
[18:40] <Kotono> OOC - Move silently.
[18:41] <Seira> OOC: I'll take 10 if I can for 27~
[18:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 27."12 [1d20=16]
[18:43] <Kotono> Seira sneaks on, silent as a pindrop! Ahead is a narrow cave - only about twenty feet wide. Here things finally widen, coming to an end. Twenty feet wide but over two hundred long. Like a great holly, the roof also a few hundred feet high, lost in shadows. Bisecting the middle is a thirty feet wide shallow river, burbling cold water disappearing into the wall. It's carved out small holes going each way, enough to follow and wade the river for
[18:43] <Kotono> enough to follow and wade the river forward if you wished. (More)
[18:44] <Kotono> Sitting on the other side is a small man. He wears a cloak that covers most of his body - Pallan of Turnsdale rests here. His head lulls forward, as if asleep or resting. An iron pot rests besides him, as well as a small pack. No sign of a fire, however, his cloak drawn tightly about his body.
[18:45] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleeps
[18:48] * Seira quietly casts the spell of detecting magic, before taking in the scene anew.
[18:51] <Kotono> There is the same magic around him as before. As you watc him, his arm goes out and grabs the pot. Taking a spoon out from it, he takes a few spoonfuls of what looks to be a stew, eating away. His head stays down the entire time, focused on his meal.
[18:52] * Seira shoots the pot of stew!
[18:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 28."12 [1d20=19]
[18:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 10."12 [1d20=1]
[18:55] <Kotono> With a quick shot Seira skewers his pot of stew! The metallic clank is heard over the noise of the river, like a bell ringing in it's momentary ripping-metal intensity! Pallan looks up, pushing his hood back. HIs face is drawn and tired as he shifts, part of his cloak visibly burnt and charred. "...Hello there," he says at last, as some of his meal leaks out onto the stone floor.
[18:55] * NeremWorld (~Lorei@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:56] <Seira> "Hello back, Pallan," Seira responds, sending her words via the Message as well. "That was my way of telling you to go away or else. Right now. Don't even think about finishing that stew."
[18:57] <Demedais> "Pallan?" Demedais says, curious, before following the path Seira took.
[18:58] <Alicia> Taking the hint from Seira's dialogue, Alicia begins to move forward to join their captain. "Let's move forward to support her, if needed," she whispers to Demedais and Pollyanna. "Who's Pallan?" she asks as they go.
[18:58] * Seira steps closer, generally making enough noise to focus Pallan's attention to herself while radiating irritation towards the small man.
[18:58] <Kotono> "...there's nothing but death ahead and above," he offers neutrally. He stands, dusting off his worse-for-wear cloak. "Kondrux made his lair...a death trap. It's worse when they're excited again."
[18:59] <Seira> "Save me the sob story. Better yet, go and tell it to your wife in Malmuth. Yes, go. Right now."
[18:59] <Demedais> "Pallan's a... someone, a hero, from Malmuth." Demedais mutters as they move forward. "I don't know why he'd be here..."
[19:00] <Alicia> "Probably heard about your dragon," Alicia surmises as they stealthily advance.
[19:01] <Demedais> "He was in Balmuria when we killed it." Demedais replied. "How they knew where the lair was, on the other hand..."
[19:01] <Kotono> Pallan watches on, "Go on if you want..." He smiles, a tired but strangely knowing look. "...you may regret it."
[19:02] <Seira> "Yes, yes, death and horror," Seira says, waving her bow in annoyance. "I suppose you got your friends and horse killed, at that?"
[19:03] <Kotono> "...I'm not an amateur," he snorts at that, "If you stop trying to shoo me away, I'll tell you what's ahead."
[19:04] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira tilts her head. "Weave me your sweet web of lies, I'll gladly listen. I'll even stop advancing on you menacingly with my accurate bow of hurting bad people."
[19:05] <Demedais> "...Seira, mind calming down just a titch until we get there?" Demedais says, continuing to move forward.
[19:06] <Alicia> "I like her approach," Alicia comments with a slight grin as she follows Demedais.
[19:06] <Kotono> The river is ahead, the water lightly frothing. "The lizards are...angry. Upset, and there are a lot of them over there. And..." Pallan looks to the ceiling. "There's other problems around, too."
[19:07] * Demedais shakes his head, frowning but saying nothing.
[19:07] <Seira> "Which are?"
[19:08] <Kotono> Pallan points up. "Shrieker Bats. They're up there, I think...it might be why the lizards aren't around this part."
[19:08] <Kotono> Pollyanna hangs back, staying quiet for now, her own boy and arrow cautiously readied.
[19:08] <Seira> "And where are your friends?"
[19:09] <Kotono> A shrug from the small man, "This has nothing to do with them."
[19:09] <Seira> "So you're saying they're not here? Or cleverly tricking me into believing that as they flank me?"
[19:11] * Alicia looks to find some place she can hide near where Seira is as they approach, to best cover her without being seen.
[19:11] <Kotono> Alicia sees a few rocky outcroppings and the like. Those would work.
[19:11] <Kotono> "They aren't here..." Breathing out, "I'm here on my own."
[19:11] * Alicia makes her way to one, and gestures for Demedais and Pollyanna to do the same.
[19:12] * Demedais nods and follows Alicia slowly.
[19:12] <Seira> "Fine, whatever." Seira sighs. "Why are you even with Malmuth?"
[19:12] <Kotono> "That's my business..." he answers, with another shrug. "What about your friends...?"
[19:13] <Seira> "Back at'cha." Seira considers. "If you ever get tired of being on the losing side, come ask me about a job. I could use a bartender."
[19:13] * Demedais holds his head in his hand and sighs.
[19:14] <Kotono> "..heh." He mumrurs, "If you're here alone, you aren't going to get past them," he says, "...but together, maybe we can get the horde. Beats us being skeletons."
[19:15] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Alicia and the others hide behind the rocky outcropping. It's far away enough to where they aren't being in danger of being seen, while the half elf and small man continue to discuss 'business'.
[19:15] * Seira seriously consider this for a long moment. "I don't trust you, because you're a backstabbing poison user who works for my enemy. Please don't take this personally. Will you be heading back, now, or is there more horror beyond that I must be aware of? A pack of dire weasels, perhaps?"
[19:17] <Kotono> "I'm going on.." After a moment, he merely shrugs. "The risk is worth the reward despite the danger." He begins to smile slowly at Seira's words, "Kondrux was poisoned, too. Heh, heh, heh." A pause, "OR are you going to try and fight me if I don't run off?"
[19:17] * Alicia focuses on listening to both parties, paying more attention to the stranger and generally trying to gauge his words to see if he's hiding anything in his words.
[19:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 sense motive
[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 sense motive and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
[19:18] <Seira> "Yes!" Seira says, smiling at last. "Me and my army!"
[19:18] * Demedais listens to the two as well, attempting to piece together Pallan's purpose here...
[19:19] <Seira> Her eyes narrow suddenly. "Please don't think badly of me when I take your things and sell them as you attack me without provocation and I am forced to defend myself with lethal force."
[19:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[19:20] <Kotono> "..I don't really want to fight you," he sighs after a moment, "It's stupid....I'd rather cooperate if you're willing to drop not trusting me. All I'd gain by betraying you in this place is less odds of ever seeing the sun again."
[19:20] <Seira> "Hmph. You'll need something beyond mere words to gain my trust."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Go ford up the river and see the next segment," he offersb luntly. "You'll see I told the truth."
[19:22] <Seira> "No, I mean it literally. Give me something you hold valuable."
[19:23] <Alicia> "Is extortion really necessary?" Alicia mouths, her words carried through the Message spell. "Either take his help or send him away, don't try to rob him."
[19:23] * NeremWorld (~Lorei@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[19:24] <Kotono> "...and fight at less than full power? Idiocy," Pallan notes, gently pushing his cloak back. You can see what looks to be form fitting leather armor under there, as well as a strange, indistinct sparkling.
[19:24] <Demedais> "What Alicia says." Demedais seconds. "He has one good point - betraying us would be rather stupid."
[19:25] <Seira> "I don't really trust you not to betray me unless I have something of yours, but I suppose you want to be annoying about it. Fine. Tell me what you expect to get of the hoard and I'll tell you how much you overshot your goal."
[19:26] <Kotono> OOC - Listening checks, all.
[19:27] <Demedais> roll 1d20+2
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=8]
[19:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 yeah
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 yeah and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[19:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 and gets 23."12 [1d20=19]
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18."12 [1d20=7]
[19:28] <Kotono> "An equal share," he states openly, "If we work together...we share the risk and the reward evenly."
[19:29] <Seira> "I killed the dragon, I get all the magic and two thirds of the rest," Seira states firmly. "Anything beyond that really will lead to a duel. May the best elf archer win."
[19:30] <Demedais> "You killed the dragon?!?" Demedais mouths, incredulous. "What sort of..."
[19:30] <Alicia> "Bats, above us," Alicia speaks up, promptly standing up and casting a spell on herself. "Save bickering for after," she adds imperiously, casting a spell on herself.
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 92."12 [1d100=92]
[19:30] <Alicia> She then promptly doubles in size!
[19:30] <Alicia> OOC: Enlarge Person
[19:31] * Seira looks up at the prompting!
[19:31] * Demedais nods and stands up, nodding to Pallan before looking upward, sword drawn for whatever good it'll do him.
[19:32] <Kotono> Pallan looks upward, a curse mouthed. He kneels down, view tilted up, ready to move! You can only see shadows up there, but shadows that ripple, as if something just out of sight is stirring!
[19:33] <Seira> "Last chance to take my generous offer," Seira mentions, bow raised at the shadows.
[19:34] <Kotono> "Later," Pallan notes evenly, gaze lifted up as well. "...dammit, all this must have..."
[19:34] * Seira decides to use this chance to cast a spell!
[19:34] * Alicia moves over towards Seira so that she can provide cover for the archer if any bats dive at her.
[19:35] * Demedais moves to assist Pollyanna.
[19:35] <Kotono> Pollyanna readies her bow, gaze fixiated up!
[19:36] * Seira decides on Shield, cast from a scroll!
[19:37] <Kotono> Alicia and Demedais prepare, as does Pallan and Pollyanna! Seira instead casts a protective spell, as it begins! Four large Shrieker Bats dive down, the first stoppingjust above Alicia and Seira! OOC - Alicia, you can AoO it before it acts.
[19:38] <Alicia> Alicia whips her now oversized double-weapon up to carve through the bat as it approaches!
[19:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -2 pa
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 -2 pa and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[19:39] <Alicia> roll 2d6+11
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d6+11 and gets 15."12 [2d6=3, 1]
[19:40] <Kotono> Alicia acts quickly, using her enhanced size to rip into the bat! Part of it's underbelly is torn off, a serious wound! But not enough, as it emits an ear shattering shierk, one that causes much pain for Seira and Alicia! OOC - Fort saves.
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 3."12 [1d8=3]
[19:40] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[19:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
[19:40] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[19:41] <Kotono> OOC - For Seira and Alicia only. <_<
[19:42] <Kotono> The sound causes mild pain but does not stun them, the burst not overwhelmingly damaging! The second bat swoops down at Pallan, attempting to do the same! As it gets in range, Pallan attempts to leap up and deliver the same pain to it!
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d8 sonic damage
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 sonic damage and gets 6."12 [1d8=6]
[19:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 jump check
[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 jump check and gets 23."12 [1d20=13]
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 fort save
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 fort save and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 attack roll
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 attack roll and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 2d6+8
[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+8 and gets 13."12 [2d6=2, 3]
[19:45] <Kotono> AS Pallan is battered by the sonic oomph, you see strange, sparkling things strike forth! The bat is sliced several times, but Pallan is stunned and knocked away, landing on his side! The third bat swoops down at Demedais, attempting to strike him directly! OOC - You can act or AoO it or whatever if you want, Deme, since you were waiting for it to come at you.
[19:46] <Demedais> OOC: Eh, I'll fullact it.
[19:46] <Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[19:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (2 PA)
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (2 PA) and gets 17."12 [1d20=6]
[19:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (2 PA)
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (2 PA) and gets 21."12 [1d20=15]
[19:47] <Kotono> OOC - Hitx2.
[19:47] <Demedais> roll 4d6+22
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+22 and gets 38."12 [4d6=3, 3, 4, 6]
[19:48] <Kotono> Demedais rips up, skewering the bat on his sword! The strike rips it in two, the savager emoval of the blade enough to send parts of it all about!
[19:49] <Kotono> The last bat swoops down at Demedais as well, but hovers above! It too unleashes a massive sonic blast, enough to rattlet he two! OOC - Polly and Deme make fort saves.
[19:49] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 6."12 [1d8=6]
[19:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+ and gets Error: Check syntax."12 [1d20=5]
[19:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[19:50] <Kotono> Pollyanna is knocked off balance by the blast, dazed! But as that happens she takes ehr chance to fire an arrow off at the bat!
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
[19:50] <Kotono> This completely misses, however.
[19:50] <Alicia> After her initial powerful strike, Alicia shifts her grasp to better take advantage of her weapon's dual nature, striking up with the unbloodied blade before following through with a lateral cut using the other!
[19:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 and gets 28."12 [1d20=20]
[19:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 confirm
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 confirm and gets 16."12 [1d20=8]
[19:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 and gets 21."12 [1d20=13]
[19:51] <Kotono> OOC - Crit and a hit.
[19:51] <Alicia> roll 6d6+15
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 6d6+15 and gets 33."12 [6d6=2, 4, 3, 4, 2, 3]
[19:52] <Kotono> The bat is ripped sevearl times over, the doublesword rending it to ribbons! IT too falls to the floor, as teh battle is joined in earnest! OOC - Initiative.
[19:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
[19:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 this is a battle?
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 this is a battle? and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bat
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 bat and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bat
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 bat and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bat
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 bat and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bat
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 bat and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bat
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 bat and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bat
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 bat and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]
[19:53] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 10."12 [1d20=10]
[19:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'Bat 2(25)Bat?(20)>Alicia (18)=Bat 1=Bat?>Seira(15)>Bat?(13)>Demedais(10)>Bat?(8)'
[19:55] <Kotono> The bat that sonically tormented Demedais unleashes another burst of sound at th stunned archer and noble paladin!
[19:56] <Kotono> roll 1d8 and a fort save, Deme. Moot for Polly.
[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and a fort save, Deme. Moot for Polly. and gets 5."12 [1d8=5]
[19:57] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[19:57] <Kotono> Demedais easily resists the sonic onslaught, ears only sore from the sonic burst! Above, you can heara nother sonic burst from a couple of hundred feet up, but nothing seems to happen...(Alicia, go.)
[19:59] * Alicia holds her sword ready, prepared to defend herself and Seira against all comers!
[19:59] <Alicia> OOC: readied action to full attack anything that gets near us.
[20:00] <Alicia> OOC: axe that
[20:00] <Alicia> While keeping ready to take any opportunistic attacks against any bats that get near her and Seira, Alicia thrusts a hand over towards the bat assaulting Pallan, emitting an incoherent yell as she casts her spell!
[20:00] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 57."12 [1d100=57]
[20:01] <Alicia> And releases four blazing blue bolts of magic its way!
[20:01] <Alicia> roll 4d4+4
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d4+4 and gets 18."12 [4d4=3, 4, 3, 4]
[20:02] <Kotono> The magical missiles fly, riddling PAllan's bat! But as it dies it tries to bite him!
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4 and gets 7."12 [1d8=3]
[20:02] <Kotono> Stunned, Pallan is able to do little as it chomps on his shoulder, moments later dying from the magical missile onslaught, slumping to the ground!
[20:02] <Kotono> Above, you hear another burst of sound, a few pebbles raining down near Alicia and Seira!
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[20:03] * Seira is ready to cast a spell as soon as the new bats are in sight!
[20:03] * Kotono changes topic to 'Bat 2(25)Bat?(20)>Alicia (18)=Bat?>Seira(15)>Bat?(13)>Demedais(10)>Bat?(8)'
[20:03] <Kotono> OOC - There is one in sight, the one that sonic'd Demedais again this round.
[20:04] <Seira> OOC: This is a readied action~
[20:04] <Kotono> OOCC: Okay!
[20:04] <Kotono> Above there is a third shriek! This time pebbles rain down near Demedais and Pollyanna, a few tiny chunks of rock wobbling on down! OOC - Deme.
[20:07] <Demedais> "...could they be trying to cave in this entire place?!?" Demedais cursed as he moved to swing at the accursed bat near him!
[20:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (2 PA)
[20:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (2 PA)
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (2 PA) and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (2 PA) and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[20:08] <Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
[20:08] <Seira> "Just kill that one and let's go on, then it wouldn't matter," Seira responds, sounding annoyed.
[20:09] <Demedais> roll 4d6+22
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+22 and gets 38."12 [4d6=2, 5, 4, 5]
[20:10] <Kotono> Another bet is rent apart, Demedais tearing this one in twine! An easy victory over it, as another shriek above is heard! More pebbles rain down near Demedais andPollyanna, this time a few bigger pieces, then another burst, this one enough to make a rocky THUNK sound hear farabove! OOC - Alicia, it's your go now.
[20:10] * Seira decides to abandon her caution and withdraws her glowing stone!
[20:10] <Demedais> "Agreed!" Demedais nods to Seira.
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC - What'cha doing as your readied action?
[20:11] <Seira> OOC: I ended up just holding, I guess. Till Alicia's turn?
[20:12] <Kotono> Above, Seira can see that there are four mroe bats above. Several stalagmites and chuks of ceiling look cracked, mostly above the party.
[20:12] <Alicia> "Demedais, grab Pollyanna and lets get out of here - I'll grab Seira's friend!" with that, she takes off at a run and leaps over the river before rushing to pick up Pallan!
[20:12] * Seira looks to see whether any two or more bats are nearby!
[20:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20 jump don't fail me now~
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 jump don't fail me now~ and gets 30."12 [1d20=10]
[20:12] <Seira> "Not my friend, you can leave him!"
[20:13] <Kotono> They're all a couple of hundred feet up, making the most irritating noise as they assault the ceiling. Meanwhile, Alicia just clears the river, a bit of icy cold water splashing on her leg!
[20:13] <Kotono> Pallan staggers, dazed adn on his knees. "..ugh..." he coughs, a hand shakily going to his shoulder.
[20:13] * Alicia rushes over, grunting as she helps Pallan to his feet. "Can you run?" she asks, intending to put him over her shoulder if he can't.
[20:14] * Seira summons a storm of ice over the bats, stearing it clear from the walls and ceiling of the cave as she waves at the bats to go away!
[20:14] <Kotono> "..yeah, in a moment," he replies, "Dammit..."
[20:14] <Seira> roll 5d6 die
[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d6 die and gets 21."12 [5d6=4, 1, 6, 4, 6]
[20:14] * Demedais grabs Pollyanna, and moves to follow the group out!
[20:15] <Kotono> Above, a great icestorm starts! It pounds the bats with ice, shards of ice raining down from stricken bats! It seems to do considerable damage, as Demedais grabs Pollyanna!
[20:17] <Kotono> The bats above are badly damaged by the vicious storm and disoriented, some sagging down a bit. They're not focused on breaking the stagagmites this round! OOC - You guys can act for the mometn since they're ice stormed and generally dazed.
[20:18] <Kotono> "Ahead..." Pallan manages to get up and balanced, "Ford the river ahead..."
[20:19] <Alicia> "Come on - Seira, get away from under those stalactites!" Alicia yells over to their captain, starting to move along the river while having her sword ready to repel any attacks.
[20:19] * Seira moves away from the dangerous area after shooting at one of the dazed bats.
[20:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 (pa4)
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 (pa4) and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[20:20] * Demedais nods as he lifts and carries Pollyanna toward the river!
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Yeah, hit Seira. Just.
[20:21] <Seira> roll 1d8+9 just is enough!
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+9 just is enough! and gets 13."12 [1d8=4]
[20:22] <Kotono> The bat is hit as the party flees into the cold river! They shiver at the pure mountain water, as cold as snow's breath! The bat plummets down as Seira retreats, slamming hard into the ground!
[20:23] * Seira eyes the remaining three.
[20:24] * Alicia waits for everyone to regroup at the river, ready to cover against any divebombing bats but not especially worried now that they're no longer under an imminently collapsing ceiling.
[20:24] <Kotono> The bats are regrouping as they flee into the river, flying back up and away.
[20:25] * Seira shoots after them!
[20:25] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 (pa4)
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 (pa4) and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
[20:25] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 (pa4)
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 (pa4) and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
[20:25] <Seira> roll 1d8+9
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+9 and gets 11."12 [1d8=2]
[20:27] <Kotono> The riverwater is very cold as Seira bags another bat. They're flying farther away and up, starting to hide behind hanging slagatites. Another bat falls to the floor, slain.
[20:28] <Alicia> "I don't think they'll bother us again," Alicia observes dryly, at least only just wet up to her ankles thanks to her current giant-stature.
[20:29] * Seira is satisfied with that and rejoins the others. "Let's go," she tells them, adding for Pallan's benefit, "I think a fifth of the non-magical treasures is more than generous at this stage."
[20:29] * Demedais moves to get to the other side of the river quickly.
[20:30] <Kotono> The group fords the river! It's a narrow carved out passage in the wall, up to your hips in chilly water. It's only about fiftyf eet until it widens again, a small beachhead here, even some loose, rocky sand. This is on the left side of the river, the watery path going on a good ways regardless.
[20:31] * Seira is content to let Pollyanna lead them once more.
[20:32] <Kotono> Pallan shivers and doesn't reply at first, instead hurrying out of the water. Pollyanna does take the lead, going to the same spot. "Not much more," she murmurs, eyeing Pallan.
[20:32] <Kotono> "...eh. Fine," he says, eyeing the party, all four of them. "Only missing the druid..."
[20:32] * Alicia eyes Pallan back. She looks at him. She looks at him and she *knows*.
[20:32] <Alicia> If he's evil or not.
[20:33] <Seira> "Alright, then," Seira says coldly. "One sixth it is, as you insist."
[20:34] * Demedais says nothing, eyes closed.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Fifth," he says, not even rising to that in tone.
[20:35] <Seira> "Then shut up about the druid," she bites back, moving ahead.
[20:36] * Alicia seems oblivious to the subtext. "By rights, everything in the hoard belongs to the United Baronies. Don't push your luck," she tells Pallan, before tromping off after Seira as only a giant-sized magic knight can.
[20:36] * Demedais simply follows, hands tightly clenched around his sword.
[20:39] <Kotono> "..." Pallan does indeed go quiet, oddly so. He looks at Seira strangely, but holds his tongue. Instead, the party begins to move on! Down a twisting path, Pollyanna leading you to a left fork and onward. About five minutes of walking go by, another left turn taken. Eventually the party comes to a twenty foot cliff that needs to be scaled, but arope has been left. "Almost there...just one more room and then..." Pollyanna murmurs, starting to
[20:40] <Kotono> Pollyanna murmurs, starting to climb up, her voice having a faint shake to it. "Just a long, long room and then we'll reach the pits and the rocks."
[20:40] <Kotono> The rope is knotted and the cliff has a few footholds, it looks simple enough to climb.
[20:40] * Alicia elects to bring up the rear, forgoing the rope in case it can't bear her current weight and instead making use of the natural handholds presented.
[20:40] * Demedais prepares to follow Pollyanna down.
[20:41] * Seira goes after Pollyanna, wishing to be there with the vanguard.
[20:42] <Kotono> The party climbs up the wall with little incident. Ahead of this is a long, fairly straight path. About twenty five feet wide and thirty fall as a rule, but...all ahead are lizards. Lots of shocker lizards, here, there, on the floor, on the walls, on the ceiling. They're all looking ahead, and far in the distance, you can see a shimmering electric aura. Pallan waves ahead, "See?"
[20:43] <Alicia> "Any good area effect spells?" Alicia asks her companions, really not having anything like that to use, herself.
[20:43] <Seira> "Yes," Seira responds curtly. "An elven one would be good here, I think."
[20:44] <Demedais> "I have another shot of that wall of boiling water, but it may be the better part of valor to rest and let you and Seira prepare AoE spells for these things." Demedais replies. "But if Seira has something, by all means....."
[20:47] * Seira calculates the distances and the areas with the least amount of lizards, so no groups who could join forces in their lethal electrical shocks would remain within the safe area.
[20:50] <Kotono> Seira can see what must be dozens of lizards. The area with the least is right in the entrance, they thicken up asy ou go.
[20:50] * Seira offers her bow to Alicia, asking, "Can you use this effectively?"
[20:51] <Alicia> "I'm decent with a bow," the knight affirms, slinging her sword before accepting the bow and quiver, briefly testing the drawstring. "What's the plan?"
[20:53] <Seira> "I'll close us off with a sheet of darkness, and you will shoot through it till there are non left, while Demedais would pick off those that manage to find their way through. That should not, by any means, be common." Seira thinks for a moment. "Also, I will leave a few on our side of the wall, so kill them as they are surprised. Do not allow them to regroup."
[20:53] * Demedais nods and prepares to move in once Seira acts!
[20:53] <Alicia> "Got it," Alicia nods grimly, nocking an arrow and drawing back to shoot...
[20:55] * Seira tries to walk a bit farther forward, hoping her still-blurred form and general sneakiness would allow for the feat, before throwing up the wall as specified, aiming to catch a few stragglers on their side of the barrier of shadow, no more than six, and no more than two together.
[20:57] <Kotono> The lizards turn and look at Seira, some beginning to react, but they're mostly not quite organized yet. Instead she is able to get the the barrier up! Four lizards inside the barrier, one clump of two and two scattered ones! OOC - Surprise round is fine, you guys can unload if you want.
[20:57] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and each take an action, then I'll see if initiative is needed.
[20:57] <Seira> OOC: They need to pass a will DC of 18 if they try to cross the screen, with cumulative -1 penalties per try
[20:58] * Alicia releases her arrow as soon as the wall goes up, targetting the one nearest to Seira!
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 -2 pa
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 -2 pa and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 2d6+5
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d6+5 and gets 12."12 [2d6=6, 1]
[20:58] * Demedais charges at the group of two, hoping to finish them in one single stroke!
[20:59] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (2 PA)
[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (2 PA) and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[20:59] <Demedais> OOC: Forgot Charge bonus with that, so it'd be 18.
[20:59] <Kotono> OOC - Hit and damage, Deme.
[21:00] <Demedais> roll 2d6+11
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+11 and gets 17."12 [2d6=2, 4]
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC - Cleave.
[21:00] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:00] <Demedais> roll 2d6+11
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+11 and gets 17."12 [2d6=2, 4]
[21:00] <Kotono> Pallan goes forth, attempting to slice up one of the inside stray lizards!
[21:01] <Kotono> As that happens, Demedais cleaves apart two lizards with ease, as Alicia gravely wounds a third one!
[21:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 2d6+8
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+8 and gets 17."12 [2d6=5, 4]
[21:02] <Kotono> Going in, his cloak opens for a moment, a lizard left behind him, sliced into nice strips of electric meat! Pollyanna goes for the one Alicia wounded!
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[21:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 this is moot anyway
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 this is moot anyway and gets 20."12 [1d20=19]
[21:03] <Kotono> roll 2d8+4
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+4 and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 1]
[21:03] <Kotono> That lizard gets two more lesser arrows, slain! OOC - You cleared out the insides. Ball's in your court after I do a reaction first, I may still call initiative.
[21:05] <Kotono> The lizards outside of thew all look on, tongues hissing out! They stare at the darkness, seeming to gauge it and a few lightly skittering back. OOC - None are charging, so you guys can take actions if you want.
[21:05] <Seira> "Shoot outside!" Seira tells the others. "They might be concealed, but it's not impossible to hit them!"
[21:06] * Alicia nocks another arrow and releases it at the nearest one to the wall.
[21:06] <Seira> "Demedais, can you make your wall roll from the other end of the corridor towards us, to send them rushing at my barrier?"
[21:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3 pa
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 -3 pa and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[21:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3 pa confirm
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 -3 pa confirm and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[21:06] <Alicia> roll 4d6+14
[21:06] <Kotono> OOC - Crit, bowgrrl.
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6+14 and gets 27."12 [4d6=4, 1, 3, 5]
[21:07] <Kotono> Alicia fires first and fires well, slaying one lizard with a single arrow! It's attached to the wall, pinned there!
[21:08] * Demedais nods to Alicia and conjures his wall at the opposite end of all the lizards, stepping backwards as he does so to lessen his proximity to the trapped shocker lizards!
[21:10] <Kotono> In a great swath of agony the awll springs up! Several shocker lizarsd are in range of the wall of boiling awter, instantly damaged! Further, you can see the ones between it pinned between the two walls! OOC - Roll damage, Deme.
[21:11] <Demedais> OOC: Which damage? Passthrough damage, within 10 ft damage or within 20 ft damage?
[21:12] <Demedais> roll 2d6+7 passthrough
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+7 passthrough and gets 17."12 [2d6=4, 6]
[21:12] <Demedais> roll 2d4 proximity
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d4 proximity and gets 4."12 [2d4=2, 2]
[21:12] <Demedais> roll 1d4 lesser proximity
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 lesser proximity and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
[21:13] <Kotono> In that wall, six shocker lizards are fried instantly! You hear a loud hiss, a big lizard sizzled but alive! Meanwhile, ones close to that wall are burnt and flee, the lizards starting to rush the gloomy wall! OOC - Pollyanna'll take an action then initiative.
[21:13] <Kotono> Pollyanna watches the swarm rushing you, about two dozen lizards! She picks one that's been burnt and rushing, firing!
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 crit
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 crit and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2 and gets 8."12 [1d8=6]
[21:14] <Kotono> Pollyanna greviously wounds one as Pallan positions himself at the front edge of the barrier. "C'mon..." he murmurs, ready. OOC - Initiative.
[21:14] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+2 and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
[21:14] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 15."12 [1d20=15]
[21:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 swarm
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 swarm and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 polly
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 polly and gets 11."12 [1d20=9]
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12."12 [1d20=7]
[21:16] * Kotono changes topic to 'SWARM(26)>Deme(15)=Seira>Pallan(12)>Polly(11)Alicia (6)'
[21:17] <Kotono> The lizards are disorganized! Half are fleeing the hot water wall or not acting yet, but half are pinned enough to try charging the wall of gloom!
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC - I'm going to do a quick batch of saves. What's the DC?
[21:17] <Seira> OOC: Will 18
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 12#1d20+1
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 12#1d20+1 and gets 100."12 [12#1d20+1 = 10, 18, 16, 11, 3, 6, 2, 3, 5, 15, 3, 8]
[21:18] <Kotono> The lizards mostly bounce off the wall! One breaks through and quickly shocks Pallan alone!
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 2d8 nonlethal
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 nonlethal and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20 ref save
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 ref save and gets 3."12 [1d20=3]
[21:19] <Kotono> The shock jarrs him a bit, but little happens to shake him! OOC - Deme.
[21:20] * Demedais moves forward again, now a bit more confident in Seira's magic, prepared to hit any that try to come through as he keeps focus on the boiling wall.
[21:20] <Kotono> OOC - Seir-chan.
[21:21] <Seira> "Each failure makes it all the harder for them to dismiss the wall as illusion," Seira explains to the others. "Concentrate on finishing them off." Herself, she is content to watch, a wand of magic missiles in her hands should it be needed.
[21:22] <Kotono> Pallan rolls with the shock, closing in on th eunlucky lizard taht got through!
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 2d6+8
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+8 and gets 12."12 [2d6=3, 1]
[21:22] <Kotono> This lizard is greviously chopped up, alive even after the strange attack! Pollyanna seems to take the gist of the idea, firing her arrows at the weakened prey!
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 moooooot
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 moooooot and gets 5."12 [1d20=4]
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 6."12 [1d8=5]
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC - +2, but eithe rway.
[21:23] <Kotono> With an arrwo, the lizard that got inside is slain! OOC - Alicia.
[21:23] <Alicia> Drawing back another arrow, Alicia aims at the large lizard seen near the back, recalling how much trouble the last one of that size gave. Pulling back tightly, she forgoes accuracy for power, counting on the fact that it'll be too flat-footed to dodge.
[21:23] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 -4 pa
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 -4 pa and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[21:23] <Alicia> roll 2d6+9
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d6+9 and gets 13."12 [2d6=3, 1]
[21:25] <Kotono> With a skillful shot, another lizard is skewered and slain! The swarm seems disoriented and utterly confused, rushing the wall again! This time it's the whole two dozen, minus the two that are dead!
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 10#1d20
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10#1d20 and gets 92."12 [10#1d20 = 15, 2, 4, 1, 7, 18, 14, 8, 17, 6]
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 10#1d20+1
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10#1d20+1 and gets 114."12 [10#1d20+1 = 13, 10, 5, 12, 7, 19, 11, 4, 17, 16]
[21:26] <Kotono> Two break through! This time they quickly cluster together, pained but unleashing a nasty spark at Alicia!
[21:26] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[21:28] <Kotono> Two break through! This time they quickly cluster together, pained but unleashing a nasty spark at Demedais!
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC - Ref save.
[21:29] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 4d8
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8 and gets 10."12 [4d8=2, 3, 2, 3]
[21:30] <Kotono> Demedais gets a shock right in his face! It's not too bad at least, as...OOC - Pausing here for wokr hell. Almost there!
[18:07] <Kotono> OOC - Demedais.
[18:08] <Kotono> OOC - Also, Seira's up on this tick.
[18:08] * Seira continues to maintain the shadowy barrier!
[18:09] * Demedais twitches and moves back, still focusing on the wall. "You guys snipe them down. I'm too distracted to try and strike at them." With that, Demedais moves back near Seira and the archers!
[18:09] <Kotono> Pallan is already moving, flowing through as he closes in on one of the two lizards that broke through!
[18:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 15."12 [1d20=6]
[18:11] <Kotono> He dives by, the ground around the lizard being sliced up as his cloak opens, but the animal itself is missed! Pollyanna nods tersely to Demedais, aiming at the lizard missed, arrows flying!
[18:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[18:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[18:12] <Kotono> Both arrows slam into the ground, sticking up as poles on either side of her target, narrow misses! OOC - Alicia.
[18:12] * Alicia draws back an arrow of her own, breathing deeply for a second before she exhales and releases it at the arrow nearest Demedais.
[18:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3pa
[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 -3pa and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[18:13] <Kotono> But this arrow also misses! It only hits the wall, slamming down just outside of it and doing no harm! OOC - Lizards are up.
[18:17] <Kotono> Inside thew all, the two miraclously unhurt lizards advance on at the previously softened target of Demedais! OOC - Ref save, Deme.
[18:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 goddamnit reflex saves
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 goddamnit reflex saves and gets 7."12 [1d20=2]
[18:18] <Kotono> roll 4d8
[18:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8 and gets 20."12 [4d8=8, 2, 7, 3]
[18:18] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5447a9f5.wfd87b.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[18:19] * Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
[18:20] <Kotono> Demedais is zapped head on, his armor steaming from the direct shock! His body smolders and muscles twitch, the damage severe! Despite this the brave paladin fights on, holding up proud! Meanwhile, the 9 lizards that have failed twice and the 9 that have failed once look about! They hiss and spark, looking around in complete confusion! Trying again, they attempt to breach the wall!
[18:20] <Kotono> roll 9#1d20-1
[18:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 9#1d20-1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{7}, 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{0}, 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{14}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{18}, 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{12}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{6}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{5}
[18:20] <Demedais> "Mmmmrrrrgh!" Demedais grunts. "Left pocket of my bag, Alicia. There's a wand of cure light wounds. Mind grabbing that and using it on me?"
[18:20] <Kotono> roll 9#1d20
[18:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 9#1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{12}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{6}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{6}
[18:21] <Seira> "Demedais, stop focusing on your wall and take out these lizards!" Seira calls out, noticing their worsening situation. For her part, she maintains her own concentration, not seeing things as dire quite yet.
[18:22] <Kotono> Of them all,only one lizard manages to push through! It looks around in confusion, before going to join it's two bretherin inside! OOC - Demedais and Seira.
[18:22] <Alicia> "Get back here and away from the lizards and I'll heal you - cure light wounds won't do any good if you get hit like that again!" Alicia calls back stridently.
[18:22] <Kotono> "Dammit!" Pallan mutters a vile curse in unusually loud tones, glancing back at Demedais before back to the fight all around the party.
[18:23] <Seira> "All we need to do is take down two of them," Seira says. "So let's get to it."
[18:23] * Demedais considers, before shaking his head and retreating towards Alicia. "Not lowering the wall, it's what keeps the pressure on the group inside. Gah... stupid leg, stop twitching."
[18:23] <Seira> "It will keep on holding!"
[18:26] <Kotono> Demedais falls back, as Pallan closes in on another lizard! He pants, seeming to debate a moment...before closing in on his target!
[18:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[18:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{15}
[18:27] <Kotono> But he can't quite close all the way! The ground is narrowly gashed, but the lizard slightly bobs back to avoid it, crackling with electricity as it looks on at Pallan! Pollyanna grunts, eyes narrowed into little slits as she fires two more arrows!
[18:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[18:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{11}
[18:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{9}
[18:27] <Kotono> But neither hit, both again missing. "...no!" she calls, some emotion in her voice as she worridly looks at Demedais. Her breathing quickens, "No, no, no, no no!" OOC - Alicia.
[18:28] <Seira> "Fight or flight, choose one!" Seira calls out to Demedais. "Just don't stand there!"
[18:29] * Alicia attempts to maintain her icy calm demeanour, methodically nocking another arrow before she fires it at the one closest to Demedais to try and take the pressure off so he can either kill the ones near him or escape far enough to be healed without it being a wasted gesture.
[18:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3 pa
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0-3 pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{26}
[18:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3 pa threat
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0-3 pa threat --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{20}
[18:29] <Kotono> OOC - Crit.
[18:29] <Alicia> roll 4d6+14
[18:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 4d6+14 --> 6,0[ 4d6=13 ]4,0{27}
[18:31] <Kotono> With a successful shot at last, one of the three inside is skewered! It's impaled neatly on an arrow, dead in a half second! OOC - LIzards are up.
[18:31] <Kotono> The pack of two inside seem to debate a moment, seeing Demedais retreat! They go after the only valid target in easy range, letting loose a combined shock at Pallan!
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+ --> error: malformed expression
[18:32] * Demedais grunts a bit, not responding as he tries to move farther back from the lizards.
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{12}
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 4d8
[18:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 4d8 --> 6,0[ 4d8=21 ]4,0{21}
[18:33] <Kotono> Pallan is hit head on, a strangled cry as he slumps over, to his knees, barely staying up! Meanwhile, the confused lizard pack outside once again attempts to rush, fleeing from the wall of water!
[18:33] <Kotono> roll 9#1d20-2
[18:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 9#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{1}, 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{6}, 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{18}, 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{17}
[18:34] <Kotono> OOC - Should've been 8 on that roll, but oh well.
[18:34] <Kotono> roll 9#1d20-2
[18:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 9#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{7}, 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{16}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{-1}, 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{12}, 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{15}
[18:34] <Kotono> OOC - STrike, wrong mod.
[18:34] <Kotono> roll 9#1d20-1
[18:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 9#1d20-1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{14}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{18}, 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{0}, 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{13}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{9}, 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{10}
[18:35] <Kotono> In that swarm, one somehow punches through! The rest are still held back, confused and terrified! The lucky one looks about, again joining his two friends! OOC - Deme and eira.
[18:36] * Seira waits to see whether Demedais would break off his hold on his spell as she told him to.
[18:36] <Demedais> "Nrgh." Demedais drops his focus on the wall of boiling water and quickly grabs the wand, healing himself as he retreats even further away.
[18:37] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[18:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=4 ]4,0{5}
[18:38] * Seira eyes the trio of lizards. "Pallan, wait on the archers. If they can get one of the lizards to drop, retreat back! I'll serve as the target." That said, her concentration is still being maintained on her wall of gloom!
[18:39] <Kotono> Demedais heals his mangled body with the wand, restoring some function to it's shocked out muscle and skeleton! Pallan shakes his head, holding for the moment...Pollyanna takes the chance, firing two more arrows with reckless speed!
[18:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[18:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{13}
[18:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{20}
[18:39] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[18:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=8 ]4,0{10}
[18:39] <Demedais> "Mrgle." Demedais grunts, shaking his head.
[18:40] <Kotono> Pollyanna's second arrow is accurate, slamming one of the inside head on! This one, already burnt by Deme's wall, keels over at the abuse and dies! OOC - Alicia.
[18:41] <Alicia> Systematically drawing back another arrow, Alicia targets the newest arrived lizard now, hoping that the one that's been here longer might catch a clue and retreat at this sort of abuse.
[18:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3 pa
[18:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0-3 pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{20}
[18:41] <Alicia> roll 2d6+7
[18:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 2d6+7 --> 6,0[ 2d6=8 ]4,0{15}
[18:42] <Kotono> With fell aim Alicia fires, killing the second inside lizard! Only one remains inside, as Pallan gauges and falls back in a hurry! OOC - LIZARDS are up.
[18:42] * Kotono changes topic to 'SWARM(26)>Deme(15)=Seira>Polly(11)Alicia (6)=Pallan'
[18:42] <Seira> "Good," Seira says approvingly. "Pallan, be ready to intercede if any fresh lizards break through the barrier, but leave this one be for now."
[18:43] <Kotono> "Need...healing..." he breathes out, "Only have the weakest one left in my arsenal..."
[18:43] <Kotono> The one left inside looks dazed, before blindly charging Alicia, attempting to give her a nonlethal shock! OOC - Ref save.
[18:43] <Seira> "I won't let even you die from those things," Seira assures Pallan.
[18:44] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8
[18:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{20}
[18:44] <Alicia> "Fall back behind us if you can't fight!" Alicia calls even as the lizard charges her.
[18:45] * Nephrite (~ryan.scud@143-161.127-70.tampabay.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:45] <Kotono> roll 2d8 nonlethal
[18:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 2d8 1,0nonlethal --> 6,0[ 2d8=6 ]4,0{6}
[18:46] <Kotono> Alicia is able to twist away from the worst of it, only getting a mild buzz from the electric bugaloo! Meanwhile, the ones outside are in outright disarray! One more attempt at charging, the lizards clearly wanting nothing to do witht he boiling water!
[18:46] <Kotono> roll 8#1d20-3
[18:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 8#1d20-3 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{8}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{10}, 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{10}, 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{9}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{16}, 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{-2}, 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{3}
[18:46] <Kotono> roll 8#1d20-2
[18:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 8#1d20-2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{10}, 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{6}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{2}
[18:47] <Kotono> Yet not a one makes it through! THe swarm is disoriented and ineffective, standing just outside of range of the heroes! OOC - Deme and Seira.
[18:47] <Seira> "And this is an excellent chance to snipe at our friends!" Seira comments. "Demedais, Pallan, use this chance to regain your strength."
[18:47] * Demedais grunts and charges at the remaining lizard with an irritable swing, attempting to split the damn thing in two!
[18:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
[18:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{21}
[18:47] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[18:48] <Demedais> roll 2d6+2d6+10+7 (5 PA)
[18:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+2d6+10+7 1,0(5 PA) --> 6,0[ 2d6=6 2d6=3 ]4,0{26}
[18:48] <Demedais> ...er.
[18:48] <Demedais> OOC: Subtract 3.
[18:48] <Kotono> OOC - Uh, how come you rolled 2d6 twice?
[18:48] <Kotono> OOC - Whatever, it's dead anyway.
[18:48] <Demedais> OOC: Mistype. >_<
[18:49] * Nephrite (~ryan.scud@143-161.127-70.tampabay.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[18:49] <Kotono> With a vailant swing the Shocker Lizard is torn asunder, ripped in two and now nothing but fizzy-shocky giblets! OOC - Seira, are you doing anything or just holding concentration?
[18:49] * Seira keeps the spell active and hopes people kill all of the lizards in plain sight.
[18:50] <Kotono> Pollyanna finally looks outside, loosing another two arrows at a single target!
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[18:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{20}
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{9}
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[18:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{3}
[18:50] <Kotono> She manages to hit one, but it's a grazing blow! OOC - Alicia.
[18:51] * Alicia aims for the biggest lizard she can see, putting as much power as she can into her shot and counting on catching it unawares.
[18:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 -5 pa
[18:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0-5 pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{10}
[18:52] <Kotono> Oh Alicia misses, whizzing in the air and flying into Deme's hot water wall on the other side of of the hall. Pallan murmrus a few words under his breath, a faint light engulfing his body. It's very faint indeed, barely seeming to do anything.
[18:53] <Kotono> The lizards are completely disoriented now! About half of the 16 left outside begin to climb the walls, hissing and scrambling around! The other half tries the wall again!
[18:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 spellcraft!
[18:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0spellcraft! --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{22}
[18:53] <Kotono> roll 8#1d20
[18:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 8#1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{15}, 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{11}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{5}, 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{1}, 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{20}, 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{5}
[18:54] <Kotono> Out of those, one makes it just past the wall, looking about! OOC - Demedais and Seira.
[18:54] <Seira> Paladins first is Seira's recent policy.
[18:55] * Demedais considers, before healing himself and moving in front of Pallan, attempting to obsucre him from the lizard's view.
[18:55] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[18:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=7 ]4,0{8}
[18:56] <Kotono> Demedais mends his flesh further, almost like a human again and not an electric charcoal! Pallan grunts a thanks as he breaths heavily in and out, starting to try and stand! OOC -
[18:56] <Kotono> OOC - Sei-ra.
[18:57] <Seira> A single lizard is no threat, Seira keeps the spell running.
[18:57] <Kotono> Pollyanna looks at the lizard inside, before firing off two more arrows!
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 going for Mr. INside
[18:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0going for Mr. INside --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{16}
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[18:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{14}
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[18:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 ]4,0{7}
[18:57] <Kotono> The lizard inside is shot, wounded from water and now from an arrow taking off most of it's leg! It hobbles about, critically hurt! OOC - Alicia.
[18:58] <Alicia> Not expecting the one Pollyanna hit to be too fiesty after that, Alicia continues to focus on the ones behind the wall, focusing on one that's still attempting to breach it and leaving those climbing the rocks alone.
[18:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -3 pa
[18:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0-3 pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{7}
[18:59] <Kotono> Alicia fires well, but the shot is entirely errant and missing! Meanwhile, Pallan grunts, "Give me that wand if you want to go fight," he offers after breathing out.
[19:01] <Kotono> Now the swarm is just frantic! They're climbing up onto the ceiling, half freaking out while the other half tries to get inside again!
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 7#1d20
[19:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 7#1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{20}, 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{17}, 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{20}, 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{12}, 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{19}, 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{7}, 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{18}
[19:01] <Kotono> Whilet wo break through, the wounded one limps forward and attempts to bite at Alicia!
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[19:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{8}
[19:02] <Kotono> OOC - +3, but so moot.
[19:02] <Kotono> It's attack is futile and weak, however, doing nothing! OOC - Deme and Seira are up.
[19:02] * Demedais considers the man, then blinks as two more come out! "Fine, but if I don't see it again your intestines will make a nice offering to Helm." he says as he flicks it to Pallan and charges the group of lizards!
[19:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (5 PA)
[19:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0(5 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{20}
[19:03] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[19:03] <Demedais> roll 2d6+17
[19:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+17 --> 6,0[ 2d6=3 ]4,0{20}
[19:03] <Kotono> OOC - Cleave.
[19:03] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (5 PA)
[19:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0(5 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{19}
[19:03] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[19:03] <Demedais> roll 2d6+17
[19:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 2d6+17 --> 6,0[ 2d6=5 ]4,0{22}
[19:03] <Seira> "I think I would like that back, now," Seira tells Alicia, indicating her bow.
[19:04] <Kotono> Demedais slaughters two lizards in one epic sweep of his blade! As Pallan holds the wand, all that is left is one target inside! OOC - S-chan.
[19:04] <Seira> OOC: I'll go on Alicia's init
[19:04] <Kotono> OOC - Okay. Polly's up.
[19:05] <Kotono> Seeing the last prey inside, Pollyanna aims for it!
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{8}
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{4}
[19:05] <Kotono> But both shots are feeble! She looks on with steely intensity, calming down. "Got it under control," she asksaloud, notching more arrows. OOC - Alicia.
[19:05] * Kotono changes topic to 'SWARM(26)>Deme(15)>Polly(11)Alicia (6)=Pallan=Seira'
[19:06] <Kotono> Pallan uses the wand, invoking it's healing power on himself!
[19:06] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[19:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=7 ]4,0{8}
[19:07] <Alicia> "All yours," Alicia hands over the bow and quiver before she hops around the lizard attacking her, drawing her sword in the process to strike at it!
[19:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 DC 15 tumble check to move around lizard without AoO
[19:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0DC 15 tumble check to move around lizard without AoO --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{15}
[19:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 -2 pa
[19:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0-2 pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{19}
[19:07] <Kotono> OOC - Hit
[19:07] <Alicia> roll 2d6+11
[19:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 2d6+11 --> 6,0[ 2d6=9 ]4,0{20}
[19:08] <Kotono> With a quick slash Alicia slays the last lizard inside, splitting it in half! OOC -Seira?
[19:08] * Seira nods, and directs her efforts on shooting at the lizards outside!
[19:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 2pa
[19:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,02pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{8}
[19:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 2pa
[19:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,02pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{12}
[19:10] <Kotono> Seira can't get back on the ball right off, missing both shots! Meanwhile, outside the rest of the swarm seems to ahve gotten the idea! They're all climbing the walls now, going to the ceiling and hiding up there, taking cover behind any stone hangings and hissing with their tongues out! OOC - They don't have any particular chance of hiding since they're being watched, but they are using stalgamites as cover.
[19:11] <Kotono> OOC - Deme's up now.
[19:12] * Demedais eyes up to the ceiling, irritable. "Well, that reduces my use here." he grunts as he considers. "What would you have me do from here, Seira?"
[19:13] <Seira> "Heal some more, be ready to cut them down if they try to get in anyway."
[19:13] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais nods as he moves back to Pallan. "I'll take that back after another shot to you, alright?"
[19:15] <Kotono> Pollyanna looks up, holding her arrows at the moment, "Do you want to keep trying while they're hiding," she asks quickly.
[19:15] <Seira> "Yes, for now."
[19:15] <Kotono> Pallan nods once at that, licking his lips. "Right..." he breathes out, body still battered, just like Demedais'.
[19:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{24}
[19:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{13}
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=74 ]4,0{74}
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[19:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{3}
[19:17] <Kotono> The shot isn't much, grazing a lizard that was half poking out from behind it's cover! But nonetheless it's a hit! OOC _ Alicia and friends.
[19:17] * Seira holds out a wand of magical missiles to Alicia. "You are familiar with this item?" she asks, a hint of teasing in her voice. "No matter how much they try to hide, it won't do them any good."
[19:18] * Seira then continues taking aim at the lizards outside the barrier and shoots them with her bow.
[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{26}
[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{19}
[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 2d6=9 ]4,0{15}
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=49 ]4,0{49}
[19:18] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=77 ]4,0{77}
[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[19:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 2d6=7 ]4,0{9}
[19:19] <Alicia> "I can cast it myself, but better to save my own spells," Alicia agrees, waving the wand forward to fire three missiles, splitting them for one per lizard to try and spread the pain around and make them easier prey for the two archers.
[19:19] <Alicia> roll 3d4+3
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 3d4+3 --> 6,0[ 3d4=9 ]4,0{12}
[19:19] <Alicia> OOC: strike
[19:19] <Alicia> roll 3#1d4+1
[19:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 3#1d4+1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}, 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}, 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{3}
[19:19] <Kotono> Seira aims well, catching one in the face! It falls, then it's brother nearby is obliterated by another arrow, already heat wounded!
[19:20] <Kotono> Alicia fires off missiles, striking various lizards about! It wounds them, but non enough to quite get a kill. Yet. Meanwhile, Pallan invokes the wand one more time!
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[19:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=7 ]4,0{8}
[19:21] <Kotono> What remains of the swarm continues to use the cover, as the wall ofw ater continues to maintain! OOC - Deme. 3 rounds left on the wall, FYI.
[19:21] <Seira> OOC: Ditto for mine
[19:21] <Kotono> OOC - Okay-o.
[19:21] <Demedais> OOC: Didn't you disrupt yours a few rounds later, Seira?
[19:22] <Seira> OOC: Mine lasts only 4+1
[19:22] <Seira> OOC: I timed it!
[19:22] <Demedais> OOC: I see.
[19:24] * Demedais nods gratefully to Pallan as he takes the wand back. "Apologies for the brusque comment, but being jolted multiple times wasn't doing much for my attitude." Demedais says as he uses the wand!
[19:24] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[19:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 ]4,0{4}
[19:25] <Kotono> Demedais further mends his body! Pollyanna merely keeps up her arrows shots going, wincing. "My arms are getting tired..."
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{22}
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{14}
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=84 ]4,0{84}
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[19:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=6 ]4,0{8}
[19:25] <Kotono> Another lizard is hit, another one pinned to the ceiling and dead! Only 10 left now, disorganized andwounded! OOC - Alicia and friends.
[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{10}
[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{12}
[19:26] * Alicia fires her missiles, targetting all three at one that looks comparatively uninjured.
[19:26] <Kotono> Seira fires two arrows and misses, bouncing off rocky outcroppings to miss!
[19:26] <Alicia> roll 3d4+3
[19:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 3d4+3 --> 6,0[ 3d4=9 ]4,0{12}
[19:27] <Kotono> This slams into the three healthiest, making it get wracked with shots and die! It just falls, body broken!
[19:27] <Kotono> Pallan just holds back for the moment as the lizards continue to hide! OOC - Deme; 2 rounds.
[19:28] <Alicia> "Keep up the pressure, we're nearly done," Alicia grimly tells Pollyanna as she sees her target fall.
[19:28] * Demedais grips his sword, healing himself with his right hand one more time.
[19:28] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[19:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{2}
[19:29] <Kotono> AS Demedais may bring back memories of a different time for Seira, his body mends only mildly! Pollyanna just keeps on firing, going for the most wounded!
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{12}
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{7}
[19:29] <Kotono> But she misses both shots ocne more! OOC - Seira and compnay.
[19:30] * Seira aims for the lizards Pollyanna had just missed!
[19:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{18}
[19:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{20}
[19:30] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=4 2d6=8 ]4,0{13}
[19:30] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=4 2d6=7 ]4,0{12}
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=41 ]4,0{41}
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=33 ]4,0{33}
[19:30] <Kotono> With careful shots, Seira downs two more, sending another pair of shockers do an early grave! They'rethinning out now, gone from a swarm to just stragglers!
[19:30] * Alicia once more spreads the love, shooting three missiles seperately aiming for the most wounded to thin out the herd.
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 3#1d4+1
[19:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 3#1d4+1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}, 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{3}, 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}
[19:31] <Kotono> Alicia picks off one more, as two others are injured! Pallan holds again, as the swarm just hides, at the mercy of powers far beyond their comprehension! OOC - Deme; 1 round.
[19:31] <Seira> "Aim for those sticking together, now!" Seira tells her fellow snipers. "Their powers are disrupted at a distance!"
[19:32] * Demedais simply leans against the wall, ready to strike if any come out once the walls fall.
[19:32] <Kotono> Pollyanna fires once more, then once more after!
[19:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{14}
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{11}
[19:33] <Kotono> But she has no luck, not this time! OOC - The big gaggle before the walls fall.
[19:33] * Alicia once more spreads her fire, trying to pick off the most wounded!
[19:33] <Alicia> roll 3#1d4+1
[19:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 3#1d4+1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}
[19:34] <Kotono> Alicia finishes off one more, two more tormented into near death!
[19:34] * Seira does likewise, seeking to thin the herd even further, even as she cautions, "The barrier will come down any moment now. Both of them, in fact. If it confuses them, use that chance to hit and retreat a distance!"
[19:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{15}
[19:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{16}
[19:35] <Kotono> OOC - Second hits.
[19:35] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=15 ]4,0{15}
[19:35] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[19:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 2d6=3 ]4,0{9}
[19:36] <Kotono> Another shot, another lizard downed! As Pallan holds, the lizards hide...and a few seconds later, Demedais' wall vanishes! Behind it is a cleared out hallway, no sign of the big lizard or any opposition in your path!
[19:37] <Kotono> A few seconds later SEira's wall fizzles away, gone with the wind as well! OOC - Deme.
[19:37] * Demedais nods as the walls fall and flicks the wand at himself again, not wanting to risk a group shock again.
[19:37] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[19:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{2}
[19:38] <Seira> "I'll scout ahead," Seira says, relying on the still-operative message spell.
[19:38] <Kotono> Demedais heals his flesh! Meanwhile, Pollyanna glances around, looking at the few remaining lizards...before firing off two last shots.
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{23}
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{10}
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=21 ]4,0{21}
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[19:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d8+2 --> 6,0[ 1d8=2 ]4,0{4}
[19:39] <Kotono> With that shot another dies, only three left! OOC - Gaggle time. We'll probably go out of initaitive soon pending.
[19:39] <Alicia> "Why rush? We're almost done clearing them," Alicia replies, again using the wand to put a single missile in each of the three left.
[19:39] <Alicia> roll 3#1d4+1
[19:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 3#1d4+1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{2}, 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{4}, 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{3}
[19:40] <Kotono> Alicia bags two more, the last clinging to a stalagmite for dear life, body bleeding and scorched!
[19:40] * Seira shrugs, and takes out another wand, the twin to that Alicia is using, doing likewise.
[19:40] <Seira> roll 3d4+3
[19:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 3d4+3 --> 6,0[ 3d4=4 ]4,0{7}
[19:40] <Kotono> With a final volley, the last lizard is downed! With a thump it joins the bodies of it's kinsmen, the battle complete! OOC - Free action.
[19:41] <Kotono> Pollyanna slumps down, dropping her bow. "...Gods alive..." she breathes, rubbing her arms.
[19:41] <Demedais> "So much hatred." Demedais grumbles as he uses the wall to prop himself up.
[19:41] * Alicia hands Seira her wand back before heading towards Demedais, "Do you need further healing, Demedais?" she enquires, looking down at him.
[19:41] <Seira> "I have the best chance of avoiding any attack from whatever it was that roared when Demedais raised his wall, so clearly I should be the one to scout," Seira says with the battle over for now, taking the wand back.
[19:41] <Kotono> Spitting to the side, Pallan rests against the wall as well. "...damnable things..." he breathes.
[19:42] * Seira heads on quietly, form slightly blurry.
[19:42] <Alicia> "My message spell is about to end, so let me refresh it first, and include the newest member of our expedition," Alicia tells Seira, recasting her spell as the captain departs.
[19:42] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=81 ]4,0{81}
[19:42] * Demedais considers Alicia's offer. "...Sure, that'd be appreciated. Take care, Seira; come back if you spot something."
[19:43] <Kotono> OOC - Move silently check, Seira.
[19:43] <Seira> "Please return to top shape by the time I discover our next obstacle," Seira voices.
[19:43] <Kotono> OOC - Hide in shadows if you're tring to stay out of sight, too.
[19:43] * Alicia nods and puts a giant sized hand on Demedais' back as she channels the meagre healing energy she's capable of using. "It's probably not much compared to what you can do," she admits apologetically.
[19:43] <Seira> OOC: I'll take 10 for 27 on move silently
[19:43] <Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[19:43] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 22 on hiding, too, with anything Blur might help
[19:44] * Demedais shakes his head, grinning. "You seem far more capable in the arcane arts than I, so I wouldn't apologize." Demedais nods, before using the wand to top himself off.
[19:44] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[19:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=5 ]4,0{6}
[19:44] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[19:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=8 ]4,0{9}
[19:44] <Kotono> Seira progresses down the hall. It's long but strangely empty now. After about a minute of walking, she can see it ends abruptly far ahead, a deep and huge chasm in the earth, plummeting down countless distances. Near that faraway end there's some rocks piled by the wall.
[19:44] <Kotono> No shockers around, either.
[19:44] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[19:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=6 ]4,0{7}
[19:44] <Demedais> roll 1d8
[19:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8 --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 ]4,0{1}
[19:45] * Demedais then turns to Pallan and throws a cast of the wand his way. "So, what else lies beyond here?"
[19:45] * Alicia nods to Demedais with a faint smile and settles in to wait on hearing from their captain, sword held loosely at her side.
[19:46] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 good heal thief!
[19:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 1,0good heal thief! --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 ]4,0{4}
[19:46] <Kotono> "I couln't make it past this - there were too many, one always heard me or smelled me," he shakes his head in tiredness, "I had...assumed this was the right way since the defense was overwhelming here."
[19:47] <Alicia> "You've come rather far on assumptions," Alicia observes pointedly.
[19:47] <Demedais> "I see. And how did you learn of this place?" Demedais says conversationally, eyes on Pallan.
[19:47] <Seira> "There is a chasm in the ground, where the path abruptly ends," Seira mouthes, directing a question at Pollyanna. "Are we to go down it?"
[19:47] <Kotono> Pallan smiles, pale faced and shrugging. "...it's my business to find places. Pollyanna suddenly sighs and smiles ever so slightly, "...that's it. Check the rocks, there's a hidden passage around it."
[19:48] <Kotono> After a moment, Pallan shrugs a second time. "You have your ways, I have ...mine."
[19:48] * Seira looks for this hidden passage, taking her time and working from the shadows.
[19:49] <Kotono> With information, Seira finds it by the piles up rocks. It's a little hidden cleft in the wall, just big enough to shimmy through. You'd have to follow it for a little bit, but it looks to cut backwards and leading you in a new direction.
[19:49] * Demedais glares at Pallan, suddenly irritable. "Would I be wrong in guessing you learned this in Balmuria?"
[19:50] <Kotono> Pallan shrugs again, "You wouldn't...tell me if I were in your position, either. You can draw your own conclusions."
[19:50] <Seira> "Going to check this out," Seira reports, asking the others to approach to a closer distance before doing just that.
[19:51] <Alicia> "You're doing very little to justify our hospitality, Pallan," Alicia notes acidly, getting up and heading down the way Seira went.
[19:51] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods and stands up. "Let's go." He turns sharply and gestures for Pollyanna to follow as the approach where Seira went.
[19:51] <Kotono> At that, Pallan gets up. "I'm cooperating, but I'm not going to tell you my life story and secrets..." he observes pointedly back. Pollyanna leads the way down the hall, the party slowly approaching Seira's location!
[19:53] <Alicia> "Nobody asked your life story. We asked how you found your way to a dragon's hoard that rightfully belongs to the United Baronies, and has not had its presence greatly advertised," the knight replies.
[19:53] * NeremWorld (~Lorei@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:54] <Kotono> Pallan stops and shuffles, pulling his cloak tighter around his body. "...If you really want to know, I'll trade you," he offers at last.
[19:55] <Alicia> "And what would you ask in return for your carefully guarded secrets, hmm?" Alicia asks sweetly, but with a faint undertone of something nasty in her voice.
[19:57] <Kotono> Pallan begins to smile, eyeing Alicia right back from under his hood. "...there are so many secrets in the world. I hear that your Crimson Guard hunts them...mmm. Stories big and small spread about...even when I'm in Malmuth. Why?"
[19:58] <Alicia> "I wouldn't know, I only just signed up," Alicia returns dryly. "Presumably it's the tired but true cliche of knowledge being power."
[19:59] <Kotono> Seira proceeds in! It takes a bit of wiggling, a very narrow, rocky path. But soon it opens up! Ahead is a grand chamber, sunlight streaming down! Surrounded by thousands of feet of mountain peaks is a narrow valley, with just enough clearance for a bit of sunlight in. AS if someone removed a good portion of the roof. Inside this place gold and jewels lie about casually, in large piles.
[19:59] * Seira is not distracted by the trinklets, instead looking around for any lizards large or small, or other things moving around.
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[19:59] <Seira> OOC: I'll take my time looking, please
[19:59] <Demedais> "You hear rumors because gossip's a source of entertainment for the farmers and non-warrior-kind anywhere." Demedais says lightly. "Now for our question!"
[20:01] <Kotono> "Your feat at arms and magics argues otherwise..." Pallan crisply notes. "Well then, in that case, I have my sources and means. After al...it's just information and there are so many special ways to find it."
[20:02] <Kotono> Seira takes some time looking. There's signs of lizards being around - tracks and that sort of thing- but none around at the moment. There are lots of lizard holes, however.
[20:03] * Seira estimates whether any hole looks fairly larger than ordinarily.
[20:03] <Alicia> "You continue to dance around the subject," Alicia turns fully towards Pallan, "We have been nothing but accomodating in assisting you since we met here, and you most assuredly would be dead were it not for our help. So kindly do us a favour and cease treating us like fools," she goes on, glaring imperiously down at him from her currently doubled height.
[20:03] <Kotono> There are a few big ones ont he floor that are bigger - big enough for a medium creature. Seira could even wiggle down if she wanted.
[20:04] * Seira will pass on the opportunity, wiggling back to the chasm. "I'm going to drop a sunrod in the hole in the world, and see what comes out," she cautions the others via message. "Please be prepared for the consequences."
[20:05] <Kotono> He looks up at Alicia, unmoved, "Then answer my inquiry in truth." he speaks, blunt. "I'm not a country fool that will take being danced around and smile and say thank you. No one that can defeat a dragon is just 'idle rumor'."
[20:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 why the fuck is he not moved? I'm huge and have two greatswords!
[20:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0why the fuck is he not moved? I'm huge and have two greatswords! --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{32}
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[20:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{11}
[20:06] <Kotono> Pollyanna sighs and speaks back to Seira, "Alright...they're having a fight," she adds.
[20:07] <Seira> "Pallan is useless, I don't mind if you send him crying back without any gold," Seira sends back.
[20:07] <Seira> Fully aware he's listening, too.
[20:08] <Alicia> "As I said, I was not present when they slew the dragon," Alicia glares down at the little man. "Presumably they did it with strength, skill, and planning. Perhaps even luck. It stretches my credibility that you would have found this place by luck, however. So please, do me a favour and answer my extremely simple question before I run out of patience for your prattling."
[20:09] <Kotono> Pallan pulls his hood forward, looking down. "..tsk." he mutters, voice quieting quickly. "Research, gathering information, and enough time to do the legwork, special aid, assuming that the lizards were somewhere close to it and finally just some luck."
[20:10] <Alicia> "What research? What information?" Alicia leans down. "You have told me nothing new, Pallan, only repeating the same platitudes. Either someone told you where this place was, or you followed someone here. Which is it?"
[20:12] <Kotono> Pallan shrinks back further, cowed. "I got an idea of the basic location from someone. From there it's all been my work."
[20:13] <Alicia> "Which someone, Pallan?" Alicia presses. "I'm sure you worked very hard on your own back to get here, but *someone* set you on this path. I want to know who."
[20:16] <Kotono> Pallan breathes out, before thinking.
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC - GAh.
[20:17] <Kotono> Pallan breathes out, before thinking. "...no." He adds this almost like an afterthought, looking up at Alicia and meeting ehr eyes. He looks cowed and relucatant, voice wavering. "I won't do it."
[20:18] <Kotono> "...what about the lair?" Pollyanna mouths back to Seira, as she watches the argument, stepping a little away.
[20:19] <Seira> "We might encounter opposition, but I doubt it would be serious. Still, better to take care of the problem I suspect exists rather than walk into a badly-defensible lair and cut off our escape route at the same time."
[20:20] <Alicia> "I recently took an oath, Pallan," Alicia remarks tersely, stepping towards him, "To serve and protect the United Baronies. My oaths are important to me, I hope you understand." She steps forward again, "So when I hear that someone is giving out information that could compromise the Baronies, it makes me really mad. Now stop pretending to be brave and tell me who the mole is."
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Make another intiadation check. +10 circumstancial mod considering you've really shaken the shit out of him.
[20:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26
[20:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+26 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{43}
[20:21] * Demedais unsheathes his blade. "Oh, darn. And here I was going to tell you about the Crimson Guard out of the kindness of my heart. Geez, that just ruined it." With a flick of his wrist, Demedais brings his blade level to Pallan's nose. "We are trying to be kind here. But all of our patience is running very, very thin." He closes his eyes for a second. "I won't be allowing this to endanger Balmuria."
[20:21] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 assist intimidation.
[20:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0assist intimidation. --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{14}
[20:22] <Kotono> At last Pallan backs down, "It's no one." he sighs, "Not like you think. There's one of yours running in Malmuth now, name's Berlioz. One of his spells is popular - it lets you read someone's mind. It's perfect for learning things on the sly. He mentioned how he used it and one thing's lead to another."
[20:23] * Seira twitches.
[20:24] * NeremWorld (~Lorei@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[20:25] <Alicia> "A traitor..." Alicia exhales long and loud. "We'll be having words with this Berlioz, I think." She turns away, seemingly dismissing Pallan as she steps off down the path towards the lair... except she pauses. "And Pallan? I better not ever find out you lied to me," she adds, voice more soft, before she continues onwards to find Seira.
[20:25] * Demedais considers. "Very well. The reason you hear things about the Crimson Guard is because we are vigilant in extinguishing threats to Balmuria. That has been our duty for a long time and will continue to be our duty for a long time. You hear rumors because we are suspicious... not of you, but of something else." Demedais says, sheathing his sword and also continuing on to find Seira.
[20:26] <Kotono> Pallan watches Alicia go, breathing out and leaninga gainst a wall. He needs a few moments to even to start to follow, hand shaking.
[20:26] * Seira breaks the sunrod in irritation and drops it down the shaft, moving back from the edge immediately.
[20:26] <Kotono> The sunrod falls down! LIght radiates from the hole, as...OOC - LIsten check.
[20:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+1
[20:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{10}
[20:27] <Kotono> Seira doesn't hear anything. No lizards come upf rom that drop.
[20:27] * Seira comes back to the edge from another direction and takes a look down.
[20:27] <Demedais> "There is nothing more to the stories you hear. If you truly have a former member of the Crimson Guard amongst you, it is likely you know what we search for." Demedais finishes
[20:29] <Kotono> Seira doesn'ts ee anything down the hole. Meanwhile, the other three reach teh end and chasm, a deep, dark, vast pit sprawling ahead of them. To the side is the secret passage to the lair. Still no lizards!
[20:29] <Seira> "I am obligated to go down that deep, dark, vast pit," Seira informs the others. "Could I borrow your rope?"
[20:30] * Alicia sighs softly and dispels her enlarge person spell to squeeze through the passage. "What's down the pit?" she asks.
[20:30] <Seira> "I intend to find out."
[20:30] <Kotono> As Alicia comes through, she sees the heaps of gold and treasure. There must be tens of thousands of gold worth of money just sitting in here, ready to be brought back.
[20:31] * NeremWorld (~Lorei@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:31] * Alicia takes a second to cast detect magic after spending a few seconds just gawking at the massive amount of wealth. How anyone could quibble over getting even a fraction of that fortune is beyond her...
[20:31] <Kotono> Pallan hangs back, staying quiet now. Pollyanna looks on, "...I don't care," she noes, going through the passage, looking ahead at the lair. She stops just inside, starting to shake.
[20:31] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=84 ]4,0{84}
[20:31] * Demedais follows Pollyanna through, looking to her. "Do you..." Demedais doesn't finish the sentence, simply watching.
[20:32] * NeremWorld (~Lorei@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[20:33] <Kotono> Pollyanna breathes in and out, hyperventilating. "...I...I'll fine. I'll be fine. Just...help me look. Help me look for their things."
[20:33] * Seira slowly climbs down the pit, relying on Demedais to support her should there actually be something there to provide a challenge.
[20:34] <Alicia> "I can see nine different magical auras," Alicia tells the group, pointing out the locations of each to the group. She also takes a second to produce some rope from her backpack and head over towards Seira. "Needed rope?" she asks, trying to see what she's planning on climbing.
[20:34] <Kotono> Seira climbs down! After about sixty feet she can see the bottom. A vast pit...and she can see dens.Lots of dens. Not so many lizards, somewhat thinned out. Shocker Lizards of all sizes, as well asn ets of eggs. They look somewhat cowed, however, small clusters hissing amid themselves.
[20:35] * Demedais pauses. "Pollyanna, I'm not the best searcher. It'd probably be best if we have Seira help us with that, but she's intent on going down that pit. Can we wait for her...?"
[20:35] * Seira looks for the largest lizard.
[20:37] <Kotono> The largest lies in the center. It's about the size of a horse, lots of smaller lizards around it. It lies there, crackling occasionally with powerful bursts of lighting.
[20:37] <Kotono> Pollyanna licks her lips, "...I just have to search now.." she says, getting to work, starting to paw through piles of gold.
[20:37] * Seira shrugs lightly, and climbs back up.
[20:38] * Demedais sighs and moves to assist Pollyanna in looking, keeping a side eye out for any other lizards.
[20:39] * Seira returns the rope to Alicia once she's back up, before activating her own magical sight to glance at the magical auras, and joining the search. She does ask Alicia or Demedais to keep an eye on their enemy, however.
[20:40] * Alicia keeps an eye on Pallan as instructed, while also paying attention to any other entrances or exits to the lair, leaving her commanding officer to search as is her wont.
[20:58] <Kotono> As the party searches and tears up the place for all the loot that can be found, Demedais heads over to Pollyanna. He finds her in a little nook, bloodstained armor lying in front of her. She looks down at it, face blank in expression, yet tight and twisted, as if spun around over and over.
[21:00] * Demedais approaches quietly, kneeling. "As a paladin of Helm... what can I do for you, here?" Demedais asks, looking her in the eyes.
[21:00] <Kotono> She looks down, sounding broken. Just dead inside, "...they're happy now?" she asks, randomly.
[21:04] <Demedais> "I would bet so." Demedais says, resting on his legs and looking at the armor. *Remember, they didn't know the dragon was here. Don't get irritated, Deme...* "It may sound odd, wrong, hollow - all those things. But just because the gods themselves are mostly distant from this world... doesn't mean their arms aren't open to their loyal followers."
[21:04] <Demedais> "And even for those who do not believe, there are afterlifes that are kind."
[21:06] <Kotono> Pollyanna looks downward until those last words, sniffling slightly. "...there are?"
[21:07] <Demedais> "I believe there to be, yes." Demedais says. "What else does a good man toil for in this world?"
[21:08] <Kotono> There's a little shrug of her shoulders, but he reyes stay downcast. "I guess I don't really know anymore."
[21:13] <Demedais> "It's hard to know. Death comes when it chooses. Perhaps they were needed beyond; perhaps not. I don't profess to know that part, at least." Demedais looks down. "I've traveled alone for a fair bit of my life, Pollyanna. I left the temple in order to strengthen myself, that I could serve it better. It hurts, sometimes, to be alone..."
[21:15] <Demedais> "...but the strength of people you've known is what helps you continue forward. The man who adopted me in the Temple's the only family I've ever known..." Demedais pauses. "But he gave me purpose, protected me in my hour of need. I suppose what I tell you now is this - don't be ashamed to mourn, but don't waste the life you have now in mourning."
[21:16] <Kotono> "...heh. ...fuck." That last word is said with heartrending despair, wet and thick. "You sound like my brother telling me to stop crying over my dolls, and that I couldn't protect myself unless I..."
[21:20] <Demedais> "...became stronger? Mmm. No, strength isn't everything, my approach to battle aside." Demedais says with a small smile. "But there are those out there who cannot protect themselves. Your brother did something good for you, there - he gave you incentive to practice, train yourself." Demedais mused. "Perhaps now you can return the favor to others, in their memory..."
[21:21] <Kotono> Sniffling again and wiping her nose against her arm, "Like?" she asks, "Are you trying to tell me to protect other people or something now?"
[21:24] * Demedais smiles. "If that is what you wish, yes. Protect them, or teach them how to protect themselves. I do not say this as a paladin of Helm, nor as a member of the Crimson Guard. I say this as myself. You have a lucky chance, here; the ability to do as you choose. Make such a choice wisely."
[21:25] <Kotono> ".....yeah." Pollyanna looks down at the bloodied armor, "...I don't know right now. I was going to just leave, but that stupid..." Blinking away a few tears, "Why her? Wasn't it bad enough the first time, then her and...nearly you too? Seira and I kept firing arrows, while those that protected us..."
[21:28] <Demedais> "...Shamal took a risk, not knowing that Kondrux's death had agitated them. None of us knew that." Demedais said, closing his eyes. "But... she wasn't afraid to die, doing what she thought she should do. That says a lot about her, all in all. And now, she's with Mielikki..." Demedais shakes his head. "I don't think she's all too miserable about how things worked out, personally."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Still...ugh." Pollyanna breathes out, "At least Seira wasn't hurt. I owe her a lot too, don't I?" She seems to be asking that largely to herself, blinking away tears again. "Just...I don't know...I really don't know."
[21:31] <Demedais> "I understand." Demedais says. "...if you want it, I could request that the Temple hold a funeral for them, if that would ease your mind..."
[21:31] <Kotono> "...no bodies. You noticed that?" she rambles on, "Nothing. Just the valuble leftovers..." Shaking her head, "That bastard ate them? Threw them away? I...I'd like that, even in spirit."
[21:33] <Demedais> "That wouldn't be a problem." Demedais said. "There is much you must decide yourself, Pollyanna, but you have time on your side right now. If ever you need me, I will do what I can."
[21:34] <Kotono> "...thanks," she looks up, teary eyed but meeting Deme's look.
[21:36] * Demedais nods as he stands. "...It is not a problem."
[21:36] <Kotono> Pollyanna sniffles again, "Get me when it's time to go?"
[21:36] * Nephrite is now known as Neph-work
[21:37] <Demedais> "Certainly." Demedais says as he slowly moves away, lost in thought.
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=52 ]4,0{52}
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=11 ]4,0{11}
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=37 ]4,0{37}
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=15 ]4,0{15}
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=67 ]4,0{67}
<MORE MISSING LOGS>
-4
-3
-2
-1
[20:59] <Kotono> Sneaking up on him? Okay, make a move silently check.
[20:59] <Seira> OOC: I'll take my 10 over his roll
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+ and gets Error: Check syntax."12 [1d20=7]
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC - Dammit. Oh well, fuck it.
[21:01] <Kotono> Seira sneaks up on Pallan, finding him looking over the pit as she sneaks up. No sign of him noting her right away.
[21:02] * Seira quietly chants her spell of Charm Person with her current ally as its sole target from the maximum distance the spell allows to minimize any chances of Pallan catching on.
[21:02] <Seira> OOC: DC 18
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[21:02] <Kotono> Pallan doesn't seem to notice, just looking down at the pit thoughtfully. He kneels, peering deeper in.
[21:03] * Seira luckily has her pearl, and she recasts the spell!
[21:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 27."12 [1d20=17]
[21:04] <Kotono> He idly grabs a small pebble, tossing it in his hand and almost going to throw it down, but checks himself at the last moment.
[21:04] * Seira gets all the way over to Pallan, readily abusing his distracted state and her own modest skills, and pats him on the shoulder from behind.
[21:05] <Kotono> The pebble is half shaken out of his hand, dropped. His body barely reacts, however, before a slightly sharp exhale. "Yeah?" he asks, turning around to see Seira.
[21:05] <Seira> "How did that saying go? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me?" she muses. "I worry over your future."
[21:06] <Kotono> Sitting down and dangling his legs over the edge, Pallan shrugs. "....the future's always a mystery."
[21:06] <Seira> "I'll be frank. Return the favor, respect my fraying patience, and you get to walk away with more gold than you can carry. Are we crystal clear?"
[21:07] <Kotono> "What do you want, then?" Pallan asks, looking over his shoulder and to Seira. "If you want that...may as well get to the point."
[21:08] <Seira> "I'll be generous and start. I am aware of a direct menace to Malmuth. I could tell you that if you enlighten me on certain things I wish to learn."
[21:09] <Kotono> "...mmm." He ponders, "In good faith...assuming it's something I simply can't talk about, fine. What is it?"
[21:09] <Seira> "Which languages are you fluent in?"
[21:10] <Kotono> He speaks words now, incomprehensible. "Druidic...huh, I wish she'd come along. I haven't met another druid in a long time." Then from Common into Elvish, "A few. A smattering of odds and ends and elemental words."
[21:11] <Seira> "This is it?" she asks, while listening for any gnomish catch phrases.
[21:12] <Kotono> "A couple of others of varying obscurity." After a pause he just shrugs again. You don't catch any odds words like that in his elvish.
[21:13] <Seira> "Did you give Donald the skip while in Balmuria?"
[21:15] <Kotono> Chuckling, "He tried. He failed, but he's just a... swordswinger. You'd be able to do the same thing with a few words and gestures if you wanted, too." Pallan goes on, eyeing Seira. "Magic's the best for slealth and discovery.A few simpel spells outdo what the most skilled human can accomplish."
[21:16] <Seira> "I'm training him, but he's only a novice, yet." Seira nods curtly. "Alright. You mentioned our unique specialization. Is your unit corresponding to ours in that regard?"
[21:17] <Kotono> PAllan goes quiet, then just shrugs. "I've worked with them before. Not all the time, the Empire is big and vast." AFter that, he just shrugs. "If you wish to know the reasonings, ask my liason or His Majesty. I'm sure he'd love to tell you."
[21:19] <Seira> "I don't care about that, I just wanted to know if you're competition." Seira frowns. "There might come a time when we are forced to cooperate in truth, not just in appearance. I would like to at least know I have the right address for that joyous occasion." Her voice is flat, and she doesn't give him a chance to respond before asking, "Is Irenes on Malmuth's payroll?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "I've never heard that name," he answers without missing a beat. "Who knows? I heard people worrying about 'those Malmuthian warmongers' in Balmuria, and people in Valandia wondering if 'the rebellious children up north' were going to cause more trouble. Of course..." He actually almost laughs, "I'm almost savoring my own report and how it's going to go over."
[21:21] <Seira> "Then I have two things to warn you over," Seira speaks, dead serious. "He is doing his best to present himself as your agent. If you truly do not control him, then one must wonder what such a powerful individual will do once your usefulness has passed."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Noted," Pallan nods to those words, "You say he's powerful?"
[21:23] <Seira> "Oh yes." She leaves it at that. "Contact me with information about him if you are interested at some future date, and I'll respond in kind. You certainly know where to reach me."
[21:23] <Kotono> A nod, "...what's the other thing," he asks after a pause.
[21:26] <Seira> "Oh, you did mention... Berlioz. Tell him that he knows what I want to say," Seira mentions. "Out of curiousity, is he normally working with you and your loosely-aligned friends?"
[21:27] <Kotono> "No. I only met him in passing. Strange fellow," At this, the corner of his mouth curls up. "I hear he's in the southlands now. I heard he has a title now, also. The payoff, I suppose."
[21:28] <Seira> "Exciting." The flat voice is back. "Do tell him that I'll pay him a visit one day. A surprise one; you seem to enjoy them, so he might, too."
[21:29] <Seira> "In any case," Seira continues, "you mentioned poison and a plan when we first met. I'd like to hear about it in more detail. My curiousity, again, perhaps."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Poison the dragon, weaken it's muscles so it's immoble, cut it apart like a steak. Not the best plan, but the only one that was remotely viable in my mind." PAllan shrugs at that, "You had the same idea."
[21:30] <Seira> "If it's an exotic poison, I would like a sample. I'm afraid mine's not with me at present, so we couldn't swap gifts, as it were."
[21:31] <Kotono> "I didn't bring it with me," He demurs at that, a small shake of his head. "...how much do you think is in the horde?"
[21:31] <Seira> "Though, as a freebie, we used a mix of several, not just one. I believe this cocktail proved successful."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Heh." He seems dimly amused at that, but merely nods.
[21:32] <Seira> "There is a lot," Seira says, before asking, seemingly at random, "Have you had any myserious deaths recently? Undead plaguing your citizens? Random disappearances, graverobbing?"
[21:33] <Kotono> Pallan...stops, looking at Seira oddly. "Okay, now that's interesting. I looked into something like taht...just before I came this way. A little town just past Valandia."
[21:33] <Seira> "I was truthful, then, wouldn't you say? We might be enemies, but we are soldiers. The civilians don't have to pay the price of our animosity."
[21:35] <Kotono> "They don't." He shrugs after a pause, "They swore they saw something, and a few graves were broken. Further, they claimed the creatures talked to them, and the next night, the town mayor vanished along with any more sightings. Now that I think about it...one of the stories about you is undead..."
[21:36] <Seira> "Look up a man going by the name of Febras," Seira tells Pallan. "Give him my love, and that I regret him leaving Balmuria so abruptly. If only he had stayed but a day--"
[21:36] <Kotono> "If I meet him, I will," Pallan promises, thinking a moment. He nods, very slowly. "I will."
[21:37] * Seira gives a few descriptive features, before saying, "Do keep this in mind as we part ways. I don't expect you to tip us off to an invasion, but freelancers just harrassing our people, the likes of the pair I mentioned...."
[21:38] <Kotono> "..if there is an invastion, well..." Pallan seemsto consider that a fewm oments, but instead goes silent. "Alright."
[21:38] * Seira nods, and walks back the way she came from, the discussion considered closed.
[18:33] <Kotono> ----------------------
[18:35] <Kotono> The gates of Balmuria are a pleasant sight to return home to. A city that once again begins to bustle as the party approaches, loats of loot carried behind them. In the afternoon heat they can see two guards at the front, Wedge and Biggs saluting dutifully. Both look a bit down, but Biggs speaks. "The Archduke and Commander Oberuth are awaiting you at the garrison." As you approach, you notice that a few score of men are lining the western wa
[18:35] <Kotono> western wall of the city, doing work and starting to lay roads.
[18:36] * Alicia nods imperiously to the pair from atop her horse, dutifully following captain Seira.
[18:37] <Kotono> Pollyanna looks at them and trots just inside, and then, "...I'm going to rest," she says, having been quiet most of the trip.
[18:37] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna. "Very well. I'll contact you regarding the arrangements, if that is alright?"
[18:39] <Kotono> With a tired nod she looks back to Demedais, "Thank you," she murmurs, "I'll think about it. Also...thank you, Seira," She almost smiles to the half elf, before lightly stirring her horse and trotting off.
[18:39] * Seira nods at Pollyanna as the archer departs, and leads the way to the garrison.
[18:42] <Kotono> As you walk down toward the garrison you pass a few workers. They're hauling rubble stone away and bringing forth timbers, the sounds of construction reaching your ears. The western walls are being transformed at a good pace, made into a series of gates and roads. On reaching the garrison, several passin gsoldiers salute, a color guard outside. They open the doors for you and soon you are inside. (More)
[18:45] <Kotono> The meeting room has been transformed into a nicer place. A room with a high backed throne chair, padded chairs about. Lord Salman sits on the throne, Commander Oberuth standing at his right. "Welcome and approach," Lord Salman speaks gravely, voice deeply composed. "Has your expidition met success?"
[18:45] * Seira nods curtly. "Yes, Sir."
[18:46] * Alicia stands at rigid attention behind Seira, not speaking unless addressed directly.
[18:46] <Kotono> "Tell us of what you have returned with," he goes on, waiting. "What lay in the dread dragon's lair?"
[18:47] * Demedais stays back with Alicia, allowing the expedition leader to speak.
[18:47] <Seira> "Riches and magic," Seira responds, her lips quirking slightly. "For such an ancient dragon, I had expected to find a few personal belongings, though that was not to be, Sir."
[18:50] <Kotono> "Well done indeed...." Lord Salman considers these words before nodding, "The question we wish to ahve answered is: How much?"
[18:51] * Seira blinks. "The gold? Forty thousand, give or take, Sir."
[18:52] <Kotono> A slow nod by Lord Salman, "Indeed, the lair of the dragon was a much a treasure trove as legends stated." After a moment of thought again, "We applaud your vigilance and skill at arms to succeed once more. But...it was not without loss, and the face of the Crimson Guard continues to change."
[18:52] * Seira (~Corwin@bzq-88-154-139-165.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[18:52] * Seira (~Corwin@bzq-88-154-139-165.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
[18:52] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[18:53] <Kotono> At this point Commander Obeurth speaks, "Shamal's been put to rest - it's a lovely grove about half a day's ride out. Go visit it soon," he adds. "But as it stands, we appear to be gaining memebers to replace our losses."
[18:54] * Alicia stands up a bit straighter as she gets the idea he's referring to her.
[18:54] * Seira listens stoically.
[18:55] * Demedais bows his head, nodding slowly.
[18:57] <Kotono> "With all that is going on recruiting more and strengthening our position is our best option," Lord Salman continues, "Even if heroes fall, more rise to take their place in glory. Seira, you possess the most experience and are known in the town as a hero and a captain. Lieutenant Demedais, your deeds have spread as well, learning and serving. We request that you two will lead the Crimson Guard and aid Alicia as she adapts. She will be given t
[18:57] <Kotono> She will be given the rank of cadet and trained. Gods willing, we will recruit more and strengthen our numbers further."
[18:58] <Alicia> "Thank you, my Lord," Alicia bows respectfully, even if she does seethe a little inside. Cadet? Oh, the things she does for her sister...
[18:58] <Seira> "Sir," Seira says, somewhat hesitantly. "I respectfully disagree with the rank you have given our newest recruit. Her skills and tactical sight support a much higher one."
[18:59] * Demedais nods. "Very well, my Lord, but... heh. Seira has beaten me to the point."
[19:00] <Alicia> Alicia's eyes widen slightly as she looks between Seira and Demedais in faint surprise, and not a little gratitude. But she holds her tongue for Lord Salman's own verdict.
[19:03] <Kotono> "I see." Lord Salman steeples his hand together, pondering long, slow moments. "We hear your words. You feel her skills are this worthy?"
[19:04] * Seira nods once more.
[19:04] <Demedais> "Yes, simply put." Demedais says.
[19:06] <Kotono> "Based on Captain Seira's record and proven skills we are inclined to hear this request favorably," Lord Salman agrees afterfurther thought. "Very well, Alicia. Wear the title of Lieutenant with pride and excellence."
[19:06] * Alicia bows again, this time a bit more deeply. "Thank you, my Lord. And you, Captain, you honour me with your words."
[19:08] <Kotono> "Seira, in essence, you lead the field command of the Guard, especially as it expands." Looking to her and smiling a moment, "Do you feel you're capable of this? If not, this is the time to speak up. I think you are, but..."
[19:09] <Seira> "I'm honored to hold your confidence, Sir."
[19:11] <Kotono> "So be it." Lord Salman agrees, "Sit and rest now. You've earned your respite after coming from the Galkass Mountains. There are other items of news to report."
[19:13] * Seira salutes sharply.
[19:13] * Demedais inhales slowly, and salutes, ensuring Alicia and Seira are seated before he sits, himself.
[19:14] * Seira then sits down anticlimatically.
[19:14] * Alicia smoothly sits down once invited, adjusting the sword over her back slightly so it won't snag on the chair.
[19:16] <Kotono> "As you have seen, the city is expanding. Balmuria's importance grows; it's size grows. With money procured often via your exploits, we are expanding this town. There is such demand, with various trades establishing here more merchants and more artisans are coming. This new quarter is ideally going to double the size of the city."
[19:18] <Kotono> "Another reason to expand the Guard," Commander Oberuth notes, interjecting his own words after a brief pause after Lord Salman speaks.
[19:19] * Demedais nods slowly, partially lost in thought "That is excellent news, Lord Salman." Demedais says out loud. "And yes, this will give the Guard even more impetus to grow."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Yes." Lord Salman smiles, a geniune one. "Lord Almandine came while you were away. I believe that any threat may beat least forestalled in light of our crushing victory over Kondrux. Even his normal swagger was dampened. Still, that is no reason to grow complacent, instead, we will gro wstronger."
[19:22] * Demedais says nothing at the mention of that twat.
[19:22] <Seira> "And build upon our trade with the elves and the desert fiefdoms, Sir?"
[19:22] <Kotono> *almand. Where did the last of that come from?
[19:24] <Kotono> "Indeed. The elves look to open that shop in earnest soon," Lord Salman allows after a moment, "But such matters will reveal themselves in time."
[19:26] <Demedais> "There is also still..." Demedais pauses, glancing at Alicia. "Lord Salman, Commander Oberuth, permission to speak of the ruins?"
[19:27] * Alicia raises an eyebrow at the glance, but doesn't display any particular reaction to the topic by itself.
[19:28] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth nods, stepping forward. "Go on-" he begins, before stopping. "With your permission, Sir."
[19:29] <Kotono> Lord Salman smiles slightly and nods. "If she is to be in our service, we can share the requisite information with her. I believe her to be trustworhty under her condition."
[19:29] * Seira is curious what Demedais wishes to talk about, specifically, but merely waits patiently.
[19:33] <Demedais> "Very well. I simply wished to note that the gnomish ruins are also still sources of a potential threat." Demedais says. "Unless I misunderstand - correct me, Seira, if I am wrong - we must ensure both that the God-King thing cannot awaken, and that we can enter in to slay him once we are prepared. While there isn't much that can be done now, if we learn of another Resort's location we must prepare to obtain it."
[19:34] * Alicia looks plainly confused at all of this. "Forgive my ignorance," she speaks up, "But God-King? Of whom are you speaking?"
[19:35] <Kotono> "We are aware fo this - your studies and duties often take you away from Balmuria in the recent months. Another reason we wish to expand, so we are protected even when you must go afield." Lord Salman agrees to those words.
[19:36] <Seira> "I will brief Alicia on the situation later, with your permission, Sir," Seira speaks up.
[19:37] <Kotono> "Very well, I leave that in your hands," he nods to both Seira and Demedais, "For now, you have earned your rest. Go."
[19:37] * Demedais nods, stands and salutes.
[19:38] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth clears his throat, "There is one more matter. If you would follow me," He says, starting to step outside himself.
[19:38] * Alicia stands and begins to bow, before hesitating a second at Demedais' gesture and attempting to imitate it. That done, she follows the commander outside.
[19:40] * Demedais grins a bit at seeing Alicia's half-bow, and follows her out.
[19:42] * Seira follows as ordered.
[19:48] <Kotono> Once the four are outside, Commander Oberuth begins. "Now that things are settling, I'll be taking a leave of absence soon." Going on and right to the point. "It's not offical yet, but it will be soon. Khardon'll watch over things while I'm gone; Lord Salman wishes to keep him around this city for certain reasons."
[19:49] * Seira looks up at his face at that, startled.
[19:50] * Demedais looks at Oberuth, but says nothing, planning instead to hear him out.
[19:50] <Alicia> Not really knowing anyone here, Alicia doesn't show much reaction to the commander's words. "How long do you expect your leave of absence to last, sir?" she asks neutrally, since the other two seem stunned into silence.
[19:51] <Kotono> "I need a little time away from here. A few weeks or a month, perhaps," Going on, "With Lord Salman in the city and Khardon stuck here, the timing is very good."
[19:52] * Demedais nods slowly. "Understood, Commander. Where do you plan on vacationing?" This is said with a slight grin.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Visit some friends in the capital," he admits, then smiles a little bit himself. "You'd best not get the city taken over while I'm gone."
[19:57] <Demedais> "Oh drat, so I can't lead an army of hostile clerics in? Hmph, you ruin all my fun." Demedais says, grinning fully now. "Very well. Rest assured we'll keep the city as safe as possible. And... do rest. With all that's happened, you've earned it."
[19:58] <Seira> "I would like to put in for leave as well, Sir," Seira says after a brief pause. "I believe I still have all of my time saved up."
[19:58] * Demedais starts at that one, but then grins quickly before settling his face down to neutrality.
[19:58] * Alicia blinks as her brand new unit seems to be immediately disbanding as soon as she joins it. This doesn't seem promising.
[19:59] <Kotono> "Agreed," Grinnnig back at Demedais, "If you wish," Oberuth says agreeably, "When?"
[20:00] <Demedais> "And to where?" Demedais inquires, eyebrows raised.
[20:00] <Seira> "As soon as I can make the arrangement at my destination," Seira responds. "Demedais brought up the ruins and our enemy, but before we expand onwards, I feel we should consolidate our newly gained skills and knowledge."
[20:00] * Seira frowns lightly. "If I am to focus on this, I cannot be available for Guard duties in earnest."
[20:01] <Kotono> "Very well." Oberuth nods, "Go on..." He considers a moment, "I can delay my own for a while if need be."
[20:01] <Kotono> After a pause, "That means getting Alicia familiar with the city falls on you, Demedais," he adds after a moment.
[20:01] * Seira looks mildly upset at that. "I believe Colonel Khardon would have everything under control, Sir."
[20:03] <Demedais> "That's perfectly understandable. And yes, Khardon, Alicia and I can keep things under control here, not a problem, I believe." Demedais says. "I honestly wouldn't worry. Do what you two need to."
[20:03] <Kotono> "Yes, well..." Oberuth smiles again, a little tired. "What if something else happens? It's for your duty, so go on."
[20:04] <Alicia> "I will remain at the Crimson Guard's disposal for the forseeable future, I'm sure," Alicia nods at Demedais' comment. "Have no fear, we will keep Balmuria safe."
[20:05] <Kotono> "Alright," OBeruth agrees, "Go on and get going, Seira."
[20:05] <Seira> "I'm not leaving quite yet, Sir," she says neutrally. "In fact, a great deal of preparations would come first."
[20:06] <Demedais> "Wait for just one moment. I have a question for Alicia, and since this may influence future plans I want both of you two to hear it." Demedais holds his left hand up.
[20:06] <Kotono> "Ah." Nodding to Seira, Oberuth waits on Demedais.
[20:07] <Demedais> "Alicia. I attempted to get you to answer this question in a roundabout way on our trip to Kondrux's lair. You were right when you said it wasn't the proper time; however, it needs to be answered, and so I ask again." Clearing his throat, "What made you decide to become a paladin of Mystra?"
[20:10] * Alicia briefly glances at the others present before regarding Demedais. "I am unsure what drives your curiousity so, but I will indulge it," she nods after a moment. "In my youth I aspired to be a blademaster, and trained earnestly as such."
[20:10] <Alicia> "When I..." she hesitates briefly, "When I first discovered my magic, I turned to the church of Mystra for guidance. When I fully understood the blessing I had been given, I sought to blend it with my earlier training in the service of the Lady of Mysteries."
[20:11] * Demedais considers these words. "...so..." Pausing, he turned to Seira. "I am thinking of the underwater ruins. Would she be able to pass Ajan?"
[20:11] <Seira> "She would be with us, making this moot."
[20:13] <Demedais> "Does it? I had gotten the impression that anyone who came without the blessing of deity would not be able to pass." Demedais mused.
[20:13] <Demedais> OOC: *a deity
[20:14] * Seira considers this. "Very well. I will add this to the research topics I would peruse."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Another thing to explain to Alicia as well," Oberuth notes before he starts to go. "Very well."
[20:15] * Alicia looks a bit uncertain about the topic, but still speaks up firmly. "I am confident that I have Mystra's full blessing in my actions, for as long as I stay on the path of righteousness."
[20:16] <Seira> "Would you walk with me, Alicia?" Seira offers. "I can fill you in on the basics as we go."
[20:16] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods, before turning to Oberuth and saluting. "Take care, sir." Finally, to Alicia. "To eludicate a bit: there is a sealed evil, a gnome who managed to acquire power enough to try and overthrow the gods. The gods sealed him, but then withdrew from the world as their cost to the rest of the races. Now, the gods are slowly returning... and, so we believe, is this gnomish God-King."
[20:17] * Alicia stares at Demedais for a long moment, before distantly nodding to Seira. "Yes... starting with the basics would be good, I think," she agrees primly.
[20:18] <Demedais> "Probably, yes." Demedais says with a chuckle. "May I accompany you two?"
[20:19] * Seira nods. "I am headed for the magic shop. As long as you aren't bored with that."
[20:20] <Demedais> "No. I'd be interesting to see what she has in stock, myself." Demedais nods.
[20:20] <Seira> "Half the inventory would be the things we brought back now. The other half are things we brought back earlier."
[20:21] <Kotono> AS the party heads back outside, they see that the streets are vibrant. Despite the slight melancholy that hangs over the city, growth is occuring. To the west the city is being expanded; in the town proper people go about.
[20:22] <Demedais> "This... is a minor detail." Demedais coughs. "Perhaps she did something interesting with the dragon?
[20:23] <Alicia> "It must have been a fierce battle," Alicia observes.
[20:24] <Seira> "I did order a robe and some boots," Seira muses, before shaking her head. "Alicia," she speaks, keeping her voice low enough that the everpresent chatter on the streets covers it completely beyond their little group. "One thing to remember about gnomes is that while they were nasty slavers with bad personalities, their magical talents were without equal. Even the elves, which boast a rich, endless culture lose to gnomes in arcane ingenu
[20:24] <Seira> ity."
[20:26] <Alicia> "Does this have to do with those spellgems you mentioned before?" Alicia asks, frowning a bit. "I'm not sure how to feel about them, to be honest. The spread of magic is of course commendable, but for it to fall into the hands of those neither blessed by Mystra nor willing to explore arcane lore and learn wizardry themselves... it does not sit well, I confess."
[20:31] <Seira> "There are limitations to their use, so they are not the panacea some might believe them to be," Seira responds. "However, I must study the subject further to be able to tell you more. And it is not just the spellgems. Rather, they are a sign of the gnomish culture. What I was talking about was their magical enchantments and wondrous items, culminating in several artifacts. We call these artifacts the Resorts." She nods slighty at Demeda
[20:31] <Seira> is. "There is one, in plain sight. The shield."
[20:32] * Demedais nods, taking the shield off of his back and letting Alicia examine it.
[20:32] * Seira pauses briefly, before continuing. "We currently possess two. There is ample reason to believe Malmuth has another, and the Fiefdoms likely hold yet another in their ruins. I am trying to get us access to them."
[20:33] * Alicia nods. "I did observe it had a very potent magical aura, before," she agrees, peering at the shield. "From what Demedais said earlier, they hold significance past their own power, though?"
[20:33] <Seira> "Brought together, they can lift the divine seal on the God-King of the gnomes, Daa-vid," Seira says succinctly.
[20:34] * Seira snorts uncharacteristically, then. "Of course, bringing them together seems the only way to rid us of this God-King before he finds another way to break free, and for the gods to 'forgive' us for our transgressions." She looks vaguely insulted. "I'm not certain I did anything requiring penance."
[20:36] <Alicia> "I don't feel especially punished, either," Alicia smiles slightly. "Well, by the Gods, at least..." she briefly shakes her head, "Anyway, you plan to release this God-King to slay him, then? A risky gamble, I'd assume, if he's as powerful as such a title warrants."
[20:36] <Seira> "I intend to take the battle to him on our terms, and at our leisure," Seira says, nodding.
[20:37] <Demedais> "From my understanding, he will free himself given enough time to recover his strength." Demedais says. "Thus, as Seira said; we should take all the advantages we can."
[20:38] <Seira> "There is a very difficult matter to consider, one I do not wish discussed beyond our little outfit," Seira says then, "if only for the trouble it would cause. What did Daa-vid do to warrant the Gods to smite him in person, Helm and Cyric fighting side by side? What did the Gnomes as a culture do to warrant being wiped out entirely alongside him, in the only documented form of genocide?"
[20:40] * Alicia nods again. "Well, as has already been made clear, I am at your disposal in all things," she tells them with noble resignation. "I am afraid, however, that I know nothing of gnomes beyond a few children's stories from when I was a child."
[20:40] <Seira> "I'll lend you my notes, then," Seira says with a twist of her lips. "They're classified, of course."
[20:41] <Demedais> "From what I understood, it was to attempt to rise to godhood, tearing down all the other gods to do it." Demedais said, before nodding at Alicia. "Neither did I until recently."
[20:41] <Seira> "This is actually our conjecture," Seira says. "When we asked Helm's servant directly, he became insensed, and we got no real answer out of him."
[20:42] * Seira blinks. "And didn't Cyric rise to godhood, too? I think he was a mortal, originally...."
[20:43] <Alicia> "The Gods rarely speak directly. It is all we can do to interpret the signs as best we can," Alicia shrugs philosophically. "I confess I was never really one for theology."
[20:43] <Kotono> The walk continues on, to the hill and past Seira's inn. Countess Stronger's shop looms ahead, the doors open.
[20:44] <Demedais> "Didn't some of the other stuff in the ruins hint toward Daa-vid attempting that?" Demedais inquires, before glancing to Alicia. "Same, Alicia. It's why I veered away from the clerical branch of Helm."
[20:44] * Seira takes a deep breath and bravely heads inside!
[20:45] * Demedais follows her in.
[20:45] * Alicia is not left behind!
[20:45] <Kotono> Inside you see that many of the cases are either empty or have new items in them. Elle wears black, coming out from the back as you enter. A change from her normal vibrant red. "Wel-oh! Seira, Demedais. You're back!" Her face lights up openly.
[20:46] <Seira> "We even brought back a few of the large lizards that started this whole thing," Seira responds, nodding slightly in greeting.
[20:47] <Kotono> Marching over to Seira, "You could have brought a few extra scrolls of energy resistance," she chides, "Dammit, I was worried! It's bad enough that it seems like everyonet hat goes to that damned mountain range dies."
[20:47] <Seira> "I... didn't have the chance to cast energy resistance, back then," Seira says quietly, looking away.
[20:48] <Demedais> "They tried. Believe me, they tried." Demedais says, shivering a bit. "Alicia, Elle Stronger, resident mage and shopkeep in magical items. Lady Stronger, Alicia, a paladin of Mystra and new Lieutenant of the Crimson Guard."
[20:49] <Kotono> "I don't want to see someone else I like or Im' responsible for getting a funeral while they're still young," she blurts out, before blushing and turning to Alicia. "Mystra? Oh." At those words 'new lieutenant', "Shamal's...replacement?"
[20:50] <Demedais> "Not really, but the timing worked out blessedly well." Demedais said, shaking his head.
[20:50] <Seira> "Shamal cannot be replaced," Seira states firmly.
[20:51] <Alicia> "It is always a rare pleasure to meet a student of the arcane," Alicia smiles honestly to the redhead. She then looks vaguely nonplussed at the talk of her replacing the dead woman everyone seems so sad about. "I do not believe I could replace someone as well regarded as this Shamal was. I am merely one who serves."
[20:52] <Seira> "She does so with honor," Seira adds.
[20:52] <Kotono> Elle shakes her head, and after a short pause, "Alright then. If you're in the Crimson Guard, you'd better come here to do your shopping," she says with another chiding, "I've been practicing and improving my skills lately, so I should have a wealth of new created and traded items very soon."
[20:52] * Demedais nods in agreement with Seira.
[20:54] <Seira> "I have a few specific things I would like to order, before I take a leave of absence from the Guard," Seira ventures. "I even made a list, to save time. Would you have anything on it?" She takes out some parchment, handing it over to Elle.
[20:56] <Kotono> Looking it over, "I'm working on things from the dragon right now - give me a week or so and I can look into these," she allows. "Oh yes, that's right. Alicia, we sell and buy spells here as well as do magical item commissions," Speaking quite smoothly, "I'm sure you may beinterested in a few of those?"
[20:56] <Alicia> "Perhaps once I get more settled," she returns diplomatically, not wanting to advertise that she's running low on funds.
[20:58] <Kotono> "Good, good," Starting to perk up, "Once I finish up I'll be sure to pass on what's for sale to all of you. After all, I'm still completely in debt thanks to Kondrux, so helping me out with that by buying things is a good thing!"
[20:59] * Demedais nods, making a note to return here later...
[20:59] <Seira> "I did mention bringing back a few large lizards to cut down drastically on item creation costs."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Oh yes, I'll see those, too..." Nodding to herself, "Alright, thank you."
[21:00] <Seira> "The least I could do for my friend. Who was nice enough to let me use store credit."
[20:14] <Kotono> -----
[20:15] <Kotono> Shamal's gravesite is a pleasant place. It's a half day's ride in the summer sunshine, the zenith of the heat shimmering all around you. Into a small grove of trees, a protective ring of them. Inside rests a field of wildflowers, a simple circle of stones inside of there. There is an air of serenity here, peacefulness.
[20:18] * Demedais glances around, slowly, before going to kneel near the stones, a bit awkwardly. "Ah. Sorry for not attending the funeral, but I decided I'd better keep an eye on Seira, who was determined to avenge you." A slight shake of the head. "I don't know if she's come here or not - don't even know if she plans on it - but she misses you greatly, I think."
[20:20] <Kotono> The wind blows softly here, a flower scented breeze that blows away Demedais' sweat. The stones do not talk back, only mute testament to what lies beneath.
[20:22] <Demedais> "There was... another reason I didn't come. I hate funerals with a passion. Too gloomy; it never reflects the person that died, just attempts to make the survivors feel better. And while that has its place... I didn't need it." Demedais pauses, hand straying to his blade for a second before resting on the pommel. "And... although I know no way I could have saved you, and I know I performed what rites I could for you..."
[20:26] <Kotono> AS Demedais speaks, the wind continues to blow. The flowers sway in the wind, bits of pollen flying forth around Demedais.
[20:26] <Demedais> "I still have a twofold obligation to you. Firstly... Commander Shamal Velka, I promise you that I will protect Balmuria and the members of the Crimson Guard for you, until our duties end or I fall." A breath, then: "And I now observe the passage of Shamal Velka from this plane to the next, in accordance with all the ancient rites, and wish her well wherever she may go."
[20:28] <Demedais> With that, Demedais places a golden coin on the stones, and a rose in the stones. A smile, then: "I realize you'd probably rather have the rose planted, but I'm afraid they had no young rosebushes available. Either way." With a soft grin, Demedais stepped back three paces, then dropped his knees and began a prayer to Helm under his breath.
[20:29] <Kotono> As this passes, Demedais begins to feel eyes on his back. A sensation of being watched, very subtle and behind him. Strangely palpable here.
[20:30] * Demedais keeps listening for something behind him, but continues to go through the liturgy of passing.
[20:30] <Kotono> OOC - Listening check.
[20:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3 oh dear
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 oh dear and gets 9."12 [1d20=6]
[20:35] <Kotono> Demedais hears soft steps behind him - something smaller than human by a fair margin. They're not trying to be particularly quiet as far as you can tell.
[20:36] * Demedais looks over his shoulder toward the source, pausing the prayer for a second.
[20:36] <Kotono> Outside of the grove, you notice a few wolves linger here and there.
[20:38] * Demedais stands slowly, looking at the wolves. "Did Shamal..." Demedais doesn't complete the thought, unsure as to how to put it.
[20:38] <Kotono> They don't approach, instead just sitting and keeping a watch. They look at you, but make no aggressive moves.
[20:39] * Demedais hesitates, before nodding slowly to them and turning to finish the prayer.
[20:40] <Kotono> Demedais is not disturbed further, only a constant, slight breeze refreshing him.
[20:42] * Demedais nods as he finishes the prayer, stands and bows to Shamal's grave. "Do take care; I try to keep all the promises I make, one way or another." Demedais whispers as he leaves the glen, keeping an eye on the wolves.
[20:43] <Kotono> They ricle around the grove, not leaving their vigil even as Demedais departs. They watch him go, however.
[20:44] * Demedais nods to them as they watch him, but makes no move to approach them as he leaves.
[19:25] <Kotono> -----
[19:26] <Kotono> The summons come; Seira and Alicia reply. So they go to the meeting room, Colonel Khardon awaiting there. He smothers a yawn in his hand this morning, drinking from a mug of what looks to be ale. "Seira," he nods politely enough, the slightest smile on his face "And you must be Alicia. Pardon, but I've borrowed Oberuth's meeting room. So please, contain your excitement."
[19:27] <Seira> "Consider it contained, Sir," Seira says blandly.
[19:28] * Alicia salutes crisply, showing some professionalism even if her superior doesn't, and filing away a bit more on how rank works around here. "A pleasure to meet you, sir," she offers formally, although not putting too much feeling into her words.
[19:29] <Kotono> "Well done, Berli-oh, Seira. Apologies, it's still early." Smothering a second yawn as he sits more or less upright (Less than more!), "Sir's fine, so's Khardon. Please, enjoy it while it lasts, I suspect as long as Lord Salman's here you'll be saying sir a lot more than you like."
[19:29] * Seira twitches.
[19:29] <Kotono> Khardon breaks into a big grin, "There we go, it's not a morning when Seira doesn't twitch! Now then!"
[19:33] * Seira gives a quiet sigh, steeling herself to get through this trial.
[19:35] <Alicia> "Speaking of Berlioz - if that's who you were about to mention," Alicia speaks up, "I recently learned from a Malmuthian agent that he has been instrumental in feeding sensitive information regarding the United Baronies to the Empire. It may be in your interest to do something about him."
[19:35] <Kotono> "We've had people keeping tabs on the owner of the Dawn Pointe Inn. As far as we can tell-hm?" He stops and listens, "...oh, has he?" Khardon twitches himself, "How so? Some information loss was assumed to be unavoidable. Has he spilled his guts entirely?"
[19:36] <Seira> "I don't believe so, Sir," Seira responds. "Once he does, his usefulness would surely come to an end."
[19:37] <Alicia> "Apparently he's been assisting them with a spell that allows the reading of thoughts, which led to Malmuth learning the location of Kondrux's hoard," Alicia explains. "I don't know what else he has helped them with, since I was only asking in relation to how they knew where to find the dragon's lair."
[19:39] <Kotono> "He did know some magic from what I recall," Khardon allows after some thought, "Dammit. This'll be passed onto the relevant people, good work."
[19:40] * Alicia nods, smiling a little. "Just because he's moved far away, he shouldn't be forgotten. Anyway, you were saying about this inn... sir?" she asks, just barely remembering the formality.
[19:43] <Kotono> "Aaah yes, Princess of Kelara," he smiles absently to her, "As I was saying, she's been under watch, just in case. While obviously in mental turmoil, she hasn't done anything unusual. But I'd like to do an official visit and see what you shake up. Seira, explain the situation to Alicia on the way? She should get an idea of the danger she's related to."
[19:43] <Seira> "Certainly, Sir. Consider it done."
[19:46] * Alicia blinks and stares at Khardon for a moment. If that was a come on, it was a bad one. "I'm not related to the royal family," she replies, deciding to play it off as being dense. "Fortunate, since if I was then our nations would probably be at war."
[19:47] <Kotono> Chuckling at Alicia's words, "Yes, yes." Then he sighs dramatically, "Such is our fate. Very well then, get going."
[19:47] <Seira> "Sir," Seira voices suddenly. "May I show your dagger to Alicia?"
[19:48] * Alicia raises an eyebrow and looks between the two of them at that odd statement.
[19:48] <Kotono> Khardon grins. "I'm flattered, Seira," he speaks, "But the dearest flower of Kelara may not be ready to see what you have seen. It may not be her time to blossom."
[19:49] <Seira> "Even to this very day, I have a memory I cannot forget no matter how I try. That of the evil fish and the brave colonel...." Seira gives him a half-lidded stare.
[19:51] <Kotono> Khardon merely sighs grandly, "Ah yes, such a sordid incident. One best not suited for delicate ears, so..." Khardon flicks his wrist, a dagger appearing in his hand. He lies it down on the table.
[19:52] <Seira> "Please examine it, Alicia," Seira instructs the paladin. "It is in fact another of the gnomish artifacts known as Resorts."
[19:52] <Alicia> "Very fine craftsmanship... I couldn't understand the aura on Demedais' shield, but I suppose I'll have a look," Alicia nods, briefly casting a spell as she looks down and studies the knife carefully.
[19:53] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 75."12 [1d100=75]
[19:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 spellcraft
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 spellcraft and gets 24."12 [1d20=19]
[19:53] * Seira decides to give it another glance, herself.
[19:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 38."12 [1d20=19]
[19:56] <Alicia> Alicia's eyes widen for a second, and she hums briefly as she examines the weapon before looking up, seemingly satisfied. "Have you had it identified? What does it do, exactly?"
[19:58] <Seira> "It stabs things," Seira deadpans. "It does this well."
[19:58] <Kotono> Khardon picks it up, and with nary a word it bursts into flames. Flames that crackle into electricity. "I've never had it fail on me - it's the best weapon I've ever held. Along with the obvious elemental power, it slices through anything with ease on a good strike. Do you know the feeling when you strike a human or like foe with a telling blow? I've had that even on things that are made of wood or stone."
[20:00] <Alicia> "Impressive," Alicia leans back and straightens as the weapon ignites. "Many would give a great deal for such a weapon."
[20:02] <Seira> "There is a Resort bow somewhere out there, and I will find it some day," Seira muses, before shaking her head lightly. "In any case, we shall now be off to the Inn, Sir."
[20:15] <Kotono> The dagger is put away with ease, before he nods. "Very well, I'll be around when you're done." So the two head off. Ignoring the cloudy weather and slight drizzles they head to the Dawn Pointe Inn. The old butcher's shop nearby is still closed, but it's half redone, clearly being reworked - jus tnot today in this weather. The door to the inn is ajar, radiating quiet warmth. Only a few people are about, no one of particular note.
[20:17] * Seira steps inside, looking for the innkeeper.
[20:17] <Alicia> Since Seira is the captain, and she's actually familiar with this particular situation, Alicia is content to follow along and keep her mouth shut.
[20:22] <Kotono> Inside you find the innkeeper at the front, checking over her entry book. As you enter, she beginst o wanly smile, "Welcome to the Dawn Pointe Inn..." A breathy pause, "...Captain Seira?"
[20:23] * Seira nods. "Hello again. I'm afraid I'm not here to buy anything, once more."
[20:23] <Kotono> Smoothing over the front of her blouse, "...he hasn't returned, if that's what you want."
[20:24] <Seira> "I know," Seira affirms. "We just wanted to know how you were doing, after everything that has happened."
[17:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Bowing her head, "I'm running my inn. There's not much to tell."
[17:29] <Seira> "Febras still writes me," Seira says casually. "I cannot believe I am his only correspondent in our fair city."
[17:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...." The innkeeper looks away, down and away. "So?"
[17:36] <Seira> "Please show me his letters," Seira requests. "I can't help but be curious."
[17:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Shaking her head, the innkeep reaches down into a drawer. Shet akes out a single sheet of paper, handing it over and looking away.
[17:38] * Seira holds it open so that Alicia could also take a look, and reads.
[17:39] * Alicia doesn't seem interested in the letter, only lingering near the door and waiting on Seira doing... whatever it is they're here for.
[17:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It is a pointed note, right to the issue. "I contracted the mage Mihail before I left. Ask of him to research magic that isolates a small hold into another side place - another dimension - and how to penetrate. He will understand those words."
[17:43] * Seira raises an eyebrow at that name. "Have you done so?" she asks the innkeeper.
[17:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No, I only got the message two days ago," she admits, a shake of her head. "A passing guest brought it."
[17:45] <Seira> "I don't believe I need to tell you to leave the matter to us, then," Seira tells her. "Please contact us if you receive more missives from Febras. It is dangerous for you to get involved further."
[17:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A slow, reluctant nod. "Fine," she finally says.
[17:48] * Seira returns the nod curtly. "The next time I come here, it will be under more pleasant circumstances, I assure you."
[17:48] <Seira> Placing the note away, she heads back out, collecting Alicia along the way. "It seems as if we have a traitor in our midst," Seira tells the paladin.
[17:49] <Alicia> "There seems to be a lot of that going around," Alicia notes dryly. "Are we going to do something about this one, captain?"
[17:50] * Seira nods firmly. "Yes. However, I do not believe the city would move appropriately and in time if we were to involve the bureaucracy. Would you be interested in a more direct approach? I will take responsibility, if so."
[17:52] <Alicia> "You're the Captain," Alicia replies simply.
[17:53] <Seira> "I am aware of the mage in question," Seira informs Alicia, filling her in on the details known to her. "On top of everything, I fear we may have to worry over an artifact in his possession which can summon a fire elemental should things go south."
[17:55] * Alicia represses a sigh. Just her luck to have recently learned a fire-type spell. "May I ask, how has he betrayed you?" she enquires, still not truly thinking of herself as being within the system, here.
[17:57] <Seira> "We cannot be one hundred percent certain that he had. However, he has made a contract with a known criminal who was responsible for several deaths in the undead plague that hit Balmuria some time ago."
[17:59] * Alicia nods grimly, feeling some faint satisfaction that this excursion wasn't such a blatant waste of her time, after all.
[18:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Mihail's abode is quiet. Little happens around here, the building short and odd to your eyes. The warm weather hangs heavy in this place, the heat making you sweat easily.
[18:02] * Alicia stoically endures the heat, her clothing and armour not being stifling enough for it to be any real concern. As before, she defers to her superior officer, simply following Seira unless she's told differently. Even if being an underling rankles her something fierce, she's never been one to shirk her duty.
[18:03] * Seira enables her magical sight with a gesture and a few softly-spoken words, and knocks on the door.
[18:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
[18:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 33."12 [1d20=14]
[18:05] * Alicia takes a moment to cast a spell of her own while Seira goes to the door.
[18:05] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[18:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 58."12 [1d100=58]
[18:05] <Alicia> OOC: shield
[18:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Alicia protects herself, the door is knocked on. It's opened in a few moments, a gust of hot air billowing out. Inside you can see a long hallway, farther than you can see. "Yes?" A brisque male voice is heard, p rojected and coming from near you.
[18:07] <Seira> "The Crimson Guard on official business, Sir," Seira announces them, stepping inside.
[18:11] <Seira> roll 2#1d20+19
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2#1d20+19 and gets 71."12 [2#1d20+19 = 32, 39]
[18:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Very well. Stay there." The door begins to close, the voice stopping.
[18:15] * Seira waits in the hallway.
[18:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Soon Mihail emerges. You see him walking down the hall, wearing simple red clothes and and overcloak. It's hood is down, his face faintly annoyed as he marches out. Down the hall he comes, eyeing Seira and then Alicia. He pauses on her a moment, but, "Yes?" he asks, short. "What is it you desire?"
[18:16] * Nephrite (Ryan@131.247.168.83) has joined #evildunes
[18:16] * Alicia looks back at Mihail. And she knows.
[18:16] <Alicia> If he's evil or not.
[18:18] <Seira> "You have recently come under investigation for sedition, Sir," Seira tells the mage calmly. "These are very serious charges. If you would like to cooperate fully with us in an attempt to resolve the situation, this would work in your favor when your case is being decided by the highest authority of the Baronies."
[18:21] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+19
[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+19 and gets 70."12 [3#1d20+19 = 22, 26, 22]
[18:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...and?" He stares a moment, "Get on with it. What's your reasonings for such a charge?" He asks coolly, not flinching down from Seira's words.
[18:23] <Seira> "Perhaps we should discuss this elsewhere, and not in the hallway?"
[18:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A curt nod from MIhail, leading you back a bit - to adoor, leading into a comfortable sitting room. As you enter inside, he chooses to stand.
[18:28] * Alicia stands as well, eyeing Mihail with clear suspicion but still sadly deferring to Seira. She doesn't even know the specifics of the charge, after all, but she knows she doesn't like this man.
[18:29] * Seira takes a seat, herself. "Do you think the pursuit of magic and knowledge should involve ethics, Sir?" she asks him suddenly.
[18:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Looking on with a certani look in his eyes and starting to sigh, "Get on with the point. I care little for your prancing around the subject with morality questions. If you wish to accuse me of a crime, speak your peace"
[18:34] <Seira> "Sedition, a variation on treason, is defined by spying on Balmuria for its enemies and giving them aid and comfort under our penal code. Do you, then, deny collaborating with Balmuria's enemies and supplying them with aid and information, Sir?"
[18:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "As I know little of what you think I have done, elaborate," Mihail says shortly, eyeing Seira back with a steely gaze. "What enemies do you speak of?"
[18:41] <Seira> "Hmph." Seira snorts. "Have you collaborated with that many, then? Surely it is not that difficult to deduce why we are here, today."
[18:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You try my patience. If you have accusations, state them now or I will personally take my case to Lord Salman," His snort is quite irritated now, "I will not tolerate petty harrassment and vague accusations rooting for answers."
[18:43] <Seira> "So be it. Febras, the man with the ever-present eyes-consealing hat. What is your relationship with the man?
[18:44] * Seira frowns. "Do remember that you are talking to a representative of the Guard, and must answer truthfully."
[18:46] * Nephrite is now known as Gilderoy
[18:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Febras? Oh yes, him. He came to me a while ago, asking to contract me to do research in the future, if his situation required it. As far as I knew he was a normal traveller, so I agreed with the condition payment would be secured in a reasonable and timely fashion. That is the extent of my dealings with him." Looking to both of them after an arch pause, "He did not even specifiy a possible parameter for the research, only that
[18:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> research, only that he wished it in case his business required it, and if he could not find a 'wizard he could reasonably trust in his coming circumstances.'."
[18:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 don't you lie to me~
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 don't you lie to me~ and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
[18:48] <Seira> "Febras is wanted in the Baronies for kidnapping and mass murder, among other serious charges," Seira calmly informs Mihail. "I'm afraid I must ask you for all notes on the research he asked of you, as well as tell you to cease and desist from any such research. Should you come in contact with him again, you are to contact the Guard immediately. Is that clear, Sir?"
[18:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I have no notes. There were no parameters specified at the time. Did you not listen?" Looking down at Seira with a casual, irritated contempt, "I have no interest in dealing with a mass murder, so my business is indeed done with him. Also, Ib elieve we are done as well." He turns and exits out, beginning to walk, "I'm sure you know the way out by now."
[18:51] * Seira returns the look of contempt easily. "You are required to come and make a full statement at the Garrison, Sir, as you no doubt realize. The matter is most serious."
[18:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I willc ome in the afternoon, I have business that is already hindered by this interruption," he states, already headingw ell down the hall. "Begone, you disturb my own works."
[18:52] <Seira> "Charming fellow," Seira tells Alicia, standing up.
[18:53] <Alicia> "That perhaps could have gone better," Alicia replies coldly, following Mihail with her eyes until he's gone, and waiting for Seira to lead the way out.
[18:54] * Seira does indeed leave the mansion, before walking a short distance towards somewhere she could observe the grounds without being easily spotted. "Do you believe him?" she asks then.
[18:56] <Alicia> "I don't think he lied, if that's what you mean. But, admitting my own ignorance of this Febras person, you might be misunderstanding where the true danger comes from," Alicia replies, glancing back towards the house.
[19:01] <Seira> "He was researching magical advancements, but his ethics left much to be desired. He could create unstable necromantic energies to manipulate further, and loved human experiments more than anything." Seira frowns in distaste. "The true danger comes to the unsuspecting citizens, I feel. And while I am not certain how research into other dimensions is relevant, I doubt it would be good." Her frown deepens. "I must add that I have not h
[19:01] <Seira> eard good things of this Mihail, so hearing him connected to Febras and his research bothers me. I intend to try and observe his actions today, then formally arrest him if he tips off his hand or does not show up to his appointment to give a statement for purjury and interfering with an investigation."
[19:02] <Alicia> "All I will say is that it is very rare to see a human without a divine connection who radiates evil as strongly as Mihail did," Alicia glowers briefly in the direction of his house. "You would be well served in keeping a very close watch on him."
[19:04] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "Or an infernal one, perhaps. Well, such are my plans until the afternoon. Would you like to observe the place from another angle, and keep in touch via Message?"
[19:05] <Alicia> "Little point unless you plan on staying here yourself, considering the range on that spell. However, as has been made clear already, I am at your disposal however you see fit to use me, Captain," Alicia returns.
[19:06] <Seira> "Your input is valuable, Alicia, or I would have had guardsmen accompany me."
[19:09] <Alicia> "Being evil isn't a crime in itself, nor do we have any evidence solidly connecting him to Febras' actions," Alicia looks thoughtful for a moment. "Really, all we can do is investigate his background and keep a close watch on him, and hope we can find cause to stop him before he actually commits a crime." She scowls as if having tasted something bitter, "It galls me, but to do otherwise would lead to anarchy."
[19:11] <Seira> "I can't help but think that if only I investigated Febras more when I had the chance, staked him out... that some of the deaths could have been avoided. So I will try to do so now."
[19:15] <Alicia> "From what you've told me, he played you quite well," Alicia agrees disapprovingly. "I will admit, I don't know this city as well as you do, however," she takes off the red armband she's taken to wearing since joining the Crimson Guard, "Perhaps as an unknown, I may be better placed to learn more by asking around to learn of his accomplices and habits?"
[19:18] * Seira nods. "I won't make a move without you unless he directly threatens any of the citizens. If I do have to leave to follow Mihail, I will try to leave a sign of some sort behind, here."
[19:19] <Alicia> "If I don't find you here, I'll check in at the garrison?" Alicia offers.
[19:22] * Seira nods.
[19:22] * Alicia gives Seira a brief salute and then heads off.
[19:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The time drifts by. A few hours pass, the morning shifting into early afternoon. As it does, the weatehr grows from hot to miserable. The sun seems to bear down with a hateful intensity, the entire area blistering. It doesn't help, since you can begin to swear a wave of heat enaminates from Mihail's home. Just miserably hot, no one really around. The few that do pass hurry along, wiping their brows and looking burning hot.
[19:29] * Seira consults the time, and whether she has cause to arrest him already or not.
[19:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's just into the afternoon. It shouldn't be past 1 PM or so.
[19:32] <Seira> A bit of heat won't kill her, Seira considers, though she laments not making a scroll of Endure Elements in advance. If it seems like Mihail's experiment is about to become harmful to the environment or passerbys, however, she is prepared to step in.
[19:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The heat doesn't reach anything past quite unpleasant. As the time slowly ticks by, Alicia returns...
[19:40] <Seira> "I hope that if it comes to that, we would not have to have a show down in his heavily-defended house, especially with that magical heat emanating from it," Seira comments as Alicia rejoins her.
[19:42] * Alicia slips her red armband back on as she rejoins Seira. "From all accounts, Mr Mihail is a rather private individual," she begins. "The heat seems to have been in effect for most of the Summer. Aside from that, I haven't learned much - some wild tales about a demon cat that also concerned the late Captain Velka, and little besides."
[19:43] <Seira> "A few more hours should be sufficient to see if Mihail was on the level with us," Seira muses, nodding at Alicia's words. "I take it you would prefer to stay here this time?"
[19:46] <Alicia> "I have no other business to attend to, right now," Alicia replies primly.
[19:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> About a half hour passes. THe heat relents somewhat, making it noly balmy instead of miserable. At this juncture Mihail steps out of his house, a brisk step as he heads down the street.
[19:48] <Seira> "It might be a prime time to investigate the house," Seira muses, giving it a calculating glance.
[19:48] <Alicia> "Leaving aside the likelihood of alarms and traps, is that within your authority, Captain?" Alicia asks.
[19:50] <Seira> "The former, I might be able to do something about. The latter... as it involves Febras, the city would support an investigation."
[19:52] <Alicia> "Very well - perhaps if I follow him I can warn you via a message spell if he returns?" Alicia suggests, casting said spell.
[19:52] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 97."12 [1d100=97]
[19:53] * Seira nods. "That would be appreciated."
[19:56] <Alicia> Having cast her spell, Alicia waits until Mihail is near the end of the street before she takes a brief run at a nearby building and leaping high enough to grab onto the edge and vault herself up to the roof. From there, she makes her way along the rooftops, keeping a minimum of one hundred feet behind Mihail as she tails him from above.
[19:57] * Gilderoy (Ryan@131.247.168.83) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[20:00] * Seira recasts the magic-detection spell as well as one giving her a magical armor, before approaching the building and looking for any open windows.
[20:00] * Nephrite (Ryan@ws-7n9bzb1.east.usf.edu) has joined #evildunes
[20:00] * Nephrite is now known as Gilderoy
[20:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - #terror, Alicia.
[20:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira searches around, finding no open windows. There aren't many windows periods, and they all have blinds drawn over them.
[20:07] * Seira looks for an easily-opened one, then, to a person of her skills.
[20:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The windows generally radiate moderate magic. However, they don't look overwhelmingly difficult to jimmy open.
[20:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 windows
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 windows and gets 33."12 [1d20=14]
[20:09] * Seira takes the time to search a window out of the way and generally concealed from the street for any traps, mundane or magical, using her augmented sight as a guide.
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There's one in the back that's out of view, hidden away and covered with heavy black curtains.
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The window has a magical trap.
[20:19] * Seira tries to disable this trap, cloaking herself in shadows as she works.
[20:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 let's try our luck
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 let's try our luck and gets 27."12 [1d20=13]
[20:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira can't quite get it on her first try.
[20:25] * Seira winces, then heads back far enough and tosses a small stone through the window.
[20:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - AS in break the glass?
[20:25] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[20:26] * Seira keeps some fourty five feet away from the window, and ideally with some handy cover.
[20:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Boom. The soundless burst of flame and heat is strangely without pressure, coming within ten feet of Seira. A twenty foot radiusoutside of the window is now charred and blackened. The window also has a nifty hole in it, not to mention some obvious issues with melting.
[20:27] * Seira checks it for a magical aura once more.
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The moderate aura of evocation is gone.
[20:35] * Seira heads towards the window and opens it easily, before looking just inside the room and whether it would be safe to step inside.
[20:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira pushes aside the curtains and sees that it's a small, shallow room. A room of plain stone, no doors leading anywhere. A closet with no entrance besides from the outside, walls burnt and lightly scorched.
[20:44] * Seira considers it quite the stupid trap if it harms the inside of the house, and searches for any hidden doors.
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira finds nothing but very thick, very solid stone walls. There's no doors designed to go into this little room.
[20:46] * Seira repeats the trick with another window.
[20:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Another window is broken! Another fireball gushes out, another blank room found.
[20:49] * Seira considers, and decides to give up in the end, making her way off the property and ducking into an alley, where she drops her ability to blur, and then makes her way towards the garrison.
[20:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - I'll integrate you in a bit.
[20:52] <Seira> OOC: Sure. I'm not up to pointless deaths today, so....
[20:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 37."12 [1d20=18]
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 17."12 [1d20=5]
[21:36] <Demedais> * Demedais nods slowly, trying to think of how to proceed in doing all this...
[21:36] <Demedais> * Demedais walks over to the three, first.
[21:36] <Demedais> <Infinite_Ko_Loop> One is short and stout, making up for it with his dance of rapier and dagger. Despite his stature he moves with uncanny agility. The one with th ewarmace hangs back more, calculating and narrow eyed, rather muscular but not too much so andn ot wearing any armor. The last is a tall lad, using a short spear coupled with his unusually long arm reach for unexpectiedly long strikes. As you approach, they ke
[21:36] <Demedais> <Demedais> "Fairly impressive, gentlemen." Demedais says as he stops a small bit away from the three. "Fairly impressive, indeed."
[21:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...!" The three turn and stare, some admiration there. "You're Demedais?" The one with the mace asks quickly.
[21:40] <Demedais> "That would be me, but I'm afraid I do not know your names." Demedais says agreeably.
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Lukah, sir," The one with the warmace quickly reports, snapping to attention.
[21:49] * Demedais nods to Lukah, then looks at the other two. "And your names?"
[19:11] <Kotono> "Tomas," The onew ith the swords says respectfully, the last murmuring, "Artignan."
[19:16] * Taishyr nods to the three. "I'll be confessional here; I've come to discuss something with the head of the Academy, but not only am I unsure as to who to address, being new to the Crimson Guard in many respects, I am unsure who amongst you and the other classes would be interested in my proposal."
[19:22] <Kotono> "Commander Oberuth commands it, and Lord Salman is the theoretical head," Lukah provides helpfuly. "What's your proposal, sir?"
[19:24] <Taishyr> "Is there anyone that manages the day to day command? ...and no wonder Commander Oberuth needs the vacation. Sheesh." Demedais muses.
[19:24] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[19:26] <Kotono> "Our individual teachers," Artignan chimes in, looking over Demedais with admiration, eyes romaing.
[19:26] <Kotono> "Commander Ob eruth mostly comes to instruct us on battle practice...he's very good and very...direct..." Lukah winces and rubs his arm.
[19:30] <Demedais> "Heh. He does not pull punches." Demedais nods. "I came here to try and determine if there was interest in the Academy working with local temples to train paladins. I, of course, have the backing of the temple of Helm in this venture; however, for those who are not Helmites nor convincable to become Helmites..." Demedais gives a wry grin at this. "I would encourage talking to their temples. The extra training required to
[19:32] <Demedais> The extra training required to become a Paladin would vastly assist most members of the Crimson Guard in their duties, I feel."
[19:35] <Kotono> Lukah looks on at that, surprised, "Real paladins, sir?" He marvels, "That does sound interesting, if we could do it.
[19:38] * Demedais nods. "As I said, the temple of Helm is quite willing to assist any who wish to try this path."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Talk to the commander?" Tomas suggests, wiping at his brow. "I get the impression you know him already, sir...erm, he's your direct commander?"
[19:46] <Demedais> "Mmm. I will do so, although I'm admittedly reluctant to give him one more thing to do right before he leaves to the capital for a while." Demedais grins. "But this idea interests you three, at least in part?"
[19:49] <Kotono> Lukah nods gravely, "It interests me," he offers, "I cannot speak for the others."
[19:50] <Kotono> Artignan shrugs, "I'd at least hear it out and see. It can't be any worse than the commander, epespecially lately. Training against magic weapons?" Rubbing his shoulder and wincing, "I think he's actually getting -better-."
[19:52] <Demedais> "I... may be partially to blame for that, what with bringing back an enchanted blade he finds extremely comfortable to wield." Demedais rubs the back of his head a bit.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Our bruises can thank you," Artignan grumbles right back, as Tomas agrees very quickly.
[19:57] <Demedais> "How was I supposed to know he'd take to it like a fish to sandwiches?" Demedais asks rhetorically. "Anyways, I'll go ask the commander about it, and see what can be done from there."
[19:58] <Kotono> Tomas nods and starts to pratice again, "Yes, sir, but we need to get back to practice now or we'll hear it. Sir."
[19:59] <Demedais> "Right. Understood, gentlemen. Thanks for your time." Demedais says as he moves to go find the Commander.
[20:00] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth is found in the meeting room, doing some work at a good, quick clip. He looks up as Demedais enters, "Sit down," he instructs absently, "Trying to finish this up before I leave."
[20:08] <Demedais> "Understood. I have a proposal for you, regarding the Academy." Demedais says as he salutes and sits. "The temple of Helm is offering to train students who are willing to become Paladins, to assist them in their work."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Your brainchild?" He inquires as Demedais sits down, curious sounding. "It's a fine idea, H elm's well suited to defenders as well."
[20:11] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais said. "That was my primary line of thought, and the temple is willing to back the idea. Besides, after a certain amount of training you begin to save on horsefeed."
[20:12] <Kotono> Chuckling a little at that, "I have no personal objection offhand, but I'm sure it'll be looked into. Very well."
[20:14] <Demedais> "Alright. Thank you. I was hesitant at first, but since other temples can also offer this at their wish... perhaps it will encourage them as well. My thanks, sir. Is there... anything else you need me for?"
[20:16] <Kotono> "At the moment, no. OnceI finish this..." Pushing aside his paper and dropping his writing quill down, "I'm leaving in the morning."
[20:17] <Demedais> "And I can't blame you. Running the Academy and working with the trainees there, running the Crimson Guard and the city guard... yeah. You deserve a vacation." Demedais says.
[20:19] <Kotono> "This should become easier, actually," Oberuth notes as he finishes, stretching back with a crack of his back. "With the growth of the city we'll get more manpower so we won't be on a shoestring. Further, if Khardon's insisting on staying or stuck here, he can handle certain aspects as well. Finally, if the Crimson Guard continues to grow, I may start coming with you to degree."
[20:22] * Demedais nods. "The growth of the city, while I'm sure it'll be challenging at times... should prove quite useful in bolstering our strength and prosperity, as well."
[20:23] <Kotono> "Yes." Commander Oberuth gets up, stretching and starting to walk. "Come, let's go see how the construction's going, on that note."
[20:24] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods, lost a bit in thought.
[20:25] <Kotono> LEading you outside of the garrison, Commander Oberuth turns to the west. It's a nice view, the city walls being changed for gates, slowly opened. The sunshine cracks out as you do, the Commander beginning to smile. "It's good progress, isn't it?"
[20:25] <Kotono> Looking beyond, you can see buildings beginning to be constructed, work proceeding at a good clip. The noises can be heard, stone, wood and iron being wrought.
[20:27] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods, becoming eerily aware of a feeling of deja vu. "Hopefully this rate of growth keeps going. It may offer a more succulent target for Malmuth... but also a far more dangerous target. Thus the expansion of the Crimson Guard will also prove useful."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Yes, the expansion..." Commander Oberuth looks on, thoughtful. Demedais gets a strange chill down his spine, sudden and abrupt. It seems to disorient him, making OBeruth's next few words lost. "...About her? After losing her family like that..."
[20:31] <Demedais> "...what?" Demedais said, a bit confused. "I'm sorry, sir, I missed what you said."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Oh." Starting to grin a little, "Did the mentino of her distract you?" The smile doesn't really last though, instead shaking his head. "...no, I suppose that's not it here. I asked if since we're expanding, fi you know what Pollyanna's doing now. If she stays in town one step logically follows another."
[20:36] <Demedais> "I don't know what she's doing, sir, but..." Demedais considers, before shaking his head. "I just got disoriented for a second. As for Pollyanna, the temple of Helm is having a funeral for her family. ...I should find her, on that note." A pause, then: "One more thing, Commander. Do you have any plans for bringing Donald into the City Guard or the Crimson Guard?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "I'm not entirely sure. I'm inclined to leave him where he is until I return and then see how he's done." Commander Oberuth keeps his gaze on the construction, "Do you have an opinion? You've worked with him directly, haven't you?"
[20:41] <Demedais> "I'm unsure as well." Demedais says truthfully. "I've not seen him in his capacity as teacher, but... May I propose that he be given a temporary official position until you return? It is likely that it will boost his morale and make his efforts in training the others more sucessful."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Yes," Oberuth ponderst hat long moments, watching as workers slowly craft the skeleton of what looks to be a large hall. "We'll need more defenders as the town grows...I keep remembering that, doubly so since we aren't without our own losses to consider."
[20:50] * Demedais nods, saying nothing at first, but... "As the Crimson Guard's reputation grows, more and more skilled fighters will come, I believe. To continue looking toward the future... that is the sort of spirit she had; I cannot but think that this development is represenative of her spirit."
[20:53] <Kotono> "...heh." Commander Oberuth shakes his head, "I was thinking about Lyselle, actually. That we can even lose members to innocent things within our country, on top of the normal hazards."
[20:59] <Demedais> "I was never told about Lyselle, and only met her while we explored the Gnomish ruins. What happened involving her?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "SHe's the heir to the barony of Armasea. She came needing resources and power, but the situation in her barony degenerated far faster than anyone imagined. So Lord Salman supported her in reconginition of her duties thus far and that's where she is now."
[21:06] <Demedais> "I see." Demedais nods. "Such things cannot always be avoided... at least she is there if an emergency calls for it."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Yes." Oberuth continues to look on, before turning away. "Keep an eye on them while I'm gone, Demedais?"
[21:32] <Demedais> "On who? The town, Seira and Alicia, the students...?" Demedais asks, a bit confused.
[21:34] <Kotono> "All of them. Just make sure nothing gets hurt while I'm gone," Glancing back, "Just in case anything happens."
[21:35] <Demedais> "...Understood, sir." Demedais nods. "I'll do my best."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Good luck," OBeruth wishes Demedais well, beginning to walk away.
[21:40] <Demedais> "...You too, sir. I shall pray for you." Demedais says simply, with a salute.
[21:44] * Demedais nods slowly as Oberuth leaves, before heading to track down Pollyanna.
[21:46] <Kotono> After a bit of searching, Demedais finds her in Seira's backyard. She practices quietly on archery targets, a steady stream of arrows fired. She's lost in her work as often she is, face a stormy blank as she fires.
[21:48] <Demedais> "Pollyanna." Demedais says softly so as not to startle her.
[21:48] <Kotono> She finishes her last series of shots, before gently putting her bow down. "Yes," she asks, turning around. Her face slips into a quiet look, muted.
[21:51] <Demedais> "The temple has agreed to hold a funeral for them." Demedais says. "It would probably be best if you went there and told them what you would like."
[21:52] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods, a shadow going over her face. A few twitches, not forming anything quite in particular. "Thank you," she bows, "I'll go as soon as I freshen up."
[21:53] <Demedais> "Not a problem, Pollyanna." Demedais says. "How are you doing?"
[21:55] <Kotono> A pause to quickly gather up her arrows and bow, getting them back in the right places. "I'm okay," she says at last, not looking at Demedais the entire time.
[21:57] * Demedais tilts his head slightly, looking at her. "...you sure?" Demedais shakes his head. "Doesn't seem like it."
[21:59] <Kotono> "I'm okay," Pollyanna repeats, turning around. Her face is still firm, held together. "I need to be for this, anyway.."
[22:04] <Demedais> "...very well." Demedais says. "When you go to the temple, ask for Father Ceiar. He's a very good man. ...would you like me to accompany you there?"
[22:07] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles a little bit, and then after a moment, she nods. "Alright, would you take me there?"
[22:08] <Demedais> "Certainly. Tell me when you are ready."
[22:13] <Kotono> Pollyanna doesn't take long. After basic preparations she is ready, making a swift pace for the temple. Quite fast, even for a small woman like her. Yet it hesitates at times, Pollyanna looking to the sides and breathing in and out quickly.
[22:14] <Demedais> "...What is wrong?" Demedais asks after one of these incidents. "Nervous...?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "...I'm fine," Pollyanna repeats, shaking her head and keeping her voice level, almost toneless. "...I'm fine."
[22:21] <Demedais> "I'm not sure I'd call that 'fine'." Demedais says, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Is there anything I can do?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "...I'm okay," Pollyanna shakes her head after a pause, face flickering with near emotion. "Just..let's go and get there already?"
[22:27] <Demedais> "...very well, Pollyanna." Demedais says quietly, hoping Father Ceiar can help her more than he can.
[16:37] <Ko-breakfast> On reaching the temple you find a few priests about - including Father Ceiar. Pollyanna looks about, hesitating.
[16:38] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna. "Let me go get Father Ceiar, alright?
[16:41] <Ko-breakfast> The archer merely nods after a moment, waiting on Demedais to lead her on.
[16:43] * Demedais nods, attempting to look reassuring to Pollyanna, before quickly moving over to Father Ceiar. OOC: Is Pollyanna following me to her, or waiting at the entrance for me to bring him over?
[16:45] <Ko-breakfast> OOC: Well, as only one refers to you bringing a male over, the latter.
[16:45] <Demedais> OOC: Simply confirming.
[16:46] <Ko-breakfast> OOC: Okay. <_< Go on.
[16:47] * Demedais nods to Father Ceiar. "Father, do you have a moment?"
[16:49] * Ko-breakfast is now known as Kotono
[16:51] <Kotono> Father Ceiar finishes his conversation with another priest, "I do. What do you need, Demedais?"
[16:54] <Demedais> "There is a woman here, Pollyanna, who is having a funeral for her family with us. If you could help her set it up, it would be greatly appreciated. ...the reason I ask you this is because I believe her to still be deeply grieving, but she is reluctant to say anything. I know it is a sudden request, but..."
[16:55] <Kotono> Father Ceiar follows your words, an understanding look. "I shall try," he begins to go forth at that, heading towards her.
[16:56] * Demedais nods, following Father Ceiar. "Father Ceiar, this is Pollyanna, the archer that guided us to Kondrux's lair and trained our archers for our fight with him. Pollyanna, Father Ceiar, the man who took me in here."
[17:03] <Kotono> Extending hsi hand, he takes Pollyanna's in his own. A quick shake, while the small archer girl tries to smile, almost pulling it off well. But her eyes don't really shine. "Thank you..." she murmurs.
[17:04] <Kotono> "We'll set everything up. With no complications we can do this on the morrow. Now then..." He begins, breathing out.
[17:07] * Demedais inclines his head toward the two. "Do you desire my assistance at this juncture?" Demedais says, looking between the two.
[17:10] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[17:11] <Kotono> "I'll call you," Ceiar smiles briefly, taking Pollyanna and starting to lead her back. Pollyanna follows, head low. "...Demedais?"
[17:12] <Demedais> "Yes...?" Demedais says, stepping forward.
[17:16] <Kotono> "..." She breathes out, "Will you come to the funeral?"
[17:18] <Demedais> "Yes, Pollyanna." Demedais nods gently.
[17:20] <Kotono> With a smile, Pollyanna takes those words and heads along with Father Ceiar.
[17:21] * Demedais considers them for a second, before going to his room to meditate.
[17:29] <Kotono> A few hours pass. Demedais is at last disturbed from his meditation by a knocking on the door.
[17:29] <Demedais> "Enter." Demedais says, getting off the bed.
[17:31] <Kotono> Pollyanna enters in, closing the door behind her. Her eyes are a bit reddish, her posture slumped.
[17:33] <Demedais> "...are you alright?" Demedais says, looking over her.
[17:37] <Kotono> "I'm okay..." she murmurs, smiling and wipping at the edges of her eyes.
[17:39] <Demedais> "You had a good talk with Father Ceiar, I take it." Demedais smiled slightly.
[17:39] <Kotono> "Yeah...I guess I did," she murmurs, leaning on Deme's door. "Thanks."
[17:41] <Demedais> "Not a problem, Pollyanna. I'm glad he could help." Demedais says, waiting on her for the rest of the news.
[17:42] <Kotono> "It'll be tomorrow and...just..." She looks down a moment, breath quickening. "Thanks. I...they'd like a funeral. I know that."
[17:43] <Demedais> "Alright. Where and when will it be?" Demedais says, trying to meet her eyes.
[17:46] <Kotono> "At the funeral grounds for the temple," Despite her smile, she doesn't meet Deme's eyes at first. Instead she breathes out and, "You said you'd come?"
[17:47] <Demedais> "I did, and I will." Demedais nods. "Barring something I cannot foresee, I will be there."
[17:48] <Kotono> "Thank you," sh emurmurs, finally smiling a little bit. She goes to the door, closing it gently. "I'll see you tomorrow."
[17:49] * Demedais nods. "See you tomorrow, Pollyanna."
[17:51] <Kotono> With that she closes the door behind her, leaving Demedais alone again...
[18:10] <Kotono> The next day is solemn. The funeral is a quiet affair, bodies being laid to rest. Pollyanna wears black, watching solemnly as the rituals are chanted. A contrast to tehs ummery, clear sky above, as three ceremonial coffins await. They are taken into the crypt, watched all the while.
[18:12] * Demedais stands a few feet away, watching the coffins go in with a somber eye.
[18:13] <Kotono> Pollyanna bows her head as she watches, sniffling as Father Ceiar intones, "The Great Endless Guardian shall watch over them, leading them to their final rest faraway. He will protect them with viglience on this last journey, forevermore."
[18:15] <Demedais> "...everything is a journey; may you, Helm, guide and defend us now and tomorrow, for as long as tomorrow lasts." Demedais intones, speaking softly with the crowd.
[18:20] <Kotono> Wiping a tear away from her face, Pollyanna watches as the crypt doors are closed. She slumps a moment at that, but then, "Please, please let that be true..." she murmurs.
[18:23] <Demedais> "Everyone takes the first step between this world and the next on their own; but once that step is taken, you see all those whom you have known." Demedais says softly, before looking to Pollyanna. "Sorry, it's an old little rhyme I was taught at the temple when I was 10."
[18:25] <Kotono> Another quiet sniffle, but Pollyanna is clear eyed when she looks at you. "...I'll remember that," she smilse wanly.
[18:27] * Demedais smiles back to her. "It's always helped me when one of the priests passed away. ...although, thinking on it, it might have been a bit morbid to teach a kid that."
[18:28] <Kotono> "No...maybe it's a good lesson," she admits, looking on. "I'll miss them so much, but maybe if I can remember things like that?"
[18:30] <Demedais> "It should keep you strong." Demedais agrees.
[18:31] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles, standing on tiptoes and suddenly hugging Demedais. "I'll try," she says into his ear, only there a moment. "I need to decide what I'm going to do now."
[18:33] * Demedais is taken by surprise for a second, before returning the hug. "I understand. I get to try and figure out what I'm doing around town for a month or two, myself."
[18:41] <Kotono> "I will," she allows, "Thank you so much..." With a fond, if red eyed look, Pollyanna bows and slowly begins to walk away.
[18:41] <Demedais> "Take care, Pollyanna. If ever you want to talk, I'm at the temple or at the garrison." Demedais says as she walks away.