[17:20] <Kotono> * Alicia lands before the marilith, lining herself up along an axis with it and the arrow demon, thankfully beneath the flying Antenora. Gesturing forward, she issues forth a cacaphonous blast of spellfire that surges away through the marilith and arrow demon both!
[17:20] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 18d8 DC 24 reflex half
[17:20] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 18d8 DC 24 reflex half and gets 86." [18d8=6, 7, 5, 4, 1, 8, 3, 5, 5, 4, 8, 6, 3, 6, 5, 2, 3, 5]
[17:20] <Kotono> > roll 1d20+14 ref
[17:20] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 ref and gets 16." [1d20=2]
[17:20] <Kotono> > roll 1d20+13 arrow demon
[17:20] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 arrow demon and gets 18." [1d20=5]
[17:23] * Utsuhotoro is now known as Demedais
[17:25] <Kotono> The great line of Mystra's spellfire rocks through the two demons in a massive line! The marilith's stomach is half gone after that, able to see through her! Through that you can see the arrow demon, left side of it's torso nothing but airy dust now! Yet both cling to unholy life!
[17:25] <Kotono> OOC - Arrow Demon is up.
[17:26] <Kotono> The arrow demons walks a step backwards, vanishing into a twisting gate of dimensions! Meanwhile, still no sign of a mateiral succubus girl! OOC - Demedais.
[17:30] * Demedais continues his focus on the vrock, hoping to off it soon.
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) and gets 39."12 [1d20=20]
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) and gets 37."12 [1d20=18]
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=11]
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[17:31] <Kotono> OOC - Start comfirming your crits?
[17:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) crit check 1
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) crit check 1 and gets 22."12 [1d20=3]
[17:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) crit check 2
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) crit check 2 and gets 36."12 [1d20=17]
[17:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) crit check 3
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (+1 Haste +4 LD -7 PA) crit check 3 and gets 10."12 [1d20=1]
[17:32] <Kotono> OOC - Two crits and two normal hits.
[17:32] <Kotono> OOC - Kersplattery incoming.
[17:33] <Demedais> roll 12d6+144
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 12d6+144 and gets 180."12 [12d6=2, 2, 5, 4, 5, 3, 3, 1, 4, 3, 3, 1]
[17:34] <Kotono> What follows is an utter massacre! The vrock is torn from wing to wing, chunks of it's body tosses dozens of feet in each direction! Demedais is relentless, shredding this incarnation of hateful chaos! As it fades, what little left of it returning to the Abyssal home it hails from...OOC - Marie up.
[17:34] * Kotono changes topic to 'Pollyanna(24)>Alicia>Arrow Demon(21)>Succubus(20)>Demedais>Marie(17)>Marilith(12)>Eudard(8)>Antenora(6)'
[17:36] <Alicia> Marie flies up sixty feet and looks around to see where that arrow demon went to, if it was somewhere on the surface. If not then clearly he'll be down in the cave.
[17:37] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check?
[17:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
[17:37] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21."12 [1d20=15]
[17:41] <Kotono> It's hundreds and hundreds of feet away, glimpsed distantly. As Marie can see him, the Marilith snarls! "My glorious plans of carnage, you've ruined them!" her wail is a mourning one of anger, "I swear that you'll bleed for this!" With that, it closes into the paladin and takes a hack at her!
[17:41] <Kotono> OOC - STrike.
[17:42] <Kotono> It's hundreds and hundreds of feet away, glimpsed distantly. As Marie can see him, the Marilith snarls! "My glorious plans of carnage, you've ruined them!" her wail is a mourning one of anger, "I swear that you'll bleed for this!" With that, it glares at Alicia, a curtain of blades wrapping around her again! OOC - Ref.
[17:42] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[17:42] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 21."12 [1d20=6]
[17:42] <Kotono> roll 15d6
[17:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d6 and gets 53."12 [15d6=2, 5, 1, 6, 6, 1, 1, 1, 6, 5, 6, 1, 5, 3, 4]
[17:44] <Kotono> The blades wrap around Alciia, forceful barriers ripping at her sacred body! Eudard meanwhile creeps around to the side and around of the Marilith! Antenora looks around, scowling at the vanished spot where the ARrow Demon was, before largely flying back towards the battle! Pollyanna takes this chance to fire some arrows!
[17:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[17:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 16."12 [1d20=1]
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[17:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
[17:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 crit?
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 crit? and gets 22."12 [1d20=12]
[17:44] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4
[17:44] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4 and gets 7."12 [1d8=3]
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4 and gets 10."12 [1d8=6]
[17:44] <Kotono> The arrows again have trouble penetrating the marilith, firing away nonetheless! OOC - Alicia.
[17:47] * Alicia grits her teeth as she's painted with blades of force, stepping out of the field and towards the marilith, although not yet in melee range yet. "Worthless!" she spits. "Your tactics were inept, your leadership insipid! And those blades you carry are mere decoration!"
[17:47] <Alicia> Levelling her flaming sword at the snake-woman, she dispels her mirror image, standing alone bloodied but unbowed. "Come at me if you have an ounce of courage in your blackened heart!"
[17:48] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Marie can see the arrow demon repeat the teleport, vanishing entirely from her sight this time! "Then you'll have it!" The Marilith snaps! OOC - Demedais.
[17:51] * Demedais advances to the edge of the blade barrier quickly, before uttering a prayer to Helm for victory in battle for his friends! OOC: Prayer. +1 luck bonus to attack/damage/saves/skill checks, -1 for the Marilith if she enters range (SR check applies).
[17:52] <Kotono> OOC - CL check.
[17:53] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 right
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 right and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[17:54] <Kotono> The Marilith's unnatural form seems to resist the prayer, even as Demedais' allies are bolstered! OOC - MArie.
[17:56] <Alicia> "The arrow demon just teleport away, don't know where it is!" Marie calls down, deciding to make herself useful and protect Alicia from the attack she so unwisely provoked by flying down behind her mistress, sheltering inside the ground beneath her feet while her aura extends above.
[17:57] <Kotono> The Marilith unleashes it's fury on Alicia with a primal scream, attacking her full out now, head to head!
[17:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22 (-3 PA)
[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 (-3 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=3]
[17:59] <Kotono> Alicia is fortunate, as the swordblow is fueled more by anger than accuracy! She deflects it aside, whizzing by her head harmlessly! Eudard approaches, supporting Alicia as well! Antenora, meanwhile, charges by, doing a fly-by attack and stabbing the Marilith with all she has!
[18:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+2 weapon, +2 FS 5/8, +2 charge, +6 smite, +1 flying, +2 bane, -10 PA)
[18:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+2 weapon, +2 FS 5/8, +2 charge, +6 smite, +1 flying, +2 bane, -10 PA) and gets 41."12 [1d20=16]
[18:02] <Kotono> roll 2d8+1d6+2d6+68
[18:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+1d6+2d6+68 and gets 92."12 [2d8=3, 8][1d6=5][2d6=6, 2]
[18:03] <Kotono> Flying by, the Marilith is raked by Antenora's spear, it's back torn open! As it staggers under this, Antenora ending up about twenty feet away from her, Pollyanna continues to fire arrows patiently, this time trying a single precise shot!
[18:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 35."12 [1d20=20]
[18:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 crit?
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 crit? and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[18:03] <Kotono> roll 3d8+12+1d8
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+12+1d8 and gets 30."12 [3d8=4, 2, 6][1d8=6]
[18:04] <Kotono> The arrow goes right into the back of the marilith's neck, a perfect shot! Alicia can see the tip of it jutting out of the creature's front-throat, as trickles of blood come out from it! The Marilith's voice cries out, impossibly garbled by this wound! OOC - Alicia.
[18:06] <Alicia> "Also you lack discipline," Alicia concludes coldly as she parries the strike before leveraging it into a vicious slap with the flat of her blade at the demon's wounded midsection, pivoting on her heel before striking with the reverse on its tail. She follows this up as much as necessary to incapacitate her foe.
[18:07] <Alicia> OOC: using bracers, channeling 1 5th level slot, divine might
[18:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 and gets 30."12 [1d20=5]
[18:07] <Alicia> OOC: also nonlethal
[18:08] <Alicia> 2d6+21+2d6+1d6+5d4
[18:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d6+21+2d6+1d6+5d4 and gets 53."12 [2d6=2, 5][2d6=4, 6][1d6=5][5d4=2, 1, 2, 1, 4]
[18:14] <Kotono> The Marilith is knocked out cold by this, crumpling down onto the floor from that savage beating! OOC - No visible foes, free act.
[18:14] * Demedais muses. "Was this all, then? We lost the arrow demon, it seems..."
[18:14] * Alicia proceeds to cast Message to link everyone together. "That succubus could be hiding nearby - Demedais, check the cave, Pollyanna you guard the snake. Everyone else fan out," she instructs quickly as she and Marie proceed to move off and scan the surrounding area for evil auras.
[18:17] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais nods, opening his eyes up for chaos as he heads down into the cave.
[18:18] <Kotono> As they start to spread out, "It wasn't as hard a battle as I expected..." Eudard observes.
[18:18] <Kotono> Pollyanna goes to guard the snake, while the party fans out! (More)
[18:19] <Alicia> "They were stupid," Alicia replies through message. "Only the marilith bothered to use her special abilities, and she was still easily goaded into a melee."
[18:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 belated SR for channeled enervation
[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 belated SR for channeled enervation and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
[18:22] <Alicia> roll 1d4 negative levels
[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4 negative levels and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[18:24] <Kotono> Hesitating a moment, "The arrow demon fought well," she observes, "Fortunately it didn't have a chance to turn the tide." As you fan out, no sign of the succubus. Demedais checks out the cave! No sign of the succubus in there, either. However, there's some scattered papers littered around as well as a clear crystal prism, with a few bits of splotchy red-purple blood floating in it.
[18:29] * Demedais looks it over for magic.
[18:30] <Alicia> After a moment of searching the surface Alicia calls a halt. "It could be anywhere by now. We'll have to ask our captive." And so she returns to the snake-woman and sees about seperating her from her swords.
[18:30] <Kotono> It radiates faint magic.
[18:30] <Kotono> The swords are seperated. Pollyanna smiles a little to that, "Good. The damned thing rather disturbed me. What creature needs all those arms?
[18:31] <Kotono> "
[18:31] * Demedais tries to identify the magic based on what Alicia and Seira have taught him.
[18:31] <Kotono> "Promoted whores of the Abyss?" With a glance to Alicia, "Was that about that battle on the Astral?"
[18:31] <Kotono> OOC - Spellcraft
[18:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 support!
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 support! and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[18:32] <Alicia> "And yet still has no legs," Alicia agrees as she the sword of the sealed gate after putting the demon's blades away twenty feet from her fallen form. "They're very short tempered. After I accused one of having slept her way to her current form she all but admitted it."
[18:32] <Kotono> Faint divination.
[18:33] * Demedais looks over the rest of the room for magic, before gingerly picking up the crystal and papers.
[18:34] <Kotono> "They're creatures of chaos. Higher f unctions like intellect and patience are scarce," Antenora kneels down, helping remove the swords as well. There's no other magic about the cave that Demedais sees.
[18:34] <Alicia> "Yeah, like law really values independent free thinking," Marie replies indignantly.
[18:35] <Alicia> "Everything okay down there, Demedais?" Alicia asks through the message spell, ignoring the ethical debate springing up nearby.
[18:35] <Kotono> "Within the confines of acceptable rules, yes." Antenora glances back at Marie. "It's called structure, not slavery."
[18:35] <Alicia> "So you admit that it's limited," Marie nods, having reverted to physical form, seemingly satisfied to call this one a win.
[18:36] <Demedais> "No sign of anyone down here." he whispers back, giving one more sweep around the room normally before carrying the papers and crystal up.
[18:36] <Alicia> "What'cha got there?" Marie scoots over to Demedais as he climbs back up with his haul.
[18:37] <Kotono> Antenora starts to say something, but cuts herself off. Instead, Eudard approahces Demedais. "Papers? Arcane scrolls, perhpas?"
[18:37] <Kotono> Pollyanna goes to Demedais' side, "We should get that wound of yours patched up," she says quietly to him.
[18:38] <Demedais> "Some papers and this prism." Demedais replies. "I don't think they're scrolls?"
[18:38] <Alicia> "What do they say?" Marie angles to try and get a look at the scrolls, conjuring up some dancing lights for everyone else. Alicia's glowiness might be nice but you'd still strain your eyes if you read by it.
[18:40] <Kotono> OOc - What languages can you read, Marie?
[18:40] <Alicia> OOC: All of them~
[18:42] <Kotono> The writing is in Abyssal. It looks to be apprasals of the human lands here from a scout. It's judging which would be best for a first massacre in the name of Seira.
[18:43] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 planes, does Marie know of any demons called Seira?
[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 planes, does Marie know of any demons called Seira? and gets 35."12 [1d20=18]
[18:44] <Kotono> Marie doesn't recalla nything relevant to that. The only person she knows of named Seira is, well, Seira.
[18:44] <Alicia> "Um... it looks like these demons are working for someone called Seira," Marie observes as she fidgets uncomfortably. "I don't suppose anyone's heard of any other Seiras, no?"
[18:45] <Alicia> "It's... not a common name," Alicia admits with a frown. "Well, perhaps our captive can shed some light on it..."
[18:46] * Demedais seemingly blanches for a moment, before recovering and turning steel-faced. "...Yes, this is likely the case."
[18:47] * Alicia holds up the sword of the sealed gate above the marilith before she pauses, glancing towards Antenora with a speculative look. After a moment of hesitation, she channels an alter self spell into it and then gently whaps the demon enough to both employ the dimensional anchor and channel her spell to transform the giant multi-armed snake into a far less threatening tiefling.
[18:47] <Kotono> "We'll get the information from it, oh yes," Antenora glances back at the Marilith in the young night, "There's surely a good story behind this, I just know it.
[18:47] <Kotono> "
[18:51] <Kotono> The Marilith shrinks down to the form of a tiefling on command, anchored away!
[18:52] <Alicia> "Antenora and Marie, you two stand ready to hit her if she acts up - she can still use that blade wall even now that I've done this to her," Alicia instructs, finally casting voice of the archon to bolster her persuasiveness before she begins to heal the transformed demon.
[18:52] <Alicia> OOC: lay on hands up to 17hp, will stop when she wakes up
[18:56] <Kotono> As Eudard positions back safely, Antenora positions to hit the transformed Marilith! 15 HP get it back to awareness, eyes snapping open! It starts to sit up, before glancing down at it's mere two arms!
[18:57] <Alicia> "Stay down," Alicia suggests, her tone not entirely hostile but not friendly either. "We'd like to ask you a few questions."
[19:01] <Kotono> The marilith look up at Alicia, glaring - and then blades start to appear around Alicia! Then...
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 (-4 nonlethal)
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 (-4 nonlethal) and gets 36."12 [1d20=20]
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 (-4 nonlethal) crit?
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 (-4 nonlethal) crit? and gets 18."12 [1d20=2]
[19:02] <Kotono> roll 3d8+27+2d6+3d10
[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+27+2d6+3d10 and gets 67."12 [3d8=3, 6, 5][2d6=1, 6][3d10=7, 2, 10]
[19:02] <Kotono> WHAM! Right back down she goes, the butt of Antenora's spear sending her back to dreamland.
[19:02] * Alicia sighs. "We could be in for a long evening," she rubs her temple in irritation.
[19:02] <Kotono> "Did you expect anything else from a failure of a marilith," Antenora sighs.
[19:03] <Kotono> "We can't really drag it back to Balmuria, though, can we?" Pollyanna shrugs, "If we're safe, we can at least camp for the evening if this takes awhile?"
[19:03] <Alicia> "I nearly tapped myself out there. Can someone else wake her up this time?" Alicia asks.
[19:04] * Demedais nods and comes forward. "I'd second camping here. This being said..."
[19:04] <Demedais> First Demedais uses his lay on hands!
[19:05] <Demedais> OOC: 28.
[19:05] <Kotono> That heals the marilith, but not quite enough to waken it!
[19:05] <Demedais> "Hmph." Demedais grunts, before focusing more energy on her. "How bad -did- you hit her?"
[19:06] <Demedais> roll 3d8+6 (sac Magic Circle against Chaos)
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 3d8+6 (sac Magic Circle against Chaos) and gets 16."12 [3d8=2, 6, 2]
[19:06] <Kotono> "Hard," Antenora says, "I saw how Marie and Alicia got cut up by that wall."
[19:06] <Kotono> THat does it. The Marilith snaps awake again!
[19:06] * Demedais nods in reply to this.
[19:07] <Alicia> "Don't make us do that again," Alicia sternly tells the transformed fiend as she looks down.
[19:07] <Kotono> "What do you want," The fiend snaps. "You won, finish the battle."
[19:07] <Alicia> "Two of yours retreated - the succubus and the arrow demon. I want to know where they went," Alicia replies.
[19:12] <Kotono> "What are you going to do, cry until I tell you?" Glaring up at Alicia, "You don't have the heart to make me talk."
[19:12] * Alicia nods to her familiar, who chirps out a cheery, "Talk!"
[19:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 SR
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 SR and gets 19."12 [1d20=4]
[19:13] <Alicia> "Oh, I hate spell resistance," Alicia sighs. "Well, I can scertainly try again. Tell us everything we want to know," she instructs after Marie's suggestion fails.
[19:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 SR
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 SR and gets 20."12 [1d20=5]
[19:14] <Kotono> The Marilith smirks, "Your magic is nothing to us." Crossing her arms, "I'm not going to tell a stinking paladin"
[19:14] <Kotono> The Marilith smirks, "Your magic is nothing to us." Crossing her arms, "I'm not going to tell a stinking paladin anything!"
[19:15] <Kotono> Antenora smiles a little at that, "She'll make yout alk and make you her friend, one way or another." Almost cheery at that, although ominous, "Save yourself a lot of pain."
[19:15] <Alicia> "I admit I prefer swordplay over magic, unlike yourself," Alicia concedes. "But I have a lot of spells nonetheless." Casting it again she has Marie go first, although her familiar looks a bit put out at having to do a repeat.
[19:16] <Alicia> "Tell us because they abandoned you to your fate and it'll be fun to think about what we'll do to them when we find them?" she suggests breezily.
[19:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 c'mon
[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 c'mon and gets 32."12 [1d20=17]
[19:16] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 will save, perhaps modded since it's so reasonable?
[19:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 29."12 [1d20=15]
[19:18] <Kotono> OOC - You're not getting a -9 or better, so it's moot.
[19:18] <Kotono> "Go to Hell." Rolling her eyes at them again, "Kill me and be done with it.
[19:18] <Kotono> "
[19:18] <Kotono> "
[19:19] <Alicia> "The sooner you answer our questions the sooner we send you back where you came from," Alicia suggests with a frown.
[19:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 SR
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 SR and gets 23."12 [1d20=8]
[19:19] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 yadda yadda
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 32."12 [1d20=20]
[19:20] <Kotono> "And give you the satistifaction of knowledge? You don't deserve it!"
[19:21] * Alicia decides to just forgo the spells for the moment since they're more trouble than they're worth. "We beat you," she replies, leaning towards the fiend. "You, a supposed general of the Abyss and tactical genius? Perhaps if you're helpful enough I could even reward you with some knowledge by explaining just how badly you handled that battle?"
[19:23] <Kotono> "Why should I trust you?" Looking back, "You're trying to use me."
[19:24] <Alicia> "Because I'm a paladin, as you so astutely pointed out a moment ago?" Alicia asks in return. "One of those stupid do-gooders who keep their word and have silly weaknesses like compassion and honour?"
[19:25] <Kotono> OOC - Make a diplo check? +2 bonus.
[19:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+30
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+30 and gets 36."12 [1d20=6]
[19:27] <Kotono> "The succubus fled. Stupid bitch was more interested in going to seduce and corrupt mortals than knowing her place." With utter hatred and disdain, "The archer demon willr eturn to the wastes to regroup and try to find others as planned."
[19:27] <Alicia> "Alright, where would it regroup? Are there any others besides the ones with you today?" Alicia asks, pleased they're getting somewhere.
[19:29] <Kotono> "A few stragglers securing our rear. Babau, far in the waste."
[19:29] <Alicia> "Is there a specific location they operate from, like this one?" Alicia gestures to the concealed cave entrance. The wastes are awfully big, after all.
[19:30] <Kotono> "No, they can find each other," she answers.
[19:30] <Alicia> Probably best to just try scrying on the arrow demon, in that case. "Okay, did the succubus mention any locations or mortals in particular it would be interested in?"
[19:33] <Kotono> "Big cities. The bigger the better," With a look of disdain, "She mighte ven go to your city. She's daring enough to be that reckless."
[19:34] * Disconnected
[19:34] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
[19:34] * Rejoined channel #dunes
[19:34] * Topic is 'Pollyanna(24)>Alicia>Arrow Demon(21)>Succubus(20)>Demedais>Marie(17)>Marilith(12)>Eudard(8)>Antenora(6)'
[19:34] * Set by Kotono on Sat Jan 03 17:34:27
[19:34] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[19:35] <Ebiris> "I look forward to meeting her, in that case. Alright, one more thing - your notes made reference to serving someone called Seira," she gestures towards Demedais and the scrolls he holds. "Care to elaborate?"
[19:35] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5443d6e5.lns6-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris))
[19:35] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:37] <Kotono> "Why, Captain Seira of the Crimson Guard," With a narrow, vicious look, "She likes to bend her knees to the strong."
[19:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 sense motive, say it ain't so
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 sense motive, say it ain't so and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[19:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 these things have good social skills
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 these things have good social skills and gets 28."12 [1d20=4]
[19:39] * Demedais eyes the demon at this.
[19:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 uh-huh, really?
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 uh-huh, really? and gets 23."12 [1d20=5]
[19:39] <Kotono> "How casually impudent!" Pollyanna exclaims. "Do you really want to die that badly by insulting us?"
[19:40] * Alicia narrows her eyes. "You say she bends her knees to the strong, yet you claim to serve her yourself? I'll need you to better explain how this all works."
[19:41] <Kotono> "She took the mark of Gurlan, the balor lord of the Green Castle." Answering that with a vicious little smirk, "Her heart isa s dark as any demon's."
[19:41] <Alicia> "She's done a pretty good job of hiding it," Marie marvels. "I never suspected a thing!"
[19:43] <Alicia> "Green Castle? I even remember her mentioning that, back before the war with Malmuth..." Alicia looks somewhat shocked by this. "So... if she's a servant of this balor, what's your connection to her?"
[19:43] * Demedais raises an eyebrow. "Oh, that's what this is about."
[19:43] <Kotono> Antenora glares down at the tiefling, but says nothing for the moment.
[19:43] * Alicia looks towards Demedais in surprise.
[19:45] <Demedais> "Tell me. Has she been giving you orders, then?" Demedais asks, voice neutral.
[19:45] <Kotono> "Yes." The Marilith smirks at that, "To burn down and kill."
[19:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 has she, now?
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 has she, now? and gets 37."12 [1d20=19]
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 these things have good social skills
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 these things have good social skills and gets 27."12 [1d20=3]
[19:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 me too
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 me too and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
[19:49] <Alicia> "Okay, this is far too important to risk the chance that you're lying," Alicia declares, casting her spell of persuasion once more before clearly intoning. "Tell me everything about Seira's relationship with Gurlan."
[19:49] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 SR
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 SR and gets 27."12 [1d20=12]
[19:49] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21, please roll low
[19:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15."12 [1d20=3]
[19:49] <Demedais> "Huh. How fascinating." Demedais says, carefully pocketing the items and papers before looking to Alicia with a startled, somewhat frustrated expression..
[19:51] <Alicia> OOC: strike my bit
[19:52] <Demedais> OOC: strike my line as well, rephrasing
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC: Right-o.
[19:55] <Demedais> "Huh. How fascinating." Demedais says with a deep frown, turning around to put the papers in his backpack. As he does so, he whispers through Message, "Complete bull. I know what's going on and will explain it later. Would like to trick her into believing we swallowed it. Don't ham it up." With that, he turns back around, a stiff expression on his face. "Once we're done here, you can begin looking into this more, Alicia. For
[19:55] <Demedais> "Once we're done here, you can begin looking into this more, Alicia. For now, however, I think we may as well finish up here."
[19:57] * Alicia does not have to act at all to seem upset right now. "That's enough," she raises her blade before intoning, "Return to the Abyss, fiend," as she brings it down.
[19:58] <Kotono> Stabbing the demon, it return sto the abyss in a howl of stinking sulphur wind! Once it's gone, "...its' not true, is it?" Eudard asks quietly.
[19:59] <Alicia> "Explain. Quickly, please" Alicia insists as she turns towards Demedais.
[20:04] <Demedais> "She's on our side even more strongly than she was before, if such a thing is possible." Demedais shakes his head in reply. "My knowledge of the situation was as follows; she fell into a trap within Irenes' castle, and was cursed by said Gurlan - this did have the effect of cursing her to the heart. However, the curse was removed by the same golden dragon that gave us the dragon to defeat Malmuth." Demedais shakes his head.
[20:04] <Demedais> Demedais shakes his head. (More)
[20:07] <Demedais> "The dragon gave his word that Seira was cleansed, and Seira herself has passed my scrutiny since then." Demedais pauses. "I would not have accepted or allowed her assistance since then. This being said, I wasn't aware this hadn't been disclosed fully."
[20:08] <Alicia> "No. Neither of you felt the need to mention it after returning from Irenes' lair, though I can't imagine why," Alicia replies in frustration. "Clearly it's better for all concerned that I get to hear it from the lips of a demon claiming to be acting in her name."
[20:10] <Kotono> "Ask Seira why..." Rubbing her temple a moment, "Seira's incredibly lucky that she got out of that so easily, too."
[20:11] <Demedais> "Partially because it was completely resolved by that time, and because it's not my business to be the bard for every single trial she gets herself in?" Demedais replies with about equal frustration. "I'm not disagreeing with her luck. But the issue was, from my impression, finished." Demedais says, shaking his head.
[20:12] <Alicia> "Why would a demon just curse her and let her go like that?" Alicia still seems dubious. "Bah. I will ask her myself - pack up everyone, we're going home. Marie, see if you can get anything from where I hit that arrow demon that could help in scrying on it."
[20:13] <Alicia> Marie dutifully flies over to where the arrow demon was standing when it took a spellfire blast, searching for blood-spatter or dismembered body parts without complaint. Better than being around Alicia right now, as far as she's concerned.
[20:13] <Kotono> There are several swords left behind, as well as a bit of jewelry. One bangle looks to be made of silver, with a design of a snake eating a vulture.
[20:14] <Demedais> "Because the curse did, for that time, make her probably about as blackhearted as them." Demedais replies wearily. "I'd guess the demon was leaping at a chance to corrupt someone with... the potential Seira has."
[20:16] <Kotono> There's not much left - just a little bit of blood soaking into the grond.
[20:16] <Kotono> Ground.
[20:16] <Alicia> "You don't corrupt someone with a magic spell that can be removed by the first dragon she bumps into," Alicia scowls as she gathers up the jewellery while Marie scrapes some blood onto a small stone and flies back. "There's more to this."
[20:17] <Demedais> "The dragon was a bloody godlike great wyrm ghost on his way to enlightenment, and likely the mount for one of Torm's friends during the time period where he was still virtuous."
[20:18] <Alicia> roll 1d100 for the garrison
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 for the garrison and gets 47."12 [1d100=47]
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d2 1 Alicia 2 Demedais
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 1 Alicia 2 Demedais and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
[20:26] <Kotono> That evening, as Alicia prepares to lie down in her bed, 'Seira in Kesse, captured, could be dying. Sharrans hold her in cathedral. Kort, Armanda, Albert of royality. Coming in morning. Celebrimbor.'
[20:27] <Alicia> "What? Oh Mystra..." Alicia is caught off guard enough to waste words in replying, "Okay, will let everyone know. We'll wait for you at the garrison." Turns out she didn't need that many, anyway.
[20:29] * Alicia gets up and gets dressed again, going to tell Antenora and Marie first of all before she goes to inform Obureth, Demedais, Elle, and Donald. In that order.
[20:31] <Kotono> The next morning is a bleary eyed one for many. With sleep being interrupted, many gather in the garrison. Antenora sits besides Alicia, almost definately untired. Donald paces besides a wall, wearing his full armor and muttering. Elle has even come, sitting primly, though her eyes are slightly red. Commander Oberuth leads Celebrimbor in. The old elf has a staff with a dragon's head, using it to help him walk. He wears a deep red cloak, hints o
[20:31] <Kotono> using it to help him walk. He wears a deep red cloak, hints of scrolls seen rolled up in his belt.
[20:32] <Alicia> Marie stands on the table between Alicia and Antenora while the former gets up as the elf enters. "Good morning, Lord Celebrimbor."
[20:32] <Kotono> Getting a seat out for Celebrimbor before he goes to sit, "If you ahven't met him face to face, this is Lord Celebrimbor Drake, scion of the House Drake." Oberuth says, "But onto business.
[20:32] <Kotono> "
[20:34] <Kotono> "I wish I could say this was a good morning," Celebrimbor's tone is solemnly graven. "Yesterday I cast Sending to contact Seira, as she was a few days late in returning the teleportation ring she borrowed from Pallanth."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Yeah, she's in Kesse. She took those mercenaries home. The group with the big guy, the blind guy and the bitchy girl," Donald adds, looking up briefly.
[20:35] <Alicia> "Did she go after Albert herself or did they come after her?" Alicia asks, wondering.
[20:36] <Kotono> "The reply I got was highly disturbing. To quote, 'I'm sorry, They caught me. Land of Kesse. Alicia knows. Held in cathedral. Sharrans, local royal family. Albert, Kort, Armanda. Help. I'm on borrowed time.'"
[20:36] <Alicia> "Have you had any further communications?" Alicia asks, wanting to have an up to date situation before she commits to any planning.
[20:36] <Kotono> "I don't know." Celebrimbor sighs there, "Our exchange of information was very limited. I intend to try Sending her once I commit this information to you."
[20:37] <Alicia> "Can you do so now?" Alicia asks. "It'd be best to know exactly what her situation is before we start making plans."
[20:37] <Alicia> "And how she got into it."
[20:37] * Demedais rubs his head. "I can try to perform a divination as well. It may prove useful."
[20:38] <Kotono> "Very well." As Celebrimbor begins to cast, minutes slipping by, "By all means," Commander Oberuth says. "If Seira's gotten into trouble...losing her would be a blow to the guard. Further, anything that can do that to her is a threat. Further.." Starting to narrow his eyes, "Weren't they the ones behind the Erenholm massacre?"
[20:38] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia nods grimly. "It sounds like the entire rulership are followers of Shar - we can't count on having any friends over there."
[20:39] <Kotono> Antenora crosses her arms, glancing back at Alicia. Mentally, 'Seira's popular today,' she observes, though her voice grows more chilly as Oberuth speaks. 'Oh yes, Erenholm. I'm coming. They need to be stopped by any means we have.'
[20:39] * Demedais nods slightly, before going to a side to perform the divination, beginning his prayers to Helm to get something out of Seira.
[20:40] <Alicia> 'This is more important than the demon's innuendo,' Alicia replies mentally. 'I don't really believe she's working with them anyway, but even if she is we can't leave her in the hands of Sharrans. If she's still alive.'
[20:43] <Demedais> A slight sigh, before a prayer of thanks, then, "She's escaped the evil..." Demedais begins as he finishes his divination, "but it sounds like there's something in Kesse we need to address nonetheless. It sounds like she's not on this plane anymore, either."
[20:44] <Alicia> "She's alive then," Alicia nods. "Lets see what she tells Celebrimbor."
[20:44] <Demedais> A pause, before Demedais recites the divination in its whole. "'Seira has gone afar from the world to escape the evil, but the greatest danger lies in what she left behind in her flight.'"
[20:44] * Demedais nods to this and sits down.
[20:44] <Kotono> Celebrimbor continues to chant! As he does, "What she left behind?" Oberuth asks.
[20:44] <Alicia> "Psychotic evil worshippers of the goddess of loss?" Alicia hazards in reply. "Who happen to rule an entire kingdom?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "Ah." Shaking his head, "Nevermind then."
[20:45] <Demedais> "If she was taken capture?" Demedais' face is dark. "While it might mean that, it likely also refers to the items she had with her and couldn't recover before her escape."
[20:46] * Alicia winces. "We're in trouble in that case. Bad enough when they could shadow walk here, but her ring of teleport and the elves' greater teleport ring? To say nothing of the Second Resort..." she shakes her head, "We may be in for reprisals."
[20:46] <Kotono> "Ah shit," Donald's face goes colorless there, "I think she carries almost everything with her. It's in that bag of holding of hers."
[20:47] <Alicia> "They could pop up anywhere," Marie shivers and looks around worriedly.
[20:47] <Kotono> "Wonderful," Celebrimbor winces, "This presents another problem. The ring was lent to Seira as a special gift by His Majesty Lorthan. If it's lost, it will cause deep strain between the Baronies and Pallanth."
[20:47] <Demedais> "We'll likely need Seira to help catch anyone using those rings." Demedais replies. "But we can try and figure out a way to reclaim the rest of it."
[20:48] <Kotono> On finishing the spell, Celebrimbor scowls darkly. "No response. However, if she is afar on the planes, the sending could have failed for that reason."
[20:49] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia takes a deep breath and spreads her palms on the table. "Kesse is deeply hostile territory further than any of us have travelled. Further, we'd be remiss not to expect them to attack us if they caught Seira attacking them - which they can do with impunity using that ring." (more)
[20:50] <Alicia> "That means if we all went racing over to Kesse we'd be leaving Balmuria defenceless. So I propose that Marie and I attempt to first find a path there by long distance teleporting through the jungle. Once there we'll take note of the situation and try to lay some groundwork for taking down the royal family, then come back to collect others. How does that sound?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "I can manage greater teleport," Celebrimbor speaks up here, "However, I've never been to Kesse and I need at least a reliable description of a place there to teleport."
[20:52] <Demedais> "I can describe the temple in the jungle that Eudard and I were in. That might be close enough for a short leap for you three?" Demedais hazards.
[20:52] <Alicia> "And the only people who could provide that went away with Seira," Alicia frowns. "Where was this temple, Demedais?"
[20:54] <Kotono> ""I don't care as long as I can kick their royal asses," Donald calls, "Just take me along when it's time. "
[20:54] <Demedais> "Within the jungle." Demedais shakes his head. "I would guess it was about in the middle; that was about the impression I received." A thought, before: "Maybe someone in the bar they frequented heard enough stories of Kesse that they can give an accounting of the situation."
[20:55] <Kotono> "They talked to a few regulars when they were at Seira's, but they weren't there all tha tlong," Donald speaks up, "I know where they were staying before, though."
[20:55] <Demedais> "That may be our best option, then." Demedais nods.
[20:56] <Alicia> "I really need to know where it is in relation to a place I've been - like 400 miles northwest of Kelara or something like that," Alicia explains. "Otherwise I can't really target it. Still, the jungle can't be that big - one or two teleports could surely get me clear across it then I could get better directions from a town on the other side."
[20:57] * Demedais nods slightly. "I can't help much more unless we have a map of the jungle, which is unlikely."
[20:57] <Demedais> "So our best bet is finding someone who can tell us all about it,
[20:57] <Kotono> "We don't." Oberuth adds here. "Our farthest maps are of Kelara and around that. The jungle's a large dead end, from what I recall hearing."
[20:57] <Alicia> "Even back home no one had ever crossed it completely that I ever heard of," Alicia agrees. "Or at least, crossed it and come back."
[21:01] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia takes a deep breath after that silence. "Besides that, they'll clearly be on guard for further visitors from our part of the world, so we'd need to be very careful about being inconspicuous." She takes out a Baronies minted gold coin and presses it on the table.
[21:01] <Alicia> "I'll need to change my money for jewels or something then sell them on the other side for local coins. And probably travel in disguise - according to that monk they've heard of me over there."
[21:02] <Alicia> "Better not wear your distinctive armour as well," Marie points out.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Yes, wearing Mystra's holy symbol would be a death warrant," Antenora agrees, "I could loan you mine if you want?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "I'll come with you," Celebrimbor says, "So two of us can manage the teleporting if something happens to require that."
[21:04] * Demedais nods. "Indeed. That's likely a good idea."
[21:04] <Kotono> "For that matter," Donald starts to grin, "Hey Demedais, you should wear a wig if you go over there."
[21:04] <Alicia> "I'll probably just take a chain shirt from the armoury, but thank you Antenora," Alicia nods to the erinyes. "Mithral by itself is distinctive, and I want to do everything I can to avoid notice. Do you have spells for disguising yourself, Lord Drake?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "Naturally, I can memorize as such," Celebrimbor says before he leans back. "My spellbooks are extremely well stocked."
[21:07] <Alicia> "Okay then, lets go see if we can buy some jewels first of all then get stocked up for our trip. Anyone have any suggestions before that?" Alicia looks around the others present.
[21:08] * Demedais thinks for a few moments. "I'll give you all some advice just in case your time in the jungle is longer than expected. There are some quite dangerous animals in there."
[21:08] <Alicia> "Just animals or anything fantastic?" Alicia asks.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Demedais, are there any other divinations you can use to help?" Oberuth asks, "Our priorities are rescuing Seira, recovering the lost treasures and capturing or killing those accursed royals. As far as your orders go, they're dead men walking."
[21:09] <Demedais> "My only other thought... Her message seems to point out the three royals specifcally guilty - Albert, Kort, Armanda..." A pause, before Demedais thinks on Oberuth's questions.
[21:09] * Alicia nods to the Commander. "For now I just want to gather information and establish some groundwork for when we come over in force. I don't want to get in over my head like Seira did - they can hardly be amateurs to have captured her, after all."
[21:09] <Kotono> "The entire royal house is infested," Antenora nearly spits at that, "We had wondered if it was just one deviant prince before."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Yes, absolutely," Oberuth agrees, "If you get into any trouble, retreat. Don't make a stand."
[21:10] <Alicia> "Looks like we'll be following in David's footsteps," Alicia comments with a dry smile at Antenora. "Hopefully we'll do better than he did."
[21:11] <Demedais> "There still may be innocents amongst them." Demedais replies to Antenora, before saying to Oberuth, "It is possible that a priest at the temple will be able to commune with Helm, but I cannot myself as of yet. That could provide more information on what they plan to do with Seira's items."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Antenora smiles right back, leaning a ltitle more than Alicia. "While Demedais is right, it's imperitive to not let the Sharrans hold onto an entire country. It'll infect and rot into a hell all it's own."
[21:12] <Alicia> "We might be able to get some informants in the palace while we're there - I intend to try at any rate," Alicia nods. "Like I said, I'll see what I can do to lay some groundwork so that when we do hit them it'll be when they're at their weakest."
[21:14] <Kotono> "There's another point. This royal family...is it normal for them to worship Shar, or is this a new deviation? If it's new, who started it?" Celebrimbor stops here, tapping his forehead, "Think. Things happen for a reason and not out of the sky-blue. They mentioned a cathedral - this isnt' just a little cult, it speaks of being established."
[21:16] <Alicia> "From what Serge and the others said, Shar wasn't publicly popular over there, at least. But there's no telling what's beneath the surface," Alicia muses. "The fact of the matter, though, is that no matter what people believe in, the royal family is in charge and can count on levels of support we simply won't have over there."
[21:19] <Kotono> "At best, we may have three friends over there," Antenora says. "Even if we tell them the truth, who will believe us over there?"
[21:20] <Alicia> "I can be pretty persuasive," Alicia smiles grimly. "But if Seira was captured we can't really count on Serge and the others. If they're captured as well we'll help them, but if they're not... it would be a risk."
[20:40] <Kotono> ---
[20:42] <Kotono> Demedais and Celebrimbor spend some time chatting, then Celebrimbor briefly vists Eudard. By the time the two meet at the garrison again, it's about noon. Celebrimbor stands out here, common soldiers giving the elderly elf a wide berth of respect. "I believe I have enough to make an attempt. This temple rather stands out, so it makes my job far easier."
[20:45] * Alicia is dressed in a simple ash coloured tunic and pants right now, her hair tied back in a ponytail and a quarterstaff in one hand. "From there we'll see if we can see the edge of the jungle - if not I can just shoot blindly for it, although we may get slightly scrambled in the process." She doesn't sound overly thrilled at the prospect, but nonetheless resigned to it.
[20:45] <Alicia> Marie sits on Alicia's shoulder for now, still wearing her lovely plainswalker robes.
[20:49] <Kotono> "An unhappy prospect. Teleport is notorious for failing at the wrong time," Celebrimbor agrees, "Give me your hands and I'll begin the magic."
[20:50] * Alicia takes Celebrimbor's hand easily enough while Marie flies down and clasps both of her tiny limbs around his other hand.
[20:52] <Kotono> "Distances of the world, compress to my will! In the name of Shaundakul part the winds and reveal the true path!" The world momentarily twists around you, transforming as you are carried on the wings of mighty magic! (More)
[20:53] <Kotono> It is a sea of green. Not the watery-green of the Bay of Sparkling Stars, but a verdant green. A green of trees, leaves and life. You stand at the top of a great path atop a mammonth hill, looking ahead. Oh...! Your vision is transfixed with the view! Before you is an endless green sea, infinite tree-tops below you. The top of a great jungle canopy, warm sunshine and air flowing around you in the morning light. (More)
[20:53] <Kotono> warm sunshine and air flowing around you in the morning light. (More)
[20:54] <Kotono> As birdsong fills your ears, you glance a path with statues ascending up to this point. It plunges back into the jungle, dark and hidden by the canopy. Behind you is a gigantic temple, cast of weathered gray rock.
[20:55] <Kotono> The scents of this place are overwhelming - of plant life, of pollen, of exotic scents. It's like a dozen perfumes mixed together, fresh as can be. It's intoxicating and too much and not enough at once, flowing upward from the jungles all below.
[20:56] <Alicia> "This must be it..." Alicia spends a moment looking around, smelling the verdant aroma of the jungle and basking in the warm sunshine before she addresses her familiar. "Marie, fly up as high as you can until you can see the edge of the jungle to the West?"
[20:56] <Alicia> "Got it!" Marie grins. "At least there's no clouds here," she cheers before zipping up up and away.
[20:58] <Kotono> As Marie soars up, Celebrimbor turns and studies the temple. "It's enormous. I had not though the means to construct such a building would exist in these lands. Had it not been Demedais telling me it in such a serious situation, I would not have believed it."
[20:59] <Alicia> "It's probably very old," Alicia muses as she rests her hand on the stonework. "There's no telling what this place was like when it was built."
[21:01] <Kotono> "If I had leisure and time..." Celebrimbor murmurs, "But Demedais also said that it's still used by the natives for religious purposes. Talos, no less," A snort there, "This world continues to deal me surprises. I had thought that I had uncovered most of what there was to see in this existance."
[21:02] <Alicia> "A lot of preconceptions have been challenged this past year," Alicia agrees, sitting down and rolling up her sleeves before she leans back to soak up the sunshine while waiting on Marie. "The part of the world we know - from Kelara to Pallanth or Malmuth - just how small is it?"
[21:04] <Kotono> Celebrimbor follows suit, carefully placing his weathered body down. "I've heard of lands beyond this on occasion. Little things, old fragments or fourth hand stories of questionable veracity. But to the south-southwest are the wastes, to the west-northwest are the jungles, and to the east is Chillander's domain and unexplored mountains. There's surely more world beyond. But, for all practical p urposes, it's irrelevant to all but a rare few."
[21:05] <Kotono> But, for all practical p urposes, it's irrelevant to all but a rare few."
[21:05] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Marie rises up! She's ascending, but so far all she sees is more jungle! Lots more jungle in every direction. There's a small break near the hill with a raging river, the canopy coming apart ever so slightly to show it.
[21:07] <Alicia> Marie doesn't have a reason to stop just yet, she can fly a lot higher.
[21:07] <Alicia> Meanwhile Alicia nods to Celebrimbor, "Even this thing with Kesse is beyond the limits of reasonable travel. War or trade or diplomacy are meaningless between two kingdoms so far apart."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Yet here we go." Looking upward at the sun, "Seira has the sort of spirit to challenge that. Her father had it to a lesser degree, a burning desire to see what's beyond the next hill and horizon. No matter how pointless and dangerous it is, they'll keep going as long as it keeps their fancy. Sometimes, the rest of us have to try and keep up."
[21:14] * Alicia shakes her head. "I don't really see it that way. Kesse struck at us first by massacring the inhabitants of Erenholm. We had to respond... I just wish she hadn't done so by herself."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Of course. Still...They never would have, if not for whomever prompted this. Be it their dark Goddess Shar or another, we would have otherwise never have gone to deal with Kesse. But being headstrong, that's also Seira." After a thoughtful pause, "I hope she lives to regret this mistake. I've never heard her so shaken up."
[21:17] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Marie goes higher! Below her the temple is growing smaller, Alicia and Celebrimbor dots on the ground! The jungle expands in all directions! Far to the east, Marie can catch a glimpse of blue ocean.
[21:19] <Alicia> "You heard Demedais, it sounds like she's fine," Alicia shrugs. "Probably stroll into Balmuria in a day or two as if nothing happened, knowing her."
[21:21] <Kotono> "I wonder." After another moment, "You don't sound so worried now."
[21:22] <Alicia> "I'm more worried about reprisals against Balmuria. Seira can handle almost anything, but not everyone's so lucky," Alicia reasons, briefly craning her neck up to see if she can spot Marie at all before she resumes studying their surroundings.
[21:29] <Kotono> Nope, Marie's pretty high up now. As she goes even higher, she can see that there's way more jungle on the horizon. Things are starting to get dicey from here, she's so high up.
[21:30] <Kotono> "Mmm. Curiously, do you know what drew this attack in the first place?"
[21:30] <Alicia> Marie decides that there's not much point in continuing and so starts to descend. Very fast. Whee!
[21:32] * Alicia scowls. "My name was mentioned, although I think it was more of a side bonus that they thought they might kill me. Albert trained a man living in Erenholm who then talked a woman living there into helping him murder everyone as part of some sick ceremony to Shar." (more)
[21:32] <Alicia> "At the time I wondered if perhaps he was acting so far afield so as to avoid any suspicion back home, but clearly with the whole royal family being in on it that theory holds no water."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Have you done anything to particularly irritate Shar?" Celebrimbor considers, "With the Gods waking up, you could be a prominent target now."
[21:36] <Alicia> "Not really," Alicia shrugs weakly. "When I was a teenager not long after joining the church I helped apprehend some followers of Shar in Kelara but they were just deluded fools - there wasn't a legitimate cleric or anything among them."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Curious." Celebrimbor considers, "There's usually a cause and effect leading to things. There are no coincidences, just events endlessly spinning and colliding with each other. What's the event that provoked Erenholm?"
[21:41] <Alicia> "Perhaps we'll have opportunity to ask," Alicia replies. "The massacre itself seemed to be prompted by a woman's descent into madness after her husband and son died in an accident, egged on by Albert's disciple. But why Albert chose to train that particular man living so far away? I have no idea."
[21:43] <Kotono> Celebrimbor glances up as he speaks, soaking in the sun. "Oh, your familiar's coming down," he says, and then, "I hate saying 'Because Shar told him so', even if it may be valid. I'd prefer if there's a solid reason I can put my hands on, some meaning to that meaningless slaughter."
[21:45] <Alicia> "There likely is, but guessing doesn't really do us much good," Alicia gets up to greet Marie.
[21:45] <Alicia> "I saw the sea to the East so we're probably not very far in the jungle. It was getting too high to really see, but I didn't see an edge of the jungle to the West," Marie explains as she slows down to flutter beside the pair.
[21:46] <Alicia> "Hmm, we're going to have to risk an unguided teleport then," Alicia winces in anticipation of the discomfort to come. "Are you going to be alright with this, Lord Drake?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "I can survive, I believe. I'll take a preparation first." Closing his eyes and murmuring words, vitality and life fill Celebrimbor!
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d10+10
[21:48] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5442156d.l5.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[21:48] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d10+10
[21:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d10+10 --> 6,0[ 1d10=2 ]4,0{12}
[21:49] <Kotono> After a pair of spells are cast, Celebrimbor stands next o Alicia. "I'm prepared.
[21:49] <Kotono> "
[21:52] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia takes the elf's hand while Marie lands on her head and squeezes her eyes shut. "Let the Weave supplant earth and air to speed us on our way!" the paladin intones, visualising the Western edge of the jungle with clear open terrain on the other side.
[21:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+80
[21:52] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+80 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{89}
[21:55] <Kotono> Wink! The two of you and Marie vanish! A moment later you stand at the bank of a vast river. It runs with water, hundreds of feet from bank to bank. Behind you is endless jungle, ahead of you - less dense jungle, starting to segue into sparse forest. Ont eh opposite bank, near where the s parse forest starts, is a stone monument of some sort. Six feet tall and well kept. There look to be wildflowers growing around it.
[21:56] <Alicia> "This looks more promising," Alicia looks around to get her bearings. "Marie, want to take a look at that monument there, see if it says anything?"
[21:56] <Alicia> "Aye aye!" Marie gives a zippy salute before she flies over to examine it.
[22:05] <Kotono> On the other side, Marie can read an inscription on the sturdy stone. 'Dedicated to all who ventured into the jungle, in honor of my father. May there be a happy end to your path.'
[22:05] <Alicia> Marie flies back to report her findings and then Alicia asks her to fly up until she can see any sign of civilisation in the distance.
[22:06] <Alicia> Which she dutifully does.
[22:07] <Kotono> Going up a ways, Marie can see a village in the distance. It connects to a road going north - the road seems to end at that village.
[22:10] <Alicia> Marie flies back down to report her findings. "Alright," Alicia nods, "We'll go there - we don't know if the village is part of Kesse or not so we should probably go in disguise. Marie, you'll have to hide in my backpack."
[22:10] <Alicia> Her familiar grumbles but nonetheless climbs in and makes herself comfortable while Alicia casts alter self to transform into a slightly overweight middle-aged woman with thoroughly grey-streaked hair and warm, matronly features.
[22:11] <Kotono> "You'll fit in well," Alicia hears from Celebrimbor. "Shall we?"
[22:12] <Alicia> Has Celebrimbor disguised himself?
[22:13] <Kotono> Celebrimbor takes a few moment, looking like an elderly, very slender human male now.
[22:14] <Alicia> "We'll see if anyone there has a map or failing that we'll ask for directions?" Alicia suggests, casting voice of the archon before she takes Celebrimbor's hand and teleports them all onto the road about half a mile from the village.
[22:14] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen once
[22:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 1,0seen once --> 6,0[ 1d100=98 ]4,0{98}
[22:14] <Kotono> OOC: Moment.
[22:14] <Kotono> OOC: Lemme open up the SRD for that hilarity.
[22:14] <Alicia> roll 1d20+80 mishap
[22:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+80 1,0mishap --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{84}
[22:15] <Kotono> roll 1d10
[22:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d10 --> 6,0[ 1d10=2 ]4,0{2}
[22:15] <Alicia> OOC: similar area to the road leading to the village... well that's fine
[22:18] <Kotono> Guuuuuh! The teleportation leaves you feeling scrambled and out of sorts. Your body feels jostled, bruised and faintly misused! As you look around, dazed, you find yourselves on a road. A road leading to a quiet, dull looking village. The road leads right into the center, where a scaffolding has been assembled. You can see dozens of people around it, though no one's atop the scaffolding.
[22:18] <Kotono> "Ugh...your advice was apt," Celebrimbor's grimace is faint and passing, "The effect seems not to have been too deletrious."
[22:19] <Alicia> "Owww!" Marie yelps from inside Alicia's backpack. "Careful!"
[22:20] * Alicia rubs her forehead briefly. "Yes... at least we still seem to have arrived where we wanted to? Come on, lets head in." Using her quarterstaff as an impromptu walking stick, she offers Celebrimbor her arm as they start walking.
[22:23] <Kotono> Celebrimbor takes it as the two advance in. The buildings are sturdy, stone with a relative minimum of wood. As you get closer, you can see someone working through the crowd. "Make way! Make way for the condemned!" A loud man's voice declares. "Make way!"
[22:24] <Alicia> "Ugh... has to be an execution day..." Alicia grimaces, heading into the village and looking over the crowd.
[22:26] <Kotono> "Distasteful if neccisary," As Celebrimbor comments quietly, you see the crowd is dressed mostly in black. From young children to the elderly are here. As you look, a man comes out of the crowd, dragging a woman with him. She is wearing a filthy dress, her hair a dirt color and greasy, showing no hygeine at all. Her head is bowed, face apprehensive. The crowd looks at her with complete disdain and disfavor, hatred flowing like an ungerground sp
[22:26] <Kotono> hatred flowing like an ungerground spring tapped. "Make way for the condemned!" As they go aronund the back and climb up, another man comes from behind with them. A big man with muscles, wearing a black hood and carrying a heavy sword.
[22:27] <Alicia> "What did she do?" Alicia quietly asks someone in the crowd as she checks over the people present for evil.
[22:28] <Kotono> A wife with baby in hands looks back at Alicia at the question. "Stole a horse," she answers, tsk-tsking. "She should have known better."
[22:29] <Alicia> "That's it?" Alicia sounds appalled. Stealing is wrong, certainly, but a capital offence?
[22:31] <Kotono> "That's it? It's against the law," The woman turns back, as the dirty prisoner is taken to the center of the scaffolding. She's put on her hands and knees, the man guilding her going to tie her down. Meanwhile, the masked man speaks. "Elenia of Whitestone has been duly convinced of greater theft and sentences to death. Her sentence will be carried out to benefit the community and to purge this criminality from our midsts!"
[22:32] <Alicia> "It's a horse!" Alicia blurts out, perhaps a bit too loudly. "Can't she pay a fine or work it off?"
[22:33] <Kotono> Gently taking her shoulder, "This may not be your place..." Celebrimbor murmurs. Meanwhile, a few people turn. An older man just looks at Alicia, "Stranger, the law is the law."
[22:37] * Alicia doesn't want a fight here, but she can't let such a grossly disproportionate sentence pass unjudged. "What sort of law puts an animal above a human? It's monstrous! Surely she can pay for her crime without paying her life?"
[22:39] <Kotono> There's a stirring at that, slowing the process as people turn. Amid the murmuring, the masked man steps forward to the edge of the platform. "I dont know you, stranger," he calls back, "But interfering with a lawful execution is a crime against the Crown. This woman has been justly sentences to death by a legitimate authority."
[22:40] <Kotono> The prisoner looks up a moment, her eyes catching Alicia's. They are full of fear.
[22:43] <Alicia> "Are you telling me then that this woman will die for having stolen a horse, and that no argument, compensation, or punishment short of death will suffice?" Alicia asks as she locks eyes with the masked man.
[22:45] <Kotono> The man's eyes are strong ones, strong as the steely-gray color they are. "Her judgment has been passed on. The time for compensation is over - her compensation will be her life." OOC - Make a diplo check?
[22:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+38
[22:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+38 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{45}
[22:47] <Kotono> "Still..." He does consider, "What stake do you have in this woman? Why are you interfering?"
[22:49] <Alicia> "Because the punishment does not fit the crime," Alicia replies firmly. "I am a stranger here, true, but I am still a strong believer in justice and law - seeing such a disproportionate sentence shakes that belief."
[22:51] <Kotono> "But the judgment is passed," The man calls, "There isn't anything more to discuss. The law and the judge passed the sentence, so it is just by definition."
[22:53] <Alicia> "There must be some right of appeal, something that can be done?" Alicia asks. "Are all crimes here punished by death, no matter how minor?"
[18:13] <Kotono> "Justice was already passed. Only the King or a High Judge has legal right to overturn a judgment." The masked man answers, and then, with a faint hint of sheepiness at Alicia's tones, "There's really no other legal way."
[18:16] <Alicia> "What about the judge who passed the sentence, can't he or she reconsider? If not who's the closest High Judge?" Alicia presses. She'll be damned if she lets a woman be killed over a horse on her watch.
[18:17] <Kotono> "Three days away at the prefecture capital," The masked man replies, as the crowd watches Alicia and the man, back and forth, back and forth. Elenia watches, eyes transfixed on Alicia, filled with fear and hints of desperate hope.
[18:22] <Alicia> "You'll have to forgive me because I'm not long out of the jungle and I only really came here for directions," Alicia admits, "But where is the prefecture capital? And can the execution be postponed until a High Judge has reviewed this sentence?" She spreads her arms in a beseeching gesture, "I simply cannot stand by and see a woman condemmned to death over such a petty crime - it's inhuman and makes an absolute mockery of justice."
[18:25] <Kotono> That touches off a storm of murmuring and staring at Alicia! Rippling through the crowd like electricity, "From the jungle?" "But she looks like a housewife!" The masked man lowers his heavy sword, "To appeal before a high judge requires an Advocate. Are you one?"
[18:31] * Alicia sighs and rubs her right temple. Why must Mystra test her so? "No. I'm just an interfering old woman who got a bit lost and walked right into this horrid situation," she admits. "I have no station or influence here, only my sharp tongue and sense of right and wrong. And to any outside observer, this whole situation screams out its wrongness - you don't kill someone over a horse!"
[18:32] <Kotono> OOC - Make another diplo check +3 bonus?
[18:32] <Alicia> roll 1d20+41
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+41 and gets 45."12 [1d20=4]
[18:35] <Kotono> "But..." The masked man's voice shows hesitation, slowing, "It's the law!" As the crowd buzzes with chatter and growing excitement, "If we ignore the law, then we'll become savages, no better than wildmen." (More)
[18:35] <Kotono> The other man, keeping Elenia tied down, looks up to the masked man. What he said can't be heard over the crowd, but it makes the masked man look to him sharply.
[18:40] <Alicia> "Savages have their laws," Alicia retorts. "I've seen plenty of them in my time - cross the chief, look at someone the wrong way, steal someone's pet - they'll kill you for it and tell you it's their law." She takes a deep breath and continues in a more composed tone, "The measure of a law comes in how just it is. Some people deserve to die, it's true - the ones who're so wicked and have done deeds so foul that they're a danger to everyone around them."
[18:40] <Alicia> "Then there's those who've made a mistake, given in to temptation in a moment of weakness, maybe just been down on their luck and desperate. That could be any one of us - but such mistakes can be learned from, people can better themselves and make themselves into valued members of the community. But a corpse can't learn a damn thing."
[18:41] <Alicia> *done deeds so foul that they're a danger to everyone around them."
[18:43] <Kotono> As the buzz of the crowd goes larger, more defiant, "Maybe we shouldn't..." One woman can be overheard saying, while another says, "She talks like the voice of the Crown...!" The masked man bows his head here, "Very well. I will postphone the execution of her sentence until a High Judge of the Crown has a chance to hear an Advocate for her matters."
[18:45] <Alicia> "It would be for the best," Alicia agrees, starting to smile in relief. "I worry about the sort of judge that would impose such a sentence - was there any relationship between the judge and the accused?"
[18:46] <Kotono> "Of course not! The law must be impartial," One of the men near Alicia blurts out. Elenia looks at Alicia as the man holding her gets her up, and mouths, 'Thank you!' as she's lead off the scaffolding.
[18:52] <Alicia> "You're right it should," Alicia nods to the man after giving Elenia a brief smile. "No one answered my earlier question, though - do all crimes get punished with death here no matter how minor they are?" If so then getting the High Judge will just be a big fat waste of time.
[18:55] <Kotono> "The Law states that greater theft, treason, murder, rape, arson, sedition, imitating the Crown are all capital offenses," The same man says, as the scaffolding is cleared. Celebrimbor murmurs after that, "Alicia...time may still be of the essence. We should not dally here."
[18:58] * Alicia nods briefly to Celebrimbor before resuming her conversation. "That's mostly sensible, although I'd argue whether livestock rustling constitutes greater theft, especially if it's just one animal. Anyway, hopefully the High Judge will see reason and now I can see to my original purpose for entering this village." She has a knowing lopsided smile as she realises how foolish this sounds after making such a scene, "Where are we?"
[19:00] <Kotono> "This is Dolo, prefecture Gany, in the nation of Evrai." The same man again just stares at Alicia, much of the crowd transfixed.
[19:01] <Alicia> "Must've really gotten lost in that jungle..." Alicia shakes her head in a self deprecating manner before looking up, "I don't suppose anyone around here knows the way to Kesse? Or better yet does anyone have a map I could look at?"
[19:03] <Kotono> That changes the mood of the entire lingering crowd. Their expressions become far less enjoyable, far less kind. "You're from KEsse, stranger?" The man asks.
[19:03] * Alicia shakes her head. "No but one of my friends went there and never came back, so I'm trying to find her."
[19:05] <Alicia> "Sounds like you folks might know a thing or two about some bad business there, I'd wager," she adds more calculatingly.
[19:15] <Kotono> OOC: Diplo one more time, -2?
[19:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+36
[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+36 and gets 54."12 [1d20=18]
[19:18] <Kotono> The crowd calms, as most are starting to depart. A few hover around Alicia and Celebrimbor. "Kesse is our kingdom's enemy. They've tried to conquer us many times, but our superior army holds them at bay."
[19:20] <Alicia> "That's good to know," Alicia smiles. "I've heard a thing or two about the people running the show over there, and none of it good. That's why I'm worried about my missing friend."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Good luck," Another says, while a third man, a wiry man with a limp, approaches. "Good day, traveler. Were you interested in a map of Kesse?"
[19:22] * Alicia turns to the limping man. "Yes," she nods. "The directions I had were rather poor, which is probably why I ended up here. A map would make things go far more easily, though."
[19:24] <Kotono> "I run a general shop here. I can sell you any maps you'd need. Why don't you come with me," With a warm, comforting smile, "Right this way."
[19:25] <Alicia> "Excellent!" Alicia smiles. "I don't have any coins on me but I have a few gems I can trade - we'll probably want to stock up on a few supplies, anyway, so lead on good man."
[19:27] <Kotono> OOC: What else do you want besides a map?
[19:28] <Alicia> OOC: a couple of changes of clothes. Nothing fancy or anything, basically just stuff in local style so that any Balmurian tailored garments won't stand out
[19:29] <Kotono> OOC: Comes up to 10 GP. Subtract that from your sheet. It's mostly wool and sturdy clothes. I'll PM you some relevant info from the map.
[19:33] <Alicia> OOC: once suitably equipped we'll leave town and TP for just outside the closest village to Kesse itself. If Cel can make us invis that'd be swell but if not we'll manage.
[19:49] <Kotono> The city of Kesse has several villages within a day'st ravel. One of them is Starla, Alicia gathering details and ready to teleport after about an hour of buying, selling and preparing! OOC - d100?
[19:49] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 55."12 [1d100=55]
[19:57] <Kotono> Woosh! Uner the cover of invisibility, the two vanish and reappear next to a small but bustling village! It's well built and populated, the rugged, hilly ground home to small field shere and there.
[20:00] * Alicia looks around the inhabitants of the nearby village and selects a random older woman, committing her build and features to memory. "Pick someone here to disguise yourself as when we go into Kesse proper," she whispers to Celebrimbor. "If we can claim to be from here rather than foreigners we'll attract far less notice."
[20:00] <Kotono> Celebrimbor nods as an older man passes by, using a cane to help him walk. "That man," he says, voice coming from nowhere Alicia can see. "The one with the cane."
[20:03] <Alicia> "I can cast alter self on you if you don't have any appropriate disguise spells prepared," Alicia confirms after examining the man. "Come on, lets get moving towards Kesse - because of how far we've travelled West it's only mid-morning, so we should reach the city well before dusk."
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 64."12 [1d100=64]
[20:28] <Kotono> It's a fairly long trip mostly due to bad luck. There's a few minor delays - there are guard outposts you have to walk through and two of them happen to have unrelated incidents with other travelers that slow you down. But come near duskfall...(More)
[20:30] <Kotono> As you approach, you see that it is a walled city. Walled and circular, quite large. It stands in a slight valley, tall walls giving ample cover to everything inside. To the north-south on the far side, a river flows, further defensibility addded. A few river barges and ships can be glimpsed as you approach. Most of the city is built well on itself, favoring multiple floors within it's walled boundaries.
[20:30] <Kotono> A few river barges and ships can be glimpsed as you approach. Most of the city is built well on itself, favoring multiple floors within it's walled boundaries.
[20:32] <Alicia> About a mile from the city Alicia finds a quiet spot where she can transform herself into a thin and slightly wrinkled tall woman with chestnut brown hair just starting to show its first grey streaks. "Can you change yourself or want me to?" she asks Celebrimbor.
[20:33] <Kotono> "Can you extend it onto me?" Celebrimbor asks, "Alteration spells are usually limited to the caster."
[20:34] <Alicia> "I've got a few tricks," Alicia smiles, channeling an alter self spell into her quarterstaff and very gently tapping the elderly elf to turn him into a copy of the old man he indicated earlier.
[20:34] <Kotono> "...aaah. Superb. How do you do it," Celebrimbor glances at himself a few times.
[20:39] <Alicia> "Effectively I cast the spell into my weapon - it's a bit like how you'd make a potion or a wand, except temporary. Unless I discharge it it'll dissipate on its own within eight hours, but it lets me bypass certain restrictions on common spells, and I can do it without verbal or somatic components." She smiles proudly, "As far as I know, I'm the only person who can do it."
[20:39] <Kotono> "You should write a treatise on it after all this. Such knowledge needs to be preserved," Celebrimbor says thoughtfully, "Modifying a spell like that isn't easy, either."
[20:41] <Alicia> "I have one back home, I've been working on it off and on for a while," Alicia nods. "I hope I can teach it to someone myself some day, but at worst I've taken steps to ensure the knowledge won't die with me."
[20:42] <Kotono> "Another time, though, we must hurry," Celebrimbor picks up his pace. "Especially if they close the gates at night."
[20:43] <Alicia> "We can sneak in if we have to, but hopefully it won't come to that," Alicia agrees, casting voice of the archon before pressing on towards the city.
[20:47] <Kotono> Thus the duo head into the city! The guards at the gate nod to them, but don't overly inhibit them besides a few brief questions. The way into the city looks open...OOC - Are you going to do anything but go in and see what's up
[20:47] <Kotono> ?
[20:49] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:49] <Alicia> OOC: we're heading in, the first thing to do is secure accomodation, but before that we need cash - I'll look for any shops where I can sell my gems for local currency first of all
[20:49] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5446f085.lns6-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:50] <Kotono> There's an money and gold exchange inside the gates. It looks to be just closing, though - there's a man doing something to the front door as the sun begins it's red crimson creep into night.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Oh, excuse me!" Alicia calls to the man as she approaches. "I know you're closing, but could you re-open for just one quick transaction?" she asks hopefully.
[20:53] <Kotono> The man, a tired faced, plump man with hanging skin, rubs his forehead, "How much is it?" he asks.
[20:55] * Alicia looks around briefly, as if suspicious of any ruffians or the like before she steps closer and lowers her voice. "I think about one thousand gold coin's worth."
[20:55] <Kotono> Raising both eyebrows, he opens the door. "Well, why didn't you say so? Come in, come in."
[20:55] <Kotono> Celebrimbor chuckles at that, doing just so and walking in.
[20:57] <Alicia> "You don't really want to advertise that you're carrying that much money around," Alicia mutters worriedly as she follows him inside. "I couldn't get a decent exchange back in the village so I thought the city might be better."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Naturally. What exactly do you have? Gold bullion? Gems? Trade goods? Script?" Lead inside to a small room with comfortable chairs, gesturing for the two to sit, "We accept all of those, though only Kessian script issued by an accepted noble, wealthy or royal source."
[21:02] <Alicia> "Gems," Alicia confirms, reaching into her backpack for the bag (and being careful not to tickle her remarkably patient and good-natured familiar in the process) and setting it on the table or counter as appropriate. "My friend here is certain they're worth about a thousand gold coins, all told," she briefly gestures to the wise looking old Celebrimbor, as if his word were utterly unimpeachable.
[21:03] <Kotono> Celebrimbor nods gravely. "I believe so."
[21:04] <Kotono> The man takes out a little magnifying glass, looking over each gem carefully. "Mmm...a sapphire, an opal...some sun-stone....yes, these all seem to be in order. The standard size is off, but they're undoubtably valid gemstones." I takes him about ten minutes to reach this conclusion. "A thousand gold is acceptable. Would you like gold coins of small or larger denomination?"
[21:05] <Alicia> "Lets say eight hundred in large coins and two hundred in smaller? That should be managable," Alicia nods agreeably.
[21:07] <Kotono> "Excuse me." Stepping out, the man returns with two cloth bags. One is bulging with many small shapes, and the other has smooth, large circles pressing out of it. "The Gold Discs are worth 50 gold each. Any trader will accept them at face value. The rest are loose gold coins of 1, 2 and 5 gold value, as well as a few large silver coins mixed in."
[21:09] <Alicia> "Oh, so many!" Alicia spends a moment giving them a cursory count to make sure she's not being short-changed. Assuming she's not, "Thank you, I should be able to spend this a lot easier than those funny crystals."
[21:10] <Kotono> The small coins look to be about in roder. Can't be sure without counting. You do have 16 gold discs, which are flat, thin circle-discs of hardened gold. They are stamped with '50 golden mountains' on each side, along with a portrait of what looks to be a royal man wearing a crown.
[21:11] <Kotono> "If you have any other business while you're in town, we're open all day," The fat man smiles expansively.
[21:11] <Kotono> Celebrimbor stands up, "Thank you. It's late, we do need to find rest and a hot meal soon."
[21:11] * Alicia doesn't want to spend all day counting and this should probably be enough for her purposes. "Thank you," she smiles. "But my friend here is right, it's been a long trip so we should find lodgings first of all."
[18:42] <Kotono> OOC: Okay Alicia. First of all use a gather info for the tavern tripping and then we'll resolve Marie's flying adventures?
[18:45] <Alicia> OOC: For this I'll be wearing the form of a pretty young blonde and doing my best to seem innocently curious - basically I'll chat to people normally and when the 'where do you work' question comes up I'll steer it towards info gathering if they work at the castle and move on shortly if they don't
[18:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[18:45] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 25
[18:46] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
[18:46] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[18:48] <Kotono> Alicia spends the evening talking to drunks here and there, as well as barkeeps and patrons. She gets a handle on the local news simply by exposure and small talk: King Denegren's looking even worse than usual, a local mercenary group came back from being presumed dead, there was a border skirmish with Sanaxt according to rumors. All of this is interesting but not really germaine. (More)
[18:51] <Kotono> It takes some time to find castle workers. You find one, a young stablehand. He mentions that most servants stay in the castle at night because the drawbridge closes and it's impossible to get and out unless you're a mage. He doesn't know too much - mostly who comes and goes. Prince Kort has been in and out a few times in the past few days, as has Princess Armanda. One thing he notes - the Prince has a new sword he seems to like, a jewelled sw
[18:51] <Kotono> One thing he notes - the Prince has a new sword he seems to like, a jewelled sword. Wistfully he notes that he could buy an entire county with it and retire rich if he had it. (More)
[18:53] <Kotono> Meanwhile...Marie goes to look at the castle! It's walled in, a closed up drawbridge. There are a set of two towers one can see, most of the castle three stories. There's a courtyard inside past the drawbridge, then the massive castle proper. It's mostly made of shapes connected to each other, squares and triangles and curves. One large rectangle dominates the center.
[18:53] <Alicia> OOC: not meanwhile, Marie won't go castle exploring until really late, like 2am or so
[18:54] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, okay. Fair enough.
[18:54] <Kotono> OOC: Will that change anything? If not, carry on.
[18:55] <Alicia> Having voice of the archon thoughtfully precast on her by Alicia, Marie flits through the darkened sky above the castle, firstly getting an overview of the castle's plan before she carefully descends towards the tallest tower, whichever it may be, keeping alert for both evil and magic below.
[18:56] <Alicia> OOC: assume she takes 10 for 34 on hide throughout this excursion
[18:57] <Kotono> There are two towers, both five stories tall. One is more easternly and one is more westernly. Preference?
[18:57] <Alicia> Lets start East and work our way West!
[18:59] <Kotono> Inside of the top floor is a single large room. The windows inside are reasonably large, contrasting the more slit like windows on the lower floors of the castle. Here a pair of men sit. One has a horn on a table next to some papers, and the other keeps a slow circuit of the windows, glancing out of them.
[19:01] <Alicia> Using her incorporeal form, Marie phases in easily enough and finds a secluded position from which she can take a look at the papers without being seen by either of the two guards.
[19:02] <Kotono> Most of the papers are maps of the city. They're fairly detailed along with a key and notes of what each building or block of buildings is.
[19:03] <Alicia> Potentially interesting but they're focused on the castle itself and not the city, so Marie sees no need to dally further here. Assuming this room takes up all of the top floor of the tower, the eladrin descends to the next.
[19:05] <Kotono> The next floor is mostly a winding stairway leading upward. There's a few closets here - supplies, tables, old maps, that sort of thing. Nothing too fascinating. The floor below it and the second are used for bow and arrow storage. Many of the slitted windows are fitted from the inside for easy bow firing access.
[19:06] <Alicia> Marie continues dilligently exploring this tower until she reaches the ground (unless it has a basement) until she chances upon any signs of activity, magical or evil auras, or a laundry room.
[19:07] <Kotono> There is a basement(The first floor is just entry access and barricadable stations before the stairway.). It looks to be addtional bow storage, nothing fascinating. There's no magic amid it, though the bows do look well maintained.
[19:08] <Alicia> Slipping out through a wall on the fourth floor, Marie flies over to the West tower that mirrors this one so she can give it a cursory inspection in the same manner, just to make sure there's no differences.
[19:09] <Kotono> It's about the same. Not much interesting in them at all. Just a few nighttime guards and lots of mundane bows and arrows.
[19:10] <Alicia> Tallest towers check. Now for the perimeter - Marie stealthily makes her way to the gatehouse where the drawbridge is so she can check over it before making a circuit of the outer walls.
[19:11] <Kotono> There's a pair of guards on watch inside the gatehouse. A complicated looking stone and metal mechanism mans the gates, good solid chains able to lower them if desired. The outer walls are quite sturdy and solid, nothing of note about them.
[19:12] <Alicia> From the gatehouse if one were to head straight into the courtyard, what would be the next part of the castle they'd encounter?
[19:14] <Kotono> They'd go right through a set of main gates inside of the castle. Like going in the main entrance, past the courtyard and a few detached buildings/stables.
[19:15] <Alicia> Since they seem small and easy to quickly search, Marie decides to go and check out the stables next.
[19:15] <Kotono> There are several horses in here as well as a single bored guard. He has a clothespin over his nose, noisily mouthbreathing. Unless you like horse offal there's very little of note here.
[19:16] <Alicia> Okay! Now for the smaller extraneous buildings before she delves into the castle proper!
[19:18] <Kotono> The other detached buildings are living quarters fo the stablehands and a few guards. Most of them are asleep, save for a few drinking and jesting in one of the rooms. Unless Marie wants to take some time to be nosy and search, most of it is entirely mundane. One the stablehands is faintly evil, though.
[19:19] <Alicia> Alicia said she'd prefer a maid uniform, so nothing worthwhile for Marie to investigate here. Any other structures besides the keep itself?
[19:20] <Kotono> There are lots of extensions and the like attached to th ekeep, so it's rather rambling off the center. But that's the main game left.
[19:21] <Alicia> There's probably a way to do this in an orderly fashion, but Marie isn't the one to ask. She heads in through whatever looks to be the main door first of all.
[19:22] <Kotono> THe main door leads into a grand front hall. Here tapestries and paintings hang, the main path leading dead ahead. Several doors and other paths branch off in other directions.
[19:23] <Alicia> Hmm... what do they say to do when you're in a maze? Marie takes the first door/corridor to the left.
[19:24] <Kotono> This leads to a winding side path to the kitchens. The kitchens are empty and quiet at this hour. It connects to a grand dining room, a few less formal ones, and to several hidden or secondary paths that snake about the castle.
[19:26] <Alicia> Marie continues in this vein, spiralling through the first floor of the castle as she explores every nook and cranny. Magical or evil auras, laundry rooms, activity/conversation, or the chambers of nobility/royalty should get her attention for more indepth investigation.
[19:27] <Kotono> The first thing Marie happens on is the throne room. The throne, a mammonth wood and gold thing of beauty, radiates moderate magic.
[19:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[19:27] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[19:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[19:28] <Alicia> Marie doesn't get too close. It's magic but not one of Seira's stolen items, nor is there anyone on the throne barking out orders to capture her attention, so she moves on.
[19:29] <Kotono> Most of the first floor is mundane things. Kitchens, barracks, rooms, storages, all the things a castle needs. On the far eastern part Marie finds a laundry room.
[19:34] <Alicia> Briefly reverting to her corporeal form, Marie purloins a clean maid uniform and folds it up as neatly as she can before picking it up and turning incorporeal once more! Now she goes up to the second floor to resume her routine.
[19:35] <Kotono> OOC: There's still ab it more first floor if you want to finish that first. Sorry, really wasn't clear.)
[19:36] <Alicia> OOC: finish off first floor first, then
[19:39] <Kotono> Doing her loops back around, Marie doesn't find much too interesting until the end. Near the center, missed by happenstance as Marie meandered about in no real order, she happens on a beautiful royal room. It is a woman's room, with soft things and a large mirror. It is quite clean, a woman sitting on the bed. She stares at the wall, chestnut brown hair falling down her shoulders. She wears a plain white nightgown. Her expression has a faint, e
[19:39] <Kotono> She wears a plain white nightgown. Her expression has a faint, empty melancholy. She's in her twenties, perpahs.
[19:40] <Alicia> Is she evil? Any magic around?
[19:41] <Kotono> She's not evil. A ring on her finger radiates strong magic.
[19:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[19:42] <Alicia> Didn't Seira have a ring of protection? Marie inches a bit closer and tries to tell if the ring looks like any Seira occassionally wore.
[19:44] <Kotono> If the woman sees Marie, she doesn't react. The ring is a golden one with a sigil on it - two mountains parted by a river. As Marie studies it, the woman stands up. "It's time..." she says aloud.
[19:45] <Kotono> It oesn't look like any of Seira's rings.
[19:45] <Alicia> Doesn't look like Seira's, she thinks... she never looked too closely, sadly. Keeping well hidden, Marie elects to spy on this woman a little bit longer in case she talks to herself some more or perhaps goes off to partake in some vile Sharran mass.
[19:46] <Kotono> She walks towards one of the walls. She taps a stone on the wall twice, which makes a small segment slide open! She steps into the dark passage with a sure step.
[19:46] <Alicia> Wow, she'd never have spotted that! Marie waits for her to either close the wall or keep walking before she follows.
[19:50] <Kotono> The wall closes behind her a few seconds later. Following, Marie finds herself in a pitch black, narrow, dusty passage. It goes straight ahead and then turns a few times. The woman feels the wall on occasion, but has no problem navigating it. Twists and turns, twists and turns! It eventually leads into a a ten foot wide room. A few pillows and blankets are about here as well as a pair of candles. A young man, ruggedly handsome and with a warm s
[19:51] <Kotono> A young man, ruggedly handsome and with a warm smile, awaits. "Pri-Giselle," he stands up to take her hand. He wears a soldier's garb, well kept.
[19:51] <Kotono> "Thank you..." she murmurs in a quiet, whisper-like voice, going to sit down next to him. "You came."
[19:51] <Alicia> Is he evil? Are there any other exits from this room? Any magic?
[19:51] <Kotono> "You asked," With a bit of as mile to her, "What do you need at this late hour?"
[19:52] <Kotono> There's no magic in the room besides the ring. There's another secret door o the other side, ajar. He's not evil. "I need to ask you a special favor." Giselle says, voice hard to hear, even for Marie.
[19:53] <Kotono> "Ask it," he says nobly, "The castle guard lives to serve the royal family."
[19:53] <Alicia> Marie hides nearby and eavesdrops, hoping this will be useful information for Alicia.
[19:53] <Kotono> "...bed me," she says, raising her eyes to look into his. "Take me as a woman."
[19:53] <Alicia> Or... not?
[19:53] <Kotono> The man's eyes widen a moment, before he stops and shakes his head. "Princess...your father's orders...."
[19:54] <Kotono> He takes a long moment to gather himself, "I've heard thes tories about the other two. I don't want to be exiled..." He look saway, "You're a beautiful woman..."
[19:55] <Kotono> "And I could have pick of a noble husband..." she whispers as soft as falling snow. "That's...not possible. Rannan, I...I command you to take me."
[19:55] <Alicia> Maybe Alicia can find some way of using this... but personally Marie doubts her mistress has quite the imagination required to fully take advantage. Well, she'll stick around long enough to see how it resolves one way or another but if they get intimate she'll give them their privacy.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Princess?!" That gets Rannan to simply -stare- at her. "You're commanding me to..." He backs away, standing up. "I can't. I am your servant, Princess, but...not this."
[19:56] <Kotono> "No," Still whispering, she reaches up to take and hold his wrist. "I command you. I COMMAND you." The last utterance of command is slightly louder and as sharp as a knife-blade.
[19:57] <Kotono> "W..what in the name of Kossuth..." He jerks his hand away. "Princess Giselle, have you no honor? What would your father think of another scandal? Youll break his heart and send him to the grave!"
[19:57] <Alicia> Maybe that's what she intends? Who can tell with these crazy Shar worshipping royals? For her part, Marie is engrossed in the enfolding drama.
[19:57] <Kotono> "I command you. Fill me with your life." She says, looking up into his eyes. Tears fall down her cheeks, silent near sobs. "Do it. I want to feel alive again. I need to..."
[19:58] <Kotono> With a look of stark shock, "P-Princess, I should go," he says, backing away to the ajar secret door.
[19:59] <Kotono> "Please..." Falling to her knees, "Rannan, I need to feel alive inside of me again..." Cradling her stomach with both hands, "I can't be empty inside of my belly much longer! If you're a man, do it! I swear I won't tell who the father is! You won't get banished!"
[20:01] <Kotono> "The help you need...it's not help that I can give you in good faith. Goodbye, Princess." Turning away, the soldier leaves out the secret door.
[20:01] <Alicia> Marie sticks around briefly, wondering what the spurned princess will do.
[20:03] <Kotono> Giselle stares after him, "Empty...still empty..." Holding her stomach, "Gods, why? Why? Why can he even deny me this? But..." Whisper soft again, "I'll give you a sister for the next time I see you..and I'll feel alive again."
[20:04] <Kotono> Stroking her stomach, "I can still have life inside of me. I can still have life inside of me," she chants to herself. "I'm not empty. I'm not empty. I'm not empty."
[20:05] <Alicia> Marie thinks this royal family is really messed up. She almost wants to comfort the strange girl, but Alicia's firm orders that they must never know she was there, and the worry that the princess might gleefully sacrifice her to Shar both temper her judgement. For now she heads through the secret door that the guard fled down, wanting to see where it leads before she moves on to the second floor.
[20:06] <Kotono> It winds about, leading eventually to a small, dusty closet full of napkins and tablecloths. Only a few faint footsteps betray anyone having been in here in a long time.
[20:06] <Alicia> Emerging to find out where the closet was, Marie memorises the location before heading upstairs.
[20:07] <Kotono> It's near the barracks. Heading upstairs, Maire finds more storages. Nothing too interesting here in general until an isolated wing on the second floor. A door there has a ward written over it, faintly pulsing with sky-blue light.
[20:08] <Alicia> Is the ward in text she can read? If not she'll rely on her talent for magical detection!
[20:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[20:08] <Kotono> It's magical, but Marie can only glean the general meaning with her magic. It means 'Warding the outside'.
[20:10] <Alicia> Might be worth checking but it's a potential risk so Marie leaves this for the moment and moves on to search the rest of the second floor.
[20:11] <Kotono> Rest of the second floor is mostly rooms, though w ing to the north is set aside. Guards stand watch at it's front door, a door of engraven gold, ivory and a pair of ruby red gemstones with a line of blue gemstones through the center. It's like the sigil that was on Giselle's ring.
[20:12] <Alicia> This looks juicy! Ensuring there's no magical wards or anything, Marie flits through the wall to sneak into this section.
[20:13] <Kotono> The front room is large, more guards at the far doors. It's a vast sitting room with a large fireplace. SHelves of books are about, all tidily put away. The other side wings is a room full of hunting trophies and heads, a small library and study room, and a room full of paintings of what look to be kings and queens. The main room is a bedroom, a covered bed with an old man sleeping on it. HIs color is terrible, his breath coming in snoring sno
[20:13] <Kotono> HIs color is terrible, his breath coming in snoring snorts.
[20:14] <Alicia> Must be the king. Is he evil? And any magic around here?
[20:16] <Kotono> The king is not magical. Two things radiate magic: A crown that rsts on a pillow, on a table near the bed, and the canopy around the bed.
[20:16] <Kotono> No evil.
[20:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 crown
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 crown and gets 25."12 [1d20=18]
[20:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 canopy
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 canopy and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[20:18] <Alicia> Probably a charisma booster and an alarm/protection spell, Marie figures. Well, time to move on - up to the third floor!
[20:19] <Kotono> The third floor is mostly bedrooms for servants and soldiers. A few suits are isolated to the west, noble quality and quite pleasant. Despite that, Marie doesn't find much too interesting on the third floor.
[20:20] <Alicia> Was the castle three storeys or is there anything above this floor?
[20:20] <Kotono> The castle was three stories.
[20:21] <Alicia> Any towers or outbuildings she's missed?
[20:21] <Kotono> Nope, this is about it.
[20:22] <Alicia> Did she see any stairs leading down on her circuit of the ground floor?
[20:23] <Kotono> There arew a few, yes.
[20:24] <Alicia> Time to check out the basement, then!
[20:26] * Demedais is now known as taifk
[20:27] <Kotono> There are a few unconnected basements. One holds enough supplies and food to feed the castle for several weeks. Another has several gravestones and bare earth. The gravestones are rather old. A third has a few deep wells.
[20:28] <Alicia> Okay, now for that warded room - Marie circles all around it to see if there's any other entrances or windows or anything, first of all.
[20:29] <Kotono> No windows, though Marie could presumably go through the wall ifs he wished. It borders the edge of the building there, so she could go from inside or outside.
[20:30] <Alicia> Is the magic just on the door or does it encompass the walls as well?
[20:31] <Kotono> Just the door is magical.
[20:32] <Alicia> Okay! Marie phases in through the floor of the room from below, though she does so slowly and takes care to sense for any magic/evil on the other side before she emerges entirely.
[20:34] <Kotono> As she peeks above, she can notice the floor is very thick here, reinforced. Further, on peeking out, Marie is bombarded with various magical auras! She comes in in a narrow room here, a small walk in closet backed with books, beakers, vials, detached eyeballs, a stuffed lizard, and far far more.
[20:35] <Alicia> Do the dimensions of this room fit with what she determined of its perimeter from the outside, taking the increased wall/floor thickness into account?
[20:36] <Kotono> Not even close. There's a door leading out as well. Really, it's just a closet.
[20:37] <Alicia> Okay then. Marie gives the books a cursory look over their titles for anything exciting as well as looking for any of Seira's belongings or containers that could hold the same.
[20:38] <Kotono> IT's mostly in draconic and elven. 'Applied theory of abjuration' 'Summoning arcana' 'Weave and magic', that sort of thing. Nothing here looks like Seira's goods.
[20:39] <Alicia> Therefore Marie comes out of the closet!
[20:41] <Kotono> It's a bright new world out here. Actually it really is. She comes out into a room full of magical diagrams. The walls, floors and roof are covered with various arcane extractions and equations. They focus towards the center, where a pasty man in noble's clothes sits on a stool. He reads a book, a rod sitting in his lap. Notably, it's familiar. It's Seira's wand of lesser empower.
[20:42] <Alicia> He's certainly up late! Marie sneaks around the room looking for any of Seira's other belongings.
[20:45] <Kotono> Marie doesn't see anything like that around. The room is mostly empty besides the designs, though there are several doors connecting to other rooms. Oen is open, leading to a small library.
[20:45] <Alicia> Time to check those out, then. Marie takes one of the closed doors first.
[20:47] <Kotono> The closed door leads to a room. There are bookshelves, a table and a dresser as tall as Rods. The books radiate magic, as does the dresser.
[20:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 books
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 books and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[20:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 dresser
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 dresser and gets 15."12 [1d20=8]
[20:49] <Alicia> First of all Marie skims over the titles on the books for anything interesting.
[20:50] <Kotono> They are non titled. Each book is bound in a scarlet red or a deep, deep, deep green.
[20:51] <Alicia> Since they're not directly relevant at the moment, Marie dismisses them and looks to see if there's anything on the table.
[20:52] <Kotono> The table is bare.
[20:52] <Alicia> Alright, now to take a look inside the dresser! By phasing through the door.
[20:53] <Kotono> Marie phases in! Inside there are several things - vials fo diamond dust, a set of black oynx, gold coins with strange runes on them, carefully gathered sand and rose petals, grasshopper legs, a minature trumpet and more. However, as Marie phases through, she can hear a gentle bell tingling outside.
[20:55] <Kotono> OOC - SCratch the part about the bell.
[20:55] <Alicia> Just spell components. Alright, done with this room so she goes back into the main one - how many doors left unexplored?
[20:56] <Kotono> Two. The m an there is flipping a page in his book, continuing along.
[20:57] <Alicia> Is the man evil, by the way?
[20:57] <Kotono> The man is not evil.
[20:57] <Alicia> Or does he have any magic auras on him?
[21:03] <Kotono> The man has several.
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft lets just say one roll for the lot
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft lets just say one roll for the lot and gets 25."12 [1d20=18]
[21:08] <Alicia> Marie pauses and stares at the man for a moment. Several of those spells have durations measured in minutes, not hours... so why would someone cast them while reading a book at 2am in the morning?
[21:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 sense motive, is something up with his demeanour?
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 sense motive, is something up with his demeanour? and gets 24."12 [1d20=15]
[21:09] <Kotono> He is tense, reaidng the book. It's like he's poisd for something to happen.
[21:10] <Alicia> Marie goes to check out the other unopened door, keeping an ear open for anything happening back here while she does so.
[21:11] <Kotono> The other door leads to a laboratory. It looks like an alchemy and wizard's lab. Lots of fizzy beakers, strange things, complex symbols and so on.
[21:11] <Alicia> A quick inspection is made for any of Seira's gear in this room.
[21:12] <Kotono> Marie doesn't see naything like that.
[21:12] <Alicia> Alright, now for the last door - Marie goes to search the library.
[21:14] <Kotono> As Marie enters in, she hears a book close abruptly from the previous room. THen, "Aaaah..."
[21:14] <Alicia> Making sure to stay well hidden using the doorframe as cover, Marie looks to see what's happening back there.
[21:16] <Kotono> The pasty man has stood up, the book under his arm. He walks towards the room with the untitled books and table and dresser.
[21:17] <Alicia> Peeking out a bit to keep her eye on him, Marie watches to see what he does.
[21:17] <Kotono> He goes into that room and closes the door behin dhim.
[21:18] <Alicia> Rather than following through the door, Marie circles around and emerges through the wall above the dresser, using it for cover as she spies on the strange man who stole Seira's rod.
[21:20] <Kotono> He's put the book back in the shelf, then goes to sit at the table. He yawns once, covering his mouth. "Aaah...I should sleep soon..." he mutters. He strokes the rod he has in his hand, getting and opening the dresser with a few murmured words. He puts the rod in there, closing it back and murmuring another set of words.
[21:21] <Alicia> Marie memorises the words in case they prove important later on and continues her sneaky spying.
[18:12] <Kobrb> The paranoid man wanders back into the room he was in before. He stretches out, before heading out. He goes to the warded door, opening without incident from this side, and steps into the mundane hallways outside.
[18:13] <Alicia> Marie phases through an adjacent wall to follow him to wherever he goes.
[18:15] <Kobrb> He goes to the third floor, ndoding to a few guards as he goes to one of the nice suites there. He heads in, starting to undress as he heads for a comfortable looking bed. He yawns a few more times, rubbing his eyes.
[18:17] <Alicia> This is just bizarre. Alicia spends most of her time waiting for inevitable surprise baatezu attacks, but even she doesn't cast short-duration defensive spells while sitting around the house and reading. Something's up here and Marie intends to find out what!
[18:19] <Kobrb> Stripping down to his bare skin(Not exactly an attractive man, either), the magician slips under the covers. Yawning once more, he puts his head down and looks to go to sleep.
[18:21] <Alicia> He's not fooling her! Marie continues to watch and wait for the other shoe to drop.
[18:23] <Kobrb> Ten minutes pass. Many of his spells peter out, durations ending. The magician begins to snore.
[18:25] <Alicia> Too damn weird. Marie decides to give his chambers a thorough search for anything incriminating.
[18:25] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for... 11
[18:29] <Kobrb> This chamber is pretty normal. There's some dirty clothes, a few books, some spare wood for the fireplace, that sort of thing. Nothing incredibly fascinating.
[18:30] <Alicia> How utterly vexing. She's almost tempted to interrogate him, but doesn't want to upset Alicia by betraying her presence, so she goes back to the warded room to have a look in the library.
[18:31] * taicls is now known as tai-clsprep
[18:31] <Kobrb> The time is passing by. Marie's spend well over an hour at this and night is wearing on. As she reaches the library, she finds it full of books as expected. OOC - Doing anything in particular for it?
[18:32] <Alicia> OOC: looking in particular for any books about the castle itself, or maps of same - she wants to try and find something that'll point to more secret passages
[18:36] <Kobrb> Most of the books here are about arcane study and matters. Things like 'Planar Arcana', 'Sword of the Arcane Order' 'Practical Metamagic', 'Maximize versus Empowering: the endless choice', 'Demonlogy' 'Eye Tyrants and myth', and so forth. There's a few non magical books here about a variety of subjects. Two are about the castle or close to it. One looks to b ea royal genelogy and family tree for Kesse, the other is a study of defensive magic tri
[18:36] <Kobrb> b ea royal genelogy and family tree for Kesse, the other is a study of defensive magic triggers in the castle.
[18:37] * Kobrb is now known as Kotono
[18:38] <Alicia> Well the defensive magic triggers might be something Alicia will care about so Marie grabs that one - Celebrimbor can read it over tonight and she can return it before anyone wakes up. Now she goes to check out the library in the King's chambers.
[18:41] <Kotono> The royal library has lots of books on kingly matters. Heraldry, etiquette, diplomatic relations, geography, ecetera. There's also a smattering of books in dwarven, talking about dwarven-human trade and craft. That sort of thing.
[18:42] <Alicia> Well, she's done all she can here, so Marie heads back to the inn. Celebrimbor's hopefully finished his trance so he can peruse this book while Alicia sleeps and Marie takes a well earned break after working so late.
[18:45] <Kotono> The next morning has the three getting back together. Over breakfast in the inn room, Marie recounts her findings. "That was Seira's rod? Ugh." Shaking his head, "I tried a Sending this morning, but I got no reply." Steepling his hands together, "That Princess sounds quite disturbed as well."
[18:49] <Alicia> "Hmm... tempted to interrogate this wizard but I don't want to tip our hand too early," Alicia considers after Marie's returned from putting the book on magic castle defences back where she found it. "I'm concerned that none of the people Seira mentioned in her first reply were there, nor for that matter anyone Marie could sense as being particularly reprehensible."
[18:49] <Alicia> "That cathedral must be elsewhere... If you can get a sending through to her you should perhaps ask where it is?" she suggests to Celebrimbor.
[18:50] <Kotono> "I plan to, yes," Leaning back in his chair as he thinks, "If she's still alive."
[18:52] <Alicia> "Demedais said she got away safely, I'm sure she's fine," Alicia declares confidently. "It's still pretty early, so it could be that she's just asleep, or else her being on another plane is interfering somehow."
[18:54] <Kotono> "I'll try again later, then," Concluding that, "What are you going to do this day, Alicia?"
[18:57] <Alicia> "Couple of things," Alicia begins. "Firstly, we need to find out where this cathedral is - I can try asking around discreetly for that and Marie can look around town for any strong auras that could belong to say a priest or priestess of Shar."
[18:57] <Alicia> "Secondly, we need to find a building to rent where our people can stay while we're operating here and be assured a degree of privacy and security that an inn won't provide. Do you have any suggestions yourself, Lord Drake?"
[18:58] <Kotono> "If we have a secure stronghold, I can attmept meant sto make it safer. I can deal with that while you attempt to find the cathedral?" Celebrimbor says.
[19:00] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia takes out her coin-bag and divides it up, giving Celebrimbor 500gp worth of the large coins and 50gp worth of the smaller ones. "If you want to see about finding a place for us that amount should easily pay for a few weeks and ensure no one asks any questions - meet up outside this inn around lunchtime, say?"
[19:01] <Kotono> "So be it." OOC - Skip along now? What were you going to try and gather info on, Alicia? I'll resolve you first then Marie's searching.
[19:04] <Alicia> OOC: for this I'll be looking kinda like the crazy woman who participated in the Erenholm massacre, not identical but a fairly strong resemblance. I'll appear fairly depressed about a family tragedy and indicate I'm looking for some sort of spiritual guidance to make sense of it all because none of the conventional answers seem to work for me. I'll be detecting evil throughout as well, just in case I chance on any likely suspects.
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 24."12 [1d100=24]
[19:05] <Kotono> OOC - Roll GI?
[19:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 18."12 [1d20=3]
[19:19] <Kotono> Alicia mucks around for the morning in this guise. She tests the waters, finding several people listening to her tale. She gets fragmented advice: Go to the church of Kelemvor is the most common one. No sign of Sharrans trying to lure her in for that time, as far as she can find. Meanwhile...
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 61."12 [1d100=61]
[19:22] <Kotono> Marie flies around the city, looking about and searching! About a half hour before the lunchtime meet up, Marie happens down an alley near the river. Between tall buildings, she sees something interesting. A man with a moderate evil aura leans against a wall, chatting with a woman. This woman happens to be J. They're talking in low pitched whispers.
[19:23] <Alicia> J! This is too damn juicy to pass up, that's for sure! Marie sneaks nearby so she can eavesdrop on them.
[19:23] <Alicia> OOC: continuing to take 10 for 34 on hide
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 23."12 [1d20=7]
[19:25] <Kotono> "...500." The man says in a flat voice. He's short and muscled, wiry framed and clean shaven. He wears normal clothes of decent make ,nothing interesting about him on a look.
[19:26] <Kotono> "350." J crosses her arms, "You owe Rods back from the incident with the hill giant."
[19:26] <Alicia> Excellent, she's caught them in the bargaining phase, that means the best is yet to come.
[19:27] <Kotono> "Tsch." Clicking his tongue loudly, "Fine, 350." Spitting into his palm, he offers his hand out to J. J does the same, the two shaking hands. "Remember, total discretion. Maximum discretion. You screw this up, we both end up in a merc's grave."
[19:27] <Kotono> "I'll find her if she's still alive," Smirking now at J, "I ain't never failed to turn up quarry."
[19:28] <Alicia> Oh, looks like they've already talked about what the deal was. Still, she can infer that J is hiring the suspicious man to find a woman on the sly. Perhaps Seira?
[19:28] <Kotono> "Keep it that way," J says tersely, turning away and walking out of the alley.
[19:29] <Kotono> The man watches her go for a few moments, before turning away and going out the opposite alley.
[19:31] <Alicia> It's a tough choice to decide who to follow, but after a moment Marie elects to pursue J. She was one of the last people they know were with Seira, so hopefully they've got info that can be used.
[19:32] <Kotono> J keeps up a fast, smooth pace. She weaves into another alley, down a side street, through a tavern's kitchen, calling the cook by name(Anthony) in passing as she goes out the front. She heads into a quieter part of town - Marie's etherealness and flying at the only things that let her easily keep up.
[19:33] <Alicia> She is a fast flier! And she has a knack for finding cover to suit her tiny form so she's quite capable of following her quarry without anyone catching sight of her.
[19:33] <Kotono> She leads Marie to a non descript building amid many. It looks like a plain house, J slipping inside.
[19:34] <Alicia> Marie sneaks in by phasing through the wall, as is her habit.
[19:35] <Kotono> Inside is a dirty one room house. THere's some beds, a cooking area, all of it rather unkept. Sitting on one of the beds is Rods, using a cloth and a gauntlet covered hand to shine his gnomish axe. "How'd it go," Rods asks J, not looking up.
[19:36] <Kotono> "He's on it, ran for 50 below what we guessed," With a momentary smile that fades quickly, "Rods, I'm really worried. I sure as shit don't like Seira vanishing after she went to check out the castle."
[19:37] <Alicia> That just leaves Serge. Now to hopefully get some exposition! It sounds like they didn't have anything to do with Seira's disappearance, at least...
[19:37] <Kotono> Grunting, Rods works, "Yeah, she's probably dead. If she was alive she'd have contacted us or we'd be dead too. Not much to be done about it but avenge her." Working away at his axe all the while, focused, "She took good care of us and those fucking rich assholes made her dissapear."
[19:38] <Kotono> Sighing, J slumps down onto the same bed next to Rods. "Ah dammit, you idiot," Hitting hsi shoulder, "You didn't have to say it like that. I liked Seira and she really was good to us, yeah."
[19:39] <Kotono> "YEah, yeah, I'll whisper sweet lies into your ears tonight then," Looking up to muss J's hair with his free hand, "That's the way the world is. You hear the stories about what Seira was into back in the Baronies. Anyone who lives this life is gonna die early. You know that."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Asshole," Repeating that as she looks down, "Yeah, figures. We'll take it out on who's responsible and get rich while we're doing it."
[19:41] <Alicia> Marie considers exposing herself to reassure them of Seira's escape, but decides it probably best to leave the matter to Alicia. It sounds like they're clear of suspicion as far as she knows, though, so she leaves and resumes her search for notably evil souls, intending to meet with Alicia and Celebrimbor at the appointed time.
[19:42] <Kotono> MEeting together in the inn room again, this time over lunch, conversation starts. "I have a good lead on a property we can rent. It'll take some more time to line up, but I like it. Thick stone walls and a deep basement. Stopping detection, especially in the basements, is key."
[19:44] * Alicia nods, keeping her voice low. "We may need to hold prisoners there, yes," she agrees. "No luck on my end so far, but Marie says she found the mercenaries who brought Seira here, and they're as worried about her as we are. I'm thinking of contacting them this afternoon. How long do you think before we'll be clear on the property?"
[19:45] <Kotono> "A few days. There's talking and people to deal with." Waving his hand, "To break the pattern they expect would only bring suspicion on us, as much as I'd rather not waste more time."
[19:47] <Alicia> "We'll stick with more passive information gathering until then, then," Alicia decides. "A few more nights at the inn won't break the bank, at least. I'll get Marie to stick with you for the rest of the day so you'll know if I run into unexpected trouble with the mercenaries - meet here again at dinner-time?"
[19:48] <Kotono> "Right." Celebrimbor agrees. OOC - SKip along?
[19:48] <Alicia> OOC: sure
[19:49] <Kotono> Going to the nothern part of town, Alicia finds that it's quiet. Not too many people in the streets, though a keen eye can see more in alleys or just glimpsed as they hurry along in the shadows. The building Marie saw is utterly unremarkable, a single door shut.
[19:52] <Alicia> Right now Alicia is reprising the role of a slightly overweight middle-aged woman with steadily greying hair, seeming altogether nonthreatening and unassuming. Counting along the buildings till she reaches the one Marie told her about, she stops in front of the door and knocks three times.
[19:53] <Kotono> There's several seconds of silence, and then, "Yeah?" Rods calls, voice distant. "Who is it?"
[19:55] <Alicia> Not wanting to yell out her name, Alicia settles for replying with, "A recent friend."
[19:56] <Kotono> There's several more seconds of quiet, then the sound of a deadbolt being drawn. The door opens, Rods looming through the narrow entrance. "Yeah?" he asks, left arm out of sight.
[19:57] <Alicia> "My you're in a fine mood today, Rods," Alicia replies with a smile. "Then again, a person can be forgiven for suspicions when their friends go missing, am I right?"
[19:58] <Kotono> Without a particular hestiation at all, "Really now? Try telling me who the hell you are."
[19:59] <Alicia> "I'd rather not say out here," Alicia briefly looks to her left and right. "Suffice to say that I'm sure Serge would be far happier to see me again than you are."
[20:01] <Kotono> Narrowing his eyes, "Really? I wonder. What's the name of your best friend, then?"
[20:05] * Alicia blinks. The thought of a 'best friend' briefly takes her back to childhood, she hasn't really quantified people in that sense much ever since. The answer's obvious but also a bit strange all things considered. "Antenora's what she goes by these days. Now are you going to let me in or shall I be on my way?"
[20:08] <Kotono> There's a pause, before Rods grins. "Sonuvabitch, what are you doing here," Grabbing Alicia's arm, the middle aged woman is yanked into the house, door closed behind her!
[20:08] <Kotono> Inside, she can see a messy, one room holding it all. Shimmering, J appears nexst to one of the beds, magic fading around her. "Alicia?" she asks.
[20:09] * Alicia endures the manhandling with good grace. "That's better," she smiles before turning to J. "In the flesh and bigger than ever," she confirms before her demeanour turns more serious. "As if it wasn't obvious I'm here about Seira. Someone contacted her with a Sending spell the day before yesterday and got a very alarming reply back."
[20:11] <Kotono> "Yeah, shit got messed up, "Going to sit down on one of the cots, taking his axe from besides the door, "Last we heard of her, she was going to try and infiltrate the royal castle and the roayl family, trying to find a reliable agent in there."
[20:13] <Alicia> "Well something went wrong," Alicia confirms. "She was being held in a Sharran cathedral and named Kort and Armanda as being in on it just as much as Albert. Thankfully we know she escaped, but haven't been able to make contact with her since."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Fuck," J says softly, "We went over the KEssian royal house with her and Armanda got her interest."
[20:16] * Alicia sighs and rubs her head. "She seems to have a weakness for pretty noble girls..." she mutters. "Well, I had the castle scouted last night and identified Giselle and Denegren as being resident but couldn't be sure of finding Armanda or either of the two princes."
[20:19] <Kotono> "Really?" Rods raises an eyebrow, and them mutters himself, "Figures...projecting..." After that moment, "Figures. Oh dammit, this went all wrong."
[20:20] <Kotono> "I have someone looking for Seira. He's very good. If he can't find her, she's not to be found," J speaks up.
[20:22] <Alicia> "We believe she's currently on another plane - she was definitely safe yesterday morning, although hopefully we'll get a Sending through soon enough to confirm exactly what her situation is," Alicia replies. "Now, I understand you were planning on going after those responsible - now that you know how deep this runs, are you still planning on that?" she asks seriously, looking between the two to gauge their reactions.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Yeah," J says quickly, biting down on her bottom lip, "If we pull this off we'll be made for life...and hell, Seira was good to us. Is good to us. Whatever. I'm not going to let that go without somoene doing something about it."
[20:25] <Kotono> "Yeah, besides...if Seira talked or will talk, we're dead anyway. At worst, might as well go down fighting," Rods grins.
[20:26] * Alicia nods. "I don't know about profit - if nothing else we need to recover Seira's belongings. One of them was actually a loan from the Kingdom of Pallanth who are understandably going to be distraught if we don't return it soon. But we're going to be taking down those Sharrans hard, and that'll probably put us at odds with the whole damn kingdom."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Yeah, I'm not thrilled about it...but hell. Doubt J's gonna let it go now, and Serge....hell, he'll probably follow you." Rubbing his forehead for just a scant moment, "What I'm saying is that I guess I'm in too then. Though knowing how this is going, we are gonna get the entire damn kingdomon us."
[20:33] <Alicia> "Chances are if we knock over the heirs, given Denegren's health, then Evrai will make a push on Kesse - I had a brief stopover there yesterday and they really don't like you guys," Alicia admits. "But that doesn't concern the United Baronies. What matters to us is punishing those responsible for Erenholm and recovering Seira's belongings - borrowed or otherwise."
[20:34] * Yukino is now known as CC
[20:35] <Kotono> "Well yeah. Evrai and Kesse haven't gotten along for a good long while," J rubs her arm as she listens. "But yeah, I agree. War's gonna happen no matter what. Plust there's a few other royals as well."
[20:37] <Alicia> "Giselle seems to have severe intimacy issues, although she might not be involved in the cult. Same for Deregren - the latter part, I mean, but we won't know for sure until we find someone who is involved, which I've had no luck on yet. From checking the castle last night, none of them seemed like die-hard followers of the Lady of Loss..."
[18:12] <Kokokokokoko> In the morning Celebrimbor stays bed first thing, sitting cross legged as he murmurs words of arcane power for ten minues. At the end, as Alicia is going through her morning prayers, "Got her!" he says aloud.
[18:13] <Alicia> "You have? Great!" Alicia smiles in relief. "Where is she? How is she?"
[18:13] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+24
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+24 and gets 32."12 [1d20=8]
[18:16] <Kokokokokoko> "She's near the Gulnan basin in Malmuth, heading towards Atva. As I recall, it's a small town that has a local garrison." Standing up, slowly stretching his old bones, "I'm going to send word to her and then Balmuria. There's stillt he matter of retrieving her, but with teleportation magic it should be a trivial affair."
[18:18] <Alicia> "That's good," Alicia nods. "Are you going to go and pick her up? It'd probably be better to take her to Balmuria rather than back here, at least until we have that building set up. She's too distinctive to be seen walking around Kesse, right now."
[18:20] <Kokokokokoko> "Simplest would be for me to teleport home, use a scroll of scrying with a sending to SEira doesn't resist, and then teleport to her." Celebrimbor strokes his chin. "Take her back to Balmuria so we can debrief her. Considering the importance of it, it may be best if you come with us for this."
[18:21] * Sierra_OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT is now known as Bookworm_Sierra
[18:22] <Alicia> "I can probably get us back to here afterwards with my own teleports," Alicia agrees after a moment. "Alright, lets pack up our things and go?"
[18:38] * taifk is now known as Demedais
[18:41] <Kokokokokoko> Seira's return to Balmuria and the garrison is a rapid one, only a stop to get freshened up happening first. Word spreads quickly, people coming to the garrison room. Commander Oberuth is already there, waiting. "Good to see you back in one piece," he says. Demedais and then Donald enter, the latter grinning. "Ah, I knew they wouldn't get you," he says. Celebrimbor goes to sit down carefully, rubbing his shoulders and flexing his joints.
[18:42] <Kokokokokoko> ubbing his shoulders and flexing his joints.
[18:42] * Seira looks up at Demedais and Donald, before quickly lowering her eyes.
[18:42] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[18:43] * Demedais nods with a slight smile to Seira. "It is a relief to see you back, Seira."
[18:43] * Seira nods hesitantly in response.
[18:43] <Kokokokokoko> "What's wrong? They didn't do something unspeakable to you, did they? They didn't rape you or rip out your vocal cords?" Donald walks forward, looking Seira over.
[18:44] <Alicia> "Donald, sit down and shut up," Alicia snaps at him after that horribly insensitive comment.
[18:44] * Demedais stiffens at Donald's comment, before rubbing his head as Alicia handles the chastisement.
[18:45] <Kokokokokoko> "Aaaah!" Blushing at Alicia's words, "I'm just worried is all!" He nonetheless scurries to a seat.
[18:45] <Seira> "I can speak," Seira says, before looking at Alicia. "I-- they might still come after me. You have to hear what I found out there as soon as possible."
[18:45] <Kokokokokoko> "That's wise," Commander Oberuth nods, "Seira, sit down and tell us what happened. Everything."
[18:45] <Alicia> "There are better ways-" Alicia begins before pausing to let Seira speak. "Go on then, we're listening."
[18:46] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods at this.
[18:48] * Seira chooses to stand, finding herself a corner of the room to claim for herself. "I took Serge, J and Rods home, because I just wanted to do something for them while I still had the ring. (more)
[18:48] <Seira> Once there, they expressed a desire to bring down Prince Albert for his crimes, and I... I wasn't sure what I would do, but I wanted to help with that, too. I spent a few days gathering what information I could about the royal family, and so did they. In the end, I had several options. (more)
[18:49] <Seira> I chose to try an find an ally among the royal family to approach, and see whether any charges could officially be brought up against Albert. The crown prince, Kort, was portrayed as an ineffective fool, and the first princess as a loose woman with no ambitions. The rest of the family was in no position to help, and the king was ailing. That left Princess Armanda."
[18:50] <Kokokokokoko> Celebrimbor's frown is like an icy dagger, "Princess Giselle is demented."
[18:51] <Alicia> "She needs help," Marie puts in more kindly, though she shuffles somewhat awkwardly as she recalls what she witnessed.
[18:51] <Kokokokokoko> "Sssh," Oberuth says quietly. "Go on, Seira. We can pick this over later, once we've heard everything."
[18:53] <Seira> "Figures. I wouldn't try to recruit a kid and bring it into danger, so I thought I had only one shot at this." Seira sighs. "I observed the palace as well, and the court mage was weak enough I didn't see him as a threat. With that in mind, I approached the princess. She seemed cautious, but heard my case.
[18:53] <Seira> Professing no understanding of magic, she convinced me to allow her to bring a mage she trusted in for consultation. It was that same mage I saw before, and I didn't see the danger. But it must have been Albert in disguise. I never suspected a thing, until it was too late."
[18:54] <Alicia> "What did they do?" Alicia asks the natural question.
[18:59] <Seira> "I woke up in their cell. He wanted to know who knew about them, other things. I don't remember it well. He said something about strikes and blindness and I just went berserk when he tried to stab my eye.
[18:59] <Seira> I escaped, and I hid. It was a cathedral, and Kort and Armanda were there, along with their followers. Armanda was... I think she must be their priestess. They killed...." Seira shakes her head. "I couldn't escape. I hid. I searched almost everywhere, but I couldn't find a way out.
[18:59] <Seira> The only thing I could do was activate their portal, but it lead to Shadow. You know those times you think anywhere is better than here? It's not always true."
[18:59] * Demedais shakes his head silently, but keeps listening.
[19:00] <Alicia> "They have a portal? This gets worse and worse..." Alicia grimaces.
[19:00] <Kokokokokoko> "The Shadow Plane. It's disturbingly logical that a temple to Shar would have such a place" Celebrimbor murmurs, rubbing his forehead.
[19:01] <Seira> "I know the layout of that place, and I think it must be important to them. And it must be recent, too, at least in the current form," Seira says. "Because the portal was not fully complete."
[19:02] <Alicia> "I've never been to a temple of Mystra with a portal to Elysium," Alicia mutters under her breath. "Well we'll shut it down as well," she declares more loudly.
[19:02] <Kokokokokoko> "Oh good. That means they're gonna die all the easier," Donald nods to himself. "We can kick their asses right through there and into Shar's embrace!"
[19:03] <Seira> "They had shadows. More than I saw, judging by the way some chambers resembled others. For followers, I estimate from six to eighteen, judging by their personal effects. I only saw the former, but it could have been three times as much, most of them not in attendance. And... they had other holding cells. I didn't hear anything from them." Seira lowers her head.
[19:03] <Seira> "I didn't look too hard. I couldn't even get myself out."
[19:04] * Demedais nods. "Without any assistance, and in that situation? Likely wise."
[19:05] <Seira> "They summoned... I think it was a Nightmare, shortly after I broke out of my cell. They were angry about something."
[19:05] <Kokokokokoko> "Tsk," Oberuth says, "Prisoners or sacricices or worse? Judging from Erenholm...but yes, Demedais is correct. There'll be another day to correct that."
[19:06] <Kokokokokoko> "Planar binding, perhaps," Elle's voice is heard as she enters the room. A few moments later Antenora follows in behind her. "Sorry I'm late. Seira!" Coming over to her, "Gods, you look horrible."
[19:06] * Seira chances a look at Celebrimbor. "I only came upon Lagann when they found me again. It was all I could do to flee, and even that was a close call. I couldn't get it back. I'm so sorry!"
[19:07] <Alicia> "It's alright, Seira," Alicia consoles her. "You did get out, and you'll be able to go back with us when we shut them down for good. You couldn't have helped anyone if you died in there."
[19:07] <Kokokokokoko> "I'm here to ensure we get it back." Celebrimbor says, calmly.
[19:07] <Kokokokokoko> Antenora goes to sit besides Alicia. Oberuth shoots her a brief look, but there isn't any reply.
[19:07] * Seira bites her lower lip. "Are you here... alone?"
[19:08] <Kokokokokoko> "Yes. Right now, King Lorthan knows and no one else. Retreiving this treasure of Pallanth is a high priority for many reasons."
[19:09] <Kokokokokoko> "It is," Commander Oberuth speaks up again, "But keep going, Seira."
[19:10] * Seira nods hesitantly again. And, as if only then seeing Elle, latches onto the older mage in turn.
[19:11] <Kokokokokoko> Elle pats her, "Sorry, sorry," she murmurs to Commander Oberuth, going to sit next to Seira, patting her on the back. "Not trying to interrupt."
[19:12] <Seira> "Keep going," Seira repeats mechanically, before shaking her head and looking about the room. "It would be better if I drew the cathedral."
[19:15] <Alicia> "What about what happened when you went through the portal?" Alicia asks.
[19:16] <Seira> "There were more shadows. Large shadows. I tried to resist, but they took me. And there were many shadows. Thousands of souls. I lost my mind," Seira babbles. "Everything was dying. And I jumped. And I couldn't hear anymore, and there were terrible eyes everywhere. And... and...."
[19:18] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+24
[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+24 and gets 29."12 [1d20=5]
[19:18] * Alicia is sorry she asked, reaching out to clasp Seira's shoulder. "It's alright," she interrupts the babbling. "You don't need to go on."
[19:19] * Seira hyperventilates. "I was drowning. Because I jumped again. But it was Malmuth, then. And you came to get me."
[19:19] <Kokokokokoko> "That many shadows?" Celebrimbor asks as he thinks, bowing his head and closing his eyes. "That sounds like the Towers of the NIght? Shar's divine realm."
[19:19] <Kokokokokoko> "Jumped?" Elle asks, frowning, but gently shakes Seira's shoulder instead. "Slow down, you're going to pass out. Shh, calm down."
[19:20] <Seira> "It was the gate," Seira says solemnly. "I couldn't pass the gate. The gate was wrong and I had to step away or I would be trapped and unable to jump."
[19:21] * Demedais shakes his head, still just trying to understand what happened.
[19:23] <Kokokokokoko> "You're back now." Oberuth looks to the others, "That's enough, Seira. Can any of you add anything to that? Did you learn anything that could help in Kesse, Alicia?"
[19:23] * Kokokokokoko is now known as KotonoIbis
[19:24] * Demedais turns to Alicia at this.
[19:25] * Alicia clears her throat as she turns to address the group. "We arrived in Kesse without much incident - it seems they're on bad terms with nearly all of their neighbours, by the way. From the sounds of it Prince Kort is now walking around with the Second Resort placed proudly on his hip, and I believe the court wizard mentioned earlier has one of Seira's metamagic rods. The other items are still unaccounted for." (more)
[19:27] <Alicia> "When we scouted the palace it didn't seem that Kort, Albert, or Armanda were present. In fact no one there seemed to be an obvious Sharran, which heavily implies they're based elsewhere."
[19:27] <Alicia> "Lord Drake has made some progress in obtaining a defensible property we can use as our base of operations in Kesse, and I've made contact with Rods and J, who were quite worried about what happened to Seira and are willing to assist us even knowing we'll likely be up against everything the royal family can muster."
[19:29] <Seira> "Albert has the Flash," Seira adds quietly. "I saw it. And...." She pauses. "Armanda mentioned some... dogs? Saxant? She and Kort were going to do something about them."
[19:30] <KotonoIbis> "Sanaxt," Celebrimbor speaks up here, "It's a kingdom north of Kesse. I took the time to study a map. Also on bad terms with Kesse."
[19:30] <Seira> "I think they were planning an attack on them, but everything is just so cluttered up here...."
[19:31] <Alicia> "We stopped over in Evrai briefly," Alicia adds. "It's to the South. People there gave us some really nasty looks when they thought we were from Kesse."
[19:32] <KotonoIbis> "They could be an ally in this," Commander Oberuth leans forward, towards Seira. "The enemy of my enemy applies well here."
[19:34] <Alicia> "I don't know about attaching ourselves to any neighbouring kingdoms, but it's almost a certainty that once we eliminate the royal family - or even just the strong heir candidates - then Kesse's neighbours will be fairly quick to descend upon it," Alicia observes.
[19:35] <Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees with Alicia. "They could just betray us. You'll trust them, but they'll just turn it around and have a laugh at how foolish it was to come to them."
[19:36] <Demedais> "Which is in and of itself problematic. Plus, Seira's comment holds true; if Kesse is this far infiltrated, then we must be cautious who we approach in other countries." Demedais nods.
[19:36] <Alicia> "Possible," Alicia nods in support of Seira. "We know nothing about them, after all. We can handle this without their help, I believe, but they're welcome to pick over what's left once we're done."
[19:37] <KotonoIbis> "Perhaps not. If the old social order is goin gto collapse, we would be better served to ensure a stable, new, approved one is installed, rather than letting things fall to anarchy and war."
[19:37] <KotonoIbis> OOC - Gah.
[19:37] <KotonoIbis> "Perhaps not. If the old social order is goin gto collapse, we would be better served to ensure a stable, new, approved one is installed, rather than letting things fall to anarchy and war." Antenora finally speaks up here, "How many will die if things turn into a regional brawl?"
[19:39] <Alicia> "The problem is how," Alicia shakes her head. "We're strangers there, we don't know anyone - to get a trusted person in power we'd have to install one of our own, and that would simply cause rebellion from Kesse and suspicion or even outright hostility from its neighbours."
[19:40] <KotonoIbis> "Decapitaing the old royal family and installing a puppet regime is a tall order," Elle frowns, "Even if we take out the puppet part. IS ther eanyone in the royal family that isn't aSharran or disturbed?"
[19:40] <Demedais> "Even presuming the two capitals practically border each other, quite a few." Demedais shakes his head. "There is no easy way to influence the situation over there." At Elle's comment, he turns to Seira. "You sent three names with your Sending; were any others also a part of this cult, that you noticed?"
[19:41] * Alicia shrugs in response to Elle. "I didn't really have time to investigate ancillery royals, I've only heard of the direct heirs."
[19:41] <Seira> "They seemed so nice," Seira says quietly. "They had such interesting ideas for patrols, and people were being taken care of. I thought we could help each other so much...." As Elle and Demedais speak, Seira tries to recall her briefing on the family. "They have a really young girl whose job is to look pretty. I think she isn't evil."
[19:42] <Alicia> "Kesse itself doesn't seem unpleasant, at least on the surface that I've seen," Alicia reluctantly concedes Seira's point.
[19:43] <Seira> "The king... Kort has him wrapped around his finger. And the younger princes don't stand out even compared to the weak, negative images the older royals have. That alone says much."
[19:44] <Alicia> "I think before we go further we really need to be perfectly clear on our goals here," Alicia fixes the Commander in her gaze. "Is the Archbaron aware of the situation, sir?"
[19:44] <KotonoIbis> "They might just be marginalized. THat could be salvagable," Oberuth considers, "AS I'm seeing it now, our mission to Kesse is three pronged. The first is to eliminate the Sharrans. The second is to recover our artifacts and magical property. The third is to try and prevent a general war from breaking when the royal family is pared down."
[19:44] * Seira agrees with two of those goals.
[19:45] <KotonoIbis> "I've sent word, yes. No official word, but unofficially?" A shrug comes, "We could even declare war and no one would know over there. Unless I get orders otherwise, you have a free hand using your own discretion when orders don't apply."
[19:45] <Demedais> "Hm. But how to ensure a capable leader takes the throne?" Demedais shakes his head. "We have no idea how corrupt any of these folks may turn out down the line."
[19:46] <KotonoIbis> "We don't. But ten or thirty years down the line isn't our concern," Oberuth continues.
[19:46] <Alicia> "Very well," Alicia nods. "Then the third goal is really the point of contention - the other two we can handle easily enough with a minimum of fuss, but that one is a problem. As I see it, we have the following options:" (more)
[19:48] <Alicia> "Firstly, propel one of Kesse's minor heirs to the throne and support them in consolidating power. Not knowing any such royals I have no idea how feasible this is. The second is to install someone of our choosing - as I said earlier this is likely to foster a great deal of local resentment."
[19:48] <Alicia> "The third is to support one of Kesse's neighbours in decisively conquering Kesse with a minimum of bloodshed. Again our lack of local knowledge hampers us here. Does anyone have any other suggestions?" she looks around at the group hopefully.
[19:48] * Demedais muses. "I cannot directly think of one, no."
[19:49] <Seira> "Do they need royalty to lead them?"
[19:50] <Alicia> "Doing so keeps things strictly legal within Kesse's own framework," Alicia shrugs. "It'd damp down on any potential for a civil war."
[19:50] <KotonoIbis> "I wish I could. I think the first is best. The third will likely breed insurrection on a local level and general disorder, no matter how bloodless." Antenora thinks here, "We have three friends in Kesse, we could use them to help ensure the royal family is acceptable after the fact?"
[19:51] <Seira> "And if the ruler is stripped of much of their power, being not much more than a figurehead, that also work. That entire family...." Seira trails off again.
[19:51] <Alicia> "We could place that young Princess as Queen and install someone of our choosing as Regent until she reaches majority," Alicia considers as she rubs her chin. "This would let us groom her to be an acceptable ruler and give us control in the interim."
[19:51] <KotonoIbis> "Install a weaker king and a council? That can work well, it's been fine in Pallanth for endless ages," Celebrimbor says here.
[19:52] * Demedais just leans back, lost in thought.
[19:52] * Seira nods.
[19:52] <KotonoIbis> "Heh, how about that Rods as regent. He's a fun guy..." Donald speaks up, "You got a lotta options here for it. IT'll be a bad idea if we don't have this sorted out before we kick their asses, though?
[19:52] <KotonoIbis> "
[19:53] <Seira> "We can't get the same people who are supposed to keep an impartial eye on things directly involved. I think." Seira winces. "It didn't only sound stupid to me, did it?"
[19:54] <Alicia> "That wasn't the only reason," Alicia agrees.
[19:54] <KotonoIbis> "We do need to have a plan or two in place for it. However, it's the third priority. And no, I understand what you mean. We have people helping Claris in the background and others just watching. It's good common sense to have advisors and watchers."
[19:55] * Demedais nods to this. "Putting in a government that has a built-in catch in case of failure on the leader's part is best, but...
[19:56] <Alicia> "Effectively we'll be turning Kesse into a puppet state of the United Baronies. We'll be the catch, and I don't think whomever we put in charge is going to forget it," Alicia can't help but smirk a little there.
[19:56] * Demedais grimaces at this, but doesn't object.
[19:56] <KotonoIbis> "How about we decide pending checking up on the remaining royals?" Celebrimbor speaks up here, "Regardless of how we resolve the problem of the nation afterwards, we still have goals that are both pressing and important."
[19:57] <Alicia> "Agreed," Alicia nods. "We're far from done in laying the groundwork for the first two points, so we have time to consider our options for the last one."
[19:57] <KotonoIbis> "Very well," Oberuth says here, while Antenora clears her throat.
[19:58] <KotonoIbis> "There's one matter unrelated to this that Seira needs to hear about," she says. "ABout the demons."
[19:59] <Alicia> "Hmph... I had even forgotten amid all this..." Alicia snorts and shakes her head. "Seira, we finally went after those vrocks Esthan told us about. Well, it was a lot more than just vrocks, but anyway, they claimed to be acting on your behalf."
[20:01] * Seira laughs stiltedly.
[20:02] <KotonoIbis> "I wonder. Did you insult Tymora about a week ago or two?" Elle asks in wonder. "It's a miracle you're alive with all this."
[20:03] <Seira> "I might as well," Seira mutters. "Can things get any worse? At least I can still commit suicide here. I've been to places that wasn't an option."
[20:04] <KotonoIbis> "Alright. As it stands now, your orders are officially this: Eliminate the Sharrans, Retreive our properties, install a stable regime in our control. They go in that priority from first to last. Dismissed, get working on it."
[20:06] <Seira> "Why would they single me out?" Seira asks Antenora, approaching her upon the dismissal.
[20:06] <Alicia> "Demedais said that the balor Gurlan put a curse on you to make you evil but a dragon lifted it," Alicia goes on to Seira. "The demons either still think you're on their side, or more likely they want to discredit you. Something you might want to be aware of."
[20:06] <Seira> "Oh." Seira looks worried. "That wasn't exactly what happened, but I didn't think he would come after me."
[20:07] <KotonoIbis> "What Alicia said," Antenora stands up, "The thread is mostly eliminated now, beyond a succubus and an arrow demon."
[20:07] <Seira> "Good riddance."
[20:08] <Alicia> "Seriously though, it would have been nice if you'd told me. Hearing it from a marilith wasn't especially comforting," Alicia concludes. "I wouldn't have been happy to hear it from you either, admittedly, but it would have been a little better."
[20:10] <Seira> "I made a deal with that balor to save my father, and then I reneged on it with Waukeen's help. I don't suppose he or his demons would be happy with me, but they just never showed up till now and we were in the midst of a war with Malmuth. Once that blew over, I thought they cut their losses."
[20:13] <Alicia> "Seems they're mostly just spiting you rather than going after you seriously, so there's at least that," Alicia commiserates. "Anyway, we should probably head back to Kesse to resume our work there. I take it from the lack of mention that everything's quiet here?" she addresses Antenora with that last part.
[20:15] <KotonoIbis> "Nothing particularly relevant," Antenora agrees.
[20:17] <KotonoIbis> As people funnel out of the room, Celebrimbor lingers with Seira. Once they are alone, "Are you going to be up to all this," he asks plainly. "You've endured a considerable trauma."
[20:19] <Seira> "Anything I tell you wiil probably be a lie," Seira responds with a sigh. "Before you came to get me, Malmuthian soldiers refused to help me, even the way I looked, and it took a lot from me not to strike at them. It is for the best that I'll stay here a few days, all things considered."
[20:21] <KotonoIbis> "You need the rest. Others will carry the torch while you regain yourself." Leaning on his drake styled staff, "I'm thankful you're still alive. I had feared the worst."
[20:22] <Seira> "That made two of us," Seira admits quietly. "I'll never forget the hours I spent seriously considering a permanent escape."
[20:24] <KotonoIbis> "Don't forget it. Turn the memory of it into a weapon to strike the Sharrans down," Celebrimbor says. "And...your father won't let you get away with it if you did do that. He'll fin da way to drag you back, kicking and screaming.
[20:24] <KotonoIbis> "
[20:26] <Seira> "He probably would," Seira agrees. "Celebrimbor, just how bad is it? If someone in my position lost a relic like that... and you first introduced me to the king, too...."
[20:28] <KotonoIbis> "It'll cause a lot of lashback. You'll alienate the council and severly damage the trust you've built up. It'll reduce my own standing as well," Despite that, Celebrimbor looks on with composure, "Which is why I'm here to ensure it's returned safely so none of that happens."
[20:29] <Seira> "And that's why it's kept a secret?" Seira asks. "From everyone? So no one knows, even on the council?"
[20:30] <KotonoIbis> "In short. The council will likely know by the time we return - King Lorthan keeps his own council ultimately and may choose to reveal this to them. That is out of my hands. All we can do is ensure that we get it back."
[20:30] <Seira> "How long do we have?"
[20:31] <KotonoIbis> "Weeks, months if need be. I can get us sufficient time," Celebrimbor says.
[20:32] * Seira nods slowly. "This... is really hard for me to ask. Umm. About Amaryl. She's in the dark, too?"
[20:32] <KotonoIbis> "She doesn't know." A nod to that, "Unless the King chooses to tell her."
[20:33] <Seira> "I'm not sure if I should be relieved, or a bit sad. Maybe a bit of both."
[20:34] <KotonoIbis> "Go rest," Nodding ot Seira, "I need to get going with Alicia. There's still more matters to prepare so that this royal family can be eliminated."
[20:35] <Seira> "Please be careful," she bids him.
[20:36] * Demedais is now known as taifk
[20:38] <KotonoIbis> Thereafter, Celebrimbor joins Alicia out in the hall. "Will it just be three of us returning," he asks, "Marie, you and myself?"
[20:39] * Alicia nods. "Even though nothing's happened yet I'm still concerned we could face reprisals here. Besides that we're still only gathering information, so a larger presence would only attract unwanted attention."
[20:40] <KotonoIbis> "Shall we, then?" Celebrimbor says, "Can you amange the teleports?"
[20:42] <Alicia> "I'm thinking we can probably get there with two," Alicia nods. "Here, take my hand," she asks as she focuses on the valley just outside of her old home in Lorasce.
[20:42] <Alicia> roll 1d100 call it studied carefully
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 call it studied carefully and gets 43."12 [1d100=43]
[20:45] <KotonoIbis> Rain. It's raining in Kelara. A gray drizzle comes down around the three, the valley wet and quiet. No birdsong, no noise besides the pitter-patter of rain.
[20:47] <Alicia> "At least we're just here for a moment," Alicia comments. "Do you have any invisibility spells prepared? I want to teleport directly into the city but can't be sure we won't land near a witness."
[20:48] <KotonoIbis> "I do," Celebrimbor calls on a few words, vanishing from sight.
[20:51] * Alicia also casts alter self to assume her harmless older lady form and taps Celebrimbor with her quarterstaff to change him into his own favoured disguise before she teleports them onto the alley running alongside of the inn they were staying at in Kesse.
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually?
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually? and gets 54."12 [1d100=54]
[20:52] <KotonoIbis> They thus appear there without incident. It's also raining in Kesse - a harder, heavy rain. It's rather soaking, rumbles of thunder heard every few seconds.
[20:53] <Alicia> "Wasn't the weather nicer when we left?" Alicia grimaces after confirming no one's around. "You can dispel the invisibility and we'll go inside to get our room rented again today?"
[20:55] <KotonoIbis> The invisbility is gone! Speaking up over the thunder, "A summer storm. Unfortunate timing. Let's." OOC - AFter you rent a room, then what?
[20:56] <Alicia> Alicia's happy to wait in the room for the storm to blow over but she'll callously send her familiar into the cold and rain to scout the castle some more.
[20:59] <KotonoIbis> OOC: Anything in particular there?
[21:01] <Alicia> OOC: looking for any of the three prime suspects, if she gets a clear shot at the chancellery she can snoop around there, otherwise on the alert for notable magic/evil auras. Has voice of the archon cast on her in case needed, taking 10 for 34 on hide throughout.
[18:35] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Thus Marie begins to fly about, hidden and hiding! The first half hour isn't without incident...but it's when she reaches the throne room that something happens. The king is there, looking waxy-gray pale and leaning forward. A dirty, exhausted man kneels before him. "...and it was like ice," he says solemnly. Several richly dressed older men are listening with faces of worry and shock. Besides the king are two women. One is Princess Gis
[18:35] <Ko-Saulfangirl> One is Princess Giselle, dead faced and distant. The other...(More)
[18:38] <Ko-Saulfangirl> She wears the clothes of a nobleman, with a distinctly feminine cut. Her brown hair is kept back in a ponytail, her form rather short and springy. She's not particularly pretty, but she's not hard on the eyes at all. The King coughs four times, shuddering and clutching his chest for several seconds. "Sanaxt...so the entire royal family..."
[18:38] <Alicia> Is she evil?
[18:39] <Alicia> Paydirt! Marie settles in to eavesdrop a while.
[18:39] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Yes, our spies in the palace all say the same thing. Slaughtered or frozen alive." The man says, "Not a soul in the family survived the night time attack."
[18:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 sense motive, do I get any feeling she's responsible?
[18:40] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
[18:40] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[18:40] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[18:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 sense motive, do I get any feeling she's responsible?
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 sense motive, do I get any feeling she's responsible? and gets 17."12 [1d20=8]
[18:41] * Taishyr is now known as taifk
[18:41] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "How reprehensible...fools or not..." Coughing again before straighting up, King Denegren sighs. "Once it becomes official, send royal condolences."
[18:42] <Ko-Saulfangirl> There is some murmuring amid the rich dressed men there, Princess Armanda shaking her head. "I don't believe that. The entire royal house dead? That's not possible...unless it's an act of the Gods."
[18:42] <Alicia> Yeah! Shar! But Marie has more sense than to blurt that out.
[18:43] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Giselle continues to stare ahead, seeing nothing. "No God is that cruel..." Denegren grimaces, "Very well. Tell more to Kort when he arrives...I need to rest." King Denegren rises, a pair of guards coming to help him stand.
[18:43] <Alicia> Marie thinks that Armanda would be the most productive person to follow after this meeting.
[18:43] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Father..." Armanda takes a step forward, extending her hand out. A worried frown crosses her face, "Let Prince Kort handle it. You needen't stress yourself."
[18:44] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Armanda...you have duties to see to..." Denegren rasps, as he is helped away.
[18:45] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "As you wish, Father." Bowing her head from the rebuke, "Sister, come with me," Armanda says, Giselle following her without a single word.
[18:45] <Alicia> And Marie follows both!
[18:46] <Ko-Saulfangirl> roll 1d20+21
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Ko-Saulfangirl rolls 1d20+21 and gets 29."12 [1d20=8]
[18:47] <Ko-Saulfangirl> They head back to Giselle's chambers. Once in there, Giselle goes to sit on her bed. There are a pair of servants there, but Armanda speaks. "Begone. We have a private matter to discuss," Armanda commands, the room emptying. Once it is so emptied, Armanda steps forward, taking a hold of Giselle's head by the chin. "There's still time to change your mind, sister." With an icy smile, "Kort is not yet King." Looking down, "You'll have scar
[18:48] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Kort is not yet King." Looking down, "You'll have scars...but if you give this penance, you will be allowed to join us."
[18:49] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Giselle looks Armanda in the eyes, a dead look with a serene smile. "Tell brother that I won't. No matter if he kills me...or does it in torment...I will not. I will feel alive. I will feel alive. I will feel alive," she chants.
[18:49] <Alicia> Trying to induct their innocent (for various meanings of the term) sister into their warbed cabal? Marie is tempted to intervene but Alicia would disapprove and can probably handle things better when the time comes...
[18:50] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Smack! The movement of Armanda's palm is lighting fast, leaving a reddening welt across Giselle's cheek. "So you can father more worthless bastard children? Kort's mercy won't extend once he's King. Remember when we went to the dungeons on a lark as children, sister? Our dungeons...are worse."
[18:50] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "I will be alive. I will be alive. I will be alive, I will be alive, I will be alive," Giselle chants, starting to rock back and forth on the bed.
[18:51] <Alicia> So tempted to smack the horrible Sharran with some magic missiles...
[18:54] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "So you can father more bastard children with the scullery cook and the carpenter, or perhaps the stablehands?" Another smack, this one sending a few droplets of red blood from Giselle's nose. "No matter how many times you do that, it's futile. There is no life. Only the coming end. If you refuse to see that..." Armanda straightens up, "Think about it, sister."
[18:56] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Giselle looks straight ahead at nothing, whispering, "I will be alive...I will be alive...I will be alive..." Armanda leaves her at that, exiting the bedroom.
[18:57] <Alicia> Marie pursues Armanda, rather wishing Alicia hadn't bothered with Voice of the Archon since the temptation to issue an educational command to the princess is hard to resist.
[19:02] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Princess Armanda heads to the third floor. Here one of the noble suites has a thin man surrounded by muscial intruments. Princess Armanda curties to him, "Good afternoon, teacher."
[19:03] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Ah, Princess. You're on time today, how rarely nice." He speaks in a dry, cool voice. "His Majesty expressed a desire that you continue to work on the lute for the end of summer festival."
[19:03] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Of course, teacher," Frowning, with a cute look on her face, "But I so hate these lessons! I would much rather go practice with a sword or with my bare hands!"
[19:04] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "It's your father's will, Princess." With a stern voice and exasperated look, "If you don't study you'll dissapoint him."
[19:04] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Yes, Father mustn't be saddenend now. Even the slightest burden could be too much," Her rebellious voice calms down, as she goes and selects a lute from amid the instruments about. "I suppose I have no choice but to follow the lesson then."
[19:05] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "It's also far more ladylike. You 'fight' like a barroom brawler," Tsk-tsking, "It's not suitable for a Princess of Kesse!"
[19:05] <Alicia> Or slit the throat of some unfortunate to please your dark goddess... Marie really doesn't like this woman who acts like a girl. Who does she think she's fooling? Evidently the whole stupid kingdom...
[19:05] <Ko-Saulfangirl> As she readies her lute, Armanda giggles. "It's far more graceful than that, teacher! A well aimed punch or kick is an art all to itself!"
[19:06] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "I'd hardly call it graceful. Ballet is graceful. Ballroom dancing is graceful. Bare knuckled fighting is not graceful. Now then, if you'd practice the songs for the summer festival today?"
[19:07] <Alicia> Once Armanda starts playing Marie elects to spend five minutes quickly scooting around the castle to search for any other moderate or stronger evil auras before she comes back. She can rely on her target staying in place for that long, at least.
[19:11] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Marie searches about but has no luck in five minutes. She does a quick sweep of the castle - lots of room for error when going that fast.
[19:11] <Alicia> Back to sit on on Armanda's music lesson, then.
[19:13] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Armanda is a pretty fair talent at the lute. Not a contest winner, but she knows how to play it. An hour of this passes, various upbeat songs tried. Most of them are quite pleasant. When it's done, Armanda rises as her teacher applauds. "That was a good practice today. Keep that up and you'll do well at the festival."
[19:13] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Thank you," Smiling widely at that, "In two days then?"
[19:14] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Yes," The teacher says, as Armanda leaves the room.
[19:14] <Alicia> While Armanda plays Marie observes her for magic auras and checks to see if she's wearing any recognisable rings.
[19:16] <Ko-Saulfangirl> No identifiable rings, though Marie does see a few other things.
[19:16] <Alicia> Marie continues to sneak around after the only real viable target in the castle at the moment.
[19:20] <Ko-Saulfangirl> This time she heads to another royal's quarters. Here a man wearing simple, loose blue clothes waits. He's well muscled and has brown hair, alone in his audience room, standing before the fire. A ring on his left finger looks familiar. One of Seira's rings. Spellstoring, she believes. Armanda comes to him, "I have a few hours," she says.
[19:20] <Alicia> Is he evil and does he have any other magic auras?
[19:21] <Ko-Saulfangirl> The man's eyes are a striking black, alluring in a way that makes Marie's legs feel weak. "We'll go, then."
[19:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 34."12 [1d20=19]
[19:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft for the evil beneath his pants
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft for the evil beneath his pants and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[19:29] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Hm?" Albert looks about, back and forth. "Tsch! There's a lurking secret in the room." With a momentary twist of his smile into a gruesome grimace, "You shouldn't keep secrets from me."
[19:31] <Alicia> That is surely cheating. Not wanting to tip them off to her presence, Marie has little choice but to retreat by phasing into the ceiling, but not so far that she can't hear them still talk nor keep track of their locations by their vile auras.
[19:31] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Armanda scans about as well, "Really? This castle is lousy with divination and spies lately." Marie hears that, somewhat muffled.
[19:32] <Alicia> She should be pretty secure here for the moment, so Marie continues spying, although she wonders just how he detected her - there wasn't any sign of divination magic on him, and that's the only explanation since if he spotted her he wouldn't have been so circumspect.
[19:33] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Shhh." Albert says, a silence settling in. Several seconds pass with no noise at all.
[19:34] <Alicia> Being ethereal is a nice way to ensure absolute silence, even if she is inside a solid object. Marie keeps an eye on their auras to ensure they aren't sneaking off or anything.
[19:42] <Ko-Saulfangirl> After a few minutes, the two are going to another room. Looks like into the bedroom.
[19:43] <Alicia> Staying within the ceiling, Marie heads in the same direction.
[19:47] <Ko-Saulfangirl> They pass through the bedroom, going to the closet. Herein, Marie can here words of arcane power being spoke!
[19:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft to id spell being cast
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft to id spell being cast and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
[19:48] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Marie can't identify it! A few moments later, the auras are gone.
[19:49] <Alicia> Well, Marie enters into the room and settles for trying to identify the lingering aura that's left.
[19:49] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14."12 [1d20=7]
[19:49] <Ko-Saulfangirl> No luck for Marie. It's a walk in closet - no lights, so it's rather dark and shadowy.
[19:49] <Alicia> Shadows do not exist when you have darkvision! Anyway, time to search this closet and bedroom for clues or loot.
[19:50] <Ko-Saulfangirl> OOC: Taking ten or twenty or rolling search?
[19:51] <Alicia> OOC: lets take 20 for 21
[19:54] <Ko-Saulfangirl> Marie takes her time! There's not much of interest in the room - lots of learning and fancy books, good clothes, a mirror, a few half written love letters. Nothing particularly telling or worthwhile, unless Marie wants to steal the loose gold and silver coins he keeps in a drawer.
[19:54] <Alicia> No not really. Does he have a hairbrush or anything lying around?
[19:54] <Ko-Saulfangirl> There's a hairbrush, yes.
[19:56] <Alicia> Briefly turning corporeal, Marie yanks a few strands of hair from it before turning incorporeal again and going to find Alicia and Celebrimbor.
[19:57] <Ko-Saulfangirl> It's not raining anymore. A rainbow can ge glimpsed in the sky, puddles of water all over town. Celebrimbor and Alicia are found in the inn room where they are expected to be.
[20:00] <Alicia> After Marie reports her findings Alicia is less than pleased. "It sounds like they're preparing for something big... and we're still lacking in progress. Although with those hairs... do you think you could try scrying on Albert, Lord Drake?"
[20:01] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "I could try on the morrow. I don't have it prepared," Celebrimbor nods with a look of complete distaste. "Or have executed a big move, or part of one. The attack on Sanaxt is almost certainly the handiwork of these depraved royals."
[20:04] <Alicia> "Having two rings of teleportation gives them a great deal of tactical flexibility," Alicia nods sadly. "And they're not shy at all about using it - of course, neither are we, so at least we're not particularly disadvantaged there. I think it would be best to attempt scrying once we know he's out of the castle - Marie said he'll likely be back in a few hours, so she can try and gather more information then."
[20:09] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Right. Then I should go pursue this safehouse in the meanwhile, so it is available as soon as possible," Rising up now, "I will return in af ew hours."
[20:11] <Alicia> "Since the weather's improved I think I'll go see if I can scour up some more information - hopefully find some people familiar with the castle wandering about this time of day." Alicia proceeds to disguise herself as a skinny teenage girl looking not dissimilar to how Beth was when she left Kelara.
[20:16] <Ko-Saulfangirl> OOc - GI again?
[20:17] <Alicia> OOC: yes, focus this is on the hangouts of the royal family besides the palace - fancy townhouses, countryside villas, that sort of thing.
[20:17] <Ko-Saulfangirl> OOC: Roll away.
[20:17] <Alicia> OOC: take 10 for 25
[20:20] <Ko-Saulfangirl> By late afternoon, Alicia is sitting at a mid-scale bar next to a tired looking woman. She drinks deeply from a mug of sweetened mead, "Oh yeah, I do cleaning at the castle. Hard work. What, are you thinking about trying to get on board with it, girlie?"
[20:23] <Alicia> "I'm a hard worker," Alicia insists earnestly. "And Prince Albert... he's so dreamy..." she sighs wistfully for a moment. "So anyway I was thinking, the castle probably has all the staff it needs, but what about other royal residences? Seasonal work, you know, for when they're holidaying or partying?"
[20:24] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Well, the King's not so well," Keeping her voice in a whisper, "Most of the royals aren't too far away now. But in the fall, after the end of summer festival, it's traditional to go to Halla. It's a mountain retreat to the west, lovely place. If they go this year you might have a chance of getting on board."
[20:28] * Haruka is now known as Cidward
[20:28] * Alicia nods. "That's a thought, I guess if I can wait that long. Hmm... they probably need people to look after places like that even when they're not there? In case they skip off for a day or so's getaway?" she asks hopefully.
[20:41] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "There's some permanent staff. Might not be a bad job if you can get it," Rubbing her chin as she says it, "It would beat cleaning in the main castle for sure!"
[20:41] <Alicia> "What places do you think it might be worth asking at?" Alicia prods with a guileless smile.
[20:46] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Tell you what, I can introduce you to the girl in the castle that handles that. Will you be here in a few days?" she asks.
[20:47] <Alicia> "Unless something happens, sure," Alicia shrugs brightly in reply.
[20:48] <Ko-Saulfangirl> "Meet me here in three days," she says, "The girl who does it is back then and I'll bring her over for drinks. You can get the inside track that way."
[20:50] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia agrees. "So what's it like working there, anyway? I mean, you probably see a side of the people in charge that most folks don't, right?"
[18:03] <Kotono> "Well...." Tapping her chin as she drinks, "Yes, sometimes."
[18:04] <Alicia> "What're they like?" Alicia leans closer and grins in a conspiratorial fashion. "Really?"
[18:07] <Kotono> "His Majesty's not so bad," Lowering her voice into a whisper, "But he's so sick these days. I think he's going to go home to Kelemvor soon."
[18:08] <Alicia> "That means it'll be King Kort, won't it?" Alicia lowers her voice to match, mostly just prodding enough to keep the discussion going so the maid can vent.
[18:10] <Kotono> "Yes. King Kort..." Biting her lip, "He's kind of quiet. He's polite and not rude at all, but he's...well..." A shrug, "He doesn't pay much attention to the maids. He's acting more like a King these days."
[18:12] <Alicia> "Something wrong with him, then?" Alicia suggests quietly.
[18:16] <Kotono> "No, no..." Shaking her head, "I just wonder if..." Blushing now, "There was a rumor a little ago...that...he's deviant. He's not interested in the Princesses of the world."
[18:17] <Alicia> "Oh!" Alicia blushes herself. "That'll make getting an heir difficult, won't it?"
[18:18] <Kotono> "Yes! The rumor is that he was seen coming out of a room with men more than once!" Whispering back, "And they immediately split up and tried not to be seen."
[18:19] <Alicia> "My, my... well, at least Albert's not that way, right?" she suddenly looks worried, "He isn't, is he?"
[18:19] <Kotono> "Oh no!" Her color turns a litlte more calm, finishing her mead off. "He's very friendly to the ladies."
[18:20] <Alicia> "The stories say he's a bit of a playboy. Is it true?"
[18:22] <Kotono> "Oh yes. About two years ago he got friendly with one of the maids. It started leaking out...you know, sowing his royal oats? She's not a maid anymore...I hear she got transferred to a really cushy job out in the country somewhere. So yes, he's a playboy..." But with a longing sigh, "But one of the good ones. He could tell her to go to the Abyss and no one would've batted an eye. But he took care of Axandra instead."
[18:24] <Alicia> Nothing worse than a villain with good publicity, Alicia thinks. "That sounds like a way to get ahead," she forces herself to quelch her feelings of disgust and giggle, "Where was she sent off to?"
[18:26] <Kotono> "Oh, out west. Now that I think about it, I think it was Halla." Waving over another mug of mead and putting down a silver coin in payment, the barkeep comes and goes. After, "She's a nice girl, sweet and innocent. She's a dear, if you make it out there I'm sure you'll meet her."
[18:28] <Alicia> "I can hope," Alicia smiles. "Still... I doubt it would be so easy for me. They're not all handsome princes, after all - so what are the princesses like?"
[18:30] <Kotono> "Well, there's Princess Giselle..." Sighing there, "She's not bad to work for now. It's like working for a doll. Poor girl...she slept around and got her heart tangled up with the common person. His Majesty wouldn't tolerate it. She had two bastards, you know.
[18:30] <Kotono> "
[18:31] <Alicia> "That's a bit unfair, isn't it? Albert gets away with it but not her?" she shakes her head sadly.
[18:34] <Kotono> "That's life. I hear His Majesty was going to marry her off to someone, one of the minor city-states to the southeast. That's just the old rumor, but..." A sweet smile there, "One the cherry is popped, the fruit's no good to sell."
[18:35] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[18:36] * Alicia snorts. "What pig actually cares about that? Do they get turned on by hurting their wife on the first night?" She shakes her head in disgust. "I suppose Armanda would have to be on her best behaviour to avoid the same, wouldn't she?"
[18:37] <Kotono> "That's how men play," A shrug there again, "Armanda's not so bad. She's a tomboy...she might be like Kort and not be producing an heir, either. She insists on wearing men's clothing! It's scandalous. She even learned to fight with her bare hands. But she hasn't slept around, so His Majesty seems to tolerate it."
[18:40] <Alicia> "Not very dignified for a princess, is it?" Alicia agrees. "Why the interest? Has she ever been attacked or had to fight for real?"
[18:40] <Kotono> "Not that I know of," Frowning at that, "She's always been like that, though."
[18:41] <Alicia> "Strange..." Alicia muses. "She must not have much faith in her bodyguards, then."
[18:45] <Kotono> "Dunno," Admitting that, "She's not unfriendly."
[18:47] <Alicia> "Mmmm..." Alicia nods, accepting that. "Any other interesting rumours going around the castle, do you know?"
[18:47] <Kotono> "Prince Denegren got in a fight with one of his servants, or so it goes. He's a bit spoiled...I hear her threw his soup in the poor man's face."
[18:48] * Alicia laughs. "How old is he, again?"
[18:52] <Kotono> "Fourteen, but spoiled," Drinking again from her mead glass, "Very spoiled."
[18:53] * Alicia tuts. "You'd think he'd have grown out of it by now," she agrees. "Anyway, it's getting on and I should probably go see about dinner. I'll see you around?"
[18:59] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-177-137-29.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[19:00] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-177-137-29.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
[19:00] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:02] <Kotono> "Be well," she says, as Alicia goes off! OOC - What's your plans now?
[19:02] <Alicia> OOC: Does the map I bought earlier show where Halla is? If not I'll try to locate a new map.
[19:02] <Kotono> OOC: Halla's well to the west, in the higher hills. There's roads and such that lead to it. This reminds me, net quiet day we need to work on that map of Kesse.
[19:03] * Alicia heads back to the inn and waits for Celebrimbor to show up so they can plot their next move.
[19:05] <Kotono> That early evening, Celebrimbor returns. Over dinner, "The purchase is going well enough. I can have us using it tomorrow," he says.
[19:06] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods. "We can start bringing people over then and prepare to step things up. From asking around a bit I've found out the royals have a residence in Halla to the West. Albert apparently sends his playmates there, so I'm thinking it could be worth investigating since the castle itself seems barren."
[19:19] <Kotono> "I can get a description of it tomorrow and get us over there," Celebrimbor volunteers. "Far easier than travelling overland."
[19:22] * Alicia digs out the map and shows where Halla is to Celebrimbor. "We don't have time for overland travel," she agrees. "I could probably teleport there as well myself from the map, but we could wait till tomorrow. Say once we've set ourselves up in your building we can go check out Halla then return to Balmuria?"
[19:22] <Kotono> "Pending on how it resolves out, yes," Celebrimbor agrees. "Another day at the latest if we get delayed.
[19:22] <Kotono> "
[19:23] <Alicia> "I hope it is there," Alicia sighs. "The city seems utterly dry of Sharran activity. If we can't find that cathedral we're going to have to take our targets right out of the palace."
[19:25] <Alicia> "You can still scry on Albert on one of his trips if it doesn't pan out," Marie volunteers brightly.
[19:27] <Alicia> "Speaking of that, they should be back by now - want to go take a look around the palace?" Alicia turns to her familiar. Marie gives her ready assent and heads off to scour the place for the evil auras of Armanda and Albert.
[20:30] * Sierra_Comatose is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[20:36] <Kotono> OOC: Searching for just evil auras?
[20:37] <Alicia> OOC: she'll use them as a guide but she'll stop if she sees anything interesting. Also looking for magic auras.
[20:41] <Kotono> As Marie wanders the evening halls of the palace, she comes on something interesting! On the third floor, in one of the nicer rooms, there is a man. He is gaunt faced but composed, serious brown eyes as he sits on the floor. He meditates, a magical pair of bracers worn and a symbol of a pair of scales hanging from his neck.
[20:41] <Alicia> Is he evil?
[20:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[20:41] <Kotono> He is not evil.
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[20:42] <Alicia> OOC: any knowledge check for what the scales mean?
[20:42] <Kotono> OOC: Religion.
[20:43] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9
[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 and gets 15."12 [1d20=6]
[20:44] <Alicia> Marie marks this location and moves on. If she doesn't find any of her real targets lurking around then she can spy on this guy a little in case he does anything of note.
[20:47] <Kotono> Marie does see Giselle in her room. She's sitting there, a maid brushing her wet hair. Giselle wears nothing, as another maid rubs a smooth lotion into her back. She doesn't seem to particularly care about her state, though. Albert and Armanda aren't seen in their rooms. OOC - Any of this itnerest you or continue on?
[20:47] <Alicia> OOC: move on
[20:49] <Kotono> Going by the King's chambers, Marie finds an interesting scene there. The King is in bed, Kort besides him, sitting in a chair. The man of Kelemvor she say earlier is there, chanting over the King and praying.
[20:50] <Alicia> Is Kort evil? And is he carrying the artifact gnome sword?
[20:50] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 34."12 [1d20=19]
[20:52] <Alicia> Well, looks like Marie's found their priest. She settles in to discreetly observe things.
[20:53] <Kotono> "I'm sorry, but there's nothing to be afraid of," The priest of Kelemvor speaks, "It's His Majesty's time. But worry not, Kemelvor is an open, fair judge of the dead. Death is not something to be feared."
[20:53] <Kotono> Prince Kort closes his eyes, "Father..." he says, reaching hands out to touch his father's hand, holding it.
[20:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 sense sincerity
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 sense sincerity and gets 23."12 [1d20=14]
[20:54] <Kotono> King Denegren coughs twice, "I could have told you that...it was my time, priest," he says with a dry remnant of humor. "Kort..." He turns to his son.
[20:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 30."12 [1d20=9]
[20:55] <Alicia> Huh. Two swords? What a show-off.
[20:55] <Kotono> "Father," he says, "Kesse will prosper. You needn't worry."
[20:55] <Alicia> So tempted! Why oh why is Alicia forcing her to keep quiet? If only she could speak up and tell them what's what!
[20:56] <Kotono> "Good..." Denegren coughs several more times, "My son...I'm proud of you..." He wheezes, then looks up to the priest. "Go. I wish to be with my son...I may yet live longer, but..."
[20:56] <Kotono> "As you wish. Do not worry, The Lord ofthe Dead will judge you fairly," Bowing to the king, the priest leaves the room.
[20:56] <Alicia> Marie on the other hand does not!
[20:58] <Kotono> "Oh Father..." Kort smiles, reaching his hand out. He takes a pillow, reaching out and putting it over Denegren's face. "It's time to go to sleep, Father." There are a few faint sounds and weak coughs from Denegren as he struggles weakly! "Now that it's certain that you're dying...Heheheheh. All your work with me...everything...everything will be laid low, Denegren. Shar is waiting for you, go to her!"
[20:58] <Kotono> Denegren. Shar is waiting for you, go to her!"
[21:00] <Alicia> Ahahaha! Screw what Alicia said, Marie isn't going to sit by and let this pass! Turning corporeal, she draws her bow and proceeds to unload a flurry of arrows at him from above the door as she yells quite shrilly, "Leave him alone!"
[21:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 and gets 34."12 [1d20=13]
[21:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 and gets 30."12 [1d20=14]
[21:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC - Three hits.
[21:01] <Alicia> roll 3d4+9+3d6+3d4
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 3d4+9+3d6+3d4 and gets 31."12 [3d4=3, 1, 1][3d6=3, 1, 6][3d4=4, 1, 2]
[21:02] <Kotono> The arrows catch Kort offguard as she turns corpreal, shocking and bursting Kort! He staggers, the hold on Denegren broken! "Ugh!" He gasps, turning, "You!" OOC - Initiative.
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[21:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[21:02] <Kotono> "What the hell are you?" He coughs, "A pixie?"
[21:02] * Kotono changes topic to 'Kort Kesse>Marie'
[21:03] <Alicia> "Mystra's wrath, come to bring you down!" Marie might reflect she's been spending too much time around Alicia, really.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Grovel and die, Mystrite!" Kort draws the Resort in one smooth motion, closing into slash Marie!
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 (-4 PA, Resort Smite)
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 (-4 PA, Resort Smite) and gets 42."12 [1d20=16]
[21:05] <Kotono> OOC - Marie's AC?
[21:05] <Alicia> OOC: hahaha, not that (28 vs evil)
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 3d8+22+1+6d8 (1 is vile)
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+22+1+6d8 (1 is vile) and gets 63."12 [3d8=4, 5, 4][6d8=7, 7, 2, 1, 6, 4]
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 Alicia's init, she's channelling an enervation into her staff and teleporting to the room adjacent to Denegren's bed
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 Alicia's init, she's channelling an enervation into her staff and teleporting to the room adjacent to Denegren's bed and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[21:09] <Kotono> The Second Resort cuts into Marie with sickening, staggering ease! It nearly bisects her, the God-King's long lost power smiting her smoothly! She hangs onto life, feeling utter agony at this touch of divine and unholy power mixed into one! (More)
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 2d8+10
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+10 and gets 14."12 [2d8=1, 3]
[21:10] <Kotono> As Marie is cut into, Kort quickly touches himself! Almost instantly some of his wounds heal! OOC - Okay, so Alicia's going to react via empthatic link and teleport in here?
[21:10] <Alicia> OOC: she's not going to wait a second if she's feeling Marie in that much pain, no
[21:11] <Kotono> OOC: It'll take a round for you to materialize(You'll basically appear after Marie acts, tied with Kort. Roll the d100 for TP?)
[21:11] <Alicia> roll 1d100 very familiar
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 very familiar and gets 94."12 [1d100=94]
[21:13] <Alicia> Marie cries out in keening wail of utter agony, turning incorporeal and fleeing into the ceiling to escape!
[21:13] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia=Kort Kesse>Marie'
[21:13] <Kotono> OOC - Go, Alicia.
[21:15] * Alicia appears just in time to see her familiar fleeing in utter agony before her eyes lock onto Kort. "Those swords," she begins with a dark look as she brings her staff into a guard position before incanting a spell and firing a crackling ray of negative energy at him, channeling another enervation into the weapon as she does so. "They don't belong to you!"
[21:15] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 ranged touch
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 ranged touch and gets 29."12 [1d20=12]
[21:15] <Alicia> roll 1d4 negative levels
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4 negative levels and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[21:18] <Alicia> A nimbus of holy light surrounds Alicia as she vents her arcane fury upon the Sharran Prince!
[21:18] <Kotono> The clatter of combat is heard as a pair of guards rush into the room! Alicia's ray hits Kort, reducing his life force! Denegren coughs weakly as the guards gawk, "Trouble in the King's room," one calls back, while Kort whirls and goes after Alicia, "Alicia Renyes! Your head is mine!" Kort declares!
[21:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27 (-3 drain, using Maim from the resort)
[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 (-3 drain, using Maim from the resort) and gets 31."12 [1d20=4]
[21:20] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[21:20] <Alicia> OOC: 20
[21:21] <Kotono> roll 3d8+14+1 (1 is vile)
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+14+1 (1 is vile) and gets 19."12 [3d8=1, 1, 2]
[21:21] <Kotono> OOC - nix the damage.
[21:21] <Kotono> roll 2d4+2 cha damage and one physical damage, misread maim
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+2 cha damage and one physical damage, misread maim and gets 4."12 [2d4=1, 1]
[21:22] <Kotono> The blow shudders Alicia, making her feel less than she is, reduced! The magic drains her very apperance! OOC - Alicia, assuming MArie's hiding and whimpering.
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2 unrelated
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-2 unrelated and gets 9."12 [1d20=11]
[21:23] * Alicia grimaces at the blow before turning her glare upon Kort. "Enjoy your petty triumph, Sharran, for it is your last," she intones before unloading a vicious flurry of staff strikes to utterly brutalise and ruin her foe!
[21:24] <Alicia> OOC: divine might, 4th and 2 3rd level channel, using bracers
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 and gets 33."12 [1d20=8]
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 and gets 30."12 [1d20=5]
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 and gets 28."12 [1d20=3]
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 38."12 [1d20=18]
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 27."12 [1d20=7]
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 19."12 [1d20=4]
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 32."12 [1d20=17]
[21:24] <Kotono> OOC - 28 and above hits.
[21:25] <Alicia> roll 2d4 enervations
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d4 enervations and gets 4."12 [2d4=1, 3]
[21:25] <Alicia> roll 5d8+55+50d4
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d8+55+50d4 and gets 184."12 [5d8=2, 5, 1, 6, ]
[18:33] <Ko-DieEliDie> Gathering arcane might into her quarterstaff, Alicia slams out! Her arms crackle with eldritch-blue fire as she slams the but of the quarterstaff into Kort's chest! His armor gives way as he staggers back, Alicia advancing forward! SLAM! A blow into his head, sending blood all over! Staggering Kort, Alicia brings her quarterstaff up once more! So dizzied, Kort doesn't have a chance to evade as Alicia thrust the burning staff through the t
[18:33] <Ko-DieEliDie> chance to evade as Alicia thrust the burning staff through the top of Kort's skull! The crack of skull and bone is mammoth, Kort going down in a spray of sizzling, burning away gore! OOC - Yeah, he's dead thanks to the drains on top of it. Free act and more coming.
[18:34] <Ko-DieEliDie> The guards in the room gape in horror, "Prince Kort!" One of them screams, as you can hear noises coming from the hallway. Lots of noises, "It's an assassination!!!"
[18:36] <Alicia> As Alicia straightens herself up and breathes out from her exertions, Marie sneaks back in. "Kort tried to kill Denegren!" she shrieks.
[18:36] * Alicia quickly looks between the guards and the king. "Armanda and Albert are in on this as well, your highness," she speaks quickly, not wanting to stick around unless this can be rapidly defused. "Tell the guards to stand down and I'll explain, else I am gone."
[18:37] <Ko-DieEliDie> The king is lying on the bed. HIs face is ashen pale, his eyes wide open! His eyes are starting to glaze over, a bit of drool coming. He's...not looking like he's breathing much. A look of total shock is plastered onto his face.
[18:40] <Alicia> "Hells!" Alicia curses, things not working out well at all right now. Since she landed right next to the bed, she reaches down and grabs the king's arm, channelling healing spellfire into him to see if that has any effect while Marie continues to rant shrilly about how Kort was trying to suffocate the king.
[18:40] <Alicia> roll 5d4+5
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 15."12 [5d4=3, 1, 3, 2, 1]
[18:41] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d20-2
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d20-2 and gets 11."12 [1d20=13]
[18:43] <Ko-DieEliDie> Kort lies on the floor, the Second Resort besides him. His lifeblood stains in a pool around as another four guards rush in, along with a man in a shining breastplate, "No!" he calls, "You won't have them! We won't fall like Sanaxt!" The spellfire passes into the king, a few ragged breaths coming from him! He breathes a little, but then hsi breath starts to slow again, weakening! In front of Alicia swords are drawn, while some do look at
[18:43] <Ko-DieEliDie> In front of Alicia swords are drawn, while some do look at Marie's babbling. "It's not possible!" one says in shock!
[18:45] <Alicia> "The king is dying!" Alicia yells sharply, hoping someone will have sense. "Get the priest of Kelemvor!" Marie chimes in. "I have no interest in further bloodshed - stand down!" Alicia barks afterwards.
[18:46] <Ko-DieEliDie> OOC - Make a diplo check? Apply the +2 bonus for your aura but also a -8 circumstancial aura. The crown prince IS dead in front of them, y'know.
[18:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 32."12 [1d20=12]
[18:50] <Ko-DieEliDie> "Call the priests!" The breastplated man calls, as you hear more noise from the hall. He looks levelly at Alicia, "Surrender your weapon. If you are innocent you will be treated justly."
[18:53] * Alicia shakes her head. "Kort was but one of the conspirators. Albert and Armanda are just as involved, and are guilty of high crimes against the United Baronies. I will not rest until they are likewise brought to justice." She gestures down at the second resort. "That sword is a national treasure of my nation. Did you think Kort simply found it under a bush?"
[18:53] <Alicia> "Hey Alicia, think you could heal me?" Marie whines as she bobs in the air behind the paladin, "If I was corporeal right now I think I'd be in two parts... owww."
[18:54] <Ko-DieEliDie> More soldiers rush into the room, another six! This time, the man's voice is low, "Surrender or be taken. I care not for what you babble of, nor of what this Baronies are." These men look to be guards, many of them with weapons drawn. Some stare at shock at the Prince, others at the King!
[18:56] <Alicia> "Have it your way!" Alicia snaps, tossing her worthless quarterstaff across the chamber towards the guards before casting teleport to transport herself, Marie, the corpse, and its gear back to the inn room with Celebrimbor.
[18:57] <Alicia> roll 1d100 studied carefully
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 studied carefully and gets 48."12 [1d100=48]
[18:59] <Ko-DieEliDie> Wooosh! The living duo and Kort are transported to the inn room! Celebrimbor is there, starting as he stares at the slain Prince. "What happened," he asks quickly, Kort now staining the inn room floor red.
[19:03] <Alicia> "Our cover's blown," Alicia sighs in disgust as she finally gets around to healing Marie. "But Kort was in the process of violently succeeding the throne from what Marie says... though from what I saw of Denegren I'm not sure he'll see the dawn, whether his other children finish the job or not."
[19:04] <Ko-DieEliDie> Celebrimbor rubs his eyes wearily, "This is Kort? The other two royals remain untouched? If the King is dying, who takes the throne then?"
[19:05] <Alicia> "I think Albert's next in line," Alicia shakes her head. "We're probably safe here since they have no reason to know about our other identities, but I'd rather not risk it - do you have any other teleport spells, Lord Drake?"
[19:07] <Ko-DieEliDie> "I have a few uses of mundane teleport. They can get us to Balmuria, assuming nothing else fails. I also have a few emergency scrolls, but I'd prefer to use those only if things go wrong with teleport."
[19:08] <Alicia> "It'd probably be best to return to Balmuria with them now, I think," Alicia suggests. "We need to inform the others, and we can try to scry on Albert from there tomorrow - I don't think we can wait around much longer."
[19:10] * Alicia belatedly stops glowing.
[19:16] <Ko-DieEliDie> "Let's go, then...are we going to take Kort with us?" Celebirmbor asks.
[19:18] <Alicia> "They'll probably turn him into a death knight or something if we leave him behind, so why invite future problems?" Alicia shrugs. "We can have him cremated in Balmuria."
[19:21] <Ko-DieEliDie> "Let us go then," Celebrimbor steps towards Marie, Alicia and the body. "Will you be alright, Marie? You're still wounded."
[19:23] <Alicia> "I'm a little better now, although I think I'll need to go to church to heal all of it," Marie replies bravely. "Never thought I'd see a mortal who could inflict vile wounds..."
[19:24] <Ko-DieEliDie> "Now then...first the jungle temple,' CElebrimbor begins to chant, calling on the gods of wind and travel to open the true path ahead!
[19:24] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d100
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d100 and gets 50."12 [1d100=50]
[19:25] <Ko-DieEliDie> Woosh! It's quite pitch black here - only a beautiful, diamond expansy of the starry sky shedding any light at all. Night's cloak is thick as molasses here, at least for Alicia. "Success. Now for the second leg," Celebrimbor begins to chant again!
[19:25] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d100
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d100 and gets 98."12 [1d100=98]
[19:26] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d10*1d10
[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d10*1d10 and gets 32."12 [1d10=4][1d10=8]
[19:26] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d9
[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d9 and gets 5."12 [1d9=5]
[19:28] <Ko-DieEliDie> Wooooosh! Again you travel on the wings of teleport, but there is a strange jarring! You stand amid mountains. You can see quite well, the air crisp and cool and thin. These rugged moutnains stretch out around you, the party on a cliff overlooking a bowl shaped miniature valley. But all around you there is an electric blue glow - dozens; nay, hundreds of crackling spots of eletric blue light line the ground, the stony heights, the cliffs,
[19:28] <Ko-DieEliDie> hundreds of crackling spots of eletric blue light line the ground, the stony heights, the cliffs, everything! Countless shocker lizards are all around you!
[19:28] <Alicia> "Ah... you have another teleport available, right?" Alicia draws closer to Celebrimbor, recalling how one of her predecessors in the Crimson Guard met her demise.
[19:30] <Ko-DieEliDie> Celebrimbor stares for several moments. "It's...gorgeous," he murmurs, as if a thousand eletric blue souls were lighting the mountainscape around you. Nonetheless he quickly shakes his head, "I have a scroll. Hold on and pray that nothing happens as I cast. Shield me, just incase!" For even as Celebrimbor begins to react, the lizards turn to stare at the trio! OOC - I'm calling initiative here to see if the lizards are fast enough to try
[19:30] <Ko-DieEliDie> OOC - I'm calling initiative here to see if the lizards are fast enough to try anything unfortold.
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 A
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 A and gets 26."12 [1d20=19]
[19:30] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d20+6 oh shit that's a lot of lizards
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d20+6 oh shit that's a lot of lizards and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 M
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 M and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[19:30] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d20+2
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[19:31] * Ko-DieEliDie changes topic to 'Alicia=Shocker Lizards>Marie>Celebrimbor'
[19:31] <Ko-DieEliDie> OOC - Go ahead and go, 'icia?
[19:31] * Alicia quickly incants a spell to protect Celebrimbor. "Weave of magic, protect my ally from the elements!" she calls as the elf is warded against electricity.
[19:32] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 2d3
[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 2d3 and gets 5."12 [2d3=2, 3]
[19:33] <Ko-DieEliDie> The lizards band together! From them two great gouts of shocking lighting come forth, one at Marie and one at Celebrimbor, great gatherings of pure electric oomph! OOC - Ref saves yout wo.
[19:33] <Alicia> OOC: Marie laughs at electricity and proclaims that it feels nice and tingly in her special place
[19:34] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d20+6
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[19:34] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 12d8
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 12d8 and gets 44."12 [12d8=3, 3, 1, 3, 2, 8, 1, 1, 8, 3, 6, 5]
[19:35] <Ko-DieEliDie> The great bolts turn the sky blue-white with current! Marie is struck by one, unaffected! Celebrimbor is hit byt he other, arcane wards of Alicia springing to life as he endures! While most of the energy dissipates away from him, he still is shaken and staggered! Rocking back," Enough of this place!" Celebrimbor says with a cough, "Wind and earth, move us from this place in an instant!"
[19:35] <Ko-DieEliDie> roll 1d100
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Ko-DieEliDie rolls 1d100 and gets 10."12 [1d100=10]
[19:36] <Ko-DieEliDie> With a woosh, the party appears in front of Seira's inn! You find the streets are lit exceedingly bright, several torches and lanterns about! A band of guards is on march down the hill, eight strong and with weapons drawn.
[19:37] <Alicia> "Well, that was an unpleasant detour. Do you require healing, Lord Drake?" Alicia offers.
[19:38] <Ko-DieEliDie> Celebrimbor exhales, "I do, but not immediately," he says, going to lean near the door of Seira's inn. It looks pretty late, the doors are closed and the streets are empty. "Get some guards to haul the corpse."
[19:39] <Alicia> "There's some there," Alicia takes a few steps towards the patrol before calling over, "Guardsmen! A little help back here?"
[19:40] <Ko-DieEliDie> The guards turn, hurrying over to Alicia. The leader, Wedge, salutes. "Sir!" he says crisply. "I'll have two of them detatch to help with what you need. We're patrolling after the attack on the Mystran Temple, so the rest of us must hurry along."
[19:40] <Alicia> "The temple was attacked?!" Alicia's eyes widen. "Is everyone okay? What happened?"
[19:41] <Ko-DieEliDie> "There were fatalities int he guard. Creatures of shadow." Reporting, "It happened a few hours ago."
[19:42] <Alicia> "Shadows? Dammit, it was those Sharrans from Kesse, wasn't it?" Alicia curses, clenching her fist. "Right, well give me two men to help carry this load back to the garrison, I'll get the full story there."
[19:24] <Kotono> As Seira, Demedais, Antenora and Eudard discuss with Commander Oberuth, just wrapping up? Alicia, Marie and Celebrimbor enter into the garrison, escorted by a few soldiers. As they enter, the Commanderl ooks up. "Back from Kesse? Did word of the attack reach you?"
[19:26] * Demedais looks to Alicia and Marie, confusion giving way to alarm. "What happened?"
[19:26] <Alicia> "No," Alicia shakes her head. The familiar on her head looks very bloodied up and still somewhat woozy. "Prince Kort just tried to succeed the throne. Violently. I suspect Prince Albert will be King Albert by this time tomorrow." She glances at Seira before presenting a pair of swords her way, "These are yours, I believe."
[19:27] <Kotono> "Wonderful," Antenora observes drily, sitting down and looking somewhat withered, somewhat less even in her armor. "So does this mean Kort's dead?"
[19:28] <Alicia> "Stinking up the mortuary as we speak!" Marie proclaims from atop Alicia's head.
[19:29] * Demedais stands and heads to Marie, healing her up with a tap before leaning against the wall. "Alright. How much was retrieved?"
[19:29] * Seira looks at Alicia in surprise, before wasting no time in approaching. "Which of you needs a pick me up most?"
[19:30] <Alicia> "Marie, but we'll need to visit the temple to heal her," Alicia looks rather upset. "Kort was able to inflict vile wounds with your sword." Digging into her pouch she hands over a ring and a crystal to the half-dragon, "Think these are yours as well."
[19:31] <Kotono> "One down," Oberuth observes as he listens, "But that only means so much if Albert's about to become King."
[19:31] * Seira accepts them, cluthing the returned swords to her chest. "A vile wound? Albert could strike with those as well, so I hope he didn't pervert them."
[19:31] <Kotono> Celebrimbor goes to sit, looking rather smoky and a bit charred. "If it's a true artifact, I doubt he could pervert it."
[19:32] <Seira> "There is an ancient curse for that, Sir," Seira interjects. "May your reign last days, while your death, years." She does her best to heal Celebrimbor, adding, "So how about we go and make that happen?"
[19:32] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 24."12 [2d8=7, 7]
[19:32] * Demedais nods. "So, Kort tried to kill the king? ...And from the sounds of it, he succeeded, at least in part."
[19:32] <Alicia> "On the plus side he's probably not prepared to be king, if everything was riding on Kort. We have some of Albert's hair, on that note, so scrying on him should be simple." She takes a deep breath, "We've lost our advantage of surprise, though... that said if they're sending shadows and nightwalkers to attack us here, I don't think we can really afford to dally."
[19:33] <Demedais> "This makes... getting access to Albert an issue. Still, there was no reason to hesitate if his son was so depraved as to kill his father just to hasten his ascent."
[19:33] <Alicia> "He suffocated him with a pillow!" Marie exclaims. "I shot him to stop, and then Alicia beat him up, but Denegren seemed *really* out of it. They were already saying he was on death's door and that'll probably push him over even if Albert or his sister don't finish the job."
[19:33] <Kotono> Celebrimbor's wounds heal. "Yes, there was an attack at the Temple of Mystra," Oberuth says. "We're sending out patrols in the morning to see if there are any others hiding outside of town.:
[19:34] <Kotono> "How fast can we go," Antenora asks, "We used spells and took injuries defending the temple. We're not at full capacity yet, and I'm worried we will need to be."
[19:35] <Alicia> "I do have a possible lead on where the Sharran cathedral is," Alicia volunteers, "I was planning to investigate tomorrow, but we may be better served simply scrying on him and teleporting over, depending on where we find him."
[19:35] <Seira> "We could use the time to rest, and strike during the evening. I doubt their agents would move until midnight, which gives us a window of opportunity."
[19:36] * Demedais nods to Antenora. "The temple of Helm should be able to restore you, at least. We do take a risk in leaving while those nightwalkers still roam, but..."
[19:36] <Alicia> "We have to rest," Alicia agrees. "Lord Drake and I have used most of our most powerful spells simply travelling back and forth today. It's my hope that they'll be so thrown off guard by Kort's demise that they won't be able to mount an effective counterstrike, but they may act rashly anyway..."
[19:37] <Seira> "They used plane shift, which means they can't return until midnight at the earliest, without the intervention of the very people we'll be trying our best to kill."
[19:38] * Demedais nods. "If we have to rest, then it cannot be helped. It would still be ideal for everyone here who's been injured to get healing at any temple capable of providing assistance, as we can't afford laxness - this also gives us a chance to prepare ourselves a bit better."
[19:38] <Kotono> "This may be our best plan with how the situation has developed," OBeruth agrees after some thought, "Who will go to Kesse then, and who will stay here to defend?"
[19:39] <Seira> "I have to go," Seira says, not really intending to consider the alternative.
[19:40] * Demedais muses. "I... believe that I should, at the least, stay. Alicia and Seira are both needed to go, as they know potential layouts and locations of the temple that is our target. I would probably be best served defending home ground in this instance."
[19:41] * Seira looks at Demedais in surprise, though she doesn't raise objections.
[19:41] <Kotono> "I want to go." Antenora says quietly. "No doubt about it, but..." Eyeing Demedais, "If we're fighting shadows and other undead, we'll need restorations. Be it you or another source."
[19:42] <Alicia> "If we get a scroll of greater teleport somewhere, Seira could take a small force directly to the cathedral. It would save a lot of guesswork and scrying on our part - even if Albert and Armanda aren't there, destroying their unholy power centre has to be done regardless," Alicia suggests.
[19:42] <Alicia> "There's a fair chance we could even finish and then return quickly enough that unless they attack at the exact same moment we do that Balmuria wouldn't be left defenceless."
[19:42] * Demedais glances to Seira, before adding, "There is one further consideration. If one of the remaining two chooses to strike here, we want as much force as we can afford here without losing effectiveness in the attack force."
[19:42] <Seira> "I purchased Death Ward scrolls. We might as well use them just before the teleport to make restorations moot," Seira tells Antenora. "If a few minutes aren't enough, well...."
[19:43] * Demedais looks to Alicia with a slight nod. "A potential method, yes, but to give away our knowledge of their main location without finishing one or the other off..."
[19:44] <Kotono> "I can help defend the city," Eudard says, "How many can go to KEsse?"
[19:45] <Seira> "As long as Armanda or Albert are there, it is enough," Seira says quietly. "Just one of those is enough." She nods. "Alright, it does make sense for you to stay. Celebrimbor, what if you took us to the cathedral? It should be a simple teleport from there to J's place, and she got me the use of a scrying mirror. If we don't find Albert at the cathedral, Alicia could teleport you over and scry from there."
[19:46] <Kotono> "Very well," Celebrimbor agrees. "I can take four others with me if I cast the teleportation myself. I could make multiple trips if prepared, of course."
[19:47] <Alicia> "I suggest if we find one of them alone it might be a good idea to take them alive for questioning," Alicia adds. "It looks like Seira's belongings have been spread quite widely so we might need help tracking them down." She shrugs before adding, "That said, there are spells to draw truths from the lips of dead men, provided the body remains reasonably intact."
[19:48] <Kotono> "Speak with the Dead?" Celebrimbor smiles ever so slightly. "A fine suggestion."
[19:48] * Seira winces at the mention of such spells. "Nevertheless, they cannot possibly give an artifact the likes of Pallanth's ring to a subordinate. And retrieving it would be enough, even if nothing else."
[19:51] <Kotono> "Get Kort to talk and then work from there," Oberuth commands, "Get going, if the churches need payment tell them the garrison will take care of it."
[19:53] * Demedais nods. "I will ask if anyone at the temple has Speak with Dead prepared. Where should I bring them?
[19:53] <Kotono> "The morgue, where the body was presumably taken." A sharp nod to that, "The rest of you, forget about going on the patrols. Go sleep and rest up. Dismissed."
[19:54] * Alicia salutes and heads to the temple to heal Marie and hopefully get some lesser restorations for herself and Antneora before going to bed.
[19:54] * Demedais nods to this and salutes, before looking to Seira. "Will you want to be present to make sure the proper questions are asked?"
[19:55] <Seira> "I'll be there."
[19:55] <Demedais> "Right." With this, Demedais departs to check for an available priest.
[19:56] <Kotono> OOC: So okay, you two are going to dig up someone to speak with dead on Kort while Alicia and Anty and Marie go get rested up and healed?
[19:56] <Seira> OOC: Seems so. It's just some questions, I'll rest after.
[19:56] <Demedais> OOC: Yeah, pretty much.
[19:57] <Kotono> OOC: Wer eyou going to look for an evil cleric like you said in #elysium?
[19:58] <Seira> OOC: I can ask around, need me to do it IC?
[19:58] <Demedais> OOC: If there's one at the temple of Helm or if Seira knows one at the Temple of Waukeen, sure.
[19:58] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 91."12 [1d100=91]
[20:03] <Kotono> The morgue is a quiet, mournful place. There are several wooden coffins, most empty. One, however, is full. A stripped down Prince Kort Kesse lies in one, top parts of his head ruined and body burnt. Despite his horrible deeds, there is a strange, peaceful, dead serenity on his face. Father Ceiar follows Demedais and Seira, "I can get 4 questions from him, assuming this misdirection makes the spell work. I have several minutes to work with, so
[20:03] <Kotono> his misdirection makes the spell work. I have several minutes to work with, so you don't need to rush overly much."
[20:05] <Seira> "The first question should be whether anyone else in the Kesse royal family was involved in Shar's worship beyond Kort, Albert and Armanda," Seira suggests. "Unless we want to just demand to know the full names of all those involved in the cult. I'm wary of that, since the answers are supposed to be brief, if I recall."
[20:05] * Demedais nods. "Still, we want to get the questions as accurate as possible, and as brief as possible, yes - they will avoid long answers."
[20:06] <Kotono> "They are, and often cryptic. The spell has considerable limitations, and after this, the corspe won't respond for a week. Go for simple, concise questions that count." Father Ceiar stands over the body, holding his holy symbol of Helm in his hands. "I would recommend writing them down as well."
[20:07] <Seira> "The former, then, brushed up some more if possible. Then, who has the ring of greater teleport taken from me. How the Nightwalkers were able to attack us with such a pin-point strike. As for the last... where evidence of their wrong-doings could be found, perhaps? A cache consisting of a membership list or of their safe havens might be of use."
[20:09] * Demedais nods. "We can provide written questions, and I can record the answers after the questioning is done, Father. Hold on a moment." Withdrawing inkbottle and paper from his paper, he looks up to Seira for a moment in thought.
[20:09] <Kotono> "Very well." Another nods as he bows his head, "Eternal Watcher, grand us the wisdom this day to ask the proper questions of the departed." Starting to preform rituals and between chants, "It takes several minutes to cast this spell. As long as they are done in ten minutes, it's fine."
[20:10] * Seira nods in return. "So we're fine with the first three? If you want to refine the phrasing, now would be the time."
[20:10] <Demedais> "The first question: 'Who else in the Kesse royal family was directly involved in the worship of Shar besides Kort, Albert and Armanda?'"
[20:10] * Demedais looks to Father Ceiar. "I want to clear all these with Seira, then I'll write them down and hand them over."
[20:10] <Seira> "Works," Seira agrees. "Next?"
[20:11] <Kotono> "Go on," Father Seira continues.
[20:12] <Kotono> *Ceiar
[20:13] <Demedais> "Second question: 'What is the name of the person who possesses the ring of greater teleportation taken from Seira?'"
[20:14] <Demedais> "Third question: 'What was the method used to send the Nightwalkers to attack the temple of Mystra in Balmuria with pin-point precision?'"
[20:15] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees. "And a thought for the last question. Why not ask the name of the being who approached the Kesse royal family to convert them to Shar's worship? If no such person exists, we hardly lose anything by trying. But if the answer is, say, the name of a fiend we know...?"
[20:16] * Demedais looks to Seira, before nodding. "So the final question... 'What is the name of the being that converted the Kesse royal family to Shar's worship?'"
[20:17] <Seira> "Pretty much. Even if the answer is one of those three, we might know how it started to spread."
[20:17] * Demedais nods.
[20:18] <Kotono> With misdirection cast and Father Ceiar ready, the ten minutes pass! At last, with lines of divine power traced around the body and Ceiar's voice booming, "IN the name of the Watcher of All, I bid you to speak, mortal remnants of Kort Kesse!" To these words, the body sits bolt upright! It's eyes open, blank, dead eyes! It stares at Father Ceiar, waiting without a sound, without taking a single breath.
[20:19] <Kotono> without taking a single breath.
[20:20] * Demedais hands the scroll to Father Ceiar, nodding.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Very well. Answer me this: Who else in the Kesse royal family was directly involved in the worship of Shar besides Kort, Albert and Armanda?"
[20:21] <Kotono> "Not worthy...not worthy...the others were not worthy!" Kort says, "Except Giselle...Giselle...Giselle...Giselle..."
[20:22] <Kotono> Father Ceiar listens well, and when the choking, slow voice finishes speaking, " What is the name of the person who possesses the ring of greater teleportation taken from Seira?"
[20:22] * Demedais nods to this, writing down the response.
[20:22] <Kotono> "Albert...Albert...Albert...Albert...Albert...."
[20:22] <Kotono> After that, the name said overa nd over and over, "Right. Now then, What was the method used to send the Nightwalkers to attack the temple of mystra with pin point precision?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "The ring...the ring...the ring...the ring...kill Alicia..." Kort says. "Kill Alicia...Kill Alicia...Kill Alicia..."
[20:24] <Kotono> Frowning at that, Father Ceiar takes a breath. "Good. Now..." A moment to quickly look to Seira and Demedais.
[20:24] * Demedais pauses Ceiar at this for a moment.
[20:25] <Kotono> "The last question is still effective." He says it as a statement but looks at Demedais and Seira, "This is the last one."
[20:25] <Demedais> "Are we sure there's nothing else we need to know?" Demedais asks Seira. "I realize knowing if a fiend was involved would be quite useful, but... is there anything else we need to know, first, knowing these three answers?"
[20:28] <Seira> "Maybe which artifacts Albert possesses?" Seira ventures, shrugging. "Nothing matters terribly, I think, not with the scope of answers we're working with here."
[20:29] * Demedais nods. "Then should we ask the name of the temple's location, for an insurance factor?"
[20:30] <Seira> "Might as well. Our course is set, and the important questions had been answered."
[20:31] <Kotono> "Then..." Father Ceiar speaks, "What is the location of the Temple of Shar?" Father Ceiar asks.
[20:31] * Demedais nods, before looking to Father Ceiar. "Final question. 'What is the name of the area in which the cathedral to Shar that Seira was held in is located?'"
[20:31] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, sorry.
[20:31] <Kotono> "Then..." Father Ceiar speaks, "What is the area in which the cathedral to Shar that Seira was held in is located?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "Below Halla...Below Halla...The Shadowkeep...The Shadowkeep...where none but the shadows can go..."
[20:32] <Kotono> At this, Kort goes still a moment, falling back into the coffinw ith a thump
[20:32] <Kotono> .
[20:33] <Kotono> "It's done," Father Ceiar says, "I hope it was useful. The attack on the Temple of Mystra could've happened to any of us."
[20:34] * Demedais nods to Father Ceiar. "Thank you very much, Father - this will be greatly helpful in planning."
[20:34] <Seira> "We need a Hallow effect against undead as well," Seira mutters. "I'll talk with the temple about that."
[20:35] * Demedais nods to this.
[20:42] <Kotono> ---
[20:43] <Kotono> OOC: When you gusy are ready, list prepartions and anything and I'll have Celebrimbor teleport?
[20:45] <Alicia> OOC: Alicia casts Shield, Enlarge Person, and Voice of the Archon. She uses Channel Spell to cast Shield on Antenora as well.
[20:47] <Seira> OOC: I'll cast Mage Armor, Shield, Heroism, False Life, See Invisibility, Stoneskin, Invisibility
[20:47] <Alicia> OOC: actually, axe enlarge person on me
[20:48] <Kotono> OOC: Right to both. Deme cast Ghost Touch Weapon on Antenora, Donald and Alicia. That it?
[20:48] <Seira> OOC: Death Ward x4 will be cast on everyone but me, and one of the ghost touch scrolls on the Resort. And Anty is welcome to borrow Flash for the cha boost.
[20:48] <Alicia> OOC: ghost touch is Seira, Donald, Anty
[20:48] <Kotono> OOC: Celebrimbor casts mage armor on himself as well.
[20:48] <Kotono> Right.
[20:49] <Kotono> OOC: Anty will take you up on it, sure.
[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 15."12 [1d10=5]
[20:49] <Kotono> roll 1d10+10
[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+10 and gets 15."12 [1d10=5]
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: Bear's Endurance aw well.
[20:51] <Seira> OOC: And Blur on me as well, just because
[20:51] <Alicia> OOC: resist energy, cold for me as well
[20:52] <Kotono> So weaving all the p rotective magics around the party, the five are ready to go! Celebrimbor nods, "I'm ready. If the four of you are..." With that, he calls on the proper names, looking to teleport the party into the temple of Shar!" (More)
[20:53] <Kotono> There are several moments of darkness, then...the party is in the garrison, in the exact room they met in. Celebrimbor blinks several seconds, before a savage scowl takes over his face. "Damnations! Something's interfering with the teleport."
[20:54] <Seira> "Maybe it's that room? Can you try the central area?"
[20:55] <Alicia> "It must be warded... lot of that going around," Alicia likewise seems displeased. "If this fails we'll have to simply go to Halla and fight our way in."
[20:56] <Kotono> "DIsagreeable, but I suppose it can't be helped." Rubbing his temple, "I can try, but if this is reactive to killing Kort, I doubt they've left an easy opening to use."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Ah damn," Donald scowls, hefting his bastard sword, "I was hoping to get to cave in some cultist faces this evening. I -hope- we can at least get to Halla."
[20:57] <Seira> "It's better to try, isn't it? We'll still have a teleport left to get to Halla," Seira's disembodied voice agrees.
[20:58] <Kotono> "So to the temple again and another room, or Halla?" Celebrimbor asks.
[20:58] <Seira> "Try to aim for the center of that mockery of a cathedral?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "As you wish," Celebrimbor begins to cast again! He calls on all the names of travel, arcane names that mean nothing and everything to the right ears! There is a flash...and you still stand in the garrison afterwards, the darkness not parting way to the twisted cathedral.
[21:00] <Seira> "Halla it is. Within a mile of their retreat, perhaps, Alicia?"
[21:01] * Alicia rubs her temple. "We're going to have to go to Halla and fight our way in, giving them ample warning as we do," she agrees. "Aim for just outside," she unfolds the map once more to show to Celebrimbor, "No sense wasting any more time when we have short duration protection spells on us."
[21:02] <Kotono> "If I do this, I'll have to use my scroll and I'll be out of greater teleports until resting. I'll have to rely on normal teleport," Celebrimbor warns, "Which means we can't zip back to Balmuria as easily if we need to. If you're alright with that, I will."
[21:04] <Alicia> "I'll reserve two of my own teleport spells for that," Alicia nods in understanding. "It only really takes a few seconds longer doing it that way, assuming no mishaps."
[21:04] <Seira> "Balmuria is well-protected with Demedais and other remaining behind. Between us three, we should be able to return reasonably swiftly."
[21:05] <Kotono> Thus, Celebrimborn takes out a silk wrapped scroll. It shimmers with arcane fire as he calls forth, "Let the dimensions of the road fade into meaninglessness as we travelthe world at once!" At that, the world blinks and shifts around you! OOC - Pause here, work hell looms. We'll pick up for a short session tomorrow?
[18:12] <Kotono> The heights of great, jagged mountains loom ahead on the western horizon. The sun has already sunk behind the massive peaks, hints of red and violet gushing down from the sky. It's warm but thin-airred up here, reminding faintly of the great arctic mountains east of Respite. (More)
[18:18] <Kotono> You stand in a deep, very gently sloped valley. Small hills rise up and down it, artfully formed with walking paths leading through thick bunches of pine trees. Through a wide path you can see a small cluster of houses here, the road leading through the middle of them. Past that is a large manor home, iron wrought fence encapsulating a vast open lawn before the manor home.
[18:20] <Seira> "Let's go see if someone's there?"
[18:20] <Alicia> "Somehow I expected it would be bigger," Alicia remarks as she nods to Seira and starts walking towards the manor, eyes alert for evil in the vicinity. Besides the obvious.
[18:21] <Seira> "It is, once you get down far enough."
[18:23] <Kotono> There's no evil about. IT takes a minute to reach the edge of the village. As the sun is starting to dip away, you notice no lights have come on. No one is about immediately...it's quiet here. Very quiet. Otherwise, walking down the path through the village looks like it'll be easy and innocent enough.
[18:23] <Kotono> "No immediate evil," Antenora murmurs, casting her gaze about, "Anyone see anybody?"
[18:23] <Alicia> "Everyone living here's probably in the cult. Could be they're all in the temple right now?" Alicia suggests, picking up the pace a bit since she'd rather not have their defences expire before even getting there.
[18:24] <Seira> "In the cult or a victim," Seira agrees quietly, matching speed with Alicia. "Either way, we have to get there quickly."
[18:28] <Kotono> Thus the party walks through the village! After about a half minute they've hustled through about 3/4ths of it. As they do, however, one of the buildings nearby has it's front door open! The buildings are made of a sturdy mountain stone, looking durable. As it opens, a slender woman with a big smile beckons. She's an adult, pretty and not yet aging seriously. "Come here..." she calls, "Visitors, come here!"
[18:29] * Alicia turns to the woman and speaks with a note of command in her voice. "Lead us to the hidden temple of Shar," she instructs.
[18:29] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 will
[18:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[18:32] <Kotono> The woman laughs, spreading her hands. "I can't," she admits, "The path to the temple cannot be reached from this world."
[18:32] <Alicia> "Then how do you get there?" Alicia presses, unamused.
[18:34] <Kotono> As the ruby rays of sunset continue to fade down, light slightly slipping away into memory, "Prince Albert can take you..heheheheheheh...there's only one way...you have to travel through the realm of endless shadow."
[18:34] <Alicia> "Okay... it's buried underneath that manor though, isn't it?" Alicia points to the structure.
[18:35] <Kotono> Antenora eyes the woman with a cold, composed gesture. Her gaze then sweeps about, keeping watch.
[18:35] <Kotono> Donald just flexes his shoulders a few times, even as the woman replies. "Maaaybe. Eventually."
[18:36] <Alicia> "Take us to the ground directly above it, then," Alicia insists.
[18:37] <Kotono> The woman walks out, starting to lead you down the path and towards the manor house. Donald shrugs and starts to follow, "You know," he whispers as he passes, "This might be a trap."
[18:38] <Seira> "A pretty woman, secretely evil? No way," Seira whispers back.
[18:39] <Alicia> "Not secretly," Alicia mutters as she follows the woman, alert for any cohorts she might have. "How did the temple get built if it can only be accessed by shadow walking?" she then asks their enforced guide.
[18:39] <Kotono> "It can happen," Antenora's own smile twists a little bit, "If only fiends were as obviously twisted as their souls."
[18:41] * Seira takes advantage of her own magic allowing her to see the invisible, in the hopes of warding off attack if the trap is a literal one.
[18:42] <Kotono> "That is a secret that has not been revealed to me," she answers as the party walks along! It takes another minute and a half to reach the iron gates. (3 minutes gone so far.) There, the woman takes a key outa nd unlocks the gates. The light is really starting to fade now, the high mountains hastening night's arrival.
[18:43] <Seira> "The two Nightwalkers are hiding in the shadows ahead," Seira whispers quietly, giving their position before moving away from the others to better coordinate the attack.
[18:46] <Alicia> "The rest of you can hang back a little, I'll open things up with a display of Mystra's power that you don't want to get too close to," Alicia suggests to the group, intending to detonate a blast of spellfire once they're close to the nightwalkers, which should also ruin the landscaping all around.
[18:46] * Seira decides to switch over to the recent purchase, the silvered holy blade, otherwise awaiting Alicia's attack to launch her own right after it.
[18:46] <Kotono> The woman leads inside...OOC - How far away are you going to be before you strike?
[18:47] <Alicia> A pair of scorching rays are channelled into Alicia's sword as she walks. Once she's eighty feet from them she'll move forward forty and release the spellfire. She'll suggest that the others stop twenty feet beforehand so they're at least sixty feet from Alicia.
[18:48] * Seira will naturally abide by Alicia's suggestion, although she wouldn't be staying with the others but off to the side.
[18:49] <Kotono> Celebrimbor hangs towards the back, mouhting a few arcane words in preparation. Antenora says close to Alicia, while Donald strides a little away and behind. At one hundred feet away, the woman pauses a moment, though she says nothing.
[18:51] <Alicia> "I suggest you keep your head down and don't interfere with us," Alicia tells their guide curtly as she tenses to rush forward and hopefully catch the Nightwalkers by surprise. "Unless life has lost its allure to you and you'd rather go to the Nightsister."
[18:52] * Seira prepares an explosive spell should the Nightwalkers seem to lunge forward or attempt to call on their magical abilities.
[18:53] <Seira> "They're leaning forward, timed with our guide's hesitation," Seira whispers, continuing to observe.
[18:53] <Kotono> "Shit," Donald whispers, "Charge or wait or what?"
[18:54] <Kotono> OOC: Yeah, neither side is surprised thanks to Seira thoughtfully casting detect invis. Let's do initiative.
[18:54] <Alicia> "Wait for it," Alicia tells him as she begins to move forward to engage the enemy.
[18:54] <Seira> "Do you even need to ask?" Seira asks grimly. "We'll wait on Alicia and take them out."
[18:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 20."12 [1d20=13]
[18:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 walker 1
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 walker 2
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 walker 1 and gets 14."12 [1d20=8]
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 walker 2 and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[18:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Donald
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Donald and gets 4."12 [1d20=2]
[18:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[18:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Cele
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Cele and gets 22."12 [1d20=20]
[18:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'Celebrimbor>Walker 2>Alicia>Seira>Walker 1>Antenora>Donald'
[18:57] * Kotono changes topic to 'Walker 2>Celebrimbor>Alicia>Seira>Walker 1>Antenora>Donald'
[18:59] <Kotono> At this, a pair of horrible things happen! Two miasmas of greasy, cloying darkness burst around the party! One envelopes Donald, another going after Celebrimbor! Then two more come, a pair at Antenora!
[18:59] <Kotono> OOc - Strike.
[18:59] <Kotono> At this, a pair of horrible things happen! Two miasmas of greasy, cloying darkness burst around the party! One envelopes Donald, another going after Celebrimbor!
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 donald will
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 donald will and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 celebrimbor
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 celebrimbor and gets 24."12 [1d20=10]
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6/2 Donald
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6/2 Donald and gets 22.5."12 [5d8=1, 3, 3, 6, 5][2d6=5, 4]
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6/4 Celebrimbor
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6/4 Celebrimbor and gets 31."12 [5d8=6, 4, 5, 7, 8][2d6=2, 2]
[19:01] <Kotono> OOC - Wait, I don't think it did that right. Rerolling and going to do the halving manually.
[19:02] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6 Donald
[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6 Donald and gets 30."12 [5d8=1, 8, 6, 4, 1][2d6=5, 5]
[19:02] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6 Celebrimbor
[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6 Celebrimbor and gets 35."12 [5d8=8, 6, 5, 1, 6][2d6=6, 3]
[19:03] <Kotono> The miasmas torment both, unholy ravages striking them! Celebrimbor gasps but stays upright, as Donald grimaces but then grins! "Hiya, cocksuckers!" he calls! Meanwhile, Celebrimbor quickly vanishes from sight with a few snapped arcane words! OOC - Alicia.
[19:04] <Kotono> A moment later, one of the nightwalkers appears visible!
[19:05] * Seira quickly checks that the invisible one is still where it was!
[19:06] <Seira> "The overconfident creeps haven't moved an inch," Seira whispers. "Let's take them out and ruin their temple."
[19:06] <Kotono> The woman smiles and turns, "I will lead you if you are strong enough to survive the path," she says, walking ahead, as if unconcerned by the darkness arrayed in front of the party.
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 20."12 [1d20=19]
[19:08] * Kotono changes topic to 'Walker 2>Celebrimbor>Woman>Alicia>Seira>Walker 1>Antenora>Donald'
[19:08] <Kotono> OOC - Line stands, carry on.
[19:08] <Alicia> "Oh, you stupid bitch!" Alicia glares at the woman's back as she starts to walk. "Stay right the hell where you are or you'll die!"
[19:09] <Alicia> OOC: holding for Seira
[19:09] <Seira> "Stupid Sharrans," Seira mutters as she invokes the haste spell on all of her allies she can get within range.
[19:18] <Kotono> Turning back and smilingw ith a sick detachment, "Everyone dies and returns to nothingness. There is nothing but a promised oblivion at the End, the forgotten void." Meanwhile, Seira's haste effect wraps around the party!
[19:19] <Alicia> "Your choice," Alicia replies bitterly, a nimbus of golden light surrounding her as she surges forward seventy feet towards the enemy, said glow swiftly subsumed in a bright nova of pure arcane fury that lays waste to the grounds of Halla, pulverising the ground beneath and blasting into all those foolish enough to stand within sixty feet of Mystra's servant!
[19:19] <Alicia> roll 18d8 DC 24 reflex half
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 18d8 DC 24 reflex half and gets 69."12 [18d8=4, 3, 5, 3, 5, 5, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 7, 4, 3, 2, 6, 3, 7]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 woman
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 woman and gets 19."12 [1d20=15]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 walker 1
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 walker 2
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 walker 1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 walker 2 and gets 23."12 [1d20=12]
[19:21] * Kotono changes topic to 'Walker 2>Celebrimbor>Seira>Alicia>Walker 1>Antenora>Donald'
[19:22] <Kotono> The spellfire bursts out like an inferno! Alicia now stands in a sixty foot deep crater, the ground pulverized! Above her she can see one of the nightwalkers, silently reeling back in pain! Ahead of her the front of the manor house is ruined. You can see the remnants of a large, grand entryway. Light gushes into it, the faint light from outside seeming like strong sunlight to the utterly black depths inside of it. The walking woman is gone, ut
[19:23] <Kotono> utterly black depths inside of it. The walking woman is gone, utterly consumed by the wrath of Mystra! OOC - Walker 1 is up.
[19:23] <Kotono> Two more unholy blights detonate around - this time both at Alicia, as the other nightwalker appears! It retreats nimbly back and up the crater hill, up towards the darker, now exposed manner house entryway! OOC - Two wills, Alicia.
[19:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 33."12 [1d20=11]
[19:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 34."12 [1d20=12]
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6 halve this
[19:24] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6 halve this
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6 halve this and gets 34."12 [5d8=7, 3, 4, 5, 5][2d6=5, 5]
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6 halve this and gets 38."12 [5d8=6, 8, 1, 5, 6][2d6=6, 6]
[19:25] <Kotono> The pair of blights try to sicken Alicia, but she endures! As that nightwalker appears, Antenora charges forward and into the air! ALmost pouncing onto the one that attacked Alicia, "Go back to mewl to Shar!" she commands, spear thrusting out!
[19:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +2 FS 7/8, +7 smite 2/3 left, -7 PA)
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +2 FS 7/8, +7 smite 2/3 left, -7 PA) and gets 28."12 [1d20=3]
[19:27] <Kotono> The Black Horn spear thrusts forward, gleaming with holy power! However, the thrust has too much power, sacrificing aim to isntead powerfully cleave the air besides the Nightwalker! OOC - Donald's up.
[19:28] <Kotono> Donald grins as he advances forward and down the crater, channeling power into him with a few snapped arcane words! OOC - Animalistic power. Second walker is up.
[19:29] <Kotono> The second nightwalker retreats back into the shadowy building, before another two smites detonate around Alicia! In her mind, as it falls back, she can hear, 'There is no hope for your cause...you will never reach what you seek...' whispers tug and tear at her mind, insidious and chilling! OOC - Two wills.
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 31."12 [1d20=9]
[19:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 30."12 [1d20=8]
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6 halve
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 5d8+2d6 halve
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6 halve and gets 29."12 [5d8=3, 6, 8, 2, 1][2d6=5, 4]
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+2d6 halve and gets 40."12 [5d8=7, 8, 4, 8, 8][2d6=2, 3]
[19:33] <Kotono> AGain more unholy power warps Alicia's body, staggering her as the touch of inky, c orrupting darkness wounds her sanctified body! Meanwhile, a massive set of jaws appears around the nightwalker that Antenora attacked, chewing and chomping at it!
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 CL
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 CL and gets 19."12 [1d20=5]
[19:34] <Kotono> The teeth seem unable to harm the shadow creature, however, uselessly chewing against it! OOC - Seira, you're up.
[19:34] <Seira> Taking to the air, Seira charges the Nightwalker Antenora had attacked. From their different angles, they might even try to flank the thing once Antenora can maneuver!
[19:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 charge, +2 heroism)
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 charge, +2 heroism) and gets 37."12 [1d20=13]
[19:35] <Seira> roll 1d8+7+2d6 silvered holy?
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7+2d6 silvered holy? and gets 18."12 [1d8=8][2d6=1, 2]
[19:38] <Kotono> Seira charges in, her silver blade cutting through the nightwalker like it's as soft as a baby's flesh! The gleaming blade slices well into it, dealing solid damage as Seira appears, invisibility gone! 'No hope,' Seira hears whispered into her head, 'This time...you will lose your eyes!' OOC - Alicia.
[19:39] <Seira> "You first!" she snarls at the undead monstrosity.
[19:39] * Alicia rushes up the side of the crater she dug, moving towards the nightwalker currently taking the most flak so she can leap up and scythe her blade through its hip!
[19:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25 divine might 3rd level arcane strike
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+25 divine might 3rd level arcane strike and gets 31."12 [1d20=6]
[19:41] <Kotono> Alicia comes close, but with uncanny speed, the surrounded Nightwalker weaves and avoids the blow! It looks around, surrounded, before two Unholy Blights blast around it's body, hitting everyone close enough to strike it! OOC - Will savesx2 for Alicia, Seira and Antenora.
[19:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 25."12 [1d20=3]
[19:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 37."12 [1d20=15]
[19:41] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 35."12 [1d20=20]
[19:41] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL and gets 35."12 [1d20=14]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 and gets 27."12 [1d20=5]
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 and gets 29."12 [1d20=7]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 5d8 halve this Seira and Alicia
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 5d8 halve this Seira and Alicia
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 halve this Seira and Alicia and gets 32."12 [5d8=3, 8, 6, 8, 7]
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 halve this Seira and Alicia and gets 17."12 [5d8=3, 1, 4, 6, 3]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 2d6 add this to 1
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 add this to 1 and gets 8."12 [2d6=4, 4]
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 2d6 add this to 2
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 add this to 2 and gets 11."12 [2d6=5, 6]
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 12d6 quarter this due to save+mortalbane halving damage on outsiders
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 12d6 quarter this due to save+mortalbane halving damage on outsiders
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 12d6 quarter this due to save+mortalbane halving damage on outsiders and gets 27."12 [12d6=2, 1, 1, 1, 6, 4, 2, 5, 1, 1, 1, 2]
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 12d6 quarter this due to save+mortalbane halving damage on outsiders and gets 46."12 [12d6=3, 1, 6, 6, 2, 1, 6, 4, 4, 3, 6, 4]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 27/4
[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 27/4 and gets 6.75."12
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 46/4
[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 46/4 and gets 11.5."12
[19:46] <Kotono> The blights rock the party, leaving Alicia panting and gruelling, body crumbling under the assault! "Alicia!" Antenora says in quick alarm, using her spear lenght to disengage safely, flying around to touch Alicia on the shoulder, even as holy fury mends her wounds! OOC - FS 6/8, +22 HP, Alicia. Donald's up.
[19:46] <Kotono> OOC +2 more, forgot cha bonus right now.
[19:47] * Alicia nods her appreciation to Antenora, wondering why she's even bothering to keep her guard up when these things refuse to engage her in melee. Sadly she doubts they're as easy to taunt as mariliths are.
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+32 (+1 haste, +1 str, +2 charge, +20 true strike, using daily quick cast, -9 PA)
[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 (+1 haste, +1 str, +2 charge, +20 true strike, using daily quick cast, -9 PA) and gets 35."12 [1d20=3]
[19:49] <Kotono> Glancing at the surrounded one, "Damn," Donald says, before running around and reaching the last open side of the huge abomination, flanking it and proceeding to slash and hack at it as best he can!
[19:50] <Kotono> roll 1d8+17
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+17 and gets 18."12 [1d8=1]
[19:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 SR for channelled scorching ray
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+14 SR for channelled scorching ray and gets 20."12 [1d20=6]
[19:51] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+3d6
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+3d6 and gets 29."12 [1d8=3][3d6=2, 1, 4]
[19:52] <Alicia> roll 3d4 as well
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 3d4 as well and gets 9."12 [3d4=4, 1, 4]
[19:53] <Kotono> The cut has trouble penetrating the dark creature, but it is nonetheless completely surrounded. Alicia has like problems, but her blow at least cut deeper into the shadowwalker! OOC - Walker 2 is up.
[19:53] <Kotono> Unbothered by the characters, it advances closer, before letting loose a bitter cone of cold at the entire party, the other nightwalker seemingly unaffected! OOC - Refs fore veryone but Celebrimbor.
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL and gets 31."12 [1d20=10]
[19:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 cold resist 30
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 cold resist 30 and gets 24."12 [1d20=9]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 ref
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 ref and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[19:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 25."12 [1d20=2]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 23."12 [1d20=4]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 15d6 halve this for Alicia and Seira politely nulls it.
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d6 halve this for Alicia and Seira politely nulls it. and gets 53."12 [15d6=5, 2, 4, 6, 1, 3, 5, 4, 1, 6, 4, 3, 4, 1, 4]
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 2d6 mortalbane.
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 mortalbane. and gets 7."12 [2d6=3, 4]
[19:55] <Kotono> OOC: 59 base total.
[19:59] <Kotono> The cold leaves the party chilled, but they endure it well and avoid the worst! Meanwhile, a ball of pure acid-fire bursts around the party! Yet it gracefully is crafted and shaped as to not touch a single one of the heroes, only bursting in earnest! Meanwhile, a chanting hum takes place, as the manyjaws maintain themselves and go after the other nightwalker!
[19:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 fireball
[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 fireball and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
[19:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 jaws
[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 jaws and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 10d6
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 37."12 [10d6=2, 5, 3, 6, 3, 5, 1, 6, 2, 4]
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 37*1.5
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 37*1.5 and gets 55.5."12
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 28."12 [1d20=17]
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 10d6
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 41."12 [10d6=3, 3, 6, 2, 4, 6, 4, 2, 5, 6]
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 27."12 [1d20=16]
[20:01] <Kotono> Jaws and acid-fireballs hit the nightwalkers in tandem, splashing and chewing both, directed by a force currently unseen! OOC - Seira and then Alicia.
[20:02] <Seira> Finding herself flanking the Nightwalker, Seira doesn't waste any time in trying to carve up its ugly head!
[20:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 flank +2 heroism)
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 flank +2 heroism) and gets 35."12 [1d20=11]
[20:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 flank +2 heroism)
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 flank +2 heroism) and gets 26."12 [1d20=2]
[20:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 flank +2 heroism)
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 flank +2 heroism) and gets 27."12 [1d20=8]
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - One hit.
[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d8+7+2d6 holy silver, sadness
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7+2d6 holy silver, sadness and gets 20."12 [1d8=6][2d6=5, 2]
[20:03] <Kotono> Cutting into it again, Seira weakens the body of the shadowy fiend even more! It buckles and shudders, surviving if wounded horribly to it's unholy existance! OOC - Alicia.
[20:03] * Alicia follows Seira's example, hacking into the Nightwalker with a vengeance to topple its overlarge shadowy form!
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 34."12 [1d20=8]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 30."12 [1d20=4]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 38."12 [1d20=12]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 30."12 [1d20=9]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 27."12 [1d20=6]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 33."12 [1d20=17]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 3rd level arcane strike, divine might, haste, flanking and gets 32."12 [1d20=16]
[20:04] <Kotono> OOC - Four hits.
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14 CL for scorching ray
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+14 CL for scorching ray and gets 28."12 [1d20=14]
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8 and gets 53."12 [1d8=8][3d6=6, 5, 2][3d4=2, 4, 2][1d8=5]
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8 and gets 37."12 [1d8=7][3d6=1, 1, 2][3d4=1, 3, 2][1d8=1]
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8 and gets 46."12 [1d8=3][3d6=6, 6, 5][3d4=1, 2, 2][1d8=2]
[20:05] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+3d6+3d4+1d8 and gets 45."12 [1d8=8][3d6=1, 5, 4][3d4=1, 1, 1][1d8=5]
[20:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Walker 2>Celebrimbor>Seira>Alicia>Antenora>Donald'
[20:07] <Alicia> "Antenora, get ready to charge the other one when it casts," Alicia mouths to the erinyes via message, her back to the other nightwalker so it has no chance of lipreading her tactical suggestion.
[20:07] <Alicia> "Donald, you do the same?"
[20:08] <Kotono> Under the savage tide of blows, the surrounded nightwalker at last relents! It's body tearsapart into fading shadowstuff, oblivion coming to claim another of Shar's servants! Antenora immediately takes to the air, waiting and prepared! Donald nods, "Yeah, sure," he whispers, turning around to the nightshade! Indeed, as it begins to act, thet wo charge it at once!
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +7 smite 1/3 left, -4 PA, FS 5/8 +10 HP Alicia.)
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +7 smite 1/3 left, -4 PA, FS 5/8 +10 HP Alicia.) and gets 36."12 [1d20=10]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 2d8+38
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+38 and gets 49."12 [2d8=7, 4]
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +1 str)
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +1 str) and gets 27."12 [1d20=6]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28 concentration DC 44
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 concentration DC 44 and gets 41."12 [1d20=13]
[20:11] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora=Donald=Walker 2>Celebrimbor>Seira>Alicia>Antenora>Donald'
[20:11] <Kotono> The two charge, Antenora's spear hitting into it's stomach area as Donald narrowly misses! It's arcane powers fizzle out, disrupted just in time! Meanwhile more teeth tear into it!
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 10d6
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 36."12 [10d6=3, 4, 2, 5, 2, 5, 3, 3, 6, 3]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18."12 [1d20=7]
[20:11] * Seira changes topic to 'Antenora=Donald=Walker 2>Celebrimbor>Seira>Alicia>'
[20:12] <Kotono> This time there is no mercy, only a forceful rending that nearly tears the nightwalker apart, leaving it clinging alive! OOC - Seira.
[20:12] * Seira charges the Nightwalker, eager to sink her sword into what passes for its eye socket!
[20:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 charge +2 heroism)
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 haste, +1 flight, +2 charge +2 heroism) and gets 42."12 [1d20=18]
[20:13] <Seira> roll 1d8+7+2d6
[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7+2d6 and gets 23."12 [1d8=7][2d6=6, 3]
[20:13] <Kotono> With that last push and stab, Seira impales the night-creature through it's eye! It falls apart into shadow-death, oblivion claiming like it's twin! The battle is over, a dark mansion house ahead as night continues to creep on! OOC - Free act.
[20:14] <Alicia> Healing herself with her own power, Alicia takes out her wand of healing and hands it to Antenora. "Use this on whomever needs it?" she suggests to the erinyes before casting detect magic and peering into the darkened mansion where it's been opened up.
[20:14] <Seira> "The haste won't hold long, and neither would the measures against the shadows," Seira notes once their enemies had been destroyed. "Do we try to dig deeper into the ground, or look in the manner?"
[20:14] <Seira> *manor
[20:15] * Kotono is now known as Ko-Nitorifangirl
[20:15] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1 for Donald, not doing mass heal-spam since Alicia's going to dig a hole in a round or two
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+1 for Donald, not doing mass heal-spam since Alicia's going to dig a hole in a round or two and gets 5."12 [1d8=4]
[18:12] <Alicia> OOC: any magic visible inside the ruined mansion?
[18:13] <Kotono> The mansion ahead's front room is mostly distinegrated. There are doors to the side on the surviving parts, as well as a half gone stairway up anda second floor and third floor glimpsed. On the first floor, a set of beautiful stone doors are opening. There is no magic immediately visible in the mansion. Meanwhile, Antenora heals Donald!
[18:14] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
[18:15] <Alicia> "Everyone move back!" Alicia instructs, positioning herself about ten feet from where the front door of the mansion stood and casting fly on herself.
[18:16] <Kotono> OOC: 9 rounds of haste. It's been 4 minutes for the other enchantments, Ghost Touch Weapon is nearly out.
[18:17] * Alicia sends a blast of spellfire straight down below her feet to dig a 250 feet deep shaft into the ground below!
[18:17] <Alicia> roll 6d8 DC 24 if anyone happens to be down there
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 6d8 DC 24 if anyone happens to be down there and gets 27."12 [6d8=3, 8, 8, 1, 6, 1]
[18:18] <Alicia> OOC: strike my last line and roll
[18:19] <Kotono> The door opens! Out comes a maid - a young woman dressed all in black, hair like wisps of midnight-air. The shadows seem to cling to her, carress her body. She makes a simple curtesy to Alicia, looking ahead at the obliteration of the mansion front with calmness. "Welcome, Alicia Reynes. Welcome, Seira. My name is Axandra. I come to welcome you to Halla and to welcome you to your final mortal resting place."
[18:20] * Alicia levels her flaming blade at the woman. "Unless you consider yourself mightier than two Nightwalkers, or Prince Kort, I strongly suggest you stand down," she replies coldly.
[18:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19 intimidate
[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+19 intimidate and gets 30."12 [1d20=11]
[18:20] <Kotono> OOC: 8 rounds instead, since SEira's lacking her +1 CL stone.
[18:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 24."12 [1d20=10]
[18:20] <Kotono> Meanwhile, as this all goe son, Donald is healed more!
[18:20] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1 40 charges now
[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 40 charges now and gets 8."12 [1d8=7]
[18:22] * Seira merely holds the drawn Resort at the shadowy woman. "If I'm going to die here, it won't be alone."
[18:22] <Kotono> The woman's composure cracks, a look of fear crossing her face. "I-I cannot. For even if you slaughter all of us here, your quest is futile."
[18:22] <Seira> "Slaughtering all the Sharrans here? Sounds exactly like our quest."
[18:23] <Kotono> Antenora has he rspear in one hand, even as she heals Donald. "Don't throw your life away. As long as you're alive, you can throw away all the filth Albert's spread into you. IF you care...:"
[18:23] <Alicia> "Is it?" Alicia replies. "Those who performed the massacre at Erenholm are dead. Kort is dead. Albert and Armanda will soon follow, they only seek to throw your life away in a fruitless effort to slow us down. Surrender and you have a chance."
[18:26] <Kotono> "Why? Oblivions is our f-fate." Licking her lips here, "We all die. We all return to nothing. Shar will be supreme on the Last Day when everything returns to the final, beginning void. If I die here, it is only my destiny."
[18:26] <Kotono> OOC: 7 rounds on haste now.
[18:27] * Seira laughs suddenly, a touch of hysteria creeping in. "This is a waste of time. A waste of time. She's delaying us for a trap. We'll all die if we just let her."
[18:27] <Kotono> Antenora's face becomes colder, stone-like. She heals Donald again, saying nothing as she stares at the woman.
[18:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
[18:27] <Alicia> "Destiny and fate are crutches for those too afraid to live their own lives - and Seira is right. Either stand down or hurl yourself on my blade, it is your choice to make." With that Alicia fires a blast of Spellfire into the ground straight below her feet.
[18:28] <Alicia> roll 5d8 DC 24 if anyone's unlucky enough to be in the way
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d8 DC 24 if anyone's unlucky enough to be in the way and gets 22."12 [5d8=3, 2, 6, 5, 6]
[18:28] <Kotono> OOC: How deep does it go?
[18:28] <Alicia> OOC: 250 feet
[18:29] <Kotono> The Spellfire cascades straight down into the ground! The narrow hole it makes is quite dark, no sign of an end noticed. (More)
[18:31] <Kotono> Axandra holds her stomach now, "Then come...you'll all just be e-eaten and die here." Her stomach begins to distend!
[18:31] <Kotono> OOC: Something's coming and it's not nice. LEt's go into initiative here?
[18:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 17."12 [1d20=10]
[18:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 5."12 [1d20=3]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 CElebrimbor
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 CElebrimbor and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Axandra
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Axandra and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
[18:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 ??????
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 ?????? and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
[18:33] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Axandra>Seira>Alicia=Celebrimbor>????>Donald'
[18:35] <Kotono> Antenora drops the healing wand, eyes narrowing. 'Alicia,' She asks in a quick moment, the question and all of it's weight implied.
[18:36] <Alicia> 'Aim for her stomach,' Alicia suggests.
[18:36] <Kotono> 'Right!' Antenora quickly takes to the air, beating eveyrone out! In a headlong charge, she goes right for the woman!
[18:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (+1 haste, +2 charge, -2 PA FS 7/8 +10 HP Alicia)]
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 (+1 haste, +2 charge, -2 PA FS 7/8 +10 HP Alicia)] and gets 40."12 [1d20=19]
[18:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (+1 haste, +2 charge, -2 PA FS 7/8 +10 HP Alicia)] crit?
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 (+1 haste, +2 charge, -2 PA FS 7/8 +10 HP Alicia)] crit? and gets 22."12 [1d20=1]
[18:38] <Kotono> roll 2d8+26
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+26 and gets 33."12 [2d8=4, 3]
[18:40] <Kotono> Covering the ground in an instant, as Alicia's wounds heal, Antenora impales the woman throught he arm! Only a slight slip prevents her stomach from being pierced! Holy fury overtakes Antenora, "What have you done?" she demands of her. Axandra rocks back, coughing up a black fluid! "Everything dies, doesn't it..." she asks, concentrating!
[18:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 29."12 [1d20=17]
[18:40] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 4."12 [1d4=3]
[18:41] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Axandra=Shadows>Seira>Alicia=Celebrimbor>????>Donald'
[18:41] <Kotono> Four shadows appear in the darkness around Axandra! They pounce on Antenora with a predator's speed, two going on her and two more screening ahead of her!
[18:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[18:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
[18:42] <Kotono> The touches come close to Antenora, but a shield of pure force springs up to stop it entirely! OOC - Seira.
[18:43] <Kotono> Donald peers ahead, "What the hell?" he asks.
[18:44] <Seira> "Shut up!" Seira screams, charging forward as lances of fire lash out at the creepy woman. "Get out of my head!"
[18:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
[18:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
[18:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 35."12 [1d20=19]
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 22."12 [1d20=6]
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=2]
[18:45] <Kotono> OOC - Three hits.
[18:45] <Seira> roll 4d6 fire
[18:45] <Seira> roll 4d6 fire
[18:45] <Seira> roll 4d6 fire
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6 fire and gets 17."12 [4d6=4, 2, 5, 6]
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6 fire and gets 11."12 [4d6=3, 1, 2, 5]
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6 fire and gets 11."12 [4d6=5, 1, 3, 2]
[18:46] <Kotono> The triple-rays burn Axandra badly, making her body shake and quake! She staggers back, flesh turning black from the assault and withthree lancing holes in her chest! OOC - Alicia and Celebrimbor.
[18:47] * Alicia moves forward thirty feet before invoking her magic to cancel Axandra's... or whatever is in her womb. "In the name of Mystra, Mother of all Magic, let this foul dweomer be laid low!"
[18:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
[18:48] <Kotono> As this happens, a threesome of acidic rays of scorching acid spring from nowhere, striking out at the woman!
[18:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[18:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[18:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 20."12 [1d20=11]
[18:48] <Alicia> OOC: actually, moving forward 70 feet, DC 20 will saves or shadows get banished
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 4d6 acid
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 4d6 acid
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 4d6 acid
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 acid and gets 10."12 [4d6=5, 1, 1, 3]
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 acid and gets 10."12 [4d6=1, 1, 5, 3]
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 acid and gets 18."12 [4d6=4, 6, 2, 6]
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 11."12 [1d20=7]
[18:49] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Seira>Alicia=Celebrimbor>????>Donald'
[18:52] <Kotono> As Alicia finds her dispel magic fails, her backsword nontheless banishes the shadows! As this happens, three acid rays preforate Axandra! She collapses with a cry, even as her stomach bursts! Dripping with blood and pink fluids, a curled up baby floats in the air above it's mother. A rotted umblicial cord dangles from it's belly, the tiny creature's skin rotted black. In the minds of all, 'Kill...You killed Mommy...heheheheh...You returned her
[18:52] <Kotono> In the minds of all, 'Kill...You killed Mommy...heheheheh...You returned her to the void!' At that it lets loose a massive, twisting cry! OOC - Fort save and a will save, Antenora and Alicia.
[18:52] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Seira>Alicia=Celebrimbor>Baby>Donald'
[18:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 fort
[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 fort and gets 32."12 [1d20=8]
[18:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23 will
[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 will and gets 40."12 [1d20=17]
[18:52] <Alicia> rll 1d20+21 fort
[18:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21 fort
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 fort and gets 41."12 [1d20=20]
[18:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 will
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 will and gets 27."12 [1d20=5]
[18:54] <Kotono> The cry echos around the two! Antenora grimaces, as Donald gawks as he rushes closer! OOC - Antenora's up.
[18:55] <Seira> "You! YOU!" Seira is barely coherent as the abomination appears. "You can't take me! Void? You want void? I'll give you void!"
[18:56] <Kotono> "Go to sleep," Antenora's voice is calm as she says this, thoug her hand noticibably shakes. "I'll spare you from an eternity of this. Dream of what your life should have been."
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.)
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.)
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.) and gets 19."12 [1d20=1]
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.) and gets 20."12 [1d20=2]
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.)
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.) and gets 21."12 [1d20=8]
[18:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.)
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 (+1 haste, -3 PA FS 6/8 +10 HP Alicia.) and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
[18:57] <Kotono> Despite the words, her hand shakes too much! The blwos are errant, uncontrolled and missing! OOC - Seira.
[18:58] <Seira> Beyond normal speech, Seira charges into knife range, letting loose a blast of holy fire!
[18:59] <Seira> roll 6d8 fire
[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 fire and gets 28."12 [6d8=8, 6, 1, 4, 2, 7]
[18:59] <Seira> roll 2d8 holy
[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8 holy and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 8]
[18:59] <Seira> roll 1d4
[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
[18:59] <Seira> OOC: DC15
[18:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 24."12 [1d20=11]
[19:00] <Kotono> The tiny baby avoids most of the fire, only some of it scorching it's body! It takes the abuse with a disturbing well-ness, enduring! OOC - Alicia and Celebrimbor.
[19:03] <Alicia> Since the spell has done whatever it meant to do there's nothing for Alicia to dispel, so she moves up alongside Seira and stabs her blade into the creature!
[19:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 -4pa, charge, divine might, 2nd level channel
[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 -4pa, charge, divine might, 2nd level channel and gets 34."12 [1d20=12]
[19:03] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[19:03] <Alicia> roll 1d8+27+2d6+1d6+1d8+2d4
[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+27+2d6+1d6+1d8+2d4 and gets 51."12 [1d8=6][2d6=4, 6][1d6=2][1d8=4][2d4=1, 1]
[19:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 belated knowledge devotion
[19:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 belated knowledge devotion and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
[19:04] <Alicia> OOC: +1 damage
[19:06] <Kotono> The baby is stabbed in it's stomach! It's torn apart through that, yet stays together, hanging intact by a few stands of flesh! IT giggles to this, laughing and laughing and laughing! 'You're not scaaared of the void! Take it then!' From it's body a great red-black wave of darkness erupts! OOC - Does everyone have death ward on
[19:06] <Seira> OOC: Except me
[19:06] <Kotono> OOC: Will save, Seira?
[19:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 32."12 [1d20=17]
[19:07] <Kotono> OOC: And I'm sorry, I meant fort. What's your fort mod?
[19:07] <Seira> OOC: Minus one
[19:07] <Kotono> OOC: You only take 1 negative level.
[19:09] <Kotono> While most are shielded by sacred power, SEira finds her spirit assaulteD! SHe resists the worst, buts still feels weakened! Meanwhile Donald closes in, taking a swipe as he growls, "All this twisted crap...wasn't Febras bad enough?"
[19:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (+1 haste, +1 str, -4 PA)
[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 (+1 haste, +1 str, -4 PA) and gets 19."12 [1d20=4]
[19:09] <Kotono> But the blow glances off and away, just missing! OOC -5 rounds of haste, Antenora's up.
[19:09] <Kotono> Antenora doesn't say a word - she just tears into the baby now, putting raw power into it!
[19:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia)
[19:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia)
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia) and gets 22."12 [1d20=4]
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia) and gets 26."12 [1d20=8]
[19:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia)
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia) and gets 17."12 [1d20=4]
[19:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia)
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 (+2 flanking, +1 haste, -5 PA 5/8 FS +10 HP Alicia) and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
[19:10] <Kotono> roll 1d8+17
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+17 and gets 24."12 [1d8=7]
[19:11] <Kotono> Amid that Antenora manages to land one deep blow, scraping the baby's leg apart! Black fluid trickles from the wounds but it still refuses to die! OOC - Seira.
[19:11] <Seira> "I won't go along! I'll send you there first! You just see!" Seira swears, lashing out angrily with the Resort.
[19:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+23 (+2flanking +2heroism +1haste +flight -1negative level)
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 (+2flanking +2heroism +1haste +flight -1negative level) and gets 43."12 [1d20=20]
[19:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+23 (+2flanking +2heroism +1haste +flight -1negative level)
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 (+2flanking +2heroism +1haste +flight -1negative level) and gets 30."12 [1d20=7]
[19:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 (+2flanking +2heroism +1haste +flight -1negative level)
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 (+2flanking +2heroism +1haste +flight -1negative level) and gets 26."12 [1d20=8]
[19:12] <Kotono> OOC: 3 hits.
[19:13] <Seira> roll 1d20+20 claw
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 claw and gets 30."12 [1d20=10]
[19:13] <Kotono> OOC: That hits too.
[19:14] <Seira> roll 9d8+27+1d4+3
[19:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 9d8+27+1d4+3 and gets 68."12 [9d8=3, 2, 3, 8, 3, 2, 3, 5, 5][1d4=4]
[19:14] <Kotono> Clawing and stabbing in a desperate fury, SEira tears the baby apart! It's body parts rain down onto the ground, a soft, innocent cry coming as it dies! "Mo...mmmy...." it mewls, then lies in a puddle of it's own black, vile fluids! OOC - Free action.
[19:14] * Seira breathes heavily. "Darkness... always with the darkness...."
[19:14] <Kotono> "You know what?" Makin ga face at the baby, "Lathander, we really need to get on with killing these royals."
[19:15] <Kotono> Antenora exhales heavily, "You going to be alright," she asks Seira.
[19:15] <Alicia> "First we need to cleanse this pit," Alicia replies to Donald. "Antenora, can you see anything down that shaft I dug?" she points to the hole just in front of the mansion's door. Or where said door was.
[19:16] * Seira giggles at Antenora's question, hands shaking. "No more voices in my head!"
[19:17] <Kotono> Celebrimbor appears now, walking towards the party as Antenora goes to peer down the hole Alicia made. Antenora stops at that, "Seira, come with me. Let's go outside, there's still a little bit of light with sunset left."
[19:17] <Kotono> "How horrible. What was the point of that," Celebrimbor asks with obvious disgust, his face twisting with disapproval. "It's barbarism for the sake of barbarism."
[19:17] <Seira> "I don't think you understand just how badly I want to kill these bastards," Seira tells Antenora with a smile. "I'm not going anywhere."
[19:18] <Alicia> "Hmph. Shar once offered her blessings and power to my sister. She decided she'd be better off selling her soul to a devil," Alicia comments. "If that doesn't tell you everything about that wretched excuse for a goddess, I don't know what will."
[19:18] <Kotono> Antenora pauses, before simply nodding and going to the hole. She peers down, "No, it's a dead end at the bottom. Nothing but rock," she calls back. OOC - four rounds on haste.
[19:19] <Alicia> "I'm going to expand it - everyone stand back," Alicia instructs before descending fifty feet down the shaft.
[19:21] <Kotono> Alicia goes down the shaft with skill bourne of much flying down shafts, apparently. As the others back away, "Hey Seira, I know this might not be the time, but um..." Donald lowers his voice, "Sorry about that back there at the garrison." Scratching the back of his head, not so effective because of his helmet, "I guess I didn't really appreciate what these bastards were capable of."
[19:22] <Alicia> After confirming everyone's clear via message, Alicia detonates a wide blast of spellfire to carve out a near sphere in the ground, 60 feet in all directions except up, so that she can be spared having any unsupported earth falling directly atop her.
[19:22] <Alicia> roll 5d8 DC 24 yadda yadda
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d8 DC 24 yadda yadda and gets 17."12 [5d8=1, 1, 6, 3, 6]
[19:22] <Seira> "Don't worry," Seira tells Donald. "I won't let them take you alive."
[19:23] <Kotono> The hole expands! The ground collapses above, parts of the mansion starting to sink! There is a groaning ofs tone as the undersupports for the mansion start to crumble! IT sags forward somewhat, the damage started.
[19:23] * Sierra_ShinDeaderVampy (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-74-104.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[19:24] * Alicia flies up a bit and looks down at her handiwork to see if any subterranean chambers have been exposed.
[19:25] <Kotono> No such luck at all. Just lots of earth, dirt and stone.
[19:26] <Kotono> OOC: 2 rounds on haste, by the by.
[19:26] * Seira screams in frustration. "There won't be any escape! I'll keep on hounding you to your last day! Hiding won't change a thing, do you hear me?!"
[19:26] * Sierra_ShinDeaderVampy is now known as Devourlord_Sierra
[19:28] <Alicia> Absorbing an enervation spell into herself to fuel her spellfire, Alicia descends to the midpoint of slope where the mansion has collapsed down into and fires a line of pure magical energy down at a 60 degree angle towards the centre of the mansion. "Antenora, come and tell me if you can see anything down this shaft," she asks afterwards.
[19:28] <Seira> roll 1d3 in order
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d3 in order and gets 2."12 [1d3=2]
[19:28] <Alicia> roll 5d8 DC 24
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d8 DC 24 and gets 24."12 [5d8=8, 1, 3, 6, 6]
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 37."12 [1d20=19]
[19:31] <Kotono> The ground shudders, the mansion shaking from the beam! Nonetheless it holds solidly enough. Coming downa nd peering down the hole next to Alicia, "Just stone," she says, "I don...oh wait, there is one thing. Back of that, about under the middle of the mansion or so...the gray stone is replaced by a harder looking black stone. Looks like basalt, maybe?"
[19:31] <Kotono> OOC: 1 round on haste. I doubt it's going to matter, if nothing happens in a minute assume it's gone. Ditto with Ghost Weapon.
[19:32] <Kotono> Peering deeper in, "It's a line of it. Maybe...ten feet and it looks tog o up and down?"
[19:32] <Alicia> "Were the walls of that cathedral basalt, Seira?" Alicia glances over to the half-dragon.
[19:35] <Seira> "Think so," Seira responds, sounding eager. "They were certainly black!" she adds, rejoining Alicia.
[19:36] <Alicia> "Okay, it'll be a tight squeeze but we can head down this shaft and I'll punch through the wall when we reach that section," Alicia suggests, crouching a bit as she starts to descend, her holy nimbus providing enough to see any changes in the geology by.
[19:37] <Alicia> She also absorbs a fly spell to fuel her dwindling spellfire reserves.
[19:41] * Seira contributes a remove curse spell to said reserves.
[19:48] <Kotono> "Hey," Donald calls down, "What about me? Wait up, I'll need to take of fmy armor to follow down.
[19:48] <Kotono> ""
[19:48] <Alicia> "Oh, come on, it's not that cramped," Alicia insists.
[19:49] <Kotono> OOC: Oh wait, strike, had a stupid moment.
[19:49] <Kotono> The party follows along! As they approach, they see a ten foot wide cylinder of black basalt amid the ground. Above them, the ground groans ever so slightly.
[19:50] <Alicia> "In retrospect, doing it this way is probably very dangerous," Alicia admits. "Lets back out and I'll make a tunnel going down from above, that should be safer."
[19:51] <Kotono> Antenora looks up and quickly starts backing up.
[19:52] <Kotono> As Donald extracts himself out, "You know, yes, that's a good idea. But what about if the cross section of a horizontal tunnel and then a vertical one makes the first layer crumble down?"
[19:52] * Seira doesn't waste time on grumbling. Anything that gets them to the part where they kill the Sharrans faster is fine by her.
[19:53] <Alicia> "Then it crumbles down with us being above it instead of below it," Alicia reasons, moving to directly above where the basalt cylinder was once on the surface, then another ten feet past it perpendicular to the original shaft. From here she blasts straight down!
[19:53] <Alicia> roll 4d8 DC 24
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 DC 24 and gets 19."12 [4d8=6, 4, 2, 7]
[19:55] * Kotono is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
[19:57] * Disconnected
[19:58] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
[19:58] * Rejoined channel #dunes
[19:58] * Topic is 'Antenora>Seira>Alicia=Celebrimbor>Baby>Donald'
[19:58] * Set by Kotono on Wed Jan 14 18:51:48
[19:58] * Alicia (WinNT@user-54431695.lns4-c7.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Celenu))
[19:58] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
[19:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia advances ahead, near the doors Axandra came through and then sets herself up! She fires straight down, burrowing a hole of spellfire into the earth! It makes a clean chasm, going 250 foot down! Antenora peers down, "Still stone," she reports dutifully.
[19:58] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:00] * Alicia sighs. "Okay, going just dig deeper from here," she announces, floating down to the very bottom of the shaft and blasting straight down even more.
[20:00] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 22."12 [4d8=4, 3, 7, 8]
[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia flies 250 ft straight down! She fires again! Another straihgt, coring hole! Antenora flies down with Alicia, peering. After a moment, "...more basalt," she rubs her eyes. "It can't be much farther...unless it's going to be a lot farther, I think."
[20:02] <Alicia> "We'll find it even if we have to level this whole mountain," Alicia announces, casting an enervation spell which she promptly absorbs herself before descending again to the bottom and coring another 250ft extension to this particular shaft.
[20:02] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 11."12 [4d8=2, 2, 6, 1]
[20:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia fires, vaporizing more stone! Another 250 feet, another bottom. The ground around you groans a little at this, the walls making strange, earthy sounds.
[20:05] <Alicia> "We could just be going past it," Alicia admits, "And I dislike the potential for being entombed. I'm going to level the mansion and just start pulverising the ground as I go." With that she flies up and casts yet another enervation which she absorbs before asking everyone to clear out.
[20:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The party clears out! As they do, "I hope this is correct," Donald observes, "We're destroying a lot and killing a lot of time here."
[20:06] <Alicia> "They wouldn't have this place so well defended if it wasn't important, since they had no way to know we knew about it," Alicia notes. "Besides which we haven't even been out of Balmuria for ten minutes."
[20:06] <Seira> "Not that much time," Seira mutters, casting water breathing and dismissal on Alicia in turn.
[20:08] <Alicia> Once everyone's clear, Alicia positions herself at the centre of the mansion on ground level and releases a wide blast of spellfire all around.
[20:08] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 17."12 [4d8=1, 2, 7, 7]
[20:08] <Seira> "Donald, Antenora, how about you check out the rest of what passes for this stupid village?" Seira asks. "Maybe more creeps are hiding here, just waiting to be questioned and show us the way in."
[20:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sure," Donald starts to walk, "Careful while we're gone."
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meanwhile Alicia goes to the center of the mansion! This turns out to be a lovely dining room, good silver and paintings of royalty about...until Alicia decides that redecoration is needed! She blasts a globe of spellfire all around her! Very fortunately, that's enough to clear through the roof! For a moment she stands in a perfect circle of nothing, the mansion's core gone...and the rest crumbles down, a crash of stone, wood and dirt
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> the mansion's core gone...and the rest crumbles down, a crash of stone, wood and dirt! The din is heavy, a cloud of dust cloaking Alicia ni the newborn night!
[20:11] * Alicia floats up a little and waits for the dust to settle, first of all.
[20:11] * asdgsdfasdf is now known as CatCatCatCatCatCat
[20:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> This takes a couple of minutes, the dust kicked up considerable. There's now a ruined mansion about, parts of it lying in a crater where the center was. Meanwhile... OOC: Death ward's gone.
[20:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 4d8+4 35 charges left, using on Donald
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 4d8+4 35 charges left, using on Donald and gets 27."12 [4d8=4, 5, 8, 6]
[20:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 4d8+4 31 charges left, using on Antenora
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 4d8+4 31 charges left, using on Antenora and gets 21."12 [4d8=6, 5, 2, 4]
[20:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> At last the dust settles. It's now safe to proceed as Alicia wished. The crater has some debris from the crumbling mansion, as well as bits of loose rock.
[20:13] <Alicia> Floating down to the lowest point of this new crater, Alicia proceeds to double its depth and destroy all the gathered debris that has settled at the bottom.
[20:13] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 16."12 [4d8=3, 8, 1, 4]
[20:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Another burst of spellfire pulverizes more ground! Much more of the mansion is gone down, a large 120 deep crater where the mansion was! The ground is blasted away, totalled! Dust is again kicked up, relatively less than last time.
[20:16] <Alicia> Down Alicia goes, repeating this arduous process!
[20:16] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 14."12 [4d8=6, 5, 1, 2]
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As all of this goes on, Celebrimbor watches. "Mighty magic...It must be taking a deep toll," he observes to Seira. "Throwing that amount of power around is a strain."
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> 180 foot! Alicai stands now in a large crater, deep deep deep into the ground! 180 feet, lots of space to work with now.
[20:17] <Alicia> Two scorching rays are cast and summarily absorbed, and Alicia descends once more to continue her excavation.
[20:17] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 16."12 [4d8=6, 6, 1, 3]
[20:17] <Seira> "Anything?"
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Another crater, or going all 750 foot down in the narrow hole and burrowing again?
[20:18] <Alicia> OOC: another crater
[20:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> 240 feet! Alicia stands in a deep, deep crater, lik ea strip mine or a meteorite's impact zone, or a dried up lake! The ground around her has been vaporized - bits near the new walls crumble down and to the bottom, sagging from each blast and vaporized in the next.
[20:19] * Seira floats down towards Alicia, another spell of remove curse and two of spider climb channeled into the older woman.
[20:21] * Alicia nods her thanks to Seira before descending to the bottom once more and releasing the briefly held magical energy in a catastrophic burst.
[20:21] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 10."12 [4d8=1, 2, 5, 2]
[20:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> This blast isn't quite as effective. There just isn't quite neough kick to it - the ground is mostly gone, but a few bands and bits of rock survive to tumble down. This only makes it 270 foot deep instead of 280, due ot the falling debris. Still nothing, though the mansion is gone and now an excavation hole remains.
[20:25] <Alicia> "This is becoming absurd. How could they possibly have excavated it to start with?" Alicia wonders despairingly as she floats down and makes the 120 foot wide pit even deeper.
[20:25] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 18."12 [4d8=5, 1, 5, 7]
[20:25] <Seira> "Maybe Shar helped. That vile, vile-- thing."
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> 330 feet! Celebrimbor peers down as Alicia destroys more rock! "Perhaps we should try and get information from anyone in town before continuing this?" he calls down, "If we must continue this, so be it, but perhaps we should gather information first?"
[20:26] <Seira> roll 3d8+15 self-heal
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+15 self-heal and gets 26."12 [3d8=8, 2, 1]
[20:27] <Alicia> "Yes. Followers of Shar get Nightwalkers and armies of shadows. I get Marie," Alicia mutters, deciding to follow Celebrimbor's advice and fly back up. "Not saying she's not useful or anything, but it's pretty obvious who's trying harder."
[20:27] * Seira blinks. "What if we do try to get her? Do you have enough for a round trip?"
[20:28] <Alicia> "Yes, but it'll leave me bereft of any further teleports," Alicia replies. "And it would take her even longer to search than this excavation's taking, since she's blind while within the ground."
[20:30] <Seira> "Donald and Antenora are looking around, and we haven't seen anyone else around. Even if we communicate with Balmuria, that would easily take more than we've spent so far. How do you propose we gather information?" Seira asks Celebrimbor, hoping for the insight of age.
[20:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "See if they can find anyone in town. If not, we have no choice to continue, but information beats effort and exhaustion."
[20:31] <Seira> "How many of those blasts are you good for without a recharge?" Seira asks Alicia next.
[20:32] <Alicia> "Actually I'm empty right now," Alicia admits. "I can feed off my own spells, and I have a lot of them left, but naturally I'd like to reserve some for actual combat."
[20:32] <Seira> "Naturally," Seira agrees. "Let me take over for a while? I need to vent, anyhow."
[20:33] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia absorbs a few spells while she waits, regardless, since she'll want to use spellfire on the Sharran altar when they find it.
[20:34] <Seira> roll 6d8
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 and gets 27."12 [6d8=3, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8]
[20:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Seira, you're basically going to be breathing on the ground and trying to melt the stone down to expand?>
[20:34] <Seira> OOC: Yes, let's see what happens. I can float over it.
[20:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: How long are you going to be at it?
[20:35] <Seira> OOC: Trying the once to see what happens.
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The hot dragon flames weaken the stone bottom of the crater! There's some scorching and a bit of melted stone-magma now, though not a ton. The stone here is pretty hard and doesn't melt very easily.
[20:36] <Alicia> "I can go another hundred and eighty feet," Alicia comments after absorbing some spell levels. "That woman did confirm that the cathedral is down here, just very deep. We just have to persevere," she tells Celebrimbor before descending.
[20:37] * Seira tries to get a bit farther before Alicia returns, trying again.
[20:37] <Seira> roll 6d8
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 and gets 27."12 [6d8=8, 3, 1, 8, 5, 2]
[20:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A little more stone melts. There's a puddle of melted stone thanks to Seira's dragonb reath, hot and radiating heat.
[20:39] <Seira> "Right. This won't be getting far."
[20:39] * Devourlord_Sierra is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[20:39] <Alicia> "Fly up a bit so you're clear?" Alicia suggests to Seira as she floats just above the slag, waiting for her to do so before she explodes with magical fury.
[20:39] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:39] <Seira> "Sure thing," Seira agrees. "I can cool that down for you with ice storm if you'd like."
[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 20."12 [4d8=5, 4, 8, 3]
[20:41] * Seira decides to fly high enough to get a vantage view of the area. Coupled with her ability to see past the invisible, she might be able to spot something of note.
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> 390 feet! More stone is gone now, broken apart by spellfire. The crater is mammoth, parts of the walls above coming down and piling on the bottom. It expands that way as well. Seira flies up, getting a good view of everything. Night has fallen. In the dark village, Seira can see lights are now on in one house, notably, it's door open. The area around the mansion is quiet, cratered.
[20:45] <Alicia> Again!
[20:45] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:46] * Seira flies down to ground level. "One house is extending us an invitation," she tells Celebrimbor and Alicia. "Want to keep on digging as we check it out, or go together?"
[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 18."12 [4d8=2, 6, 6, 4]
[20:47] <Alicia> "Go ahead!" Alicia calls back. "I'll find you if I find anything."
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> 450 feet! More earht is destroyed, Alicia descending! Still more stone and rock ahead, but she stands in a huge crater now. Looking up, it's hard to see the lips of the crater for Alicia. She's really deep in the hole now.
[20:48] <Seira> "Likewise, be on the lookout for my flare."
[20:48] <Alicia> And so we repeat the monotonous cycle of violence.
[20:48] <Alicia> roll 4d8
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8 and gets 20."12 [4d8=2, 4, 8, 6]
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: How many more times are you going to blast, Alicia?
[20:52] <Alicia> OOC: lets say 3 more (absorbing 2 2nd 2 1st, 1 3rd, and 1 4th spells after this one), 4d8 each time
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia blasts 760 feet into the earth! The crater is enormous, but she begins to notice something. Little wisps of blackness are creeping out of the stone now, like steam that dissipates.
[20:55] <Alicia> Finally! Alicia flies up and goes to collect the others since it looks like one more will probably do it.
[20:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: I'll intro you into #evil in a few.
[18:31] <Kotono> (Crossposting from #evil.)
[18:31] <Kotono> * Alicia casts light on a convenient rock and tosses it down, holding the woman half over the dizzying edge. "The temple's just through a little more rock - we're going to breach it in a moment and destroy it," she states matter of factly. "That's what happens to those who follow the Lady of Loss - they LOSE."
[18:31] <Kotono> > The rock vanishes into the mists. The mists swallows up the stone's light, leaving it lost.
[18:31] <Kotono> > "I..." Your captive falls to her knees, crying and shaking.
[18:31] <Kotono> <Seira> "I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Seira says firmly. "Let's take out their damned altar and gate, at least."
[18:31] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Don't run, unless you just want to go and tell those hiding in the caves that they should come out and surrender," Alicia tells her. "We'll find you if you run." With that she descends down towards the bottom of the pit, ready to hopefully make the final breach. A teleport spell is absorbed to power this last burst of spellfire.
[18:32] <Kotono> > OOC: Roll?
[18:32] <Kotono> <Alicia> OOC: do I detect any magic/evil as I near the bottom? (besides my light spell)
[18:32] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[18:32] <Kotono> -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Infinite_Ko_Loop invited Hatbot into the channel.
[18:32] <Kotono> * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[18:32] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[18:32] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[18:32] <Kotono> * Alicia attempts to dispel the magic first of all.
[18:32] <Kotono> <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[18:32] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 31." [1d20=19]
[18:32] <Kotono> OOC: To clarify, it's been about 11 minutes now.
[18:36] <Kotono> Alicia calls the strongest power of Mystra she can channel! She casts it at the overwhelming magic! It seems to recede slightly, about a ten foot hole in it now! OOc - What are you doing now, Alicia?
[18:38] <Alicia> "Shar herself stands against us, now," Alicia declares, taking a deep breath to prepare herself. "But we will not yield!" And with that she descends down to the very base of the pit. Assuming she doesn't immediately die horribly, she'll blast out hopefully the final breach with her spellfire.
[18:38] <Seira> "Fuck Shar," Seira mutters, ready to follow once Alicia's cleared the path.
[18:39] <Kotono> OOC - Roll the spellfire?
[18:39] <Alicia> roll 5d8 DC 24
[18:39] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d8 DC 24 and gets 25."12 [5d8=4, 4, 7, 3, 7]
[18:40] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 77."12 [1d100=77]
[18:43] <Kotono> The spellfire cascades down in a burst! As it does, absolute black shadows clash with it! Horrible screams of magic are heard in a deafening cascadence, echoing out! Great plumes of black and gold fire fly up and off, turning the night sky as bright as noon! (More)
[18:45] <Kotono> The ground shakes several times! Gushing out from the hole, pure shadowstuff comes flying out! It lands on rocks, turning them shadowy and incoherent! It flies all about, threatening everyone down this far! OOC - All of you need to make fort saves.
[18:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 and gets 28."12 [1d20=7]
[18:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 fort
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 fort and gets 21."12 [1d20=13]
[18:46] <Kotono> OOC - Donald there.
[18:46] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 29."12 [1d20=16]
[18:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 26."12 [1d20=3]
[18:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Celebrimbor
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Celebrimbor and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[18:49] <Kotono> The shadowstuff goes flying! Thepit and the crater, and grounds above are half shadow now, half real. Everything is distorted and twisted, seemingly unbalanced. Yet the heroes seem to avoid the worst! Above, the black and gold flames continue to dance, lighting the path ahead! Below...Seira can identify it immediately. The black pews with purple rim. The altar. The sacrifical spot, blood drenched and coated. Below you lies the cathedral of Shar
[18:49] <Kotono> blood drenched and coated. Below you lies the cathedral of Shar!
[18:49] <Alicia> Are there any cultists milling about? Or shadows for that matter?
[18:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
[18:50] <Kotono> The cultist you brought along is hit with a bit of shadow! Her body twists, shudders! Half of her is shadow, half is real! The two parts seem to be doing battle with one another!
[18:50] <Kotono> Below, you can see a pair of cultists staring up, hooded faces seen, lined with complete shock!
[18:51] <Seira> "CLOUDKILL!"
[18:55] <Seira> OOC: DC24
[18:58] <Kotono> OOC: I'm going to give each of you a surprise round here. I'll resolve Seira's cloudkill first.
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16."12 [1d20=8]
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 9."12 [1d20=1]
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[19:01] <Kotono> The two cultists hack and cough, caught int he cloudkill! Antenora flies into a holy fury, healing energy mending Alicia's body further! OOC - 7/8, +10 Alicia HP. Alicia?
[19:01] <Kotono> "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" From above, you can hear your captive cultist scream, voice gurgling!
[19:04] * Alicia flies down into the cathedral itself, well away from the cloudkill and in the opposite direction that it's spreading in.
[19:04] * Seira follows on the heels of her cloudkill, eager to have some of the cultists die on the blade of the Resort!
[19:05] <Kotono> As Alicia flies down, Donald and Celebrimbor begin to descend. Celebrimbor murmurs af ew words to do so, his red cloak glowing as he descends! Donald starts hopping down the crater's slope, glancing at the poor cultists a moment before hurrying along! OOC - Celebrimbor and Donadl'll need a bit to catch up. Initiative. I'll describe what Alicia sees while you do that.
[19:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 16."12 [1d20=9]
[19:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 nerveskitter
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 nerveskitter and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
[19:07] <Kotono> Inside the temple shee sees what Seira saw. All of it in detail again. Only two cultists are here - all the doors are otherwise closed. At the moment there is a cold silence about, save for the hacking and coughing of the cultists. Alicia is near the souther door that leads to the three doors and the shadow trap Seira triggered.
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 cultist
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 cultist
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 cultist and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 cultist and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Donald if he gets in range to do much
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Donald if he gets in range to do much and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Celebrimbor
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Celebrimbor and gets 13."12 [1d20=11]
[19:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Donald>Cultists>Alicia>Antenora=Celebrimbor '
[19:09] <Kotono> OOC: Go Seira.
[19:11] <Seira> "I'll head towards the room where the leaders were plotting," Seira whispers, cloaking herself in invisibility as she avoids the cloud of death to head to her destination.
[19:12] <Alicia> "I'll hold things here until everyone else catches up, yell if you need help," Alicia replies.
[19:13] <Seira> "Oh, there will be yells," Seira promises darkly.
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 forts on Seira's turn
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 forts on Seira's turn
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 forts on Seira's turn and gets 14."12 [1d20=6]
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 forts on Seira's turn and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
[19:22] <Kotono> The cultists, hacking and coughing, come the southern way out of the cloud! They gasp for air, pallid faced and weakened! Seira reaches the northwestern door on the north wall in the meantime, as Donald continues to race down! OOC - Alicia.
[19:23] * Alicia rushes up towards the two cultists, moving in between them before her sword slashes out to hopefully bring one down!
[19:23] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -7pa
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -7pa and gets 17."12 [1d20=2]
[19:23] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[19:24] <Alicia> roll 1d8+26+2d6+1d6
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+26+2d6+1d6 and gets 41."12 [1d8=4][2d6=3, 5][1d6=3]
[19:25] <Kotono> With that heavy blow, the cultist is decapitated! He falls over, slain and pallid faced! Blood jets out, staining the floor and Alicia's ankles! Antenora flies down swiftly, repeating the performance on the other or trying to!
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20+19 (+1 flying, +2 charge, +2 FS 6/8, -6 PA)
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20+19 (+1 flying, +2 charge, +2 FS 6/8, -6 PA) and gets 44."12 [1d20=5]
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 (+1 flying, +2 charge, +2 FS 6/8, -6 PA)
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 (+1 flying, +2 charge, +2 FS 6/8, -6 PA) and gets 30."12 [1d20=11]
[19:26] <Kotono> roll 2d8+42+1d6
[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+42+1d6 and gets 58."12 [2d8=5, 8][1d6=3]
[19:27] <Kotono> Impaled through the heart, the other cultist falls swiftly! There are noises otherwise, however, starting to come froms everal doors - including the one Seira's at! OOC - Free action for the mometn.
[19:27] * Alicia goes to open the door leading to the trapped passage with the shadows that Seira spoke of.
[19:28] <Kotono> Looking towards the altar, "Look at that...how many died on it?" Looking over the dead cultists, Antenora keeps watch for the moment. Meanwhile, Alicia goes and opesn the southern door. A vast,long hall is here. It is decorated to Shar, blackened metals and nightblack gems about. It leads to three more doors at the far end.
[19:29] * Seira holds her position by the door quietly, so that when it opens in the other direction, she would be ready to strike out with the Resort!
[19:30] * Alicia moves to open the door to the right of the one she just opened, wanting to deal with anyone rushing towards the main hall before she goes after the shadows.
[19:32] <Kotono> This door has a melted metal lock, easily opened. It leads to a stairway going down in the middle, with a another door past and around that. Two more cultists are running out of that door! Meanwhile, a door on the western wall opens, three cultists! Further, the door Seira's at has noise coming - something's coming! OOC - Back into initiative, I think.
[19:32] * Seira has been waiting for this moment!
[19:32] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 19."12 [1d20=12]
[19:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Anty, not rolling Celebrimbor and Donald until they get down here.
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Anty, not rolling Celebrimbor and Donald until they get down here. and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[19:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 cultists near Alicia
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 cultists near Alicia and gets 22."12 [1d20=20]
[19:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Other cultists from the west
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Other cultists from the west and gets 22."12 [1d20=20]
[19:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 ??????
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 ?????? and gets 13."12 [1d20=11]
[19:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21."12 [1d20=15]
[19:36] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Antenora>CultistsAlicia=CultistsWest>????2>Alicia>????1'
[19:36] <Kotono> OOC - Go Seira.
[19:37] * Seira doesn't waste any time in invoking a fireball to explode amidst the cultists! As an innate power, there would be no traces to give up the game for those behind the very door she's occupying.
[19:37] <Seira> roll 10d6 fire
[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 fire and gets 32."12 [10d6=2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 5, 2, 5, 2, 2]
[19:38] <Seira> OOC: DC18
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 7."12 [1d20=4]
[19:39] <Kotono> The trio is burnt and put afire, robes searing and belching flames as they shudder! Antenora, meanwhile, darts to them and looks to put another down!
[19:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (+1 flying, +2 charge, -6 PA, FS 7/8 +10 HP Antenora)
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 (+1 flying, +2 charge, -6 PA, FS 7/8 +10 HP Antenora) and gets 23."12 [1d20=3]
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC - That should be +17, for 20. Still hits.
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 2d8+34
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+34 and gets 43."12 [2d8=7, 2]
[19:40] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Antenora>CultistsAlicia=CultistsWest2>????2>Alicia>????1'
[19:40] <Kotono> Getting one of them through the chest, he is impaled! "S-Shar..." he groans, "Curse...the..."
[19:40] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia's gaggle of evil is up.
[19:42] <Kotono> The two advance to the stairway! One of them gestures and a horrible boar appears, charging at Alicia! It's flesh is red and hellfire angry!
[19:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[19:42] <Kotono> OOc - AC?
[19:42] <Alicia> OOC: DC 20 will save when it's within 30 feet or banished
[19:43] <Alicia> OOC: AC is 33, anyway
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
[19:44] <Kotono> Poof! As it comes close, the boar vanishes! The other makes quick gestures, a miasma of greasy darkness appearing around Alicia! OOC - will.
[19:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 38."12 [1d20=16]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 4d8 halve this
[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8 halve this and gets 17."12 [4d8=4, 1, 4, 8]
[19:45] <Kotono> The greasy darkness is not nearly as horrible as some Alicia has endured! She avoids the worst of it with almost a casual ease! The western cultists are wracked! One, close to Antenora, attempts to touch her!
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 touch
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 touch and gets 24."12 [1d20=17]
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 LC check
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 LC check and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[19:48] <Kotono> He touches Antenora on the arm, but black sparks come from the touch, nothing happening otherwise! The other gestures at Antenora, a greasy cloud appearing around her!
[19:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 CL
[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 CL and gets 17."12 [1d20=10]
[19:49] <Kotono> But this one fades as well, doing nothing! Seira can easily here something coming out from the door she's in. However, as she's acted, she can't stop it from easily coming out! Squeezing through the door with some struggle, a Nightwalker emergees! It's pitch black gaze sweeps over the room, gazing righ tat Seira, 'Quiver!' it commands! OOC - Will. Mind affecting fear.
[19:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 will first
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 will first and gets 26."12 [1d20=12]
[19:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 fly, +2 heroism)
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 fly, +2 heroism) and gets 35."12 [1d20=11]
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC: Hit and passed your save.
[19:53] * Seira lashes out at the vile thing as it emerges, sending out a belated command to Lagann to sense for what remains behind the door.
[19:53] <Seira> roll 3d8+9
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+9 and gets 26."12 [3d8=2, 8, 7]
[19:54] <Seira> OOC: +2 more
[19:55] <Kotono> Seira cuts into the nightwalker, her Resort having problems, but still landing an acceptably powerful blow! OOc - Alicia.
[19:56] <Alicia> "Everyone focus on the Nightwalker! The rest of these fools are inconsequential!" Alicia yells, preparing to rush over and stab it when it tries to manifest its powers. She's not going to suffer that horrible unholy blight spam again.
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia, you're at near the polar opposite position from that door to this one and you have a bunch of pews to get around. It's too far for you to reach there and have a readied action. You'd have to full move.
[19:58] <Alicia> OOC: I can fly!
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: What's your speed?
[19:59] <Alicia> OOC: 60, so 120 for a charge
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: Yeah, you can make it then.
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 1d3
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[20:00] <Kotono> As Alicia rushes over and positions, noise is heard from above! On one of the balconies - the veyr same balcony Seira hid on - a robed cultist looks out! He waves his hands, an unholy blight springing up around Seira!
[20:00] <Kotono> OOC - Will.
[20:00] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Antenora>CultistsAlicia=CultistsWest2>Nightwalker>Alicia>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:00] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Sierra_Naptime
[20:01] <Kotono> OOc - Strike.
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d2
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
[20:01] <Kotono> As Alicia rushes over and positions, noise is heard from above! On one of the balconies - the veyr same balcony Seira hid on - a robed cultist looks out! He waves his hands, an unholy blight springing up around Antenora!
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 CL
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 CL and gets 12."12 [1d20=4]
[20:01] <Kotono> But the spell fizzles outa round her! OO C- Seira.
[20:03] * Seira steps sideways to allow Alicia easier access to the Nightwalker, drawing her backup weapon with a smooth motion. And then, she doesn't waste any time in attacking!
[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+21
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 37."12 [1d20=16]
[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+16
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 and gets 29."12 [1d20=13]
[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 bite
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 bite and gets 23."12 [1d20=5]
[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d8+7+2d6 holy silver
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7+2d6 holy silver and gets 19."12 [1d8=7][2d6=3, 2]
[20:04] <Kotono> Seira's holy silver blade cuts into the nightwalker! It's a solid, heavy slice, finding no resistance this time! Antenora, meanwhile, takes to the air! Engaging it's tall form above the others, she goes right for it's head!
[20:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+1 flying, +2 charge, +2 FS 6/8, +7 smite 0/3 left, -7 PA)
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+1 flying, +2 charge, +2 FS 6/8, +7 smite 0/3 left, -7 PA) and gets 43."12 [1d20=18]
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 2d8+50+1d6
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+50+1d6 and gets 58."12 [2d8=3, 3][1d6=2]
[20:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 knowledge devotion so I don't forget
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 knowledge devotion so I don't forget and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[20:07] <Kotono> Plugnign her black spear into the nightwalker's head, she rips away much of it! This blow is only a painful inconvience to an undead horror, however! Alicia's cultists come out, casting magic amid themselves! Meanwhile, the two burned survivors retreat back down the door they came! OOC - Nightwalker is up.
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC - It's going to use a quickened SLA, Alicia. Going to take yoru readied action?
[20:08] <Alicia> OOC: I don't think I can interrupt that, but assuming it also casts a regular SLA I'll interrupt that. Otherwise I guess I'm just randomly hitting it.
[20:08] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+30 -4pa smite, divine might
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+30 -4pa smite, divine might and gets 46."12 [1d20=16]
[20:09] <Kotono> OOC- Hit.
[20:09] <Alicia> roll 1d8+30+2d6+1d6
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+30+2d6+1d6 and gets 47."12 [1d8=7][2d6=3, 3][1d6=4]
[20:10] <Kotono> As Alicia drives her blade into the nightwalker, a greasy cloud surrounds it! OOC - Will saves Antenora, Alicia and Seira.
[20:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 30."12 [1d20=8]
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 28."12 [1d20=5]
[20:10] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 23."12 [1d20=9]
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 5d8 halve this
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 halve this and gets 21."12 [5d8=4, 8, 1, 2, 6]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 Antenora SR
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 Antenora SR and gets 24."12 [1d20=3]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 10d6 halve this
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 halve this and gets 41."12 [10d6=2, 4, 3, 2, 6, 5, 6, 5, 2, 6]
[20:11] <Kotono> The blight is painfula s the Nightwalker lashes outw ith it's mammoth body at all in range!
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 slam 1 Seira
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 slam 1 Seira and gets 36."12 [1d20=11]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 slam 2 Antenora
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 slam 2 Antenora and gets 32."12 [1d20=7]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 slam 3 Alicia
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 slam 3 Alicia and gets 36."12 [1d20=11]
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC - aCs?
[20:12] <Seira> OOC: AC34, I also have Blur
[20:12] <Alicia> OOC: 31
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100 Seira blur
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 Seira blur and gets 5."12 [1d100=5]
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 2d6+16 Alicia ow
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+16 Alicia ow and gets 25."12 [2d6=4, 5]
[20:13] <Kotono> Seira's blurriness saves her as she dodges, a narrow miss! Antenora's breastplate stops it's fist, though Alicia is rocked back from a heavy blow in retort! OOC - Adjusting initiative.
[20:13] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Antenora>CultistsAlicia=CultistsWest2>Alicia>Nightwalker>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:13] <Kotono> OOC: Balcony dude is up.
[20:15] <Kotono> The balcony cultists reaches into his robes, withdrawing a chakram that he throws downward at Antenora!
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[20:15] <Kotono> But the throw is bad, the chakram hitting the floor and boucning under a pew! OOC - Seira.
[20:15] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Antenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>Nightwalker>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:16] * Seira maneuvers into a better position to utilize Antenora's help. There's really no place for a witticism or a war cry, just a very strong desire to put the undead to rest.
[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 27."12 [1d20=1]
[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+21
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 33."12 [1d20=12]
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC - One hit.
[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d8+7+2d6
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+7+2d6 and gets 18."12 [1d8=3][2d6=3, 5]
[20:19] <Kotono> As Seira tearsi nto them again, the center door opens wide! She is clad in familiar things - Seira's shades and cape are noticed in particular. Armanda moves like a flash, grinning, "You're here," she says, even as she runs out the door! She moves like utter lightning, two cultists behind her. "I'll sacrifice you in the name of Shar!" In a blink she's at Alicia's side, striking out twice!
[20:19] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Armanda=CultistsAntenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>Nightwalker>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:19] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Armanda=Cultists>Antenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>Nightwalker>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 33."12 [1d20=12]
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 24."12 [1d20=3]
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC - AC Alicia?
[20:20] <Alicia> OOC: 31
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 2d8+2 and make a fort save, Alicia?
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+2 and make a fort save, Alicia? and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 1]
[20:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 and gets 32."12 [1d20=11]
[20:22] <Kotono> The blow hits Alicia in the stomach! She resists a horrible wave of sickness and stunning, even as Armanda backflips backwards twenty feet and out of range, atop one of the nearest pews! The cultists behind her chant quickly, one focusing on Armanda, as the other unleashes a black ray at Antenora!
[20:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 CL
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 CL and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[20:22] <Kotono> But the ray fizzles out, doing nothing! OOC - Antenora.
[20:24] <Kotono> Antenora stays on the nightwalker, assaulting it thrice quickly!
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23 (+1 flying, +2 flanking)
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 (+1 flying, +2 flanking) and gets 38."12 [1d20=15]
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 21."12 [1d20=3]
[20:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (FS 5/8, +10 Alicia HP)
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 (FS 5/8, +10 Alicia HP) and gets 29."12 [1d20=16]
[20:25] <Kotono> roll 1d8+9
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+9 and gets 11."12 [1d8=2]
[20:26] <Kotono> The blow isn't very strong this time, having trouble seriously wounding the nightwalker! The cultists Alicia dealt with creep closer, casting more magic, one of them going upa nd touching Armanda! OOC - Alicia.
[20:27] <Alicia> "Hahaha!" Alicia actually laughs. "You actually bruised me! Just lie down and wait for death, spoiled little Sharran princess, you're not even a threat." With that contemptous appraisal of the opposition she hops onto the Nightwalker's knee as her flaming blade slices up its opposite thigh, then floats up the length of its body while slashing repeatedly at it, Hell Striker moving too quickly to follow!
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+29 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+29 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 41."12 [1d20=12]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+29 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+29 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 47."12 [1d20=18]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+29 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+29 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 37."12 [1d20=8]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 32."12 [1d20=8]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 43."12 [1d20=19]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers crit check I can crit undead
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers crit check I can crit undead and gets 42."12 [1d20=18]
[20:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+19 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 30."12 [1d20=11]
[20:28] <Kotono> OOC - Evertyhing but the 32 hits.
[20:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+19 5th level channel, divine might, flying, using bracers and gets 32."12 [1d20=13]
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC - And the thirty and the other thirty 2.
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC: Roll seperately.
[20:29] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+2d6+1d6+5d4
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+2d6+1d6+5d4 and gets 53."12 [1d8=8][2d6=6, 4][1d6=5][5d4=2, 3, 2, 1, 3]
[20:29] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+2d6+1d6+5d4
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+2d6+1d6+5d4 and gets 41."12 [1d8=2][2d6=4, 1][1d6=4][5d4=3, 3, 2, 2, 1]
[20:29] <Alicia> roll 1d8+19+2d6+1d6+5d4
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+19+2d6+1d6+5d4 and gets 51."12 [1d8=8][2d6=5, 1][1d6=6][5d4=4, 2, 1, 4, 1]
[20:29] <Alicia> roll 2d8+38+2d6+1d6+5d4
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d8+38+2d6+1d6+5d4 and gets 79."12 [2d8=8, 7][2d6=6, 5][1d6=4][5d4=3, 1, 2, 4, 1]
[20:29] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Armanda=Cultists>Antenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:30] <Kotono> Savaged by Alicia, the nightwalker is torna part as she flips off it's body! The entire black beast breaks apart into shadow-stuff, destroyed and put back to rest! AT this, the balcony cultists runs back through the door anda way! OOC - Seira.
[20:33] <Seira> This date had been long in coming, and Seira leaps into the air, somersaulting, with the Resort coming down on Armanda's head in a powerful slash to smite the evil princess! Her other sword is relinquished to Lagann, who doubtlessly wants to have words with the Sharran as well for her treatment of him.
[20:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 impromptu SA, smite
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 impromptu SA, smite and gets 37."12 [1d20=13]
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: Hit, d100.
[20:34] <Seira> roll 1d100
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 79."12 [1d100=79]
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: Damage.
[20:34] <Seira> roll 3d8+11+4d6+6d8
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+11+4d6+6d8 and gets 60."12 [3d8=8, 2, 1][4d6=4, 4, 3, 5][6d8=1, 6, 2, 4, 4, 5]
[20:35] <Kotono> Charging in, Seira is able to stab Armanda right in the shoulder! She cries out in pain, then grins feriously! "Good...good...I'll kill you here, you stupid escaping bitch!" she says, "Idiot! Someone as stupid as you sh ould never have made it this far!" With that, she attacks Seira all out!
[20:35] <Kotono> OOC: Lagann can attack first, though.
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 22."12 [1d20=14]
[20:36] <Kotono> A silver longsword takes to the air, but Armanda smoothly sidesteps it!
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 43."12 [1d20=20]
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 26."12 [1d20=3]
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 39."12 [1d20=16]
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 27."12 [1d20=9]
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23 crit check and AC, Seira?
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 crit check and AC, Seira? and gets 43."12 [1d20=20]
[20:36] <Seira> OOC: AC34, blur... stoneskin will save me?
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100 crit first
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 crit first and gets 37."12 [1d100=37]
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 8."12 [1d100=8]
[20:37] <Kotono> roll 4d8+4 and fort save, Seira.
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+4 and fort save, Seira. and gets 26."12 [4d8=8, 3, 6, 5]
[20:37] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 15."12 [1d20=1]
[20:38] <Kotono> Only one of these blows hits! Only a mere one, but right in Seira's stomach! The blow makes her stomach erupt in agony, as she falls to her knees and drops the Resort! As her shoulder stains red, "Idiot!" she jeers again! The cultists behind her quickly rush to Armanda, touching her!
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 2d8+6
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 2d8+6
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+6 and gets 20."12 [2d8=8, 6]
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+6 and gets 20."12 [2d8=6, 8]
[20:39] <Kotono> OOC - Antenora's up.
[20:40] <Seira> Stunned by the attack that slipped past her guard, all Seira can do is cough violently.
[20:40] <Kotono> "Dammit! Seira!" Antenora calls, whirling in the air! She goes after Armanda from above, looking to impale her head on!
[20:40] * Demedais is now known as tai-cls
[20:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22 (+1 fly, +2 charge, +2 FS 4/8, -3 PA, racial smite)
[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 (+1 fly, +2 charge, +2 FS 4/8, -3 PA, racial smite) and gets 41."12 [1d20=19]
[20:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22 (+1 fly, +2 charge, +2 FS 4/8, -3 PA, racial smite) crit?
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 (+1 fly, +2 charge, +2 FS 4/8, -3 PA, racial smite) crit? and gets 39."12 [1d20=17]
[20:41] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 83."12 [1d100=83]
[20:42] <Kotono> roll 4d8+112+1d6 Well.
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+112+1d6 Well. and gets 139."12 [4d8=3, 6, 4, 8][1d6=6]
[20:43] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultists>Antenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:43] <Kotono> Charging with a pure fury, "To hell with you! To Hell with Shar!" Antenora snarls, thrusting out! Armanda starts to dodge, but she misreads it! Instead of dodging, she goes right up...so that the spear impales her through the center of her forehead! She makes a gurgling noise as he brains exit out a new hole in the back of her skull, collapsing!
[20:44] <Kotono> The cultists watch this display, before snarling! they step back and throw chakrams at Antenora!
[20:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 20."12 [1d20=10]
[20:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
[20:44] <Kotono> But both miss, neither able to land a serious blow. OOc - Alicia.
[20:44] * Alicia flies over to stab into one of the two cultists by the corpse formerly known as Armanda.
[20:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -7 pa
[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -7 pa and gets 30."12 [1d20=15]
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[20:45] <Alicia> roll 1d8+26+2d6+1d6
[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+26+2d6+1d6 and gets 46."12 [1d8=7][2d6=4, 3][1d6=6]
[20:45] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>Balcony-Cultist'
[20:46] <Kotono> Impaling one with her doublesword, Alicai downs that one by cutting it's head in two! OOC - Seira, balcony cultist is gone.
[20:46] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>CultistsAlicia2>Alicia>'
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC: Seira's stunned this round, hur.
[20:47] <Kotono> The remaining cultist stares in utter horror, "No...Princess..." he whimpers, before raising his hands. "S-spare my life and I'll surrender!" he offers.
[20:47] * Seira can't do a thing about it, but hopes that Lagann, at least, can!
[20:48] <Kotono> Lagann continues to hack away, this time driving the sowrd at that same cultist!
[20:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[20:48] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2d6+1
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2d6+1 and gets 15."12 [1d8=6][2d6=2, 6]
[20:48] <Kotono> It cuts deep into it's leg, drawing considerable bloodshed as an artery is surely hit! OOc - Antenora's up.
[20:49] <Kotono> Antenora, for her part, goes after the other two a little away from the pleading cultist!
[20:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (+5 various bonuses, -7 PA, 3/8 FS)
[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 (+5 various bonuses, -7 PA, 3/8 FS) and gets 19."12 [1d20=1]
[20:50] <Kotono> Antenora swings too heavily this time, missing the blow entirely! The cultists step backa nd start running! They head right for the western wall and the southern most door on it! OOC - Seira, you're nauseated this round and cn take a move actin.
[20:51] <Seira> "Stop them," Seira rasps, reaching for the Resort. "That's where the shadow seal was."
[20:52] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia, sorry, I some how glazed over you. You're up. Strike Seiras' action for the moment, though she'll probably do thes ame thing anyway.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Surrender is an option," Alicia tells the begging cultist, before she wheels about and soars after the two running away, attempting to eviscerate one of them. "Retreat is not!"
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -7pa
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -7pa and gets 31."12 [1d20=16]
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d8+26+2d6+1d6
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+26+2d6+1d6 and gets 49."12 [1d8=8][2d6=6, 4][1d6=5]
[20:53] <Kotono> Racing forward, Alicia kills one fo the cultists in a head long charge, catching up and stabbing it straight through the stomach! The begger throws himself on the ground, "Call it off! Spare me!" OOC - Seira, you're up.
[20:53] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>CultistsAlicia1>Alicia'
[20:53] <Kotono> As this goes on, you can hear, "You guys okay down there," Donald calls, "Got problems up here!"
[20:53] <Seira> OOC: Same action, and my words apply to Lagann as much as they do at the others
[20:54] * Alicia looks upwards, wishing Donald would be more specific.
[20:54] <Kotono> Lagann directs the sword to follow, but can't follow far enough with a 30 ft range! The surrendering cultist is meanwhile begging for life! OOC - Antenora.
[20:54] <Kotono> Antenora looks up, rubbing her face. "Right," she calls, flying up and out! As she does, "...Alicia! Seira!" she calls quickly.
[20:55] <Kotono> The last cultist reaches the door, throwing it open! OOC - Alicia.
[20:55] <Seira> "What?" Seira asks, sounding pained and relying on Message for the most part.
[20:55] <Alicia> Can Alicia see what's happening up there? It could have some impact on what she does!
[20:56] <Kotono> Alicia looks up! You can see several blotchy shadows of various shapes lumbering forward! There is still faint fire in the sky to see with. While most are destroyed, Celebrimbor and Donald back to back, one persists. It is one of a great, huge giant, threatening Donald.
[20:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>Donald>CultistsAlicia1>Alicia>Shadow Giant>Celebrimbor'
[20:57] * Alicia summons a small gaggle of fire elementals to deal with the remaining cultist before he releases the shadows before she starts to fly up.
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d4+1
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4+1 and gets 2."12 [1d4=1]
[20:57] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>Donald>CultistsAlicia1>Alicia=Elementals>Shadow Giant>Celebrimbor'
[20:57] <Kotono> OOC - Go for it, 'licia. Roll it up?
[20:58] <Alicia> OOC: actually, strike that, if I can since I already rolled?
[20:58] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead.
[20:58] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>Donald>CultistsAlicia1>Alicia>Shadow Giant>Celebrimbor'
[20:58] <Alicia> "Be there in a second, can't let this idiot release the shadows!" Alicia calls as she rushes forward to decapitate the last one with any fight in him.
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -7pa
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -7pa and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d8+26+2d6+1d6
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+26+2d6+1d6 and gets 43."12 [1d8=4][2d6=4, 6][1d6=3]
[20:59] <Kotono> He won't. Alicia simply slays him by impalement, sending him to die a fool's death on the floor of Shar's temple! The shadow giant looms above Donald, striking down at him in one overpowering blow!
[20:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+53
[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+53 and gets 65."12 [1d20=12]
[20:59] <Kotono> roll 4d8+30
[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+30 and gets 47."12 [4d8=8, 3, 4, 2]
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 fort
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 fort and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
[21:00] <Kotono> Donald is sent flying down, half sliced by a massive, overpowering shadow-fist blow! He skids dozens of feets, coughing as he lands at the lip of the entrance downward! OOC - Celebrimbor.
[21:01] <Kotono> Celebrimbor scatters back, weaving magic around him! Afireball bursts around the shadow, then a set of jaws!
[21:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ref 90 damage fireball
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ref 90 damage fireball and gets 25."12 [1d20=18]
[21:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 sudden maximized empowered many jaws
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 sudden maximized empowered many jaws and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[21:02] <Kotono> The fireball and jaws tear into the shadow, who manages to lumber and move! It's shadowy body is considerably torn apart, but stays intact! Wobbling, "It hits like a fucking out of control wagon," Donald gasps, "Keep doing that, Celebirmbor!" OOc - Seira.
[21:02] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Cultist>Antenora>Donald>Alicia>Shadow Giant>Celebrimbor'
[21:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 religion to ID wtf that is? (I can roll planes if it's an avatar, since that'd be an outsider, technically)
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 religion to ID wtf that is? (I can roll planes if it's an avatar, since that'd be an outsider, technically) and gets 13."12 [1d20=4]
[21:03] <Kotono> OOC: Planes, actually.
[21:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 this'll do for knowledge devotion as well
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 this'll do for knowledge devotion as well and gets 33."12 [1d20=16]
[21:05] <Alicia> "Just keep your distance, that thing can't survive on the material plane for long!" Alicia suggests.
[21:06] <Seira> "Move, even flinch, and fucking burn," Seira tells the cowering cultist, flying over to a spot she can see above.
[21:07] <Kotono> Seira flies up and out! She can see the shadowy crater now, the giant looming like a horrible juggernaunt! There don't look to be too many more threats about, at least.
[21:07] <Kotono> OOC - Antenora's up.
[21:07] <Seira> OOC: Umm. Distance to it?
[21:07] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, were you also doing something? Say 40 feet?
[21:08] <Seira> OOC: Yes, I wanted to know how far I was! Can a cone hit it?
[21:08] <Seira> OOC: And only it?
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC: Yeah, CElebrimbor scrambled away and Donald got beaten away.
[21:09] * Seira reaches up with her right claw, summoning a massive blast of fire to sweep the monstrous shadow giant away!
[21:09] <Seira> roll 14d6 fire
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 14d6 fire and gets 38."12 [14d6=1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 2, 6]
[21:09] <Seira> OOC: DC25
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[21:10] <Kotono> This fire buckles it's body further! The entire thing struggles, pulses...and fades apart into dozens of bits of intense shadow! In rains down, twisting the ground further! OOC - Battle's over, the anomaly couldn't stay intact long. Luckily for you guys. Free act.
[21:10] <Alicia> OOC: has the cloudkill moved away from the altar yet?
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[21:10] <Kotono> Donald picks himself up, dusting his armor off. "LAthander dammit, that was rough," he grouses, "Everyone okay down there?"
[21:10] * Seira returns to the cultist, binding his limbs briefly, before snatching up her shades off Armanda's corpse and striding inside the living quarters.
[21:11] * Alicia strolls over to the altar and channels her last spellfire directly into it, much as she did with the altars in Erenholm.
[21:11] <Kotono> Antenora gently alights on the lip of the entrance ot the cathedral's roof. She takes a few breaths before floating down, "We did it." she observes brilliantly, and then, "You alright, Seira?"
[21:12] <Seira> "Some are still hiding. Am I alright?" Seira laughs haltingly. "Not yet. I'm heading in."
[18:17] <Kotono> <Seira> "Some are still hiding. Am I alright?" Seira laughs haltingly. "Not yet. I'm heading in."
[18:17] <Kotono> OOC: Evil, Seira.
[18:17] <Kotono> OOC: Er, Terror.
[18:18] <Kotono> As Seira runs off to eliminate more cultists, Alicia channels spellfire into the altar! This time the altar splits apart into seven even chunks, burst into spellfire and fading away! Alicia feels a momentary thrill of joy pass through her body.
[18:20] <Alicia> "That's that," Alicia smiles at the faint giddy sensation of metaphysically sticking her fingers up to Shar. "Seira wait, we shouldn't split up!" she calls to the half-dragon, checking that the other three are well enough to follow before she pursues her errant superior officer.
[18:22] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (User has been banned from DejaToons (spam))
[18:48] * tai-snowice (~ferixstad@76.235.222.33) Quit (asdfgfdsa)
[18:51] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-222-33.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[18:52] * Sierra_FleeingInTerror is now known as Cidward
[19:42] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[19:43] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[19:43] <Seira> [21:28] <Kotono> > Alicia and Seira head deeper in! Chasing, they find the two cultists in the common rooms, frantically searching! One turns, hooded face dark! "Hurry," he rasps. OOC - Let'd do initiative here? You're about 20 feet away from them.
[19:43] <Seira> [21:34] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{13}
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[19:44] <Seira> [21:34] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{25}
[19:44] <Seira> [21:35] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Alicia>Cultists'
[19:44] <Seira> [21:36] <Seira> A fireball explodes around the men! While Seira would like to argue Alicia's point of allowing surrendering scum of such magnitude the chance to do so, she has no problem with the other part of Alicia's approach, which means anyone still fighting of fleeing to fight another day is fair game.
[19:44] <Seira> [21:36] <Seira> Should any of them survive, Seira would move right next to them, while urging Lagann to take the targets out.
[19:44] <Seira> [21:36] <Seira> roll 10d6 fire
[19:44] <Seira> [21:36] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 10d6 fire --> [ 10d6=34 ]{34}
[19:44] <Seira> [21:36] <Seira> OOC: DC22
[19:44] <Seira> [21:37] <Seira> OOC: Sorry, 23
[19:44] <Seira> [21:37] <Kotono> With the fireball, the already wounded men cannot endure! The beds and men are set aflame, screams as the worshippers of Shar are sent to her oblivious embrace! OOC - They died even on a save. Free act.
[19:44] <Seira> [21:38] <Seira> "Not quick enough, scum," Seira mutters. "Lagann, can you tell what they were looking for?"
[19:44] <Seira> [21:39] * Alicia doesn't really care to search. "It doesn't matter, they'll never find it now," she observes. "We should probably go back so we can seal that portal before doing a room by room search."
[19:45] <Seira> "I'm wary of living someone around to find a way to alert their allies, or a key to unseal the shadows," Seira returns. "We can spare a few moments for this, I think."
[19:45] <Seira> *leaving, sigh
[19:45] <Alicia> "Alright, lets be quick about it then," Alicia acquieses. "You know this place best so lead on."
[19:45] * Seira commands Lagann to bring the metal item over to her.
[19:46] <Kotono> A few silver and gold coins come, as well as a sharp, serrated dagger. While not gnomish, it's clearly been designed for pain.
[19:47] <Seira> "As long as the others are in the central chamber, none should really pass them on the way down," Seira says, observing the room as she passes up on the dagger and coins. "We'll check the living area fully, and then the cells here."
[19:48] * Alicia nods, happy to just peek in each room for any remaining cultists rather than bothering to actually search their belongings and such. They can worry about that once the place is cleaned out thoroughly.
[19:48] <Kotono> OOC: So just cultist searching for now?
[19:48] <Seira> OOC: And prisoner searching, in this section of the building
[19:49] <Kotono> The western part of the temple is quiet. The metal cells where Seira was kept are silent, the balcony above quiet. On checking that, they can see Antenora and Donald below, binding up the surrendered cultist. It's quite dark here now - the fires in the sky have died out. Not that it seems to bother either of them.
[19:50] <Seira> "Alright," Seira says curtly. "Can we get to the prisoners before taking out the portal?"
[19:50] * Seira doesn't bother heading back down the stairs, merely leaping off the balcony and gliding down.
[19:50] <Alicia> "Lead on," Alicia is content to follow Seira just in case she runs into anything nasty.
[19:51] <Kotono> Donald looks to Seira as Antenora neatly ties the cultist up. "Celebrimbor went back up to check on our other captive," he says. "Need a hand with anything?"
[19:51] <Seira> "Stay here, please, and kill anyone non-allied venturing into this room," Seira returns, heading straight for the holding cells and hoping someone might be found alive inside.
[19:57] <Kotono> Thus, Seira and Alicia head to the holding cells. The scent of human suffering, sweat and waste are pungent into the air. It's hard not to gag, the wooden doors of each room ahead not stopping vile, piteous smells.
[19:58] <Seira> "This is a breakout!" Seira calls out loudly, checking the first door on the right.
[19:59] <Kotono> There are slender metal bars over a window, letting Seira see inside. Inside...a...man? A man who has stumps for arms and legs. A horrible rotten, fetid smell comes from him. He wears no clothes, lying in a puddle of what is surely things best not considered. His eyes are held open with pins, no blinking....and no point, as his eyes are gone. "Gi...giselle...?" he whimpers.
[19:59] <Alicia> "Oh, Gods..." Alicia winces at the smell. "You really were lucky to get out of here," she observes before following up on Seira's declaration, "We've come to rescue you!" she calls, hacking open the opposite door from the one Seira opens.
[19:59] <Kotono> "Help..." A man's voice from another cell calls weakly.
[19:59] <Seira> "Lagann! Open these doors!" Seira commands.
[20:00] <Kotono> The metal hinges of the doors creak, cracking away! The door falls down a little, loosened and freed from it's metal holdings. I tshould be fairly easy to open now.
[20:00] <Seira> "Antenora!" Seira calls out into the corridor. "If you hear me, I could use your help!"
[20:01] <Kotono> Antenora comes at a hurry after Seira's voice echos. "Yes," she asks as she descends down into the smelly pit.
[20:02] <Seira> "They... they...." Seira shakes her head. "Please get them out. I can't."
[20:02] <Alicia> "These prisoners are going to need healing, use the wand as much as necessary," Alicia tells the erinyes as she goes to open the door that the other man called out from behind.
[20:03] <Kotono> This man has his arms but no legs. He lies flat on his back, his groin and gender gone, impaled with a dozen horribly rusty knives and hooks. He lies unclad as well, the stench overwhelming. "Please, please please free me," he cries like a baby, one eye gone but another green one peering at Alicia, tears coming from it.
[20:04] <Kotono> Antenora takes the wand wordlessly, going into the arm and legless man Seira freed. She looks to Seira, "Can you summon some water to cleanse him first," she asks, "He deserves that much."
[20:05] <Seira> A wave of her hand summons water in a cloud above him, and then Seira repeats it when her aim is slightly off.
[20:05] <Alicia> It takes years and years of self control and having seen so many horrific things to let Alicia keep her composure, though it's a close thing. "You're safe now," she manages, though what sort of life he could have in this state... Casting her last enervation spell to feed her spellfire reserves, she approaches and kneels beside him. "I'm going to pull these out - it'll hurt, a lot," she tells him, unable to sugarcoat it, "On three, okay?"
[20:06] * Seira forces herself to see the other cells. There is only so much Alicia and Antenora could do for everyone on their own.
[20:07] <Kotono> With the worst of the filth washed away, the man shivers silently. Antenora begins to use the wand, three charges used. "Shh...we'll help you. The Sharrans are dead." Antenora takes his chin with a hand, very gently touching him. "We'll help you."
[20:07] <Kotono> Alicia hears his voice again, "If...if it does me in...tell Giselle that I'll always love her...and to tell our child."
[20:09] <Kotono> Seira goes to check the back two cells. One is mercifully empty, mercifully. The other has an ancient dwarf, surely as old as the sun itself. His weathered body is crucified on the back wall, clean shaven and eyeless. Writhing maggots infest a dozen festering wounds all over his body. His ears are full of a metal - lead, Seira thinks at a glance.
[20:09] <Kotono> From Antenora's cell, you cah hear half incoherent, sob-like gasps.
[20:10] <Alicia> So much for her lovers being exiled... "If it comes to that I will," Alicia promises, before gathering up the ends of the torture implements in hand. "One... two... three," and on that number she tears them out as quickly and cleanly as she can, proceeding to heal him with her spellfire almost as soon as they're out, hopefully before the pain can fully register.
[20:10] <Alicia> roll 4d4+4
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d4+4 and gets 11."12 [4d4=1, 2, 3, 1]
[20:10] <Seira> "L-Lagann?" Seira's voice wavers. "Can you help him? Without hurting him?"
[20:11] <Kotono> There isn't much blood. Not much blood at all. The spellfire mends the tears instantly, as much as there can be repair. The man will never be a man again, yet he lives. "Oh...Bless you...Kelemvor and Kossuth bless you," he gasps, his good eye on Alicia like a laser. "Are you...the legendary guardians that will escort us to our judgment with Kelemvor?"
[20:13] * Seira tries to fall back on Antenora's request, cleaning his body and washing off the maggots from his festering wounds.
[20:13] * Alicia shakes her head. "No. I'm a servant of Mystra. I'll take you to our temple in Kelara, you'll be cared for there," she assures him, slinging Hell Striker on her back. "Come, I'll get you out of here," she adds, picking him up gently in her arms.
[20:22] <Kotono> The bugs are washed away, gently pushed out of infected wounds. "You.." an ancient voice rasps, "Are you...if you're not one the royals...touch my nose," he says, shakingly.
[20:23] * Seira shivers, but does so, approaching to tap it lightly.
[20:23] <Kotono> Holding to Alicia, one eyes wetting with tears, "Bless you, bless you..." he says, "Oh..." he shudders, then begins to simply sob.
[20:24] <Alicia> Carefully holding her passenger, Alicia murmurs soothing sounding nothings as she carries him back to the shattered cathedral, where he'll be out of this squalor and able to see with his remaining eye the ruin they've visited upon Shar's followers. Best to get them all there together before she takes them away from here.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Listen to me...The Kessian Royal Family...rotten to the core. If you've come here to oppose them..." He coughs, "Kort, Armanda and Albert are the three vile ones. But...below the temple...I failed to stop them when I stumbled on this evil. You must destroy them all, or Kesse will become a bleeding wound that poisons everything around it.
[20:24] <Kotono> "
[20:25] <Kotono> As Alicia does that, Antenora comes with her prisoner. Her face is stony as the two end up walking together. But in Alicia's mind, 'I would at least understand this from devils or demons,' she says, 'These humans...they had a real choice. They've damned themselves as throughly as any fool in the Pit.'
[20:25] * Seira brushes her hand across his face, cupping the dwarf's cheek. Her mind made up, she asks Lagann to remove that which keeps the dwarf crucified, ready to catch him in her arms.
[20:26] <Kotono> The nails are removed, the dwarf gasping as he falls! "Oh...thank you...it hurt so much," He licks his cracked lips, "But please...below thet emple. I don't know what it is, but I heard that...that it's the source of this. They took my hearing for finding this out."
[20:27] * Seira taps his nose again, the only way she knows without Antenora around to communicate to him that she understands.
[20:27] * Seira brings the dwarf out, afterwards, cradling him in her arms.
[20:27] <Kotono> "If you have the power to stop the royals...kill what infected them as well. By all the Gods that have ever heard my prayers, I beg you!" His voice becomes stronger a moment, before he sags under Seira's arms.
[20:28] <Alicia> 'I said once before that there were gods mightier than any fiend, didn't I?' Alicia replies in the same vein. 'There are also those more foul. Shar is one of them.' She sets the man down on one of the remaining pews. "Wait here until I get the other prisoners out? Donald and Antenora will keep you safe," she points to the two in turn.
[20:28] <Kotono> Coming out, the three find Donald staring. His eyes go wide, "Oh...Lathander..." he says with a lurch in his voice, before grimancing.
[20:28] <Seira> "Antenora!" Seira calls out, louder this time, as she rushes into the central area. "You have to heal him!"
[20:29] <Kotono> Antenora puts her bundle down on one of the pews, gently resting him there. She comes over to the maggot infected man, touching him several times with the wand...
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 5d8+5
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+5 and gets 22."12 [5d8=1, 5, 4, 2, 5]
[20:29] <Kotono> His wounds mend somewhat, maggots forced out! Antenora continues this.
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 5d8+5
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+5 and gets 25."12 [5d8=8, 2, 1, 4, 5]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 5d8+5
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8+5 and gets 41."12 [5d8=8, 8, 5, 7, 8]
[20:29] * Alicia goes back into the cells to find any others still there while Antenora heals the dwarf.
[20:29] <Kotono> After that, it is finally enough. His wounds are restored, mended as best simple magic can.
[20:30] <Kotono> Alicia goes back into that stinking pit, but finds there are no others.
[20:30] <Seira> "It's... dangerous, to take the lead out," Seira says, moving on to place him gently by the others. "I can't do it here. He... he asked that we destroy what's below the temple. He tried to do that...."
[20:31] <Kotono> "We'll do that, then," Antenora looks up from her healing. "It's time to bring it's sins to bear against it."
[20:31] <Alicia> Coming back out, Alicia looks over the three survivors. "I'm going to take these three to the temple in Kelara, they'll get the best care possible there, and I'll be back afterwards," she suggests. "I won't have any teleports left, but Lord Drake does, and Seira's ring might have a charge left in it as well, so we should be okay."
[20:31] <Seira> "I'll bring us back," Seira swear.
[20:32] * Alicia hands the sword of the sealed gate to Seira. "Just in case I have a mishap returning, there's no sense leaving that portal until tomorrow," she notes, approaching the three mutilated figures. "By Mystra's will, let us away from this vile pit!"
[20:32] <Alicia> roll 1d100 very familiar, main hall of Kelara's temple of Mystra
[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 very familiar, main hall of Kelara's temple of Mystra and gets 11."12 [1d100=11]
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: What's your range?
[20:33] <Alicia> OOC: 1,400 miles, I've been using Kelara as my stop-off between Kesse and Balmuria up till now, so it should work...
[20:33] * Seira accepts the sword, and goes to kick in the door where the weapons were proudly on display during her escape.
[20:34] <Kotono> Woosh! Alicia appears in said hall! The three figures lie on the floor. The main hall is quiet, a few globes of light shedding. A young faced acolyte is walking the halls, smothering a yawn into his face. He stops cold here, staring at Alicia and her rescued prisoners with utter, complete shock.
[20:34] <Alicia> Does Alicia recognise the acolyte?
[20:36] <Kotono> He's pretty fresh faced. Alicia dimly recalls him at ime or two in recent visits. His name starts with a C...C-something, ite scapes Alicia.
[20:37] <Kotono> OOC: #evil a few, Seira?
[20:37] <Alicia> "Wake Taldeer, and any others gifted at healing," Alicia addresses the acolyte without preamble. "These men have been tortured at length by followers of Shar."
[20:38] <Kotono> "S-Shar?!" He gasps, before running off at top speed. The armless, legless man whimpers at that name, shivering all over.
[20:39] <Alicia> "It's alright," Alicia kneels down and takes the man's shoulder. "You're far from her reach, now. We're hundreds of miles from Kesse, and this temple is a beacon of Mystra's grace. You'll be well cared for, her."
[20:41] <Kotono> The man with one good eye sobs again at that, "Free...oh...are we really free? Shar consumes everything in the end," he shudders.
[20:42] <Kotono> Behind Alicia she can hear bustle and noise starting up in the temple. "DWEOMERKEEPER! PRIESTS! EMERGENCY!" The young male voice can be heard echoing.
[20:44] <Alicia> "No she doesn't," Alicia shakes her head. "You won't be consumed, you're safe."
[20:46] <Kotono> Taldeer comes out in record time, wearing a long towel wrapped over her body. She drips water, looking at the men with a look of complete dismay, "Oh, Goddess..." she stares.
[20:49] <Alicia> "I'm sorry to be so abrupt, Dweomerkeeper, but we found these men imprisoned the Sharran temple in Kesse. Can you do anything for them?" she looks hopefully at the priestess as she straightens up.
[20:50] <Kotono> Another female priests hurries along, carrying a heavy cloak and robe. She shields Taldeer so she can dress in a few hurried moments, and then, "We'll do what we can. It's a true miracle they're even alive with these wounds."
[20:51] <Alicia> "They've been horribly mistreated," Alicia agrees. "Anyway, we still haven't finished clearing that eyesore of a temple, so I can't stay much longer. I'll just be happy that they're in safe hands with you."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Hurry then. Finish that, this Sharran temple sounds unspeakably vile," Taldeer kneels down as other clerics come rushing.
[20:53] <Alicia> "I'll return as soon as I'm able," Alicia confirms before teleporting back to where she was a moment ago.
[20:53] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually
[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually and gets 15."12 [1d100=15]
[20:54] <Kotono> Woosh! Alicia reappears in the hall! Donald's there, no sign of Antenora. "Back? Antenora's helping Celebrimbor now, and Seira went thataway," he points to the center-northern door past the former altar.
[20:54] <Alicia> "He needs help?" Alicia cranes her neck upwards, "What's happening up there?"
[20:55] <Kotono> "Something happened to that cultist girl we captured. She got hit with some of that weird shadowy stuff that came out when we burst in."
[20:55] <Alicia> "What did it do to her?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "They were shouting to talk - he said it's metastizied into her body. It doesn'ts ound so good up there. Not that she didn't have it coming," Donald adds with a shrug, going to sit down on a pew.
[20:57] <Alicia> "I can't say I'll shed any tears over someone who murdered her best friend in order to get in good with Shar, no," Alicia agrees with a brief glare at their other prisoner.
[20:58] <Kotono> He's tied up and being very quiet and obdient, or so it looks. "Wanna go a round with getting him to talk," Donald asks. "I figure there's something useful up in that brain of his."
[20:59] * Alicia points to the South door. "I know there's three doors down that passage, and there's shadows behind at least one of them. What else is there?" she asks the cultist in a very plain and no-nonsense manner.
[21:00] <Kotono> "The left room is where you come in from the Shadow Plane," he answers, "The other two are trapped with shadows."
[21:00] <Kotono> *rightmost
[21:01] <Alicia> "How many?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Several in each," he answers.
[21:03] <Alicia> "Several," Alicia repeats before stepping closer. "Numbers, imbecile. How many?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "I don't know," he answers honestly, "Laza handled shadows, not me!"
[21:04] <Alicia> "Who's Laza?" Alicia asks. Probably someone they killed already, but no harm in asking.
[21:04] <Kotono> As they chat, Seira returns from the north-center door. "He's dead,"Licking his lips, "You killed him."
[21:05] <Seira> "We're talking?" Seira asks acidly, kicking a stray bit of ruined altar aside. "Good. What's beyond the trapped door I just saw? Lying means death."
[21:05] <Alicia> "Couldn't have happened to a nicer man, I'm sure," Alicia replies drolly. "Alright... oh, Seira," she spots the colonel, but pauses on further conversation in light of her enquiry.
[21:05] <Kotono> "Which trapped door," He asks, "The one with the Throne of the Kingdom?"
[21:05] <Seira> "There was a throne. It broke satisfactorily."
[21:06] <Kotono> "I do-don't know what's past that. It's forbidden for any but the royality to go down there," he answers, "It is a secret only to them."
[21:07] <Alicia> "Lets seal the portal then kill all the shadows then go look down there?" Alicia suggests a plan of action.
[21:07] <Seira> "That dwarf said there was vast, corrupting evil below the temple," Seira tells Alicia. "What if he wasn't talking about the portal? There was a stairway down, there, and the area was black, as Shar does for places sacred to her."
[21:08] <Alicia> "Antenora should still be able to see through it, and I have my blindfold," Alicia points out, "And there probably is something important down there if it's so secret. But the portal is right here, so why leave it standing any longer?"
[21:09] <Seira> "I broke it, so the darkness is gone." Seira shakes her head. "That's not important! What is, is that I couldn't open it before while trying my best, but now it was easy to bypass the trap! Someone must've gone there in a hurry, and only the royals are allowed inside!"
[21:10] <Alicia> "Here, give me my sword, I'll go seal that portal while you get Antenora to come back down, then we'll go check it out?" Alicia offers, holding out her hand.
[21:10] * Seira returns it at once. "No heroics. Right?"
[21:11] <Alicia> "Right," Alicia agrees, going through the door leading directly to the portal.
<Kozzz> <Alicia> "Right," Alicia agrees, going through the door leading directly to the portal.
<Kozzz> OOC: Okay, right. Alicia, #evil.
<Kozzz> Seira flies up. On exiting the newborn crater, she finds Celebrimbor and Antenora kneeling a little away from it, in the remnants of a pleasant green lawn. Your captive lies there...but her body has become a sullen splotchy black. She lies on the ground, twitching occasionally.
<Seira> "Antenora, can you spare the time?" Seira asks, barely glancing at the cultist. "I think I found something, and Alicia's gone to seal off the portal."
<Kozzz> "Yeah," Antenora turns, "She's not awake, anyway."
03* Sierra_Semilife is now known as Haruka
<Seira> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
<Seira> "It looks a lot like Albert used it to escape recently," Seira tells her, hurrying back.
<Kozzz> As the two fly back down, meeting Donald? The temple abruptly shakes before Donald can say a word! The concussive force sends all three down onto the ground hard!
02* Taishyr (~ferixstad@resnet226-182.resnet.wmich.edu) Quit (back in ~20.)
<Kozzz> OOC - Strike.
<Kozzz> As the two fly back down, meeting Donald? The temple abruptly shakes before Donald can say a word! The concussive force sends Donald to the ground, making everything quake for several long seconds!
<Seira> "Donald," Seira commands, grimacing. "Cast see invisibility if you haven't alread, grab my ring and cloak and wait here. Antenora, we'll have to delay that little expedition. Let's go check up on the portal!"
<Kozzz> "Right," Donald says as Antenora and Seira rush to the portal! Going to it's room, they find it gone. Completely gone, as if wiped away. In it's place are burna nd explosion marks, charring the now denuded ground! "A...Alicia?" Antenora looks around.
<Seira> roll 1d20+20 arcana, what happened here?
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 arcana, what happened here? and gets 37."12 [1d20=17]
<Seira> "Tch, feedback," Seira mutters. "Let's go back, we need Celebrimbor for this."
<Kozzz> Antenora nods quickly, "Yes, let's," she murmurs, as the two return to Celebrimbor above. He's still attending to your captive.
<Seira> "Is it safe to touch her?" Seira asks without preamble.
<Kozzz> "It should be," Celebrimbor nods, "The shadow that effected her has spread to her body, but it doesn't look to be seeping out ward."
<Seira> "Right." Seira picks her up. "We need to be together. Can you get into the temple easily?"
<Kozzz> "I can fly," Celebrimbor says simply.
06* Seira nods, setting the woman down some distance from their bound prisoner, though close enough for Donald to observe easily. "Alicia got caught up in the gate's energies, from what I've seen. She must've been flung somewhere, similar to what happened to me."
06* Seira takes out a scroll of Sending. "Could you try getting in contact with her, please? Tell her that by tomorrow, we'll get to her and bring her back, if she needs us to."
<Kozzz> OOC: Who'd you give the scroll to. Celebrimbor?
<Seira> OOC: Yes. Donald can watch over him, while Anty and I check out that pit
03* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-183-253.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
02* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-183-253.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Broken pipe)
03* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-183-253.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
<Kozzz> Antenora and Seira thus go as Celebrimbor takes the scroll. REturning to the now non-throne room, Antenora looks to the stairs, "Ready," she asks.
<Seira> "Might as well brings me back to strength, first," Seira says, recasting Blur on herself while hoping Antenora has a couple more charges left in her wand.
<Kozzz> roll 2d8+2
06* Hatbot --> "Kozzz rolls 2d8+2 and gets 9."12 [2d8=2, 5]
<Kozzz> roll 1d8+1
06* Hatbot --> "Kozzz rolls 1d8+1 and gets 5."12 [1d8=4]
<Kozzz> roll 1d8+1
06* Hatbot --> "Kozzz rolls 1d8+1 and gets 5."12 [1d8=4]
06* Seira heads on!
<Kozzz> The two go down the stairs! It is almost silent here, only the sound of feet on stone making any noise at all. IT goes down for about twenty minutes, surely hundreds of more feet into the earth. It's utterly dark here, only magical visions allowing any sight at all. At the end you find the stairs to flow into a wide platform with a metal lever in the center.
02* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-183-253.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (bing bing bing pt.2)
06* Seira exchanges a look with Antenora. "Looks disturbingly familiar, doesn't it?"
<Kozzz> "Yes, I'm having unpleasant memories of nearly going to STygia," Antenora goes to inspect the platform, "I wonder if the gnomes are at th eroot of this, then?"
<Kozzz> After a moment of starting to look, Antenora scowls. "Why don't you try," she mutters in irritation.
03* Kozzz is now known as Kotono
<Seira> "What?" Seira asks in surprise.
<Kotono> "I can't search effectively. That thrice cursed deck. I just CAN'T." Scowling and glaring at the floor, "No matter how hard I try, it's jus tnot there anymore."
<Seira> "What are you looking for?" Seira asks, looking confused.
<Kotono> "I was going to look around, see if anything was wrong. It was just an impulse," Crossing her arms now, "And I ran headlong into that."
<Seira> roll 1d20+20
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 27."12 [1d20=7]
<Seira> "The deck," Seira mutters. "If you think that's bad try being grounded."
06* Seira pulls the lever. "Let's see where the hell this goes."
<Kotono> "Nightmarish," Antenora smiles a little, "I'd rather be grounded than go back to Hell, but it's not that distant a thing." As she speaks, the platform begins to slowly descend! (More)
06* Seira has the Resort drawn, looking around warily. "If I'm right about this, shutting down what's below would land a fatal blow to Shar's influence here. Whatever the cost, we have to do that."
<Kotono> IT goes at a decent clip, down a smoothly polished stone shaft. The walls are covered with arcane runes and writing, glowing as the party passes. Seira can take some time to read them as she descends ifs he wants, they're in draconic.
06* Seira declines, not having the option of detecting for magic and telling whether it's a trap.
<Seira> roll 1d20+16
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 and gets 30."12 [1d20=14]
06* Seira finds herself changing her mind as the trip takes longer than expected.
<Kotono> These are binding runes. They are runes to bind a strong creature in - in this case 'A dragon of the shadow realm'.
<Kotono> The runes are intact and masterfully made. Nothing's getting out of them easily, whatever is bound here.
03* DoomKo (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03* DoomKo is now known as Anastasia
06* Seira chokes. "A bound shadow dragon?!" she exclaims.
03* ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+14 and gets 22."12 [1d20=8]
<Seira> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 13."12 [1d20=2]
<Anastasia> Antenora raises an eyebrow, "A dragon? A shadow dragon?" Antenora grimaces, "Fitting, I suppose, but an incredibly dangerous opponent." Meanwhile, the elevator continues to go down, "They have breath that can drain your life force away with devastating speed. It's not a foe we should take on alone."
<Seira> "It is an unenviable situation," Seira mutters. "We can't leave it behind, either, not as long as Albert remains free. And we can't remain in the temple to guard it since we need to return to Balmuria quickly and attempt to scry on Alicia."
02* Kotono (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
<Anastasia> The elevator continues to smoothly descend, the walls continuing. Seira can note the runes are starting to slacken off.
<Anastasia> OOC - Gah.
<Anastasia> The elevator continues to smoothly descend, the walls continuing. Seira can note the runes are starting to slacken off. "We have a choice then...assuming the elevator doesn't lead us right to it," Antenora considers.
<Seira> "We could always try to fly up on our own," Seira muses. "Or try teleportation." She pauses, looking away. "The old me would just plow in and bet on her luck. Now, though... do you want to come with me?"
<Anastasia> "I'll go with you either way," Antenora says with a faint smile, "No way I'm going to let you go alone here. But I'm willing to retreat if you're willing. We can fight another day when we're not at the end of our strength."
06* Seira bites on her lower lip. "I can't only proceed when it's absolutely safe. I have to try, or I'll never be able to take on a risk again. But I won't throw your life away! We'll go on, for now."
<Anastasia> "If we get in trouble, flee," Antenora agrees.
<Seira> "I have a scroll of teleportation. Be ready to stick near me if it looks bad."
<Anastasia> "Right," As Antenora gets close to Seira, the elevator goes down further! The walls end to the west and north, opening up into a vast open cavern! As the elevator settles down, Seira cans ee with her darkvision! It's huge - black as night, peering up wtih eyes like shadow pools! This dragon dominates the otherwise empty cavern, voice a silibant whisper. "You've come this far?" it asks aloud.
<Seira> 'Is anyone else around?' Seira thinks, brushing up against Antenora to gain her attention, while she responds out loud, "So it seems. Who bound you this way?"
<Anastasia> 'Hm?' Antenora asks, and after a repeat, 'Cavern's empty besides the dragon, she says with steel in her voice. "You are Seira of the Crimson Guard....and the fallen fiend, cohort of Alicia Reynes!" His voice doesn't change even when it says that, "Will you bow to the Lady of Loss? She has given me a vision in this prison - you must bow to her or you must be destroyed."
<Seira> "Are you the one who reached out to the Kesse royal family, or did they seek you out?"
<Anastasia> Rearing up onto it's hind legs, "They came to me...I showed them the true path..." His voice hisses gently, "Little Albert stumbled into my prison as a child. Now, events move forward for the Lady of Loss...but you are here. Bow or perish!" Motes of shadow and wisps of smoke gather around it's mouth!"
<Seira> roll 1d20+21
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 26."12 [1d20=5]
06* Seira takes a deep breath, before smiling cockily. "How about we send you back to Shar instead?"
<Anastasia> With that, the dragon roars! OOC - I'm calling initiative here as things go sour.
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+10 dragon
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+10 dragon and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
<Seira> roll 1d20+8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 25."12 [1d20=17]
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
03* Anastasia changes topic to 'Seira>Antenora>SHADOW DRAGON OH FUCK DRAAAAAGON'
<Seira> Looking far braver than she truly feels, Seira flies closer before letting loose with a an orb of acid!
<Seira> roll 1d20+18 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 touch and gets 37."12 [1d20=19]
<Seira> roll 5d8+4d6
<Anastasia> OOC - Hit.
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d8+4d6 and gets 40."12 [5d8=5, 4, 2, 6, 5][4d6=6, 5, 4, 3]
<Anastasia> Following that, Antenora burns with holy fury! "Return to the Dark Goddess that spawned you, horror!" she calls, charging forward with all she has left!
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +1 flying, +2 FS 7/8, +12 ignorance, -12 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +1 flying, +2 FS 7/8, +12 ignorance, -12 PA) and gets 26."12 [1d20=1]
<Anastasia> Antenora is indeed quickon her feet, but not quick enough! The speartip bounces off the dragon's scales! A moment later Antenora's boots glow as she falls back at Seira! (More, dragon is up.
<Anastasia> The dragon rears back, a cone of shadowstuff coming from it's mouth, a whirling miasma of it engulfing Antenora and Seira! OOC - Fort saves.
<Anastasia> roll 1d4-1
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d4-1 and gets 2."12 [1d4=3]
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+24
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+24 and gets 32."12 [1d20=8]
<Seira> roll 1d20+13
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28."12 [1d20=15]
<Anastasia> OOC: Only 2 negative levels each.
<Anastasia> Thereafter the dragon flies 30 feet back, wings flapping and making a small gale! OOC - Seira.
<Seira> Scowling, Seira retaliates with three lances of fire, falling back towards the lift herself.
<Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
<Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 19."12 [1d20=3]
<Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 35."12 [1d20=19]
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 34."12 [1d20=18]
<Anastasia> OOC: Three hits. SR?
<Seira> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
<Seira> roll 1d20+16 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 touch and gets 21."12 [1d20=5]
<Seira> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 28."12 [1d20=17]
<Seira> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18."12 [1d20=7]
<Seira> roll 4d6 fire
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 4d6 fire and gets 20."12 [4d6=6, 6, 6, 2]
<Anastasia> Two of the flames sputter out against it's scales, bu thte hirt burns a mark across them! The dragon seems barely phased as Antenora charges headlong at it again!
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+21 (+2 charge, -2 levels, +1 flying, +2 FS 6/8, -2 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+21 (+2 charge, -2 levels, +1 flying, +2 FS 6/8, -2 PA) and gets 27."12 [1d20=6]
<Anastasia> Clang! Antenora's spear can't penetrate it's scaly body, deflecting off! Antenora then immediately retreats back again, "No good, I can't land a decisive blow," she says.
<Anastasia> OOC - Dragon's up.
<Anastasia> The dragon roars out, charging ahead at the two! Somehow the two don't buckle in fear, even as Seira finds herself on the end of a dragon's bite!
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+32
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+32 and gets 46."12 [1d20=14]
<Anastasia> OOC: Anything relevant?
<Seira> OOC: No, it hits
<Anastasia> roll 2d8+7+1d6 and one negative level, Seira.
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d8+7+1d6 and one negative level, Seira. and gets 20."12 [2d8=8, 2][1d6=3]
<Anastasia> The bite is lined with shadowstuff, ripping Seira's flesh and shriviling her spirit! The dragon looms over them now, like a giant catastrophe! "You won't have it," it hisses, "You will not be the ones as long as you have hope in your hearts!"
<Anastasia> OOC - Seira.
<Seira> "Fuck," Seira coughs. "Antenora, you know the plan." Her wings flap and she tumbles through the air backwards, summoning ten sets of fiery jaws to harass the dragon to cover their escape even as she mentally commabds Lagann to trigger the lever and raise the lift.
<Seira> roll 1d20+14 tumble
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 tumble and gets 16."12 [1d20=2]
<Seira> roll 5d6+5d6 (fire+force)
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d6+5d6 (fire+force) and gets 39."12 [5d6=2, 2, 6, 5, 4][5d6=3, 2, 5, 4, 6]
<Seira> roll 1d20+10 CL
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 CL and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
<Anastasia> The jaws snap and bite away, but fizzle against the dragon's body! Antenora falls back as well, unable tod odge as well as Seira!
<Anastasia> roll 1d20+32
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+32 and gets 33."12 [1d20=1]
<Anastasia> But the blow misses her entirely, luck on her side as she reaches Seira! "Well," she asks, even as healing energy aids Seira! OOC: FS 5/8, +10 HP Seira.
06* Seira spends a brief moment to see if Lagann can manage to activate the mechanism. If he can't, they'll have to fly up.
<Anastasia> Meanwhile, the elevator shaft goes back up! It begins to rise up at Lagann's pushing command, the dragon fading out of sight! It roars in fury as the elevator ascends, taking you away from the dragon! It moves as if to fly up and follow, but buts agaisnt the air itself, doing nothin but stopping!
06* Seira sags. "Thanks. We tried, but it was futile. At least the bindings are holding, and no one was there to free it."
<Anastasia> "Yet," Once you're covered by runed walls again, Antenora sits down on the lift. "We need to get Alicia back and rest, though. Now. If Albert or competent reinforcements show up now, we're in serious trouble."
<Seira> "We'll kill him," Seira swears. "That's all there is about it."
03* Marianne (~corwin@bzq-79-183-113-254.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
<Anastasia> "Both him and the dragon. There's no other way," Antenora agrees, "I doubt either will repent. They have to be stopped then."
02* Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-181-11-248.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Marianne))
03* Marianne is now known as Seira
03* ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
<Seira> "Let's touch base with Celebrimbor before deciding on our move," Seira suggests, sheathing her sword.
<Anastasia> The two reach Celebrimbor nearly a half hour later. His brow is furrowed, "Alicia didn't reply to the sending," he reports.
<Seira> "Disturbing," Seira mutters. "Has there been word from Balmuria?"
<Anastasia> "No," Celebrimor reports, "It's been quiet."
<Seira> Seira's lips become a flat line. "How are we doing on the transportation front? How many teleport spells do you have left?"
<Anastasia> "I havet wo standard teleports. That can get us home, but..." Spreading his hands out wide, "If we go off course, we'll have difficulties."
<Seira> "I have a scroll, and there's a chance my retrieved ring is still charged," Seira responds. "Alright. We'll have to abandon this place and return, but I can't do that without destroying what I can in case Albert's forces make it back before us."
<Anastasia> "Right," Celebrimbor agrees. OOC - What are you going to trash?
06* Seira intends to first examine the room where Armanda was holed up, since she never got to see inside it. She can torch the vile library next to it afterwards.
<Anastasia> OOC: Make a search check for that room?
<Seira> OOC: Can you tell me what is there? What it looks like, etc?
<Anastasia> There's broken glass on the floor and the remnants of a throne. There were mounted chakrams on the walls, but those were ripped away. The room's fairly spartan beyond that.
06* Seira relies on Lagann to bring the metal he had ripped out back into the central area, before examining the next door.
<Anastasia> OOC: The library, you mean?
<Seira> OOC: The other one
<Anastasia> Going to this door, Seira opens it! Inside she finds a prayer room, small and cozy up front, but expanding long in the back. In the far back are several mounted knives on the wall, some still stained a rusty dried blood red.
<Seira> roll 1d20+18 search traps
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 search traps and gets 22."12 [1d20=4]
<Seira> roll 1d20+18 search
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 search and gets 34."12 [1d20=16]
<Anastasia> Seira doesn't find any traps. There's a few slender books in here - full of vile writings about the worship of Shar. The knives are horrible things int he back, and there is a semi hidden drawer, full of a nasty looking ice blue powder.
<Anastasia> The powder is in a fairly large bag - there's quite a bit of it. It's tied up but not too tightly.
06* Seira doesn't like to leave behind things she doesn't understand, carefully taking the powder bag outside. "What the hell is this blue powder?" she demands from their captive.
<Anastasia> The captive looks up, "Bone powder, mixed with a numbing agent," he says dully, "It's used for torture. After the numbness wears off in three hours, the next two hours the affected areas burn like fire, only worse."
06* Seira deposits it in a corner, returning to the deceptively-cozy prayer room. "Lagann, those blades are an eyesore," she declares, before taking a deep breath and releasing it over the vile books of worship!
<Seira> roll 8d8 burn
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 8d8 burn and gets 25."12 [8d8=6, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 4, 3]
<Anastasia> The books are burnt apart, as the daggers are ripped into scrap metal! This is done, smoke and broken metal now in the room instead o fintact evil.
06* Seira slams the door behind her as she returns to question the Sharran. "Next, what about that room," she asks, pointing at where all the weapons were stored. "That black armor and the rest... who made it, and for what purpose?"
<Anastasia> "They were gathered over time by Kort and Albert," he answers, "I know of the armor. It's a demon's armor, it lets you fight as one. And...the Dreadmaster's old falchion is in there now, Unseen."
<Seira> "Unseen/ You mean invisible?"
<Anastasia> "No, the name of it is Unseen," he geos on, "The blade is adamantite, but it's invisible when Kort wills it to be. When it can't be seen, it's far more powerful."
<Seira> "We'll take that as well to seal away," Seira declares, making a note to get Lagann to ruin the regular weapons and torch that room as well afterwards. "What about that warded room?" She gestures towards the door located between the living quarters and what she believed to be the exit from the cathedral.
<Anastasia> "The shadows rest there. Some sacrifices are turned to Shadows to serve Shar," hea nswers quickly. Meanwhile Donald watches from sitting on a pew, Antenora leaning against one.
<Seira> "How do you open it? And how many shadows are within?"
<Anastasia> "Charming," Donald drawls, "That's like blasphemy atop blasphemy. It's like two blasphemies or double blasphemy."
<Anastasia> "I believe a few dozen...there are keys to it...or..." He licks his lips, "You can force it."
<Seira> "No thanks. Where are the keys? All the keys."
<Anastasia> "Hidden in the living quarters, hidden well." He answers. "In Laza's quarters."
<Seira> "Which quarters are his? And how do the keys look? I'll find them." Seira considers. "And what else could be just lying around in the quarters?"
<Anastasia> "They're hidden...secret wall socket," he explains, a pair of metal keys. "Scrolls...a few tools. Search."
<Seira> "Hmph." Seira decides to be thorough, retrieving the vile artifacts according to her plan, leaving that chamber in ruins.
<Anastasia> OOC: All five of the magical items in there?
<Seira> OOC: One by one, but yes
<Anastasia> The wavy, blood dripping sword feels normal to touch. So does the falchion and armor, as well as the skull helmet. However, on touching the greasy looking knife...OOC - Fort save?
<Seira> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
<Anastasia> The grease seems to cling to her skin, but nothing unpleasant occurs. Once those are removed, the room is trashed according to Seira's desire
<Anastasia> .
<Seira> "Antenora, does anything look wrong?" Seira asks, wincing. "That greasy knife felt... weird."
<Seira> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
06* Seira makes sure it's carefully wrapped up so that the grease or whatever the hell it might be wouldn't seep through, at least not within a couple of hours.
<Anastasia> The grease doesn't look to seep through immediately.
<Seira> "Alright. Alright. Still okay, here." Seira thinks. "I'll trash their rooms."
<Anastasia> "Need help," Donald calls as Seira comes out.
<Seira> "Sure. You need a break from watching that scum, anyway."
<Seira> OOC: I'll take 20 for 38, D could help for hopefully 40?
<Anastasia> roll 1d20-1
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20-1 and gets 17."12 [1d20=18]
<Anastasia> Seira finds the following noable things on searching:
<Anastasia> Several caches of coins and coin bags. (More)
<Anastasia> 9 scrolls in total. (More)
<Anastasia> A gold necklace burned black, scribbed with horrible words of praise to Shar. (More)
<Anastasia> The keys! (More)
<Anastasia> A long, tapered short sword with a razor sharp blade. It occasionally glows with a dark light. (More)
<Anastasia> A small bag of pretty gemstones.
<Seira> It gives Seira a certain pleasure to torch the quarters afterwards, checking with Lagann that no metal or hidden compartments had been missed during the thorough search.
<Anastasia> None that Lagann can detect.
<Seira> roll 8d8 burn
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 8d8 burn and gets 34."12 [8d8=6, 2, 1, 2, 8, 4, 5, 6]
<Seira> "So we have the keys," Seira declares upon returning. "And I don't want to leave any shadows behind here. All they need is the one to make more."
<Anastasia> Flames take to the beds and wooden things, torched asunder and filling the air with choking smoke! Antenora considers, "That many is a danger to us as it stands. If they overwhelm us...we'll join them," she scowls. "And with an open path out, we'll set loose a plague on Kesse."
06* Seira nods. "But if we leave those scum hiding in the cave nearby, they can just get here and try to force the door, doing the same."
<Anastasia> "Perhaps we can do something better?" Celebrimbor suggests, "There should still be rubble about fromthe last blast. We could seal the entryway and camoflague it? If they're scared enough and discouraged, it might buy us a day."
<Seira> "It might work," Seira agrees. "Myself, I'm going to examine that door Albert supposedly used to get here. It would help if I had someone along."
<Anastasia> "I'll do it," Donald volunteers quickly. "I'm getting bored sitting around."
06* Seira leads the way, carefully looking for traps, either the one she triggered before or fresh ones
<Seira> roll 1d20+18
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 26."12 [1d20=8]
<Anastasia> Searching the way along to the outer hall Seira finds nothing of note. The rightmost door isn't trapped, either.
06* Seira continues searching for those nefarious traps all the way until the door at the very end of the corridor, including said door. Only if it is all clear would she try to open it.
<Seira> OOC: 10 for 28
<Anastasia> No traps. The rightmost door is in front of Seira, the full sign of Shar over it.
06* Seira tries to open it!
<Seira> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 23."12 [1d20=9]
<Anastasia> The door opens! Inside is a small square room. The edges of the room are shadowy and instinct. A large unholy symbol to Shar dominates the room, the center like a whirling black mass of shadows.
<Seira> "Do you have anything left to demolish this place?" Seira asks of Donald.
<Anastasia> "Some scorching rays and enough swordwork," Donald says, "It'll be rough but I can do some damage."
<Seira> "Let's try those rays, first."
<Anastasia> "Right!" Donald gestures and speaks arcane words! Fire comes from his hands!
<Anastasia> roll 4d6
<Anastasia> roll 4d6
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 4d6 and gets 12."12 [4d6=6, 1, 2, 3]
06* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 4d6 and gets 17."12 [4d6=2, 6, 5, 4]
<Anastasia> Two beams of fire hit the floor, melting a little of it and leaving scorch marks clashing with the unholy symbol.
06* Seira decides to breath on Shar's symbol herself.
<Seira> roll 6d8+2d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+2d8 and gets 37."12 [6d8=3, 6, 4, 7, 1, 3][2d8=6, 7]
<Anastasia> The fire burns on it! It's further scorced and desecrated, stone patterns melting and blurring slightly. A few wisps of shadow comes up after the breath.
06* Seira hacks off a small bit of stone from a nearby wall, and tosses it inside the room, where things seem blurry.
<Anastasia> The stone looks slightly blurry once it lands there.
06* Seira frowns, and waits a bit before trying to scorch the pattern further from the relative safety of the corridor.
<Seira> roll 6d8+2d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+2d8 and gets 39."12 [6d8=7, 8, 7, 1, 1, 2][2d8=8, 5]
<Anastasia> The pattern is further ruined! The blurring ripples gently at this, the unholy symbol somewhat melty from the contact of dragonfire now!
<Anastasia> "You know, I wish we'd brought the hammer now," Donald grouses.
<Seira> "I considered it," Seira admits, "but Alicia's sword was made for it. Unfortunately... well. We never thought the portal would react like that. See if you can grab something to bar this path with like we'll be doing for the warded shadow container? I'll try to demolish this a bit further, meanwhile."
<Seira> roll 6d8+2d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+2d8 and gets 31."12 [6d8=2, 5, 2, 6, 3, 1][2d8=8, 4]
<Anastasia> Wooosh! More flames go as Donald goes off! The symbol burns further - a few more wisps of shadow escape.
<Seira> She's clearly succeeding, but in what? Seira resolves to keep on trying until Donald returns.
<Seira> roll 6d8+2d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+2d8 and gets 34."12 [6d8=2, 8, 2, 4, 4, 6][2d8=1, 7]
<Seira> roll 6d8+2d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+2d8 and gets 38."12 [6d8=1, 4, 7, 1, 8, 2][2d8=7, 8]
<Seira> roll 1d20+8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 21."12 [1d20=13]
<Seira> A delayed fireball should finish the job, Seira muses, closing the door and jamming the lock to the best of her abilities.
<Anastasia> This goes without incident, the lock quite securely jammed.
06* Seira goes to repeat the same thing with the middlemost path, intending to snag Donald if she comes across him. Judging by her past experience, four shadows is something she could handle together with him.
<Anastasia> The two go in the center door. "So we're going to flush the shados out now," he says, sword drawn.
<Seira> "In a controlled fashion, hopefully," Seira agrees, looking out for the trap to trigger the door. "I also want to see what they're guarding, if anything."
<Anastasia> It look sto be the same pressure plate set up as the last. It's almost identical to the trap Seira tripped several days ago. It could be tripped with ease whenever she wants.
<Seira> "Ready?" Seira draws the Resort, and triggers it as soon as Donald responds positively.
<Anastasia> Donald nods, ready!
06* Seira opens the door, ready to breathe fire over the shadows!
<Seira> "I won't say stupid crap like 'I will become like him if I execute him here and now'," Seira responds. "I just want to see him tried, and we might need more information. Also, of the two, he is the more troublesome one to leave back here."
<Kotono> "Alright." Antenora agrees, "She'll need food and water left behind, though."
<Seira> "People don't die from not eating forty eight hours. I would know," Seira says darkly, expecting that to be the end of any argument.
<Kotono> "I know that too," Antenora looks down at her, "She's comtemptable and a damned fool...but...I've inflicted enough pain today in the name of Good. I won't leave her to suffer once she's surrendered, no matter how much she deserves it. She put ourselves and our mercy, and I'm going to be better than the Sharrans were."
03* Ebiris is now known as Alicia
<Seira> "We are," Seira grinds out. "That's why the scum isn't going to be kept where THEY kept their prisoners! No, that doesn't describe what they were to them at all...." Her hands form fists of their own accord. "Let her fast and reflect on gleefully volunteering to SACRIFICE HER BEST FRIEND TO SHAR!"
<Kotono> Very quietly, Celebrimbor steps forward. He puts a hand on Seira's shoulder. "Enough of this." His voice is like a whisper-knife, cutting and subtle. "This is not the time or the place for a morality debate. She can live well enough, our duty is to save ourselves, regroup and help find what happened to Alicia," The last is with a hooded look to Alicia.
<Kotono> *Antenora
<Kotono> Antenora's gaze narrows a little, but she curtly nods. "Alright," Without another word she picks up the female prisoner in her arms. "Where are we putting her, down the southern path?"
<Seira> "Donald can show you the place," Seira says, turning away.
<Kotono> Donald and Antenora take care of that. Whiel they're gone, "Are you going to be able to hold your composure," Celebrimbor enquires softly.
<Seira> "As long as we're not throwing galas to unrepentant Sharrans, I'll manage," Seira says, perhaps more snappishly than she intended because she lowers her eyes afterwards.
<Kotono> "You're right. I don't understand why you'd care that much about one." With a look to the southern passage a moment, "What a strange time for compassion."
<Seira> "I felt like crying, too, when they had me," Seira admits haltingly. "Or when I fled. It didn't mean I wanted to surrender to the other side and embrace Shar, and neither was that one sincere in any way. That she could be brainwashed otherwise... it's not fair. Not when there are people who made genuine missteps that need others to help them."
<Seira> She snorts. "But I guess it's not all that glamorous to do that, is it? Not many heroes jump at the chance."
<Kotono> Smiling a little, "Let's go,"he says, as Donald and Antenora return. "Everyone ready?"
06* Seira makes sure she has a good grasp on Armanda's corpse. "Oh yes."
<Kotono> With that, Celebrimbor casts the words of travel around the party and captive!
<Kotono> roll 1d100 studied carefully
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 studied carefully and gets 90."12 [1d100=90]
<Kotono> roll 1d100 studied carefully
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 studied carefully and gets 62."12 [1d100=62]
<Kotono> After a brief stop at the jungle temple, the party appears in Seira's inn!
<Seira> "Can I count on you to handle the prisoner?" Seira asks of Antenora. "Have him kept under heavy guard at all times, as well as bound and gagged. Unconscious, if he so much as twitches wrong. Donald, I'll need you to make arrangements for Armanda. Celebrimbor and myself will touch base with the Commander."
<Kotono> "I can," Antenora agrees, as the two go to do just that. As the two travel through the dark, well lit night, Celebrimbor pauses as you go down the hill. "Can you manage this," he asks, "All that magic casting at once took a higher toll on me than I like to let on."
<Seira> "Don't tell anyone," Seira whispers back quietly, "but I've been badly drained, myself. There have only been two times in my life where negative energy ate at me worse, and you would know of one of them."
<Kotono> A nod there, "Yes, this entire fiasco was far too draining," he agrees.
06* Seira snorts. "That's a very bad joke. If I didn't like you so much, I would hit you, foreign lord or not."
<Kotono> Smiling, "The mood needed lightening," With a weak cough after, the two proceed to meet Commander Oberuth. He's in his office, yawning and drinking a steaming mug of something that smells sharp. "Report," he says as thet wo come in.
<Seira> "The bad news, first," Seira says, brushing some soot off her cape. "Albert was not present at the temple, and while taking the portal to Shadow permanently out of commission, there was feedback.
<Seira> I believe Alicia has been cast off somewhere; a plane where she is prevented from receiving a Sending." Or dead, but Seira doesn't mention it. People are remarkable about latching on to excuses to give up, and even these exceptional ones might be tempted. She wouldn't risk it.
<Seira> "Of course, it could be that the area she found herself in was itself shielded, not the entire plane. We must attempt to contact her come morning."
<Kotono> "Wonderful," OBeruth scowls, "Yes, you must. At least it was a victory." After that period of thought, "There was good news here. An inevitable after you was confronted and defeated; Demedais is going to resolve the last matter about it."
<Seira> "Score," Seira says, although her cheer is lacking. "Only that stupid balor and that stupid pit fiend can ruin my day at random, now. And Albert, but not Armanda or the rest of their group, because they're all dead except the one we took prisoner."
<Kotono> "There's more to it," Oberuth holds up a hand, "It was defeated, but from it's words it's quite possible it was forced into attacking us. It came to us openly and demanded you, or it would execute captured, innocent hostages. According to Elle, that's outside of it's programming and normal methods.
<Kotono> "
<Seira> "What."
<Kotono> With a twitch of a smile, "My words as well. From our best guesses, something may have forced it's hand. Demedais is gone right now to recover the hostages safely now that the kolyarut is dead."
<Seira> "Sir," Seira says quetly at length, "have I become a liability?"
<Kotono> Blinking there, "Seira?" He asks in surprise. "No. Where did that come from?"
06* Seira shakes her head. "Demons going around dragging our name through the mud, golems from other planes abducting our citizens. This mess? Even if I didn't start it, my actions couldn't have helped, and we haven't even gone into the reprecussions, both here and abroad."
<Kotono> "Seira, you're one of our greatest heroes. You're an asset, no matter what disagreeable fools come to dispute that," Leaning forward a little now, "You are not a liability in the least."
03* Taishyr is now known as Demedais
06* Seira inclines her head slightly. "With your permission, then, I will go and assist Demedais in what I can. Celebrimbor could fill you in on the rest of the details, as well as provide all the details necessary for what preparations must be made to assist Alicia as soon as possible."
<Kotono> "AS you wish." A nod, "He'll be checking houses on the bay coast."
<Seira> "Then I will join him there," Seira announces and walks outside steadily, not showing any sign of weakness.
<Kotono> OOC: I'll have you join #terror in a little.
<Kotono> -----(Planar Ko)--
<Kotono> Giltaral gathers the group to hold hands, "Now...LEt the Golden Lady show us the path to profit and success!" His words echo int he party's mind as they are traveled between the planes! Platforms in the void...stairs connecting, probing into the hazy black sky that is close andfar away all at the same time. The air here is neither cool nor warm, simply air. It smells like nothing, scentless.
06* Demedais looks around with interest. "This is bizarre. At least it looks relatively tame... Marie, can you sense her?" he asks, looking up and down the stairs to see if he spots any movement.
<Kotono> Antenora looks about here and there, "Alicia," she tries calling, before starting to survey the stairs. OOC - Spot check if you like, Deme.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+25
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+25 and gets 34."12 [1d20=9]
<Kotono> Gilartal wears quite new and undamaged chainmail, clinking under his robes. He casts his eyes about, but mostly stays quiet for the moment.
<Seira> "Nice place," Seira admires. "Let's try and see if we can find out where the portal to Abyss is? It's as good a place to start as any."
01<Alicia> "No," Marie shakes her head sadly. "I'm just worried how she found out the portal led there... she didn't sound herself in those replies we got quoted."
<Kotono> "I know," Antenora says quietly, "I'm worried the chaos of the Abyss has hurt her. We need to try and find her as fast as possible."
06* Demedais shakes his head after a few moments, dazed. "This place is immense... Does it lead everywhere?" After a moment, he nods to Marie. "Let's start looking. Hopefully, by having a person in mind, we can navigate this place faster... maybe." Demedais shrugs. "I don't know anything about this place..."
01<Alicia> "The astral plane sort of works that way. Here..." Marie looks thoughtful...
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+17 planes
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 planes and gets 37."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> "It does," Antenora says to Demedais, "It's an infinite staircase in effect. Look at that," Pointing to one stair, upside down and twisting side to side, "There's no order to it."
01<Alicia> "No, not really," she shakes her head before carefully fluttering over to sit on Antenora's head. "Don't try to fly or teleport, by the way, you could end up anywhere if you do. Um... if we run into Lilends they could lead us to a particular doorway, but finding a person here would be a lot harder."
<Seira> "Let's try going down," Seira suggests. "As much as we can, anyway. I just visualize the Abyss being there, and we might come across someone soon enough."
<Demedais> "Lilends?" Demedais muses. "Well, let's begin looking. Down's as good as anywhere."
<Kotono> "Right," Antenora goes for a downward stair along with Seira, the party going down. Thus they beginto descend!
<Kotono> roll 4d12
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d12 and gets 31."12 [4d12=9, 4, 6, 12]
01<Alicia> "They're kinda like harpies with snake-tails instead of legs," Marie informs Demedais. "They're really nice, I'm sure they'd help us."
<Kotono> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 4."12 [1d100=4]
<Kotono> Seven hours of this have passed...climing and walking and going! OOC - Fort saves, all.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+ Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+ Antenora and gets Error: Check syntax."12 [1d20=3]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Gil
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Gil and gets 22."12 [1d20=14]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+18 kay
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 kay and gets 26."12 [1d20=8]
<Seira> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 26."12 [1d20=14]
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> IT's tiring but the party is going on well enough. But the stairs continue to stretch on. Gilartal rubs his back and sighs, "I do wish that this had been anything but stairs," he says.
01<Alicia> "At least we have each other for company, Alicia doesn't even have that. Maybe we could sing while we walk to pass the time better?" Marie suggests brightly. "It might even attract some Lillends!"
<Demedais> "What are Lillends?" Demedais asks Marie directly at this point.
<Kotono> "Lucky us," Antenora glances at Marie.
<Seira> "Let's not sing. It might prove fatal for some of us."
06* Seira shivers, switching cloaks and wrapping herself in the familiar flaming-red one, taking comfort in the grinning, tastefully-drawn burning skull.
01<Alicia> "Harpies with snake tails?" Marie repeats. "They're chaotic good outsiders, like eladrin."
<Kotono> "We can perhaps simply bribe them if need be," Gil considers, "Expediency may be w orth good coin here."
<Demedais> "Ah." Demedais nods, before a shrug and a nod to Gil. "Assuming whatever here is interested in monetary and not other forms of wealth, yes."
01<Alicia> "They'd prefer a good song or story to any material wealth," Marie sounds quite sure of herself.
<Seira> "If they're bad, we'll fight them. If they're smart, we'll bribe or befriend them! And good, helpful travelers? I'm sure befriending will be on the agenda as well." Seira shrugs. "So how about a good story to pass the time, then? Maybe one of your home?"
01<Alicia> Marie regales everyone with the exciting tale of a Baernaloth who led a great army of Yugoloths to raze Elysium in ancient times, who was defeated in a fierce battle with Talsid the Lion, and who has been held bound in a secret citadel in Elysium to this day.
<Kotono> As the tale passes and a little more time goes...OOC - Deme, make a spot check.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+25
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+25 and gets 42."12 [1d20=17]
06* Demedais looks up, craning his head for a moment, before pointing to a spot in the sky. "Is that one of those Lillends?" he asks Marie quickly.
01<Alicia> Marie looks up in the same direction to look!
<Kotono> OOC: What's your spot mod, pixie-din?
01<Alicia> OOC: +6
<Kotono> Marie stares, but she can't make anything out!
<Seira> "What's the best way to lure them over, if it's them?"
<Demedais> "Should I yell to catch its attention?" Demedais asks.
01<Alicia> "Does it look like this?" Marie asks, conjuring up an illusion of a woman who looks a lot like Pollyanna except with a long snake's tail instead of legs, and a set of rainbow-coloured feathery wings. She's also twice Pollyanna's size.
<Kotono> "Something to get it's attention," Antenora begins, raising an eyebrow at Marie.
<Seira> "How loudly can you sing?"
<Demedais> "Yes." Demedais replies, before going back up about five steps and bellowing "MADAME LILLEND!" to the rather large extent of his lungs.
01<Alicia> Marie dismisses the illusion and resumes looking up. She can't really match that sort of volume.
<Kotono> Antenora looks at Demedais long, before just shrugging and shouting, "LILLEND! WE NEED YOUR HELP! AN INNOCENT COURRE ELADRIN NEEDS YOUR HELP!"
<Kotono> Gilartal stops walking, though he doesn't yell.
01<Alicia> "That didn't even rhyme," Marie pouts from atop Antenora's head.
<Demedais> And just in case, he repeats the bellow in Celestial.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+13
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 24."12 [1d20=11]
<Kotono> "Here's hoping she heard it anyway," Antenora says.
<Kotono> Demedais can see the creature stop and slow down, peering in your direction. It holds a harp in it's hands, and after several moments, beginst o fly your way. The party can begin to see the lillend approach!
06* Demedais waves to the lillend, before settling down a bit to wait for it.
<Kotono> It approcahes, strumming it's harm a few times. The notes are a pleasant break from the footstep noise of walking. In common, "Travelers, do you need aid?" she asks. "Whatever for?"
<Seira> "To help a friend who got sent here against her will. She's all alone, and we can't just let that pass."
<Demedais> "My apologies, but we are attempting to find a friend, who appears to be lost in this plane." Demedais replies in Common. "Is there any assistance you could provide us in trying to find her, or at least the door she seems to have come to here from?"
<Kotono> "It would depend on the door she came from," THe answer is musical, her voice singing, "Where did she come from?"
01<Alicia> "... the Abyss..." Marie replies, before blurting out, "She didn't mean to go there in the first place, though! And she might be hurt!"
<Seira> "She didn't sound quite alright when she said she managed to get here from the Abyss," Seira adds. "Can you help?"
<Kotono> The lillent's singing becomes stormy, harsh! "The Abyss?" Like a discordant note she looks on you, "Is she a demon or a demon worshipper?"
01<Alicia> "No!" Marie sounds offended. "She's a paladin of Mystra! A really good one, too!"
<Seira> "She was sealing a portal to an evil, vile place in the temple of Shar we attacked when there was backlash!" Seira exclaims. "Don't call her those things!"
<Kotono> roll 1d20+13
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
<Demedais> "No." Demedais replies calmly after Marie and Seira's outbursts. "She is a paladin, and was aiming to destroy a portal to the realm of Shadow. Her blow apparently went awry, and from what we got via Message, she was sent either here or the Abyss and wound up here."
<Kotono> OOC: One of you can make a diplo check. Your choice on who of those who lined.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+24
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 and gets 28."12 [1d20=4]
<Seira> roll 1d20+20 aid
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 aid and gets 35."12 [1d20=15]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+17 if support doesn't work, disregard
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 if support doesn't work, disregard and gets 28."12 [1d20=11]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+ makes it anyway
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+ makes it anyway and gets Error: Check syntax."12 [1d20=9]
<Kotono> Listening well and at last focusing on Marie, "I can help you with a trade." STrumming her harp, "These depths are so silent. Is there not a song or music that you have that can lighten them?"
01<Alicia> "I know a few songs, but Antenora here has the best singing voice of all of us," Marie replies slyly, patting the erinyes on the head.
<Seira> "Yes, many would pay to hear her sing," Seira agrees.
06* Demedais blinks at Marie and Seira, confused at this, before glancing to Antenora.
<Kotono> Antenora looks to all of them, turning as red as hellfire. "Um..." Before she quickly draws in a breath. "Very well then, I'll try."
06* Demedais nods, tapping Antenora on the shoulder with a smile. "I'm sure you'll do fine." OOC: Eagle's Splendor.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (Thanks Deme)
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 (Thanks Deme) and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
<Kotono> Antenora sings! It can be said that Hell has many a thing it perverts and yet presents as desirable. However, domination of a good singing voice wasn't one of Antenora's gifts, apparently. It's....not very good. She sings in Celestial, a song about angels at battle. However, her high notes are too high and her low notes hit more of a sultry, sexy deep voice instead of a real singing tune. The lillend's face turns from interested to bored, holdi
<Kotono> real singing tune. The lillend's face turns from interested to bored, holding up a hand halfway. "That's enough."
<Kotono> Looking to Marie first of all, then the others, "Sorry," Antenora says in a little voice, "Can anyone else try?"
<Seira> "You're a bit out of practice," Seira agrees. "I'm Seira. What was your name?"
06* Demedais glares at Marie and Seira both, a bit annoyed, before turning to Antenora. "It's okay. Don't worry about it."
01<Alicia> Marie has the good grace to look embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she whispers to Antenora. "You do have a nice voice... it must just be nerves."
<Kotono> "Song of the Stars," She replies to Seira, "Can you sing, dragon-ling?"
<Seira> "How about you play something, and I'll try to improvise? If I can keep up, that's worth the trade. If not, I'll do something else. I'm not really one to give up at the first hurdle."
<Kotono> "Heh, why not?" Smiling a little at that and nodding, she begins to play a soft, introspective tune! OOC - Performcheck, +2 bonus. You nicely played on her chaotic nature there.
<Seira> OOC: Just as planned? With taking 10, that's 21
<Kotono> Seira sings! She makes it up as she goes along...but wow. Seira realy can sing! She's talented at it, not great, not a bard, but quite a competent songbird! The two make beautiful music together, the lillend smiling and then grinning as it goes on! When the song winds down, "Oh, you aren't bad at all. You'r ethe first singing dragon I've met besides that dragon bard."
06* Demedais idly makes a soft comment to Antenora in the back after Seira finishes, "I'm glad it didn't come down to me, I'm okay some days but most of the time it's a frog trapped under a warm rock croaking."
06* Seira grins back with genuine happiness. "I don't do it nowadays, but we used to sing a lot, me and Elfy!"
<Kotono> Antenora cracks a brief smile at that, "Then we'd have to hope Marie's on key today."
<Kotono> "Good. Very well then. What is the name of your friend? Her full name."
<Demedais> "Her ever being on key would take more miracles than any group of outsiders would ever manage."
<Seira> "Alicia Reynes, a knight of Mystra," Seira responds.
01<Alicia> "Hey, back in Dweomerheart I was renowned for my great performing skills," Marie whispers indignantly.
06* Demedais nods to Seira's comment, pointedly not responding to Marie.
<Kotono> "I do wonder what kind of performances." Antenora observes tartly, smiling back to Marie.
<Kotono> "Very well...Alicia Reynes..." There is long murmuring as she seems to cast a spell. Then..."This way. Follow me," she declares, starting to head down. "It will take time, but I will find her."
01<Alicia> "All kinds of things. Versatility is my watchword!" Marie insists.
<Kotono> "If you can't be good at one thing, you may as well be bad at all of them?" Antenora bats righ tback.
<Seira> "I love vesatility as well!" Seira agrees, before following the Song. "Great! I wouldn't want to keep her waiting. It's horrible, getting stuck all alone on a hostile plane."
06* Demedais nods. "Thank you, Song of the Stars." he says, following.
<Kotono> After about an hour of walking, Song of the Stars stops. "Something's ahppened. Your friend has left the Endless Stairway," she says.
06* Demedais stops and stares at Song of the Stars for a very, very long moment.
01<Alicia> "So she found a way home then?" Marie asks hopefully.
<Demedais> "What."
<Seira> "Is there a way of finding out her destination?" Seira asks far more realistically.
<Demedais> "We... let us very urgently hope that she did, Marie." Demedais grimaces. "Either that or she picked a door at random."
01<Alicia> "She wouldn't do that," Marie shakes her head, "Alicia hates randomness."
<Seira> "She didn't sound quite right, remember?"
01<Alicia> "She might've picked a wrong door out of ignorance, mind you..." the eladrin then concedes.
<Kotono> "That's possible. The Abyss might have her thinking that randomness is good now, too." Antenora sighs very long, "Dammit."
<Demedais> "It's possible something began attempting to pursue her, too." Demedais grunts. "I... we thank you, Song of the Stars, for what you've done for us; our apologies that your effort seems to have resulted in no end."
01<Alicia> "The Abyss really isn't a good example of how great chaos is," Marie mutters. "I think she could use a better inspiration for coming around to that."
<Kotono> "Limbo?" Antenora jabs as she looks to Demedais and Seira, "Now what? Return home and try another sending to find outwhere she is?"
<Demedais> "That'd probably be best." Demedais says, somewhat annoyed.
<Kotono> "I can't, my power only extends to this existance here," Song of Stars answers Seira.
06* Seira sighs. "Back to Sendings, then. Any chance you have one to spare, or a scroll, Gilartal?"
03* Haruka is now known as Sierra_Comatose
<Kotono> "I brought a scroll since I know how popular it is," Smiling thinly, "Shall I?"
<Seira> "Is it an arcane one?"
<Kotono> "Divine. Why would I have an arcane one?" Gilartal challenges. "I can cast it, unless your friend here wants to."
<Seira> "To sell it, of course!" Seira responds with a smirk. "And yes. Alicia might not be in the right frame of mind, unless she did manage to find the way home. Then, having someone closer to Alicia speak to her might be of great help. Just hearing a friend's voice when you're so--" Seira shakes her head. "We'll reimburse you, naturally."
<Kotono> "Alright, I'll add it to your loan payback," he says, passing the scroll to Seira.
06* Seira snorts. "I'm good for it, or I will be soon enough." Accepting the scroll, she offers it to Demedais. "First, encourage her. Tell her she's not alone. Then ask her where she is, if she can stay safe for a day, and to provide details for us. Works?"
06* Demedais nods slightly, accepting the scroll from Seira once it's handed to him. A slight pause. "It's been a while since I've done this..." With that, he begins trying to cast the spell written up, nodding to Seira at her words.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+6 here's hoping part 1
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 here's hoping part 1 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
<Kotono> OOC: roll a d100 for palanr failure chance.
<Kotono> OOC: Planar, even.
<Demedais> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 and gets 82."12 [1d100=82]
<Kotono> OOC: Success. Say your sending in here and I'll port it to #evil.
<Demedais> "We're coming, Alicia. Stay strong, you're not alone. Requesting current location, ability to stay there safe for a day, details. Will get there soon. Demedais."
<Kotono> Demedais gets the reply after, Alicia telling of her position in Mount Celestia.
<Demedais> "Base of Mount Celestia." Demedais exhales. "She's safe."
06* Seira nods. "We'll return, then. If she is not back or has not been in contact until noon tomorrow, we'll try again."
01<Alicia> "From the Abyss to Mount Celestia? She sure gets around, doesn't she?" Marie observes.
<Kotono> Antenora breaks into a relieved grin. "Oh...thank everything," she sighs in relief."
<Kotono> "Naturally she needed a ordered influence after her trip to the Abyss," Antenora says lightly.
<Seira> "As long as it's not Mechanus, I suppose...."
01<Alicia> "Celestia isn't so bad," Marie allows. "Some of my best friends are lantern archons!"
<Kotono> ----(Ko)--
<Kotono> roll 5d100
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d100 and gets 285."12 [5d100=58, 25, 56, 47, 99]
<Kotono> roll 1d98
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d98 and gets 90."12 [1d98=90]
<Kotono> roll 1d9
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 and gets 5."12 [1d9=5]
<Kotono> So casting Plane Shift, the party returns to the Prime! They appear in darkness, plains and the night sky around them. It's quiet, dark, warm. Looks peaceful enough here, though you seem to be in the middle of nowhere.
06* Demedais looks around. "Alright. Willing to take us back to Balmuria from here, Seira?"
<Kotono> "Nowhere in particular?" Antenora asks, glancing about. "Nothing close."
01<Alicia> "At least we're not surrounded by hundreds of shocker lizards?" Marie offers brightly.
<Seira> "I can try. I certainly know the destination, and the way plane shift works, we should be in range. Ready?"
<Demedais> "Indeed, Marie. Indeed." Demedais replies with a slight glance to the familiar, before nodding to Seira.
<Seira> roll 1d100 home
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 home and gets 88."12 [1d100=88]
<Kotono> Home! The party arrives in the back of Seira's inn. As he stretches his back wearily, "If we need to go to Mount CElestia, it'll have tow ait until at least the late morning. I need to rest, pray and so forth." Gilartal says bluntly.
<Seira> "I doubt Alicia would need our help to get back at this point, but it's always nice to be prepared," Seira agrees. "Thanks again for your help today!"
<Demedais> "Understood. Thank you for your time." Demedais says with a slight bow to Gilartal. "I would like to assist in the patrol in case Albert tries anything tonight, so waiting until then would work best."
01<Alicia> "Alicia can probably sweet-talk a friendly deva or someone into giving her a lift home before then, anyway," Marie opines with a confident nod.
06* Demedais then nods to Seira and Marie's comments.
<Seira> "So. Antenora, Demedais, fancy taking on a nasty shadow dragon?"
<Kotono> "When?" Antenora asks.
<Seira> "Pretty much now," Seira responds. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, and all I've done today is walk for eight hours or so."
06* Demedais considers this, looking up at the night sky.
06* Demedais nods slightly. "If Alicia is safe... the odds of a strike after this point in the night is less likely, if they prepare to strike and retreat using the same spells. Thus dealing with the dragon now carries little risk and disarms one more road of attack Albert could use. I would support this line of logic, so long as Oberuth is notified that Alicia is safe and will either be retrieved or will be returning sometime later today or early tomorrow."
<Kotono> "Could you do that, Marie?" Antenora looks to the pixie-eladrin. "While we go fight the dragon then?"
01<Alicia> "Sure," Marie nods as she takes off from Antenora's head. "I'll look after things here in case Albert or those shadows do show up, so you guys go on and do your thing!"
<Demedais> "Alright. Thank you, Marie." Demedias says with a somewhat wry grin.
<Kotono> "The dragon's strong," Antenora continues on from there, "It resisted my best shots without too much trouble, so we'll need to hit it hard. Further, it can drain energy."
<Seira> "I had an idea about that, and I think that if we come in strength and spread out, it would have a harder time of focusing on someone in particular."
01<Alicia> "Remember, discretion is the better part of valour!" Marie carols as she flutters off towards the garrison.
<Seira> "If I didn't remember that, we wouldn't be standing here, discussing another go at it!"
<Kotono> "Good idea," Antenora says after a few more moments of thought. "We can always fall back as well if need be, it seems unable to escape the cavern below the temple."
06* Demedais nods to this. "Draining energy and high defenses... We'll have to go cautiously, but I have some abilities that might put us on even footing with it. Worst come to worst, we test your ideas, Seira, and then return with a full group to finish it off. Hopefully it lacks much capability to heal its wounds down there.
<Kotono> "We can hope," Antenora murmurs, "Are we ready then? I can't imagine Albert will leave it alone for long, with his power base damaged and siblings dying at a pleasantly agreeable clib."
<Kotono> *clip
<Demedais> "Indeed."
<Seira> Leading the way to Celebrimbor's room, Seira elaborates, "The idea is pretty simple. We treat it like a really large bull and spread out to strike at it. If the dragon focuses on one of us to the exclusion of everyone else, it will regret that. I have a few spells that might irritate it enough to come after me, too, and I'm the one who can get away from its clutches the easiest.
<Seira> As long as we remember that retreat is an option, this should work as a trial run."
<Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods. "And it may focus on me, which I'm prepared for so long as I can cast a few spells right before engaging it."
<Kotono> "If it goes well, we need not another run," Antenora says hopefully. Celebrimbor stays in a quiet room in Seira's inn, sitting on his bed currently, a book floating in the aira s he reads from him.
<Seira> "I'm thinking we should end that evil dragon's existence before Albert decides it's a good idea to free it in a burst of suicidal stupidity," Seira announces.
<Kotono> "Prudent." Gesturing so that the book falls to the bed with softness, "How is Alicia?"
<Demedais> "In Mount Celestia, after a few... apparent incidents." Demedais replies.
06* Seira nods. "She managed to make it over to safe haven, and her last response sounded much better."
<Kotono> "I see. Is she alive?" Looking at the two, "Your answer leaves in in doubt, considering her devotions."
<Seira> "Even mine?" Seira pouts. "She's alive, yes."
<Demedais> "She is." Demedais replies hastily, rubbing his head.
<Kotono> "At this juncture, I would not take anything for granted," With a slightly sardonic smile as he stands, "To Halla?"
<Seira> "To Halla."
<Seira> roll 1d20+19
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 26."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> Donald is quickly mustered, the party returning to Halla on the wings of Greater Teleport! It is deep night when they appear atop the crater's lips, looking down. It's quietly serene here on a glance, though it's a little cold. It's also very very dark, mostly a problem for Demedais.
06* Demedais grimaces. "Any objections if I provide some light?"
06* Seira picks up a small rock, using faerie light on it before handing it to Demedais.
<Demedais> "Or you could do it. Thanks." Demedais nods to Seira.
<Seira> "And it's very pretty," she comments, casting see invisibility and heroism.
<Kotono> roll 1d10+10
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+10 and gets 15."12 [1d10=5]
<Seira> roll 1d10+10
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 14."12 [1d10=4]
<Kotono> Celebrimbor casts various magics as well, weaving them around himself. As Antenora peers down, "There's something wrong deeper in the crater,"s he notes.
06* Seira follows Antenora's gaze.
<Demedais> "Tell me once we're within 120 feet of the entrance; I have a few short-term spells- ..." At this, Demedais attempts to peer down into the crater.
<Kotono> Seira can see well enough, though Demedais has a much harder time of it thanks to the darkness. Only a bit of faerie light plus his incredible vision allow himt o see as well. But below, the edges of the crater seem...shadowy. Dark. Incorpreal.
<Demedais> "... okay, that doesn't look like a good sign at all." Demedais comments.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+24
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 36."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> "Shadow-stuff again." Celebrimbor peers down, before he shakes his head slowly. "Such a dimensional disturbance may have longer lasting effects on this area."
<Seira> "Annoying," Seira mutters. "Think the protections snapped back after a day?"
<Kotono> "It's possible but unlikely. This could just be from yesterday s well. The entire area was drenched in material and energy from the Plane of Shadow." Celebrimbormurmurs a few words and gestures, before starting to fly down.
<Seira> roll 1d20+21
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 24."12 [1d20=3]
<Demedais> "...Possible, or something about the temple is spreading a plague." Demedais watches Celebrimbor fly down, before looking to Donald with a slight grin. "Guess I'm the only one without capability of flight here now, eh?"
<Seira> "If we can't just enter, I could try a short-ranged teleport to the room Albert was seemingly using to shadow walk into the temple," Seira suggests.
06* Demedais nods slightly. "That'd work too."
06* Seira intends to see Demedais head in first, before going in herself.
06* Demedais waits for the rest of the group to descend most of the way before slipping the ring of feather fall on and leaping into the middle of the crater, using the slow descent to steer his fall.
<Kotono> Thus the party goes down! As they fly or fall, they see that the way into the temple is clear besides some thin shadow-mist. Indeed, the falling Demedais passes through it without difficulty.
<Seira> "If taking out the dragon that bitch Shar left here won't help, we are filling this damned place with lava."
<Demedais> "What about filling it with lava anyway?" Demedais comments. "Still, should make sure the dragon's dead and gone first."
<Seira> "It serves better as a monument," Seira responds, leading the way towards the lift. "In any case, the trip is about twenty minutes. I timed it before, so I'll let you know when it's safe to prepare if things go according to plan."
<Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods.
<Kotono> The party descends down without incident. It's a lot of stair descending again, though hardly a patch on the marathon in the Endless Stairway. They reach the lift without incident.
<Seira> "Here goes nothing," Seira announces, giving the lever a nudge once everyone has piled on. If things do go as planned, she intends to cast shield upon herself a minute before they should reach their destination.
06* Demedais nods, using a rope to secure his grip with a wry grin and waiting until Seira begins casting to prepare his own spells.
06* Seira taps both Donald and Demedais after her shield spell, blurring their outlines slightly. "For luck," she explains with a shrug, ready to cast her stronger invisibility spell just as the lift should reach its destination.
<Kotono> Thus the party is prepared as they descend down! The elevator goes into the chasm! In the darkness of it, a pair of horrible eyes stare out from 50 feet away! There is a titanic, deafening roar! "YOU WILL NOT DEFY ME! THIS TIME YOU WILL PERISH!" OOC - Thsiis not a happy dragon. Let's roll initiative?
<Seira> roll 1d20+13 nerveskitter
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 nerveskitter and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+10 dragon
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 dragon and gets 17."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Celebrimbor
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Celebrimbor and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Donald
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Donald and gets 4."12 [1d20=2]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+1 kay
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 kay and gets 6."12 [1d20=5]
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Dragon=Celebrimbor>Antenora>Demedais>Donald'
<Kotono> OOC: You be up, Seira.
<Seira> "About that," Seira says steadily, drawing upon Waukeen's gift to move closer to the dragon as a fiery orb gathers in her hand, only to toss it at her enemy and move sharply off to the side, drawing the Resort.
<Seira> roll 1d20+19 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 touch and gets 34."12 [1d20=15]
<Seira> roll 10d6+3d6+4d6
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6+3d6+4d6 and gets 60."12 [10d6=3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6, 6, 5][3d6=6, 1, 3][4d6=4, 1, 3, 2]
<Kotono> Acting quickly and under the shield of invisibility, Seira fires an orb of pure force at the dragon, trailing fire! It hits it right in the gullet, a direct hit before it can even act! OOC - Dragon and Celebrimbor.
<Kotono> Celebrimbor moves just as the dragon rears back to spew shadow all over the party! First a ball of acid bursts around the dragon and then a ball of fire!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14 CL 1
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 CL 1 and gets 28."12 [1d20=14]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14 CL 2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 CL 2 and gets 28."12 [1d20=14]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+13 ref 1
<Kotono> roll 1d20+13 ref 2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 ref 1 and gets 30."12 [1d20=17]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 ref 2 and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 10d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 31."12 [10d6=3, 5, 5, 5, 2, 2, 1, 6, 1, 1]
<Kotono> roll 31*1.5
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 31*1.5 and gets 46.5."12
<Kotono> As the breath spews out over everyone but Seira and Celebrimbor, the dragon is wracked by fireballs! The acidball only grazes it, but the mammoth fireball takes it right in the face! OO c- Forts aves, all but Seira/Celebrimbor.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Donald
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Donald and gets 11."12 [1d20=3]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+22 righty-o
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 righty-o and gets 42."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> roll 1d20 Antenora let's see if it's academic
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Antenora let's see if it's academic and gets 20."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> OOC: Savers(Everyone but Donald) take 2 negative levels. Donald takes 5.
<Kotono> As Antenora is staggered by the breath, she pounces right into action, charging!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+29 (-2 negative levels, +2 FS 7/8, +2 charge, +1 flying, +6 smite 2/3 left)
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 (-2 negative levels, +2 FS 7/8, +2 charge, +1 flying, +6 smite 2/3 left) and gets 37."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> Antenora's charge is a good one, but it hits a field near the dragon! Raw force armor blossoms around it's body, deflecting the blow! OOC Demedais.
06* Demedais grimaces and veers to the other side from Seira, trying to land a cut on the other side of the dragon with hasted feet!
<Kotono> OOC - Dragon has reach on you, Deme.
<Kotono> OOC: You okay with aoovile?
<Demedais> OOC: ...Worth a shot, I guess.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+32 bite
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 bite and gets 37."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> OOC - AC?
<Demedais> OOC: 35 since I hasted instead of used the Protection buff.
<Kotono> roll 2d8+7 and 1 negative level, Deme.
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+7 and 1 negative level, Deme. and gets 18."12 [2d8=3, 8]
<Kotono> OOC: Attack.
<Kotono> roll 1d100 oh yeah
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 oh yeah and gets 62."12 [1d100=62]
<Kotono> OOC: Carry on.
<Kotono> roll 1d4-1
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4-1 and gets 0."12 [1d4=1]
<Kotono> OOC - Forgot to resolve it's breath.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (-3 Negative Level, +3 Smite, +1 Prayer, +1 Haste, -9 CE at this point I'm in this for the flanking assist with Seira or something)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (-3 Negative Level, +3 Smite, +1 Prayer, +1 Haste, -9 CE at this point I'm in this for the flanking assist with Seira or something) and gets 29."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> Demedais charges and swings, but the dragon's scales are way too hard to be penetrated! Donald staggers to the sides, body reduced and his hands shaking! Nonetheless he quickly traces arcane lines of fire to fly at the dragon!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+4 CL
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 CL and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
<Kotono> But the fire fizzles againt the dragon's skin! OOC - Seira.
<Kotono> As he is surrounded, defending well, "The oblivion will consume all of you! You will not triumph!" it calls, "The only thing waiting for you is nothingness!
<Kotono> "
<Seira> "Celebrimbor, try dispelling the bastard!" Seira calls over the roar. "I'm going in!" And she is, but only after sending a fiery cone to engulf the dragon and Antenora both.
<Kotono> OOC: CL.
<Seira> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 21."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> The fires crackle and vanish around the dragon, doing nothing! It roars back as Celebrimbor casts dispellation on it, continuing to circle around it, "Your magics are useless, dragon!"
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 18."12 [1d20=4]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 15."12 [1d20=1]
<Kotono> The armor of force shatters around the dragon at that spell, as it rears back and catches Demedais and Antenora in the breath again! OOC - Fort.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+25
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 and gets 38."12 [1d20=13]
<Kotono> The armor of force shatters around the dragon at that spell, as it rears back and catches Demedais and Antenora in the breath again! It splits into two, engulfing both of themin quick, seperate streams!
<Kotono> OOC - I forgot the negative mods from the drain but it doesn't matter.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+20
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 and gets 35."12 [1d20=15]
<Kotono> OOC: Two more each.
<Kotono> The two are racked by it, Antenora shaking in the blast! But both resist as best they can, even as the damage done is more severe! Antenora quickly amnages to fly back, before trying another desperate charge!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+28 (-4 NL, +2 charge, +2 FS, +1 flying, +7 smite excuse me, forgot flash)
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 (-4 NL, +2 charge, +2 FS, +1 flying, +7 smite excuse me, forgot flash) and gets 33."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> OOC +2 more flanking with Deme there.
<Kotono> roll 1d4-1 recharge
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4-1 recharge and gets 0."12 [1d4=1]
<Kotono> roll 2d8+22+1d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+22+1d6 and gets 42."12 [2d8=6, 8][1d6=6]
<Kotono> This time she manages a blow, stabbing into the dragon's scales harshly! As he wings struggle to keep her alight, "Get it on the other end," sh ecalls to Demedais. OOC - Deme.
06* Demedais nods to this, adjusting the newly-felt weight of his armor as he quickly lays four blows into the dragon, attempting to carve into its flesh with the blessing of law's power!
<Demedais> roll 1d20+26 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking, +6 Smite)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+26 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking, +6 Smite) and gets 43."12 [1d20=17]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+20 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking) and gets 35."12 [1d20=15]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking) and gets 27."12 [1d20=12]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (-5 negative level, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, +1 Prayer, +2 Flanking) and gets 12."12 [1d20=2]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+26 crit check (rolling this since Antenora's roll hit it)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+26 crit check (rolling this since Antenora's roll hit it) and gets 38."12 [1d20=12]
<Demedais> roll 6d6+24
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 6d6+24 and gets 44."12 [6d6=1, 2, 6, 3, 3, 5]
<Kotono> OOC - Hit and a crit, yeah.
<Demedais> OOC: +1 smite damage! >_>
<Kotono> Under that assault, Demedais carves up the flank of the dragon like steak! It's already been burnt and scorched and stabbed, which makes this beating all the harder! It's weakening considerably as Donald flanks it further, shooting off another scorching ray!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
<Kotono> But this one is for naught as well! OOC - Seir.a
06* Seira smirks, channeling the arcane power of the Resort. It feels so good to be facing an evil dragon in melee when things are actually going their way!
<Seira> roll 1d20+27 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +1 luck, +2 invis) smite
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+27 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +1 luck, +2 invis) smite and gets 46."12 [1d20=19]
<Seira> roll 1d20+27 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +1 luck, +2 invis) smite?
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+27 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +1 luck, +2 invis) smite? and gets 33."12 [1d20=6]
<Kotono> OOC - Well, you got it. Crit.
<Seira> roll 1d20+22 fun!
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 fun! and gets 25."12 [1d20=3]
<Kotono> OOC: Whiff.
<Seira> roll 9d8+33+4d6+6d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 9d8+33+4d6+6d8 and gets 104."12 [9d8=3, 4, 5, 3, 7, 2, 3, 2, 5][4d6=5, 4, 5, 2][6d8=6, 6, 1, 3, 2, 3]
<Kotono> With a massive strike, Seira thrusts into the heart of the dark dragon! Blood gushes like a stream from the wound as it falls to the ground, "This...isn't...hahahahahahaaaa...the oblivion..." It's eyes close as it's body hits down hard! "Have mercy...Shar..."
06* Seira throws her head back and laughs. "Mercy? From Shar?!"
06* Demedais grins, wearily leaning on his sword. "Hmph. Any need for its heart, Seira?"
<Kotono> After that, it's body goes still, wisps of shadow escaping it's mouth. OOC - Free act.
06* Seira appears to sight, grinning. "That felt great!"
<Kotono> "It's done," Celebrimbor bows his head a moment, "A pity a noble beast such a dragon served Shar."
<Kotono> Antenora leans heavily on her spear, before staggering to Demedais and using him and his sword. "Those life drains are exhausting," she notes, "We need to get restorations as soon as possible."
<Seira> "Yeah well his loss," Seira says dismissively.
06* Seira nods. "Let's go up? I don't think teleporting from here is a good idea."
06* Seira does wonder whether even imprisoned dragons keep mementos, and takes a brief moment to check with detect magic.
<Kotono> There's no magic in the cavern. No horde, either - just a dead, imprisoned dragon.
<Seira> "Right! Let's go!"
<Demedais> "Alright. There were no more loose ends in this place?" Demedais asks.
<Kotono> OOC: Are you guys just going to go up and teleport back?
<Seira> OOC: Hahaha, I was waiting to see whether Anty remembered the imprisoned cultists. Sounds like not~
<Kotono> OOC: I was asking you guys if you had anything here but TPing back. Seriously, is ther eanything else you wanted to here, cultists aside since she was going to brin ghtat up?
<Seira> OOC: Nah, it's cool
<Demedais> OOC: I can't think of anything since this is my first time in the temple!
<Seira> "Going to bring the prisoner along?" Seira asks.
<Kotono> "We should," Antenora says as the party returns back up to the cathedral proper.
<Seira> "Any chance you can spare a flight spell for Demedais?" Seira asks Celebrimbor in the meantime. "I don't fancy teleporting from here, or him climbing out."
<Kotono> Going to the trapped room, Celebrimbor shakes his head, "I only m emorized one. I rely on this otherwise," he taps his cloak, "He can borrow it on the worst."
<Seira> "The hole is wide enough," Seira muses. "Donald and myself might be enough to merely carry Demedais outside. Let's give this a try, first?"
<Kotono> As they open the sealed door for the prisoner in the meanwhile, they find her still lying there. She's still unconcious, deeply asleep.
06* Demedais shrugs and nods, making sure the armor has been re-sent to Balmuria.
<Kotono> OOC: You used the calling property of your armor?
<Demedais> OOC: Uh, yes? Hell. >_>
<Demedais> OOC: Or at least I would have tried.
<Kotono> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 74."12 [1d100=74]
<Kotono> The armor vanishes without incident as normal.
<Kotono> Meanwhile, Antenora knees to check on the prisoner. After af ew checks, "She's breathing, but cold as ice." she calls back, "As well as asleep.:"
<Seira> "Once we get back, you can get a cleric to take a look at her," Seira calls over. "Let's go?"
<Kotono> Getting out of the crater takes time but goes without incident. Thereafter, Celebrimbor returns the party to Seira's backyard again! Once you're there, "Demedais and I should seek restoration," Antenora says, "The sooner the better. I can have her checked on as well."
06* Demedais nods to this. "That would probably be wise."
06* Seira nods. "She's your responsibility, with all that this implies."
06* Seira pats Donald on the shoulder. "Fun fight, right? You should go with them, too."
<Kotono> "Seira and I can handle any details with your Commander," As Donald quietly goes to join Demedias and Antenora. Celebrimbor speaks, before starting to walk away.
<Kotono> "Yeah, I know," he says quietly, "That fight was horrible. I feel horrible now."
06* Demedais nods. "Ditto. Let's get this fixed up..." he says with a note of exhaustion.
06* Seira is quite cheerful, herself. "All that's left is the lava~"
<Kotono> The report is mostly like the last - good news and a dragon dead, more to go. As that happens, all unknown to Alicia...she sits in her nightclothes, talking to Marie. From her room she can hear someone coming in. The clank of armor is heard as well.
01<Alicia> Marie wears a rather squicked out expression as she listens to Alicia relate events from Shendilvari, although both pause at the sound of someone entering. "Could be Antenora - lets find out how they did with that dragon?" the eladrin suggests, Alicia nodding and heading out into the hallway with her familiar.
<Kotono> Exiting out, the two find Antenora in the living room. She's slowly putting someone down on the couch - it's dark in here but it doesn't seem to bother Antenora at all, of course. Thereafter, she goes to sit next to that person, peering down at her silently.
01<Alicia> "Antenora?" Alicia asks as Marie helpfully tosses up some illumination for the non-outsider to see by.
03* Demedais is now known as tai-grum
<Kotono> "Alicia!" Antenora looks up quickly, as you can see the shadow-woman from the temple here. "You're back and safe! Where were you?" The questions come rapidly, thereafter looking down. "Don't worry, she's asleep and I don't plan to keep her here long. From what Shankar said, she'll be asleep a long while."
01<Alicia> "What happened to her?" Alicia dodges Antenora's question for the moment, peering at the figure she recalls from Halla.
<Kotono> "The shadows changed her as far as we can guess." Looking down, "I'm not sure she's been awake since she was infected." Then looking back up at Alicia, "What about you?"
06* Alicia sighs. "There was an unexpected reaction when I tried to seal the gate - I was just telling Marie about it," she gestures to her unhappy looking familiar. "Sent me straight to the Abyss."
<Kotono> Shivering at that, "I see..." Antenora stands up there, looking between the two, "Are you...alright?"
01<Alicia> "I'm alive and uninjured," Alicia manages gamely, though she wraps her arms tightly around herself in a manner that doesn't exactly hint at inner self confidence. "I almost lost my mind, though... and I picked up a new enemy who I think is probably on the same level as a duke of hell." She snorts, "The Queen of Succubi likes me, though."
<Kotono> Antenora's face twists and turns death pale, "Malcanthet?!" She chokes, "That...that...thing?!" AS she does, there is a knock on Alicia's front door.
01<Alicia> "Yes, I arrived right on her- oh. Popular tonight," she chuckles, tightening her robe to ensure she's decent before going to answer the door.
<Kotono> Going to open it, you find Seira is there, waiting.
06* Seira smiles as soon as she sees Alicia, grabbing her in a hug! "I came as soon as I heard you made it back!" she gushes happily. "Welcome back!"
06* Alicia returns the hug with a bit of trepidation, "It's good to be back," she replies earnestly. "Why don't you come in? Uh... Marie was saying you fought a dragon?"
<Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees, stepping inside. "It was a bad dragon. In fact, it was a bad Shar-following dragon that recruited Albert somehow from within the underground, warded temple."
01<Alicia> "I thought he built the temple?" Alicia asks in confusion, closing the door as they retire to her living room. "Well, it's dead now, at least? Were there any other problems at the temple after I was sent away?"
<Seira> "I think he was renovating it," Seira suggests. "And it's dead, and I pretty much combed the place and the only thing remaining is that sealed door with the shadows kept within. It can probably wait until we take Albert out, since I fortified it and grabbed the keys with me."
01<Alicia> "Has he caused any trouble here lately?" Alicia asks. No one mentioned it, so even if he did it can't have been anything major...
<Seira> "I'm sure I would've been told," Seira says honestly. "Unless he is going for subtlety, I doubt it. He's the only one left, right, and there must be the issue of succession to resolve. Albert probably doesn't have the time." She looks around the living room. "You know, I think this is the first time I'm visiting."
06* Alicia searches her memory and comes up blank. "I think you're right." That also brings up the issue of proper manners for a hostess, "Can I get you anything to eat or drink?" Hopefully not, it's way too late to make anything.
01<Alicia> Marie, as the one most likely to have to prepare said hospitality, also hopes not.
<Seira> "Umm." Seira considers. "Something to drink would be nice, I guess? I haven't really had any...." She pauses. "I think the last time was on another plane? Anything you have is fine!"
01<Alicia> "Alright, I'll just be a second. Antenora, Marie, do you two want anything?" Alicia asks, eliciting a surprised look from her familiar.
01<Alicia> "Ahh... not for me, thanks," Marie shakes her head.
<Kotono> "I'm fine," Antenora says, lying back on the couch. "But let me get it," Getting up, "Alicia, sit down."
06* Alicia blinks at Antenora's bouncy indecisiveness. "Alright..." she proceeds to sit down. "Sorry you had to go to all the trouble of looking for me on that staircase. I found some Mercane who sold me a scroll of dismissal I thought would get me home sooner, but it must have been defective."
<Seira> "Trouble?" Seira asks in surprise. "It's only... we had to go after you! Isn't that obvious? We would have followed you and had Marie teleport over with my ring after you disappeared from the staircase, too, if it were anywhere but a safe place." Seira looks embarrased. "To tell you the truth, I was a bit worried I made the wrong call in not doing that until I came over."
<Kotono> Antenora comes back with water. After giving it to Seira, "We were worried. Your replies sounded...distraught."
06* Seira drains it after a brief nod of thanks, her attention focused on Alicia.
01<Alicia> "Celestia was fine, I found a choir of Archons who were happy to send me home after I'd had a chance to rest," Alicia smiles a bit before her expression clouds over. "Malcanthet's realm wasn't kind to my mental well-being." She shudders, "If it weren't for Hell Striker, I'm not sure if I'd have made it out of there."
<Kotono> Antenora goes to linger behind Alicia, then to her side. "What happened," she asks quietly.
<Seira> "Hell Striker is a really good friend, then!" Seira exclaims. "You have to treasure him."
06* Alicia nods. "He helped me realise just how close I was to losing it," she agrees. Briefly she runs her hand through her hair as she considers, "That's the worst part - my own strengths were used against me. All the demons sent to kill me, I dispatched them with ease."
01<Alicia> "But each one I killed... it's like she got inside of me and..." she trails off, looking disgusted while her cheeks tinge crimson. "Apparently it was a sign of her favour, according to the very friendly succubus who helped me reach the staircase," she concludes without elaboration.
<Seira> "At... at least you found a friend there?" Seira stammers.
<Kotono> Antenora's face turns paler, her lips nearly sucked into her mouth. "The chaos and evil was lying to you," she says, a little harshly nd very sharp.
01<Alicia> "I know that," Alicia practically snaps at Antenora, before grimacing and looking away guiltily. "Sorry... but it... it felt so good I almost stopped caring. I can still feel it even now... like an itch that I have to scratch." Seemingly without noticing, she starts rubbing her thighs together while talking.
<Seira> "I... I think it's more the evil. Not the chaos. The lying part, I mean," Seira starts babbling. "And you made it back! No more evil like that here!"
<Kotono> Antenora looks away at the snapping, "Sorry," she says as well. Her eyes are cast down, though she puts a hand on Alicia's shoulder. "There's no evil here. Right Marie? Right Seira?"
01<Alicia> Marie nods energetically. "You're safe here," she affirms. "We wouldn't hurt you or take advantage of you like that."
06* Seira gives the couch a pointed glare. "None that could take advantage of you!" she swears to Alicia.
<Kotono> "She's only here temporarily. If she has problems, she'll go back to sleep harder," Antenora replies with a hint of cold iron in her voice, before she sighs. "Sorry."
06* Seira pats Alicia's hand awkwardly. "Speaking of temporary... uh... I'm sure that is, too. You're stronger than any loser demons and their influence!"
06* Alicia shrinks in on herself a little bit, but still nods. "It's something I can deal with. I know these feelings aren't real," she sighs heavily, "Spending some time in Celestia helped bring that into focus, but still... just knowing how close I came to throwing away everything I've ever believed in and fought for, for nothing more than... nice feelings!"
01<Alicia> Looking up to Seira seriously, "You can still count on me for when we go back to Kesse. I can hold myself together," she declares with a hint of desperation.
06* Seira returns the look. "Wouldn't have dreamt of doing it without you."
<Kotono> "Nice feelings..." Antenora considers the word with a snort, "It can enslave anyone as well as a soul pact. But you're stronger than that, and you're going to be with us, Alicia."
01<Alicia> "Good," Alicia manages a smile. "I think I'll take a break afterwards, but I can still get through this as long as I'm needed."
<Seira> "I've been thinking about one myself," Seira admits. "Umm. I was going to go on a trip with Amaryl since she wanted to try the adventuring life, but you're welcome to join us. I was planning on taking her far away from it all."
06* Alicia shakes her head, squeezing Seira's patting hand. "You two should enjoy yourself together. I was thinking of something more quiet and less adventuresome for myself, anyway."
<Kotono> "I can go with Alicia, then," Antenora says, "Both of you could use long rests after this and someone to make sure you're alright."
06* Seira nods. "I'm always just a sending away."
06* Alicia glances askance at Antenora before shrugging and nodding. "We have to deal with Kesse first, anyway. Since we've dealt with that temple and Armanda, we only have Albert left?"
<Kotono> "That's right. The dragon seemed like it was a trapped source of corruption, but..." With a light shrug of her shoulders, "The temple has been cleared. I would like to learn more from Albert, but the priority is stopping him cold."
<Seira> "I might remain for a bit of cleanup," Seira admits. "Seeing that vile woman made me realize... I don't want the whole lot of them to try this again. I'll whip the leadership into shape, or just take over if that fails."
01<Alicia> "Well, we have at least someone who can tell others about exactly what Albert and his siblings were all about," Alicia gestures briefly at the shadow-afflicted woman on her couch.
<Kotono> "The taint of Shar does have to be fully purified," Going to stand behind Alicia again, protectively around her, "Hopefully we've done more of it, but there could always be sleepers or contingencies."
<Kotono> "If she ever wakes up," Antenora goes to check her again, "Shankar said it appears that she'll be asleep for the immediate future."
<Seira> "We do have the other prisoner," Seira adds.
01<Alicia> "What about the ones she said were hiding in the caves?" Alicia asks.
<Seira> "They refused my generous offer of surrender."
06* Seira doesn't add anything to that.
06* Alicia nods understandingly. "I'm sure Shar will reward them as they deserve."
06* Seira snorts suddenly. "That dragon was crying out for Shar's mercy when he died!"
<Kotono> "Until tomorrow night, or will we go back there earlier?"
<Kotono> Antenora's lips turn up at that, "The creature was kind of pathetic. For all it's power, it was trapped in a cage and it's allies made no attempt to save it."
<Seira> "Allies of convenience, more like. I refuse to believe scum like that can truly understand what the word means."
01<Alicia> "It's allies probably didn't want it usurping their control," Alicia concludes. "Anyway, I'll have all my spells refreshed tomorrow so it only depends on when the rest of you can recover from battling that wyrm?"
<Seira> "By the evening, but I think we want to make a statement. Let's try teleporting the next day while there's light out. We'll find Albert, hopefully surrounded by his court, and execute him for all his crimes!"
<Kotono> "It'll be a battle," Antenora considers, "I don't believe that he'll make it easy. If he's a strong sorcerer as well as a skilled martial artist and devotee of Shar..." Thinking, "We can't let that stop us, though."
<Seira> "I think Demedais is right in that he might strike at us come nightfall. In that case, it only makes sense to greet his forces here with all of ours, before retaliating."
01<Alicia> "Kesse is several hours behind us, so night-time here might still be day-time there," Alicia notes. "But I'm not scared of Albert," she shakes her head. "He can't possibly stand against all of us."
<Kotono> "Yes. He reaped this whirlwind, it's time for him to harvest it." Antenora smiles just a little bit here, "He's finished."
<Seira> "We'll take him down, we'll take down those who continue to cling to him, and cow the others into reason," Seira declares. "And that would be the last time I ever visit that forsaken part of the world."
<Kotono> "Yes. But...we all need to rest, it's late at night." Antenora says this now, "If we're to go before dusk tomrorow we all need sleep."
<Seira> "Alright. I'll come visit again," Seira promises, and gives Alicia another hug, whispering, "Take care."
01<Alicia> "My door's always open," Alicia replies as she returns the hug with a bit less reserve than earlier. "Really, it's been nice having you over. Good night, Seira."
<Kotono> Once Seira leaves out the door, Antenora approaches Alicia, going to sit next to her. "Hey," she puts a small smile on her face. "We're all glad to have you back now.'
06* Alicia cocks her head and regards the erinyes. "I know that look," she comments dourly. "You don't need to worry so much - I'm going to be fine. They're not going to get the best of me."
<Kotono> "I know that." Antenora smiles a little more, "But I'm really worried, Alicia. I've never seen you like that before...except once. They really shook you. I know that you might not want to...but could you tell us about it? Let it out so it's not stewing up inside of you?"
01<Alicia> "I'll probably never get any peace unless I do?" Alicia concludes, rolling her head back against the rest of her chair. "Fine. So I landed in a beautiful hilly landscape of clear skies, verdant meadows, and crystal clear streams. You know, I actually thought I was in Bytopia or Arcadia?"
01<Alicia> "Bytopia has a mirror landscape in the sky," Marie points out needlessly, before looking abashed. "You know... for future reference."
<Kotono> "Just talk, Alicia." Antenora takes one of Alicia's hands, glancing at Marie.
01<Alicia> "Uh, yeah. Let it all out," Marie seconds, going to sit on Alicia's lap.
01<Alicia> "So I walked to the nearest village, finding it filled with beautiful and affectionate people, who naturally were thrilled to see me. One invited me into his home to tend to the wounds I incurred when the portal exploded around me," Alicia goes on, paying less attention to the two outsiders as she related her tale.
<Kotono> A squeeze of Alicia's hand, but Antneora otherwise listens.
06* Alicia continues on, relaying events up until Mikelcea revealed his intentions in his 'rape-room', except she spoilers future events by revealing at this point that he was actually Radiant Sister Ebony.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+17 planes, does Marie know this bitch?
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 planes, does Marie know this bitch? and gets 33."12 [1d20=16]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16 Antenora as well
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 Antenora as well and gets 28."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> Antenora's face slips into anger several times, and one time a near fury. Nonetheless smiles at Alicia most of the time, staying right there. "That's another one we have to stop one day," Antenora says quietly, but otherwise doesn't interrupt.
01<Alicia> "I've heard of her..." Marie mutters. "She's supposed to be a psycho even by tanar'ri standards."
01<Alicia> "Yes well, personally I'm glad she was so blunt, it gave me the impetus to finally respond properly and fight back before trying to find my own way out instead of relying on fiendish mercy," Alicia shrugs. "I didn't waste time fighting in case reinforcements arrived, I just got out of there and made my way to the Puzzling Hedge."
<Kotono> "Small mercies," Antenora agrees, " Then what?"
06* Alicia continues on, outlining her intention to manipulate G'renna into helping her reach the centre of the maze, and then Malcanthet's 'touch' as she killed the glabrezu and blackguard sent after her by Ebony.
01<Alicia> She doesn't belabour the details too much, only that G'renna appeared an entirely forthright and reliable ally throughout the whole experience, admitting her preference for Alicia to enter Malcanthet's servitude but never forcing the issue despite her overall seductive manner, and avoiding several opportunities to take advantage of Alicia's ignorance or weakness.
01<Alicia> Things do become a bit disjointed as she struggles with the memories of that mind-numbling pleasure Malcanthet provided her with on each successful kill, reaching their conclusion at the centre of the maze when she admits to all but losing her mind and demanding Ebony appear so she could feel that pleasure from slaying the Radiant Sister.
01<Alicia> Hell Striker talked some sense into her enough for her to realise it was a bad idea, though pride compelled her to stay until after a minute when Ebony still hadn't arrived. So at that point she left and entered the Endless Stairway.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+17 has Marie heard of G'renna?
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 has Marie heard of G'renna? and gets 22."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+16 Antenora as well
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 Antenora as well and gets 25."12 [1d20=9]
<Kotono> Antenora smiles at the end, "No matter what they did, they couldn't quite break you. They tried, but you managed to turn away from it. That's hard to do, very hard. It hit you with something that was so incredibly difficult to resist and with doing something you're so good at."
01<Celenu> "She's right," Marie seconds. "Even if you feel bad now, you already overcame the worst of it, so things can only get better!"
#dunes You need voice (+v) (#dunes)
03* Celenu is now known as Alicia
03* ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01<Alicia> "She's right," Marie seconds. "Even if you feel bad now, you already overcame the worst of it, so things can only get better!"
01<Alicia> "That's kind of both of you," Alicia nods to each. "But even so... part of me still wants to feel that again, even knowing it was a lie, even knowing it was forced on me by a demon. Words can't really do justice to how good it felt."
03* Taishyr is now known as Demedais
<Kotono> "It's something you'ven ot paid much attention do," A delicate cough follows here, "Alicia, it's something you're used to not feeling. I imagine that's why it hit you there."
06* Alicia frowns a bit. "I'm not some pure and chaste maiden, Antenora," she replies peevishly. "Even if I haven't done it a while, I'm quite familiar with a woman's pleasure. It's nice, but that demon-spurred feeling was... transcendant, is the only word I can use."
<Kotono> "Yes, but..." Antenora wavers a hand. "It's hard enough for someone satisfied to resist mere sexual pleasure. Something stronger and without being in practice? The point is that it hit you below the belt with it. From your descriptions, it was, ah, special. Very special feeling."
01<Alicia> "I suppose so..." Alicia concedes. "Is this where you tell me I need to get more of that kind of satisfaction so I won't be caught off guard next time?" she follows up challengingly.
01<Alicia> Marie blushes and looks away. "That's up to you..." she squeaks out.
<Kotono> Antenora smirks, "No. I think you can live richly without it. It's makes it all the more admirable that you survived."
<Kotono> After a moment, her smirk resettling down and Antenora's human mellowing, "It's also a lesson. The Abyss tried to pervert several good things into a miasma of corruption. In the Abyss, nothing is safe."
01<Alicia> "Oh, I won't argue that," Alicia replies emphatically. "It makes me wonder how anyone can possibly go there and hope to win any sort of victory."
<Kotono> "Hope?" Looking Alicia squarely in the eyes there, "And you won a victory there."
01<Alicia> "At best I'd call it a draw," Alicia shakes her head. "It's not like either side gained anything from it." Picking up Marie and setting her on the armrest of her chair, she gets up, "Anyway, it's late and I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed, now."
03* Sierra_Mikain_Mk2 (~Melanchth@pool-71-163-230-130.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
<Kotono> "Sleep well," Antenora stands up, going to embrace Alicia lightly. "I'm proud to know anyone that survived the Abyss. Even if they are still stinky from touching a succubus. I mean...ugh."
01<Alicia> "You think I smell now, you should've been around me right after I left," Alicia snorts after returning the hug. Choosing not to elaborate further, she heads up the stairs with a final, "Good night, you two."
<Kotono> Once Alicia's gone, 'Was she feeling any better at the end,' Marie hears in her mind.
01<Alicia> 'She was,' Marie replies. 'It seemed to cheer her up. Also, good job distracting her by getting her annoyed at the implication she was a blushing virgin. You'll probably be paying for it later but I think it did her some good!'
<Kotono> 'Heh, heh,' Antenora rubs the back of her head, like Donald. 'Just let's keep this in the 'family'? Especially the part about her and that succubus.' Her face darkening a little, 'I still remember our trip into the Storm of Talos. She's like a mother, a sister, a superior and a friend rolled into one. Calling her something so crude as...'
01<Alicia> 'Not bad for someone like a twentieth of your age,' Marie opines cheerily. 'Anyway, it's not like she actually had sex with the succubus or anything. But sure, I've got no reason to tell anyone about my master's private life.'
<Kotono> 'Good.' Antenora smiles there, then in a normal voice, "Good night, Marie. Tell me how she does over the next few days?"
01<Alicia> "I'll keep you posted," Marie affirms, floating the living room. "Go get some sleep yourself, I'll watch over your shady new friend."
<Kotono> "No. I'm going to take her to a cell. We don't have time to watch over her now." Going to pick her up, "They can watch her and make sure she's taken care of until she awakens, then we'll see if she's serious about changing."
01<Alicia> "Suit yourself. I'll be here anyway," Marie shrugs.
<Ko-AlexisAkiko> --------(Teleport Ko)--
03* Ko-AlexisAkiko is now known as Kotono
<Kotono> As night approaches, the Crimson Guard and close allies gather in the garrison. Seira, Demedais, Alicia, Antenora, Donald and Celebrimbor are there. "Finally," Donald mutters too loudly under his breath.
<Kotono> OOC - Strike.
<Kotono> As night approaches, the Crimson Guard and close allies gather in the garrison. Seira, Demedais, Alicia, Antenora and Celebrimbor are there. "Let's go," Antenora says impatiently, lingering close to Ailcia allthe while.
<Seira> roll 1d10+10
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 11."12 [1d10=1]
01<Alicia> "First stop, the temple of Mystra in Kelara," Alicia announces, performing the requisite spell.
01<Alicia> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 45."12 [1d100=45]
<Kotono> The Temple of Mystra is quiet this dusk-creep, only a few priests going through prayers to sustain the Weave of magic during the coming night. However, the leader of them happens to be Taldeer.
<Kotono> roll 1d10+1
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+1 and gets 9."12 [1d10=8]
<Kotono> OOC +9 more, so 18.
06* Alicia approaches said priests. "Dweomerkeeper?" she greets the middle-aged elf respectfully.
<Kotono> Taldeer pauses the ritual, "Alicia. Friends." She smiles briefly to them. "Have you come about the prisoners you liberated from Shar?"
06* Seira shies away from the mention of those prisoners, more than comfortable in letting someone else handle this part.
01<Alicia> "Actually we're about to make our strike against the last remaining orchestrator of their pain, which means we need to use the temple scrying mirror," Alicia begins. "But how are they doing, anyway?"
<Kotono> "It's going to be a long process." Taldeer's smile fades, "Not only are they maimed, but they have vast amounts of mental disturbances and damages."
06* Alicia nods understandingly. "The crimes of that group are almost beyond measure. Still, I can't think of a better place for them to convalesce. Speaking of recovery, though, how is Kelara doing of late?"
03* Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
06* Demedais shakes his head with a grimace. "That... I wish I could say it was surprising, but from what I've seen of their cultists..."
<Seira> "You really should go and see them to have a hint of what they went through," Seira tells Demedais quietly.
<Demedais> "I will while the scrying is prepared." Demedais replies.
<Kotono> "Things are settling down, thank the Goddess." Taldeer lowers her voice, leading the party back away from this room. "Lord Roth has been making noise about re-representation but nothing has coalesced there yet."
01<Alicia> "I suppose it's only been a couple of weeks," Alicia admits. "Still, I hope it turns out to be more than just a lot of hot air."
<Kotono> "Politics move on," Taldeer says with her own knowing smile. "Your parents are jockeying for position as well after you were granted a title."
01<Alicia> "Well if they can manage it, more power to them. I'm not going to do any special favours," Alicia shrugs, reaching into a pouch in her belt and handing over a clump of hair that her familiar purloined from Albert's hairbrush to Seira.
<Kotono> "Right, scrying. Come this way..." Taldeer leads the party deeper in! OOC - Were any of you going to do anything besides diddle around for an hour?
01<Alicia> OOC: nothing here
<Demedais> OOC: Demedais would likely go to see if any of the three prisoners were awake, but it can be handwaved?
<Kotono> OOC: Okay then. PM a moment.
<Kotono> OOC: You guys were going to have Taldeer cast the scrying?
01<Alicia> OOC: Seira
<Seira> OOC: I'll try first. Then Cel-chan if I fail.
<Kotono> OOC: Okay.
<Kotono> An hour passes as Seira invokes and casts at the silver mirror! She invokes all the right names and calls on her vision to see Albert of Kesse! OOC - CL check.
<Seira> roll 1d20+13
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28."12 [1d20=15]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+5 DC?
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 DC? and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
<Seira> OOC: 23!
03* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-229.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
<Kotono> It's fuzzy and flickering, the image pained to appear. But nonetheless it does! Albert sits on the Throne of Kesse, surrounded at his flanks by two unnaturally tall men, and behind them four men in dark but plain clothes. A pair of soldiers kneel before him. "...Androth is going to fall by next noon, Sire," one of the kneeling soldiers says. "Sanaxt is in completely disarray."
03* Alicia sets mode: +o Taishyr
06* Alicia casts shield and resist energy (cold) on herself as Seira concludes the scrying spell.
<Seira> "Yes!" Seira cheers, casting heroism hurriedly. "He's in the throne room talking about the conquest of neighbors. Kesse is such a shithole the blatant assassination attempt on their king didn't set them straight."
02* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-229.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Broken pipe)
03* Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-229.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
02* Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-169-22.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03* Taishyr is now known as Demedais
<Kotono> Albert has a familiar fiery staff in one hand, almost like a sceptre. A familiar ring of spellstoring is on his finger as well! As this happens, the party quickly casting...OOC - Another CL check, Seira.
03* Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
<Seira> roll 1d20+13
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
06* Demedais casts Magic Circle against Evil as the scrying spell concludes, waiting for any signal.
<Kotono> As they do,t aking the time to prepare, Celebrimbor weaving his own magics, an insignia of an eye begins to glow! OOC - Go ahead and act now, since you took a turn to buff.
<Seira> "Hold on," Seira tells them, focusing on her magic. "I'll try to anchor him as soon as I'm there, and then we'll take care of the small fry."
<Seira> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 75."12 [1d100=75]
<Kotono> Thus the party teleports! They reappear in the throne room to Kesse! Screams are just going up, calls of, "Magic in the Throne Room!" Guards holler! While the party appears close, the two tall men have surrounded the front and side of the throne, blocking it with their bodies! The black garbed men are preparinga s well! OOC - The eye means they aren't surprised, guys. I'm calling initiative here. You're 30ft away all.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+7
<Seira> roll 1d20+13
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 21."12 [1d20=8]
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 19."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+1 woo, initiative
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 woo, initiative and gets 12."12 [1d20=11]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Celebrimbor
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Celebrimbor and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (Nerveskitter) Albert
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 (Nerveskitter) Albert and gets 20."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+6 tall man
<Kotono> roll 1d20+6 tall man 2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 tall man and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 tall man 2 and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+2 gaggle of dark clothed men
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 gaggle of dark clothed men and gets 16."12 [1d20=14]
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Tall Man 2>Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora=Dark Clothed Men>Demedais'
<Kotono> "You've come!" Albert calls with a rakish grin on his face, wiping at his lips with the back of his hand. "You've signed your death sentence by opposing the King of Kesse!" As this happens, the second tall man opens his hand! From it, a great freezing gust of cold comes out toe nvelop the party! OOC - Ref saves, all.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+15 (+2 vs evil, thanks Deme)
<Seira> roll 1d20+27
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 (+2 vs evil, thanks Deme) and gets 18."12 [1d20=3]
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+27 and gets 44."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Celebrimbor
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Celebrimbor and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Antenora (Already has a resistance bonus to saves)
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Antenora (Already has a resistance bonus to saves) and gets 36."12 [1d20=17]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+20 (definitely an AoE attack >_>)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 (definitely an AoE attack >_>) and gets 29."12 [1d20=9]
<Kotono> roll 15d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d6 and gets 54."12 [15d6=3, 4, 1, 1, 6, 4, 1, 6, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 6, 1]
<Kotono> OOCV: All three PCs passed the save, as did Antenora.
<Kotono> roll 54-18
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 54-18 and gets 36."12
<Kotono> The burst of cold is chilling to the bone, as Celebrimbor blinks and vanishes, appearing at the other end of the throne room! A moment later, a miasma of darkness envelops the party as well! OOC - Also CL ing the cone of cold, forgot SR.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35."12 [1d20=14]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 unholy blight
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 unholy blight and gets 38."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> OOC - Fort all.
<Seira> roll 1d20+19
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 29."12 [1d20=10]
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+21
<Kotono> roll 1d20+24
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35."12 [1d20=14]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 40."12 [1d20=16]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+20
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> roll 5d8 halve this and Deme quarters it.
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 halve this and Deme quarters it. and gets 19."12 [5d8=2, 7, 1, 8, 1]
<Kotono> roll 10d6 Antenora halves this
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 Antenora halves this and gets 32."12 [10d6=2, 6, 2, 3, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4, 2]
<Kotono> As the bursts of arcane power fill the throne room, the tall man who attacked speaks! "There is no hope for you. Beg for your oblivion to come quickly!" OOC - SEira.
<Seira> Calling upon Waukeen's divine gift, Seira takes off into the air to get a better look at Albert, using her scroll of dimensional anchor to ensure that he would remain there for the fight. His escape at this point would be unthinkable.
<Seira> roll 1d20+19 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 touch and gets 33."12 [1d20=14]
<Kotono> OOC: Unsurprisingly, that's a hit. Caster level check.
<Seira> OOC: There's no CL
<Seira> "Death!" Seira calls out loudly. "Only death awaits betrayers and usurpers, False King Albert!"
<Kotono> The thin beam of dimensional power hits Albert, anchoring him down! OOC -Albert's up.
<Kotono> Albert stands where he is, looking up briefly to Seira! "Suffer for eternity in the darkness!" At that, a 20ft wide sphere of darkness engulfs her! The others can see something around his waist glowing with ahorrible, dark malevolence!
<Kotono> roll 4d6 and more in PM, Seira.
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and more in PM, Seira. and gets 12."12 [4d6=3, 2, 2, 5]
<Kotono> Albert thereafter stays where he is, calling, "These are the revoluntionaries that wiped out Sanaxt!" he calls to the guards, "They seek to lay all of our sacred institutions low!" OOC - Alicia.
<Seira> "Kill you!" Seira screams. "Rip you to pieces! You'll die for this, Albert! Die!"
<Kotono> "They're..." One guard can be heard, staring, "You're the bastards that killed Prince Kort and His Majesty!"
01<Alicia> "Don't make me laugh you despicable Sharran!" Alicia snaps back. "People of Kesse, see for yourselves the horrors that Albert surrounds himself with!" she calls, dispelling the magic on one of the nightwalkers standing next to the king before moving towards Celebrimbor.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 targetted dispel, lemme know if there's any other checks needed
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 targetted dispel, lemme know if there's any other checks needed and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> OOC - Two other checks, yeah.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 26."12 [1d20=14]
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 23."12 [1d20=11]
<Demedais> "We're from a country you decided to attack with nightwalkers, Albert - or did you forget the distance between us?" Demedais retorts drolly, before glancing to the guard. "Kort of Shar killed your liege; we failed to stop that atrocity. I realize this may be very hard for you to believe, but please stand aside here; I'd rather not harm innocents."
<Kotono> The magic shatters around the tall man! While his form stays where it is, other magic is dispelled! OOC - Moving or is that it, Alicia?
01<Alicia> OOC: I moved 40 feet towards Cel
<Kotono> OOC: Right.
<Kotono> Celebrimbor staggers, staring at the throne and Albert! He doesn't reply, but instead weaves arcane words in an overwhelming blitz of fiery and acidic power, two fireballs bursting around the King and his servants protecting him!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 34."12 [1d20=20]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 26."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> roll 10d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 32."12 [10d6=1, 6, 4, 1, 6, 6, 3, 1, 2, 2]
<Kotono> roll 32*1.5
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 32*1.5 and gets 48."12
<Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Albert 1
<Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Albert 2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 Albert 1 and gets 23."12 [1d20=8]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 Albert 2 and gets 34."12 [1d20=19]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Tall Man 1
<Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Tall Man 2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Tall Man 1 and gets 17."12 [1d20=6]
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Tall Man 2 and gets 24."12 [1d20=13]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+5 group saves for dark men
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 group saves for dark men and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+5 group saves for dark men 2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 group saves for dark men 2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Tall Man 2>Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora>Demedais'
<Kotono> The various dark garbed men burst aflame and are acid-seared to the bone! They fall as one, obliterated! Albert backflips atop the throne, avoiding the acid-ball, then leaps high and lands as the massive fireball rocks around the throne, unhurt by it all! The tall men are both somewhat burna nd scorched by it, but the stronger fireball fizzled against them! OOC - Tall man 1.
<Kotono> The first tall man stays where he is as well! He gets Demedais and Antenora in a cone of cold, then sends an unholy blight at them!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 cone of cold CL
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 cone of cold CL and gets 22."12 [1d20=1]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 unholy blight CL
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 unholy blight CL and gets 37."12 [1d20=16]
<Kotono> OOC - Fort save only, Deme.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+20 fort check
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 fort check and gets 39."12 [1d20=19]
<Kotono> roll 5d8 quarter this
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 quarter this and gets 20."12 [5d8=5, 2, 8, 4, 1]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+20 Antenora ref, forgot +1 extra due to flash
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 Antenora ref, forgot +1 extra due to flash and gets 32."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> roll 1d20 whatever, only fails on one for fort on unholy blight
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 whatever, only fails on one for fort on unholy blight and gets 7."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> roll 15d6 halve this for Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d6 halve this for Antenora and gets 61."12 [15d6=5, 4, 2, 4, 5, 4, 2, 2, 2, 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, 5]
<Kotono> roll 10d6 halve this for Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 halve this for Antenora and gets 40."12 [10d6=2, 5, 6, 6, 4, 2, 2, 1, 6, 6]
<Kotono> The barrage of spells does little to Demedais, the crackling cone of cold not touching him and the unholy blight having little power over him! Antenora is hit far worse, ice forming on her armor and body battered, bruised bythe blight! OOC - Antenora's up.
<Kotono> Antenora charges forward, pouncing the tall man that froze her so bad as holy fury mends her injuries! OOC - +10 HP Antenora, 8/9, keep forgetting Flash.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +1 flying, +7 smite 2/3 -5 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +1 flying, +7 smite 2/3 -5 PA) and gets 40."12 [1d20=15]
<Kotono> roll 2d8+42
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+42 and gets 51."12 [2d8=4, 5]
<Kotono> Antenora stabs the tall man right in the stomach, before quickly jetting back and away 50 feet! OOC - Demedais.
06* Demedais grimaces before rushing in up close with the tall man Antenora struck at, hoping to act as a distraction for the attacks the two bodyguards are throwing out while wearing down the one who damaged Antenora so badly!
<Demedais> roll 1d20+21 (+6 Smite, +2 Charge, +1 Haste, -5 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 (+6 Smite, +2 Charge, +1 Haste, -5 PA) and gets 41."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> OOC - No crit on it, but hit.
<Demedais> roll 2d6+24 aw boo.
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+24 aw boo. and gets 26."12 [2d6=1, 1]
<Kotono> Demedais closes in, stabbing the tall man in the gut! It's not a deep wound, it's body resisting the stabbing! At this point the throne room is in panic! Guards are running about and preparing weapons, while others are stunned and af ew are frozen solid from the cones of cold going about! The doors of the throne room break open, more guards running in, six of them! OOC - Going to roll intiaitive for the misc horde here.
<Kotono> roll 1d20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 3."12 [1d20=3]
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Tall Man 2>Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora>Demedais>Allt he rabble'
<Kotono> OOC - Tall man 2 is up.
<Kotono> Wounded by Demedais and Antenora, the tall man looks down at the paladin chopping at his body! With terrible words of unholy reverence, it says, "Crumble before me, magic!"
<Kotono> roll 1d20+20 what spells do you have active, Deme?
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 what spells do you have active, Deme? and gets 25."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> OOC: CL of them as well.
<Demedais> OOC: Uh, Magic Circle against Evil, caster level 6. >_>
<Kotono> OOC: Gone.
<Kotono> A moment later, as the Magic Circle crackles into oblivion, an unholy blight bursts around Demedais!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL and gets 41."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> OOC - Fort.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+18 sure
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 sure and gets 23."12 [1d20=5]
<Kotono> roll 5d8 quarter this.
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 quarter this. and gets 13."12 [5d8=3, 2, 1, 3, 4]
<Kotono> Unholy darkness ravages Demedais, but doesn't get the worst of him, not by far! OOC - Seira. You're surrounded by darkness as said in PM. You can't see anything.
06* Seira doesn't even vocalize entrusting Lagann with the silvered blade, but they've fought side by side enough a small part of her mind is confident that he would follow her lead. "You'll pay for what you put me through, you damned Shar-worshipping freak!" she screams, dropping blindly through the cloud with the Resort to zoom in on the last place she saw Albert at, adjusting herself mid-flight.
<Kotono> OOC - Will save.
<Demedais> "Uh huh." Demedais replies. "Stop wasting my time and fight."
<Seira> roll 1d20+24
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 and gets 44."12 [1d20=20]
<Kotono> Seira is able toe scape the tearing oblivion around her! She comes down out of the sphere, able to approach Albert with her swift action from above! OOC - Travel devotion is nice.
<Seira> OOC: Yes it is. Can Lagann help me flank him for this?
<Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 fly, +2 heroism) diving, spellruin
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 fly, +2 heroism) diving, spellruin and gets 25."12 [1d20=1]
<Kotono> OOC: He could, but it's utterly moot now. He'll roll to hope for alucky hit anyway.
<Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
<Seira> Cursing, Seira flips back and away.
<Seira> roll 1d20+18 tumble
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 tumble and gets 20."12 [1d20=2]
<Kotono> Seira dives and then falls back, Albert swiftly avoiding the strike as it goes errant! He braces on the throne, as a sphere of darkness envelops Alicia this time! Even as it does, "Worthless!" He snaps back, smirking, "You're as defenseless and stupid as last time!" OOC - Damage in here and something in PM, Alicia.
<Kotono> roll 4d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and gets 17."12 [4d6=4, 6, 6, 1]
<Kotono> OOC: 17 damage and Alicia's up now. See PM, you're cloaked in darkness.
<Seira> "As the time you stabbed me in the back when I came to Kesse on a mission of peace?" Seira yells at Albert. "Or the time you attacked our defenseless citizens? Or in the Halla temple to Shar, where you sacrificed so many? Which is it, you scum?!"
<Kotono> "All of them." With a suave smile as he looks up at Alicia, "You're as worthless as gutter trash!"
01<Alicia> After having seen exactly what that 'impenetrable darkness' looked like from the outside when it hit Seira, Alicia isn't too bothered. Continuing on in the same direction she was headed, she approaches Celebrimbor, expecting to be free of the darkness quite quickly.
<Demedais> "I do hope everyone just heard Albert's little confession there." Demedais remarks drolly again, calling out to the soldiers behind him.
<Kotono> OOC - Wills ave, Alicia.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+22
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 35."12 [1d20=13]
<Seira> "What you did to your own sister's lovers will be nothing compared to your torment!" Seira vows. "And then... and then, when I allow you die... you'll face Shar's mercies for your failure! That's your damned future!"
<Kotono> Alicia is able to escape the clinging darkness and come closer to Celebrimbor! OOC - You're up with the rest of your turn, Alicia.
01<Alicia> After escaping she decides to try another dispel, this time on the other Nightwalker. "How many Nightwalkers has Shar given you, anyway? Doesn't she know when to give up on a lost cause?"
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 assuming 3 again this time
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 assuming 3 again this time and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
<Kotono> OOC - 3 checks.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
<Kotono> Only one spell crumbles around the Nightwalker, Alicia's magic only going so far! OOC - Celebrimbor is up.
<Kotono> A powerful Manyjaws springs into life, and a quick Sonorous Hum follows to maintain it, as the jaws strike at the wounded tall man!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> roll 10d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 37."12 [10d6=3, 6, 6, 3, 2, 5, 4, 5, 2, 1]
<Kotono> roll 37*1.5
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 37*1.5 and gets 55.5."12
<Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
<Kotono> The jaws painfully ravage the tall man, ripping into him like an elemental force! It's body is shredded severely, blood coming from a dozen force inflicted gnaws! OOC - Fresher tall man is up.
<Kotono> The other tall man fires off a quick pair of unholy blights - one at Demedais and one at Antenora!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL Deme
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL Deme and gets 40."12 [1d20=19]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL Antenora and gets 36."12 [1d20=15]
<Kotono> OOC - Fort saves.
<Kotono> roll 1d20 a lot
<Demedais> roll 1d20+18 sure
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 a lot and gets 3."12 [1d20=3]
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 sure and gets 30."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> roll 5d8 quarter
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 quarter and gets 20."12 [5d8=3, 8, 1, 6, 2]
<Kotono> roll 10d6 halve
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 halve and gets 36."12 [10d6=6, 3, 5, 1, 6, 4, 6, 1, 2, 2]
<Kotono> Both are maimed by the darkness, but boht endure ! Demedais is in good shape, while Antenora sags int he air heavily! OOC - Antenora.
<Kotono> Quickly darting at the injured tall man, Antenora looks to finish him off!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (Same mods as before, +10 HP 6/8, -9 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 (Same mods as before, +10 HP 6/8, -9 PA) and gets 38."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> roll 2d8+58
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+58 and gets 67."12 [2d8=6, 3]
03* Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora>Demedais>Allt he rabble'
<Kotono> Antenora's spear penetrates the unnaturally tall man deeply, making his body turn to a shadowy mist that fades away in the Throne Room's air! OOC - Demedais.
<Kotono> She also flies 50 feet back after with her boots.
<Demedais> "Oh hey look at that an undead monstrosity guarding Albert I wonder why?" Demedais quips, stepping over to quickly slice up the other tall man!
<Demedais> roll 1d20+24 (+6 Smite, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+24 (+6 Smite, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 35."12 [1d20=11]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+18 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 21."12 [1d20=3]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+13 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
<Kotono> OOC: Isn't it three attacks and one at full attack due to haste? You did them all descending.
<Kotono> OOC: Oh wait, smite. Okay.
<Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
<Demedais> roll 4d6+38 aw boo.
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+38 aw boo. and gets 52."12 [4d6=4, 5, 3, 2]
<Kolunch> Demedais grapples and stabs into the tall man, meeting him head on! He cuts deeply into the creature's strange flesh, unnatural wounds parting before his enhanced blade! As this happens, the crowd of soldiers are in confusion! The words of both the party and Prince Albert echo around as the battle rages! OOC - Could one of you three here make a diploc heck? Only one. I'm going to have one of you and Albert make opposed rolls here to see how th
<Kolunch> I'm going to have one of you and Albert make opposed rolls here to see how the guards are taking all of this. The other two will be assumed to be aiding another for a +4 modifier to the diplo'ers roll.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+33
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+33 and gets 37."12 [1d20=4]
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+29
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+29 and gets 48."12 [1d20=19]
<Kolunch> The guards, by and large, side with Prince Albert! Two sprint in front of him, spears brandished with quaking hands. "S-stay away from his M-majesty!" OOC - Deme, they had to pass close to you to protect Albert. You can AoO one if you want.
<Demedais> "As I said, I don't want to hurt any of you..." Demedais grimaces, before lashing out at the spear of one of them in an attempt to sunder it!
<Kolunch> OOC: Opposed attack rolls. You get a +4 bonus since you have a two handed weapon.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+26 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste; presuming Haste/LD apply)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+26 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste; presuming Haste/LD apply) and gets 43."12 [1d20=17]
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+8 (+4 two handed weapon for him, too.)
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+8 (+4 two handed weapon for him, too.) and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
<Kolunch> OOC: Damage.
<Demedais> roll 2d6+8
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+8 and gets 15."12 [2d6=5, 2]
<Kolunch> CRACK! With all the force he can muster, Demedais just barely manages to sever the wooden haft of the spear! It's now two neatly parted hunks of wood on the ground! Meanwhile, a pair of soldiers charge at Celebrimbor from the sides!
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 (+2 charging)
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 (+2 charging) and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 (+2 charging)
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 (+2 charging) and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
<Kolunch> roll 1d8+1
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2."12 [1d8=1]
<Kolunch> One of the soldiers manages a scraping wound as Celebrimbor staggers forward closer to Alicia! He glances back at them, "Stand down unless you wish for your life to burn away here!"
<Kolunch> Meanwhile, the other four rushing guards go around the side, two going to engage Alicia and two at Antenora! "Surrender! We won't give up like those Sanaxian fools!"
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Alicia and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Alicia and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Antenora
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Antenora
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Antenora and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Antenora and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
<Demedais> "Focus on the followers of Shar!" Demedais bellows back. "I'll aim to disarm the soldiers!"
<Kolunch> They jab and thrust at the two women, but neither scores anything on them! OOC - Seira.
<Seira> "The lives of those protecting this murderous usurper are forfeit!" Seira declares, gaining altitude again and incidentally getting a better view of the chamber. "Sanaxt fools? Albert's agent Yann is the one who got them killed on his orders. You are the fools. And if you continue staying by his side, you will die with him."
<Seira> An orb of force gathers in Seira's hand, and she reminds to Albert where to focus his attention.
<Seira> roll 1d20+19 touch
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 touch and gets 26."12 [1d20=7]
<Seira> roll 10d6
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 30."12 [10d6=5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 5, 2, 1, 1, 2]
<Kolunch> OOC - Hit.
<Kolunch> An orb of force flies out, htiting Albert right int he arm! His flesh breaks at that, a nontrivial wound as he grimaces! Yet more darkness blossoms around, this time engulfing Antenora! Then Albert leaps back past the throne, falling back to the other end of the throne room!
<Kolunch> roll 4d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 4d6 and gets 16."12 [4d6=5, 5, 4, 2]
<Kolunch> Antenora is encased in darkness, as...OOc - Alicia.
06* Alicia ducks and weaves away from the two men attacking her and approaches Celebrimbor, channeling a burst of healing spellfire into his body. "Lord Drake, it would please me greatly if you were to remove that eyesore of a Nightwalker from this throneroom," she requests politely.
01<Alicia> roll 11d4+11
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 11d4+11 and gets 34."12 [11d4=4, 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3]
<Kolunch> OOC: You'll get an AoO from the spearmen since you're coming within their range. You okay with that?
01<Alicia> OOC: tumble
<Kolunch> OOC: Okay.
<Kolunch> Celebrimbor perks up instantly, "I will endevor to end it's existance," he says calmly, concentrating! The empowered manyjaws continue to tear first!
<Kolunch> roll 10d6
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 10d6 and gets 45."12 [10d6=3, 4, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 1, 6]
<Kolunch> roll 45*1.5
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 45*1.5 and gets 67.5."12
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+11 and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
<Kolunch> roll 67/2
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 67/2 and gets 33.5."12
<Kolunch> Thereafter, a great acid fireball bursts around the nightwalker, shaping so that it only damages it! There is a flow during it, it's power increasing massively!
<Kolunch> OOC: Sudden maximize used.
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+14 SR
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+14 SR and gets 15."12 [1d20=1]
<Kolunch> The fireball bursts with pure acid, but fizzles against the nightwalker! OOC - Tall man is up.
<Kolunch> Focusing on Demedais, the tall man gazes at him with horrible eyes, before an unholy blight rips into him again! OOC - Unholy blight makes a fort save, but Deme's immune to the fear gaze. Fort Deme.
<Demedais> roll 1d20+18 hehehe demestalllll
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 hehehe demestalllll and gets 24."12 [1d20=6]
<Kolunch> roll 5d8 quarter this
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 5d8 quarter this and gets 18."12 [5d8=3, 5, 3, 3, 4]
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+21 SR first too
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+21 SR first too and gets 25."12 [1d20=4]
<Kolunch> OOC: No damage.
<Kolunch> Demedais simply resists the spell, blotting it out as if it had never been cast! OOC - Antenora.
<Demedais> "Hmph, pathetic!" Demedais growls at the tall man.
<Kolunch> Still sagging in the air, Antenora charges forward to the tlal man! She throws alls he has into this, spear throbbing with white light!
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+20 (+2 charge, +1 fly, +2 FS 6/9 heh, +7 smite 0/3 left, -12 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+20 (+2 charge, +1 fly, +2 FS 6/9 heh, +7 smite 0/3 left, -12 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=5]
<Kolunch> roll 2d8+1d6+70
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 2d8+1d6+70 and gets 85."12 [2d8=7, 2][1d6=6]
03* Kolunch changes topic to 'Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Antenora>Demedais>Allt he rabble'
<Kolunch> As weak screamse echo from the darkness Antenora escapes, she stabs the nightwalker in the head! It's body rippled before falling apart, into shadowystuff and then oblivion! OOC - Deme.
<Seira> "And then, there was one!"
<Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais replies to Seira, before quickly aiming to sunder the other guard's spear!
<Demedais> OOC: Accepting AoO attempt.
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+4
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
<Kolunch> OOC - Caryr on. Opposed attack rolls.
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+8
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16."12 [1d20=8]
<Demedais> roll 1d20+22 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 38."12 [1d20=16]
<Demedais> roll 2d6+16
06* Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+16 and gets 22."12 [2d6=3, 3]
<Kolunch> CRACK! This spear is obliterated as well, shattered! As this ripples through...OOC - Make another set of diplo checks? One of you make a check with a +4 for aiding and an additional +2 untyped bonus.
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+29
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+29 and gets 38."12 [1d20=9]
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+35
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+35 and gets 49."12 [1d20=14]
<Demedais> "Listen well, those who would guard this corrupt king." Demedais calls out in his sword-swing. "We must perform our duty. What Seira says is true; men of your own king struck Sanaxt down. We have come to end this plague upon your land."
<Kolunch> At this, with magic and darkness and power being thrown around the throne room like nothing at all, the guards break! Several of them turn and fall back, while others freeze up! One even turns to Albert, "It can't be true, the rumor..." OOC - Guards aren't doing anything effective this round, they aren't hindering you. You're up, Seira.
06* Seira dives at Albert across the throne room, wings folded behind her for better gliding as she races alongside Lagann's blade to put everything she has into this one strike and make it count!
<Seira> roll 1d20+26 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +2 charge) diving, smite
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +2 charge) diving, smite and gets 34."12 [1d20=8]
<Kolunch> OOC - Hit.
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+8 Lagann
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+8 Lagann and gets 12."12 [1d20=4]
<Seira> roll 6d8+22+6d8
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+22+6d8 and gets 65."12 [6d8=4, 8, 2, 2, 1, 7][6d8=3, 1, 5, 4, 4, 2]
06* Seira flips back afterwards. "Even your own men are deserting you, Albert! Your vile reign has come to an end!"
<Kolunch> Seira manages to cut into his stomach, a serious wound on the King! Despite that he spreads his arms wide and smiles, blood staining his clothes! "Then so be it! Let everything fall into oblivion! But now..." His gaze travels through the room, settling on Alicia! He rushes forward with inhuman speed, running into her with fists blazing with arcane power. "You, in the name of Shar, DIE!"
<Kolunch> roll 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +6 level six spell sacced(2 6th, 3 4th)
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +6 level six spell sacced(2 6th, 3 4th) and gets 40."12 [1d20=15]
<Kolunch> 2d8+6+24d4
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 2d8+6+24d4 and gets 79."12 [2d8=7, 5][24d4=1, 2, 3, 3, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 2, 3, 1, 4, 4]
<Kolunch> OOC: +1 vile as well.
01<Alicia> OOC: see #e
<Kolunch> OOC: Strike that action then.
<Kolunch> Seira manages to cut into his stomach, a serious wound on the King! Despite that he spreads his arms wide and smiles, blood staining his clothes! "Then so be it! Let everything fall into oblivion! It's too late to stop it! This entire region will break into war!" A moment later he makes arcane words, vanishing from sight!
<Kolunch> OOC: Alicia.
<Seira> "Get the doors!" Seira screams. "He can't be allowed to escape!"
01<Alicia> "Lord Drake, if you would cover the rear exit?" Alicia asks, taking out a freshly purchased scroll and casting from it to erect an invisible wall of force over the currently open main door. Anyone running into that will be in for a rude surprise.
<Kolunch> Holding one of her ravaged arms briefly, "You're mad," Antenora calls, "You have a life anyone else in the kingdom would dream of! Why Shar? Why bring so much suffering? You had a choice!"
<Kolunch> Celebrimbor does likewise, invisible walls of force springing over each doorway and sealing them! OOC - Deme.
06* Demedais grimaces at this. "You've heard his words, guardsmen of Kesse." he tosses out to the guards. "He himself wishes for this entire region to fall into chaos - is that who you want to serve?" OOC: Holding for now, can't do much.
06* Seira springs into the air once more, getting fifteen feet up for a better vantage point before calling upon the magic to break through Albert's attempts at evading a tortured death.
<Kolunch> The guards are rattled, some turning to listen to Demedais with apined, shocked faces! Other stare at where Albert vanished! OOC - PM Seira.
06* Seira flies ten feet closer to the wall, gesturing with the Resort at the invisible would-be king of Kesse. "He cowers piteously here," Seira proclaims. "Demedais, cut off his escape with your wall of fire. Let's smoke him out like a wild animal!"
<Demedais> "I know it's not easy to believe or imagine, but...!" Demedais turns at this! "Very well!" At the area Seira points at, Demedais erects a half-circle of broiling water in that section of the room, forcing all the heat inward like an oven!
<Kolunch> OOC: roll a d100? 51-100 means youa ctually get him in the wall,s ince you're somewhat guessing here with invis.
<Kolunch> OOC: Otherwise it'll just be the 2d4 for within 10ft damage.
<Demedais> OOC: He can take the 2d4, I'm more interested in pinning him in.
<Kolunch> roll 2d4
06* Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 2d4 and gets 4."12 [2d4=3, 1]
<Demedais> "Oh, and... stay away from that wall, you guys, it hurts." Demedais notes to the guards, his attention toward the wall fading almost instantly.
03* Kolunch changes topic to 'Seira>Demedais>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Antenora>Allt he rabble'
<Kolunch> The wall forms around Albert, heat boiling him inside of it, glimpsed! Albert holds his stomach, arcane energies whirling as his wounds rejuvenate slightly! OOC - Alicia and Celebrimbor are up again.
06* Alicia pulls down her blindfold of blindsight and starts walking towards the large wall of boiling water.
<Kolunch> Alicia approaches close to it, not quite in range! Celebrimbor holds his magic for the moment as well! Antenora mends her wounds in the meantime! OOC: +10 HP 5/9. Rabble is up.
<Kolunch> "What's goin gon," One of the disarmed guards gawks at the wall of water, as others are transfixed and scared! OOC - Seira, you're up.
01<Alicia> "Kort killed Denegren with a pillow. I killed Kort with a stick. Now we see whether Albert gets boiled to death or jumps onto Seira's sword," Alicia helpfully informs the guards.
06* Seira dives at Albert again!
<Seira> roll 1d20+26
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 31."12 [1d20=5]
<Kolunch> OOC - Hit.
<Seira> roll 6d8+22
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+22 and gets 48."12 [6d8=1, 1, 8, 6, 5, 5]
<Seira> "I am merciful, aren't I?" Seira asks Albert, twisting the blade in his gut. "I am. I won't let you say I'm not, because I'm killing you quickly instead of the years of torture you deserve. This is my mercy."
06* Seira steps back afterwards, looking at Albert with an eerie smile.
<Kolunch> Diving forward, Seira splashes through the wall! AS she does, her invisibility seeing eyes let her see Albert see the look ofs hock on his face as the Second Resort goes deep into his gut! One of his hands goes up to it, motes of arcane fire forming and fizzling! "Guh...No..regrets...brother...sister..." His eyes look at Seira, unfocused and shutting. "You think...you've..." Then his words cease, blood flowing out of his wounds as he goes stil
<Kolunch> hen his words cease, blood flowing out of his wounds as he goes still. OOC - Free act.
<Seira> "Won?" Seira asks, throwing her head back and laughing. "Yes! The Sharran leaders are all dead!"
<Kolunch> Antenora sags at that, leaning on her spear as she sighs deeply. "Ugh." Supporting herself up and looking around at the stunned guards, she goes to walk towards Alicia.
01<Alicia> Hearing Albert's death rattle, Alicia pushes her blindfold back up so she can see normally. "Well, this didn't go at all according to plan, but we've achieved or original aims," she remarks. As Antenora approachs, Alicia channels some spellfire into her wounded frame.
01<Alicia> roll 11d4+11
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 11d4+11 and gets 34."12 [11d4=4, 2, 1, 3, 1, 1, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1]
06* Demedais bows his head for a moment at this, before turning to the guards. "There is, so far as our knowledge goes, no other Sharran support in the castle. At the very least, I will be back to explain the full story, as far as I know it."
<Seira> "You!" Seira calls out to no single guard in particular, merely resting her eyes on all those nearby in turn. "Bring the captain of the guard here, and any army generals you have in the capital!"
<Demedais> "Seira, he has the ring?" Demedais inquires.
06* Seira calls upon Lagann to seek out all that which was taken from her by force and deceit that Albert's corspe might have in response to Demedais's query, her glare daring any of the gathered Kessians to disagree with her voiced orders.
<Kolunch> A few of the guards flee out at that, the Throne Room mostly empty. The party has a few moments. On searching him, Seira finds her ring of spellstoring as well as Seira's staff. He also has an amulet around his neck, a black belt around his waist under his clothes and a ring with the insignia of KEsse on his other hand.
06* Alicia drops the wall of force after a few guards bump into it, proceeding to channel a voice of the archon spell into hell striker and approach Seira. "This'll help you negotiate," she tells her before bopping the half-dragon lightly.
<Kolunch> He also has the Elven Ring of Teleportation in his pocket.
01<Alicia> After improving Seira's people skills, Alicia goes to see if any of those felled by the wild attacks of Albert and the Nightwalkers still breathe, asking Antenora to do the same.
06* Demedais assists Alicia and Antenora.
06* Seira dips her head in a curt nod. "Thanks. This war was never against Kesse's people, and I'll try to make them see reason." Taking the elven ring, she approaches Celebrimbor, straining to keep a neutral expression. "We finally got it back."
<Kolunch> The three search and look! The ones caught in it are blighted into obivion or frozen solid, save one. One was grazed by an unholy blight, still breathing.
<Kolunch> "At last," Celebrimbor sighs in relief. "Once this matter is soon resolved, I can settle this affair with King Lorthan.
<Kolunch> "
06* Alicia gets him back on his feet with her Mystra granted healing ability.
<Seira> "I'll come with you," Seira promises. "I won't let you shield me from my mistakes. Think... think he might like something from the dragon we slew? Shadow dragons are rare here, aren't they?"
<Kolunch> "It would be a good offering," A short nod ot SEira, as the others get the man helped up! He grimaces and looks about, dazed still. As he does, a man comes striding in. He wears a well polished breastplate and a plumed helmet made of adamantine. He has a fierce, bushy beard and mustache, a saber at his hip. "What in the name of Kelemvor is going on here?" he asks.
<Seira> "Who might you be?" Seira asks, striding over to meet him.
01<Alicia> "Fight's over, relax," Alicia tells the wounded man gently before she goes over to stand near Seira with all the imposing presence she can muster.
<Kolunch> "General Andram," he says sharply, "Where is HIs Majesty?"
<Seira> "I am Seira, Colonel in the Crimson Guard of the United Baronies," she announces, ignoring that question for the time being. "Albert Kesse and his siblings, Kort Kesse and Armanda Kesse, committed numerous acts of war against our nation and its citizens. Our attempts to resolve this diplomatically failed when I was attacked on a peaceful mission to your land a few days ago. Now, we've returned.
<Seira> I ask of you, General Andram, is this aggression an indication that Kesse itself intends to fight the Baronies to the bitter end, much like Albert's aggression against the royal house of Sanaxt?"
<Kolunch> "What are the Baronies?" He asks as he listens, puzzlement in his voice. "We have a war against Sanaxt, but that has nothing to do with..." He starts and then pales, "What? Albert did that?"
<Kolunch> Antenora hovers back as all this happens, staying close to Alicia stilll.
<Seira> "All that and more, General," Seira tells him. "Underneath Halla there is a vile temple to Shar where unspeakable tortures and sacrifices to that dark goddess were being committed by those three and their followers for years." She can't restrain the shudder that goes through her at that. "Albert, being the ringleader, sent agents to many countries both near and far. One of them was the United Baronies."
<Kolunch> "Why?" He asks, dazed as he stares baout the damaged, iced, darkened and boiled throne room. "Princ...King...Albert ordered us to secure the border and attack Sanaxt while it was in disarray, but I never imagined he had anything to do with that. IT was just good tactical sense..."
<Seira> "We in the Baronies are of the opinion that when the crown prince smothers his ailing father with a pillow, neither he nor his co-conspirators can rightfully enjoy the ensuing benefits," Seira tells him matter-of-factly. "Therefore, we are inclined not to see him as Kesse's monarch and thus not have his acts represent Kesse."
01<Alicia> "I understand the leadership of Sanaxt was frozen by arcane cold?" Alicia speaks up, glancing meaningfully at the iced over corpses of Kesse's guards. "Albert's two oddly tall guards are responsible for all the ice you see here, and likely did the same thing in Sanaxt."
<Kolunch> "That was the rumo..." he begins, before looking ot the ice and paling. "Oh KElemvor..." he mutters, "Did you say Shar?" The Black Bitch?"
<Seira> "Tactical sense," Seira muses, seemingly to herself. "The last time we were attacked in such a base way, we waged war alongside our allied nation of Pallanth. The barony of Valandia joined us as a result, and Malmuth was in need of new leadership. Here, we won't even need to lift a finger beyond providing proof to Sanaxt of who is truly responsible. Proof we hold."
<Kolunch> "I see..." Looking to Seira, "You said you're willing to consider these actions the actions of a man that did not represent Kesse?"
<Seira> "We are willing to go one step farther," Seira tells him, returning the look evenly. "We can work towards settling the war with Sanaxt before further bloodshed takes place. We can also work closely with you to hunt down the rest of Albert's agents, sleepers and other worshippers."
01<Alicia> "At the time we were first attacked, King Denegren ruled Kesse," Alicia interjects. "Kort's murder of his father proves that the ruler of Kesse at the time was not involved with the conspirators."
06* Seira nods at that. "Alicia is right. Albert's short reign could be overlooked, which is my intention if these negotiations succeed."
<Kolunch> "There is much to do, but..." General Andram looks to all the destruction, "There's no helping it then, is there? Princess Giselle is in her room...in this crisis, she may have to become Queen."
<Seira> "She has been wronged by her siblings," Seira says neutrally. "If she can overcome that, then her allegience, at least, is not in doubt."
06* Demedais nods as well, looking over the men. "That is likely, but it is possible that she will need counseling; the effects of her siblings on her, from our understanding, is... harsh."
<Seira> "It is not something we should discuss in detail under this setting."
06* Alicia nods in agreement with Seira.
06* Demedais nods silently, stepping back.
<Kolunch> With a slight darkening of his face, "There is much to do, but..." he nods. "Until that time, I will take control. I will send orders to have the army pull back and cease the attacks."
<Seira> "If you draft an offer of a cease fire, I will ensure that the current Sanaxt leadership gets it," Seira tells him. "Also, cold as that might sound, we want to keep an eye on things. Not all of the sleeper agents have been ferreted out just yet, and one would be enough to wreck things yet again. Since we took an active role, we'll keep at it until things have been resolved to our satisfaction."
02* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Client exited)
<Kolunch> "Very well," The general nods. Soon matters progress that evening, and as night passes into it's short summer dance, the party goes to Giselle's quarters. Seira and Alicia enter, Antenora trailing behind her. Giselle sits on her bed, wearing a simple nightgown of silk. Her gaze is downward, to the ground.
<Kolunch> A set of guards come with them, as well as General Andram.
<Seira> "Your Highness," Seira greets her with a nod.
01<Alicia> "Majesty," Alicia corrects in a whispered aside, since she just got promoted from princess to queen.
<Kolunch> "What is all this," she asks quietly, "General? What is going on?"
06* Seira hopes this visit to a Kesse princess goes better than the previous one. "There is no way to sugarcoat it, Highness. Shar ordered your siblings to strike at us, and while taking quite a toll from us, we endured and retaliated."
<Kolunch> "Princess Giselle." Taking a moment to come forward and kneel before her, "Your brother, Prince Albert...is dead. In this time of crisis, you are the only surviving royal who can immediately take the throne. Under these circumstances, a Queen is acceptable."
<Kolunch> Giselle half listens to the general, eyes jerking up as Shar is mentioned. Her face smiles at that, "Oh, did she?" she asks, "And Albert is dead?" Her voice is...disinterested. Deathly calm.
<Seira> "We have also freed your consorts from his grasp," Seira proceeds. "They are alive, though a full recovery will take a long time."
01<Alicia> "As is Armanda," Alicia adds, eyeing Giselle and recalling Marie's description of the sisterly abuse she doled out on Giselle.
<Seira> At the mention of Armanda, Seira can't conceal a scowl.
<Kolunch> "Heh...Albert is dead..." Laugher goes through her, a dead, cold freezing laugh. "Hahahahahahguh!" Her laughter chokes at that, a sharp look at Seira. "...what?" Her face starts to twitch, "T...I was never to see them again! Where are they? WHERE ARE THEY?" Abrupty Giselle springs up,grabbing Seira by the arm. "Kort...no..." her voice coldens again, "You won't make me cry this time. Not again. I know this is a trick. I know this is a trick. I
<Kolunch> I know this is a trick. I know this is a trick. I know this is a trick." Letting Seira's arm go, Giselle starts to rock back and forth. "I'll feel alive again, brother. I willl. I will."
01<Alicia> "No," Alicia goes and puts her hand on Giselle's shoulder. "Kort's gone. You're safe - none of them can ever hurt you again," she tries to encourage the poor woman.
06* Seira looks at Alicia. "Could you take us to the temple of Mystra in Kelara along with Princess Giselle and several of her bodyguards?" she asks. "It might be the only way."
<Kolunch> "No...Kort is never gone! They're always here!" Whirling onto Alicia, giggling ferciously like she can't stop, "I know this is a trick, brother! You're making me see all of this! I won't let you see me cry again!"
06* Seira adds for General Andram's benefit, "Even under those inhumane conditions, they only thought of the Princess and wished for her health. If seeing them alive could help both sides on the way to recovery, we have to try it."
<Kolunch> General Andram stands, looking at Giselle with a long, contained sigh. "Princess..." he says, "It may be best, yes.We have little choice under these exceptional circumstances."
06* Seira takes a step to hold her arms around Giselle, not thinking about what is appropriate at the moment. "We understand," she whispers to her. "Just a little bit, perhaps, but we understand. Find within yourself to trust another just one more time."
01<Alicia> "They may be alive, but they're hardly well," Alicia notes in a worried whisper before returning her attention to the new queen. "Giselle?" she speaks in a motherly tone, stroking the distraught woman's hair, "Please, it's alright. I'm going to take you to see them. It's a safe place, you'll be alright coming with us."
<Seira> "They need hope above all else," Seira tells Alicia, though her words are intended for everyone. "Only Princess Giselle can give it to them right now. Not us, and not the priests."
<Kolunch> Giselle twitches, "Prove it," she says sharply, "I command it! Prove it!" she shakes.
<Seira> With the rings of teleportation, Seira could get them back on course in the rare chance of an accident. However, she only has one reliable charge in them, and defers to Alicia. "Five people, which means two guards, correct?"
01<Alicia> "Come with us and I will," Alicia tells her, not being able to teleport an unwilling subject. "Just relax and trust me, please." Glancing back at Seira she nods briefly. "You, me, Giselle, the general, and one of his men?"
06* Seira stills holds onto Giselle, and pulls her head back just enough to give the princess a tentative smile. "You've made the right choice. Decent people really do exist. It's alright to trust; we'll prove it to you right now."
<Kotono> "You two," General Andram gestures to two guards, "Go with her."
<Kotono> With a cracking smile, "Okay. But I'll find a way to get you when it's a lie, Kort!"
01<Alicia> "Antenora, stay with Lord Drake and Demedais until we get back?" Alicia asks the erinyes before having everyone join hands. She's somewhat worried that seeing the state of her former paramours won't really help Giselle, but maybe she's wrong. "We're going to the temple of Mystra in Kelara. It's the safest place in the world from Shar's influence." At that, she whisks them all away!
01<Alicia> roll 1d100
05-atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03* Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
01<Alicia> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 83."12 [1d100=83]
<Kotono> The Temple of Mystra's main altar room is quiet. The night has passed over Kelara deeply, the silences of rest muting everything. It is so quiet that you can hear your own breathing, not a soul immediately around you.
01<Alicia> "Come with me," Alicia instructs, heading to the quarters that Taldeer earlier mentioned the maimed victims of Shar were staying in while they did their scrying.
06* Seira hovers close to Giselle, ready to support her should the need arise.
<Kotono> It's deep and in the back of thet emple. The hallways are dim, only a few light sorces that shed eternal light adding any illumination. The guards follow dutifully, casting little gazes about when they have chances. Giselle walks along upright. They are in three seperate rooms next to each other, each one with a closed door. A scroll nailed to the door says, 'Do not disturb without permission of the Dweomerkeeper!'.
06* Alicia thinks these are special circumstances, and she doesn't really want to wake Taldeer for this. On the other hand, she's an elf and doesn't even sleep - she probably won't trance until well after midnight. "Just a moment and I'll get Dweomerkeeper Taldeer," she says. She's pretty sure Giselle was never involved with the dwarf and doesn't want to disturb him with this...
<Kotono> Thus the tohers wait. As Alicia goes, Giselle looks aroudn imperiously. "I'm not going to break down while you make me wait," she says aloud.
<Kotono> Meanwhile, Alicia hurried to get Taldeer. She's in her chambers, roused from reading and coming to meet Alicia. "What do you need at this late hour," she asks.
06* Seira can't really say anything to that.
01<Alicia> "We've almost concluded our business in Kesse," Alicia begins. "The new Queen knew some of the Sharran victims and wanted to see them. Firstly do you mind us disturbing them, and secondly which ones are in which rooms?"
<Kotono> "I see. You have permission; there are acolytes in there with them constantly. Knock on the doors. The dwarf is in the leftmost and the humans are in the other two."
01<Alicia> "Got it, thank you," Alicia nods. "I'll catch up with you later?" After that she returns to the Kessian contingent and delicately raps her knuckles on the middle door.
06* Seira steels herself for coming face to face with the rescued prisoners once more.
<Kotono> "Yes," A woman's voice calls gently from the room. "Who is it?"
01<Alicia> "It's Alicia," Alicia begins. "I have Princess Giselle with me to see our guest." She really wishes she'd had time to get their names.
<Kotono> "Oh, honored champion of Mystra. The dweomerkeeper said you might come. Please, enter." the woman calls back.
03* taizombie is now known as taicls
06* Seira glances at Giselle. "As Alicia said, it won't be easy. But there's nothing that can't be overcome."
06* Alicia blushes a bit. "No need to lay it on so thick," she demurs, nonetheless opening the door and stepping inwards, holding it open for Giselle.
<Kotono> The door is opened! Giselle merely glances at Seira, "Such l-" she begins, her gaze taking in the room! A large window shows night, a bed laying besides it. Here the armless and legless man lies, covered save for his face. His eyesockets have a gentle white cloth put over them, blindfolded. Giselle stares for several long seconds, frozen in place.
01<Alicia> "Do you recognise him?" Alicia asks in a gentle whisper.
06* Seira forces herself to step inside the room, waiting on further reaction from Giselle.
<Kotono> "Hah...hah...hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhaahahahahahaaaahaaahaaaaaaaaaaaahahhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Giselle doubles over, laughing! Roaring with it she turns to Seira and Alicia, "YOU BASTARDS! IT WASN'T ENOUGH, WAS IT? IT'S NEVER ENOUGH FOR YOU!" Her voice turns into a scream, as a broad smile cracks her face open. "NEVER ENOUGH! YOU CAN DO YOUR WORST! RIP MY WOMB OUT, ALBERT! I'LL FIND A WAY TO FEEL ALIVE! YOU WON'T FOOL ME!"
01<Alicia> Vindication, it is such a sad thing. "It wasn't us!" Alicia insists, grabbing Giselle's arms. "Albert is dead! So are Kort and Armanda! We killed them!"
<Kotono> The guards shrink back at this, staring with mouths agape.
<Seira> "Can you only think of yourself when someone who needs your help lies here?" Seira asks her, taking Giselle's head and forcing her to look at the bed. "Yes, they were scum, and what they did to you was inhuman. But like Alicia said, they're dead now! If you don't get past that, you're just letting them win in the end!"
<Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, -20?
<Seira> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 26."12 [1d20=12]
<Kotono> GIselle whirls onto Seira, "You're lying to me," she snaps! "ALWAYS LYING!"
<Kotono> "Ugh...Gi..selle..." The maimed man murmurs now, "Giselle...?"
<Seira> "So this is a lie?" Seira asks her, gesturing at the bed. "A lie?! The only lies being told here are those you use for yourself, to protect herself. But a queen doesn't have the luxury of retreating into a safe little world in her head. And neither does a woman who has people she loves, which need her help right now to get better."
<Kotono> "Everything is a lie!" Grimacing at those words, looking between the man and Seira, going back and forth, Giselle shudders.
<Seira> "Go on, then," Seira says, gesturing at the bed once more. "If it's just a lie made to torment you, and not the reality you run away from, kill the man lying there with your own two hands!"
01<Alicia> "It's not," Alicia speaks up simply, adopting a more gentle tack. "This is reality. It hurts, it's unfair, and you wish you could have something better... but this is what we have to live with."
<Kotono> "Giselle...oh...please, let that be you, Giselle? Do you remember?" The man's voice is horribly raspy, the female acolyte going to get a bit of water for him. "Please, Giselle, let me feel your hand on my chest again! Let me smell you! Please! Please don't be another dream!"
<Seira> "You know this is not a lie, Giselle," Seira says quietly, laying her hands on the princess's shoulders and leaning forward to rest her forehead against the older woman's. "Teleportation magic only works on the willing. Back in Kesse, you agreed to trust us. You realized the truth. You're just... you're just scared to accept it, but you don't have to be alone for that."
<Kotono> "No!"Snapping as she turns away from Seira and Alicia, tears starting to come, "You're dead..you have to be dead and gone. They wouldn't..." She shakes all over again, "Grantire..."
01<Alicia> "Please, Giselle. Just talk to him?" Alicia asks softly. "Listen to what he has to say? Let him hear your voice?"
<Kotono> "Giselle...PLEASE!" The maimed man pleads. OOC - Make your own diplo check, Alicia. -17 mod.
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 should've cast voice of the archon on myself
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 should've cast voice of the archon on myself and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> Giselle wavers long, listening, looking back and forth. For several moments she's paralysed, shaking like a leaf. Then, with nary a sound, runs outof the room.
06* Alicia sighs. "These things take time..." Looking towards the maimed man. "I'm sorry... Grantire? Her siblings hurt her deeply, it may be a while before she's ready to see you again."
<Kotono> Grantire leans forward, as if seeing with his lost eyes, "That was her? Was it really her?"
06* Seira doesn't need another excuse to leave the room, running after Giselle.
<Kotono> The guards follow suit after Giselle, as the female acolyte goes to him. "It's alright," she soothes him quickly, while glancing at Alicia.
01<Alicia> "It was," Alicia nods, letting Seira handle Giselle rather than crowding her. "She's the Queen, now. But after what she's been put through I'm not sure she's ready for the role..." Shaking her head she approaches the limbless figure on the bed. "I'm sorry your reunion went like this."
<Kotono> OOC: #evil, Seira.
<Kotono> "What happened to her," he asks in a cracking voice. "She was the brightest person I know. That was her voice...but itw asn't her."
01<Alicia> "Kort, Albert, and Armanda... they could torture you as they pleased. But they couldn't harm their sister, at least not in any way that could be seen..." Alicia pulls up a chair opposite the one used by the acolyte. "So instead they tried to break her mind."
<Kotono> "Oh Gods..." Grantire whimpers with his entire body, "They'd do that, too. "
06* Alicia reaches over to pat his shoulder. "They can't hurt her or anyone else ever again. But... they still cast long shadows even when gone."
<Kotono> "They're dead...thank you for that, at least." Turning towards Alicia, "You have a kind voice. Promise me something...I'm a ruined shell of a man. I don't want to live any longer..I'm so tired. Could you...make sure Giselle is taken care of?"
01<Alicia> "I'll do what I can for her, but I promise you I'll find a way to heal the three of you," Alicia tells him seriously. "Please, hang on until then?" she clasps his shoulder tightly.
<Kotono> "Alright," he says, "I've waited so long...but if you fail...set me free," he asks, "Of this ruined body.:"
01<Alicia> "Please don't ask that," Alicia's voice catches a little. "I won't fail, though. Even if there's no one in the world who can cast the spell to regenerate your body, I've been to others."
<Kotono> Paling as she makes the crippled man drink water, the acolyte smiles to Alicia.
<Kotono> "Go then adn try," he says, after sipping water.
06* Alicia lets out a long breath. "I will," she affirms, briefly returning the acolyte's smile before getting up. "Once Giselle feels better, we'll bring her to visit again," she promises before heading out and closing the door behind her.
<Kotono> OOC: Going to wait or find Seira or...?
01<Alicia> OOC: I'll go look for Seira and Giselle, but once I find them I'll just stand back and let them hug it out
<Kobrb> As Alicia, Demedais and Antenora travel in the city itself, they see that it' returning to normal. There are still some signs and posters up - warning of attacks and proclaiming the rule of King Albert. The air buzzes with rumors and gossips, electric as people try to live their lives. Going to the merc's hideaway, they find the door quietly shut as usual. Despite teh hustle in the rest of the city, this street is as quiet as ever.
06* Alicia knocks on the door!
<Kobrb> There's a long pause, before from the other side, "Yeah?" J's voice is ever so tense while being friendly enough. "Who is it?"
01<Alicia> "Alicia. And friends," Alicia answers.
<Kobrb> Seira is also along, hanging back and being quiet. Thoughtful even, with the burden of all that's gone on lingering to her.
<Kobrb> The door opens after a few clacks of locks giving way. J ist here, looking them over. "Hey...Seira." Sighing in relief, "You're in one piece. You gave us a helluva scare when you vanished and then Alicia showed up. Come in." Stepping aside, "What the hell is happening in the castle? Albert's king and now rumors are flying and no one seems quite sure yet of what's going on."
<Demedais> "Hopefully things start settling down now.
01<Alicia> "Albert's dead," Alicia nods quickfire as she steps in. "Sorry we never really had much chance to work with you guys on all this, but having my familiar catch Kort in the act of smothering his father really upset our timetable."
<Kobrb> "I was worried about that, too," Rods says. He's sitting on one of the plain cots, buffing his armor and barechested. "Damn. This was supposed to be long and careful, but nothing works out when it happens."
<Kobrb> "Good," J sighs again, "Freak can go bug Shar himself. Who's in charge now?"
01<Alicia> "Queen Giselle, officially," Alicia considers. "Although she's not really fit to lead at the moment... her siblings did their very best to ruin her, after all. For the time being it looks like General Andram is holding things together."
<Kobrb> No sign of Serge offhand, as Rods puts his armor aside and sticks a hand out. "Still, thanks. At least this thing blew over. We missed a chance, but I wasn't o hot on fighting the entire fucking kingdom."
<Kobrb> "Hah," J smirk at that, "QUEEN Giselle? That's still a nice change, no matter how dented up she is."
06* Demedais shakes Rods' hand, before leaning against the wall. "Let's hope it stays a nice change."
06* Alicia briefly clasps Rods' hand. "As far as the United Baronies are concerned this effectively ends our hostilities. Whether Sanaxt will be so quick to accept peace still remains to be seen - the general is sending a recall order to the army Albert sent against them, but whether that'll be enough to satisfy your neighbours I couldn't say."
<Kobrb> "Yeah, well..." Rods shrugs, "Shit's going down up north from all the word. A war means easy work for us, as hired soldiers or as filling in gaps opened up by the war. Knowing Sanaxt I'd call it a coinflip at best. Knowing what happened with the royals there, according to the rumor, makes it a roulette."
01<Alicia> "Killed by Albert's undead minions," Alicia confirms. "If I never see another Nightwalker again it'll be too soon..." she adds with a disgusted shake of her head.
<Kobrb> "Even if peace is gotten, no one's going to forget Kesse attacking when they were down." J observes as she goes to get a small keg, working on getting it open. "Probably have the next war sooner than later."
<Kobrb> "Nightwalker? What's that?" Rods asks, "One of those -gon devil things you talked about? Sounds about part...though those aren't undead, are they?"
<Kobrb> Antenora smiles a little, "It's an undead horror from the Plane of Shadow, not a devil. All the ones we found are obliterated."
01<Alicia> "Huge shadowy monsters. Shar seemed to have a revolving door of them being spat out for Albert and his siblings to play with," Alicia elaborates irritably.
<Kobrb> "Aaah, a revolving door and a woman. Isn't that familiar?" Smirking as he goes to join J at the keg, the latter hits his shoulder lightly before getting a bunch mugs. "Shut up, you big jerk. Who' thirsty?"
<Demedais> "I'll take one." Demedais nods politely.
01<Alicia> "Thanks, but I don't drink," Alicia shakes her head. "To be honest though, once things settle down you might find work becoming more scarce - what we got out of Armanda and Kort seemed to imply that they deliberately kept Kesse and its surroundings unstable so that mercenaries would be too busy with various crisises to look too closely at the royal family."
<Kobrb> As Rods brings Demedais a drink and takes one of his own, "So the entire cult's wiped out? Damn. We didn't have an idea until we heard from you guys. Then again, Serge says that Shar's abouts ecrets and darkness and shit and we should expect a lot of surprises."
<Kobrb> "I'm fine," Antenora stays close to Alicia, behind her politely.
<Kobrb> "Ah shit," J scowls, then shrugs. "Eh, we'll find something. We have some capital still for saving up for the jungle trip back in Balmuria. Plus if border relations go down again...sooner or alter there will be another war, and that'll fix it."
06* Demedais nods in thanks, drinking a bit of it before thinking. "On a side note, do either of you know of a Sa'grim Rockstall?"
01<Alicia> "Well," Alicia demurs. "We destroyed their temple. Very thoroughly. And the leadership is dead. But they had various roving agents out and about - we'll be doing our best to hunt them down before they can cause more trouble, though." Pausing she adds, "Speaking of Serge, where is he? Haven't seen him either time I've visited."
<Kobrb> "I do," J speaks up a bit, "He's not really local, but he's a purchaser of certain arcane items on occasion. Very low key, buys third and fourthhand discreetly. I've had to track down a few things through him."
06* Demedais nods at this. "We're likely going to need to talk with him at some point fairly soon."
<Kobrb> "Right now, he's been snooping to find all he can out about what's happening. He doesn't like sitting on his hands much when he has something on his mind." A shrug there, Rods drinking deeply. "He gets likethat sometimes."
<Kobrb> "I can work on that," J says, "You'l need to head west, though. He'd a dwarf and likes the mountains."
<Demedais> "I guessed from the name." Demedais replies before taking another drink. "Does he have a spot he usually meets with people?"
<Kobrb> "Yeah. He has the money and connections with the right people to make you have to travel to him." Sipping again, "It's about a week west, give or take a few days depending on the weather. 'course, teleporting around in the blink of an eye makes it easier for you guys."
<Demedais> "Ideally, we'd teleport right to the area." Demedais replies with a grin. "Could you describe the area in as best detail as you can manage?"
<Kobrb> "Did you guys get that fancy teleportation ring back? I can teleport and send magic word to him much quicker if you do. Once you get there, the spot's easy to memorize. He has a taste for style."
06* Demedais nods. "That'd probably be better. We have the ring back, but... do we need its charge for anything?" Demedais asks Seira, looking for just a yes or a no.
<Kobrb> Seira nods.
06* Demedais nods.
<Demedais> "Alright. That'll work, then." Demedais replies.
<Kobrb> "We can go whenever you want then," J agrees. "Just be on your best behavior and don't piss him off."
<Demedais> "Understood." Demedais nods.
<Kobrb> ---
<Kobrb> It is a quiet room that serves as the resting place for Albert Kesse. He rests in a simple pine box for now, arms crossed over his chest. He looks oddly serene now, peaceful. J peers down at him, "Jerk looks like h'es taking a nap."
<Kobrb> The cleric of Kelemvor, Garag, nods briefly. "Are you familiar with how this spell works?" he asks.
<Kobrb> Antenora hangs back again, staying near Alicia.
06* Demedais looks at J with a odd cross between sternness and amusement, before nodding to Garag. "We are. While you prepare the spell, we will write the first four questions; the fifth will likely be dependent upon the first four. Is this acceptable?"
01<Alicia> "He looks a lot better than Kort and Armanda," Alicia notes before nodding to the cleric. "Yes, we've employed it before quite recently. I understand he's likely to resist unless it's cast by one who shares his moral laxity - with J and his belt we should be able to fake it enough for the spell to run smoothly."
<Kobrb> With thin white lips purses together, the cleric nods. "I understand. Prepare the proper questions and magic then? This spell takes a little time to invoke."
01<Alicia> "J, do your bit," Alicia instructs the wizard before doing as Demedais says and writing down her first four questions.
<Kobrb> J nods, getting with the spellcasting! SHe weaves Misdirection around Garag, leaning against the side wall after. "Magic or not,t his spell makes my skin crawl."
01<Alicia> She then passes over a piece of paper with the following. 1: What happened to Giselle's children? 2: What other assassinations were you plotting that had yet to come to fruition? 3: What did you do with Seira's belongings that were not given away or split between you and your siblings? 4: What was your relationship with a devil called the Walker?
01<Alicia> "I think it's more the belt than the spell," Alicia tells J. "I don't know what it does, but it can't be anything good."
<Kobrb> "Very well." With that, the magic is cast! Calling on Kelemvor, Albert sits up in his coffin! Garag looks at him, "Rise from your judgment in front of Kelemvor and speak the truth in my name! What happened to Giselle's children?"
<Kobrb> Albert smiles, "Enlightenment as demanded by the true faith."
<Demedais> "Well isn't that mighty cryptic of him." Demedais mutters.
<Kobrb> "That's normal," Garag adds, "Some answers are cryptic or only make sense to the departed. It takes time and wisdom to p uzzle out those meanings."
01<Alicia> "We can ask for clarification with the last question," Alicia shrugs. "Keep going."
06* Demedais nods to Garag. "Well aware. Just mildly annoyed."
<Kobrb> "What other assassinations wer eyou plotting that had yet to come to fruitition?" The question is asked, the second one fired. In reply, "Evrai...shatter them into sacred hopelessness!"
<Demedais> "A message to Evrai may be in order." Demedais nods at this.
01<Alicia> "Or we could ask for clarification on that one - it may be more urgent," Alicia mutters.
<Kobrb> The third is then asked, Garag's face turning pallid. "The sacrifices...to ruin what is beautiful to an enemy is a great worship!"
06* Alicia sighs. "Seira won't be pleased by that."
<Demedais> "Understatement writ large. Though he may just mean Seira's familiar... we can hope." Demedais replies. "Not that that isn't bad enough."
<Kobrb> "That's a large loss." Frowning, "I can surrender my share of the loot. With those losses she'll need it to recover." Antenora speaks up here.
01<Alicia> "A familiar isn't really a belonging," Alicia shakes her head. Glancing back at Antenora, "Although that might cheer her up some."
<Demedais> "We'll decide on that when we get there. No reason to rush that just yet."
<Kobrb> The fourth is then asked! Albert looks to Garag head on, "The Walker came to us as a friend. He understood."
01<Alicia> "That wasn't very helpful. Alright, the situation with Evrai seems most urgent. Unless anyone has any better ideas, we ask who the target is in Evrai and who the assassin is?"
06* Demedais nods. "Sounds ideal."
01<Alicia> "Alright," Alicia nods before reciting her question to the priest. "Ask this: Who did you send to Evrai on your mission of murder and who was their target?"
<Kobrb> "Right." With that, Garag asks jus tthat question! "The time had not yet been right, almost, but not yet. The target was those that would lead them and resist the coming of Shar."
06* Alicia cocks an eyebrow. "To me that sounds like the plot was merely theoretical. I don't think anything had been put into practice before he died."
<Kobrb> At this, Albert falls back into his coffin. Garag looks on, before murmuring words to Kemelvor. "Such horrible words and horrible Goddess invoked. There is no oblivion to fear..." he sighs. "You fool."
01<Alicia> "And how many years did he and his siblings perform their foul worship without anyone catching on?" Alicia asks pointedly. "A warning to Evrai is probably still in order, even if nothing had actually been set in motion. No sense taking chances. Beyond that... think Helm could offer insight, Demedais?" Alicia relaxes slightly into a smile, "I understand He has a soft spot for children."
06* Demedais nods slightly, before shaking his head. "It's still probably a good idea to warn them.
06* Demedais nods. "I will inquire to him regarding the state of Giselle's children."
01<Alicia> "Alright, I think we're done here. You've both been very helpful and earned your pay," Alicia nods to J and Garag in turn.
<Kobrb> "Thanks," J straightens up, "I promise I won't blow all the money on drink and men. Just some of it."
<Demedais> After Demedais has found a quiet room to phrase his spell, he falls into a trance to Helm, before requesting, "Helm, I ask your assistance in resolving this matter; what is the fate, and if possible, the location of Giselle's children?"
03* Kobrb is now known as Kotono
<Kotono> OOC: CL?
<Demedais> OOC: 8.
<Demedais> "..................." Demedais stands and looks to Alicia. "That belt. We. are. BREAKING IT."
<Kotono> Antenora eyes Demedais, "The belt?" she asks quietly. "You mean that...?"
01<Alicia> She still has the belt in her pack from when J used it as a spell prop. "Never really liked it anyway," she affirms, taking it out of her pack without asking further questions.
<Kotono> The belt feels unclean to Alicia's touch. Not even in a dirty-sorta tempting good way like Malcanthet's realm, but a horrible unclean. Like she'll wash her hands forever and never be clean.
<Demedais> "Their souls are trapped within." Demedais states, voice edged. "It isn't possible to break it right now - not in any way that will save them, from what I understand. I will remain vigilant for this. But the belt will not be sold or given away, nor will there be any attempts to purify it. They will be released from there."
01<Alicia> "Breaking it won't release them?" Alicia's eyes widen. "But... what will, then?"
06* Demedais feels his shoulders slump. "I... don't know yet. But I feel I will when I see it."
06* Alicia shudders and puts the belt away. "Gods, I didn't think they could get any more vile... We can't tell Giselle this."
<Kotono> "Absolutely," Antenora agrees. "They're dead. It doesn't make up for what they did, but at least no one can be hurt by them any more. It's a good consolation."
<Demedais> "Agreed." Demedais' voice is almost supremely calm now. "It will not assist the situation."
01<Alicia> "Since... Helm sounds like He has a plan for this, do you want to hold onto the belt?" Alicia offers. She really doesn't like touching it, herself.
<Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods, taking the belt and placing it into his bag.
<Kotono> --------(Dwarf Ko!)------
<Kotono> OOC: Who all is going with J's teleport? Alicia, Deme and...Seira suggested Celebrimbor for easier teleport access later.
01<Alicia> OOC: I can teleport fine, but if Cel wants to come along more power to him
01<Alicia> OOC: I'm really just along for the ride on this one
<Kotono> The three meet with J at the Merc's safehouse. "Alright, I did what needed to be done. But remember - mind your manners. If you offend him this won't go anywhere," she warns. "It'll reflect bad on me too and I'll be in deep trying to fix it up."
03* Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
<Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods.
01<Alicia> "Aren't we planning on forcing him to hand over a probably expensive magic item that he probably paid money for?" Alicia clarifies.
06* Demedais looks to Alicia with a somewhat baffled expression. "First, we have no proof of any wrongdoing, so force shouldn't be a factor at this point. Second, if he did in fact pay money to get this, as is quite likely the case, we may need to enter into a deal between him and the State to get him recompense for the amount he paid."
<Kotono> "Then bring your sweet tongue and words," J says shortly. "Just don't turn this into a fight."
01<Alicia> "Okay," Alicia shrugs, deciding not to mention Seira's comments about dwarf-punching.
<Kotono> "Now then..." Invoking the ring of teleportation, the four are whisked away!
<Kotono> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 52."12 [1d100=52]
<Kotono> The four-some appears atop a rocky vista. You are high up - the air is coola nd thin. Not nearly as bad as the eastern tundra mountains are, but noticable. Ahead of you is a magnificent view of a valley far below, the sun sinking into the horizon. Amid this spray of red and gold, a carved, raised bit of stone is patterned like a table, ancient and weathered. Surrounding it are seven statues of humanoids holding offerings of gold and leaves to t
<Kotono> Surrounding it are seven statues of humanoids holding offerings of gold and leaves to the heavens. Sitting in a wooden chair at this 'table', waiting patiently, is a dwarf. (More)
<Kotono> He sips a shot glass full of a brown-gold liqiud that shimmers in the sunset's rays. He is well built, like a tiny house layered with muscles. He wears earthen colored clothes and a wide brimmed hat. Behind him stand two burly dwarves in full armor, greataxes at their sides.
<Kotono> "Sa'grim?" J steps forward, tones kept respectful as she nods deeply to the dwarf. "Thanks for seeing us on this short notice."
06* Demedais glances to Alicia briefly, before nodding to the dwarf as well.
01<Alicia> Content to let Demedais and J handle the negotiations, Alicia merely checks for evil auras in the vicinity. Can't be too careful with someone that Albert and company felt like dealing with on friendly terms, after all.
<Kotono> He drains his glass in one slow, extended sip, before putting it down with a clatter. "Always good to see you on business, J. How's Serge?"
<Kotono> "Busy." With a momentary flicker of a smile, "This Dem-" she begins.
<Kotono> "Demedais, Alicia, Celebrimbor," he says. "I'm familiar with them."
03* Cidward is now known as Sierra_Naptime
06* Alicia raises an eyebrow. Hearing of her and Demedais is one thing - the Kessian royal family surely blabbed something. But Celebrimbor? He should surely be unknown here. "You're very well informed," she compliments cautiously.
06* Demedais raises an eyebrow slightly, but has a small little patient smile affixed. With a slight nod to Alicia, "Indeed. To have heard of us is something I hadn't been expecting this far away from our home."
<Kotono> "I try. Being caught unawares ruins business opportunities." Gesturing, he motions to other seats at the crude table. "Now then, what matter of business do you want with me? I assume J's just the contact in this case?"
06* Alicia silently takes a seat towards the side.
<Kotono> Celebrimbor watches the dwarf, electing to stay standing, leaning on his magical rod.
<Demedais> "I'm afriad so. We retrieved your name from a source and were thus led to believe you could help us, sir." Demedais confirms respectfully, also taking a seat.
<Kotono> "Yeah," J goes to sit down, "Demedais and Alicia are the ones that want to see you."
<Kotono> "How can I help you, then?" Going on with that, looking at Demedais as he strokes a long, black beard he maintains.
<Demedais> "Some items were taken from a friend of ours - currently unable to be present, sadly." Demedais says simply, looking him over for chaos as he speaks. "We are seeking their retrieval, and believe you have come into possession of at least one of them."
<Kotono> "It is entirely possible," he agrees, "If you have descriptions of them...?"
06* Demedais nods slightly, first describing Seira's pendant, mainly describing the basic function while avoiding getting into its sentimental worth.
<Kotono> "I may have possession of that, yes," he nods slowly.
06* Demedais nods slightly. "As an aside, you are aware of who sold it to you, I presume?"
<Kotono> "I bought it from a trusted source. Who he may have purchased it from, or that person purchased it from is not something I ask," he says quite blandly, as if talking about the weather with his dry words.
06* Alicia starts looking vaguely irritated at all this double-speak, but remains silent and lets Demedais handle things.
06* Demedais inclines his head slightly. "Very well, we shall leave it at that, then. How much did you purchase it for?"
<Kotono> "I purchased it as part of a larger lot of magical items. We traded in both coin and other goods and services. An approximate price would be...25,000 gold."
06* Demedais nods slightly after a few moments. "I see. Of the larger lot of magical items, could you please inform me what was present there?"
<Kotono> "A slightly used wand of invisibility, a vest that auguments precise strikes and stealth, a blessed spellbook, the amulet, and an enchanted bow." Looking up to them at this, "Are you interested in the entire lot?"
06* Demedais inclines his head, a slight musing. "How much was the entire lot purchased for?" he asks after a moment. "I confess that I am not sure that these are all hers, but."
01<Alicia> "Sounds like it, depending on what sort of enchantment is on that bow," Alicia notes quietly.
<Kotono> "Approximately 90,000 gold." Now smiling a little, "If you're interested, yes, perhaps we can come to some sort of arraingment regarding them. I could be willing to sell them at cost."
<Kotono> "That's enough to buy yourself a life and a life for your kid's grandkids." J whistles.
06* Demedais tilts his head slightly. "I am glad to hear that you are willing to sell them at cost. However, the actual discussion of fund transfer may need to occur with two other people present... Still, I am pleased to hear that you would be willing to make this deal. What is the arrangement you are thinking of?"
<Kotono> "Buying them all as one lot." he answers to that, "But tell me, whoa re the other interested paraties?"
<Kotono> *parties.
<Demedais> "The person whom they were stolen from and a party who will be handling payments, either to us in repayment or to you." Demedais replies.
<Kotono> "I have no objections. Bring them here tomorrow at this time and we can begin the relevant details in earnest." Standing at this as the sun sinks into the horizon, night creeping over the view like a cloak, "Good evening to all of you."
06* Demedais nods slightly at this. "I would request at least the bow and amulet be brought; the bow for verification that it is hers, the amulet for verification of ownership. Past that, we shall endeavor to bring both at this time." Demedais stands and bows slightly. "Thank you for your time."
06* Alicia likewise gets up, ready to teleport everyone back to J's safehouse when she's ready.
<Kotono> As the party gets up, returning to each other, "That went well," Jm urmurs. "Who's booting the bill?"
01<Alicia> "Kesse is. They can try asking Albert's corpse what he did with the first 90,000, I suppose," Alicia shrugs. "Everyone ready?"
<Demedais> "Given who stole the equipment? Likely the government, based on what details I heard." Demedais replies. "Seira may be willing to make a deal with them, and worst comes to worst I'll cover most of it and get payment for it later."
<Kotono> "We'll have to talk Andram into it," Celebrimbor murmurs, "If anyone can approve it now, it's him." Meanwhile, J teleports the party back!
<Kotono> roll1 d100
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls d100 and gets 1."12 [d100=1]
<Kotono> roll1 d100 making sure it read that right
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls d100 making sure it read that right and gets 43."12 [d100=43]
<Kotono> OOC: Strike, hurdur. Roll Alicia? Let's goa head and get this moving.
01<Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually?
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually? and gets 52."12 [1d100=52]
01<Alicia> roll 1d20+29
06* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+29 and gets 48."12 [1d20=19]
<Kotono> OOC: How much are you offering to cover, Deme?
<Demedais> OOC: Hold on a sec.
<Kotono> OOC: Sure.
<Demedais> OOC: Put bluntly, how much will they cover?
<Kotono> OOC: The government can cover up to 50k without a huge problem - they have some gold reserves. Any more than that and it's a matter of it cutting into needed funds. War springing up+royal turnovers are a bit costly.
<Demedais> OOC: Demedais will agree to cover the rest, but will subtly make the point that he may be requesting favors at a later point, since it's lower than he had hoped.
<Kotono> OOC: They're happy to exchange coin for favors, yes. Okay then. Do you want Anty or Donald to contribute at all as well? They're willing to take some of the strain off of you.
<Demedais> OOC: Nah, let them use their loot to focus on upgrading their own skills. Better tradeoff.
<Kotono> OOC: Okay. This goes without incident. Deme covers 40k then and also goes GRIMDARK. Loot otpic post coming.
<Kotono> -------(NINJA SUPER KO 9000 OH YES)--
<Kotono> As events wind down, there are still a few that require Seira's attention. One such is several days after hostilities come to a screetching halt. In a quiet, well decorated meeting room in the castle, representatives from Sanaxt arrive. (More)
<Kotono> General Andran and a few aides sit on one side of the table, along with Seira. A guard comes in and announces, "Storm Leader Greelay has arrived," he calls. Who follows his is a wiry, whipslender man with an obvious limp. He uses a cane to help himself, a wooden clatter as he walks forward. A few men in breastplates styled black and green follow him in, one going to pull out a chair for him.
<Kotono> "General," he says as he goes to sit, "Speak. What are your terms and reasons for this?"
<Seira> "I believe that would be my cue?" Seira asks Andram.
<Kotono> "How is your foot, Storm Leader?" With the faintest hint of a barbed smile, "There are more...details to be elaborated on, but in essence this current war was a mistake that needs to be stopped."
<Kotono> With a look to Seira, before a curt look back, "Go on," he says to both of them.
<Seira> "I don't think a mistake is quite the right term to use, here," Seira comments, looking at the Storm Leader as she speaks. "Albert was quite specific about his wishes, both in arranging for his undead followers to slay the leadership of Sanaxt and in trying to utilize that by sending the Kesse army after you.
<Seira> Unfortunately, that doesn't cover all the facts, such as allies of his in that cabal smothering their own father to seize power in Kesse by fell means. It was my hope that by explaining the situation, a more lasting solution than a temporary truce could be found."
<Kotono> Greelay's face turns to utter stone at those words. "A peace can be arrainged. We seek a status quo peace, with return to our previous borders. Under the circumstances we can pretend this never happened."
<Kotono> "We have no objection to this," Andram says with his own control in effect, words as polished and lifeless as a stone. "If we agree on the fundamentals, the rest is simple enough."
06* Seira shrugs. "The public face put on the resolution is out of my hands. But I did want to add that Albert considered Sanaxt, Evrai and the Baronies, a farther land which is I come from, to be filled with heretics in need of domination or eradication.
<Seira> The reason for that was that he had deals formal and under the table with the others. Now that the extent of his vileness had been revealed, it is my hope that those he thought an anathema to his way of life would band together."
<Kotono> With a slight nod to Seira there, "I thank you for your services in eradicating Albert." Storm Leader Greelay says, hands resting on the top of his cane resting before him. "Then if a neutral peace is desired, our scribes and aides can draw one up. The swifter one is established, the better."
03* Sierra_Comatose is now known as Stealth_Sierra
06* Seira nods. "Any chance you would know of this Yann character? Might go under a different name, though I doubt he would bother changing his features as well. Creepy Sharran spy, though I bet he'd keep that hidden, too," Seira asks, giving a description of the man she had received from their captive.
<Kotono> With a slight nod, "The matter will be resolved in due time. I may have an inkling..." Drumming his fingers together, "Are there any other matters to attend to with this?"
<Seira> "I would be a bad servant of Waukeen if I didn't casually extoll the benefits of trade towards building better relations between people and countries atop of the usual pluses," Seira says happily to that opening, "so how about setting up a promenade on a section of your mutual border? Complete with temple, an enormous marketplace, the works.
<Seira> Someone or something has to work on rebuilding the trust of the common man, and who better than Waukeen?"
<Kotono> "No point to it. It'll just be destroyed at the next war." Storm Leader Greelay smiles thinly, "I won't say no if you want to spent the money on it."
<Seira> "Why should there be a next war with one's natural ally? That always surprises me in humans."
<Kotono> "Ally?" Standing up now, "Andram, idealism doesn't suit you or your friends." Storm Leader Greelay begins to walk away. "Educate her, the comedy is not well received."
06* Seira tilts her head. "Is this a bit about only respecting strength? Cause that I can display."
<Kotono> "Don't," Andram speaks up here to Seira. Then to Greelay as he continues to walk, "I assume you have the authority to sign the treaty? We'll do it as soon as one is written out."
06* Seira defers to him, wanting to ask the general a few things in a more private setting.
<Kotono> Once Greelay is gone, "You mean well," he begins, "But we've had dozens of wars over the centuries. You may as well ask angels and demons to lair together."
<Seira> "Hmph. You think where we come from it's all sun and roses? We made it past that... hell, the elves came out of their self-imposed isolation. If they can break millennia-long habits, the human nations could make an attempt, too, can't they?"
<Kotono> Taking a long breath, "By our own admission, our royal family slaughtered theirs and started this war. I'm thankful that he's even taking the peace after that - and I bet the only reason is because that they're in turmoil and discord because of those murders."
<Seira> "And because the more belligerent side will get on my bad side," Seira adds bluntly. "If he has access to halfway decent spies, that might be part of the reason. But it doesn't matter, since I've found what I want to do. Are you particularly attached to the strip of land that constitutes your border with Sanaxt?"
<Kotono> "If you want to establish that temple, you're welcome to." He nods curtly to that, "Reinforcing our defenses to go around south of that part shouldn't be too terribly disruptive, and the trade roads are harder to defend in any event. They're a natural pathway for armies."
<Seira> "I'm thinking of taking it one step farther and establishing an official presence there. On top of providing some very real security, I would like to think it gives Sanaxt pause if to make war with you, they first have to go through us."
<Kotono> "How...large a presence?"
<Seira> "A small garrison. What matters is which flag it would fly, and not its actual strength, after all. Since if it were to fall to an invasion, our response would not be late in coming, and would, of course, be quite overwhelming and disproportionate."
<Kotono> "It won't stop them," he says, "Even at worst, they'll just go around the garrison. The flag of a country that they've never heard of won't cool a head down."
<Seira> "Oh, I'm not naive enough to think there won't be a first attempt. I just have the confidence to state that it would not be followed up on. As for the matter of land to cover, several such small garrisons could be placed across the borders, and a mutual defense pact between our countries would be in place to specify how they would be activated."
<Kotono> "Even if so, can you really man a garrison this far from your kingdom? Are you planning to use mercenaries?"
<Seira> "Mercenaries and a special force that will be created for this purpose," Seira responds. "That we can do so is manifestably true. It would be no different from your farther patrols, except magic would replace horses for troop circulation and carrier pigeons for communication. Establishing the framework on the ground would take time, and that time would be well-used on our side."
<Kotono> "I will consider it," Andram says at last, after a silence of quite a long time. "Such a decision needs not to be made immediately, not before P-Queen Giselle is installed and the situation has solidified."
06* Seira nods. "It would make me pretty happy if you did build a promenade to Waukeen, though. Perhaps even two." She presents him with a handwritten list. "I wish I could call this a bill but that's mean and unhelpful. What it is is a list of my belongings that are still missing, and since Albert might have given some away, I would appreciate your help with recovering those.
<Seira> I didn't write down a total because that always made me sad when I sad down to do it, but even a simple glance should show why I really need that bit of sunshine and happiness I asked for."
<Kotono> "I see," Scanning the list, "From what I recall about magic prices, that is quite a fortune."
<Seira> "I helpfully included the prices, except for that one amulet that was never appraised and, being unique, is likely pricess anyway."
<Kotono> "I'll see what we can do," Andram nods.
<Kotono> -----(Insane Ko!---
<Kotono> Princess Giselle can be found in her room. She sits on her bed plainly, a quiet maid brushing and then braiding her hair. A pair of guards stand just inside the room, which is otherwise quiet as Seira is allowed to enter.
06* Seira waits to be noticed, observing Giselle. She could appear perfectly normal even previously, so the real test might be when she spots Seira.
<Kotono> Giselle's gaze is downward, as if studying the floor as her hair is worked. Her apperance is withdrawn, quiet, regally reserved.
06* Seira takes the first move, then. "I could brush your hair for you, if you'd like," she offers, coming closer.
<Kotono> Giselle looks up at that, "There is no need. Cerella is sufficient." Said maid continues to work, binding her hair up into a manageable set of braids.
<Seira> "It's probably a good call," Seira notes, crossing her hands in front of her chest. "I'm not really versed in the local fashions."
<Kotono> "I hear I am to become Queen," Giselle says after, going to look back down as the maid finishes.
<Seira> "If you want to," Seira agrees. "No one will force you. Leadership is something people should seek rather than being granted, I feel. Do you want to become queen?"
<Kotono> There isn't ar eply immediately. Instead, the maid finishes with her hair and stands, then bows to the Princess before departing. Once she is gone, "I will do what must be done."
<Seira> "This is where I normally would joke," Seira mutters. "Great, and I mean it. I don't think you would be saying it like that unless you've made up your own mind instead of having others's wishes just piled on to you and accepting passively. Do you need anything from me to make things easier?"
<Kotono> "I will be alive," Giselle murmurs. "I will be alive...that is enough."
<Seira> Disturbing, but not overwhelmingly so. Seira chooses to nod curtly. "I've made my proposal to General Andram which I'm hoping would help. Once things calm down enough to properly study it, I'm confident it will get the proper consideration it deserves, since it wasn't made lightly.
<Seira> But that's state business. If you need anything I could help you with, perhaps not now but later down the line, call me. I'll leave an easy way for it, so don't be shy or hold it in when you have someone to talk to. Someone who could come to your aid, and not because you're the queen of a country."
<Kotono> Another small nod there, "I will remember it, Seira."
06* Seira gives Giselle a small smile that isn't forced this time around. "I have to go home, but since you are in charge, I will be back again. I really want to see the country someone who wants to help others from the very bottom of her soul would make."
<Kotono> "I will," Giselle looks up. "Shar won't get me...I have to believe that."
<Seira> "She gave it her best shot, and she failed. Now that you're free and amongst friends who would help you oppose her? Not a chance!"
<Kotono> "Shar won't get me...Shar won't get me," Giselle breathes, one of the guards coming up to Seira. In a whisper, "General Andram requests that you not linger if The Princess gets excited again," he says. "Her composure is critical."
06* Seira nods to him lightly, and heads out of the room, pausing at the doorway to wave at Giselle before leaving.
<Seira> "I finally met my match and almost died, although they clearly failed in that," Seira responds, allowing herself to be easily led to the couch. "I got some time off as a result. A lot of time off. Pretty much indefinitely, in the absense of a major cataclysm back home."
03* Ebiris is now known as Alicia
<Kotono> Sitting down next to her, "I'm glad you're safe." Looking Seira over before blushing a little, "
<Kotono> OOC - GAaaaah.
<Kotono> Sitting down next to her, "I'm glad you're safe." Looking Seira over before blushing a little, "Are you going on your vacation now?"
<Seira> "That really depends on you," Seira responds with a shrug. "I remember how you wanted to go out into the world, and mentioned having some downtime yourself. Going somewhere far away would be nice. Staying here and annoying your relatives by existing also has certain merit, though not nearly as much."
<Kotono> "If you're ready..." Smiling now, smiling even as her hands shake, "Let's go. I can be ready by the morning."
<Seira> "If we sneak out before dawn, we could even achieve both goals," Seira suggests with a smile of her own. "You could leave a note?"
03* Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-69-168.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
<Kotono> "Maybe...maybe." Amaryl squeezes Seira's hand. "I've been training fairly hard like you asked." Her eyes darken a little, "It's hard work even when you get better at it. There hasn't been a point where it breaks and becomes simple, but I'ms till making progress."
<Seira> "Things would get boring if such a point existed. Plus, it doesn't feel right, not working for one's reward." She smiles brighter. "Progress is good, though! We'll probably even put it to the test, since there are lots and lots of bad people and they are overwhelmingly stupid! A mere warning is rarely ever effective."
<Kotono> "Does that mean killing people," Amaryl asks, looking Seira in the eye. "I know there are times when it's acceptable to kill, but sometimes I wonder if I can do it when I need to."
<Seira> "In a war, yes," Seira responds, returning the look. "When negotiations fail, you can't wage war by being nice to the other side. In fact, the best thing to do is end it as swiftly as possible, and that's just not something you can do without striking at the enemy's leaders.
<Seira> With fiendish invasions, the choice is even easier. And with law enforcement... there, it becomes a more difficult choice that depends on the circumstances. It is my belief that if we can contain the criminals by other means, we should try to do so.
<Seira> If not, if we lack these means, then should they escape, their future victims's blood will be on our hands, and we should not allow those people to survive."
<Kotono> "Yes. That sounds like the arguments my philosphy instructor would give me," With a faint smile to that, "There are times when you have to kill, like war. Those rare creatures of pure evil...there's no other choice. But...what is it like to do that, Seira? Does ite ver bother you to have taken another's life?"
<Seira> "There was one time, and though I didn't strike the blow, I share the responsibility fully," Seira responds slowly. "We had several sources all suggesting an inevitable attack on our population by a crazy, reclusive mage. That he was crazy and reclusive was true enough, but the attack was actually planned against a would-be Malmuthian invasion.
<Seira> It would have likely endangered our own forces as well, but still, it bothers me that things went down that way." She frowns. "But inaction in that situation was unacceptable, and I don't believe I was ever involved in another deadly fight that didn't involve a person who truly deserved to die."
<Kotono> "I'm glad," Amaryl murmurs, squeezing Seira's hand again. "Even if it's needed, I don't like having to have blood on anyone's hands."
<Seira> "There are times," Seira tells her quietly, "where people exist that not only deserve to die, but you wish you could have killed them yourself. Or more than once. Terrible people. I hope you'll never come across them."
<Kotono> "Like King Ferdi or his henchmen?" Amaryl says that as she looks up at Seira. "Those sort of horrible people?"
<Seira> "He was plenty horrible, but the only hench -- more of an ally, really -- he had that warranted that was Irenes," Seira says with a grimace. "There're... the omnicidal maniacs that need to be put down like rabid dogs, and then, there are those who go farther, much farther. If you ever have the misfortune of coming across such monsters, you'll know instantly."
<Kotono> A slight nod, Amaryl licking her lips, "You have?" she asks softly. "
<Kotono> A slight nod, Amaryl licking her lips, "You have?" she asks softly. "I hear that demons are like that."
<Seira> "I've yet to see a fiend as vile as some very special mortals, though I'm sure they exist somewhere," Seira says, sounding subdued. "It's... probably a bad topic." She smiles suddenly. "We really should be talking about lighter things, like how I missed you, or how I could visit more often or just stay in touch now that I have both teleportation and sending as part of my usual magical repertoire!"
<Kotono> "That would be nice...though if we're going off on a vacation, we don't need to worry about that right now," Amaryl promises. "You're growing in skill. TEleportation is difficult magic, from what Scion Celebrimbor has said."
<Seira> "One day I'll even manage it without the occasional mistake!" Seira boasts, before coughing. "I mean. Without the occasional diversion Waukeen sends me on."
<Kotono> With a warm laugh, "Is that common for mistakes to happen? Still, if you can travel hundreds of miles in a few seconds...that has to be more than worth it?"
<Seira> "Only happened twice, I swear! You're totally safe traveling with me!"
06* Seira coughs again. "And it's over a thousand miles, now."
<Kotono> "That's even more impressive! Speaking of, that reminds me of what I heard of your victory in the frozen reaches of Lord Kortan's domain. Did you truly defeat a dragon twice, back to back?"
<Seira> "Well, I guess I kinda defeated it once, but really, the honors fall on the others. I did bring down another dragon recently, though! It was very bad and had to die." Seira suddenly seems very shifty. "Celebrimbor was bringing it back as a sort of gift. Any chance you know how that went? I've been kinda worried."
<Kotono> "Oh yes, that." Nodding, "I wasn't there but the Council was discussing it later. King Lorthan says it's a gift for the entire incident with the ring...well, no, but that's what Lord Ambrose said is the case when you read between the lines."
<Seira> "It's not like I needed the subterfuge!" Seira protests. "But Celebrimbor was also involved, and I just had to leave the handling up to him-- and did you just say entire incident with the ring?"
<Kotono> A nod there, "It came out in council while Celebrimbor was gone. There was some discussion about it, but the ring was returned soon after, so it went nowhere."
<Seira> "Umm. What exactly came out?"
<Kotono> "That the ring was lost, but it was recovered, so it's okay." Amaryl says slowly. "Lord Chillander and myself both said it would be fine. Scion Silverleaf was more caustic, but..."
<Seira> "I'm really sorry about that," Seira says sadly. "It's like that saying, no good deed goes unpunished. I only wanted to help a few stranded people...."
<Kotono> "It's fine." Taking Seira's hand again, "You proved myself and Lord Chillander right, so there wasn't any harm."
<Seira> There was plenty of harm, but she's not particularly keen of going there. "If a dragon-shaped apology is enough to smooth everything over, then it's alright. I've been worried about this, and about a lot of other things. That was not a good week for me."
<Kotono> "It was fine. The Council didn't make a big deal about it and King Lorthan looked happy at the end of it."
<Seira> "There is something else you should know," Seira all but blurts out. "There are demons going around spreading lies about me. Like how I'm sending them out or commanding them. The only truth in that is that I once bargained with a balor so I could live long enough to escape him and save my father. Waukeen helped me in the aftermath, but it sounds like he wasn't too pleased about that...."
<Kotono> Blink-blink. Amaryl stops there at the abrupt change of supbject, "Oh. Well. Um." Biting down on her lip, "If we see any demons we can set them straight about it?"
<Seira> "I don't want you to think that I'm... well... someone who sends demons to kill people." Seira shifts, looking uncomfortable. "I was pretty... well, upset wouldn't begin to cover it. And we had the Malmuthian war to worry about. So I didn't really advertise it.
<Seira> But in the end, some of my friends ended up hearing about this from the demons who put their spin on things. And when I think that you might end up finding out like that... I don't want that."
<Kotono> "Seira, I don't think you'd summon demons." Putting her hands on her hips, "That's just...stupid and silly!"
<Seira> "I... I guess it is, isn't it? I could, you know! But I won't."
<Kotono> "Alright." Smiling now, "That's like the equivalent of malicious gossip and ruining your reputation on a grand scale, isn't it? Nothing else?"
<Seira> "That's what it seems," Seira agrees. "It was timed for when I mysteriously disappeared, and I can't help but wonder if that was planned. Probably not, and just bad luck overall. I always thought it would take something pretty powerful or a numerous force to really bring me down, and I still do. That sort of demons wouldn't be able to achieve it."
<Kotono> "Good!" Brightening with a smile, "Seira, were are we going exactly?"
<Seira> "You're going to decide." Seira smiles back fondly. "But I was going to propose Malmuth for a start. Things are still bad there, and there would be plenty of chances to right wrongs and help out. At the same time, we could see for ourselves if Queen Tant is managing it well, or if she's getting overwhelmed by the treasonous elements within. And I've been meaning to travel more through that land.
<Seira> After that? Demedais and I have been wishing to visit our capital at last for... has it been months, already? We might do that, too."
<Kotono> "Those are fine!" Amaryl smiles warmly there, "I'm more than happy to follow you there."
<Seira> "They seem to really hate me in those parts, so I'll use these full time," Seira says, tapping her right earring. "People expect to see the dragon me, so even though I look pretty much the same where it counts, no one really connects the two appearances. Kinda weird, but I guess that's how people are."
<Kotono> "People expect tos ee a well dressed elf surrounded by wealth and honor when they think of Lady Gaial, not a woman travelling in human lands..." Amaryl murmurs. "That's how it'll go as well, won't it?"
<Seira> "Probably," Seira agrees. "We could masquerade as humans, if you want to. You would make a pretty human woman and no amount of cheap clothing is going to hide that, though."
<Kotono> Another blush colors Amaryl's cheeks, "Thank you," she says.
<Seira> "For saying the truth? Any time!"
<Kotono> Reaching over to hug Seira, "We'll see the world, have adventures and come home safely in the end?" she asks, whispering to her.
03* emotoro-WAHLOOKATME-slp is now known as emotoroWAHLOOKATMEblah
<Seira> "That's the plan," Seira says, easing into the hug with a contented sigh. "There's a lot of the world to see, Amaryl, much more than any of us ever expected. And I want to see it all with you one day."
03* emotoroWAHLOOKATMEblah is now known as TOROTOROTOROKO
<Kotono> "I can't wait," Amaryl says fondly. OOC - Seira, are you good with skipping ahead now? Also, if so, was there anything you wanted to do in Pallanth before you guys leave in the morning?
<Seira> OOC: Nothing I need to do IC. I assume she's on break, basically?
<Kotono> OOC: Basically.
<Seira> OOC: Let's go, then. Human template go?
<Kotono> OOC: Okay.
<Kotono> --------------------(Arrow Ko)--
<Kotono> The next morning starts early, well before dawn. The two meet under the cover of night, the Gaial estate nearly silent. Amaryl stands before Seira, wearing a finely polished chain shirt, a quiver of bows on her back and a longbow over them. A plain gray cloak covers her shoulders as she shifts, the clink of glass bottles coming from a bag tied to her side. "So...how do I look?"
<Seira> "I was right. You still look pretty," Seira returns, eyeing the chainshirt appreciatively. "But I think it's missing something." She fishes around her pack, before offering an amulet to Amaryl. "Our, well, our family is pretty young since Dad's an orphan and everything, but if we had stuff like heirlooms, this would be it. I think it'd look great on you. If you want it. It's okay if you don't."
<Kotono> Looking over the amulet, Amaryl takes it in her hand. "I like it...is it magic?" Peering down at it, "What does it do?"
<Seira> "It uses the power of bad dragons to keep you safe! There was that one that used all sorts of shadowy stuff, and one that really liked lightning... and now, so could you! But in a good way."
<Kotono> Slowly draping it around her neck, "Thank you, Seira," she embraces her briefly, "I'll tell you how much I like it once we're gone from the Citadel. How fast and quietly can be leave here?"
<Seira> "Unless your house recently acquired wards against dimensional travel, and I mean within the last few hours, we can leave right now. My ring should take us far enough, and it's pretty quiet!"
<Kotono> "Let's go," Taking Seira's hand quickly, "Let's go far away and not worry about anything in Pallanth, Seira."
06* Seira adjusts her disguise to appear as she would have, having been born a human, and thinks about Valandia, the next best thing to Malmuth. "One day you'll trust me enough to share those worries," she says, activating the ring.
<Seira> roll 1d100
05-betamax.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03* Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
<Seira> roll 1d100
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 26."12 [1d100=26]
<Kotono> OOC: Where in Valandia?
06* Seira pictures an area next to the summer home Claris promised for her.
<Kotono> Under the blanket of late night, Seira and Amaryl appear! Ferdi's palace in Valandia is quiet - a few guards are about at the door in the distance, but nothing is awry otherwise. To a glance in the darkness, this part of Valandia is asleep until dawn's first light.
<Seira> "I don't believe the Waukeen temple here is anywhere near completion," Seira says sadly, "but there are caravans going to and from Malmuth all the time. We could just join one of them. Want to go look around as the city wakes up in the meantime?"
<Kotono> "Sure," Amaryl says cheerfully, taking Seira's hand in her own still. "Can you show me aroudn the city...it's so different from the Citadel or other elven cities. It looks different, smells different...there's so few trees, just like Balmuria."
<Seira> "Of course I can!" Seira agrees readily. She had been there before, which is as good as knowing all the good spots to visit. "Let's start with a tour to the temple of Lathander, because they'll be the first ones up, and given Claris goes there it's the most impressive temple here. Until ours gets built!"
<Kotono> Valandia is well patrolled, that much is obvious. Regiments of guards walk the streets, though Seira's words and identity are enough to deflect any stoppages. You reach the Temple of Lathander just before dawn. It's doors are closed for now, two white robed priests standing and peering at the horizon intently, waiting.
<Seira> "Let's wait and see what happens?" Seira suggests to Amaryl. "I've never actually seen it for myself before."
<Kotono> As the two hang back, the two robed priests wait. As the night begins to fade, they stare ever more intently at the horizon! As dawn approaches, they abruptly move! With swift actions they open the door to the temple! It's timed flawlessly, opening just as a ray of sunshine peeks up over the night sky's end. The light spills into the temple inside, a large, golden sun engraved into the floor. It catches the light there, glowing like a secondary
<Kotono> It catches the light there, glowing like a secondary sun coming to life. Music begins to play from within, a melody of awakening and growth from a flute.
<Kotono> Amaryl watches it raptly, smiling by the end. "How pretty!" she stares at the sun coming to life.
<Seira> "Very nice," Seira agrees. "They should charge admission."
<Kotono> One of the door openers smiles, a young man who sighs as the sunlight becomes to rise from the night. "That would be heresy. Lathander gives his gifts of renewal to all that ask. Dawnbringer Claris will be intoning the morning sermon, if you'd like to attend."
06* Seira glances at Amaryl. "He's pretty cool. Wanna come in and take a look?"
<Kotono> "Yes! It sounds fun." Amaryl looks inside, peering. You can see stained glass windows of fine construction, showing scenes of the sun rising and a youthful man holding a baby in his hands up to the sun's light.
<Seira> "Then it's settled!" Seira agrees. "Maybe Claris would point us in the right direction afterwards, too, so we'll have time to tour the rest of the city without worrying about a caravan contract."
<Kotono> Thus the two come inside. Inside has no pews or chairs or anything. It's all open space around the sun and a single altar of wood, the scent of the morning air ciruclating in. Within minutes the room is as well lit as noon, people starting to file in. Mostly lay people, some waiting, while others are talking amid themselves. A pair are even discussing something and signing some papers.
06* Seira finds a spot in what passes for the first row. It has to have the best view!
<Kotono> Within ten minutes the church is filled. Coming from the back is Claris, wearing robes of white and gold, carrying a single vibrantly red rose in one hand and a holy symbol of Lathander in another. He places both down on the altar and clears his throat. Silence sweeps over the hall as he looks about, gaze lingering on Seira for a little time.
06* Seira gives him a little nod when he looks her way, smiling.
<Kotono> "Another day has come, the promise of renewal realised for all. Today, I'd like to talk about the renewal of Valandia. It has been some time since the end of the war." There's some light murmurs there, an undercurrent that drowns back down once Claris pauses a few moments. "When things look the darkest, like the time just before the dawn, it is easy to lose hope. Valandia had lost much at the end of the war. Many of our friends gave their lives
<Kotono> Valandia had lost much at the end of the war. Many of our friends gave their lives in defense of the city, or in the seige aftewards with the loyalist forces of General Olburt." (More)
<Kotono> "It was a time when many despaired, when the dawn looked as if it would never come." He pause shere, looking over the gathered worshippers. "Yet today, I bring this to you - Valandia has reached that dawn. The scars of war have begin to heal and vanish. Prosperity has begun to return, trade and bounty restoring what was lost. The walls are repaired, the buildings restored. While nothing can bring back those who have left our company, new lives
<Kotono> While nothing can bring back those who have left our company, new lives are born every day in Valandia." (More)
<Kotono> "In this morning light, I ask you to ponder and see how our fair city rebuilds and is rewened. In this promise the light of Lanthander willl eternally blossom. No matter the darkness that comes over us, there will always be another dawn. So it is written by the hand of Lathander and so it shall be forever more." After, there is clapping from the assembled.
06* Seira claps herself in approval. "I've been worrying about this," she whispers to Amaryl. "If Valandia was going to recover any time soon. Hearing Claris talk, it sounds like we're on the right track."
<Kotono> "It was uplifting," Amaryl whispers back as she joins in the clapping. Claris steps away from the altar, a short nod to Seira as he approaches. "It's good to see you. We can talk in length within the hour in private quarters, but for now, my duties call to the faithful."
<Seira> "Sure thing," Seira agrees, keeping her voice low. "I'll stop by in an hour or so, then? We can do introductions properly then, too."
<Kotono> "You can stay here if you want, I won't be on official duties until af ew hours into the morning," he says back. "Meet me here and ask one of the priests to take you back, or meet me at work."
06* Seira nods, turning towards Amaryl as Claris moves on to the faithful. "Back when Valandia joined the Baronies, there was a lot of bad blood towards us. But the worst part were the lies and rumors, most of them having to do with King Ferdi. You sometimes have to fight fire with fire, so I arranged for our own propaganda to counter theirs.
<Seira> It isn't too early in the morning to go and check up on that, if you'd like."
<Kotono> "It's not open yet," Glancing back, "It doesn't open for an hour or two, but I can have that waived if you'd like a tour." Claris says. "You'll have it all to yourselves.":
<Seira> "How about it?" Seira suggests. "A private tour sounds fun, too!"
<Kotono> "Sure," Amaryl smiles a little to Claris, "Thank you very much."
<Seira> "Thanks!" Seira echoes her.
<Kotono> "Let's go then," Amaryl says brightly, "I want to see what this is now."
06* Seira is quite excited herself to see the show!
<Kotono> The trip in the early morning is without incident. People are rising and going to work in Valandia, a backdrop as they arrive at Ferdi's old palace. M uch of the damage has been restored. at least from the outside. A set of guards stay at the front door, parting to let the two in. One eyes Seira long, "The bulk of it's up the stairs and in the repaired room. I think you know the way."
06* Seira does, as a matter of fact. She nods in thanks, and leads the way up. It's strange, but she hadn't been back ever since that day. And she didn't think herself especially prone to nostalgia, too.
<Kotono> The door inside lead to the front stair. The side passages are cordoned off with rope, making it essentially a one way path. An engraved plaque has been placed on a small stone pedestool next to the stairs.
<Seira> That certainly looks like a nice touch. Seira pauses before the plaque to read it.
<Kotono> In Common it reads the following: Ahead lies the pride of one man and the ruination of a country. Ponder well the follies of pride and the downfalls it leads even mighty men to.
06* Seira reads it aloud, finding herself nodding to the words. "I do hope it doesn't make me a hypocrite to agree," she mentions to Amaryl, "since I'm not quite at that stage I'm willing to let go of my own pride. But hey, it hasn't lead my nation to ruin yet, right?"
<Kotono> "Right," Amaryl smiles to Seira, starting to walk up the stairs, "I gathered this is where you defeated King Ferdi?"
<Seira> "His final moments were pretty funny," Seira responds with a smile of her own. "But still, what a waste. We all went out of our way to accomodate him, and he just struck at us for no reason that could be considered good. If we hadn't done this, how many soldiers would have lost their lives? And how many of our citizens, from their idiotic firebombing runs?
<Seira> And the Valandia siege... we caved in again to outside pressure, because Queen Tant wanted to make a point. I wonder how many could've been saved had we just taken down Olburt ourselves."
<Kotono> "There's a saying Lord Ambrose taught me...that politics are about compromising while still doing what's right," Amaryl murmurs as they crest the top of the stairs, the door leading into Ferdi's old improptu throne room ahead.
<Kotono> "I don't know how true it is, but...which is more important? That sounds llike what you're getting at."
<Seira> "I think that's true," Seira agrees. "And it certainly gives us a good result in the end. But sometimes, I wonder. What if things could be different? Better? I think... I think that one day, I will be powerful enough to see if I could make a change in the entire way this game of politics is played."
<Kotono> "I don't know..." Amaryl murmurs, "That's a lot to do. Lord Silverleaf...he didn't say it to me, but it stuck anyway. 'Politics only reinforces our base nature.' Can that really be changed?"
<Seira> "I think it can be," Seira states with the utmost conviction. "That's what I'm trying to do when I'm spreading Waukeen's word. If one's nature could not be changed, then I'm plainly wasting my time. But I've seen too much to believe that. Plus... we're all given a choice the outsiders lack, aren't we?
<Seira> The ability to decide right from wrong, to choose our path in life? We're not devils, or angels, or animated clockwork golems from Mechanus. We have our will. If that's so, it's just a matter of showing people a better way of life."
<Kotono> Amaryl nods you come up to the door. She's quiet for a little while, then, "The ones that choose not to listen...they're the enemies and the horrible men?"
<Seira> "The ones who choose not to listen are the stupid ones, really," Seira responds. "It's those that weigh everything and choose the wrong path that are inevitably our enemies, more often than not."
<Kotono> "Yes." Amaryl merely nods to that, then, "Shall we go in?"
<Seira> With a curt nod, Seira pushes the door open.
<Kotono> As you enter inside, magic is woven! Images form in the air! Here you can see King Ferdi, General Olburt, Alicia, Seira, Claris and Demedais! It's more or less like that confrontation is unfolding again, albiet with slightly exagerrated lines.
<Seira> Ferdi's guard was clearly edited out to refocus the scene into what must amount to a battle of ideas between their sides, with Ferdi's fate being sealed in the end. Seira approves of the change, observing the reenactment and Amaryl's reaction to it.
<Kotono> Everyone is quite wordy - it's a descontrution of Ferdi's ideas, with the king's arguments being rebutted with good arguments. As it unfolds, "You look so majestic..." Amaryl gushes.
06* Seira barely stops herself from laughing. But cheesy or not, this had to have been effective in helping turn the mood of the populace and, perhaps, even trickled back to Malmuth proper to counter the old guard's lies. She has trouble believing Claris would've allowed it to proceed otherwise.
03* taisick is now known as taisicker
<Kotono> Then the battle begins! It's an epic one, with Ferdi and Olburt slowly losing! They're outmatched but fight hard, until at a dramatic point, the dragon comes! The ceiling seems to vanish, the vast golden wyrm seen above! It roars as it passed judgment on the corrupt regime!
06* Seira cheers!
<Kotono> Amaryl watches as the dragon obliterates Ferdi into ash! As it finishes, "How lovely! It was like watching a real event!"
<Seira> "Yes! The dragon was the best part!" she comments brightly. "He was a bit longwinded and stuffy, but that's okay because he set Ferdi on fire until he died from it!"
<Kotono> As the images fade, you see that there are several plaques on the throne and walls now. Amaryl steps forward, "It must have been a difficult battle."
<Seira> "And as all truly difficult battles, it was very brief," Seira murmurs, going to the plaque on the wall to her right, intending on circling the room to read them all in order. "Ferdi cheated. You don't really see it here, but in a single move he took most of us out before we even had a chance to strike.
<Seira> He wasn't very thorough, however, and even while not in our right minds, we were capable of bringing him down. That was his mistake, I suppose."
<Kotono> "You were still impressive," Amaryl says as her face splits with a smile, "It was inspired to make that. Surely it's shown many about the truth of the matter?"
<Seira> "I hope so!" Seira agrees, smiling back. "It's a step in the right direction."
<Kotono> "Shall we go see Claris now?" Amaryl asks, "He seemed like a nice man. You fought with him here?"
<Seira> "Yes," Seira affirms, starting to head back downstairs. "It made him question his faith, facing a man he thought highly of, a monarch he once swore allegience to. We fought together in the desert wasteland, too, against demons and the forces of Irenes. Claris is one of a select few I trust without question."
<Kotono> The plaques have more details and lessons about King Ferdi's crimes. Interesting stuff, though Seira's familiar with it on a firsthand basis already.
06* Seira is curious whether there is a journal of some sort where the visitors could leave their impressions. If certain questions, doubts or counter-claims exist, it might be prudent to adjust the presentation to address them.
<Kotono> No such luck there, as far as Siera can see.
<Seira> Then that would have to be her suggestion for improvement, when she sees Claris. And Seira sees no reason to delay the reunion any further.
<Kotono> <Seira> Then that would have to be her suggestion for improvement, when she sees Claris. And Seira sees no reason to delay the reunion any further.
<Kotono> Atop the third floor of the Temple of Lathander, there is a wide open glass view to the east and west. It lets in the gushing morning sunlight over a personal office. Here Claris sits at a table near the window, eating breakfast and looking out as the sun begins to ascend into the sky.
<Seira> "We're back!" Seira announces brightly, stepping over to Claris's table. "Thanks for the pass, having the place for ourselves was great!"
<Kotono> "Help yourself to the morning bread if you're hungry," Claris gestures easily as Amaryl follows Seira. "I'mg lad you liked it. Opinions on it vary quite sharply."
<Seira> "It's a bit overdone, to be honest," Seira admits, waiting for Amaryl to sit down before taking a seat next to her. "But it's a really good step in the right direction. In fact, I was thinking we should keep a scribe to note down all those opinions so that we could improve the presentation even further."
<Kotono> "We erred on the side of being direct," Claris agrees as he eats his breakfast. "In all truth, it may win the undecides, but the true loyalists aren't going to be budged. At least the openly militant ones have nearly ran their course."
<Kotono> Smiling as she takes a few small tears of bread, "I heard there were quiet problems with partisans on occasion?"
<Seira> "It was never really going to erode the loyalists, but it might make them quieter and less effective if their arguments could be countered by everyone," Seira notes.
<Kotono> "They whisper it's lies and propaganda. But yes, there were partisan problems but they're fading. There's no evidence of Malmuth supporting them that we've found, which is a blessing unto itself."
<Seira> "They probably don't want to give us another barony," Seira states rather bluntly. "That aside!" She turns towards Amaryl. "I don't believe you've ever been formally introduced, right?"
<Kotono> Rising up, "Dawnbringer, I am Amaryl Gaial, of House Gaial," she makes a delicate curtesy, "I'm honored to meet you."
<Kotono> Claris smiles, "Claris, govenor of the Barony of Valandia," He nods back to her, "That's enough formality."
<Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees. "Claris is a really great priest. He kicks much evil ass."
<Kotono> "That's...a way of putting it. Though I punish paperworks and governing more now," As he eats a bit of buttered bread, "How has your end of things been, Seira?"
<Seira> "Pretty horrible. Thus my vacation." Seira frowns. "Although that's not quite right, either. I was going to go on vacation anyway."
<Kotono> "I've heard murmurings here and there about problems with outsiders and devils. Nothing concrete...I don't get all that much gossip from Balmuria." With a certain wry amusement as he eats, "At least not about those matters."
<Seira> "If you really want to stay up to date on the gossip, I could arrange it," Seira offers. "If you mean you're actually not getting informed on our moves, then that's pretty horrible and you can be damn sure I'll arrange for a change in policy."
<Kotono> "It's fine." Claris shakes his head, "Between my duties here and Valandia, I hardly hav etime to invest myself in Balmuria's going ons. But do go on if you wish."
<Seira> "Since some of our actions must affect Valandia, I'll work on this once I return," Seira promises. "Hell, we're even informing our allies! It's downright uncivil to keep a governor on our Malmuthian border in the dark."
<Kotono> With an ever so slight smile, "If you're bend on it, a few quiet word to my aides would be most effective, I think. They're admirably dedicated to their duty, to the point of being cloying in certain matters, such as this."
06* Seira blinks. "They're fat?"
<Kotono> Claris simply blinks at that. "What?"
<Seira> "Cloying, you said?"
<Kotono> "Nevermind," Claris shakes his head. "So you're going to vacation? Where are you going?"
<Seira> "Malmuth," Seira responds with a glance at Amaryl. "We're sorta going in disguise. What do you think? Is it a good disguise?"
<Kotono> "Good enough. Can you adjust it in case someone makes a connection or gets lucky?" Pushing away his cleaned plate now, "Even if Queen Tant is friendly, I doubt all of Malmuth will be."
<Seira> "Do we need papers to go there? Legally, I mean?"
<Kotono> "No. I can arrainge for an easier border crossing, though. You shouldn't have any problems with that."
<Kotono> As Amaryl nibbles on bread, "I-I have a question about this," she murmurs.
06* Seira pauses as she's about to thank Claris. "What is it?" she asks, giving Amaryl her attention.
<Kotono> "I heard all about how humans are too barbaric to unite as one race. Well, in my studies as a child, that is." Putting aside the little nibbles of bread, "You two talk about it like it's accepted and normal in your eyes. Borders, papers, wars...why? All of the humans I've met here or in Balmuria don't seem barbaric in word."
<Seira> "We have good rulers. Some of this is due to leading by example, some of that trickling down," Seira responds. "I'm not really sure why it's barbaric to have borders. It's the same thing as how our baronies are banded together under a single banner, but are pretty autonomous in most things, just on a bigger scale."
06* Seira considers the situation in Pallanth, which might be easier for Amaryl to understand, before adding, "You have land, right? Lots of it? And you respect Sir Ambrose, agreeing with him on many things. But does it mean you would hand over your land to him if he asked?"
<Kotono> "No, but he's not the King. I understand the point, still," Smiling a little to Seira, "I think I do."
06* Seira smiles back. "It's just one answer! I bet others would have their own. Maybe we could ask as we travel?"
<Kotono> "That would be fun to find out," Amaryl smiles right back, thinking. "I'd love to find out."
<Kotono> OOC: Skip ahead?
<Seira> OOC: Sure
<Kotono> OOC: How far ahead do you wanan go?
<Seira> OOC: We would like to go with some caravan to the nearest Malmuthian town, so until something happens. Something doesn't have to mean combat, either.
02* Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-183-113-254.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03* Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-183-113-254.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
03* ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
03* taisick is now known as tai-cls-woomphwoomphwoomph
<Kotono> The trip to the Malmuthian border is without incident. The countryside is quiet and normal enough in the cooling fall breeze. Without much in the way of the ocean to moderate it, it feels chillier down here, winds from the northeast bringing light shivers. Nonetheless you travel on. The caravan you go with is pretty unremarkable - a bunch of traders stationed in Valandia, who go as far as Purinn to Arad depending on how business takes them. The
<Kotono> who go as far as Purinn to Arad depending on how business takes them. They're not much for talking, though. (More)
<Kotono> On the third night travelling, as the caravan breaks for the night, "Seira," Amaryl slides close to her, "I think some game would compliment the trail rations tonight, don't you think so?"
06* Seira freezes. "Well... yes," she agrees with a wince. "Umm. Remember how I'm bad with letters and stuff? I'm also kinda bad with games like that, so you'll have to teach me."
<Kotono> "You don't know how to hunt?" Amaryl blinks. "Oh, well, I suppose it's easy when you can just magic up food."
<Seira> "Oh!" Seira exclaims. "That sort of game!" She looks abashed. "And actually, no, I don't really know how to do that, either. I'm pretty horrible at the whole survivalist deal. Hence me always traveling with a group or a guide?"
<Kotono> "What did you think I meant, then?"A maryl blushes at that, "But..um...I can teach you! You know how to shoot a bow and have a lot of experience fighting, don't you?"
<Seira> "I'm out of practice but I don't have to keep on practicing to put an arrow through game," Seira confirms, nodding. "And I was thinking... you know, games? Campfire stories? Ghost stories? Dancing, maybe?" She looks uncomfortable. "See, I read about this stuff! But I never got to do it. I don't know how normal people travel and keep entertained."
<Kotono> "Maybe after we have dinner?" Amaryl suggests, "That's what bards are for, but maybe we can wing it?"
<Seira> "I can fake being a bard," Seira agrees. "I spend enough time around one and everything."
<Kotono> "Really? Can you sing?" Amaryl asks, blushing a little, "Can you?"
<Seira> "I'm somewhat proud of my voice," Seira confides in her. "But it feels like people in my position aren't expected to do that, so I don't, usually."
<Kotono> Taking Seira's hand as he cheeks color darkly in the fading sunlight, "Why don't you sing as we go out to find some game, then?"
06* Seira can't help but think it incredibly cute, and finds her resistance crumbling. "Well, alright," she concedes, ducking her head. "An elven song is alright, isn't it?" Without waiting for an answer, Seira begins singing the lyrics to Whisper of a Flower.
<Kotono> OOC: Make a performance(singing) check?
<Seira> OOC: I'm fine with 10 for 20? I rarely go out of my way on skills.
<Kotono> As you walk into the fading day, Seira's song fills the air! Amaryl listens ot it and by the end claps. "Oh, that's good," she says, "You have a good voice, Seira! You should've become a bard!"
<Seira> "It's really the song, not me," Seira responds. "It's melancholic, but strangely uplifting at the same time. And it's quiet, but without lulling you to sleep. Something about it draws you out."
<Kotono> "I really liked it. Do you know any others like that?" As dusk falls on the plains, Amaryl's eyes are sweeping about.
05-atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03* Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
<Seira> "I know all sorts, but I've only ever really sang children's songs before, so it might not be the same without some practice," Seira admits. "I do know of a song with a more powerful impact! It feels like it drives you onwards-- I think that without the accompanying music it won't really be the same, but there's only one way to find out."
<Seira> And no better time to do that than now!
<Seira> roll 1d20+10
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
<Seira> roll 3d6
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d6 and gets 15."12 [3d6=6, 4, 5]
<Kotono> This time Seira hits it way out of the park! She sings like she's never sung before! Amaryl stops and listens, her scanning for possible prey coming to an abrupt stop! "Oh...oh..."
<Seira> "It's, well, it's about a chance meeting turning into destiny," Seira starts to babble as soon as the song fades away. "And gazing, and letting go if I have to, but really wanting to hold someone with both hands, and a loneliness otherwise, and about dreams...."
<Kotono> "Oh..." Amaryl's eyes sparkle as she stares right ahead at Seira. "That was so gorgeous...I..."
<Seira> "You're the inspiration," Seira blurts out. "Because it was for you."
<Kotono> Glomp. Seira finds Amaryl hugging her tightly, wordless but pressed against her.
<Seira> That means she liked it, Seira thinks, but finds herself at a loss for words. Maybe singing more often would be a good idea.
<Kotono> She stays this way for a little while, before turning fire red and breaking away. "Oh! I nearly forgot about hunting!"
<Seira> "It was worth it," Seira voices.
<Kotono> "Yes..." Blushing hotter again, "That song was so...so...Seira." Taking a moment, "Do you know any romantic songs at all?"
<Seira> "Not from start to finish," Seira says regretfully. "I mean. Not something bards would call a romantic ballad. I know a few verses here and there. But I could learn, if you'd like."
<Kotono> "That would be...good." Her blush turns hotter, and abruptly Amaryl turns away. "Yes...yes...but let's fine some game a-already?"
<Seira> "Let's," Seira agrees, drawing her bow. "It's your show from here, Amaryl," she says warmly.
<Kotono> OOC - Spot checks both of you then?
<Seira> roll 1d20+9
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 30."12 [1d20=16]
<Kotono> Seira has no luck, but after about ten minutes Amaryl stops. "Shhh, there's a few rabbits low onthe ground, about 70 feet away," she whispers, "A pair or three of them would suffice."
06* Seira has no problems whatsoever with following Amaryl's lead, waiting for her to point them out clearly and prepare herself. Surely, her eyes would not fail her then!
<Kotono> OOC: Move silent checks, both of you?
<Kotono> roll 1d20+20
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 35."12 [1d20=15]
<Seira> roll 1d20+24
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 and gets 41."12 [1d20=17]
<Kotono> The two creep forward with ease, a clutch of four rabbits within sight! Amaryl carefully draws her bow! "Ready?"
<Seira> Her bow already drawn, all that's left is for Seira to notch an arrow and give Amaryl a cocky grin and a nod.
<Kotono> "On three...one...two...three!" Amaryl quickly fires an arrow that splits into two!
<Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
<Kotono> roll 2d8+2
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+2 and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 3]
<Seira> roll 1d20+16 whee~
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 whee~ and gets 25."12 [1d20=9]
<Seira> roll 1d8+1+5d6 splat
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1+5d6 splat and gets 24."12 [1d8=7][5d6=4, 3, 2, 1, 6]
<Kotono> Two rabibts are impaled by arrows! Both are slain instantly, the other twor unning off. "That should be enough," Amaryl murmurs, and then, "See? It's simple enough. Rabbits are a small target but if you catch them by surprise they're easy prey."
06* Seira nods. "I would've just used magic on them, which is overkill. This was more fun!"
<Kotono> Hurrying over, "I practiced on rabbits when I was training." Going to check thet wo over, "They're good practice."
06* Seira catches up at a more sedate pace, stowing the bow away. "Did you have to practice on your own, or you managed to find some help?"
<Kotono> "I found some help," Kneeling as she starts to work the rabbits, "I was able to get some and spend plenty of time with him...Sir Ambrose helped me." A faint pause here, Amaryl looking down at them. "It worked out okay."
<Seira> Ambrose seemed like a pretty okay guy but Seira can't help but hate him a little. "You know how you can have two conflicting emotions at the same time?" Seira says, kneeling by Amaryl to help out however she can. "I'm really happy for you, but I'm also pretty jealous. The worst part is that it's not really rational at all, too, and I know it."
<Kotono> "Really?" Amaryl blinks there, "...oh, you mean...?"
<Seira> "He's pretty great all around, and you spend most of your time with him," Seira says with a shrug. "You know? That's really the worst part. I sometimes wish I had some reason to dislike him!"
<Kotono> "Oh." AMaryl turns really bright, "Seira, I...don't worry about Sir Ambrose, alright? I mean, just....Well...I'm here with you. I don't want to go back to Pallanth anytime soon. Let's not worry about any of that."
<Seira> "I'm running out of things to worry about," Seira grumbles good-naturedly. "Okay. I just. There are things, not a lot of things, but there are things I lack confidence in. That's all. But the longer I'm with you, the less I let them bother me." She throws her hands up in annoyance. "Oh, I must be explaining it badly!"
<Kotono> <Seira> "I'm running out of things to worry about," Seira grumbles good-naturedly. "Okay. I just. There are things, not a lot of things, but there are things I lack confidence in. That's all. But the longer I'm with you, the less I let them bother me." She throws her hands up in annoyance. "Oh, I must be explaining it badly!"
<Kotono> "A-a little," Still colored q uite red, "L-let's just take these back to camp now? I'm getting hungry."
<Seira> "A camp is good," Seira agrees, accepting the change of topic. It's the best she can do until she can find the right words to express herself, anyway. "So how is it so far, just traveling like that?"
<Kotono> "My feet hurt," Amaryl gathers up the rabbits, "All the walking and riding leaves me sore." Making a face at that, "I didn't imagine that part at all."
<Seira> "I can help with that!" Seira offers. "Even without magic! This happens to be one of my skills."
<Kotono> "Can you?" As you start to walk back into the dawning night, "I'm getting blisters on my feet."
06* Seira grins. "Sure! That's a promise."
<Kotono> Thus the night and then the next day continues on. Soon the Malmuthian border is passed without incident, the caravan being waved through without any overt difficulties. Once you pass through, Amaryl lingers towards Seira. "You wanted to visit the first town past the border, didn'tyou?"
<Seira> "See the mood, check if there's anything they need, learn more about what's going on in the rest of the country," Seira agrees. "These things always take time, unless you take unethical shortcuts, since you can't just show up in Queen Tant's throne room and demand to know what plagues her country."
<Kotono> "I heard there was one a few hours from here. The caravan master said it's called Perseph. Shall we," Starting to continue along, "We'll make it there by noon hopefully."
06* Seira nods. "I've never been there, so it sounds perfect. I do hope they treat random visitors better than they did me last time I was in Malmuth, though."
<Kotono> "Really? What happened?" As you travel under the cloudy sky, a chilly wind gusting in from the northeast, Amaryl shivers.
03* Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06* Seira comes a bit closer, sharing her cloak with Amaryl. "I came across two soldiers who were extremely rude, and I was... in a really bad state. They were lucky that I kept my cool, and the sad part is that they did not even realize it until I've left.
<Seira> I really hope my troops aren't like that when I'm out of earshot, all filled with anger to the point it blinds them to their duties and the best interests of their country."
<Kotono> Huddling into the cloak for warmth, "Did you do anything to anger them, or was it because of the war?"
<Seira> "The war, really," Seira says, frowning, "but it seems the anger was there even before it. It's funny, how I came to represent the secession of the Baronies from the Empire, even though I was nowhere near the human lands at that time."
<Kotono> "Maybe you're just covinent, being a big symbol of the Baronies in the last war?" Amaryl hazards, "It's not really fair."
<Seira> "Better me than someone else, then," Seira says with a shrug. "But just for a while, I'm taking a vacation from that me."
<Kotono> With that, the two continue on! Perseph is a moderately sized village clustered around a small lake and hill. Trade roads connect to it, caravans passing through on the way to Purinn or perhaps taking the long way towards Tauret. The buildings are sturdy ones, many of them looking older.
<Seira> Purinn, Tauret... Seira doesn't really have a preference for their next destination, and decides to just see where the road takes them. "We could try to find an inn and listen to all sorts of exciting rumors before staying for the night," she offers. "Sounds good?"
<Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl agrees to that. Your travels take you to a well kept - if run down anyway - inn called the Silver Foolsmith. OOC - Do you want to try to seek out info with RP or roll a gather info check, Seira?
<Seira> roll 1d20+11 this time
06* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 this time and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
<Kotono> roll 1d20+1 trying to aid
06* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 trying to aid and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
<Kotono> Seira finds out the following:
<Kotono> Armas the leatherworker died last week in a drowning accident in the lake. Services were today and the entire town is still reflecting on the misfortune. (More)
<Kotono> The town is becoming prosperous lately. Being near the new border and the changes it engenders means more traffic passes through this town. A few new merchant shops are looking to open within a few weeks. (More)
<Kotono> Jerek One-Eye recently came into a considerable sum of gold as a result of finding a large cache of treasure. An old adventurer who's lingered around Purinn and Malmuth for ten years, he's looking to settle down in this town. This ties in really well to the prosperity thing, adding even more money into the town as he has a dream house/fortress constructed a few miles away. (More)
<Kotono> A few townspeople wish and reflect that the rest of Malmuth - one says ALL of Malmuth, with a dirty look northward - was doing so well. Queen Tant's been consolidating power and slowly starting to pare back the military because of all the expenses. (More)
<Kotono> The latest rumor from Purinn says that Queen Tant's doing as huffle of town and city govenors and military generals. Less charitable folks say it's a purge, but only in soft whispers.
<Seira> "Purinn it is, then," Seira tells Amaryl quietly in their room at the end of a day spent listening in and chatting up people for the latest news from Malmuth. "Where there's a purge, there are lots of disgruntled people plotting to rebel and all that nasty stuff. I don't know if we could be there at the right time, but we'll certainly be going to the right place."
<Kotono> Amaryl lies in the bed, her armor, bow and arrows put carefully down ont he floor. She lies in a soft green tunic and long skirt, eyes half closed. "Purge is such an ugly word. We would never do it like that in Pallanth." After a pause to yawn, "It reminded me of the Council. No one really agrees with each other, but the Queen does what she wants after listening to them. Except, it's being played out over an entire country instead of over a few
<Kotono> played out over an entire country instead of over a few scions."
<Seira> "We don't really have purges, either," Seira agrees. For her part, she's by the window staring outside, her cloak keeping her warm. Once in a while, her gaze travels over to Amaryl.
<Seira> "But there's no sense in sugarcoating the truth, here. Sometimes, bad people seize power. Corrupt people. And they become so entrenched they are a phenomenon the rulers have to deal with, and no longer just a bad seed or two."
<Kotono> "Human kingdoms are so strange at times." Amaryl marvels, "How can someone become entrenched in such a short period of time. Even a long serving human would not go more than thirty years, and that would be a rare one?"
<Seira> "Easily. Think in terms of dynasties."
<Kotono> "Mmm." Amaryl isn't noisy for a little bit as she considers that. "You mean that corruption begets more corruption?"
<Seira> "The children of the corrupt, raised in that atmosphere and never knowing any better? Witnessing first hand how genuine reform is punished?" She closes the window, making her way to the bed to sit upon it. "It's all too easy to see how this might happen."
<Kotono> Craning her neck to look to Seira as she does, "Oh?"
<Seira> "Most of us have role models," Seira elaborates. "But not all role models are good ones, and children are very impressionable."
<Kotono> "So you blame it on customs and parents?"
03* Taishyr (~ferixstad@pix050-144.pix.wmich.edu) has joined #dunes
<Seira> "Teachers. Older siblings. When everyone around you is like that, pretty soon...." Seira pauses. "Power has a lure as well, and unless your upbringing teaches you proper values it would be pretty easy to just give in."
<Kotono> "Mmmmm. I wonder..is that why I have so many teachers and so many lessons?" Amaryl ponders.
<Seira> "It's probably because you're really, really rich," Seira tells her with an amused smile. "But it might account for the quality of your teachers!"
03* Taishyr is now known as Demedais
<Kotono> Smiling at that a little, "I suppose it might...say Seira. You've never talked about how you grew up. There was the business with Filetta and SAul, but...what was your childhood like?"
03* Sierra_Dreaming is now known as Devourlord_Sierra
<Seira> "What little I can remember was okay, with Dad teaching me little things. A bit of magic, a few tricks like that? Nothing fancy." She settles more comfortably on the bed. "Then he was tricked by Irenes and I was shuffled off to this boarding school, sort of. Once Filetta took over and stole Dad's cash, life got pretty damn bad and eventually I ran off to look for Dad."
06* Seira frowns. "It was pretty upsetting to learn that he didn't have a real reason to not check in on me."
<Kotono> "From all I know, your Dad seems to care about you. Why didn't he checkin on you, then?" Turning so she can easily look to Seira, "In the first place I mean."
<Seira> "Oversight?" Seira sighs. "The smartest of people can make the stupidest mistakes. He claimed he didn't want to get me involved in danger, and I get that. I would try to keep you safe from the worst parts, too, but cutting someone you love off like that? It feels wrong. Maybe... maybe Mom's death affected him a lot, and he didn't know how to deal with me?"
<Kotono> "Maybe." Amaryl considers that, "Maybe he did just make a mistake. Sorry."
<Seira> "You... really don't have anything to apologize for, believe me." Seira shakes her head. "And that school wasn't too bad. I even had friends! Though only one stayed that once I didn't have money anymore."
<Kotono> "She's a true friend?" Amaryl smiles a little there, "And you're fabously rich now, too."
<Seira> "I'm pretty rich now, yes," Seira agrees with a little smile of her own. "And she's a good friend, yes. But I didn't hear back from her despite writing, so I'm a bit worried. Maybe it's because I'm bad at writing letters?"
<Kotono> "Say...where does she live?" Amaryl asks.
<Seira> "Elfsander. Maybe we could stop by for a brief visit later?" Seira offers.
<Kotono> "We can go check on her." Amaryl agrees with a smile, on ethat splits into a yawn. "Tired...traveling leaves me wanting to sleep like a log."
<Seira> "There's that," Seira agrees. "Hey, if you'd like, I could conjure up comfortable cabins for us to rest in for the rest of our trip."
<Kotono> OOC: Okay. You're going to be travelling towards Purinn?
<Seira> OOC: I was thinking it might be fun to talk to that Jerek guy, but after that, pretty much. Does this work?
<Kotono> OOC: Sure.
<Kotono> The next morning you go hunt around. A few miles out of town a large stone fortress and house combination is being build. Workers lug heavy stones into place and polish them, the start of a home in progress. Overseeing them is a man with grey-white hair, arms crossed and wearing well worn leather armor. "Yeah?" He asks with a glance back as Seira and Amaryl approach.
06* Seira checks whether this man has only one eye!
<Kotono> He indeed only has one eye! He has an eyepatch over his left eye and a wicked scar running down from his hairline to the top of his neck.
<Seira> "I hope you don't mind," Seira tells him, smiling pleasantly. "We've been passing through Perseph and heard that an admirable adventurer decided to settle here, and it seemed like a good idea to pay our respects."
<Kotono> "You two in the business? You look it," Eyeing both of them intently, "Only way two women travel alone like this is if they can take care of themselves."
<Seira> "You could say that!" Seira agrees. "So are we in the way? If not, it would be nice to hear a story or two!"
<Kotono> "Eh, why not?" He looks the two over, "Jerek One-Eye. Lost it at the hands of a really pissed off troll." Sticking his hand out to Seira, "You two are?"
<Seira> "Trolls are nasty," Seira agrees with a sympathetic wince. Losing an eye leads to bad thoughts, and she hurriedly introduces herself as she takes his hand. "Seira and Amaryl! We're traveling to Purinn together."
<Kotono> "Seira, eh?" Taking the hand and shaking it with a firm grip, "Far from Balmuria, aren't you?"
<Seira> "Can never be too far with teleport," she responds. "Maybe I should introduce myself under an assumed name, since I'm on vacation. Am I really the only Seira in the world?" She glances at Amaryl. "It never seemed like that unique a name."
<Kotono> "Yeah. Lotta people I know wouldn't spit on you to put you out if you were on fire." With a cracked smile, "Well, you're famous around here. When at raveller named Seira is mentioned, you were the first thing I thought of."
06* Seira frowns. "I'm actually fireproof, but that's not a nice thing to hear. I like Malmuth, at that, so it's pretty sad."
<Kotono> "Yeah, well..." He rubs his face, "Ah hell, I'm not up to talkinga bout this without something to drink. C'mon, tents are on the other side. We'll sit downa dn talk there." Starting to walk, "Your last name isn't Gaial, is it?" he asks Amaryl.
<Seira> "Assumed names, or the vacation won't get anywhere," Seira mutters.
<Kotono> "...yes." Amaryl blushes hotly, "You know about us? I've gotten the impression most humans don't."
<Kotono> "I survived this long because I made a point of knowing as much as I could," You go around the construction site. IN back are several tents, large and spaciously spread out on the plains. Going into one, you find a bed and table there, as well as af ew casks in the back.
<Seira> "I got the impression most elves didn't," Seira says in surprise, opting to stand as she looks around the tent. "Judging by Celebrimbor, anyway."
<Kotono> It's pretty plain, though a few sets of clothes are also about. "It's good ale, if that's good enough for a hero and a noble elf." Tapping one of the casks and pouring a glass, "Either of you want?"
<Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees, extending a hand.
<Kotono> "I'm alright," Amaryl demurs, as two mugs are poured. Going to sit down at the table, "But yeah. You got the people who hate you because you killed King Ferdi, then you got the people who hate you because you and your Baronies tore Valandia away as war booty. Oh,a nd there are those that hate anything from the Baronies for breaking away from the first place.
<Kotono> "
<Seira> "It was not just spoils of war," Seira says, accepting the mug. "Before all else, it was designed to send a message to the Olburts of the world. He sent what amounted to demands for our surrender even as the rightful monarch, Queen Tant, was demanding his." Seira snorts, trying the ale.
<Seira> "It was a bad idea, and we got a buffer zone in case of another surprise attack as a result. I suppose it is a bit complicated to just spread around as the official version, though."
<Kotono> It's pretty goods tuff, though very mild. "I'd say it was a good idea. You won, you made sure they'll have a harder time of it next time around." Drinking his own, "Just that you're on the Empire's shit list now, no matter how many soothing noises Queen Tant makes."
<Seira> "So you know all sorts of things, right?" Seira says. "How is the Queen, really? I've never got a chance to meet her, since emergencies kept on popping up, but maybe I will have the chance on this trip. Is she one of those who'd rather set me on fire and watch me burn, too?"
<Kotono> "Nah. She's pretty even keeled from what I've heard. Talked to a few people who have met her. Really doesn't like Ferdi and wants to pull things back together. She's also smart as a whip."
<Seira> "I suppose she didn't like him having purges through his own family, yeah," Seira mutters, drinking more of the ale. "Unpleasant business, that. Still. Even though we're not here in any official capacity and all that, if there's anything we could do for the Malmuthians while just passing through...."
<Kotono> "Suit yourselves. You're right, don't go blathering your identity to every and anyone. Some peasants might not get it, but anyone smart enough to be dangerous will. There are some people in Malmuth who would be happy to see your head on a pike, Seira." Drinking down more ale, "Which would be a shame for the both of you, you're both young and pretty."
<Seira> "They will find that to be very difficult and leading to tears," Seira says with confidence. "I've recently acquired a vengeful streak and an almost paranoid caution against ambushes." She glances at Amaryl again. "Say, you look like an Amy to me. What do you think?"
<Kotono> With a faint blush and smile, "Amy? That would be acceptable."
<Seira> "You can name me if you'd like!"
<Kotono> After a few moments of thought, "I have two ideas. Xerandalla or Sarah."
<Seira> "An easy choice. Xer-something or other it is!"
<Kotono> "Xerandalla," Amaryl smiles, "It's such a pretty name!"
06* Seira doesn't want to admit she was kidding, in case Amaryl is actually serious. "On second thought, I've never heard a human called like that, which is bad for my disguise. I will have to reluctantly settle for Sarah."