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#31
Mini Game Logs / Re: Chasing Picke 019
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:08:06 PM19:11 <•Kotono> "Logically speaking, every edge we get should be exploited," Sana agrees with that.
19:11 <•Kotono> "I happen to agree," Rina reasons, "And since we're stuck with this, we have to do what we can."
19:13 <Devar> "In that case, do you want to wait until Anne gets here?" Devar asks. "It may give us time to find someone who can give us some extra money."
19:14 <Skaya> "Give it a day, then see if we can go shopping here in the capital?" Skaya suggests. "Anne can't possibly arrive that early."
19:15 <•Kotono> "I suspect we may see battle before then," Rina's quiet, "There's more incentive to win fast now."
19:15 <•Kotono> "What I'm really worried about is Picke's words," Sanda goes on instead, nodding along to Rina, "I'd like to say the Queen's risen to the occasion, but you have to be concerned."
19:17 <Skaya> "Do you, though? It'd be one thing if the change happened before the war...."
19:18 <Devar> "I'd also be concerned if she were acting like a despot or something." Devar says. "But... I mean, what are the possibilities? Some sort of magical doodad that's... making her smarter or something?"
19:20 <Skaya> "Hiding yourself to flush out the traitors, being subverted by a mortal, being subverted by a higher power, being subverted by a lower power. That's the full array of options."
19:21 <•Kotono> "There are," Sanda sniffs, "Maybe Picke's just upset at his entire plan being seen through, but it's still a concern. You're right that it might be true and it's also not a threat."
19:22 <•Kotono> "Then again, how many plots have we come across?" Rinar etorts, "What's one more ball in the air?"
19:23 <Skaya> "To be fair, does this change anything for us? I still plan to act as a healer here."
19:25 <•Kotono> "
19:25 <•Kotono> "Only if the Queen's hostile to us, our interests or Laremy," Sanda reasons after perhaps a few seconds too long.
19:26 <Skaya> "In other words, if the situation changes and we must respond to it."
19:28 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "In the meantime, let's rest a little then?" Rina suggests, as...OOC: Any plans here right away?
19:29 <Skaya> OOC: If no one comes to get us for our job/opinion/anything, we can ask to tour the capital tomorrow and see if there's interesting magical gear to buy
19:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: One second for bot.
19:32 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@FD22B51F.3A683291.484D2595.IP)
19:32 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
19:33 <•Kotono> You have time to rest and get a late lunch. As all of you rest a little over the remnants of it? Sanda's drowsing, sprawled out on her bed. Rina's tending to her weapons. A knock on the door disturbs all, polite but insistent.
19:34 — Skaya comes to answer the door!
19:36 <•Kotono> At the door is a runner. A teenager, a young man. He salutes, "Ma'am," he says, "Are you one of ladies Skaya, Rina or Sanda?"
19:37 <Skaya> "I'm Skaya. What's going on?"
19:38 <•Kotono> "You're ordered to report to General Eastbrook, ma'am," Is the answer, "Immediately, all of you as well as sir Devar."
19:38 <•Kotono> Rina wipes her sword clean, a little frown at the icy mist from it. "Got it. You our escort?"
19:39 <•Kotono> Sanda yawns and gets herself up, "No rest for the weary," she complains, "Statistically speaking, you beat the odds to come this fast."
19:39 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 24 on K:Local - what are we getting ourselves into?!
19:39 <•Kotono> "Yes ma'am," The young man answers.
19:41 <•Kotono> Devar recalls a few mentions of that name. It's a smaller noble house that serves Watch. The family' sproduced several generations of military leaders, most noteworthy in a good way.
19:41 <Skaya> "Lead the way?"
19:42 <Devar> Devar nods to himself about that and will go with the others!
19:43 <•Kotono> You go up a few stories and walk a ways. Away from living quarters to places where soldiers run about. Administration, everyone abuzz here. As you walk through, passing several pages carrying heaps of papers and documents, "Did you really eat fire?" Rina gets abruptly asked.
19:43 <Skaya> "Yes, and it was delicious. She shared some with me," Skaya asserts.
19:43 <•Kotono> Rina considers half a second and smiles, "It goes down good."
19:44 <•Kotono> With wide eyes and a little gasp, "So if I get strong enough to eat fire, I can become fire too?"
19:44 <•Kotono> Sanda snorts but keeps her opinions to herself.
19:45 <Skaya> "Probably not. You need to eat a special fire for that."
19:51 <•Kotono> A little shoulders lump and a sigh as the young man goes on, not pushing it more than that. You're lead to a large room, where a man has office. 30 or so, mustasched and black haired, professional looking. He wears a noble's finery, several rings spied on his fingers. "There you are. Dismissed, go back to your duties, page. Heroes, come in and close the door behind you."
19:56 <Skaya> "Sir," Skaya says, the first to step in.
19:56 <•Kotono> "Sir," Rina follows up as Sanda also enters.
19:57 <•Kotono> "At ease," he commands, taking a moment to wipe ink stained fingers on a cloth and rub them marginally cleaner. "Describe your capabilities to me, so we can best decide where you should be assigned."
19:59 <Skaya> "I can heal and hold my own in a fight," Skaya says in response, deciding to go with the flow for now. "I'm also pretty fast and agile."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Fast, agile attacker who strikes and keeps moving," Rina seconds away. "No magical talent." She doesn't look entirely happy, but she goes along with it.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Mage, just mastering the fourth circle, and also a warrior," Sanda answers, "Statistically improbable, but here I am."
20:01 <Devar> "I have some minor ability to heal, but I'm probably best defending a point or helping to protect people." Devar answers. "I'm also rather adept at defensive magics in general."
20:02 <•Kotono> "A well rounded team," General Eastbrook concludes as he places the cloth down. "And your missing member is a general healer and spellcaster?"
20:04 <Skaya> "She is a priestess of Moore," Skaya answers. "We've had opportunities to work together fighting evil creatures and undead and can pick up on each other's thoughts quite well. Our team may well be larger than the sum of all individual parts would suggest, Sir."
20:06 <•Kotono> "As I thought." With a slow look to each o fyou, "Yes, I can see you're a eam that's leaned to fight together well. That's invaluable, that means together you need little training to be effective."
20:07 <Skaya> "Sir, may I ask how losses have been thus far on the battlefield? At every point I saw the necessity of healers emphasized time and again, far more than I would expect to see."
20:10 <•Kotono> "Considerable, and there have been near constant skirmishes despite the stalemate. What's more, our healers are taxed keeping camp diseases at bay," He continues, "Those that can treat them effectively, that is."
20:11 <Skaya> "Would it be possible to explore the concept of a small team dedicated to extracting wounded from the battlefield safely, and treating the worst wounds right there in the field? We're fast enough and work together well enough to make that happen, and know enough about caring for wounds to succeed."
20:13 <•Kotono> "That is a promising avenue," The General states, "However, before that, I have another idea. The simple truth is, healing and defending won't win this war. What we need are precise strikes that shatter the enemy and accelerate their collapse."
20:14 <•Kotono> "And the fact that some of us can fly makes that idea even more appealing," Rina supplies, sounding unhappy.
20:16 <Skaya> "I don't know if we're capable of that. Does the general have a specific mission in mind?"
20:24 <•Kotono> "Several, the limination of high value allies and commanders for Eis. These strikes would hamper Eis's ability to wage war and overall weaken them." Is the answer, "It's better to ensure we need less healing than to budget for more healing, to solve a problem before it begins."
20:29 <Skaya> "I don't know if we have the strength to triumph under such odds," Skaya repeats. "But if we were able to take out Eis's army and civilian leadership time after time on our lonesome, would it still be a military victory for Laremy?"
20:30 <•Kotono> "Of course it wouldb e. You serve the Queen, so you're part of Laremy," The General bristles at that, "Or has weak words reached your ears?" Devar is glanced at, no subtlety at all.
20:31 <•Kotono> Sanda clears her throat softly before, "I would think that a learned nobleman such as yourself would know better than to try such a low odds play. Does that really do anything to help your cause?"
20:31 <•Kotono> Rina blinks and side eyes Sanda at that.
20:34 <Skaya> Ah, so he's an idiot. Skaya mentally nods to herself.
20:34 <Skaya> "I wish to clarify my words," Skaya voices, ignoring the byplay with Sanda. "I believe that Laremy's soldiers and its citizens draw reassurance from the successes of its army, and gain honor and glory by participating in battles defending the homeland. While there is a certain amount of national pride in any victory over a foe, where the ones who achieve such a victory are so removed from them, would the people truly feel they had a
20:34 <Skaya> part in it were we able to win it single-handedly without them? And to return to my original point, I find it incredibly unlikely that we can succeed. Not when our foes have flying cavalry and a lot more mages."
20:35 <Devar> Devar looks over to Sanda at that and back to Skaya, keeping his mouth firmly shut for now.
20:38 <•Kotono> General Eastbrook sits back at that, jaw clenched. "So little confidence in your abilities, heroes?" he asks back, "Or did that only apply in Welland?"
20:39 <Skaya> "I can't speak for everyone but I was confident we could win the war as we returned," Skaya admits without any shame. "But after clashing with the invaders in the south and learning what the opposition held, I adjusted my mentality accordingly. It's not shameful to understand what you're facing even as you don't shy away from the task ahead."
20:43 <•Kotono> "Overstepping does nothing good," Rina agrees, "We're heroes, not a miracle."
20:45 <•Kotono> Further words are stopped by the door opening. Another man. 50s or so, old and showing it. He walks with a well polished wood cane with agolden handle. He has a clean shaven face and is quite short, barely five feet tall. Stout too. Not fat, just wide bodied and built. He wears green and white finery with a cape to match. "Ah, I heard the heroes of the hour were coming this way. We haven't even
20:45 <•Kotono> met to decide how to best use their talents, but you got a head start, Olaint."
20:46 <•Kotono> Sanda turns to him as General Eastbrook scowls, "Merely not resting idly, sir."
20:47 — Skaya simply observes for now. Perhaps it was a mistake not asking their guide to introduce all the local interests as they were headed in.
20:49 <•Kotono> "Merely not rest idly doing anything else. Skaya, Devar, Rina, Sanda? If you'd spend the day resting from your journey, more information will come tomorrow. I ask that you decline any further requests to talk, unless it's from the Queen herself." The man declares.
20:51 <Devar> OOC: Does a K:L of 24 give me insight into who this person is?
20:51 <Skaya> "I admit our role was not sufficiently clear, Sir," Skaya voices. "Since we are to wait, can we tour the capital for now? At least until the Queen requires our services or Anne arrives?"
20:55 <•Kotono> Devar believes he is Count Laremy - of the city, not the royal family - a high ranking officer and nobleman. Experienced, old and notably with some dwarf blood from his grandmother's side.
20:56 <•Kotono> "By all means," A wave of his hand, "A good idea. It'll keep you out of trouble and attention in the castle," he says.
20:56 <•Kotono> "Now then, we need to talk," General Eastbrook gets a look, and his jaw clenches even tighter, but he bows his head to that.
20:56 <•Kotono> Rina takes the chance, bows slightly and quickly slips out.
20:57 <•Kotono> Sanda does the same, getting out of that entire splash zone to be.
20:57 <Skaya> With a curtsy, Skaya slips away!
20:57 <Devar> "General." Devar bows his head politely. "Your Excellency." Devar bows a little more to who he assumes is Count Laremy and departs with the others.
21:04 <•Kotono> Once out in the hall, "We just dodged politics, didn't we?" Rina reflects, "Someone saw an opportunity."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Naturally," Sanda's expression is sour, "He rolled the dice but failed."
21:04 <Skaya> "Let's just head out and refresh our mindsets."
21:07 <•Kotono> Thus you head out into Laremy in the afternoon. No one bars your way, and soon enough you're free again, at least for now. Amid all the noise of the city - now what?
21:08 <Skaya> "Let's take a look at the marketplace!" Skaya proposes. "See the sights, hear the rumors, hold on to your money bags. Fun times?"
21:10 <Devar> Devar will mention to the others who it was who 'came to their rescue' - just so they know in case they see him again. "Sure thing, though our money bags are rather light at the moment."
21:13 <•Kotono> "It wouldn't hur tto shop, though I imagine the shops are strained thanks to the war," Sanda points out, "At least the ones we're interested in."
21:14 <Skaya> "You never know! Most of the focus is on the war, but we have interests beyond it."
21:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, what sort of shopping doyou have in minds. Also give me diplo for GIing if you're looking to hear the rumors.
21:20 <Skaya> OOC: Diplo 10 for 25
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Is there a Diplo booster for purchase? Pink ioun stone (+2 Con)?
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Amulet of Health +2? Amulet of Mighty Fists +1?
21:24 <Devar> OOC: Devar is poor so he isn't looking for anything. :(
21:29 <•Kotono> First of all, rumors. It's all about the war. Buzz is that Mellanics negotiated a surrender of some kind. Reports vary a lot, but at the last Fyner has been lost. The people are down about it, the mood somber and angry beneath that. There's rumors that the front with Eis is about to collapse, or Eis is about to collapse, or that Girm might enter the war, or that Welland will enter the war on
21:29 <•Kotono> Laremy's side, or a dozen other variants like that. (More)
21:31 <•Kotono> There's rumors that something big happened in the throne room today. A hero fell from the Queen's favor, and others entered into it. Picke, a hero of Mellanics, was disgraced and confined to the Widow's Tower. Some say he surrendered on the southern front, others say he said something to displease Her Majesty. (More)
21:32 <•Kotono> Whispers of food shortages can be heard - that infiltrators from Eis have set farms and crops on fire. It buzzes that food will get tight and be tighter during the winter, and that prices are going to rise rapidly. (More)
21:33 <•Kotono> There was a shooting star last night,a nd everyone say it's an omen. That one nation will fall from grace soon and be defeated. Some thing it's a good sign for Laremy, some the opposite, but tension shimmers and simmers deep within.
21:34 <Skaya> "A shooting star, huh?" Skaya muses as she munches on a local confectionary. "I don't recall seeing one. Did you guys?"
21:35 <Devar> "I didn't." Devar says. "But I don't really spend a lot of time outside anyway if I can help it."
21:36 <•Kotono> "I didn't," Rina says, "I did a little stargazing last night, too."
21:37 <•Kotono> "I didn't, either," Sanda adds in, munching on some fried dough on a stick - simple but a pleasant luxury.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Doesn't mean it didn't happen," Rina says, "But sometimes rumors take life like that."
21:38 <Skaya> "Yes. It does make one wonder where the rumor originated," Skaya says with a shrug. "The rumors about crops set on fire are worse, really. We'll have to find out if that's been happening."
21:40 <Devar> "It could've been someone flying and scouting in the night." Devar suggests. "We can't assume we're the only ones who have that luxury - and there's spells to do it too." He nods to Skaya. "The good news is we're prepared for that."
21:41 <Skaya> "It won't possibly be enough if there's mass-scale sabotage like that happening."
21:42 <•Kotono> "It's also possible that's panic," Rina reasons, "But it makes too much sense if you're an amoral monster."
21:42 <•Kotono> "Or someone who knows a bad winter is coming," Sanda points out at that, a nibble of her bread after, then offering it up if anyone wants a bite.
21:44 <Devar> "I'm not sure what the limitations of it are, so best not to find out." Devar says with a nod. "But still, if we can stop that from happening, we ought to."
21:48 <•Kotono> Some general agreement to that, as, "So, magic shops next?" Rina offers.
21:49 <Skaya> "We can't be remiss!"
21:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}
21:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, besides what was listed above, any shopping priorities?
21:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina's good off as well if someone wants to bororw.
21:53 <Skaya> OOC: If there's anything fitting for factotums
21:54 <Devar> OOC: I think Devar's pretty set unless there's something special that turned up somehow.
21:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure and oh wow, it's just about session end. We'll cover this later today on boards. Cor, post your wish list and roll a d100 for each of them. I'll sort that out. Nag me if no post about it tomorrow.
21:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Pickings are going to be rough due to the current situation, just warning y'all now.
21:58 <Skaya> -----
21:58 <Skaya> Diplo booster
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 diplo booster
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 diplo booster --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 pink ioun stone (+2 con)
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 pink ioun stone (+2 con) --> [ 1d100=46 ]{46}
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 amulet of health +2
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 amulet of health +2 --> [ 1d100=65 ]{65}
21:59 <Skaya> roll 1d100 amulet of mighty fists +1
21:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 amulet of mighty fists +1 --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:59 <Skaya> roll 1d100 cool factotum stuff
21:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 cool factotum stuff --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}
19:11 <•Kotono> "I happen to agree," Rina reasons, "And since we're stuck with this, we have to do what we can."
19:13 <Devar> "In that case, do you want to wait until Anne gets here?" Devar asks. "It may give us time to find someone who can give us some extra money."
19:14 <Skaya> "Give it a day, then see if we can go shopping here in the capital?" Skaya suggests. "Anne can't possibly arrive that early."
19:15 <•Kotono> "I suspect we may see battle before then," Rina's quiet, "There's more incentive to win fast now."
19:15 <•Kotono> "What I'm really worried about is Picke's words," Sanda goes on instead, nodding along to Rina, "I'd like to say the Queen's risen to the occasion, but you have to be concerned."
19:17 <Skaya> "Do you, though? It'd be one thing if the change happened before the war...."
19:18 <Devar> "I'd also be concerned if she were acting like a despot or something." Devar says. "But... I mean, what are the possibilities? Some sort of magical doodad that's... making her smarter or something?"
19:20 <Skaya> "Hiding yourself to flush out the traitors, being subverted by a mortal, being subverted by a higher power, being subverted by a lower power. That's the full array of options."
19:21 <•Kotono> "There are," Sanda sniffs, "Maybe Picke's just upset at his entire plan being seen through, but it's still a concern. You're right that it might be true and it's also not a threat."
19:22 <•Kotono> "Then again, how many plots have we come across?" Rinar etorts, "What's one more ball in the air?"
19:23 <Skaya> "To be fair, does this change anything for us? I still plan to act as a healer here."
19:25 <•Kotono> "
19:25 <•Kotono> "Only if the Queen's hostile to us, our interests or Laremy," Sanda reasons after perhaps a few seconds too long.
19:26 <Skaya> "In other words, if the situation changes and we must respond to it."
19:28 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "In the meantime, let's rest a little then?" Rina suggests, as...OOC: Any plans here right away?
19:29 <Skaya> OOC: If no one comes to get us for our job/opinion/anything, we can ask to tour the capital tomorrow and see if there's interesting magical gear to buy
19:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: One second for bot.
19:32 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@FD22B51F.3A683291.484D2595.IP)
19:32 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
19:33 <•Kotono> You have time to rest and get a late lunch. As all of you rest a little over the remnants of it? Sanda's drowsing, sprawled out on her bed. Rina's tending to her weapons. A knock on the door disturbs all, polite but insistent.
19:34 — Skaya comes to answer the door!
19:36 <•Kotono> At the door is a runner. A teenager, a young man. He salutes, "Ma'am," he says, "Are you one of ladies Skaya, Rina or Sanda?"
19:37 <Skaya> "I'm Skaya. What's going on?"
19:38 <•Kotono> "You're ordered to report to General Eastbrook, ma'am," Is the answer, "Immediately, all of you as well as sir Devar."
19:38 <•Kotono> Rina wipes her sword clean, a little frown at the icy mist from it. "Got it. You our escort?"
19:39 <•Kotono> Sanda yawns and gets herself up, "No rest for the weary," she complains, "Statistically speaking, you beat the odds to come this fast."
19:39 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 24 on K:Local - what are we getting ourselves into?!
19:39 <•Kotono> "Yes ma'am," The young man answers.
19:41 <•Kotono> Devar recalls a few mentions of that name. It's a smaller noble house that serves Watch. The family' sproduced several generations of military leaders, most noteworthy in a good way.
19:41 <Skaya> "Lead the way?"
19:42 <Devar> Devar nods to himself about that and will go with the others!
19:43 <•Kotono> You go up a few stories and walk a ways. Away from living quarters to places where soldiers run about. Administration, everyone abuzz here. As you walk through, passing several pages carrying heaps of papers and documents, "Did you really eat fire?" Rina gets abruptly asked.
19:43 <Skaya> "Yes, and it was delicious. She shared some with me," Skaya asserts.
19:43 <•Kotono> Rina considers half a second and smiles, "It goes down good."
19:44 <•Kotono> With wide eyes and a little gasp, "So if I get strong enough to eat fire, I can become fire too?"
19:44 <•Kotono> Sanda snorts but keeps her opinions to herself.
19:45 <Skaya> "Probably not. You need to eat a special fire for that."
19:51 <•Kotono> A little shoulders lump and a sigh as the young man goes on, not pushing it more than that. You're lead to a large room, where a man has office. 30 or so, mustasched and black haired, professional looking. He wears a noble's finery, several rings spied on his fingers. "There you are. Dismissed, go back to your duties, page. Heroes, come in and close the door behind you."
19:56 <Skaya> "Sir," Skaya says, the first to step in.
19:56 <•Kotono> "Sir," Rina follows up as Sanda also enters.
19:57 <•Kotono> "At ease," he commands, taking a moment to wipe ink stained fingers on a cloth and rub them marginally cleaner. "Describe your capabilities to me, so we can best decide where you should be assigned."
19:59 <Skaya> "I can heal and hold my own in a fight," Skaya says in response, deciding to go with the flow for now. "I'm also pretty fast and agile."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Fast, agile attacker who strikes and keeps moving," Rina seconds away. "No magical talent." She doesn't look entirely happy, but she goes along with it.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Mage, just mastering the fourth circle, and also a warrior," Sanda answers, "Statistically improbable, but here I am."
20:01 <Devar> "I have some minor ability to heal, but I'm probably best defending a point or helping to protect people." Devar answers. "I'm also rather adept at defensive magics in general."
20:02 <•Kotono> "A well rounded team," General Eastbrook concludes as he places the cloth down. "And your missing member is a general healer and spellcaster?"
20:04 <Skaya> "She is a priestess of Moore," Skaya answers. "We've had opportunities to work together fighting evil creatures and undead and can pick up on each other's thoughts quite well. Our team may well be larger than the sum of all individual parts would suggest, Sir."
20:06 <•Kotono> "As I thought." With a slow look to each o fyou, "Yes, I can see you're a eam that's leaned to fight together well. That's invaluable, that means together you need little training to be effective."
20:07 <Skaya> "Sir, may I ask how losses have been thus far on the battlefield? At every point I saw the necessity of healers emphasized time and again, far more than I would expect to see."
20:10 <•Kotono> "Considerable, and there have been near constant skirmishes despite the stalemate. What's more, our healers are taxed keeping camp diseases at bay," He continues, "Those that can treat them effectively, that is."
20:11 <Skaya> "Would it be possible to explore the concept of a small team dedicated to extracting wounded from the battlefield safely, and treating the worst wounds right there in the field? We're fast enough and work together well enough to make that happen, and know enough about caring for wounds to succeed."
20:13 <•Kotono> "That is a promising avenue," The General states, "However, before that, I have another idea. The simple truth is, healing and defending won't win this war. What we need are precise strikes that shatter the enemy and accelerate their collapse."
20:14 <•Kotono> "And the fact that some of us can fly makes that idea even more appealing," Rina supplies, sounding unhappy.
20:16 <Skaya> "I don't know if we're capable of that. Does the general have a specific mission in mind?"
20:24 <•Kotono> "Several, the limination of high value allies and commanders for Eis. These strikes would hamper Eis's ability to wage war and overall weaken them." Is the answer, "It's better to ensure we need less healing than to budget for more healing, to solve a problem before it begins."
20:29 <Skaya> "I don't know if we have the strength to triumph under such odds," Skaya repeats. "But if we were able to take out Eis's army and civilian leadership time after time on our lonesome, would it still be a military victory for Laremy?"
20:30 <•Kotono> "Of course it wouldb e. You serve the Queen, so you're part of Laremy," The General bristles at that, "Or has weak words reached your ears?" Devar is glanced at, no subtlety at all.
20:31 <•Kotono> Sanda clears her throat softly before, "I would think that a learned nobleman such as yourself would know better than to try such a low odds play. Does that really do anything to help your cause?"
20:31 <•Kotono> Rina blinks and side eyes Sanda at that.
20:34 <Skaya> Ah, so he's an idiot. Skaya mentally nods to herself.
20:34 <Skaya> "I wish to clarify my words," Skaya voices, ignoring the byplay with Sanda. "I believe that Laremy's soldiers and its citizens draw reassurance from the successes of its army, and gain honor and glory by participating in battles defending the homeland. While there is a certain amount of national pride in any victory over a foe, where the ones who achieve such a victory are so removed from them, would the people truly feel they had a
20:34 <Skaya> part in it were we able to win it single-handedly without them? And to return to my original point, I find it incredibly unlikely that we can succeed. Not when our foes have flying cavalry and a lot more mages."
20:35 <Devar> Devar looks over to Sanda at that and back to Skaya, keeping his mouth firmly shut for now.
20:38 <•Kotono> General Eastbrook sits back at that, jaw clenched. "So little confidence in your abilities, heroes?" he asks back, "Or did that only apply in Welland?"
20:39 <Skaya> "I can't speak for everyone but I was confident we could win the war as we returned," Skaya admits without any shame. "But after clashing with the invaders in the south and learning what the opposition held, I adjusted my mentality accordingly. It's not shameful to understand what you're facing even as you don't shy away from the task ahead."
20:43 <•Kotono> "Overstepping does nothing good," Rina agrees, "We're heroes, not a miracle."
20:45 <•Kotono> Further words are stopped by the door opening. Another man. 50s or so, old and showing it. He walks with a well polished wood cane with agolden handle. He has a clean shaven face and is quite short, barely five feet tall. Stout too. Not fat, just wide bodied and built. He wears green and white finery with a cape to match. "Ah, I heard the heroes of the hour were coming this way. We haven't even
20:45 <•Kotono> met to decide how to best use their talents, but you got a head start, Olaint."
20:46 <•Kotono> Sanda turns to him as General Eastbrook scowls, "Merely not resting idly, sir."
20:47 — Skaya simply observes for now. Perhaps it was a mistake not asking their guide to introduce all the local interests as they were headed in.
20:49 <•Kotono> "Merely not rest idly doing anything else. Skaya, Devar, Rina, Sanda? If you'd spend the day resting from your journey, more information will come tomorrow. I ask that you decline any further requests to talk, unless it's from the Queen herself." The man declares.
20:51 <Devar> OOC: Does a K:L of 24 give me insight into who this person is?
20:51 <Skaya> "I admit our role was not sufficiently clear, Sir," Skaya voices. "Since we are to wait, can we tour the capital for now? At least until the Queen requires our services or Anne arrives?"
20:55 <•Kotono> Devar believes he is Count Laremy - of the city, not the royal family - a high ranking officer and nobleman. Experienced, old and notably with some dwarf blood from his grandmother's side.
20:56 <•Kotono> "By all means," A wave of his hand, "A good idea. It'll keep you out of trouble and attention in the castle," he says.
20:56 <•Kotono> "Now then, we need to talk," General Eastbrook gets a look, and his jaw clenches even tighter, but he bows his head to that.
20:56 <•Kotono> Rina takes the chance, bows slightly and quickly slips out.
20:57 <•Kotono> Sanda does the same, getting out of that entire splash zone to be.
20:57 <Skaya> With a curtsy, Skaya slips away!
20:57 <Devar> "General." Devar bows his head politely. "Your Excellency." Devar bows a little more to who he assumes is Count Laremy and departs with the others.
21:04 <•Kotono> Once out in the hall, "We just dodged politics, didn't we?" Rina reflects, "Someone saw an opportunity."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Naturally," Sanda's expression is sour, "He rolled the dice but failed."
21:04 <Skaya> "Let's just head out and refresh our mindsets."
21:07 <•Kotono> Thus you head out into Laremy in the afternoon. No one bars your way, and soon enough you're free again, at least for now. Amid all the noise of the city - now what?
21:08 <Skaya> "Let's take a look at the marketplace!" Skaya proposes. "See the sights, hear the rumors, hold on to your money bags. Fun times?"
21:10 <Devar> Devar will mention to the others who it was who 'came to their rescue' - just so they know in case they see him again. "Sure thing, though our money bags are rather light at the moment."
21:13 <•Kotono> "It wouldn't hur tto shop, though I imagine the shops are strained thanks to the war," Sanda points out, "At least the ones we're interested in."
21:14 <Skaya> "You never know! Most of the focus is on the war, but we have interests beyond it."
21:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, what sort of shopping doyou have in minds. Also give me diplo for GIing if you're looking to hear the rumors.
21:20 <Skaya> OOC: Diplo 10 for 25
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Is there a Diplo booster for purchase? Pink ioun stone (+2 Con)?
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Amulet of Health +2? Amulet of Mighty Fists +1?
21:24 <Devar> OOC: Devar is poor so he isn't looking for anything. :(
21:29 <•Kotono> First of all, rumors. It's all about the war. Buzz is that Mellanics negotiated a surrender of some kind. Reports vary a lot, but at the last Fyner has been lost. The people are down about it, the mood somber and angry beneath that. There's rumors that the front with Eis is about to collapse, or Eis is about to collapse, or that Girm might enter the war, or that Welland will enter the war on
21:29 <•Kotono> Laremy's side, or a dozen other variants like that. (More)
21:31 <•Kotono> There's rumors that something big happened in the throne room today. A hero fell from the Queen's favor, and others entered into it. Picke, a hero of Mellanics, was disgraced and confined to the Widow's Tower. Some say he surrendered on the southern front, others say he said something to displease Her Majesty. (More)
21:32 <•Kotono> Whispers of food shortages can be heard - that infiltrators from Eis have set farms and crops on fire. It buzzes that food will get tight and be tighter during the winter, and that prices are going to rise rapidly. (More)
21:33 <•Kotono> There was a shooting star last night,a nd everyone say it's an omen. That one nation will fall from grace soon and be defeated. Some thing it's a good sign for Laremy, some the opposite, but tension shimmers and simmers deep within.
21:34 <Skaya> "A shooting star, huh?" Skaya muses as she munches on a local confectionary. "I don't recall seeing one. Did you guys?"
21:35 <Devar> "I didn't." Devar says. "But I don't really spend a lot of time outside anyway if I can help it."
21:36 <•Kotono> "I didn't," Rina says, "I did a little stargazing last night, too."
21:37 <•Kotono> "I didn't, either," Sanda adds in, munching on some fried dough on a stick - simple but a pleasant luxury.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Doesn't mean it didn't happen," Rina says, "But sometimes rumors take life like that."
21:38 <Skaya> "Yes. It does make one wonder where the rumor originated," Skaya says with a shrug. "The rumors about crops set on fire are worse, really. We'll have to find out if that's been happening."
21:40 <Devar> "It could've been someone flying and scouting in the night." Devar suggests. "We can't assume we're the only ones who have that luxury - and there's spells to do it too." He nods to Skaya. "The good news is we're prepared for that."
21:41 <Skaya> "It won't possibly be enough if there's mass-scale sabotage like that happening."
21:42 <•Kotono> "It's also possible that's panic," Rina reasons, "But it makes too much sense if you're an amoral monster."
21:42 <•Kotono> "Or someone who knows a bad winter is coming," Sanda points out at that, a nibble of her bread after, then offering it up if anyone wants a bite.
21:44 <Devar> "I'm not sure what the limitations of it are, so best not to find out." Devar says with a nod. "But still, if we can stop that from happening, we ought to."
21:48 <•Kotono> Some general agreement to that, as, "So, magic shops next?" Rina offers.
21:49 <Skaya> "We can't be remiss!"
21:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}
21:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, besides what was listed above, any shopping priorities?
21:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina's good off as well if someone wants to bororw.
21:53 <Skaya> OOC: If there's anything fitting for factotums
21:54 <Devar> OOC: I think Devar's pretty set unless there's something special that turned up somehow.
21:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure and oh wow, it's just about session end. We'll cover this later today on boards. Cor, post your wish list and roll a d100 for each of them. I'll sort that out. Nag me if no post about it tomorrow.
21:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Pickings are going to be rough due to the current situation, just warning y'all now.
21:58 <Skaya> -----
21:58 <Skaya> Diplo booster
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 diplo booster
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 diplo booster --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 pink ioun stone (+2 con)
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 pink ioun stone (+2 con) --> [ 1d100=46 ]{46}
21:58 <Skaya> roll 1d100 amulet of health +2
21:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 amulet of health +2 --> [ 1d100=65 ]{65}
21:59 <Skaya> roll 1d100 amulet of mighty fists +1
21:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 amulet of mighty fists +1 --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:59 <Skaya> roll 1d100 cool factotum stuff
21:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 cool factotum stuff --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}
#32
Mini Game Logs / Re: Chasing Picke 019
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:07:16 PM19:03 <•Kotono> Through the streets - a thong of people and soldiers. The quiet buzz and worry of war. You pass by corners where armored men and women stand. "War! War is here! Those of good Laremy blood, come and answer the call of Tempus for WAR! Defend ourselves from Eis's aggressive treachery!" You hear this shouted as you go by, always at least a few people lingering. Melissine glances at them as she
19:03 <•Kotono> goes, and as if making conversation casually, "Her Majesty doesn't have to order them to do that, but they understand what they need to do without being told."
19:04 <Devar> Devar stays particularly silent during this part of the trip.
19:05 <Skaya> Well, it is a war. Tempus should be happy.
19:05 <•Kotono> Sanda does as well, eyes lingering. Rina shakes her head, "And it makes the Tempus's followers all the more useful to the crown, doesn't it?
19:06 <•Kotono> "Naturally," Your guide agrees as you ride past another. "Influence flows uphill towards power."
19:10 <•Kotono> Rina doesn't answer. Her expression is thoughtful as she mulls that over, but on you ride. Street after street. Each inner wall is a checkpoint to pass, guarded and maintained. From houses to shops, to guild halls and closer to the castle, temples. Each a large building, each well maintained. "This is the Castle's Shadow, and where by tradition all temples are built, then pushed out when
19:10 <•Kotono> expansion of Maldaen Castle mandates it. The greater gatherings have their own temples, and the smaller ones divide up temples for shared use."
19:10 — Skaya prevents herself from laughing helplessly, presenting only a politely curious appearance. The two who should absolutely not talk did not take that advice to heart one bit!
19:11 <Skaya> "Who belongs to the greater gatherings?" she asks.
19:11 <•Kotono> Somehow Sanda stays quiet as well. Rina hmms, "I'll have to look into this when I have some time," she says, thoughtfully.
19:16 <•Kotono> "Several. I don't know them all offhand, but I know the Warheart is here, for Tempus, with lesser wings for the Red Knight and Garagos." She gestures, "Lathander, Selune, Oghma have temples. Mystra, Waukeen. Many of those who came from the Godsrush have shared temples, as there are several groups: The Cauldron, Sylica, Hope's Landing and others. Others do not but have presence: Chauntea I
19:16 <•Kotono> understand is one. Tyr, Ilmater and the like are also well received, and there is a library-temple to one known as Erathaol.""
19:17 <•Kotono> Shaking her head in thought as she rides, "The last I only know of because I once had reason to seek entry. They are secretive, but not a secret as much as," She considers, "Quiet."
19:19 <Skaya> Maybe they should've called for Anne... but maybe that won't matter. "Because you don't want to run a nation through prophecy?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "You know of them?" A note of unhidden surprise in Melissine's voice, "I'm surprised, few do. That library, something is strange of it. Too quiet, too unnoticed even where it is. Not even the bard's whispers and innkeep's fancies about it."
19:21 <Skaya> "I'm well-read. Never met one before, though. Never even imagined I'd be able to run into one here."
19:22 <•Kotono> Melissine nods, "You know of it now, and that is enough. We are grateful, heroes." Her words are different for a moment, deeper, then she blinks and rides on, undisturbed.
19:23 <•Kotono> Rina's entire posture changes in an instant, alert. She doesn't say a word, but instead turns to Skaya and Devar. "Did she...?" she mouths to them.
19:24 — Skaya nods at Rina.
19:25 <•Kotono> Rina nods back and murmurs, "Later," and ride son.
19:25 <Devar> Devar nods as well, following along.
19:28 <•Kotono> At last, the castle gates. They open wide, a grand entrance into a court yard. Stone paths, down corridors and off horses. Deeper in yet. You walk and walk, past inner gate after inner gate. Ten minutes of walking. Fifteen. Soldiers. Pages. Maids. Workers. On the castle stretches as you go, through decorated hall. On them weapons hang primarily, many with plaques beneath them. "Weapons from
19:28 <•Kotono> past wars taken as plunder are hung here, to show the strength of the the dynasty," Meilssine commentates as you walk, "Many with a story."
19:29 <Skaya> "Magical ones, too?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "Not here,"
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:31 <•Kotono> "Not here," Melissine comments, "Too much temptation for thieves."
19:33 — Skaya nods in understanding.
19:35 <•Kotono> Deeper and deeper. A half hour of walking. Further and further in, a steady clip, until you slip from the main path and into some rooms right off of it. It looks to be a small room to several other rooms. "Rooms to wash and cleanse yourself. Bathing supplies are in each room. Partake of them," she gestures, "We will not offend Her Majesty by showing up unwashed without good cause."
19:37 <Devar> Devar will go to one of them, assuming the ladies will want to be separate for this part!
19:37 <•Kotono> "Water after all this heat, lovely," Sanda comments as she goes. Rina almost smiles, but instead lingers a moment. "Say," she murmurs to Skaya and Devar, quietly. "I'm hoping what just happened is a good sign."
19:39 <Skaya> "Our guide is trustworthy, or at least that's what I'm assuming," Skaya responds quietly before following Sanda's example and heading into a room. Cleaning up after travel is so nice!
19:40 <Devar> Devar will likewise clean himself up, and use Prestidigitation for anything that a quick wash and cleanse wouldn't fix.
19:42 <•Kotono> IT is. A chance to refresh and change clothes is good. It's not long, but enough to get things done. You find your guide is out of her armor now. She has short brown hair, a bit ragged, and a quiet look to her. She's rather plain if anything, but moves with strength and grace. She wears a dress, if one stripped down enough not to overly hinder her. "Now then, let us present ourselves to Her
19:42 <•Kotono> Majesty."
19:43 <Devar> "Besides the whole 'kneel down and wait to be called on' is there any other decorum we should be aware of?" Devar asks.
19:43 <•Kotono> "Do not speak out of turn. If in doubt of a title, defer respectfully," Is the answer, "Do what you are told without question, unless the reason is great."
19:45 <Devar> "Simple enough." Devar says.
19:45 <•Kotono> "Then I suppose I'm ready," Sanda announces, "To see the Queen. Statistically speaking, I think we have good odds."
19:49 <Devar> Devar nods, looking to the others to see if they have any questions.
19:49 <Skaya> "I'm as ready as I can be," Skaya assures Devar.
19:52 <•Kotono> With no more talk, the party proceeds onwards. To a grand, open hall. One easily three or four stories from floor to roof, all open in beautiful, arching domes. In the domes are tiled works of art, mosaics. Here images of mightly leaders crushing all against them can be seen. A warrior-king with battle axe, leading a charge. A knight-king, who leads a thundering charge. An archer-queen, who
19:52 <•Kotono> rains arrows down.These are broken up by large glass windows in the ceiling, which let in sunlight. Far too much sunlight, leaving the entire room as bright as noon. The room itself is as long as a field, and a purple, red and blue swirled carpet, large enough for a half dozen riders to pass side by side on it, leads from door to throne. On the sides of this carpet path stand armored soldiers.
19:52 <•Kotono> There must be a hundred, easily, each at attention. All have stout shield nad weapon at ready, from short swords to massive axes, flails or blades. Past them crowds linger. Hundreds watchinga nd murmuring, most well dressed and kept. (More)
19:57 <•Kotono> Here, at the heart of Laremy's authority, stairs lead to the throne. A tall throne of white and gray stone, polished well and with deep cushions. Here sits one woman. A woman with blonde hair sits there, long and kept back in a bun. She sits, hands in her lap and a bladed scepter on her lap. She is dressed in a gown of unrelenting black and gray. None stand besides the throne as the Queen sits.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Your Majesty!" Melissine greets, taking close but not too close and kneeling. "We present ourselves to you. As requested, I have brought the heroes of Welland, save for Anne of Moore, who was not with them."
19:58 <•Kotono> Rina kneels as well, head bowed. Sanda quickly copies her, doing the same.
19:58 <Devar> Devar moves to the side to give the others room and kneels down next to the others, bowing his head all the same.
19:59 — Skaya kneels next to Sanda, lowering her head before the monarch.
20:01 <•Kotono> The Queen gazes on all of you, "I am pleased that you have come in our dark hour of need. Though I had hoped for all of you. Where is Anne of Moore? Laremy needs healers most of all, to restore her good soldiers." Say what you will, but she has a good voice. Strong, trained and it carries.
20:01 <•Kotono> "My understanding is that she stays in Mellanics to see to the orphaned, as is her calling," Your guide responds.
20:03 <Skaya> So far, so good. But since Melissine is the one responding, they clearly weren't addressed and should keep silent until they are.
20:04 <Devar> Devar continues to stay silent!
20:04 <•Kotono> A weary sigh from the Queen, "Then I decree that Anne of Moore be summoned here. Better late than never, as it is said." An unintrusive page nearby bows and immediately departs on that command. "While I am grateful you have answered Laremy's call for aid, I ask of you this: Why did you linger north so long when war had erupted? Is it not the duty of every patriot to rush to Laremy's bosom at
20:04 <•Kotono> such a time?" Her gaze alights on the party, "I wish to hear it from one of you heroes directly, as to your reasons."
20:05 <•Kotono> Sanda starts to open her mouth, but Rina subtly reaches out and pinches her side.
20:05 <Skaya> 'Do you want to answer this or should I?' Skaya thinks to Devar.
20:06 <Devar> 'I think if I do it may poison the well in some regard because they'll blame it on Eldath. I say you, unless you think it will go over better because it's me.' He thinks back.
20:09 <Skaya> 'Got it,' Skaya responds mentally to Devar, before saying, "Your Majesty, is it not as a direct result of our actions that Welland has stayed neutral in this war? Isn't it good that a monster lead by the lower planes was prevented from releasing more plagues to spread? Such things care little for national borders or human laws. We were pursuing that criminal on an official task from Laremy after many lives were lost to him here."
20:10 <•Kotono> The Queen inclines her head. Acknowledgment at least, maybe even agreement. "And vengeance as well?" A look to Rina, "Did you avenge the theft of your brother and a good man of Laremy from yourself and from Laremy?"
20:13 <•Kotono> "Yes." Rina looks up, "Brachidos started a war with us, and we ended it. Regis rests peacefully now, as do all of the victims Brachidos stole from us. I was entrusted with this mission, Your Majesty, and I tell you that we succeeded."
20:14 <•Kotono> Another inclination of her head. "And you. Sanda, common shopkeeper. You took up arms in the great tradition of Laremy and proved your martial might. Like many others, you forsook peace for the call of steel, spell and war. You have tasted the first two, are you prepared for the last?"
20:18 <•Kotono> Sanda very quietly gulps, only audible to Skaya really. "I did, and I hope I am," she answers, "But who can know war until they see it themselves? Statistically speaking, that is."
20:19 <Skaya> Ah, Sanda. So adorable! If they get through this alright, she'll buy her some delicious local desserts.
20:21 <•Kotono> The Queen seems perplexed a moment, "You are a good daughter of Laremy. The odds favor you," She finally says, and after a moment, "But we have a greater matter to discuss." There's a pause, "Are you heroes, or are you traitors worthy of the noose?"
20:23 <•Kotono> At this, the crowd nearby parts. Picke emerges - in perfectly fine health andin good clothes. He gives the group a quietly resigned look as he joins you and kneels, but murmurs softly, "I'd hoped you'd take the hint with the gate guards at Mellanics."
20:23 <Skaya> "How could we be traitors, Your Majesty?" Skaya responds since it seems they were asked, ignoring Picke.
20:25 <•Kotono> "Picke insisted that the choices to make a peace on his own initiatve was his alone. Yet the freshly returned heroes are thick with him now, and directly responsible for events as I understand them." She considers, "I have had several call for your heads, and that giving up land was a gross betrayal, but I would hear it from your own mouths, just as I have heard it from Picke's."
20:29 <Devar> Since Skaya had been talking already, he leaves it up to her - if she wants him to say anything they've talked mentally already!
20:30 <Skaya> "Of course, Your Majesty. The truth is, as always, resting somewhere in between. While Sir Picke made the decision, being the only one able of making it, the plan he followed was actually mine. With only minor changes, Sir Picke executed it successfully and prevented Laremy from being cut off in two by an invading army that neither Mellanics nor Laremy was in position to militarily stop even with our efforts. More nations would be
20:30 <Skaya> prevented from joining the war, opening yet another front. And the enemy even gave up land they had already seized, including the crucial town of Newkingsland. Now, Your Majesty could lead Laremy to deal with our main foe, Eis, without any distractions. As for the border town of Fyner, it was seized just three decades ago. Retrieving it again should prove no issue afterwards, if Her Majesty so wishes even after hearing Sir Picke
20:30 <Skaya> describe the coming draught and hunger during winter, courtesy of Auril."
20:34 <•Kotono> At that there's a murmur amid everyone. The Queen is still, but Picke takes that chance. "We have been told from above that a terrible window is coming. Auril seeks to pounce in our moments of weakness, and lay everyone in Laremy low, and all the nations around them. There is no chance to win here, and it is this revelation that helped force the Free Cities to the peace table. I could not in
20:34 <•Kotono> good conscience allow this to happen, and see Laremy risk internal revolt and collapse, or complete military defeat."
20:35 <•Kotono> *winter, not window
20:36 <Skaya> "I tend to believe the direct instructions of Shaukdakul, and in this matter there were other gods who made direct miracles in support," Skaya picks up after Picke. "Your Majesty, would it help if I were to add that I have received another augury prior to returning to Laremy? The fall of Mellanics was imminent, a matter of hours."
20:39 <•Kotono> "I see." The Queen is silent at that. A pause to think, perhaps. "Perhaps that was so, the situation was dire. Still, that is not all. You confess and accept you lied to me, Picke?" The Queen asks then. She sighs, "No. You lied so that your allies would look better when they spoke this, didn't you? So that your charges would come out of this well, even if you didn't. Let them speak of all this
20:39 <•Kotono> when they came, and be seen as good, loyal sons and daughters of Laremy?"
20:42 <•Kotono> Picke is completely still. He doesn't say a word, but perhaps that says everything. "I thought so." The Queen continues, "I'm inclined to believe your claims, Skaya."
20:44 <Skaya> "Thank you, Your Majesty," Skaya says gratefully. It helps that she is truthful, and that it shouldn't be that hard to confirm some of her claims. As for the detractors, a queen would know the politics guiding them and the military situation better than her.
20:45 <•Kotono> "Heroes do as heroes do. While some might call for you to face justice, the simple truth is that you acted in good faith and were not the one who had the authority vested in him. The blame shall not be yours. Listen, all here. By my royal right as Ellaine Laremy, I grant Skaya, Rina, Devar, Sanda and Anne a royal pardon for any deeds committed in this peace offering, unless they have lied to
20:45 <•Kotono> me and concealed other wrongdoing, at which point the pardon is nullified."
20:47 <Skaya> This is why you don't lie to your queen! But Picke and Milla are not mentioned. Perhaps Milla is not even implicated, so does that only leave her father?
20:49 <•Kotono> "For now I have no choice, no matter your motives. Picke, I order you imprisoned in the Widow's Tower until I pass further judgment." The Queen sits back, heavily, as your guide continues to stay quiet.
20:49 — Skaya glances at their guide out of the corner of her eye. Can she get away with speaking here?
20:50 <•Kotono> Melissine is quiet, head bowed and keeping her place. No help there.
20:50 — Skaya suppresses her innate desire for action and keep quiet for now. There will be a chance to speak! She's sure of it!
20:51 <•Kotono> Quietly, a murmur, "Before the war, she was never this sharp, this canny. She's changed." Picke manages, voice softly carrying. "She wasn't half this smart before. Something's changed, she's not a weak ruler now, be careful." He then rises as guards come and follows without a fuss, only the murmurs of all watching.
20:51 <Devar> Well, he also was just imprisoned and not outright given an execution sentence, so that's a plus.
20:58 <•Kotono> Once Picke is gone, "Hear this: All of you are called on in Laremy's time of need," The Queen continues, "You will participate on the war against Eis, in positions to be determined. However, I want to know more about this winter and drought first."
20:58 <•Kotono> Sanda looks down but grimaces, as Rina whispers something too quiet for anyone to hear.
21:02 <Skaya> "There has been undue interference with this world recently," Skaya responds at the obvious prompt. "From Brachidos, in service of the lower planes, to Talona's agents having a conflict with him due to his large-scale actions disrupting their own plans. The lates in this crop, Your Majesty, is Auril. The plan is simplicity itself, a harsh winter unseen in centuries, to cause great suffering, famine and death. We suspect it is only a
21:02 <Skaya> prelude for more, but even on its own should we add the difficulties of war into this equation, this winter would be difficult for your citizens to surpass. And come spring, supporting an army would be even more difficult still."
21:05 <•Kotono> "Then the war will be won or lost, for all sides, in the next month or two," The Queen reasons, "And all sides may well lose then. The only choice is to force Eis to surrender."
21:08 <Skaya> Perhaps there is more of an opening to diplomacy, but this is not the time or the place to suggest such. If Queen Ellaine wishes for Skaya to become a strategist or general, that's one thing. But offering half-assed advice during an audience such as this would be silly.
21:10 <Devar> Devar continues his silence!
21:10 <•Kotono> "Is that all, then?" The Queen looks to you, "With all that is happened, is there anything else that you wish to speak of, heroes?"
21:13 <Devar> 'I don't think my speaking up about anything is going to help here.' Devar thinks to Skaya.
21:14 <Skaya> And there it is! Now Skaya will see if she's an idiot.
21:14 <Skaya> "Your Majesty, there was one matter I wished to bring up. With your gracious permission, I will ask. Is it possible to defer Sir Picke's judgement? I too believe that a swift military victory will be best, and he was greatly feared on the southern battlefield. Would it not benefit Laremy to have him trying to regain his honor on the battlefield anew? I ask this because I believe there is a difference between a man making the wrong
21:14 <Skaya> choice that would bring rightful charges upon him, and a man truly betraying his kingdom in his heart and scheming against his queen."
21:19 <•Kotono> "This is not an unreasonable request, but I will not make further judgment until I have had more time to consider everything," The Queen declares.
21:20 <Skaya> "I thank Her Majesty for listening to this impertinent request," Skaya says, bowing her head even lower.
21:27 <•Kotono> "Then you are dismissed," The Queen commands, and your guide rises. "Follow," she murmurs to all of you.
21:28 <Skaya> After performing a curtsy, Skaya follows Melissine.
21:28 <Devar> Devar will rise after their guide does and offer a bow after Skaya before turning to follow them out.
21:29 <•Kotono> Once out Sanda sags with relief, almost toppling over. Rina lends her a shoulder as she breathes out, "So stressful."
21:30 <Devar> "You both have fought an actual dragon." Devar says with a small smile. "It wasn't that bad."
21:30 <Skaya> "It was really exciting!" Skaya admits quietly, all hyper now that they're out of that official situation.
21:30 <•Kotono> Melissine leads you along, "I'll see to some quarters for you while command figures out where you're best used," she says, "Though I overheard what Picke said. Her Majesty has risen to the occasion, as many other monarchs of her family have in times of war."
21:31 <•Kotono> "Also, by the numbers I'm absolutely furious at Picke," Sanda sniffs, "Did he plan all of this to take the blame himself and make sure we came out well?"
21:31 <Skaya> "Is there a shortage of healers?" Skaya asks her. "To the point where despite all these grand churches here, Anne would be needed?"
21:31 <•Kotono> "War demands much," Melissine says, "There's always need for more healers."
21:32 <Skaya> At Sanda's words, Skaya blinks, "That is absolutely the reason someone might claim sole responsibility over something." Such as how Skaya had just then.
21:33 <•Kotono> Rina rubs the side of her head, "You know, he sent that letter that suggested we avoid the war, and has gone out of his way to protect us from it."
21:35 <Devar> "We knew what we were getting into." Devar says.
21:36 <Skaya> "I don't think there are particularly good choices here. Except being healers?" Skaya proposes. "Devar, Anne and I can heal. Rina and Sanda learned some first aid on our journey. We can even be battlefield healers and rescue wounded soldiers to bring them back to the medical tents. How about operating a team like that? After all, there's always a need for more healers."
21:36 <•Kotono> "IF we can convince whomever makes the choice," Rina comments, "If we're in the army now, we probably don't have the choice ourselves. We might have some leeway because we're heroes, but..."
21:37 <•Kotono> Melissine looks more amused than anything, "You did know what you were getting into. Congratulations on not drowning in there."
21:38 <Devar> "My healing is rather limited. It's too bad we can't make use of that dragon's treasure, but there's nothing for it." Devar says.
21:41 <Skaya> "It's fine. A rescue squad would be so good! It'll prove its usefulness!"
21:41 <Devar> "Actually, if healing is that dire, I may have an idea, but we'd need to talk to someone who could make financial decisions." Devar says. "I guess we need permission to go anywhere now, or something like that."
21:42 <•Kotono> "I'll take you to your quarters," Melissine says, as you're lead along. OOC: More.
21:46 <•Kotono> Your quarters are nice pair of rooms. Not small but not large, enough space. "It's shared rooms at war," she explains, "But I think all o fyou want to be kept together, at least for now."
21:47 <Skaya> "It's very convenient for us. Thank you so much!"
21:48 <Devar> "Do you have any idea how long it'll be before we get some sort of assignment?" Devar asks.
21:50 <•Kotono> "A day, perhaps two." Is the answer, "Unusually long, but arguments will be had. Good luck," A nod and you're all left to your own devices. Sanda stumbles to a seat and plops down, "Well, here we go."
21:51 <Skaya> "I'm so proud of you right now!" Skaya exclaims, hugging Sanda.
21:51 <•Kotono> Sanda blinks, "For what?"
21:51 <Skaya> "For letting me be the one to say the risky stuff!"
21:55 <Devar> "Right, so I have a question, since we're all here - well, minus Anne, but I'm sure she'll get here eventually." Devar says. "There's a store - I think I mentioned this already, but it was in the underwater city we went to - I imagine they may carry something that could be helpful, if we wanted to go there. There's also the matter of the treasures I think you two could find - it's why I wanted
21:55 <Devar> to ask someone here if they'd give us some money to go and do some shopping... but ultimately I really don't want us tied up in this, but it's too late for that, so I'm not going to sit and be mopey about war."
21:55 <•Kotono> The answer comes...next time! OOC: Okay, I want to pause us before a new conversation gets going, since I'm tired and want a bit of downtime to mull over how this went. Pieces in the air.
21:55 <Skaya> "I actually think it could be a worthy cause to be healers in this war," Skaya voices, letting go of Sanda. "Certainly, the riches are interesting, but they can wait."
19:03 <•Kotono> goes, and as if making conversation casually, "Her Majesty doesn't have to order them to do that, but they understand what they need to do without being told."
19:04 <Devar> Devar stays particularly silent during this part of the trip.
19:05 <Skaya> Well, it is a war. Tempus should be happy.
19:05 <•Kotono> Sanda does as well, eyes lingering. Rina shakes her head, "And it makes the Tempus's followers all the more useful to the crown, doesn't it?
19:06 <•Kotono> "Naturally," Your guide agrees as you ride past another. "Influence flows uphill towards power."
19:10 <•Kotono> Rina doesn't answer. Her expression is thoughtful as she mulls that over, but on you ride. Street after street. Each inner wall is a checkpoint to pass, guarded and maintained. From houses to shops, to guild halls and closer to the castle, temples. Each a large building, each well maintained. "This is the Castle's Shadow, and where by tradition all temples are built, then pushed out when
19:10 <•Kotono> expansion of Maldaen Castle mandates it. The greater gatherings have their own temples, and the smaller ones divide up temples for shared use."
19:10 — Skaya prevents herself from laughing helplessly, presenting only a politely curious appearance. The two who should absolutely not talk did not take that advice to heart one bit!
19:11 <Skaya> "Who belongs to the greater gatherings?" she asks.
19:11 <•Kotono> Somehow Sanda stays quiet as well. Rina hmms, "I'll have to look into this when I have some time," she says, thoughtfully.
19:16 <•Kotono> "Several. I don't know them all offhand, but I know the Warheart is here, for Tempus, with lesser wings for the Red Knight and Garagos." She gestures, "Lathander, Selune, Oghma have temples. Mystra, Waukeen. Many of those who came from the Godsrush have shared temples, as there are several groups: The Cauldron, Sylica, Hope's Landing and others. Others do not but have presence: Chauntea I
19:16 <•Kotono> understand is one. Tyr, Ilmater and the like are also well received, and there is a library-temple to one known as Erathaol.""
19:17 <•Kotono> Shaking her head in thought as she rides, "The last I only know of because I once had reason to seek entry. They are secretive, but not a secret as much as," She considers, "Quiet."
19:19 <Skaya> Maybe they should've called for Anne... but maybe that won't matter. "Because you don't want to run a nation through prophecy?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "You know of them?" A note of unhidden surprise in Melissine's voice, "I'm surprised, few do. That library, something is strange of it. Too quiet, too unnoticed even where it is. Not even the bard's whispers and innkeep's fancies about it."
19:21 <Skaya> "I'm well-read. Never met one before, though. Never even imagined I'd be able to run into one here."
19:22 <•Kotono> Melissine nods, "You know of it now, and that is enough. We are grateful, heroes." Her words are different for a moment, deeper, then she blinks and rides on, undisturbed.
19:23 <•Kotono> Rina's entire posture changes in an instant, alert. She doesn't say a word, but instead turns to Skaya and Devar. "Did she...?" she mouths to them.
19:24 — Skaya nods at Rina.
19:25 <•Kotono> Rina nods back and murmurs, "Later," and ride son.
19:25 <Devar> Devar nods as well, following along.
19:28 <•Kotono> At last, the castle gates. They open wide, a grand entrance into a court yard. Stone paths, down corridors and off horses. Deeper in yet. You walk and walk, past inner gate after inner gate. Ten minutes of walking. Fifteen. Soldiers. Pages. Maids. Workers. On the castle stretches as you go, through decorated hall. On them weapons hang primarily, many with plaques beneath them. "Weapons from
19:28 <•Kotono> past wars taken as plunder are hung here, to show the strength of the the dynasty," Meilssine commentates as you walk, "Many with a story."
19:29 <Skaya> "Magical ones, too?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "Not here,"
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:31 <•Kotono> "Not here," Melissine comments, "Too much temptation for thieves."
19:33 — Skaya nods in understanding.
19:35 <•Kotono> Deeper and deeper. A half hour of walking. Further and further in, a steady clip, until you slip from the main path and into some rooms right off of it. It looks to be a small room to several other rooms. "Rooms to wash and cleanse yourself. Bathing supplies are in each room. Partake of them," she gestures, "We will not offend Her Majesty by showing up unwashed without good cause."
19:37 <Devar> Devar will go to one of them, assuming the ladies will want to be separate for this part!
19:37 <•Kotono> "Water after all this heat, lovely," Sanda comments as she goes. Rina almost smiles, but instead lingers a moment. "Say," she murmurs to Skaya and Devar, quietly. "I'm hoping what just happened is a good sign."
19:39 <Skaya> "Our guide is trustworthy, or at least that's what I'm assuming," Skaya responds quietly before following Sanda's example and heading into a room. Cleaning up after travel is so nice!
19:40 <Devar> Devar will likewise clean himself up, and use Prestidigitation for anything that a quick wash and cleanse wouldn't fix.
19:42 <•Kotono> IT is. A chance to refresh and change clothes is good. It's not long, but enough to get things done. You find your guide is out of her armor now. She has short brown hair, a bit ragged, and a quiet look to her. She's rather plain if anything, but moves with strength and grace. She wears a dress, if one stripped down enough not to overly hinder her. "Now then, let us present ourselves to Her
19:42 <•Kotono> Majesty."
19:43 <Devar> "Besides the whole 'kneel down and wait to be called on' is there any other decorum we should be aware of?" Devar asks.
19:43 <•Kotono> "Do not speak out of turn. If in doubt of a title, defer respectfully," Is the answer, "Do what you are told without question, unless the reason is great."
19:45 <Devar> "Simple enough." Devar says.
19:45 <•Kotono> "Then I suppose I'm ready," Sanda announces, "To see the Queen. Statistically speaking, I think we have good odds."
19:49 <Devar> Devar nods, looking to the others to see if they have any questions.
19:49 <Skaya> "I'm as ready as I can be," Skaya assures Devar.
19:52 <•Kotono> With no more talk, the party proceeds onwards. To a grand, open hall. One easily three or four stories from floor to roof, all open in beautiful, arching domes. In the domes are tiled works of art, mosaics. Here images of mightly leaders crushing all against them can be seen. A warrior-king with battle axe, leading a charge. A knight-king, who leads a thundering charge. An archer-queen, who
19:52 <•Kotono> rains arrows down.These are broken up by large glass windows in the ceiling, which let in sunlight. Far too much sunlight, leaving the entire room as bright as noon. The room itself is as long as a field, and a purple, red and blue swirled carpet, large enough for a half dozen riders to pass side by side on it, leads from door to throne. On the sides of this carpet path stand armored soldiers.
19:52 <•Kotono> There must be a hundred, easily, each at attention. All have stout shield nad weapon at ready, from short swords to massive axes, flails or blades. Past them crowds linger. Hundreds watchinga nd murmuring, most well dressed and kept. (More)
19:57 <•Kotono> Here, at the heart of Laremy's authority, stairs lead to the throne. A tall throne of white and gray stone, polished well and with deep cushions. Here sits one woman. A woman with blonde hair sits there, long and kept back in a bun. She sits, hands in her lap and a bladed scepter on her lap. She is dressed in a gown of unrelenting black and gray. None stand besides the throne as the Queen sits.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Your Majesty!" Melissine greets, taking close but not too close and kneeling. "We present ourselves to you. As requested, I have brought the heroes of Welland, save for Anne of Moore, who was not with them."
19:58 <•Kotono> Rina kneels as well, head bowed. Sanda quickly copies her, doing the same.
19:58 <Devar> Devar moves to the side to give the others room and kneels down next to the others, bowing his head all the same.
19:59 — Skaya kneels next to Sanda, lowering her head before the monarch.
20:01 <•Kotono> The Queen gazes on all of you, "I am pleased that you have come in our dark hour of need. Though I had hoped for all of you. Where is Anne of Moore? Laremy needs healers most of all, to restore her good soldiers." Say what you will, but she has a good voice. Strong, trained and it carries.
20:01 <•Kotono> "My understanding is that she stays in Mellanics to see to the orphaned, as is her calling," Your guide responds.
20:03 <Skaya> So far, so good. But since Melissine is the one responding, they clearly weren't addressed and should keep silent until they are.
20:04 <Devar> Devar continues to stay silent!
20:04 <•Kotono> A weary sigh from the Queen, "Then I decree that Anne of Moore be summoned here. Better late than never, as it is said." An unintrusive page nearby bows and immediately departs on that command. "While I am grateful you have answered Laremy's call for aid, I ask of you this: Why did you linger north so long when war had erupted? Is it not the duty of every patriot to rush to Laremy's bosom at
20:04 <•Kotono> such a time?" Her gaze alights on the party, "I wish to hear it from one of you heroes directly, as to your reasons."
20:05 <•Kotono> Sanda starts to open her mouth, but Rina subtly reaches out and pinches her side.
20:05 <Skaya> 'Do you want to answer this or should I?' Skaya thinks to Devar.
20:06 <Devar> 'I think if I do it may poison the well in some regard because they'll blame it on Eldath. I say you, unless you think it will go over better because it's me.' He thinks back.
20:09 <Skaya> 'Got it,' Skaya responds mentally to Devar, before saying, "Your Majesty, is it not as a direct result of our actions that Welland has stayed neutral in this war? Isn't it good that a monster lead by the lower planes was prevented from releasing more plagues to spread? Such things care little for national borders or human laws. We were pursuing that criminal on an official task from Laremy after many lives were lost to him here."
20:10 <•Kotono> The Queen inclines her head. Acknowledgment at least, maybe even agreement. "And vengeance as well?" A look to Rina, "Did you avenge the theft of your brother and a good man of Laremy from yourself and from Laremy?"
20:13 <•Kotono> "Yes." Rina looks up, "Brachidos started a war with us, and we ended it. Regis rests peacefully now, as do all of the victims Brachidos stole from us. I was entrusted with this mission, Your Majesty, and I tell you that we succeeded."
20:14 <•Kotono> Another inclination of her head. "And you. Sanda, common shopkeeper. You took up arms in the great tradition of Laremy and proved your martial might. Like many others, you forsook peace for the call of steel, spell and war. You have tasted the first two, are you prepared for the last?"
20:18 <•Kotono> Sanda very quietly gulps, only audible to Skaya really. "I did, and I hope I am," she answers, "But who can know war until they see it themselves? Statistically speaking, that is."
20:19 <Skaya> Ah, Sanda. So adorable! If they get through this alright, she'll buy her some delicious local desserts.
20:21 <•Kotono> The Queen seems perplexed a moment, "You are a good daughter of Laremy. The odds favor you," She finally says, and after a moment, "But we have a greater matter to discuss." There's a pause, "Are you heroes, or are you traitors worthy of the noose?"
20:23 <•Kotono> At this, the crowd nearby parts. Picke emerges - in perfectly fine health andin good clothes. He gives the group a quietly resigned look as he joins you and kneels, but murmurs softly, "I'd hoped you'd take the hint with the gate guards at Mellanics."
20:23 <Skaya> "How could we be traitors, Your Majesty?" Skaya responds since it seems they were asked, ignoring Picke.
20:25 <•Kotono> "Picke insisted that the choices to make a peace on his own initiatve was his alone. Yet the freshly returned heroes are thick with him now, and directly responsible for events as I understand them." She considers, "I have had several call for your heads, and that giving up land was a gross betrayal, but I would hear it from your own mouths, just as I have heard it from Picke's."
20:29 <Devar> Since Skaya had been talking already, he leaves it up to her - if she wants him to say anything they've talked mentally already!
20:30 <Skaya> "Of course, Your Majesty. The truth is, as always, resting somewhere in between. While Sir Picke made the decision, being the only one able of making it, the plan he followed was actually mine. With only minor changes, Sir Picke executed it successfully and prevented Laremy from being cut off in two by an invading army that neither Mellanics nor Laremy was in position to militarily stop even with our efforts. More nations would be
20:30 <Skaya> prevented from joining the war, opening yet another front. And the enemy even gave up land they had already seized, including the crucial town of Newkingsland. Now, Your Majesty could lead Laremy to deal with our main foe, Eis, without any distractions. As for the border town of Fyner, it was seized just three decades ago. Retrieving it again should prove no issue afterwards, if Her Majesty so wishes even after hearing Sir Picke
20:30 <Skaya> describe the coming draught and hunger during winter, courtesy of Auril."
20:34 <•Kotono> At that there's a murmur amid everyone. The Queen is still, but Picke takes that chance. "We have been told from above that a terrible window is coming. Auril seeks to pounce in our moments of weakness, and lay everyone in Laremy low, and all the nations around them. There is no chance to win here, and it is this revelation that helped force the Free Cities to the peace table. I could not in
20:34 <•Kotono> good conscience allow this to happen, and see Laremy risk internal revolt and collapse, or complete military defeat."
20:35 <•Kotono> *winter, not window
20:36 <Skaya> "I tend to believe the direct instructions of Shaukdakul, and in this matter there were other gods who made direct miracles in support," Skaya picks up after Picke. "Your Majesty, would it help if I were to add that I have received another augury prior to returning to Laremy? The fall of Mellanics was imminent, a matter of hours."
20:39 <•Kotono> "I see." The Queen is silent at that. A pause to think, perhaps. "Perhaps that was so, the situation was dire. Still, that is not all. You confess and accept you lied to me, Picke?" The Queen asks then. She sighs, "No. You lied so that your allies would look better when they spoke this, didn't you? So that your charges would come out of this well, even if you didn't. Let them speak of all this
20:39 <•Kotono> when they came, and be seen as good, loyal sons and daughters of Laremy?"
20:42 <•Kotono> Picke is completely still. He doesn't say a word, but perhaps that says everything. "I thought so." The Queen continues, "I'm inclined to believe your claims, Skaya."
20:44 <Skaya> "Thank you, Your Majesty," Skaya says gratefully. It helps that she is truthful, and that it shouldn't be that hard to confirm some of her claims. As for the detractors, a queen would know the politics guiding them and the military situation better than her.
20:45 <•Kotono> "Heroes do as heroes do. While some might call for you to face justice, the simple truth is that you acted in good faith and were not the one who had the authority vested in him. The blame shall not be yours. Listen, all here. By my royal right as Ellaine Laremy, I grant Skaya, Rina, Devar, Sanda and Anne a royal pardon for any deeds committed in this peace offering, unless they have lied to
20:45 <•Kotono> me and concealed other wrongdoing, at which point the pardon is nullified."
20:47 <Skaya> This is why you don't lie to your queen! But Picke and Milla are not mentioned. Perhaps Milla is not even implicated, so does that only leave her father?
20:49 <•Kotono> "For now I have no choice, no matter your motives. Picke, I order you imprisoned in the Widow's Tower until I pass further judgment." The Queen sits back, heavily, as your guide continues to stay quiet.
20:49 — Skaya glances at their guide out of the corner of her eye. Can she get away with speaking here?
20:50 <•Kotono> Melissine is quiet, head bowed and keeping her place. No help there.
20:50 — Skaya suppresses her innate desire for action and keep quiet for now. There will be a chance to speak! She's sure of it!
20:51 <•Kotono> Quietly, a murmur, "Before the war, she was never this sharp, this canny. She's changed." Picke manages, voice softly carrying. "She wasn't half this smart before. Something's changed, she's not a weak ruler now, be careful." He then rises as guards come and follows without a fuss, only the murmurs of all watching.
20:51 <Devar> Well, he also was just imprisoned and not outright given an execution sentence, so that's a plus.
20:58 <•Kotono> Once Picke is gone, "Hear this: All of you are called on in Laremy's time of need," The Queen continues, "You will participate on the war against Eis, in positions to be determined. However, I want to know more about this winter and drought first."
20:58 <•Kotono> Sanda looks down but grimaces, as Rina whispers something too quiet for anyone to hear.
21:02 <Skaya> "There has been undue interference with this world recently," Skaya responds at the obvious prompt. "From Brachidos, in service of the lower planes, to Talona's agents having a conflict with him due to his large-scale actions disrupting their own plans. The lates in this crop, Your Majesty, is Auril. The plan is simplicity itself, a harsh winter unseen in centuries, to cause great suffering, famine and death. We suspect it is only a
21:02 <Skaya> prelude for more, but even on its own should we add the difficulties of war into this equation, this winter would be difficult for your citizens to surpass. And come spring, supporting an army would be even more difficult still."
21:05 <•Kotono> "Then the war will be won or lost, for all sides, in the next month or two," The Queen reasons, "And all sides may well lose then. The only choice is to force Eis to surrender."
21:08 <Skaya> Perhaps there is more of an opening to diplomacy, but this is not the time or the place to suggest such. If Queen Ellaine wishes for Skaya to become a strategist or general, that's one thing. But offering half-assed advice during an audience such as this would be silly.
21:10 <Devar> Devar continues his silence!
21:10 <•Kotono> "Is that all, then?" The Queen looks to you, "With all that is happened, is there anything else that you wish to speak of, heroes?"
21:13 <Devar> 'I don't think my speaking up about anything is going to help here.' Devar thinks to Skaya.
21:14 <Skaya> And there it is! Now Skaya will see if she's an idiot.
21:14 <Skaya> "Your Majesty, there was one matter I wished to bring up. With your gracious permission, I will ask. Is it possible to defer Sir Picke's judgement? I too believe that a swift military victory will be best, and he was greatly feared on the southern battlefield. Would it not benefit Laremy to have him trying to regain his honor on the battlefield anew? I ask this because I believe there is a difference between a man making the wrong
21:14 <Skaya> choice that would bring rightful charges upon him, and a man truly betraying his kingdom in his heart and scheming against his queen."
21:19 <•Kotono> "This is not an unreasonable request, but I will not make further judgment until I have had more time to consider everything," The Queen declares.
21:20 <Skaya> "I thank Her Majesty for listening to this impertinent request," Skaya says, bowing her head even lower.
21:27 <•Kotono> "Then you are dismissed," The Queen commands, and your guide rises. "Follow," she murmurs to all of you.
21:28 <Skaya> After performing a curtsy, Skaya follows Melissine.
21:28 <Devar> Devar will rise after their guide does and offer a bow after Skaya before turning to follow them out.
21:29 <•Kotono> Once out Sanda sags with relief, almost toppling over. Rina lends her a shoulder as she breathes out, "So stressful."
21:30 <Devar> "You both have fought an actual dragon." Devar says with a small smile. "It wasn't that bad."
21:30 <Skaya> "It was really exciting!" Skaya admits quietly, all hyper now that they're out of that official situation.
21:30 <•Kotono> Melissine leads you along, "I'll see to some quarters for you while command figures out where you're best used," she says, "Though I overheard what Picke said. Her Majesty has risen to the occasion, as many other monarchs of her family have in times of war."
21:31 <•Kotono> "Also, by the numbers I'm absolutely furious at Picke," Sanda sniffs, "Did he plan all of this to take the blame himself and make sure we came out well?"
21:31 <Skaya> "Is there a shortage of healers?" Skaya asks her. "To the point where despite all these grand churches here, Anne would be needed?"
21:31 <•Kotono> "War demands much," Melissine says, "There's always need for more healers."
21:32 <Skaya> At Sanda's words, Skaya blinks, "That is absolutely the reason someone might claim sole responsibility over something." Such as how Skaya had just then.
21:33 <•Kotono> Rina rubs the side of her head, "You know, he sent that letter that suggested we avoid the war, and has gone out of his way to protect us from it."
21:35 <Devar> "We knew what we were getting into." Devar says.
21:36 <Skaya> "I don't think there are particularly good choices here. Except being healers?" Skaya proposes. "Devar, Anne and I can heal. Rina and Sanda learned some first aid on our journey. We can even be battlefield healers and rescue wounded soldiers to bring them back to the medical tents. How about operating a team like that? After all, there's always a need for more healers."
21:36 <•Kotono> "IF we can convince whomever makes the choice," Rina comments, "If we're in the army now, we probably don't have the choice ourselves. We might have some leeway because we're heroes, but..."
21:37 <•Kotono> Melissine looks more amused than anything, "You did know what you were getting into. Congratulations on not drowning in there."
21:38 <Devar> "My healing is rather limited. It's too bad we can't make use of that dragon's treasure, but there's nothing for it." Devar says.
21:41 <Skaya> "It's fine. A rescue squad would be so good! It'll prove its usefulness!"
21:41 <Devar> "Actually, if healing is that dire, I may have an idea, but we'd need to talk to someone who could make financial decisions." Devar says. "I guess we need permission to go anywhere now, or something like that."
21:42 <•Kotono> "I'll take you to your quarters," Melissine says, as you're lead along. OOC: More.
21:46 <•Kotono> Your quarters are nice pair of rooms. Not small but not large, enough space. "It's shared rooms at war," she explains, "But I think all o fyou want to be kept together, at least for now."
21:47 <Skaya> "It's very convenient for us. Thank you so much!"
21:48 <Devar> "Do you have any idea how long it'll be before we get some sort of assignment?" Devar asks.
21:50 <•Kotono> "A day, perhaps two." Is the answer, "Unusually long, but arguments will be had. Good luck," A nod and you're all left to your own devices. Sanda stumbles to a seat and plops down, "Well, here we go."
21:51 <Skaya> "I'm so proud of you right now!" Skaya exclaims, hugging Sanda.
21:51 <•Kotono> Sanda blinks, "For what?"
21:51 <Skaya> "For letting me be the one to say the risky stuff!"
21:55 <Devar> "Right, so I have a question, since we're all here - well, minus Anne, but I'm sure she'll get here eventually." Devar says. "There's a store - I think I mentioned this already, but it was in the underwater city we went to - I imagine they may carry something that could be helpful, if we wanted to go there. There's also the matter of the treasures I think you two could find - it's why I wanted
21:55 <Devar> to ask someone here if they'd give us some money to go and do some shopping... but ultimately I really don't want us tied up in this, but it's too late for that, so I'm not going to sit and be mopey about war."
21:55 <•Kotono> The answer comes...next time! OOC: Okay, I want to pause us before a new conversation gets going, since I'm tired and want a bit of downtime to mull over how this went. Pieces in the air.
21:55 <Skaya> "I actually think it could be a worthy cause to be healers in this war," Skaya voices, letting go of Sanda. "Certainly, the riches are interesting, but they can wait."
#33
Mini Game Logs / Re: Chasing Picke 019
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:06:47 PM19:06 <•Kotono> "We-we owe you our lives," The woman says, as the younger ones look on in quiet awe. "Whatever you want is f-fine," she wipes at her eyes, "I'm just, it's just...oh Robert," she mewls softly.
19:06 <•Kotono> "Mom," A young woman comes and hugs her from behind, sniffling.
19:08 <Skaya> Picking sides in a war is risky. The best they can really do is ensure there is no collateral damage.
19:09 <•Kotono> "Odds are it's best they travel with us, rather than risk the roads." Sanda finally speaks up, "But it's your problem, Devar."
19:09 <Devar> "Don't worry, just rest in there." Devar says. "You've all had a rather long day and probably need to try and relax - though I know that will be hard." To Sanda he nods. "Yes, for now that's probably for the best, we can figure out the specifics later."
19:13 <•Kotono> Rina leads them back and in. Once in there she steps out, and murmurs in al ow voice to you, "Let them grieve in peace," she says, "I'll keep half an eye on them just in case this was a mistake."
19:15 <Skaya> "Let me know if you need help," Skaya tells her just as quietly.
19:15 <Devar> Devar nods and will do just that, taking to the sky to keep an eye on things from there as they continue on.
19:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:19 <•Kotono> OOC: And no bot, I rebooted last night. One sec.
19:21 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@22FFF5BB.ADE2A815.273521D5.IP)
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
19:25 <•Kotono> You travel past Bluehill to your south and onward. Another quiet day - the family mostly keeps to themselves for now, dealing. But that morning? Under a deceptively bright and cheerful blue sky, you see a small group approach. Other travelers stand aside, for it's a dozen horse back riders, lead by a figure in full body plate armor and helmet. As Sanda guides the horses to do the same, "Stop
19:25 <•Kotono> there! We look for travelers from the Heroic Guild of Mellanics, and you fit the description of them." The armored figure says, a woman's voice.
19:26 <Skaya> "You've found them, then!" Skaya responds from where she's perched on top of the carriage.
19:27 <Devar> Devar, for his part, will stay on the ground near the wagon itself.
19:33 <•Kotono> "You're commanded to travel to the city of Laremy to participate in the trial of Picke Knightson," Is the rider's words, "We are to escort you with all haste."
19:34 <Skaya> "Not to the border?" Skaya asks in surprise. "Is the Eis front so strong that it doesn't need reinforcement?"
19:37 <•Kotono> "Her Majesty has decided that the brief time to settle this is worth attention," The armed warrior says, "Are your horses fast? If not, we can replace them and have those horses quartered safely elsewhere."
19:38 <Skaya> "They're certainly fast, but we only have the two," Skaya admits.
19:40 <•Kotono> "We'll provide more," Is the brisk answer, "Come. There's no time to waste with a war going on."
19:41 <Skaya> "Alright," Skaya acquiesces. In a sense, this is what they've meant to do, just faster.
19:48 <•Kotono> Indeed. As you all fall in, the rider lingers, "Melissine Northgate," she introduces herself as they ride, tapping her chest. An emblem of a barred gate is there, heraldry drawn into her armor. "You've gotten her Majesty's attention, or perhaps your heroism is a bright spot amid the trial before us."
19:48 <Skaya> "Skaya," she responds for her part, allowing the others to introduce themselves. "A pleasure, even under such circumstances."
19:49 <Devar> "Devar of Eldath." He greets her.
19:51 <•Kotono> "Rina," Rina introduces, "And that' Sanda over there. Also, we have a few traveles with us in the wagon, but they're in mourning."
19:52 <•Kotono> "A mild complication," Melissine comments as she rides on, your pace brisk, "I had heard stories that you have a healer with you as well?"
19:53 <Skaya> "She selflessly works to care for the local orphans," Skaya explains. "If you need anyone healed, Devar can help!"
19:54 <Devar> "I'm not as adept at it as her but I can help." He says.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Good, you'll find use at the capital and at the front. There's always need for such things in war," Is the answer you get back.
20:00 <Skaya> Since she's not pushing for Anne there's no crisis at the capital, health wise. That's good!
20:00 <•Kotono> Sanda frowns, "The front? I thought we were going to the capital city?"
20:02 <•Kotono> "Her Majesty needs all good men and women of Laremy now," Melissine comments briskly, "I imagine you'll be commissioned into service once the trial is over by royal edict."
20:03 <Devar> Devar doesn't say anything - he just keeps pace with the others.
20:06 <•Kotono> There's a silence after that - tight and tense, but neither Rina or Sanda elect to break it right now. With that, the party proceeds onward, setting a pace for Laremy proper.
20:06 <•Kotono> OOC: More.
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=54 ]{34}
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{54}
20:13 <•Kotono> A few more days of travel pass. Quiet, focused on progress, but you make headway. With excellent speed you soon approach Laremy City, the capital of Laremy. It's a large city, sprawl kept in check by rings of walls, each bigger than the last. In the center is not the core of the town, or a mere castle. It is a massive fortress, a huge thing overscaled and overmade. It is like an onion, with
20:13 <•Kotono> the oldest core surrounded by laers of newer castle built outwards. As you ride up towards the gates into the city, "Welcome to Laremy City. Ahead you can see Maldaen Castle, the seat of the royal family."
20:14 <Devar> Devar wonders if they're going to notice what Sanda's wearing and ask for it back while they're here.
20:14 <Skaya> "I've never been here before, so it's an amazing sight!" Skaya chirps. "Are we going to the castle?"
20:19 <•Kotono> Rina follows as Sanda takes it all in. "It's impressive. The castle looks like it's been expanded?"
20:20 <•Kotono> "Yes, to meet the Queen," Is the answer, "The castle has been. It's tradition for each king or queen to expand it in some way. Some choose to build higher, others choose to engulf more of Laremy City and force the city to expand outwards ast he castle grows in size."
20:21 <Skaya> "How long has this tradition been going on?" Skaya asks curiously.
20:23 <•Kotono> "Since King Albert the First," A thoughtful hum from your minder, "Something to do in between wars."
20:24 <Skaya> "What's the newest expansion, then?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "Queen Ellaine has expanded the basements as well as begun plans to build upward above the Queen Marine wing, though those have been stalled by the war." A tsk, "We'll take it out of the hide of Eis."
20:29 <Skaya> "Ah, speaking of the war. Do you know how it started? I'm afraid we were abroad hunting a mass murderer at the time."
20:36 <•Kotono> "You don't know?" A surprisingly long pause after that, "I was under the impression you were aware."
20:37 <Skaya> "Only in general terms, not the actual details," Skaya explains. "And once we've returned, the southern invasion was more imminent."
20:41 <•Kotono> "I see." There's a moment, "That's curious, but I suppose your trials in Welland explain it neatly."
20:42 <Devar> "We didn't really have a lot of time to dig into anything." Devar echoes Skaya's sentiment.
20:42 <Skaya> "Plus Welland is not exactly a bosom ally of Laremy, so any information found there should be taken with a grain of salt, wouldn't you agree?"
21:14 <•Kotono> "They are not," Agreement there, a small laugh. "I grew up learning to prepare for war with them, and how to stop their advances cold."
21:14 <Skaya> "So how about it? Can you share the details about the spark that started this war?"
21:16 <•Kotono> A little nod to that, "Do you know nothing of it at all?"
21:16 <Skaya> "Just that there was some border clash."
21:21 <•Kotono> "There was. The forces of Eis pushed the border, attacked our scouting elements and then invited an outright battle. From there..." A simple murmur, "War. I've heard Eis claims their scouts were massacred," A scoff, "But they lie in war to seduce others to help them."
21:22 <Devar> Devar's still pretty sure the entire situation was a false flag operation, but at this point even if that were the case there's nothing to do about it.
21:23 <Skaya> "Who was in charge of our defenses at the border at the time?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "The town of Watch and Earl Watch, as well as his family and forces," She responds, "Unfortunately, Earl Watch perished shortly in the war, and now Countess Watch oversees such matters, though has been subsumed by royal authority due to the war."
21:26 <•Kotono> "Why the difference in ranks?" Rina comments at that, "Why not Count Watch and Countess Watch?"
21:27 — Skaya is actually curious why it's not a margrave, but maybe Laremy doesn't have that noble rank? Semantics, anyway.
21:28 <•Kotono> "A female earl is a countess," Melissine chuckles again, voice warming as you rid eto the gates. The soldiers guide you past the line and the group is waved through. "There's no earless or similiar rank, all females who would hold the title of earl are given the title of countess instead. There's no difference in authority or loss of it."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Fascinating," Sanda quips, "So when we solve everything and get noble rank, I'll be a countess."
21:29 <Skaya> "Her Majesty is here, however, so royal authority suggests someone executing her will?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Yes, the Countess as well as Sir Bluehill are there," Into the streets. Busy, winding streets. All are wide, enough for several horses to stride through at a good clip. "I believe several special officers of the Queen are there as well ,so the situation is in good hands."
21:35 <•Kotono> A snort from Rina, too loud to ignore. Instead, "Do you draw offense at them?"
21:36 <•Kotono> "I do, or at least one special agent of the crown," Rina adds, "One who saw me tortured for no reason and no gain, simply to applease his ego."
21:36 — Skaya just stares at Rina.
21:38 <•Kotono> Rina takes a breath, "I say this not to offend, but that if I'm going to see the Queen, I'm going to ensure that she knows one of her chosen envoys grossly misused his powers."
21:39 <•Kotono> To her credit, Sanda matches that stare.
21:39 <•Kotono> "Bold words to speak of someone the Queen trusted with power," Your guide comments, "You're willing to risk much for this, hero?"
21:40 <Devar> "Solving injustices is important to do." Devar says. "But perhaps we should focus on our main goal for right now."
21:40 <Skaya> It would be really good if there was only the one. After all, that's one of the big weaknesses of centralized monarchy. But at least Skaya is smart enough not to say it or show that she's thinking this on her face.
21:41 <•Kotono> "I won't let him go on and abuse that power on others." Rina promises, "If he's a special envoy, he's held to a higher standard. And I know Devar, but I won't waste this chance, either. If I save even one person from his stupidity and malice, then it's words well spent."
21:41 <Devar> "Do your best to control your anger over the situation. You don't need to burn everything around you for one person, all right?"
21:42 <•Kotono> At that there's a crackle of fire, Rina's hair ablaze briefly. "I won't," she says, as a few cries from nearby come. "I'm not angry, I'm focused."
21:43 <Devar> "Just don't burn the forest down." Devar says with a smile.
21:44 <•Kotono> "I see. May I suggest you study timeliness and proper comportment?" The words aren't quite cold, but not friendly. "Has this envoy grossly violated the Queen's trust, then well and good he's brought to heel. Do that again and you may well have your head decorate the castle's battlements. A special envoy deserves honor and respect, as they have the trust of the Queen."
21:44 — Skaya gives Melissine a helpless half-shrug.
21:45 <•Kotono> "And that isn't a threat, fire blooded," Shea dds after, "It's advice. Good advice. Take it and heed it well."
21:47 <•Kotono> Rina goes quiet. "I'm sorry." she says, "My anger sometimes burns hotter these, or maybe I've gotten tired of holding it in."
21:47 <•Kotono> *these days
21:48 — Skaya flies over to Melissine's side, asking her casually, "So are your orders to have all of us pay our respects to Her Majesty?"
21:49 <•Kotono> "Yes, with all due haste," Is the answer, "You're heading straight to the throne room after a brief opportunity to clean away the stain of the roads.."
21:50 <Skaya> "I don't suppose there's any leeway in those orders? Because it sounds like you want all of us to speak."
21:58 <•Kotono> "You'll likely be called on to do that," She muses, "Why, does that require preparation and time?"
21:59 <Skaya> "...yes! Let's go with that. Can we just say that Sanda and Rina need to prepare and brush up on etiquette and just quietly leave them behind unless absolutely necessary?"
22:03 <•Kotono> "I'm afraid not, my orders are to present all of you, or at least as many as I found." She looks up, "We have a little time as we ride towards the castle. I suggest you four brush up on etiquette."
22:05 <Skaya> "Understood!" Skaya flies over to Sanda, then, and asks her, "What are our chances of getting through this without a faux pas, statistically speaking?"
22:06 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking?" Sanda lowers her voice, "I'm more likely to be crowned the next Queen, unless you or Devar know more etiquette than I expect."
22:08 <Skaya> "I actually do because I dabble in everything," Skaya responds. "As for the rest, there's actually a trick! It's where you apologize, say you're not sure, and promise to look into it if asked anything. It works so well! And while facing nobility or royalty you just need to be extra respectful and use the correct title."
22:10 <•Kotono> "And," Cutting in, Melissine does add to that, "Wisdom is knowing to shut up and keep your mouth shut, to be crudely blunt about it. Only speak when you need to."
22:11 <Devar> "I'm pretty sure Skaya and I can manage." Devar says.
22:12 <•Kotono> "Then let us go," Is the instruction, as...OOC: Going to tell the others anything or prep at all for this, or just go?
22:12 <Skaya> "But if asked a direct question you really have to use my formula," Skaya insists. "Well, worst case I'll just respond in your place and then it'd be my fault and not yours."
22:12 <Skaya> OOC: Let's cram a bit about noble titles at least and the local people of note
22:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Sounds good. We'll go into that more....next time!
19:06 <•Kotono> "Mom," A young woman comes and hugs her from behind, sniffling.
19:08 <Skaya> Picking sides in a war is risky. The best they can really do is ensure there is no collateral damage.
19:09 <•Kotono> "Odds are it's best they travel with us, rather than risk the roads." Sanda finally speaks up, "But it's your problem, Devar."
19:09 <Devar> "Don't worry, just rest in there." Devar says. "You've all had a rather long day and probably need to try and relax - though I know that will be hard." To Sanda he nods. "Yes, for now that's probably for the best, we can figure out the specifics later."
19:13 <•Kotono> Rina leads them back and in. Once in there she steps out, and murmurs in al ow voice to you, "Let them grieve in peace," she says, "I'll keep half an eye on them just in case this was a mistake."
19:15 <Skaya> "Let me know if you need help," Skaya tells her just as quietly.
19:15 <Devar> Devar nods and will do just that, taking to the sky to keep an eye on things from there as they continue on.
19:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:19 <•Kotono> OOC: And no bot, I rebooted last night. One sec.
19:21 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@22FFF5BB.ADE2A815.273521D5.IP)
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
19:25 <•Kotono> You travel past Bluehill to your south and onward. Another quiet day - the family mostly keeps to themselves for now, dealing. But that morning? Under a deceptively bright and cheerful blue sky, you see a small group approach. Other travelers stand aside, for it's a dozen horse back riders, lead by a figure in full body plate armor and helmet. As Sanda guides the horses to do the same, "Stop
19:25 <•Kotono> there! We look for travelers from the Heroic Guild of Mellanics, and you fit the description of them." The armored figure says, a woman's voice.
19:26 <Skaya> "You've found them, then!" Skaya responds from where she's perched on top of the carriage.
19:27 <Devar> Devar, for his part, will stay on the ground near the wagon itself.
19:33 <•Kotono> "You're commanded to travel to the city of Laremy to participate in the trial of Picke Knightson," Is the rider's words, "We are to escort you with all haste."
19:34 <Skaya> "Not to the border?" Skaya asks in surprise. "Is the Eis front so strong that it doesn't need reinforcement?"
19:37 <•Kotono> "Her Majesty has decided that the brief time to settle this is worth attention," The armed warrior says, "Are your horses fast? If not, we can replace them and have those horses quartered safely elsewhere."
19:38 <Skaya> "They're certainly fast, but we only have the two," Skaya admits.
19:40 <•Kotono> "We'll provide more," Is the brisk answer, "Come. There's no time to waste with a war going on."
19:41 <Skaya> "Alright," Skaya acquiesces. In a sense, this is what they've meant to do, just faster.
19:48 <•Kotono> Indeed. As you all fall in, the rider lingers, "Melissine Northgate," she introduces herself as they ride, tapping her chest. An emblem of a barred gate is there, heraldry drawn into her armor. "You've gotten her Majesty's attention, or perhaps your heroism is a bright spot amid the trial before us."
19:48 <Skaya> "Skaya," she responds for her part, allowing the others to introduce themselves. "A pleasure, even under such circumstances."
19:49 <Devar> "Devar of Eldath." He greets her.
19:51 <•Kotono> "Rina," Rina introduces, "And that' Sanda over there. Also, we have a few traveles with us in the wagon, but they're in mourning."
19:52 <•Kotono> "A mild complication," Melissine comments as she rides on, your pace brisk, "I had heard stories that you have a healer with you as well?"
19:53 <Skaya> "She selflessly works to care for the local orphans," Skaya explains. "If you need anyone healed, Devar can help!"
19:54 <Devar> "I'm not as adept at it as her but I can help." He says.
19:57 <•Kotono> "Good, you'll find use at the capital and at the front. There's always need for such things in war," Is the answer you get back.
20:00 <Skaya> Since she's not pushing for Anne there's no crisis at the capital, health wise. That's good!
20:00 <•Kotono> Sanda frowns, "The front? I thought we were going to the capital city?"
20:02 <•Kotono> "Her Majesty needs all good men and women of Laremy now," Melissine comments briskly, "I imagine you'll be commissioned into service once the trial is over by royal edict."
20:03 <Devar> Devar doesn't say anything - he just keeps pace with the others.
20:06 <•Kotono> There's a silence after that - tight and tense, but neither Rina or Sanda elect to break it right now. With that, the party proceeds onward, setting a pace for Laremy proper.
20:06 <•Kotono> OOC: More.
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=54 ]{34}
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{54}
20:13 <•Kotono> A few more days of travel pass. Quiet, focused on progress, but you make headway. With excellent speed you soon approach Laremy City, the capital of Laremy. It's a large city, sprawl kept in check by rings of walls, each bigger than the last. In the center is not the core of the town, or a mere castle. It is a massive fortress, a huge thing overscaled and overmade. It is like an onion, with
20:13 <•Kotono> the oldest core surrounded by laers of newer castle built outwards. As you ride up towards the gates into the city, "Welcome to Laremy City. Ahead you can see Maldaen Castle, the seat of the royal family."
20:14 <Devar> Devar wonders if they're going to notice what Sanda's wearing and ask for it back while they're here.
20:14 <Skaya> "I've never been here before, so it's an amazing sight!" Skaya chirps. "Are we going to the castle?"
20:19 <•Kotono> Rina follows as Sanda takes it all in. "It's impressive. The castle looks like it's been expanded?"
20:20 <•Kotono> "Yes, to meet the Queen," Is the answer, "The castle has been. It's tradition for each king or queen to expand it in some way. Some choose to build higher, others choose to engulf more of Laremy City and force the city to expand outwards ast he castle grows in size."
20:21 <Skaya> "How long has this tradition been going on?" Skaya asks curiously.
20:23 <•Kotono> "Since King Albert the First," A thoughtful hum from your minder, "Something to do in between wars."
20:24 <Skaya> "What's the newest expansion, then?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "Queen Ellaine has expanded the basements as well as begun plans to build upward above the Queen Marine wing, though those have been stalled by the war." A tsk, "We'll take it out of the hide of Eis."
20:29 <Skaya> "Ah, speaking of the war. Do you know how it started? I'm afraid we were abroad hunting a mass murderer at the time."
20:36 <•Kotono> "You don't know?" A surprisingly long pause after that, "I was under the impression you were aware."
20:37 <Skaya> "Only in general terms, not the actual details," Skaya explains. "And once we've returned, the southern invasion was more imminent."
20:41 <•Kotono> "I see." There's a moment, "That's curious, but I suppose your trials in Welland explain it neatly."
20:42 <Devar> "We didn't really have a lot of time to dig into anything." Devar echoes Skaya's sentiment.
20:42 <Skaya> "Plus Welland is not exactly a bosom ally of Laremy, so any information found there should be taken with a grain of salt, wouldn't you agree?"
21:14 <•Kotono> "They are not," Agreement there, a small laugh. "I grew up learning to prepare for war with them, and how to stop their advances cold."
21:14 <Skaya> "So how about it? Can you share the details about the spark that started this war?"
21:16 <•Kotono> A little nod to that, "Do you know nothing of it at all?"
21:16 <Skaya> "Just that there was some border clash."
21:21 <•Kotono> "There was. The forces of Eis pushed the border, attacked our scouting elements and then invited an outright battle. From there..." A simple murmur, "War. I've heard Eis claims their scouts were massacred," A scoff, "But they lie in war to seduce others to help them."
21:22 <Devar> Devar's still pretty sure the entire situation was a false flag operation, but at this point even if that were the case there's nothing to do about it.
21:23 <Skaya> "Who was in charge of our defenses at the border at the time?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "The town of Watch and Earl Watch, as well as his family and forces," She responds, "Unfortunately, Earl Watch perished shortly in the war, and now Countess Watch oversees such matters, though has been subsumed by royal authority due to the war."
21:26 <•Kotono> "Why the difference in ranks?" Rina comments at that, "Why not Count Watch and Countess Watch?"
21:27 — Skaya is actually curious why it's not a margrave, but maybe Laremy doesn't have that noble rank? Semantics, anyway.
21:28 <•Kotono> "A female earl is a countess," Melissine chuckles again, voice warming as you rid eto the gates. The soldiers guide you past the line and the group is waved through. "There's no earless or similiar rank, all females who would hold the title of earl are given the title of countess instead. There's no difference in authority or loss of it."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Fascinating," Sanda quips, "So when we solve everything and get noble rank, I'll be a countess."
21:29 <Skaya> "Her Majesty is here, however, so royal authority suggests someone executing her will?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Yes, the Countess as well as Sir Bluehill are there," Into the streets. Busy, winding streets. All are wide, enough for several horses to stride through at a good clip. "I believe several special officers of the Queen are there as well ,so the situation is in good hands."
21:35 <•Kotono> A snort from Rina, too loud to ignore. Instead, "Do you draw offense at them?"
21:36 <•Kotono> "I do, or at least one special agent of the crown," Rina adds, "One who saw me tortured for no reason and no gain, simply to applease his ego."
21:36 — Skaya just stares at Rina.
21:38 <•Kotono> Rina takes a breath, "I say this not to offend, but that if I'm going to see the Queen, I'm going to ensure that she knows one of her chosen envoys grossly misused his powers."
21:39 <•Kotono> To her credit, Sanda matches that stare.
21:39 <•Kotono> "Bold words to speak of someone the Queen trusted with power," Your guide comments, "You're willing to risk much for this, hero?"
21:40 <Devar> "Solving injustices is important to do." Devar says. "But perhaps we should focus on our main goal for right now."
21:40 <Skaya> It would be really good if there was only the one. After all, that's one of the big weaknesses of centralized monarchy. But at least Skaya is smart enough not to say it or show that she's thinking this on her face.
21:41 <•Kotono> "I won't let him go on and abuse that power on others." Rina promises, "If he's a special envoy, he's held to a higher standard. And I know Devar, but I won't waste this chance, either. If I save even one person from his stupidity and malice, then it's words well spent."
21:41 <Devar> "Do your best to control your anger over the situation. You don't need to burn everything around you for one person, all right?"
21:42 <•Kotono> At that there's a crackle of fire, Rina's hair ablaze briefly. "I won't," she says, as a few cries from nearby come. "I'm not angry, I'm focused."
21:43 <Devar> "Just don't burn the forest down." Devar says with a smile.
21:44 <•Kotono> "I see. May I suggest you study timeliness and proper comportment?" The words aren't quite cold, but not friendly. "Has this envoy grossly violated the Queen's trust, then well and good he's brought to heel. Do that again and you may well have your head decorate the castle's battlements. A special envoy deserves honor and respect, as they have the trust of the Queen."
21:44 — Skaya gives Melissine a helpless half-shrug.
21:45 <•Kotono> "And that isn't a threat, fire blooded," Shea dds after, "It's advice. Good advice. Take it and heed it well."
21:47 <•Kotono> Rina goes quiet. "I'm sorry." she says, "My anger sometimes burns hotter these, or maybe I've gotten tired of holding it in."
21:47 <•Kotono> *these days
21:48 — Skaya flies over to Melissine's side, asking her casually, "So are your orders to have all of us pay our respects to Her Majesty?"
21:49 <•Kotono> "Yes, with all due haste," Is the answer, "You're heading straight to the throne room after a brief opportunity to clean away the stain of the roads.."
21:50 <Skaya> "I don't suppose there's any leeway in those orders? Because it sounds like you want all of us to speak."
21:58 <•Kotono> "You'll likely be called on to do that," She muses, "Why, does that require preparation and time?"
21:59 <Skaya> "...yes! Let's go with that. Can we just say that Sanda and Rina need to prepare and brush up on etiquette and just quietly leave them behind unless absolutely necessary?"
22:03 <•Kotono> "I'm afraid not, my orders are to present all of you, or at least as many as I found." She looks up, "We have a little time as we ride towards the castle. I suggest you four brush up on etiquette."
22:05 <Skaya> "Understood!" Skaya flies over to Sanda, then, and asks her, "What are our chances of getting through this without a faux pas, statistically speaking?"
22:06 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking?" Sanda lowers her voice, "I'm more likely to be crowned the next Queen, unless you or Devar know more etiquette than I expect."
22:08 <Skaya> "I actually do because I dabble in everything," Skaya responds. "As for the rest, there's actually a trick! It's where you apologize, say you're not sure, and promise to look into it if asked anything. It works so well! And while facing nobility or royalty you just need to be extra respectful and use the correct title."
22:10 <•Kotono> "And," Cutting in, Melissine does add to that, "Wisdom is knowing to shut up and keep your mouth shut, to be crudely blunt about it. Only speak when you need to."
22:11 <Devar> "I'm pretty sure Skaya and I can manage." Devar says.
22:12 <•Kotono> "Then let us go," Is the instruction, as...OOC: Going to tell the others anything or prep at all for this, or just go?
22:12 <Skaya> "But if asked a direct question you really have to use my formula," Skaya insists. "Well, worst case I'll just respond in your place and then it'd be my fault and not yours."
22:12 <Skaya> OOC: Let's cram a bit about noble titles at least and the local people of note
22:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Sounds good. We'll go into that more....next time!
#34
Mini Game Logs / Re: Chasing Picke 019
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:06:26 PM18:50 <•Kotono> Onward. The party continues east and slowly north. Two days of travel pass uneventfully. On the third day, under a sky promising rain soon, you come to a road barricade. Soldiers man it, a few dozen including mounted knights with lance and a few archers as support. It's on fairly flat ground, not too far past a small river bridge (not a collapsing one, thankfully.) The line of travelers slows
18:50 <•Kotono> here, each one being inspected carefully. Even from a distance it's not hard to tell that's what happening, a merchant's wagon being searched by soldiers, the angry merchant silent in the face of armed men.
18:52 <•Kotono> Sanda peers ahead, "A checkpoint? I suppose there's worry of infiltrators."
18:54 <Devar> "I doubt we'll get held up here for very long." Devar says. "Given who we are."
18:55 <Skaya> "But all the same, better to have you take the lead," Skaya tells Devar.
18:56 <Devar> He nods and will move to the front of their group!
18:57 <•Kotono> Rina nods, rubbing her forehead as you go. It's mostly just waiting, and soon enough. "You there," Devar gets greeted, "Mandatory inspections due to the war. You should be on your way soon." As soldiers get to work, going for the wagon, "Do you have anything to declare or that we should know of?"
18:59 <Devar> "No sir." Is the simple answer to the soldiers with a nod to them.
19:02 <•Kotono> "Good," Rina and Sanda step back and away, letting the soldiers work. As they do, "Dire news from Mellanics - the city surrendered in some manner. All because of treachery from the south," A sour grunt, "Of course we know they'll send spies north now, to undermine us against Eis."
19:03 <•Kotono> Sanda glances over, "The odds of us being spies is zero, just so you know."
19:03 <•Kotono> The soldier, a taller man with a squinty gaze, grunts and rubs his head, mussing up his hair. "Most spies we catch are women." Sanda gets a long look, "People tend to overlook them. No offense, ma'am."
19:03 <Devar> "War is always complicated." Devar says.
19:04 <•Kotono> Sanda actually smiles at that, "Really? Someone's smarter than average. Though Devar's right, war is complicated."
19:04 <•Kotono> That gets a flicker and a glance at Devar, "Did you say Devar?"
19:04 <Devar> He raises a hand in greeting. "That's me."
19:07 <•Kotono> "
19:08 <•Kotono> "It must be a coincidence," The soldier decides, "I heard a tale of a man named Devar, along with others, in Daresl..an..." His voice trails off as he takes in Skaya, Rina and then Sanda.
19:08 <•Kotono> Sanda smiles and makes a little wave with her hand, "Unlikely that it's a coincidence, isn't it?"
19:09 <Skaya> "Hello," Skaya greets the soldier. "What are the odds, right?"
19:09 <Devar> "We don't try and make a big deal out of it." Devar says with a smile.
19:10 <•Kotono> "Boys, pack it up," The soldier calls, "These are the heroes of Dareslan! I even recognize the wilder stories, and look, that's not armor, those are real wings!" A point at Skaya and then Devar. "They're good, true men and women of Laremy." Cheers go up from the soldiers as Devar gets a clasp on the shoulder, "We won't waste your time with this, sir. I'm sure you're needed to help against Eis.
19:10 <•Kotono> Sorry to slow yo udown."
19:11 <•Kotono> "Wiped Welland's butt when they couldn't even figure it out," One other soldier calls, "Great work!"
19:12 <•Kotono> "Showed them how Laremy is," Another laughs, "Real wings, too! Real strong magic."
19:12 <Devar> "No apologies are needed. You're doing your jobs, just as we are." Devar says, giving them all nods and smiles. "Keep up your own work - keep the people safe."
19:13 <•Kotono> With that, the party is waved right through. Once past and out of earshot, "You'd think everything would be more of a tell," Rina murmurs, "But Sanda and I aren't as obvious as you two. Or Anne sine she sometimes starts to float without thinking about it."
19:14 <Skaya> "It's the wings. They're really great!"
19:15 <Devar> "Well, we also don't go around announcing ourselves as 'The great heroes of Dareslan and Laremy! Behold our wonder!' or anything like that." Devar says. "And I'm glad we don't."
19:15 <Skaya> "The great heroine of Laremy is Milla, anyway."
19:18 <•Kotono> "She did a lot to hold things together for us to arrive," Rina says, "I have a bad feeling that if she hadn't been there, we would have arrived too late."
19:19 <•Kotono> "Even if so," Sanda disagrees, "That raid was the turning point, and honestly, from what you've said, Skaya's quick thinking to let that one, far weaker noble free instead of Hans to negotiate."
19:21 <Skaya> "I dislike the necessity of such a raid but it did work out surprisingly well," Skaya muses. "Now let's not ever do anything like that again."
19:22 <Devar> Devar nods. "I'm sure it had nothing to do with it, but I have to wonder if the Other Milla somehow had any impact on this one." A shake of his head. "I'd like to go back and visit her someday, maybe once we've sorted out this pending issue."
19:24 <•Kotono> "If she's even awake," Sanda muses, "But let's win this war first and see to the peace."
19:24 <•Kotono> OOC: Good to move along?
19:24 <Devar> OOC: yar
19:25 <Skaya> OOC: sure
19:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=79 ]{79}
19:33 <•Kotono> Onwards. More days pass as you approach Bluehill, but too northernly to pass through it. The countryside is tense but quiet - no problems, and soldiers enougha round to seemingly fend off any problems. That is, until one morning you come to a small town - or maybe a large village. Enough to have a town square, but through the sunlight you can see something. Everyone's gathered there, around
19:33 <•Kotono> what looks to be a gallows.
19:34 <Skaya> "What's going on?" Skaya asks curiously as she approaches to take a look.
19:35 <Devar> Devar frowns, but will follow Skaya over.
19:39 <•Kotono> Rina is tense as Sanda simply follows. Well over a hundred people are here as half a dozen are marched up to the gallows. A dirty group of men and women in pauper's clothes, ranging from middle aged to young men and women. Boos rain down, some rotten fruit thrown for good measure. A woman turns, "They took money to give aid to a fugitive Eis soldier. It's said the soldier only escaped justice
19:39 <•Kotono> thanks to them. The entire Plantier family," She spits to the side, "Traitors."
19:44 <Devar> Devar frowns even more at hearing about this, but he looks over to Skaya to see how and if she wants to intervene.
19:44 <•Kotono> Rina steps forward, "Tell me more," she insists, voice low.
19:45 <•Kotono> "That fugitive murdered three good soldiers in his escape from captivity, and another when he fled from the Plantiers," She answers, "I knew that man, Jennie's son from Whistlebrook. Their blood is on their hands."
19:47 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, as the family is put into the nooses, a round, short man waddles up to the stage and declares, in a booming voice, "Good citizens of Laremy and of Willow Brook! Today we bear the solemn responsibility of seeing the Queen's justice be done!"
19:47 <Skaya> "How were they caught?" Skaya asks even as she looks over the family. Are there kids? Because they can't be responsible for any decisions.
19:47 <•Kotono> No, the youngest looks perhaps 20. They look scared more than anything else.
19:48 <•Kotono> "The soldiers followed the trail back, Robert Plantier - the patriach - confessed under interrogation." Is the answer, "To everything. They knew, but gold was more important to them."
19:49 — Skaya nods and says her thanks before thinking to Devar through their rings of telepathy, 'Up to you. You can beg the authorities for clemency and life imprisonment.'
19:51 <Devar> Devar takes a breath in and out and looks over at them for a long while - before he looks around for someone who looks to be in charge in some capacity.
19:54 <•Kotono> All eyes are on the fat man on stage. He continues, "They sold the life of Alan, son of Jennie and Viren, for gold stolen from good citizens of Laremy. This is high treason. Treason agains the crown, treason against the nation and treason against every one of you here. For such there can be only one punishment."
19:55 <•Kotono> Sanda's expression has tightened, b ut Rina? She simply looks to both of you, a question unspoken, hand towards her sword.
19:58 <Devar> Devar will take to the air to fly over the crowd - probably garning some shouts, but move to land about 15 feet in front of the fat man on stage. "Please - wait a moment." Devar says, raising his voice. "I do not intend to argue the facts of their crimes, or the needfulness of punishment for acts of treason." He begins, turning to gesture at the people gathered. "I only ask for one thing for
19:58 <Devar> them - that you to not end their lives needlessly. Lives spent in repentence can be put to use for the kingdom and country - lives lost, especially after this war has already taken so many, leads only to more tragedy."
20:02 <•Kotono> Devar gets cries and gasps for certain, but silence falls at his words. Shock, disbelief. The fat man gapes, mouth open uselessly as he stares in complete shock. "A f-flying E-Eldathian?!" he sputters at last, pointing at Devar. "W-what is the meaning of this?!"
20:03 <•Kotono> Sanda approaches Skaya, and in a bare whisper, "Not my choice, but tell me if you need me. Don't like the odds of the crowd not getting ugly."
20:03 <•Kotono> Of them all, the youngest looks on at Devar in open hope, "Please," he gasps out, voice desperate.
20:04 <Devar> "I speak only for myself, not as anyone with any authority." Devar says. "Simply as I am - Devar of Eldath, asking that lives not be taken needlessly."
20:05 <Skaya> "A single Eldathan making a plea for clemency is our best play here," Skaya whispers to Sanda and Rina. "We can't pressure the official with numbers, or it'll backfire."
20:09 <•Kotono> "O-on what grounds should they be spared?!" The fat man blusters, waving, "Look at what they did. They betrayed everyone here!"
20:12 <Devar> "I already explained that. Lives led in repentence are more value to everyone - to the community, to the kingdom." Devar says. "If you want me to beg for their lives and grovel, I don't mind, if that will sate your anger towards them. Yes, they betrayed everyone here - for coin, for belief - it matters not - but everyone should have an opportunity to do better. There's no one in this world
20:12 <Devar> who's never made a mistake, and no one who couldn't be made better by a chance to fix those mistakes. Some of us never get a chance to change, but give these people that opportunity."
20:13 <Skaya> "Death is too easy!" Skaya calls out from behind the crowd, throwing her voice. "Let them pay for their sins for their entire lives!"
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: Bluff? Sleight of Hand?
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: That's an interesting one. Let's call it Bluff for now, sure.
20:15 <Skaya> roll 1d20+22+7 inspiration!
20:15 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+22+7 inspiration! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{31}
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a diplo check here, Devar. +3 bonus from Skaya shenanigans.
20:16 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for, ironically, also 31
20:18 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
20:22 <•Kotono> The sputters from the man only intensify. People look to and fro to try and find the voice that spoke, Yet Skaya's ruse seems a success, as instead one of the Plantier's - a young woman - calls, "It was a mistake! Please, mercy!"
20:23 <•Kotono> "Devar of Eldath is a hero's name," Another voice calls from the crowd, "That wandering bard spoke of him!"
20:23 <•Kotono> More murmurs at that, an intensity of them. "No one can trust a traitor," The fat man retorts, "Ever again!"
20:24 <Devar> "I do not ask that you trust them, or forgive them. Punish them for life if you feel you must until you see they have made amends." Devar says.
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: You didn't get immediately booed off or thrown off. Diplo again, -10 penalty. G'luck.
20:34 <Skaya> 'Offer to take administer their punishment and be their jailor?' Skaya proposes to Devar, as things don't seem to be going the right way.
20:36 <Devar> "If you wish, I'm willing to be their custodian." Devar says. "Knowing that they've been taken away from here and you all no longer have to deal with it."
20:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 still rolling on the diplo though as asked
20:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 still rolling on the diplo though as asked --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
20:36 <Devar> OOC: I mean, of course
20:39 <•Kotono> "That's impossible! Treason! High treason!" The man declares, "They hang! Anything else would be an affront to the Queen's justice!"
20:43 <Devar> "Why is it impossible?" Devar asks. "Is my justice and following the law something you do not trust?"
20:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
20:43 <•Kotono> The man glowers, bristles at that. The crowd's murmuring more and more, "Why do you care? They're traitors!"
20:46 <Devar> "Have you listened to a single word I've said?" Devar asks. "I care because their lives have greater value to you and to this country if they're alive and given the opportunity to repent for their crimes." He stands a little taller now in this moment. "Why are you so intent on their deaths?"
20:46 <Skaya> "Put them to good use!" Skaya calls out again, to try and get the crowd on Devar's side. "Dead is dead, make them pay for their crimes! Make them work!"
20:46 <Skaya> OOC: Bluff 10 for 32 to support Devar here, crowd-wise
20:52 <•Kotono> The man looks on in stunned incomprehension, "Because they're traitors! Good men of Laremy died because of them," he shouts, red faced. Angry. "I didn't serve in the army to see our proud nation betrayed for coins!"
20:55 <•Kotono> "W-we were desperate," The elder man cries, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please, at least let the young ones go."
20:56 <Devar> "If your wish is to see them suffer and pay for their crimes, then give them to me and I will take care of it." Devar says. "Death as a punishment relieves them of their burdens - is that what you want? To give them the 'easy' way out? Like I said, I will take care of it and you can believe they will spend the rest of their lives repenting for this."
21:00 <•Kotono> OCO: Okay, give me one last diplo check, +1 circumstance.
21:02 <Devar> OOC: In that case I will take 10 for 29!
21:04 <•Kotono> Somehow, despite the sputtering, the man backs down. If only because he eyes you long and with disgust, but the crowd is getting ansty. "I can't stop you," he spits out, "Can I?"
21:07 <Devar> "This isn't about that." Devar says. "Only ultimately doing what is best for the kingdom."
21:14 <•Kotono> The man gets a narrow gaze on you before at last, "Then if it's what's best for the kingdom, Robert Plantier hangs," he points at the patriarch, "He took the gold, he made the deal directly and was responsible for it above all others."
21:16 <Devar> Devar looks over at the fat man - is he wearing any particular symbols of faith?
21:17 <•Kotono> He is not. Just a slightly nicer outfit than the others around here. Meanwhile, the man pointed at says, "Let...let them go and I'll hang. At least spare them if not me."
21:18 <Devar> "Sir - do you revere any particular deity?" Devar asks the fat man. "I'm not trying to plea with them for you, but I wish to make sure I include them in what I'm about to say."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Tempus, I follow the right ways," he says, "I may not look it, but I was once a warrior." He bangs his fist against his chest. "I know war."
21:21 <Devar> Devar inclines his head in respect. "Then, Robert Plantier - do you agree - in front of both a believer of Eldath, the lady of Peace, and Tempus, the lord of War, that you take upon you full responsibility - including all sins you have commited - onto yourself? You take full blame, full unerstanding, of what you've done?"
21:21 <•Kotono> Meanwhile the crowd watches the spectacle hanging on the words now that voice throwing no longer confuses them.
21:22 <•Kotono> "I already did when I confessed," he admits openly, "I let gold blind me. I would have done it again to try and advance my family's lot."
21:24 <Devar> "Then with your death may the rest of your family know peace, in a time of war and healing." Devar says. He turns to the other man. "Is that acceptable to you?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "Fine, hero," He spits the word out, but doesn't argue. With a gesture the rest are freed - and with an angry snap, gestures with a sharp cutting motion to the man by Robert. "Do your duty," You have time to see Robert close his eyes before a lever is pulled, his feet drop and there's a horrid little snap.
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina winces and looks away.
21:27 <•Kotono> Sanda does not. She shakes her head slowly, "That his family lives on is a mercy to him."
21:28 <Devar> Devar says a prayer - to both Eldath and Tempus - in this moment, to help guide someone blinded by greed to a better place, in the name of both peace and war itself.
21:28 <•Kotono> The older woman - gray haired and quietly weeping, still approaches you. "Thank you, lord Devar," She kneels, "Thank you, thank you. Oh...oh...oh Robert, you fool..."
21:29 <•Kotono> The fat man glowers, "Give them a moment and march them off. They'll work hard, no doubt about it," he declares, "Make you wish for death as the mercy he painted it as."
21:29 <Skaya> It's a reasonable sentence for the crime and the man pretty much admitted his guilt. Aiding an enemy soldier in a war? But the family shouldn't be implicated, so Skaya is curious how Devar will handle this. Bring them over as prisoners on paper?
21:31 <Devar> "Stand, madam." Devar says, helping her up. "Come, there will be time for that later. Let's get you and the rest out of here." He hasn't actually thought too far in the future, but at least getting them out of the crowd before anyone gets any smart ideas is best!
21:34 <•Kotono> The family, stumbling and teary, follow Devar. Fortunately his luck holds, no one is willing to challenge him. So Devarleads them out. Now what?
21:38 <Devar> He lets out a bit of a breath once they're far enough away. "Whew. Sorry to get you all wrapped up in that, but I just can't abide by that sort of punishment." He says, thrn turns to the rest of the family. "You guys tell me if you think you agree with this idea - I think we buy them a horse or two and get them to go back to Mellanics. That town needs hard workers right now, and I think they
21:38 <Devar> can re-establish themselves working to make the city a better place, especially for those who are suffering after the war. I hear there's an orphanage there that likely could use some fresh faces to help."
21:39 <Skaya> "Or we could travel together," Skaya points out. "It's probably safer."
21:40 <Devar> "If you want, I didn't want to just put that on everyone since this was my choice to involve myself." Devar says.
21:41 — Skaya snorts. "I did support you from the start, you didn't force me into anything. Sanda and Rina were for it, too."
21:42 <Devar> He smiles. "Well, if you want to have them along for now, we can figure it out as we go." He says.
21:42 <•Kotono> With that, words come...next time! OOC: That was not the expected resolution to a one off event and it's about time anyway, so I need time to reload and figure this out. So it lines up extremely well.
18:50 <•Kotono> here, each one being inspected carefully. Even from a distance it's not hard to tell that's what happening, a merchant's wagon being searched by soldiers, the angry merchant silent in the face of armed men.
18:52 <•Kotono> Sanda peers ahead, "A checkpoint? I suppose there's worry of infiltrators."
18:54 <Devar> "I doubt we'll get held up here for very long." Devar says. "Given who we are."
18:55 <Skaya> "But all the same, better to have you take the lead," Skaya tells Devar.
18:56 <Devar> He nods and will move to the front of their group!
18:57 <•Kotono> Rina nods, rubbing her forehead as you go. It's mostly just waiting, and soon enough. "You there," Devar gets greeted, "Mandatory inspections due to the war. You should be on your way soon." As soldiers get to work, going for the wagon, "Do you have anything to declare or that we should know of?"
18:59 <Devar> "No sir." Is the simple answer to the soldiers with a nod to them.
19:02 <•Kotono> "Good," Rina and Sanda step back and away, letting the soldiers work. As they do, "Dire news from Mellanics - the city surrendered in some manner. All because of treachery from the south," A sour grunt, "Of course we know they'll send spies north now, to undermine us against Eis."
19:03 <•Kotono> Sanda glances over, "The odds of us being spies is zero, just so you know."
19:03 <•Kotono> The soldier, a taller man with a squinty gaze, grunts and rubs his head, mussing up his hair. "Most spies we catch are women." Sanda gets a long look, "People tend to overlook them. No offense, ma'am."
19:03 <Devar> "War is always complicated." Devar says.
19:04 <•Kotono> Sanda actually smiles at that, "Really? Someone's smarter than average. Though Devar's right, war is complicated."
19:04 <•Kotono> That gets a flicker and a glance at Devar, "Did you say Devar?"
19:04 <Devar> He raises a hand in greeting. "That's me."
19:07 <•Kotono> "
19:08 <•Kotono> "It must be a coincidence," The soldier decides, "I heard a tale of a man named Devar, along with others, in Daresl..an..." His voice trails off as he takes in Skaya, Rina and then Sanda.
19:08 <•Kotono> Sanda smiles and makes a little wave with her hand, "Unlikely that it's a coincidence, isn't it?"
19:09 <Skaya> "Hello," Skaya greets the soldier. "What are the odds, right?"
19:09 <Devar> "We don't try and make a big deal out of it." Devar says with a smile.
19:10 <•Kotono> "Boys, pack it up," The soldier calls, "These are the heroes of Dareslan! I even recognize the wilder stories, and look, that's not armor, those are real wings!" A point at Skaya and then Devar. "They're good, true men and women of Laremy." Cheers go up from the soldiers as Devar gets a clasp on the shoulder, "We won't waste your time with this, sir. I'm sure you're needed to help against Eis.
19:10 <•Kotono> Sorry to slow yo udown."
19:11 <•Kotono> "Wiped Welland's butt when they couldn't even figure it out," One other soldier calls, "Great work!"
19:12 <•Kotono> "Showed them how Laremy is," Another laughs, "Real wings, too! Real strong magic."
19:12 <Devar> "No apologies are needed. You're doing your jobs, just as we are." Devar says, giving them all nods and smiles. "Keep up your own work - keep the people safe."
19:13 <•Kotono> With that, the party is waved right through. Once past and out of earshot, "You'd think everything would be more of a tell," Rina murmurs, "But Sanda and I aren't as obvious as you two. Or Anne sine she sometimes starts to float without thinking about it."
19:14 <Skaya> "It's the wings. They're really great!"
19:15 <Devar> "Well, we also don't go around announcing ourselves as 'The great heroes of Dareslan and Laremy! Behold our wonder!' or anything like that." Devar says. "And I'm glad we don't."
19:15 <Skaya> "The great heroine of Laremy is Milla, anyway."
19:18 <•Kotono> "She did a lot to hold things together for us to arrive," Rina says, "I have a bad feeling that if she hadn't been there, we would have arrived too late."
19:19 <•Kotono> "Even if so," Sanda disagrees, "That raid was the turning point, and honestly, from what you've said, Skaya's quick thinking to let that one, far weaker noble free instead of Hans to negotiate."
19:21 <Skaya> "I dislike the necessity of such a raid but it did work out surprisingly well," Skaya muses. "Now let's not ever do anything like that again."
19:22 <Devar> Devar nods. "I'm sure it had nothing to do with it, but I have to wonder if the Other Milla somehow had any impact on this one." A shake of his head. "I'd like to go back and visit her someday, maybe once we've sorted out this pending issue."
19:24 <•Kotono> "If she's even awake," Sanda muses, "But let's win this war first and see to the peace."
19:24 <•Kotono> OOC: Good to move along?
19:24 <Devar> OOC: yar
19:25 <Skaya> OOC: sure
19:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=79 ]{79}
19:33 <•Kotono> Onwards. More days pass as you approach Bluehill, but too northernly to pass through it. The countryside is tense but quiet - no problems, and soldiers enougha round to seemingly fend off any problems. That is, until one morning you come to a small town - or maybe a large village. Enough to have a town square, but through the sunlight you can see something. Everyone's gathered there, around
19:33 <•Kotono> what looks to be a gallows.
19:34 <Skaya> "What's going on?" Skaya asks curiously as she approaches to take a look.
19:35 <Devar> Devar frowns, but will follow Skaya over.
19:39 <•Kotono> Rina is tense as Sanda simply follows. Well over a hundred people are here as half a dozen are marched up to the gallows. A dirty group of men and women in pauper's clothes, ranging from middle aged to young men and women. Boos rain down, some rotten fruit thrown for good measure. A woman turns, "They took money to give aid to a fugitive Eis soldier. It's said the soldier only escaped justice
19:39 <•Kotono> thanks to them. The entire Plantier family," She spits to the side, "Traitors."
19:44 <Devar> Devar frowns even more at hearing about this, but he looks over to Skaya to see how and if she wants to intervene.
19:44 <•Kotono> Rina steps forward, "Tell me more," she insists, voice low.
19:45 <•Kotono> "That fugitive murdered three good soldiers in his escape from captivity, and another when he fled from the Plantiers," She answers, "I knew that man, Jennie's son from Whistlebrook. Their blood is on their hands."
19:47 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, as the family is put into the nooses, a round, short man waddles up to the stage and declares, in a booming voice, "Good citizens of Laremy and of Willow Brook! Today we bear the solemn responsibility of seeing the Queen's justice be done!"
19:47 <Skaya> "How were they caught?" Skaya asks even as she looks over the family. Are there kids? Because they can't be responsible for any decisions.
19:47 <•Kotono> No, the youngest looks perhaps 20. They look scared more than anything else.
19:48 <•Kotono> "The soldiers followed the trail back, Robert Plantier - the patriach - confessed under interrogation." Is the answer, "To everything. They knew, but gold was more important to them."
19:49 — Skaya nods and says her thanks before thinking to Devar through their rings of telepathy, 'Up to you. You can beg the authorities for clemency and life imprisonment.'
19:51 <Devar> Devar takes a breath in and out and looks over at them for a long while - before he looks around for someone who looks to be in charge in some capacity.
19:54 <•Kotono> All eyes are on the fat man on stage. He continues, "They sold the life of Alan, son of Jennie and Viren, for gold stolen from good citizens of Laremy. This is high treason. Treason agains the crown, treason against the nation and treason against every one of you here. For such there can be only one punishment."
19:55 <•Kotono> Sanda's expression has tightened, b ut Rina? She simply looks to both of you, a question unspoken, hand towards her sword.
19:58 <Devar> Devar will take to the air to fly over the crowd - probably garning some shouts, but move to land about 15 feet in front of the fat man on stage. "Please - wait a moment." Devar says, raising his voice. "I do not intend to argue the facts of their crimes, or the needfulness of punishment for acts of treason." He begins, turning to gesture at the people gathered. "I only ask for one thing for
19:58 <Devar> them - that you to not end their lives needlessly. Lives spent in repentence can be put to use for the kingdom and country - lives lost, especially after this war has already taken so many, leads only to more tragedy."
20:02 <•Kotono> Devar gets cries and gasps for certain, but silence falls at his words. Shock, disbelief. The fat man gapes, mouth open uselessly as he stares in complete shock. "A f-flying E-Eldathian?!" he sputters at last, pointing at Devar. "W-what is the meaning of this?!"
20:03 <•Kotono> Sanda approaches Skaya, and in a bare whisper, "Not my choice, but tell me if you need me. Don't like the odds of the crowd not getting ugly."
20:03 <•Kotono> Of them all, the youngest looks on at Devar in open hope, "Please," he gasps out, voice desperate.
20:04 <Devar> "I speak only for myself, not as anyone with any authority." Devar says. "Simply as I am - Devar of Eldath, asking that lives not be taken needlessly."
20:05 <Skaya> "A single Eldathan making a plea for clemency is our best play here," Skaya whispers to Sanda and Rina. "We can't pressure the official with numbers, or it'll backfire."
20:09 <•Kotono> "O-on what grounds should they be spared?!" The fat man blusters, waving, "Look at what they did. They betrayed everyone here!"
20:12 <Devar> "I already explained that. Lives led in repentence are more value to everyone - to the community, to the kingdom." Devar says. "If you want me to beg for their lives and grovel, I don't mind, if that will sate your anger towards them. Yes, they betrayed everyone here - for coin, for belief - it matters not - but everyone should have an opportunity to do better. There's no one in this world
20:12 <Devar> who's never made a mistake, and no one who couldn't be made better by a chance to fix those mistakes. Some of us never get a chance to change, but give these people that opportunity."
20:13 <Skaya> "Death is too easy!" Skaya calls out from behind the crowd, throwing her voice. "Let them pay for their sins for their entire lives!"
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: Bluff? Sleight of Hand?
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: That's an interesting one. Let's call it Bluff for now, sure.
20:15 <Skaya> roll 1d20+22+7 inspiration!
20:15 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+22+7 inspiration! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{31}
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a diplo check here, Devar. +3 bonus from Skaya shenanigans.
20:16 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for, ironically, also 31
20:18 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
20:22 <•Kotono> The sputters from the man only intensify. People look to and fro to try and find the voice that spoke, Yet Skaya's ruse seems a success, as instead one of the Plantier's - a young woman - calls, "It was a mistake! Please, mercy!"
20:23 <•Kotono> "Devar of Eldath is a hero's name," Another voice calls from the crowd, "That wandering bard spoke of him!"
20:23 <•Kotono> More murmurs at that, an intensity of them. "No one can trust a traitor," The fat man retorts, "Ever again!"
20:24 <Devar> "I do not ask that you trust them, or forgive them. Punish them for life if you feel you must until you see they have made amends." Devar says.
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: You didn't get immediately booed off or thrown off. Diplo again, -10 penalty. G'luck.
20:34 <Skaya> 'Offer to take administer their punishment and be their jailor?' Skaya proposes to Devar, as things don't seem to be going the right way.
20:36 <Devar> "If you wish, I'm willing to be their custodian." Devar says. "Knowing that they've been taken away from here and you all no longer have to deal with it."
20:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 still rolling on the diplo though as asked
20:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 still rolling on the diplo though as asked --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
20:36 <Devar> OOC: I mean, of course
20:39 <•Kotono> "That's impossible! Treason! High treason!" The man declares, "They hang! Anything else would be an affront to the Queen's justice!"
20:43 <Devar> "Why is it impossible?" Devar asks. "Is my justice and following the law something you do not trust?"
20:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
20:43 <•Kotono> The man glowers, bristles at that. The crowd's murmuring more and more, "Why do you care? They're traitors!"
20:46 <Devar> "Have you listened to a single word I've said?" Devar asks. "I care because their lives have greater value to you and to this country if they're alive and given the opportunity to repent for their crimes." He stands a little taller now in this moment. "Why are you so intent on their deaths?"
20:46 <Skaya> "Put them to good use!" Skaya calls out again, to try and get the crowd on Devar's side. "Dead is dead, make them pay for their crimes! Make them work!"
20:46 <Skaya> OOC: Bluff 10 for 32 to support Devar here, crowd-wise
20:52 <•Kotono> The man looks on in stunned incomprehension, "Because they're traitors! Good men of Laremy died because of them," he shouts, red faced. Angry. "I didn't serve in the army to see our proud nation betrayed for coins!"
20:55 <•Kotono> "W-we were desperate," The elder man cries, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please, at least let the young ones go."
20:56 <Devar> "If your wish is to see them suffer and pay for their crimes, then give them to me and I will take care of it." Devar says. "Death as a punishment relieves them of their burdens - is that what you want? To give them the 'easy' way out? Like I said, I will take care of it and you can believe they will spend the rest of their lives repenting for this."
21:00 <•Kotono> OCO: Okay, give me one last diplo check, +1 circumstance.
21:02 <Devar> OOC: In that case I will take 10 for 29!
21:04 <•Kotono> Somehow, despite the sputtering, the man backs down. If only because he eyes you long and with disgust, but the crowd is getting ansty. "I can't stop you," he spits out, "Can I?"
21:07 <Devar> "This isn't about that." Devar says. "Only ultimately doing what is best for the kingdom."
21:14 <•Kotono> The man gets a narrow gaze on you before at last, "Then if it's what's best for the kingdom, Robert Plantier hangs," he points at the patriarch, "He took the gold, he made the deal directly and was responsible for it above all others."
21:16 <Devar> Devar looks over at the fat man - is he wearing any particular symbols of faith?
21:17 <•Kotono> He is not. Just a slightly nicer outfit than the others around here. Meanwhile, the man pointed at says, "Let...let them go and I'll hang. At least spare them if not me."
21:18 <Devar> "Sir - do you revere any particular deity?" Devar asks the fat man. "I'm not trying to plea with them for you, but I wish to make sure I include them in what I'm about to say."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Tempus, I follow the right ways," he says, "I may not look it, but I was once a warrior." He bangs his fist against his chest. "I know war."
21:21 <Devar> Devar inclines his head in respect. "Then, Robert Plantier - do you agree - in front of both a believer of Eldath, the lady of Peace, and Tempus, the lord of War, that you take upon you full responsibility - including all sins you have commited - onto yourself? You take full blame, full unerstanding, of what you've done?"
21:21 <•Kotono> Meanwhile the crowd watches the spectacle hanging on the words now that voice throwing no longer confuses them.
21:22 <•Kotono> "I already did when I confessed," he admits openly, "I let gold blind me. I would have done it again to try and advance my family's lot."
21:24 <Devar> "Then with your death may the rest of your family know peace, in a time of war and healing." Devar says. He turns to the other man. "Is that acceptable to you?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "Fine, hero," He spits the word out, but doesn't argue. With a gesture the rest are freed - and with an angry snap, gestures with a sharp cutting motion to the man by Robert. "Do your duty," You have time to see Robert close his eyes before a lever is pulled, his feet drop and there's a horrid little snap.
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina winces and looks away.
21:27 <•Kotono> Sanda does not. She shakes her head slowly, "That his family lives on is a mercy to him."
21:28 <Devar> Devar says a prayer - to both Eldath and Tempus - in this moment, to help guide someone blinded by greed to a better place, in the name of both peace and war itself.
21:28 <•Kotono> The older woman - gray haired and quietly weeping, still approaches you. "Thank you, lord Devar," She kneels, "Thank you, thank you. Oh...oh...oh Robert, you fool..."
21:29 <•Kotono> The fat man glowers, "Give them a moment and march them off. They'll work hard, no doubt about it," he declares, "Make you wish for death as the mercy he painted it as."
21:29 <Skaya> It's a reasonable sentence for the crime and the man pretty much admitted his guilt. Aiding an enemy soldier in a war? But the family shouldn't be implicated, so Skaya is curious how Devar will handle this. Bring them over as prisoners on paper?
21:31 <Devar> "Stand, madam." Devar says, helping her up. "Come, there will be time for that later. Let's get you and the rest out of here." He hasn't actually thought too far in the future, but at least getting them out of the crowd before anyone gets any smart ideas is best!
21:34 <•Kotono> The family, stumbling and teary, follow Devar. Fortunately his luck holds, no one is willing to challenge him. So Devarleads them out. Now what?
21:38 <Devar> He lets out a bit of a breath once they're far enough away. "Whew. Sorry to get you all wrapped up in that, but I just can't abide by that sort of punishment." He says, thrn turns to the rest of the family. "You guys tell me if you think you agree with this idea - I think we buy them a horse or two and get them to go back to Mellanics. That town needs hard workers right now, and I think they
21:38 <Devar> can re-establish themselves working to make the city a better place, especially for those who are suffering after the war. I hear there's an orphanage there that likely could use some fresh faces to help."
21:39 <Skaya> "Or we could travel together," Skaya points out. "It's probably safer."
21:40 <Devar> "If you want, I didn't want to just put that on everyone since this was my choice to involve myself." Devar says.
21:41 — Skaya snorts. "I did support you from the start, you didn't force me into anything. Sanda and Rina were for it, too."
21:42 <Devar> He smiles. "Well, if you want to have them along for now, we can figure it out as we go." He says.
21:42 <•Kotono> With that, words come...next time! OOC: That was not the expected resolution to a one off event and it's about time anyway, so I need time to reload and figure this out. So it lines up extremely well.
#35
Mini Game Logs / Chasing Picke 019
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:06:00 PM19:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Going to say or do anything, or good to head back to Mellanics?
19:00 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@914C1EE0.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
19:01 <Devar> OOC: we will meet up with Skaya for Operation: save Picke
19:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:06 <•Kotono> Once at town, Picke dismisses you and rides off. IT's not hard to go meet up with Skaya at Sanda's store, the party getting together as night falls...OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
19:07 <Devar> "We can't possibly let him do this, even if he did overstep on his authority." Devar says. "Do you think we can beat him there and maybe smooth things over?"
19:08 <Skaya> "I don't think we should, actually," Skaya admits. "But how about following him anyway, and just breaking him out if he's about to be executed? I don't really mind leaving Laremy afterwards."
19:10 <Devar> "We have a scroll of teleport so we can go wherever. My suggestion of it comes to that is the underwater city, there's plenty of resources there and you guys can go to that treasure place we found." Devar says. "But... well, I'll follow whatever you guys want to do."
19:11 <Skaya> "I think Anne should stay here and pretend she doesn't know anything. We'll leave her to look after Mellanics officially. That works?"
19:11 <Devar> Devar looks over to Anne - it's her decision!
19:12 <•Kotono> Anne's quiet for a time, then sighs long and low. "I'd agree to that, but. If Picke truly wants to sacrifice him for the good of the rest of us, there's no shame in respecting that. Sacrifice is a virtue, not a sin."
19:13 <•Kotono> With a scowl, "It's a waste is what it is, a sacrifice to the ego and idiocy of the noble class here," Rina retorts, "Picke's been good to us."
19:13 <Devar> "Surely Moore doesn't advocate for people to kill thenselves like this." Devar says. "He's not a martyr - there's no point in his death."
19:13 <Skaya> "I think it's fine for him to sacrifice himself. But since he's doing that without involving me, I'm also free to rescue him from the consequences, no?"
19:15 <Devar> "We've already lost so many to war, I'm not about to let us lose another to peace." Devar says resolutely with a nod to Skaya.
19:16 <•Kotono> "I respect what he's doing, even if I don't like it," Anne answers instead, "I think Picke would say he's being a hero, and he's right. Sometimes a hero is the one who stays behind to cover the retreat, or attracts the ire of those in power so that others can do good freely. But I have no more desire to see Picke perish than you do...but at the same time, if he did betray the trust the Queen
19:16 <•Kotono> put in him, even for the best of reasons, I can't fault a reckoning there, either."
19:16 <•Kotono> "That would sound a lot better if our opinion of Laremy's leadership wasn't in the outhouse," Sanda snarks, "I've heard the Queen's a weak ruler, which may be the real problem."
19:18 <Skaya> "I don't really mind some dirty dealings between nobles. I don't mind if they blame Picke for everything, too. But there are a whole lot of punishments available, and execution is one I don't want to see happen," Skaya says with a frown. "If they love war so much, tear up the document and restart it!"
19:19 <•Kotono> "Before we argue more," It's Rina who cuts in, "I think we're dancing around something important."
19:19 <•Kotono> "Which is?" SAnda inquires, "Do tell, Rina, I'd love to hear what we're missing."
19:19 → Devar_ joined (~Devar@lunarnet-65181883.sub-174-211-99.myvzw.com)
19:19 <Devar_> "I guess it depends a lot on how she views the outcome as a whole. If she sees it as something to celebrate he may not suffer anything."
19:19 <Skaya> "Whether we can do it? How far we're willing to go? How closely we'll follow him? Milla?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "Are we going to stay with Laremy for this entire war, or are we going to go? We're talking about it like it's an option to pack up and leave, and we even have offers to other countries," Rina points at Anne, then Skaya, Sanda and finally Devar. "If we're going to do that, we can just take Picke and let that be our answer."
19:21 ⇐ Devar quit (~Devar@353F62D4.DD8D6C49.5AE48FD2.IP) Ping timeout: 180 seconds
19:21 <Skaya> "I can only speak for myself, Rina, but I want to respect Picke's choices. I'm not going to be forcing him into anything unless the choices of others go against my bottom line. As for that, I'm perfectly fine with agreeing to help with the Eis front in return for his life."
19:23 <Devar_> "We also have that Cornucopia, which we know is going to be invaluable soon." Devar says. "But ultimately... I'll follow your lead, Skaya - Lady Eldath put me on a path with you for a reason, and I won't abandon you - or Picke."
19:24 <Skaya> "It may well be best utilized as we travel during the summer and keep our ears to the ground for the needy," Skaya proposes. "The need of it here is lessened if the war ends quickly."
19:25 <•Kotono> "Either way," Anne says at last, "Of course, if the Queen is reasonable, then all of this doesn't matter."
19:26 <Devar_> He nods. "If we leave, my vote is the Water city to get extra supplies for ourselves. And yes, Anne is also correct. So what are our next steps?"
19:27 <Skaya> "Anne and Milla stay here to keep the Petty Kingdoms honest, and the rest of us travel after Picke?"
19:28 <Devar_> Devar nods.
19:28 <•Kotono> "I can see to my charges as well," Anne agrees, "It's been too long."
19:31 <Skaya> "Do any of you need to pack, or we're good to leave right now?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "I'm fine," Sanda says, as Rina simply nods in agreement.
19:33 <Devar_> "I have everything." Devar says simply.
19:35 <Skaya> "Then let's go! Our horses survived so far!"
19:37 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, so general plans here?
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: Follow in our wagon after Picke. Offer him a ride and assure him we won't get in his way unless he wants us to.
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: If he's too fast, let's just follow in his general direction and see from there
19:39 <Devar_> OOC: if for some reason we need to go super fast we can conjure some phantom horsies
19:39 <Skaya> OOC: We have our own regular horses! They've very good.
19:42 → Devar joined ⇐ Devar_ quit
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=62 ]{62}
19:44 <•Kotono> It's a good thing you're vigiliant. Picke leaves in the middle of the night on a fast horse, cloaked and hooded, moving fast. Just him by himself out an eastern gate of the city.
19:47 <Skaya> Time to go!
19:48 <•Kotono> You go out - but you find soldiers are there and close the gate behind Picke. As you approach, "By order the gates are closed at night. Please wait until the morning to leave town," A soldier calls as you approach, bearing a lantern.
19:50 <Skaya> "Fine," Skaya says as she leaves without complaint. "Devar, one of us could quietly fly after him and lead the way later with telepathy. Or we could just go later. Thoughts?"
19:50 <•Kotono> Rina mutters, "He definitely say this coming," she comments.
19:51 <Devar> "It might be too late if we just wait, I think." Devar says. "In theory, we could also have Milla open the gates, I bet they're closed on his orders. Or... can anyone cast Dimension Door?" Devar asks with a smile. "But I can go after him either way if you want."
19:54 <•Kotono> "I have dimensional anchor ready, but not door," Sanda disagrees, "Sorry. BAd luck with the odds there."
19:55 <Skaya> "There's no need to go for complicated plots. Just fly over and tell us the general direction later?"
19:55 <Devar> "I mean he's really only going to be headed to one place, isn't he?" Devar asks. "But yeah, I can follow him and keep you posted." He says, starting to fly up.
19:56 — Skaya settles down to wait. It can't be more than a few hours, and the land is large enough several days of travel would be needed to get anywhere in the north-east. When Picke is forced to rest, they can just keep going and catch up.
20:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me Perception as you fly on, Devar.
20:00 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21
20:07 <•Kotono> You go on for about ten minutes until you spy a horse tied to a tree. Notably, there's no sign of Picke, just his horse sitting there.
20:10 <Devar> Was this all some sort of ruse and he has another method of travel? Devar will relay that back to Skaya, but for now just stay in the air and keep an eye out as best he can.
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception again.
20:11 <Skaya> 'If he truly manages to escape us, good job. I don't want to force things that much with the Guild Master. For now, maybe fly in an expanding spiral pattern a bit before returning to the horse? Come morning we'll try to see if we can track him.'
20:12 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21 again
20:16 <•Kotono> Whatever Picke did to escape, it's solid. Devar doesn't see any traces of him from the air. Be it skill or magic, he seems to have given you the slip, at least for now at night.
20:17 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
20:18 <Devar> Devar will fly down to the horse and cast detect magic - perhaps there's some residual magic in the air that will clue him in, especially if there's a strong aura of Conjuration magic there!
20:20 <Devar> OOC: Spellcraft for 30 if it matters
20:24 <•Kotono> There's no magic on the horse. However, you do find that a simple sheet of paper has been wedged into the horse's saddle, sticking out and quite visible up close.
20:25 <Devar> Devar will take the note to read it to himself and to Skaya.
20:28 <•Kotono> Thus you see: If you're reading this, you did what I'd do in your position. I won't tell you not to follow me because I know you won't listen. Instead, I'll point out that Laremy needs strong heroes for this war and the days beyond. So that even if things go the worst they can, I can shield all of you.
20:29 <Devar> "Well, then you also understand that we can save you from your own self." Devar says to no one in particular. 'I'll bring the horse back with me' he sends to Skaya.
20:29 <Skaya> "Seems like Picke tricked us but at the same time he's fine with us following," Skaya tells Rina and Sanda.
20:30 <•Kotono> Rina mutters something unkind, while Sanda muses, "He predicted us that well?"
20:31 <Skaya> "He has an advantage over us-- well, several, really, but the main one is that he's free to choose and set the battlefield."
20:33 <•Kotono> "He does, and statistically speaking, he has a huge advantage. We don't know if he's faked us in all sorts of ways," Sanda muses, "Which means we just need to choosea nd go, rather than chase our tails."
20:34 <Skaya> "What do you think? Capital or the Eis front? I heard the Queen was at the front, but capital does make more sense."
20:36 <•Kotono> "We go to the Queen," Rina speaks up, "If she's at the front, we head to the front. If Picke knows her well enough to have that sort of authority, he can plead his case to her directly."
20:37 <•Kotono> "That's my own thinking," Sanda admits, "If she's weak, that means she can be manipulated, and not just by people hostile to us."
20:37 <Skaya> "Then let's head for the front. We can pick up on rumors there, and find out if we're on the right trail."
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, then, when is the party leaving? The morning?
20:42 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
20:51 <•Kotono> THus with the morning, the party heads out. The gates are open now and it's a warm, sunny day. As you head out you see the city is emerging - people are out and talking quietly. Half hopeful and half morose, at least on a glance.
20:52 — Skaya doesn't get in their way. Their part of the war is over, she sincerely hopes.
20:57 <Devar> Devar goes with Skaya silently, hoping today has more peace in it than the last few.
21:03 <•Kotono> Hope indeed. Sanda's gaze lingers on them as you go, but there's no real time. Instead you reach the roads and begin to travel onwards and...OOC: Sorry, was a moment. Looking out for anything in particular as you all go?
21:03 <Skaya> OOC: No, we'll just keep our ears open to rumors and make sure to keep watch at night.
21:05 <•Kotono> You make good time, and soldiers begin to give way to farms and roads, and the villages that connect them. You stop for a brief lunch at a small tavern in one of those villages. A middle aged man runs it and gives you a look, "You there, travelers! Do you come from Mellanics? Does it still hold?" A few people here, farmers and those types on a glance, turn with some interest.
21:06 <Skaya> "Not only does it hold, it'll keep holding! There's cease fire on the southern front!" Skaya cheerfully responds.
21:14 <•Kotono> The clatter of mugs, the scraping of chairs against the ground, "There's peace?" The barkeep says, gray-shot hair tossed as he steps back, "All the word said our brave soldiers suffered setback after setback."
21:14 <•Kotono> Rina smiles a little sadly, "They did the best they could. They were never the problem."
21:17 <Devar> "Hopefully it leads to more peace in the future." Devar says.
21:19 <•Kotono> "Still, peace. MEllanics won't fall," Murmurs go thorugh the people, "Praise be to Tempus. It means victory is closer at hand." However, the barkeep looks on, "That means," he say sslowly, "Did the city surrender?"
21:22 <Skaya> "No. You've heard there was a huge battle where Laremy lost a large amount of soldiers?" Skaya elaborates. She gives them just enough time to recall the event, before she goes on to say, "That prisoner camp got raided, and with thousands of soldiers bolstering the ranks again and a few other factors continuing the war into the winter wasn't worth it for the Petty Kingdoms."
21:24 <•Kotono> A few cheers go up at that, "What hero lead that raid?" The question is raised by one, as another says, "They knew they couldn't do it again and were going to get licked!" A third calls, "Victory!" Meanwhile, the inn keep smiles, "That's the best news I've gotten all month. Sit down and have something on us, good travelers!"
21:25 <•Kotono> "I won't say no to free," Sanda goes and has a seat, "Thank you."
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina joins her, "Whomever did it is a real hero," she says, keeping the smug out of her voice. Mostly.
21:26 <Skaya> "Yes! And that was our very own Milla Knightson, the daughter of the Heroic Guild Leader of Mellanics!"
21:30 <•Kotono> Cheers go up at that, "To Milla Knightson!" And moments later, "I know her father, a real hero! He saved me and my entire herd once! A good family of real heroes of Laremy!"
21:30 <•Kotono> Sanda side eyes Skaya at that, openly amused, but joins in with a toast of, "To heroes!"
21:31 <•Kotono> "To heroes, no matter where they are, and to the Heroic Guild!" Rina joins in, keeping even less smug out of her voice.
21:32 <•Kotono> "You two have the look of them heroes," The tavern keep murmurs as he brings some bread, cheese and fruit over. "Two of you with wings, adn all of you look like the type."
21:32 <Skaya> "To free drinks!"
21:36 <•Kotono> With that cheers go up and food comes for free. The entire mood is high and bright, and you depart in good spirits. Once out and back on the road, "I wonder if they'll be as happy when they see what we gave up for it?" Sanda muses aloud.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Probably, or at least happy that they aren't in danger of occupation," Rina says as she rides, "That will do any day."
21:37 <Devar> "It isn't as if the cities that got traded are going to be burnt down." Devar says.
21:38 <Skaya> "Given it was seized only thirty years ago it's just a fact of life. The Eis war is the decisive one."
21:41 <•Kotono> "That's the one we need to win, preferably before winter," Rina remarks, "If we get sucked into this, got a clever plan, Skaya?
21:41 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, Id hope Devar can talk some peace into them if that happens," Sanda comments, waving her hand in his direction.
21:42 <Skaya> "This time, I want to learn the facts on the ground before committing. If some noble here caused it, we might resolve this grudge."
21:45 <•Kotono> "We might," Is the agreement, as you begin to travel onward and forwards.
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}
19:00 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@914C1EE0.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
19:01 <Devar> OOC: we will meet up with Skaya for Operation: save Picke
19:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:06 <•Kotono> Once at town, Picke dismisses you and rides off. IT's not hard to go meet up with Skaya at Sanda's store, the party getting together as night falls...OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
19:07 <Devar> "We can't possibly let him do this, even if he did overstep on his authority." Devar says. "Do you think we can beat him there and maybe smooth things over?"
19:08 <Skaya> "I don't think we should, actually," Skaya admits. "But how about following him anyway, and just breaking him out if he's about to be executed? I don't really mind leaving Laremy afterwards."
19:10 <Devar> "We have a scroll of teleport so we can go wherever. My suggestion of it comes to that is the underwater city, there's plenty of resources there and you guys can go to that treasure place we found." Devar says. "But... well, I'll follow whatever you guys want to do."
19:11 <Skaya> "I think Anne should stay here and pretend she doesn't know anything. We'll leave her to look after Mellanics officially. That works?"
19:11 <Devar> Devar looks over to Anne - it's her decision!
19:12 <•Kotono> Anne's quiet for a time, then sighs long and low. "I'd agree to that, but. If Picke truly wants to sacrifice him for the good of the rest of us, there's no shame in respecting that. Sacrifice is a virtue, not a sin."
19:13 <•Kotono> With a scowl, "It's a waste is what it is, a sacrifice to the ego and idiocy of the noble class here," Rina retorts, "Picke's been good to us."
19:13 <Devar> "Surely Moore doesn't advocate for people to kill thenselves like this." Devar says. "He's not a martyr - there's no point in his death."
19:13 <Skaya> "I think it's fine for him to sacrifice himself. But since he's doing that without involving me, I'm also free to rescue him from the consequences, no?"
19:15 <Devar> "We've already lost so many to war, I'm not about to let us lose another to peace." Devar says resolutely with a nod to Skaya.
19:16 <•Kotono> "I respect what he's doing, even if I don't like it," Anne answers instead, "I think Picke would say he's being a hero, and he's right. Sometimes a hero is the one who stays behind to cover the retreat, or attracts the ire of those in power so that others can do good freely. But I have no more desire to see Picke perish than you do...but at the same time, if he did betray the trust the Queen
19:16 <•Kotono> put in him, even for the best of reasons, I can't fault a reckoning there, either."
19:16 <•Kotono> "That would sound a lot better if our opinion of Laremy's leadership wasn't in the outhouse," Sanda snarks, "I've heard the Queen's a weak ruler, which may be the real problem."
19:18 <Skaya> "I don't really mind some dirty dealings between nobles. I don't mind if they blame Picke for everything, too. But there are a whole lot of punishments available, and execution is one I don't want to see happen," Skaya says with a frown. "If they love war so much, tear up the document and restart it!"
19:19 <•Kotono> "Before we argue more," It's Rina who cuts in, "I think we're dancing around something important."
19:19 <•Kotono> "Which is?" SAnda inquires, "Do tell, Rina, I'd love to hear what we're missing."
19:19 → Devar_ joined (~Devar@lunarnet-65181883.sub-174-211-99.myvzw.com)
19:19 <Devar_> "I guess it depends a lot on how she views the outcome as a whole. If she sees it as something to celebrate he may not suffer anything."
19:19 <Skaya> "Whether we can do it? How far we're willing to go? How closely we'll follow him? Milla?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "Are we going to stay with Laremy for this entire war, or are we going to go? We're talking about it like it's an option to pack up and leave, and we even have offers to other countries," Rina points at Anne, then Skaya, Sanda and finally Devar. "If we're going to do that, we can just take Picke and let that be our answer."
19:21 ⇐ Devar quit (~Devar@353F62D4.DD8D6C49.5AE48FD2.IP) Ping timeout: 180 seconds
19:21 <Skaya> "I can only speak for myself, Rina, but I want to respect Picke's choices. I'm not going to be forcing him into anything unless the choices of others go against my bottom line. As for that, I'm perfectly fine with agreeing to help with the Eis front in return for his life."
19:23 <Devar_> "We also have that Cornucopia, which we know is going to be invaluable soon." Devar says. "But ultimately... I'll follow your lead, Skaya - Lady Eldath put me on a path with you for a reason, and I won't abandon you - or Picke."
19:24 <Skaya> "It may well be best utilized as we travel during the summer and keep our ears to the ground for the needy," Skaya proposes. "The need of it here is lessened if the war ends quickly."
19:25 <•Kotono> "Either way," Anne says at last, "Of course, if the Queen is reasonable, then all of this doesn't matter."
19:26 <Devar_> He nods. "If we leave, my vote is the Water city to get extra supplies for ourselves. And yes, Anne is also correct. So what are our next steps?"
19:27 <Skaya> "Anne and Milla stay here to keep the Petty Kingdoms honest, and the rest of us travel after Picke?"
19:28 <Devar_> Devar nods.
19:28 <•Kotono> "I can see to my charges as well," Anne agrees, "It's been too long."
19:31 <Skaya> "Do any of you need to pack, or we're good to leave right now?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "I'm fine," Sanda says, as Rina simply nods in agreement.
19:33 <Devar_> "I have everything." Devar says simply.
19:35 <Skaya> "Then let's go! Our horses survived so far!"
19:37 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, so general plans here?
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: Follow in our wagon after Picke. Offer him a ride and assure him we won't get in his way unless he wants us to.
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: If he's too fast, let's just follow in his general direction and see from there
19:39 <Devar_> OOC: if for some reason we need to go super fast we can conjure some phantom horsies
19:39 <Skaya> OOC: We have our own regular horses! They've very good.
19:42 → Devar joined ⇐ Devar_ quit
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=62 ]{62}
19:44 <•Kotono> It's a good thing you're vigiliant. Picke leaves in the middle of the night on a fast horse, cloaked and hooded, moving fast. Just him by himself out an eastern gate of the city.
19:47 <Skaya> Time to go!
19:48 <•Kotono> You go out - but you find soldiers are there and close the gate behind Picke. As you approach, "By order the gates are closed at night. Please wait until the morning to leave town," A soldier calls as you approach, bearing a lantern.
19:50 <Skaya> "Fine," Skaya says as she leaves without complaint. "Devar, one of us could quietly fly after him and lead the way later with telepathy. Or we could just go later. Thoughts?"
19:50 <•Kotono> Rina mutters, "He definitely say this coming," she comments.
19:51 <Devar> "It might be too late if we just wait, I think." Devar says. "In theory, we could also have Milla open the gates, I bet they're closed on his orders. Or... can anyone cast Dimension Door?" Devar asks with a smile. "But I can go after him either way if you want."
19:54 <•Kotono> "I have dimensional anchor ready, but not door," Sanda disagrees, "Sorry. BAd luck with the odds there."
19:55 <Skaya> "There's no need to go for complicated plots. Just fly over and tell us the general direction later?"
19:55 <Devar> "I mean he's really only going to be headed to one place, isn't he?" Devar asks. "But yeah, I can follow him and keep you posted." He says, starting to fly up.
19:56 — Skaya settles down to wait. It can't be more than a few hours, and the land is large enough several days of travel would be needed to get anywhere in the north-east. When Picke is forced to rest, they can just keep going and catch up.
20:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me Perception as you fly on, Devar.
20:00 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21
20:07 <•Kotono> You go on for about ten minutes until you spy a horse tied to a tree. Notably, there's no sign of Picke, just his horse sitting there.
20:10 <Devar> Was this all some sort of ruse and he has another method of travel? Devar will relay that back to Skaya, but for now just stay in the air and keep an eye out as best he can.
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception again.
20:11 <Skaya> 'If he truly manages to escape us, good job. I don't want to force things that much with the Guild Master. For now, maybe fly in an expanding spiral pattern a bit before returning to the horse? Come morning we'll try to see if we can track him.'
20:12 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21 again
20:16 <•Kotono> Whatever Picke did to escape, it's solid. Devar doesn't see any traces of him from the air. Be it skill or magic, he seems to have given you the slip, at least for now at night.
20:17 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
20:18 <Devar> Devar will fly down to the horse and cast detect magic - perhaps there's some residual magic in the air that will clue him in, especially if there's a strong aura of Conjuration magic there!
20:20 <Devar> OOC: Spellcraft for 30 if it matters
20:24 <•Kotono> There's no magic on the horse. However, you do find that a simple sheet of paper has been wedged into the horse's saddle, sticking out and quite visible up close.
20:25 <Devar> Devar will take the note to read it to himself and to Skaya.
20:28 <•Kotono> Thus you see: If you're reading this, you did what I'd do in your position. I won't tell you not to follow me because I know you won't listen. Instead, I'll point out that Laremy needs strong heroes for this war and the days beyond. So that even if things go the worst they can, I can shield all of you.
20:29 <Devar> "Well, then you also understand that we can save you from your own self." Devar says to no one in particular. 'I'll bring the horse back with me' he sends to Skaya.
20:29 <Skaya> "Seems like Picke tricked us but at the same time he's fine with us following," Skaya tells Rina and Sanda.
20:30 <•Kotono> Rina mutters something unkind, while Sanda muses, "He predicted us that well?"
20:31 <Skaya> "He has an advantage over us-- well, several, really, but the main one is that he's free to choose and set the battlefield."
20:33 <•Kotono> "He does, and statistically speaking, he has a huge advantage. We don't know if he's faked us in all sorts of ways," Sanda muses, "Which means we just need to choosea nd go, rather than chase our tails."
20:34 <Skaya> "What do you think? Capital or the Eis front? I heard the Queen was at the front, but capital does make more sense."
20:36 <•Kotono> "We go to the Queen," Rina speaks up, "If she's at the front, we head to the front. If Picke knows her well enough to have that sort of authority, he can plead his case to her directly."
20:37 <•Kotono> "That's my own thinking," Sanda admits, "If she's weak, that means she can be manipulated, and not just by people hostile to us."
20:37 <Skaya> "Then let's head for the front. We can pick up on rumors there, and find out if we're on the right trail."
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, then, when is the party leaving? The morning?
20:42 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
20:51 <•Kotono> THus with the morning, the party heads out. The gates are open now and it's a warm, sunny day. As you head out you see the city is emerging - people are out and talking quietly. Half hopeful and half morose, at least on a glance.
20:52 — Skaya doesn't get in their way. Their part of the war is over, she sincerely hopes.
20:57 <Devar> Devar goes with Skaya silently, hoping today has more peace in it than the last few.
21:03 <•Kotono> Hope indeed. Sanda's gaze lingers on them as you go, but there's no real time. Instead you reach the roads and begin to travel onwards and...OOC: Sorry, was a moment. Looking out for anything in particular as you all go?
21:03 <Skaya> OOC: No, we'll just keep our ears open to rumors and make sure to keep watch at night.
21:05 <•Kotono> You make good time, and soldiers begin to give way to farms and roads, and the villages that connect them. You stop for a brief lunch at a small tavern in one of those villages. A middle aged man runs it and gives you a look, "You there, travelers! Do you come from Mellanics? Does it still hold?" A few people here, farmers and those types on a glance, turn with some interest.
21:06 <Skaya> "Not only does it hold, it'll keep holding! There's cease fire on the southern front!" Skaya cheerfully responds.
21:14 <•Kotono> The clatter of mugs, the scraping of chairs against the ground, "There's peace?" The barkeep says, gray-shot hair tossed as he steps back, "All the word said our brave soldiers suffered setback after setback."
21:14 <•Kotono> Rina smiles a little sadly, "They did the best they could. They were never the problem."
21:17 <Devar> "Hopefully it leads to more peace in the future." Devar says.
21:19 <•Kotono> "Still, peace. MEllanics won't fall," Murmurs go thorugh the people, "Praise be to Tempus. It means victory is closer at hand." However, the barkeep looks on, "That means," he say sslowly, "Did the city surrender?"
21:22 <Skaya> "No. You've heard there was a huge battle where Laremy lost a large amount of soldiers?" Skaya elaborates. She gives them just enough time to recall the event, before she goes on to say, "That prisoner camp got raided, and with thousands of soldiers bolstering the ranks again and a few other factors continuing the war into the winter wasn't worth it for the Petty Kingdoms."
21:24 <•Kotono> A few cheers go up at that, "What hero lead that raid?" The question is raised by one, as another says, "They knew they couldn't do it again and were going to get licked!" A third calls, "Victory!" Meanwhile, the inn keep smiles, "That's the best news I've gotten all month. Sit down and have something on us, good travelers!"
21:25 <•Kotono> "I won't say no to free," Sanda goes and has a seat, "Thank you."
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina joins her, "Whomever did it is a real hero," she says, keeping the smug out of her voice. Mostly.
21:26 <Skaya> "Yes! And that was our very own Milla Knightson, the daughter of the Heroic Guild Leader of Mellanics!"
21:30 <•Kotono> Cheers go up at that, "To Milla Knightson!" And moments later, "I know her father, a real hero! He saved me and my entire herd once! A good family of real heroes of Laremy!"
21:30 <•Kotono> Sanda side eyes Skaya at that, openly amused, but joins in with a toast of, "To heroes!"
21:31 <•Kotono> "To heroes, no matter where they are, and to the Heroic Guild!" Rina joins in, keeping even less smug out of her voice.
21:32 <•Kotono> "You two have the look of them heroes," The tavern keep murmurs as he brings some bread, cheese and fruit over. "Two of you with wings, adn all of you look like the type."
21:32 <Skaya> "To free drinks!"
21:36 <•Kotono> With that cheers go up and food comes for free. The entire mood is high and bright, and you depart in good spirits. Once out and back on the road, "I wonder if they'll be as happy when they see what we gave up for it?" Sanda muses aloud.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Probably, or at least happy that they aren't in danger of occupation," Rina says as she rides, "That will do any day."
21:37 <Devar> "It isn't as if the cities that got traded are going to be burnt down." Devar says.
21:38 <Skaya> "Given it was seized only thirty years ago it's just a fact of life. The Eis war is the decisive one."
21:41 <•Kotono> "That's the one we need to win, preferably before winter," Rina remarks, "If we get sucked into this, got a clever plan, Skaya?
21:41 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, Id hope Devar can talk some peace into them if that happens," Sanda comments, waving her hand in his direction.
21:42 <Skaya> "This time, I want to learn the facts on the ground before committing. If some noble here caused it, we might resolve this grudge."
21:45 <•Kotono> "We might," Is the agreement, as you begin to travel onward and forwards.
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}
#36
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:04:41 PM19:12 <•Kotono> ----
19:19 <•Kotono> Picke meets with the three of you this afternoon. "It'll be happening soon," he says simply, "Do the two of you have any questions?"
19:20 <Devar> "How much talking do you actually want us to do?" Devar asks. "We aren't nobles, so I don't know if our words will help or hurt, regardless of who they're in praise of."
19:25 <•Kotono> "Not a lot," Picke admits, rubbing his jaw, "Saying the right things will come down to using your brains, not provoking and being intelligent. Social graces aside, you're heroes so you're not expected to be perfect there. But in general you're there to be seen and remind them that you exist. Pay attention, see if you notice anything unusual. Just in case there's treachery, really."
19:26 <Devar> Devar nods. "Easily enough done, then."
19:30 <•Kotono> "It will be done," Anne says, "I'll have my eyes open, do you think there will be treachery?"
19:30 <•Kotono> "Probably not," Picke shakes his head, "Too much invested at this point, and this sort of treachery means no one trusts you for at least a generation. It's when sides can't even meet under truces that the worst, total wars happen."
19:31 <Devar> Devar nods. "We'll keep our eyes out anyway."
19:31 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5A2D6D3A.2CDA848.18B9E01A.IP)
19:33 <•Kotono> "Then let's get going, we'll ride out to meet them," Picke says, "At least there'll be food," he then almost manages a smile. "You can't expect fancy nobles not to be pampered."
19:35 <Devar> "Heh, we'll have to introduce you to one of the High Reeves, he had a real talent for picking out food." Devar says as he goes to walk with him. Hopefully none of the food was imported from Rockgale...
19:38 <•Kotono> That gets ana lmost smile as the three of you go and...OOC: More.
19:42 <•Kotono> It's a caravan that heads out from Melanics. Picke, Devar and Anne are one group, along with Garza, the young Lord Mellanics and his bodyguard, and a few other officials you don't know. Along with a retinue of soldiers, the group heads forth. You ride otu far enough for Mellanics to be distant but not out of sight, where a large tent has been set up in the road. Enemy soldiers are camped here,
19:42 <•Kotono> but none oppose you now, as you ride forth with a flag of truce. Awaiting the party at the head of a vanguard of soldiers is a familiar face - Hans. He simply inclines his head to the group, "Earl Mellanics," he greets to the child, "We welcome you and yours under truce."
19:42 <•Kotono> Garza raises his voice, "We accept your welcome," he says, "Is that sufficient?"
19:43 <•Kotono> "Sufficient enough," Hans agrees, "Follow." His gaze lingers on Devar and Anne a moment, neutral and controlled.
19:43 <Devar> Devar gives Hans a polite and respectful nod in return - no need to be rude to anyone yet!
19:52 <•Kotono> Anne does the same as you're lead in. Here are familiar faces - at least to Skaya and friends, if not you. Gerhardt is there, along with Baronet Henne in the back, along with several other figures you don't know offhand. All military sorts, armed and armored. "Welcome, welcome," Gerhardt rises, "Shall we get to brass tacks, gentlemen? This heat is abysmal." He wipes his forehead with a fancy
19:52 <•Kotono> cloth.
19:53 <•Kotono> "I'm pleasantly surprised at the lack of pomp and circumstance," Anne murmurs, more to herself than anything, but it carries in the tent.
19:53 <•Kotono> Garza's jaw tenses, but Gerhardt waves it off, "Most of us know each other, and the two of you?" A look, "Well, I doubt you're the negotiators, are you?"
19:54 <Devar> Devar stays quiet, but nods to those he's seen before. To the open question, "Devar of Eldath, and Anne of Moore." He doesn't think he needs to elaborate any further than that.
19:55 <•Kotono> "I am not, though just as well." Anne says sweetly, "I've proven most adept at procuring funds in Welland."
19:55 <•Kotono> The baronet murmurs, "Yes, we've all heard of the stories drifting south about the heroes of Dareslan.
19:55 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:55 <•Kotono> The baronet murmurs, "Yes, we've all heard of the stories drifting south about the heroes of Dareslan."
19:57 <•Kotono> "Just so, so shall we get to this," Gerhardt says.
19:57 <•Kotono> Hans is to the side, at attention. However, he adds, "Before that, there is a matter we need addressed. While important, it is not directly tied to these negotiations."
19:58 <•Kotono> There's a murmur at that, but Gerhardt's pleasant expression dims slightly. "Very well, if you insist."
19:59 <•Kotono> "During the overnight raid, a staff named the Soar The Depths was stolen. It will be returned." A simple, plain answer, "A reasonable ransom of 1,200 gold will be paid. While you are not the ones who took it, I am here to see to that matter and trust it will be relayed."
20:00 <•Kotono> Picke speaks up here, "I'll sort it out," he says plainly, "It'll be passed along."
20:04 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "Now then, negotiations..." OOC: How much do you want to get into these? If Devar's not involved I can glide over things if you prefer.
20:07 <Devar> OOC: He's going to pay attention for good opportunities to speak up, especially about the value of peace winning over constant warring, and will use Brachidos and the Talonites as good examples of how common people can get caught up and hurt by that sort of thinking
20:07 <Devar> OOC: So more or less he'll advocate as much as he can when given an opportunity, but he isn't going to try and bulldoze the conversation or negotiations over it
20:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me a wisdom check here, +3 circumstance bonus.
20:08 <Devar> roll 1d20+4 wisdom, my dump stat!
20:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+4 wisdom, my dump stat! --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
20:14 <•Kotono> At first it's verbal jousting and the proposal - give up Fyner and Newkingsland, more than initially offered. Of course there's a counter offer, then the back and forth you'd expect. As it goes on? "Still though, your position is grim," Gerhardt points out, "No matter how matters push things forward, and how..." A pause here.
20:15 <•Kotono> "You don't ignore the message we got," The baronet speaks up, "But that doesn't mean we roll over and take less than we deserve."
20:15 <•Kotono> Anne frowns at that, listening but holding her peace.
20:15 <•Kotono> The young Earl is more interested in a cup of water he was given, held with both hands.
20:16 <•Kotono> "That may be so, but peace is the real goal: Not gain," Picke points out, "Greed will just see everyone suffer."
20:19 <Devar> "There is no weakness in wanting a peaceful future for all sides." Devar adds.
20:24 <•Kotono> "Just so," Anne adds, "We've been told plainly that this is the wrong war at the wrong time. Let not the greed and cupidity of man bring disaster."
20:26 <•Kotono> There's a few tongue clicks at that, but Gerhardt clears his throat, "Yes yes, we have had our wrists slapped, as it is said." Devar and Anne get looks, but the talks continue onward and...
20:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 circumstances, +2 aid there) Mellanics
20:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 (+2 circumstances, +2 aid there) Mellanics --> [ 1d20=11 ]{20}
20:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4(-2 circumstnace)
20:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4(-2 circumstnace) --> error: malformed expression
20:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 -2 circumstnace)
20:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 -2 circumstnace) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
20:34 <•Kotono> The words sit heavy, but slowly the negotiations wind closer and closer to what you hoped. Fyner is still lost, but Newkingsland looks safer and safer as it goes on. After a few hours of this, "A break," Garza proposes, "Twenty minutes."
20:34 <•Kotono> "Agreeable," Gerhardt says, "Soldiers, have food and drink brought in," he orders, "We could all use a brief respite."
20:36 <Devar> Devar looks like he's slightly more relaxed now than he was at the beginning, at the very least.
20:36 <•Kotono> Great trays of food and drink, looking fine enough to be served before a noble, are all brought in. Anne sits back as conversation breaks out and softly exhales, "Goodness," she murmurs to Devar. "Arguing about the fate of people like it's mere coin."
20:38 <Devar> "Imagine what our patrons have to argue." Devar says quietly with a bit of a smile. "I couldn't imagine having the lives of my followers and worshippers on my conscience like that."
20:39 <•Kotono> Anne takes a moment to fetch a goblet of what looks to be chilled wine. She has a long sip before, "I'd rather be flying right now," she concedes. "The sky is beautiful today."
20:40 <•Kotono> "Is it?" Hans approach, a goblet in his own hand. He has a performative sip before, "I'd say that had we been meant to soar in the skies, we would have wings, but..." Devar gets a long, long look.
20:41 <•Kotono> That gets Anne to have another sip as she floats up a few inches, getting to eye level with Hans. "Yes, and?" she says, politely.
20:46 <Devar> A smile at that and a raised glass of some juice that likely was there because of the Earl. "We've had some rather unique adventures that give us a bit of a different outlook." He says, bowing his head politely to Hans. "Still, there's magic that lets you do that sort of thing. But I take it you're a more grounded type of person, both in merit and deed?" Devar asks, looking to Hans specifically.
20:47 <•Kotono> "Nonsense." Hans says, "Magic is part of the world. However, most of us don't have much if any of it, so we look towards the ground and what we can see. Don't forget the many for the few: Stratagem 94."
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne K:R meanwhile
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne K:R meanwhile --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
20:48 <•Kotono> Anne hums at that, "That reminds me of something, but I can't place it, I'm afraid."
20:49 <•Kotono> "The Stratagems are wisdom from The Red Knight," Hans answers neutrally, "With them comes wisdom from battle to high command."
20:50 <•Kotono> "That was it," Anne says, "Thank you. You follow her?"
20:51 <•Kotono> "Mmm, yes." An admission after a moment, "Being grounded is wise, even if you're powerful. No, especially if you are, because power distorts your view of everything else."
20:52 <Devar> "Ah, of course." Devar inclines his head. Maybe one of the other Strategems would be helpful to bring up in the future, he muses to himself. "No, that's a very fair way to look at it. History is fraught with those in power who use it maliciously. It's why I hope these talks can bring about something more lasting in terms of peaceful times for everyone."
20:55 <•Kotono> "It won't last as long as Laremy exists." Hans meets Devar's gaze now, firm and fearless. "It's the nature of things now, too many wars and too many corpses to put behind all of us. I'll settle for a few years and for things to stabilize. Then again," he reflects, "It's your business to work for peace, no matter how unlikely."
20:56 <•Kotono> "Or until Laremy has grown too large and strong to oppose directly," Anne counters.
20:57 <Devar> Devar smiles at him at that. "Strategem 94, huh?" He takes a sip of his drink. "There's a lot of ways to look at it, I'm not... probably versed well enough in the history of things to speak on it, but... I think there's room for everyone in this country, and I think we can all find happiness."
20:58 <•Kotono> "And then it goes the way of all empires and fractures, and again and again we go," Hans fires back, "War is as natural as rain or sunshine." After that, then to Devar again, "Then I ask you: Are you an optimist or an idealogue?"
21:00 <Devar> "I know that the reality of peace is that it has to be maintained with force sometimes." Devar says with a polite nod to Hans. "You can't simply expect every side to throw down their arms in pacifism unless you came in with an overbearing power - which defeats the entire point of peacefulness to begin with. People have to want to peace - have to want to stop fighting, and sometimes that comes
21:00 <Devar> after seeing the futility of warring."
21:01 <•Kotono> Anne eyes Hans before, "And then you say that will never happen, because people want to fight by their nature?"
21:03 <•Kotono> "Yes." No denial, "Devar, war is natural because battle and disagreement are natural. Even when people want peace, it only lasts until those desires burn brightly once more. When people want peace, it is only because war has grown too terrible to be endured."
21:06 <Devar> "I don't disagree with you." He says. "But I don't agree either, I don't think disagreement is a natural course of things, but finding solutions together is something that the entire of Creation relies on. We don't have the Heavens and Hells warring with each other on our doorstep - so surely us regular folks can find some common ground somewhere in order to start making everything else better?"
21:06 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 on K:R for 25 - can I give him a zippy Strategem that could be viewed as something like 'better the devil you know' - i.e. we're better off trying to work together even if we don't agree than making things worse
21:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Stratagem 48 comes to mind: When you need peace, familiarity is gold.
21:15 <Devar> "To take a page from Her book, I believe Strategem 48 is the most applicable in this situation." Devar says with a small smile - he isn't intending to sound like he's making fun of it in any capacity. "Perhaps, to your point, too many wars can be advantageous to both sides here - both sides can see what it's wrought and what's been gained... and how little of it lasted."
21:16 <•Kotono> "To take a page," Hans agrees with you, eyes slightly narrower now, "I wouldn't expect one who follows your path to know that book."
21:17 <Devar> "Strategy and tactics are important for everyone." Devar says simply, and with respect. "No matter what you believe in or want."
21:21 <•Kotono> At that there's a soldier who approache sand leans in, whisperin got Hans. He nods briefly, "A pleasure," he says, "But another time." With that he goes. Once he's out of earshot, "Too bad," Anne murmurs.
21:21 <Devar> "I think we made our point." Devar says with a smile to Anne. "We're heroes for a reason."
21:24 <•Kotono> "Too bad he's not twenty years younger and also nota follower of the Red Knight," Anne comments to you, quietly so.
21:26 <Devar> A small shrug to her at that. "Keep that hope alive, my dear Anne."
21:28 <•Kotono> Anne smiles back faintly, as the negotiations continue, and...
21:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7(+2 circumstance) Mellanics
21:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7(+2 circumstance) Mellanics --> error: malformed expression
21:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 (+2 circumstance) Mellanics
21:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 (+2 circumstance) Mellanics --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
21:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (-2 circumstance)
21:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 (-2 circumstance) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
21:31 <•Kotono> The negotiations continue - but it seems to be narrowing in, particularly after Picke nad Garza give up a little more land, a few more villages. As of now, it seems to be getting closer, closer and closer yet as...OOC: Perception, Devar.
21:31 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21
21:33 <•Kotono> All goes well enough. It's near sunset when at last Garza and Gerhardt rise and shake hands, "We have an agreement!" Gerhardt declares, "Once more, Fyner is free!"
21:34 <•Kotono> Cheers go up, at least from the enemy - or former enemy for now - side. Anne claps, the softest murmur of, "Thank you for peace, Moore," Carrying to you.
21:35 <Devar> If something *were* going to happen, around now would be when it would, but Devar says a prayer in thanks of peace in this moment.
21:38 <•Kotono> There's a moment, another, another and another. No sign of attacks, only of relief. Picke shakes many hands, but int ime comes over to the two of you. "Mellanics is safe." he says, keeping his voice down, "At least for this war."
21:39 <Devar> Devar nods, patting Picke on the shoulder. "What happens now?" He asks, quietly.
21:40 <•Kotono> "We go back, tell everyone and oversee the transfer." In a lower voice, barely a whisper, "We'll talk more when we're away."
21:44 <Devar> Devar nods to Picke and will give any handshakes offered to him.
21:49 <•Kotono> It takes a little bit, but under sunset the party heads back. Garza's head is bowed, morose. The Earl is quiet still, sleeping and carried by his bodyguard. As for Picke? He rides with you and Anne, "What I'm going to do is set things in motion and then pass leadership of the guild to Milla, and then ride to the Queen." With a grim expression, "There's a real chance I won't return. I intend to
21:49 <•Kotono> call in every favor I can and do my best, but I abused my authority and acted without the Queen's consent. Even if the facts on the ground make it a fait accompli, I've done enough to hang as it is, even before considering everything else. And...at worst, better that I be disgraced and blamed than everyone else. If I have to take it so that Milla and the rest of you aren't punished, that's what
21:49 <•Kotono> I'm going to do."
21:52 <Devar> Devar frowns at that. "You know that the others aren't just going to accept that and let things be, right?"
21:54 <•Kotono> "I'd order all of you to shut up and obey, but I know I'd be wasting my breath," Picke looks ahead at Mellanics in the distance, stained orange with the sunset. "Instead, I'd say accept it so that the Heroic Guild survives, and all of you are safe and can support Milla as she takes over for me. I'd rather have you in Laremy and helping everyone here than flee off to Welland or somewhere else.
21:54 <•Kotono> But even that aside, I have a request for both of you. No, it's more of a favor."
21:55 <•Kotono> Anne merely bows her head, "Of course, what it is?"
21:55 <•Kotono> *is it?
21:58 <Devar> Devar will listen - and also start relaying Picke's insane plan to Skaya, with some added 'surely there's some way to keep him from doing this' ideas mingled in.
21:59 <Skaya> 'Passing leadership means going back to the Guild, so let's talk to him in private together,' Skaya thinks back to Devar.
22:00 <Devar> 'Will keep you updated.' Is the reply.
22:02 <•Kotono> "I've never been a religious man." Picke admits, "And with what I did to save Milla, there's many of the more merciful ones who want nothing to do with me. So...could you put in a good word with your patrons for me?"
22:03 <Devar> "I don't think we're going to need to do that, but if it comes to it, you have my word." Devar promises him.
22:03 <•Kotono> "I hope not, but prepare anyway," Picke agrees, as you all go forward and...next time! OOC: That's actually a really good lin eto end on.
19:19 <•Kotono> Picke meets with the three of you this afternoon. "It'll be happening soon," he says simply, "Do the two of you have any questions?"
19:20 <Devar> "How much talking do you actually want us to do?" Devar asks. "We aren't nobles, so I don't know if our words will help or hurt, regardless of who they're in praise of."
19:25 <•Kotono> "Not a lot," Picke admits, rubbing his jaw, "Saying the right things will come down to using your brains, not provoking and being intelligent. Social graces aside, you're heroes so you're not expected to be perfect there. But in general you're there to be seen and remind them that you exist. Pay attention, see if you notice anything unusual. Just in case there's treachery, really."
19:26 <Devar> Devar nods. "Easily enough done, then."
19:30 <•Kotono> "It will be done," Anne says, "I'll have my eyes open, do you think there will be treachery?"
19:30 <•Kotono> "Probably not," Picke shakes his head, "Too much invested at this point, and this sort of treachery means no one trusts you for at least a generation. It's when sides can't even meet under truces that the worst, total wars happen."
19:31 <Devar> Devar nods. "We'll keep our eyes out anyway."
19:31 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5A2D6D3A.2CDA848.18B9E01A.IP)
19:33 <•Kotono> "Then let's get going, we'll ride out to meet them," Picke says, "At least there'll be food," he then almost manages a smile. "You can't expect fancy nobles not to be pampered."
19:35 <Devar> "Heh, we'll have to introduce you to one of the High Reeves, he had a real talent for picking out food." Devar says as he goes to walk with him. Hopefully none of the food was imported from Rockgale...
19:38 <•Kotono> That gets ana lmost smile as the three of you go and...OOC: More.
19:42 <•Kotono> It's a caravan that heads out from Melanics. Picke, Devar and Anne are one group, along with Garza, the young Lord Mellanics and his bodyguard, and a few other officials you don't know. Along with a retinue of soldiers, the group heads forth. You ride otu far enough for Mellanics to be distant but not out of sight, where a large tent has been set up in the road. Enemy soldiers are camped here,
19:42 <•Kotono> but none oppose you now, as you ride forth with a flag of truce. Awaiting the party at the head of a vanguard of soldiers is a familiar face - Hans. He simply inclines his head to the group, "Earl Mellanics," he greets to the child, "We welcome you and yours under truce."
19:42 <•Kotono> Garza raises his voice, "We accept your welcome," he says, "Is that sufficient?"
19:43 <•Kotono> "Sufficient enough," Hans agrees, "Follow." His gaze lingers on Devar and Anne a moment, neutral and controlled.
19:43 <Devar> Devar gives Hans a polite and respectful nod in return - no need to be rude to anyone yet!
19:52 <•Kotono> Anne does the same as you're lead in. Here are familiar faces - at least to Skaya and friends, if not you. Gerhardt is there, along with Baronet Henne in the back, along with several other figures you don't know offhand. All military sorts, armed and armored. "Welcome, welcome," Gerhardt rises, "Shall we get to brass tacks, gentlemen? This heat is abysmal." He wipes his forehead with a fancy
19:52 <•Kotono> cloth.
19:53 <•Kotono> "I'm pleasantly surprised at the lack of pomp and circumstance," Anne murmurs, more to herself than anything, but it carries in the tent.
19:53 <•Kotono> Garza's jaw tenses, but Gerhardt waves it off, "Most of us know each other, and the two of you?" A look, "Well, I doubt you're the negotiators, are you?"
19:54 <Devar> Devar stays quiet, but nods to those he's seen before. To the open question, "Devar of Eldath, and Anne of Moore." He doesn't think he needs to elaborate any further than that.
19:55 <•Kotono> "I am not, though just as well." Anne says sweetly, "I've proven most adept at procuring funds in Welland."
19:55 <•Kotono> The baronet murmurs, "Yes, we've all heard of the stories drifting south about the heroes of Dareslan.
19:55 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:55 <•Kotono> The baronet murmurs, "Yes, we've all heard of the stories drifting south about the heroes of Dareslan."
19:57 <•Kotono> "Just so, so shall we get to this," Gerhardt says.
19:57 <•Kotono> Hans is to the side, at attention. However, he adds, "Before that, there is a matter we need addressed. While important, it is not directly tied to these negotiations."
19:58 <•Kotono> There's a murmur at that, but Gerhardt's pleasant expression dims slightly. "Very well, if you insist."
19:59 <•Kotono> "During the overnight raid, a staff named the Soar The Depths was stolen. It will be returned." A simple, plain answer, "A reasonable ransom of 1,200 gold will be paid. While you are not the ones who took it, I am here to see to that matter and trust it will be relayed."
20:00 <•Kotono> Picke speaks up here, "I'll sort it out," he says plainly, "It'll be passed along."
20:04 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "Now then, negotiations..." OOC: How much do you want to get into these? If Devar's not involved I can glide over things if you prefer.
20:07 <Devar> OOC: He's going to pay attention for good opportunities to speak up, especially about the value of peace winning over constant warring, and will use Brachidos and the Talonites as good examples of how common people can get caught up and hurt by that sort of thinking
20:07 <Devar> OOC: So more or less he'll advocate as much as he can when given an opportunity, but he isn't going to try and bulldoze the conversation or negotiations over it
20:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me a wisdom check here, +3 circumstance bonus.
20:08 <Devar> roll 1d20+4 wisdom, my dump stat!
20:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+4 wisdom, my dump stat! --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
20:14 <•Kotono> At first it's verbal jousting and the proposal - give up Fyner and Newkingsland, more than initially offered. Of course there's a counter offer, then the back and forth you'd expect. As it goes on? "Still though, your position is grim," Gerhardt points out, "No matter how matters push things forward, and how..." A pause here.
20:15 <•Kotono> "You don't ignore the message we got," The baronet speaks up, "But that doesn't mean we roll over and take less than we deserve."
20:15 <•Kotono> Anne frowns at that, listening but holding her peace.
20:15 <•Kotono> The young Earl is more interested in a cup of water he was given, held with both hands.
20:16 <•Kotono> "That may be so, but peace is the real goal: Not gain," Picke points out, "Greed will just see everyone suffer."
20:19 <Devar> "There is no weakness in wanting a peaceful future for all sides." Devar adds.
20:24 <•Kotono> "Just so," Anne adds, "We've been told plainly that this is the wrong war at the wrong time. Let not the greed and cupidity of man bring disaster."
20:26 <•Kotono> There's a few tongue clicks at that, but Gerhardt clears his throat, "Yes yes, we have had our wrists slapped, as it is said." Devar and Anne get looks, but the talks continue onward and...
20:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 circumstances, +2 aid there) Mellanics
20:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 (+2 circumstances, +2 aid there) Mellanics --> [ 1d20=11 ]{20}
20:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4(-2 circumstnace)
20:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4(-2 circumstnace) --> error: malformed expression
20:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 -2 circumstnace)
20:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 -2 circumstnace) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
20:34 <•Kotono> The words sit heavy, but slowly the negotiations wind closer and closer to what you hoped. Fyner is still lost, but Newkingsland looks safer and safer as it goes on. After a few hours of this, "A break," Garza proposes, "Twenty minutes."
20:34 <•Kotono> "Agreeable," Gerhardt says, "Soldiers, have food and drink brought in," he orders, "We could all use a brief respite."
20:36 <Devar> Devar looks like he's slightly more relaxed now than he was at the beginning, at the very least.
20:36 <•Kotono> Great trays of food and drink, looking fine enough to be served before a noble, are all brought in. Anne sits back as conversation breaks out and softly exhales, "Goodness," she murmurs to Devar. "Arguing about the fate of people like it's mere coin."
20:38 <Devar> "Imagine what our patrons have to argue." Devar says quietly with a bit of a smile. "I couldn't imagine having the lives of my followers and worshippers on my conscience like that."
20:39 <•Kotono> Anne takes a moment to fetch a goblet of what looks to be chilled wine. She has a long sip before, "I'd rather be flying right now," she concedes. "The sky is beautiful today."
20:40 <•Kotono> "Is it?" Hans approach, a goblet in his own hand. He has a performative sip before, "I'd say that had we been meant to soar in the skies, we would have wings, but..." Devar gets a long, long look.
20:41 <•Kotono> That gets Anne to have another sip as she floats up a few inches, getting to eye level with Hans. "Yes, and?" she says, politely.
20:46 <Devar> A smile at that and a raised glass of some juice that likely was there because of the Earl. "We've had some rather unique adventures that give us a bit of a different outlook." He says, bowing his head politely to Hans. "Still, there's magic that lets you do that sort of thing. But I take it you're a more grounded type of person, both in merit and deed?" Devar asks, looking to Hans specifically.
20:47 <•Kotono> "Nonsense." Hans says, "Magic is part of the world. However, most of us don't have much if any of it, so we look towards the ground and what we can see. Don't forget the many for the few: Stratagem 94."
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne K:R meanwhile
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne K:R meanwhile --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
20:48 <•Kotono> Anne hums at that, "That reminds me of something, but I can't place it, I'm afraid."
20:49 <•Kotono> "The Stratagems are wisdom from The Red Knight," Hans answers neutrally, "With them comes wisdom from battle to high command."
20:50 <•Kotono> "That was it," Anne says, "Thank you. You follow her?"
20:51 <•Kotono> "Mmm, yes." An admission after a moment, "Being grounded is wise, even if you're powerful. No, especially if you are, because power distorts your view of everything else."
20:52 <Devar> "Ah, of course." Devar inclines his head. Maybe one of the other Strategems would be helpful to bring up in the future, he muses to himself. "No, that's a very fair way to look at it. History is fraught with those in power who use it maliciously. It's why I hope these talks can bring about something more lasting in terms of peaceful times for everyone."
20:55 <•Kotono> "It won't last as long as Laremy exists." Hans meets Devar's gaze now, firm and fearless. "It's the nature of things now, too many wars and too many corpses to put behind all of us. I'll settle for a few years and for things to stabilize. Then again," he reflects, "It's your business to work for peace, no matter how unlikely."
20:56 <•Kotono> "Or until Laremy has grown too large and strong to oppose directly," Anne counters.
20:57 <Devar> Devar smiles at him at that. "Strategem 94, huh?" He takes a sip of his drink. "There's a lot of ways to look at it, I'm not... probably versed well enough in the history of things to speak on it, but... I think there's room for everyone in this country, and I think we can all find happiness."
20:58 <•Kotono> "And then it goes the way of all empires and fractures, and again and again we go," Hans fires back, "War is as natural as rain or sunshine." After that, then to Devar again, "Then I ask you: Are you an optimist or an idealogue?"
21:00 <Devar> "I know that the reality of peace is that it has to be maintained with force sometimes." Devar says with a polite nod to Hans. "You can't simply expect every side to throw down their arms in pacifism unless you came in with an overbearing power - which defeats the entire point of peacefulness to begin with. People have to want to peace - have to want to stop fighting, and sometimes that comes
21:00 <Devar> after seeing the futility of warring."
21:01 <•Kotono> Anne eyes Hans before, "And then you say that will never happen, because people want to fight by their nature?"
21:03 <•Kotono> "Yes." No denial, "Devar, war is natural because battle and disagreement are natural. Even when people want peace, it only lasts until those desires burn brightly once more. When people want peace, it is only because war has grown too terrible to be endured."
21:06 <Devar> "I don't disagree with you." He says. "But I don't agree either, I don't think disagreement is a natural course of things, but finding solutions together is something that the entire of Creation relies on. We don't have the Heavens and Hells warring with each other on our doorstep - so surely us regular folks can find some common ground somewhere in order to start making everything else better?"
21:06 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 on K:R for 25 - can I give him a zippy Strategem that could be viewed as something like 'better the devil you know' - i.e. we're better off trying to work together even if we don't agree than making things worse
21:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Stratagem 48 comes to mind: When you need peace, familiarity is gold.
21:15 <Devar> "To take a page from Her book, I believe Strategem 48 is the most applicable in this situation." Devar says with a small smile - he isn't intending to sound like he's making fun of it in any capacity. "Perhaps, to your point, too many wars can be advantageous to both sides here - both sides can see what it's wrought and what's been gained... and how little of it lasted."
21:16 <•Kotono> "To take a page," Hans agrees with you, eyes slightly narrower now, "I wouldn't expect one who follows your path to know that book."
21:17 <Devar> "Strategy and tactics are important for everyone." Devar says simply, and with respect. "No matter what you believe in or want."
21:21 <•Kotono> At that there's a soldier who approache sand leans in, whisperin got Hans. He nods briefly, "A pleasure," he says, "But another time." With that he goes. Once he's out of earshot, "Too bad," Anne murmurs.
21:21 <Devar> "I think we made our point." Devar says with a smile to Anne. "We're heroes for a reason."
21:24 <•Kotono> "Too bad he's not twenty years younger and also nota follower of the Red Knight," Anne comments to you, quietly so.
21:26 <Devar> A small shrug to her at that. "Keep that hope alive, my dear Anne."
21:28 <•Kotono> Anne smiles back faintly, as the negotiations continue, and...
21:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7(+2 circumstance) Mellanics
21:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7(+2 circumstance) Mellanics --> error: malformed expression
21:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 (+2 circumstance) Mellanics
21:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 (+2 circumstance) Mellanics --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
21:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (-2 circumstance)
21:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 (-2 circumstance) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
21:31 <•Kotono> The negotiations continue - but it seems to be narrowing in, particularly after Picke nad Garza give up a little more land, a few more villages. As of now, it seems to be getting closer, closer and closer yet as...OOC: Perception, Devar.
21:31 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21
21:33 <•Kotono> All goes well enough. It's near sunset when at last Garza and Gerhardt rise and shake hands, "We have an agreement!" Gerhardt declares, "Once more, Fyner is free!"
21:34 <•Kotono> Cheers go up, at least from the enemy - or former enemy for now - side. Anne claps, the softest murmur of, "Thank you for peace, Moore," Carrying to you.
21:35 <Devar> If something *were* going to happen, around now would be when it would, but Devar says a prayer in thanks of peace in this moment.
21:38 <•Kotono> There's a moment, another, another and another. No sign of attacks, only of relief. Picke shakes many hands, but int ime comes over to the two of you. "Mellanics is safe." he says, keeping his voice down, "At least for this war."
21:39 <Devar> Devar nods, patting Picke on the shoulder. "What happens now?" He asks, quietly.
21:40 <•Kotono> "We go back, tell everyone and oversee the transfer." In a lower voice, barely a whisper, "We'll talk more when we're away."
21:44 <Devar> Devar nods to Picke and will give any handshakes offered to him.
21:49 <•Kotono> It takes a little bit, but under sunset the party heads back. Garza's head is bowed, morose. The Earl is quiet still, sleeping and carried by his bodyguard. As for Picke? He rides with you and Anne, "What I'm going to do is set things in motion and then pass leadership of the guild to Milla, and then ride to the Queen." With a grim expression, "There's a real chance I won't return. I intend to
21:49 <•Kotono> call in every favor I can and do my best, but I abused my authority and acted without the Queen's consent. Even if the facts on the ground make it a fait accompli, I've done enough to hang as it is, even before considering everything else. And...at worst, better that I be disgraced and blamed than everyone else. If I have to take it so that Milla and the rest of you aren't punished, that's what
21:49 <•Kotono> I'm going to do."
21:52 <Devar> Devar frowns at that. "You know that the others aren't just going to accept that and let things be, right?"
21:54 <•Kotono> "I'd order all of you to shut up and obey, but I know I'd be wasting my breath," Picke looks ahead at Mellanics in the distance, stained orange with the sunset. "Instead, I'd say accept it so that the Heroic Guild survives, and all of you are safe and can support Milla as she takes over for me. I'd rather have you in Laremy and helping everyone here than flee off to Welland or somewhere else.
21:54 <•Kotono> But even that aside, I have a request for both of you. No, it's more of a favor."
21:55 <•Kotono> Anne merely bows her head, "Of course, what it is?"
21:55 <•Kotono> *is it?
21:58 <Devar> Devar will listen - and also start relaying Picke's insane plan to Skaya, with some added 'surely there's some way to keep him from doing this' ideas mingled in.
21:59 <Skaya> 'Passing leadership means going back to the Guild, so let's talk to him in private together,' Skaya thinks back to Devar.
22:00 <Devar> 'Will keep you updated.' Is the reply.
22:02 <•Kotono> "I've never been a religious man." Picke admits, "And with what I did to save Milla, there's many of the more merciful ones who want nothing to do with me. So...could you put in a good word with your patrons for me?"
22:03 <Devar> "I don't think we're going to need to do that, but if it comes to it, you have my word." Devar promises him.
22:03 <•Kotono> "I hope not, but prepare anyway," Picke agrees, as you all go forward and...next time! OOC: That's actually a really good lin eto end on.
#37
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:04:06 PM19:11 <•Kotono> ----
19:11 <•Kotono> Once you have a little time away as preparations begin, "Oh yes, I needed to talk to you about these bracers I got," Sanda comes over, "Have you heard about them yet?"
19:12 <Skaya> "Devar just told me to ask you about them. But they sound really great!"
19:23 <•Kotono> "Yes, here, I wrote it all out," Sanda passes you some paper, "As for thea djusting part, I feel something but it hasn't happened yet. I think it takes times."
19:25 <Skaya> "Can I try them on?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "If you want," Sanda takes them off carefully, "See how they suit you."
19:31 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5A2D6D3A.2CDA848.18B9E01A.IP)
19:33 <Skaya> "Thanks! You know how I like mysterious artifacts!" Skaya chirps as she takes her bracers off and tries this pair.
19:39 <•Kotono> OOC: ?You lack the water subtype, right?
19:40 <Skaya> OOC: Correct
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Cha check.
19:44 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5
19:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{25}
19:50 <•Kotono> Skaya puts them on, and they feel strangely heavy, tense. Yet that feeling relents after time, and Skaya slowly feels better with them on.
19:52 <Skaya> "Oh, they're very comfortable!" Skaya exclaims, twisting her arms in front of her to look at the bracers from all manner of angles.
19:54 <•Kotono> They fit well, at least. "They were crushingly expensive, but remarkable," Sanda confesses, "You don't run into something like these often, the odds are against it."
19:55 <Skaya> "Okay, stand back!" Skaya tells her, before punching out with a grin on her face. Metal claws, come forth!
19:56 <•Kotono> Metal claws do just that, poking out bloodlessly and painlessly on your punch. Yah!
19:58 <Skaya> "It really is metal claws!" Skaya cheers, before trying a roundhouse kick. Her entire body is a deadly weapon, so would they pop out of her foot? ...actually they might so she stops herself, replaces her combat boots with regular, cheap footwear and then tries it!
20:03 <•Kotono> Feet too, just as easily. coming right out.
20:05 <Skaya> "This looks so great!" Skaya exclaims. Hands, feet, elbows-- she can probably hip nudge someone and a scary blade will come out! She just checks whether items of clothing such as her shoes get damaged in the process or if the magical claws glide through or appear outside them.
20:08 <•Kotono> Downside: They do. Those shoes now need patching to say the least.
20:08 <•Kotono> Sanda looks down at them, "This is why mending and make whole spells exist," she comments.
20:09 <Skaya> "Isn't it amazing, Sanda? The shoes got all cut but my skin is great!" She makes a point of showing her hands!
20:10 <•Kotono> Sanda leans in - at an angle to be safe from blades. "Oh yes, not a mark. I tried them myself. I don't fight unarmed, but it's not a bad fallback to have."
20:13 <Skaya> "You can make the blades appear too?!"
20:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike, had a stupid because I'm mentally figuring out a diplo line for Devar.
20:13 <•Kotono> Sanda leans in - at an angle to be safe from blades. "Oh yes, not a mark. I tried them myself but couldn't get them to appear."
20:14 <Skaya> "You could probably do it if you wear a belt like mine, but it'd be pretty expensive for little benefit. If you're hitting people, better do it with a stave."
20:16 <•Kotono> "Yes," Sanda agrees, "Aren't those bracers just remarkable?" Then with a pause, "Also, how are the negotiations going?"
20:18 <Skaya> "They're still going," Skaya says as she's being generally kept abreast of it. "There's more variance than I imagined but they probably are open to peace."
20:26 <•Kotono> "Doesn't mean they don't want every scrap and inch they can get," Sanda points out, then blows out a breath, "Say, Skaya. Just in case, if this all goes wrong, I..."
20:26 <Skaya> "Yes?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "If I end up executed and can't get out of it, make sure they don't make a single copper coin off of it. I don't want them to get anything of mine if that happens." Sanda asks, "They don't deserve it."
20:29 <Skaya> "If there's really no other way out, why not surrender? You haven't actually done anything for this war that they can prove."
20:32 <•Kotono> With a bitter, tight smile, "Do you think that if blame goes that far that they'll care?"
20:34 <Skaya> "If an enemy mage surrendered to me in war and wasn't an agent of the lower planes, I'd consider ransom at the very least. Guide them to that ancient dragon platform and take your chances with the angry dragon guard if the worst happens, Sanda. Never just give up like this!"
20:37 <•Kotono> "Of course I'm not giving up, but if the worst happens anyway," Sanda points out, "Seriously, I don't want them profiting."
20:38 <•Kotono> Then with an exasperated pout, "If I can't take it with me, then they still can't have it. Zero chance."
20:39 <Skaya> "What do you want me to say? Ah, geez. It's beyond a joke, so fine. If you manage to die despite my best efforts I'll make you compact, put you in my bag and fly away. Are you happy now?"
20:43 <•Kotono> "Thrilled. You could have just agreed," Sanda's expression is annoyed, "It's like if I ask you to throw me a heal potion in battle. Don't argue it, just agree to it. Honestly!
20:43 <•Kotono> "
20:44 <•Kotono> A knock on the door of your room before Rina slips in, "All's quiet and tense in the city...and is everything alright?"
20:44 <•Kotono> "Do the math and tell me," Sanda hmphs and looks away from Skaya.
20:44 <Skaya> "It's a jinx! Don't make requests like that!" At Rina's question, Skaya pouts. "Sanda is so morbid!"
20:46 <•Kotono> "Right." Rina sounds completely unconvinced of any of that, "Maybe we should talk about dresses and men instead?" She says, dryly. "We shouldn't argue because we're worried about what's happening."
20:47 <Skaya> "Oh, alright. Rina, look! Sanda loaned me these bracers. They go whoosh when I punch!" Skaya helpfully demonstrates!
20:52 <•Kotono> Rina cracks a smile, "Those ARE impressive. Do they work with a sword?"
20:53 <•Kotono> Sanda? She's pouting and looking at both of you like you're filthy, no good traitors.
20:55 <Skaya> "Not normally BUT I happen to have a super special punchy sword that was enchanted to work with kicks and punches! Let's try it and see what happens!" Having said so, Skaya draws her scorpion kama and strikes at the air valiantly! "Sanda helped me get it when I suddenly ran out of money. Because she's a great friend!"
20:55 <Skaya> OOC: This "+1 kama" deals damage equal to your unarmed strike damage (if that is greater than the normal damage for a kama).
20:59 <•Kotono> OOC: That...hum. That's an interesting edge case at least.
21:00 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment while I plug it into the DM-o-Tron.
21:04 <•Kotono> The kama is swung, but no spikes come from it, unfortunately.
21:06 <Skaya> "Maybe you need to swing it better," Skaya muses. "Hey, girls, want to see if I can climb a wall with the spikes?"
21:06 <•Kotono> "Try, see if those help," Rina agrees, "If they stay, that would be really helpful."
21:08 — Skaya looks for a convenient wall and then launches a strike with her left hand. She pulls the punch so it's mostly a tap, and then checks if there's time to kick with her right foot. Then right arm, then left foot. Worst case, she can glide down!
21:14 <•Kotono> The timing's tricky, but Skaya's impression is that she could use them like this. It would be more useful if yo ucouldn't fly ,but you never know. The main problem is that once you're finished with the attack, the claws retract and are gone.
21:16 <Skaya> "I actually can," Skaya says in surprise. "It's very tricky, but I can manage. And if I miss my timing, the holes left and my ability to glide can let me regain height easily." With the examination complete, she takes off the bracers and hands them back to Sanda. "Thanks so much for the loan!"
21:21 <•Kotono> Sanda takes them, "I'm willing to trade them in the future, but I know yo udon't have the resources right now."
21:22 <•Kotono> Rina whistles low, "Neat trick there, Skaya. It's not as good as a full climber's kit, but it's useful."
21:22 — Skaya sighs. "I'm destined to be poor while I stay in Laremy. I never knew I needed so many things before!"
21:26 <•Kotono> "Poverty is crushing." Sanda commiserates, "How about we have an early dinner while we wait for them?"
21:26 <Skaya> "Sure. It's on me, I can at least afford to eat outside again."
21:27 <•Kotono> "
21:27 <•Kotono> "I have something here," Sanda waves it off, "I'll show you, it'llb e nice."
21:28 <•Kotono> Rina follows along without an argument, "As long as it's not still alive, trying to kill us or poisonous."
21:28 <Skaya> "I'd like to point out that unlike Rina, I don't necessarily mind any of those things."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Says someone who wasn't poisoned," Rina retorts right away.
21:30 <Skaya> "Not for lack of trying."
21:30 <•Kotono> "You survived," Sanda comments, "Statistically speaking, that means your odds of surviving future poisonings improves."
21:30 — Skaya nods in agreement with Sanda.
21:32 <•Kotono> With that food comes and...OOC: More, since pending on other room.
21:39 <•Kotono> Soon enough, over the remnants of dinner, word comes: Success. Peace. At least for Mellanics, all through your ring.
21:40 <Skaya> "We're good," Skaya says with a genuine smile. "If they strike after signing a favorable peace treaty, they're idiots. And if only cost me a thousand or so gold."
21:41 <•Kotono> Rina lets out a cheer while Sanda claps her hands together, "Wait, why did it cost you that?"
21:41 <Skaya> "To be fair it cost Rina here and Milla a thousand and change as well," Skaya elaborates. "They want their staff back but they're cheapskates. I already checked the going prices and they're gouging us on some four thousand gold here."
21:44 <•Kotono> "That much?!" SAnda blurts out, "That's robbery!"
21:44 <•Kotono> "That's politics, and I doubt our coinpurses matter compared to peace," Rina remarks.
21:44 <•Kotono> "That's horrible!" Sanda goes right on, "They may as well have stolen it back from you!"
21:44 <•Kotono> "Which we stole in the first place," Rina counters.
21:44 <Skaya> "If I truly cared I'd have Laremy compensate me, but really, I've already accepted the sad truth that I'm bound to be a pauper in Laremy."
21:45 <•Kotono> Sanda points a finger at Rina, "Still, we looted it fairly!"
21:45 <Skaya> "Indeed we did, Sanda. If they didn't want us to take it they wouldn't have invaded."
21:46 <Skaya> "Still, you know the funny part?" Skaya asks the two with a grin.
21:50 <•Kotono> "What is it?" Rina obliges you.
21:50 <Skaya> "It's not like they could put it into the peace treaty. This is just something an asshole named Hans verbally agreed upon with people who don't have the actual staff."
21:56 <•Kotono> "Him." Rina scowls, "He's probably doing it for someone else's sake. Politics. Of course the one competent leader they have kept making trouble for us."
21:57 <Skaya> "Want to go and sell it at the Guild? I'm sure that very nice noble or the young Earl would be happy to purchase it off the Guild later."
21:57 <•Kotono> "I'd say creatively lose the staff," Sanda points out, quite reasonably, You can't give it back if you don't have it."
21:57 <Skaya> "I can but it's not really that good. Why not sell it first?"
22:01 <•Kotono> "Politics, but do yo ucare that much?" Rina asks, "It's not like it's the worst idea we've eve rhad."
22:02 <Skaya> "I just don't like Hans. Also, do you mind going first? Sanda and I will follow but slowly, so you'll have time to sell it before we regroup at the Guild. We need to catch the Guild Master there together."
22:03 <•Kotono> Thus you ahead and...next time! OOC: It's about time so starting to wind down. Will run Neph just a smidge longer.
19:11 <•Kotono> Once you have a little time away as preparations begin, "Oh yes, I needed to talk to you about these bracers I got," Sanda comes over, "Have you heard about them yet?"
19:12 <Skaya> "Devar just told me to ask you about them. But they sound really great!"
19:23 <•Kotono> "Yes, here, I wrote it all out," Sanda passes you some paper, "As for thea djusting part, I feel something but it hasn't happened yet. I think it takes times."
19:25 <Skaya> "Can I try them on?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "If you want," Sanda takes them off carefully, "See how they suit you."
19:31 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5A2D6D3A.2CDA848.18B9E01A.IP)
19:33 <Skaya> "Thanks! You know how I like mysterious artifacts!" Skaya chirps as she takes her bracers off and tries this pair.
19:39 <•Kotono> OOC: ?You lack the water subtype, right?
19:40 <Skaya> OOC: Correct
19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Cha check.
19:44 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5
19:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{25}
19:50 <•Kotono> Skaya puts them on, and they feel strangely heavy, tense. Yet that feeling relents after time, and Skaya slowly feels better with them on.
19:52 <Skaya> "Oh, they're very comfortable!" Skaya exclaims, twisting her arms in front of her to look at the bracers from all manner of angles.
19:54 <•Kotono> They fit well, at least. "They were crushingly expensive, but remarkable," Sanda confesses, "You don't run into something like these often, the odds are against it."
19:55 <Skaya> "Okay, stand back!" Skaya tells her, before punching out with a grin on her face. Metal claws, come forth!
19:56 <•Kotono> Metal claws do just that, poking out bloodlessly and painlessly on your punch. Yah!
19:58 <Skaya> "It really is metal claws!" Skaya cheers, before trying a roundhouse kick. Her entire body is a deadly weapon, so would they pop out of her foot? ...actually they might so she stops herself, replaces her combat boots with regular, cheap footwear and then tries it!
20:03 <•Kotono> Feet too, just as easily. coming right out.
20:05 <Skaya> "This looks so great!" Skaya exclaims. Hands, feet, elbows-- she can probably hip nudge someone and a scary blade will come out! She just checks whether items of clothing such as her shoes get damaged in the process or if the magical claws glide through or appear outside them.
20:08 <•Kotono> Downside: They do. Those shoes now need patching to say the least.
20:08 <•Kotono> Sanda looks down at them, "This is why mending and make whole spells exist," she comments.
20:09 <Skaya> "Isn't it amazing, Sanda? The shoes got all cut but my skin is great!" She makes a point of showing her hands!
20:10 <•Kotono> Sanda leans in - at an angle to be safe from blades. "Oh yes, not a mark. I tried them myself. I don't fight unarmed, but it's not a bad fallback to have."
20:13 <Skaya> "You can make the blades appear too?!"
20:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike, had a stupid because I'm mentally figuring out a diplo line for Devar.
20:13 <•Kotono> Sanda leans in - at an angle to be safe from blades. "Oh yes, not a mark. I tried them myself but couldn't get them to appear."
20:14 <Skaya> "You could probably do it if you wear a belt like mine, but it'd be pretty expensive for little benefit. If you're hitting people, better do it with a stave."
20:16 <•Kotono> "Yes," Sanda agrees, "Aren't those bracers just remarkable?" Then with a pause, "Also, how are the negotiations going?"
20:18 <Skaya> "They're still going," Skaya says as she's being generally kept abreast of it. "There's more variance than I imagined but they probably are open to peace."
20:26 <•Kotono> "Doesn't mean they don't want every scrap and inch they can get," Sanda points out, then blows out a breath, "Say, Skaya. Just in case, if this all goes wrong, I..."
20:26 <Skaya> "Yes?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "If I end up executed and can't get out of it, make sure they don't make a single copper coin off of it. I don't want them to get anything of mine if that happens." Sanda asks, "They don't deserve it."
20:29 <Skaya> "If there's really no other way out, why not surrender? You haven't actually done anything for this war that they can prove."
20:32 <•Kotono> With a bitter, tight smile, "Do you think that if blame goes that far that they'll care?"
20:34 <Skaya> "If an enemy mage surrendered to me in war and wasn't an agent of the lower planes, I'd consider ransom at the very least. Guide them to that ancient dragon platform and take your chances with the angry dragon guard if the worst happens, Sanda. Never just give up like this!"
20:37 <•Kotono> "Of course I'm not giving up, but if the worst happens anyway," Sanda points out, "Seriously, I don't want them profiting."
20:38 <•Kotono> Then with an exasperated pout, "If I can't take it with me, then they still can't have it. Zero chance."
20:39 <Skaya> "What do you want me to say? Ah, geez. It's beyond a joke, so fine. If you manage to die despite my best efforts I'll make you compact, put you in my bag and fly away. Are you happy now?"
20:43 <•Kotono> "Thrilled. You could have just agreed," Sanda's expression is annoyed, "It's like if I ask you to throw me a heal potion in battle. Don't argue it, just agree to it. Honestly!
20:43 <•Kotono> "
20:44 <•Kotono> A knock on the door of your room before Rina slips in, "All's quiet and tense in the city...and is everything alright?"
20:44 <•Kotono> "Do the math and tell me," Sanda hmphs and looks away from Skaya.
20:44 <Skaya> "It's a jinx! Don't make requests like that!" At Rina's question, Skaya pouts. "Sanda is so morbid!"
20:46 <•Kotono> "Right." Rina sounds completely unconvinced of any of that, "Maybe we should talk about dresses and men instead?" She says, dryly. "We shouldn't argue because we're worried about what's happening."
20:47 <Skaya> "Oh, alright. Rina, look! Sanda loaned me these bracers. They go whoosh when I punch!" Skaya helpfully demonstrates!
20:52 <•Kotono> Rina cracks a smile, "Those ARE impressive. Do they work with a sword?"
20:53 <•Kotono> Sanda? She's pouting and looking at both of you like you're filthy, no good traitors.
20:55 <Skaya> "Not normally BUT I happen to have a super special punchy sword that was enchanted to work with kicks and punches! Let's try it and see what happens!" Having said so, Skaya draws her scorpion kama and strikes at the air valiantly! "Sanda helped me get it when I suddenly ran out of money. Because she's a great friend!"
20:55 <Skaya> OOC: This "+1 kama" deals damage equal to your unarmed strike damage (if that is greater than the normal damage for a kama).
20:59 <•Kotono> OOC: That...hum. That's an interesting edge case at least.
21:00 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment while I plug it into the DM-o-Tron.
21:04 <•Kotono> The kama is swung, but no spikes come from it, unfortunately.
21:06 <Skaya> "Maybe you need to swing it better," Skaya muses. "Hey, girls, want to see if I can climb a wall with the spikes?"
21:06 <•Kotono> "Try, see if those help," Rina agrees, "If they stay, that would be really helpful."
21:08 — Skaya looks for a convenient wall and then launches a strike with her left hand. She pulls the punch so it's mostly a tap, and then checks if there's time to kick with her right foot. Then right arm, then left foot. Worst case, she can glide down!
21:14 <•Kotono> The timing's tricky, but Skaya's impression is that she could use them like this. It would be more useful if yo ucouldn't fly ,but you never know. The main problem is that once you're finished with the attack, the claws retract and are gone.
21:16 <Skaya> "I actually can," Skaya says in surprise. "It's very tricky, but I can manage. And if I miss my timing, the holes left and my ability to glide can let me regain height easily." With the examination complete, she takes off the bracers and hands them back to Sanda. "Thanks so much for the loan!"
21:21 <•Kotono> Sanda takes them, "I'm willing to trade them in the future, but I know yo udon't have the resources right now."
21:22 <•Kotono> Rina whistles low, "Neat trick there, Skaya. It's not as good as a full climber's kit, but it's useful."
21:22 — Skaya sighs. "I'm destined to be poor while I stay in Laremy. I never knew I needed so many things before!"
21:26 <•Kotono> "Poverty is crushing." Sanda commiserates, "How about we have an early dinner while we wait for them?"
21:26 <Skaya> "Sure. It's on me, I can at least afford to eat outside again."
21:27 <•Kotono> "
21:27 <•Kotono> "I have something here," Sanda waves it off, "I'll show you, it'llb e nice."
21:28 <•Kotono> Rina follows along without an argument, "As long as it's not still alive, trying to kill us or poisonous."
21:28 <Skaya> "I'd like to point out that unlike Rina, I don't necessarily mind any of those things."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Says someone who wasn't poisoned," Rina retorts right away.
21:30 <Skaya> "Not for lack of trying."
21:30 <•Kotono> "You survived," Sanda comments, "Statistically speaking, that means your odds of surviving future poisonings improves."
21:30 — Skaya nods in agreement with Sanda.
21:32 <•Kotono> With that food comes and...OOC: More, since pending on other room.
21:39 <•Kotono> Soon enough, over the remnants of dinner, word comes: Success. Peace. At least for Mellanics, all through your ring.
21:40 <Skaya> "We're good," Skaya says with a genuine smile. "If they strike after signing a favorable peace treaty, they're idiots. And if only cost me a thousand or so gold."
21:41 <•Kotono> Rina lets out a cheer while Sanda claps her hands together, "Wait, why did it cost you that?"
21:41 <Skaya> "To be fair it cost Rina here and Milla a thousand and change as well," Skaya elaborates. "They want their staff back but they're cheapskates. I already checked the going prices and they're gouging us on some four thousand gold here."
21:44 <•Kotono> "That much?!" SAnda blurts out, "That's robbery!"
21:44 <•Kotono> "That's politics, and I doubt our coinpurses matter compared to peace," Rina remarks.
21:44 <•Kotono> "That's horrible!" Sanda goes right on, "They may as well have stolen it back from you!"
21:44 <•Kotono> "Which we stole in the first place," Rina counters.
21:44 <Skaya> "If I truly cared I'd have Laremy compensate me, but really, I've already accepted the sad truth that I'm bound to be a pauper in Laremy."
21:45 <•Kotono> Sanda points a finger at Rina, "Still, we looted it fairly!"
21:45 <Skaya> "Indeed we did, Sanda. If they didn't want us to take it they wouldn't have invaded."
21:46 <Skaya> "Still, you know the funny part?" Skaya asks the two with a grin.
21:50 <•Kotono> "What is it?" Rina obliges you.
21:50 <Skaya> "It's not like they could put it into the peace treaty. This is just something an asshole named Hans verbally agreed upon with people who don't have the actual staff."
21:56 <•Kotono> "Him." Rina scowls, "He's probably doing it for someone else's sake. Politics. Of course the one competent leader they have kept making trouble for us."
21:57 <Skaya> "Want to go and sell it at the Guild? I'm sure that very nice noble or the young Earl would be happy to purchase it off the Guild later."
21:57 <•Kotono> "I'd say creatively lose the staff," Sanda points out, quite reasonably, You can't give it back if you don't have it."
21:57 <Skaya> "I can but it's not really that good. Why not sell it first?"
22:01 <•Kotono> "Politics, but do yo ucare that much?" Rina asks, "It's not like it's the worst idea we've eve rhad."
22:02 <Skaya> "I just don't like Hans. Also, do you mind going first? Sanda and I will follow but slowly, so you'll have time to sell it before we regroup at the Guild. We need to catch the Guild Master there together."
22:03 <•Kotono> Thus you ahead and...next time! OOC: It's about time so starting to wind down. Will run Neph just a smidge longer.
#38
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:03:40 PM19:04 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, so obviously setting up negotiations is a thing. For your end, is there anything you'd want to do or try to set up here?
19:06 <Skaya> OOC: Skaya will be ready to assist via the telepathy ring, but otherwise will bug Sanda about the bracers
19:07 <Devar> OOC: Unless we have some last minute diplomacy boosters anyone can provide I don't think there's much to do on Devar's end.
19:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, Skaya in here and we'll start with the bracers. Devar in #dunes.
19:06 <Skaya> OOC: Skaya will be ready to assist via the telepathy ring, but otherwise will bug Sanda about the bracers
19:07 <Devar> OOC: Unless we have some last minute diplomacy boosters anyone can provide I don't think there's much to do on Devar's end.
19:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, Skaya in here and we'll start with the bracers. Devar in #dunes.
#39
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:03:16 PM21:43 <•Kotono> ----
21:44 <•Kotono> A day of effort and rest passes. The next day promises storms - a tingle goes through Devar as he smells the air and sees the dark clouds - but you're called by Picke. Once you all get in, "Do you want the good or the bad news first," he asks, solemn.
21:44 <Devar> "I've always been a the good news helps bring you up after hearing the bad news first type of person." Devar says.
21:45 <•Kotono> "It seems wise if events have gone poorly," Anne agrees.
21:46 <•Kotono> "Milla and Skaya are specifically, by name, disinvited to the negotiations," Picke says, blandly.
21:46 <•Kotono> Sanda takes a moment to swim through it all before, "They agreed?"
21:47 <•Kotono> With the same half relief and half anticipation in her own voice, Rina asks, "That means they want to negotiate over the terms?"
21:47 <Skaya> "They're clearly afraid of my skills!" Skaya says cheerfully. "Do you want me there anyway? I'm not too bad at disguises."
21:49 <•Kotono> "No, I'm not willing to risk these negotiations over you," Picke says, "I'd like Devar and Anne there at a minimum, and maybe once more. No, no," Clasping his hands together, "We need a reserve force in case of treachery. They know how strong we are, and if they try it, I have no doubt they'll muster enough to threaten us. But the opportunity si what we hoped for, so we're committed to risk
21:49 <•Kotono> it."
21:50 <Skaya> "I can actually contribute by being here with Sanda and whispering in Anne or Devar's ear," Skaya muses. "So long as you do a running commentary it's all good. Or I can just be on standby if you don't need me at all."
21:50 <Devar> "Is this something Her Majesty herself wants to attend?" Devar asks. "I realize she's delegated things to you, Picke, but her presence may be enough to sway certain things too."
21:51 <Skaya> "Surely, we cannot neglect the Eis front or the capital to panicking nobles."
21:51 <•Kotono> Clearing his throat, "You don't understand. Her Majesty still isn't aware of this. That's why we're rushing this. If we present it as a fait accompli, the deed is done and the die is cast." Picke looks to them, "Negotiations will begin as soon as possible, likely before sunset today if not sooner."
21:53 <•Kotono> "If they want haste as well, they must be shaken in some manner," Anne reasons, "Perhaps the words of the divine reached them as well, or the echos of it was sufficient."
21:53 <Devar> "Ah, I see." Devar nods. "Very well, I'll do what I can - though it seems like a storm is rolling in, so we may have to work around that."
21:53 <Skaya> "The more they drag out negotiations, the more local clergy can heal up the wounded soldiers," Skaya muses. "Then again, a quick settlement is also good. Maybe they're tired of the constant wars as well? In that case, once there's an engagement proposal for the young Earl, it might be seen as the key to advancing their goals peacefully."
21:56 <•Kotono> "It might be, but what's done will be done," Picke says, "Devar and Anne, begin to prepare. Sanda and Rina, do either of you think you can contribute to this?"
21:57 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her head, "No, and I was there with Milla and Skaya. Best not to provoke them."
21:57 <Skaya> "Sanda absolutely isn't allowed to go without me," Skaya says resolutely.
21:57 <Devar> "Skaya and I can keep in touch." Devar affirms.
21:58 <•Kotono> Sanda's thoughtful before, "Is that jealousy, Skaya?"
21:59 <Skaya> "It might be a bit late, but it occurs to me that there could be one more issue to bring up. We can't be the only ones suffering from those ankhegs, can we? Ending this war and dealing with that mess is better than fighting and having to guard every traveling caravan from them," Skaya says, ignoring Sanda's question.
22:01 <•Kotono> "It came up in passing, but we've had some success with that," At that Picke goes on, "Well, some agents of ours in Kellym and Girm have, along with some locals over there. It's worse over there, but it's another story and not that important right now."
22:02 <Skaya> "I know, that's why I didn't bother getting into it before. But there's plenty of danger if they want to hold this piece of land, and if they're unaware someone honest should tell them casually."
22:02 <•Kotono> "We'll factor it in, then," Picke explains, "Oh, while it's up. Be careful in case yo ufind any strange wyrm or serpent like creatures chasing the ankhegs."
22:03 <Devar> "There are still more of those things?" Devar asks with a frown.
22:03 <Skaya> "We killed one before!"
22:05 <•Kotono> "They're an invasive predator, invading ankheg lands and chasing them. They're strong enough to be dangerous. Also, there's a rainbow jelly they have that's highly powerful, but with drawbacks."
22:06 <Skaya> "We know about that too! It looks creepy but is actually delicious!"
22:08 <Devar> "If it somehow isn't in the reports, they can swim through stone like it's water." Devar adds.
22:08 <•Kotono> There's look of pain that crosses Picke's face, "Then hope Anne can cure the diseases within you - I have it on good information that those who consume it are likely to die of internal disease within a year. Namely tumorous growths in the lungs and heart."
22:09 <•Kotono> Rina's color drops, "Tumors?" she says, voice sounding weak suddenly.
22:09 <Skaya> "We'll probably be fun. That's not even the craziest thing we've eaten!"
22:09 <Skaya> *fine
22:09 <•Kotono> Anne smiles. "Fear not, I can cure that, and that's even if our new natures allow us to get sick in such a way."
22:10 <Devar> "I guess we'll find out in a few months if our transformations solved the issue or not." Devar says. "Either way - it sounds like we have a goal ahead of us with these talks."
22:10 <•Kotono> "We do," Sanda agrees, "And nightmares for the next year or two."
22:11 <•Kotono> "I'll cast remove disease on all of us when we have time, just in case," Anne promises, "No need for nightmares."
22:11 <•Kotono> "I hope so," Picke says, "And for the record, what possessed you to consume it? The tome this came from even lamented that heroes tended to eat it."
22:12 <•Kotono> With a long, frustrated groan as he looks up, "Lathander and Selune give me strength."
22:12 <Skaya> "It's mystery meat from a pseudo-dragon! It's magical! Who wouldn't want to try it?" Skaya asks rather reasonably.
22:13 <•Kotono> "Post battle adrenaline?" Rina offers sheepishly, "And the ability to swim through stone has been hugely useful, and we breathe so much better now."
22:14 <•Kotono> PIcke goes to respond...next time! OOC: We'll move onto setup for negotiations Monday.
21:44 <•Kotono> A day of effort and rest passes. The next day promises storms - a tingle goes through Devar as he smells the air and sees the dark clouds - but you're called by Picke. Once you all get in, "Do you want the good or the bad news first," he asks, solemn.
21:44 <Devar> "I've always been a the good news helps bring you up after hearing the bad news first type of person." Devar says.
21:45 <•Kotono> "It seems wise if events have gone poorly," Anne agrees.
21:46 <•Kotono> "Milla and Skaya are specifically, by name, disinvited to the negotiations," Picke says, blandly.
21:46 <•Kotono> Sanda takes a moment to swim through it all before, "They agreed?"
21:47 <•Kotono> With the same half relief and half anticipation in her own voice, Rina asks, "That means they want to negotiate over the terms?"
21:47 <Skaya> "They're clearly afraid of my skills!" Skaya says cheerfully. "Do you want me there anyway? I'm not too bad at disguises."
21:49 <•Kotono> "No, I'm not willing to risk these negotiations over you," Picke says, "I'd like Devar and Anne there at a minimum, and maybe once more. No, no," Clasping his hands together, "We need a reserve force in case of treachery. They know how strong we are, and if they try it, I have no doubt they'll muster enough to threaten us. But the opportunity si what we hoped for, so we're committed to risk
21:49 <•Kotono> it."
21:50 <Skaya> "I can actually contribute by being here with Sanda and whispering in Anne or Devar's ear," Skaya muses. "So long as you do a running commentary it's all good. Or I can just be on standby if you don't need me at all."
21:50 <Devar> "Is this something Her Majesty herself wants to attend?" Devar asks. "I realize she's delegated things to you, Picke, but her presence may be enough to sway certain things too."
21:51 <Skaya> "Surely, we cannot neglect the Eis front or the capital to panicking nobles."
21:51 <•Kotono> Clearing his throat, "You don't understand. Her Majesty still isn't aware of this. That's why we're rushing this. If we present it as a fait accompli, the deed is done and the die is cast." Picke looks to them, "Negotiations will begin as soon as possible, likely before sunset today if not sooner."
21:53 <•Kotono> "If they want haste as well, they must be shaken in some manner," Anne reasons, "Perhaps the words of the divine reached them as well, or the echos of it was sufficient."
21:53 <Devar> "Ah, I see." Devar nods. "Very well, I'll do what I can - though it seems like a storm is rolling in, so we may have to work around that."
21:53 <Skaya> "The more they drag out negotiations, the more local clergy can heal up the wounded soldiers," Skaya muses. "Then again, a quick settlement is also good. Maybe they're tired of the constant wars as well? In that case, once there's an engagement proposal for the young Earl, it might be seen as the key to advancing their goals peacefully."
21:56 <•Kotono> "It might be, but what's done will be done," Picke says, "Devar and Anne, begin to prepare. Sanda and Rina, do either of you think you can contribute to this?"
21:57 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her head, "No, and I was there with Milla and Skaya. Best not to provoke them."
21:57 <Skaya> "Sanda absolutely isn't allowed to go without me," Skaya says resolutely.
21:57 <Devar> "Skaya and I can keep in touch." Devar affirms.
21:58 <•Kotono> Sanda's thoughtful before, "Is that jealousy, Skaya?"
21:59 <Skaya> "It might be a bit late, but it occurs to me that there could be one more issue to bring up. We can't be the only ones suffering from those ankhegs, can we? Ending this war and dealing with that mess is better than fighting and having to guard every traveling caravan from them," Skaya says, ignoring Sanda's question.
22:01 <•Kotono> "It came up in passing, but we've had some success with that," At that Picke goes on, "Well, some agents of ours in Kellym and Girm have, along with some locals over there. It's worse over there, but it's another story and not that important right now."
22:02 <Skaya> "I know, that's why I didn't bother getting into it before. But there's plenty of danger if they want to hold this piece of land, and if they're unaware someone honest should tell them casually."
22:02 <•Kotono> "We'll factor it in, then," Picke explains, "Oh, while it's up. Be careful in case yo ufind any strange wyrm or serpent like creatures chasing the ankhegs."
22:03 <Devar> "There are still more of those things?" Devar asks with a frown.
22:03 <Skaya> "We killed one before!"
22:05 <•Kotono> "They're an invasive predator, invading ankheg lands and chasing them. They're strong enough to be dangerous. Also, there's a rainbow jelly they have that's highly powerful, but with drawbacks."
22:06 <Skaya> "We know about that too! It looks creepy but is actually delicious!"
22:08 <Devar> "If it somehow isn't in the reports, they can swim through stone like it's water." Devar adds.
22:08 <•Kotono> There's look of pain that crosses Picke's face, "Then hope Anne can cure the diseases within you - I have it on good information that those who consume it are likely to die of internal disease within a year. Namely tumorous growths in the lungs and heart."
22:09 <•Kotono> Rina's color drops, "Tumors?" she says, voice sounding weak suddenly.
22:09 <Skaya> "We'll probably be fun. That's not even the craziest thing we've eaten!"
22:09 <Skaya> *fine
22:09 <•Kotono> Anne smiles. "Fear not, I can cure that, and that's even if our new natures allow us to get sick in such a way."
22:10 <Devar> "I guess we'll find out in a few months if our transformations solved the issue or not." Devar says. "Either way - it sounds like we have a goal ahead of us with these talks."
22:10 <•Kotono> "We do," Sanda agrees, "And nightmares for the next year or two."
22:11 <•Kotono> "I'll cast remove disease on all of us when we have time, just in case," Anne promises, "No need for nightmares."
22:11 <•Kotono> "I hope so," Picke says, "And for the record, what possessed you to consume it? The tome this came from even lamented that heroes tended to eat it."
22:12 <•Kotono> With a long, frustrated groan as he looks up, "Lathander and Selune give me strength."
22:12 <Skaya> "It's mystery meat from a pseudo-dragon! It's magical! Who wouldn't want to try it?" Skaya asks rather reasonably.
22:13 <•Kotono> "Post battle adrenaline?" Rina offers sheepishly, "And the ability to swim through stone has been hugely useful, and we breathe so much better now."
22:14 <•Kotono> PIcke goes to respond...next time! OOC: We'll move onto setup for negotiations Monday.
#40
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - November 14, 2025, 12:02:52 PM19:26 <Skaya> "Course it is! What's the point of waiting on our own?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "Mentally recovering." Sanda says, "Being home after all of this is strange. You know, I always felt worn out when I got home after a long day, but it was a good tired. But with everything going on, I just feel restless."
19:34 <Skaya> "I get you. It's just that I don't feel that way myself. It's like I've done all I can, and if that's still not enough, I'm not sure what would be? I don't know if you heard, but we've had an actual divine manifestation during negotiations. There's not much you can add to that on such a tight schedule, is there?"
19:37 <•Kotono> Smiling faintly, "There isn't, I don't think. For all we've done, I feel like this war is out of our hands. At best we can try to nudge it." A sigh, "We stopped Brachidos and did a lot, but we can only do so much. It doesn't seem fair to come home to this."
19:39 <Skaya> "It's not that we can't, honestly," Skaya admits with a sigh. She hops on the front desk without care for whether Sanda's dusted it properly and sits close to her friend. "I mentioned a few ideas earlier, and there's a few more in reserve. If we wanted to, we could kill enough of them to make the invasion fail. It's just that we don't want to do that, right?"
19:51 <•Kotono> Sanda idly looks at your outer thigh from her position before, "More likely we face their powerful champions or worse, or get overwhelmed by numbers. Enough numbers have a strength of their own, even if we've gotten stronger. Besides...no, I don't want to do that. I'll fight to protect Mellanics, but I don't want that sort of blood on my hands."
19:55 <Skaya> "We really do see eye to eye a lot," Skaya muses, leaning back. Her wings and supernatural sense of balance will ensure to support her properly!
19:55 <Skaya> "I've been thinking. Originally, I thought we might learn how to teleport and just go all over. But what do you think about bringing your shop with you? Maybe we could make it mobile, or have it transform... there's also dimensional storage or expansion magic where the space is bigger on the inside."
20:09 <•Kotono> Sanda doesn't respond right away. Then, with a fond smile, "Maybe. That might be nice. You, me, Devar, Rina. We could go on the road like that." Before you can say anything, "Before you make a smart comment, I'm not expecting Anne to travel much more. She has her obligations here."
20:10 <Skaya> "I wasn't going to. She'll naturally join once we can teleport casually!"
20:14 <•Kotono> "Oh no, my teleportation magic can't transport more than four people. What are the odds of that, statistically speaking?" Sanda doesn't push it further, but instead, "Fine, I know we need her to heal our wounds.But maybe we could trade her in for a quiet, demure lady of Ilmater who also knows how to cook."
20:15 <Skaya> "Maybe we should just hire a maid. One that can cook and likes to travel and to see the world."
20:18 <•Kotono> "If we actually make a roving shop, why not? We'd need employees then," Sanda comments, "Maybe I can talk to Spine about the idea."
20:19 <Skaya> "We could settle down for a week or two in all sorts of places. Ah, I could work at your shop, too!"
20:23 <•Kotono> With a content smile, "You could, and I know that by the odds you'd be a great employee. All we have to do is solve this war, one way or another, and not hang or become hopelessly tangled in local politics."
20:24 <Skaya> "You won't hang. If it really comes down to that, I'll just fly away with you," Skaya promises Sanda.
20:29 <•Kotono> "I have no plans to, e ither," Sanda comments, "But I wouldn't put it past someone to do something sneaky and not give us a choice, or not let us ever wake up again." More seriously and sitting up, "If we're branded traitors, I imagine any restraint will vanish. I fully plan to relocate to Welland or to beneath the waves should that happen.
20:29 <•Kotono> ":
20:30 <•Kotono> A sniff afterwards, "Let any trouble drown trying to reach me."
20:31 <Skaya> "Traitors, huh. If you don't want someone to use your delegated power, don't delegate it." Skaya shrugs. "I've been pretty upfront about supporting Laremy but not being from Laremy, haven't I?"
20:33 <•Kotono> Sec.
20:33 <•Kotono> OOC Gah wrong roomed that.
20:41 <•Kotono> "I know that, but remember what happened to Rina." Sanda says, "People aren't always as logical as they should be. Mph."
20:43 <Skaya> "I really should've just acted-- geez, that girl! I came for her, you know? But she said she was fine so I didn't break her out. What's the use of forcing herself to endure if she gets trauma over it?"
20:46 <•Kotono> With a soft snort, "Skaya dear, besides me, you seem to only draw women around you who make extremely questionable choices."
20:46 <Skaya> "You say that like I'm dating them!"
20:47 <•Kotono> "You want to be, at least Anne." Sanda comments idly, "Maybe not Rina, but I didn't forget when Anne helped get through to you by offering to get dinner with you."
20:48 — Skaya laughs, shaking her head. "That was so mean! I actually thought she might be interested in me and figured why not, but it was all a stupid trick. Next time, you do it!"
20:57 <•Kotono> "Anne's surprisingly pragmatic when she needs to be and isn't blinded by her beliefs," Sanda's expression turns thoughtful, "Would it work if you know it's a trick, though?"
20:58 <Skaya> "It's okay. You can trick me! I'm giving you advance permission. Plus if I'm not in my right mind it'll work."
21:07 <•Kotono> Then, with a little smile, "Then again, maybe it isn't a trick." Sanda murmurs. "Or is it? Logically speaking the odds I like women is quite low, as that's rare. But unless you've decisively eliminated the possibility, low isn't zero, so you can't entirely eliminate it."
21:09 <Skaya> "Plus people change. Not just at the surface level," Skaya says, twitching her wings, "but inside as well. Experiences form our nature, and we're not some Inevitable that remains the same for eons."
21:23 <•Kotono> "Water stills and flows," Sanda agrees, "Or you're just hopeful your dear Anne will change her mind." Shifting her voice, closer to yours. "Ooooooh my dearest Anne, how I long for the sweetest of your touches."
21:25 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5A2D6D3A.2CDA848.18B9E01A.IP)
21:27 <Skaya> "Dearest Sanda, I'll have you know that Anne listing her interests was a massive turn off. We're far less compatible than I thought, so there's no pining whatsoever. Ah, but I'll still save her any day~" Skaya grins, reminiscing about their adventures. "And carrying her in her armor never got old. It even made sense considering all those slips and falls. If Anne stays behind, I might just be carrying Devar around!"
21:40 <•Kotono> That gets Sanda to laugh, warmly. "Ah Devar-" Sanda stops as she frowns, "Speaking of, I forgot what I came here to do in the first place. Well, one of the things. I need to see what little the soldiers left here. Feel like helping me a little?"
21:40 <Skaya> "Isn't that why I'm here?"
21:43 <•Kotono> With that Sanda gets up and...OOC: More. Both of you in #evil.
19:33 <•Kotono> "Mentally recovering." Sanda says, "Being home after all of this is strange. You know, I always felt worn out when I got home after a long day, but it was a good tired. But with everything going on, I just feel restless."
19:34 <Skaya> "I get you. It's just that I don't feel that way myself. It's like I've done all I can, and if that's still not enough, I'm not sure what would be? I don't know if you heard, but we've had an actual divine manifestation during negotiations. There's not much you can add to that on such a tight schedule, is there?"
19:37 <•Kotono> Smiling faintly, "There isn't, I don't think. For all we've done, I feel like this war is out of our hands. At best we can try to nudge it." A sigh, "We stopped Brachidos and did a lot, but we can only do so much. It doesn't seem fair to come home to this."
19:39 <Skaya> "It's not that we can't, honestly," Skaya admits with a sigh. She hops on the front desk without care for whether Sanda's dusted it properly and sits close to her friend. "I mentioned a few ideas earlier, and there's a few more in reserve. If we wanted to, we could kill enough of them to make the invasion fail. It's just that we don't want to do that, right?"
19:51 <•Kotono> Sanda idly looks at your outer thigh from her position before, "More likely we face their powerful champions or worse, or get overwhelmed by numbers. Enough numbers have a strength of their own, even if we've gotten stronger. Besides...no, I don't want to do that. I'll fight to protect Mellanics, but I don't want that sort of blood on my hands."
19:55 <Skaya> "We really do see eye to eye a lot," Skaya muses, leaning back. Her wings and supernatural sense of balance will ensure to support her properly!
19:55 <Skaya> "I've been thinking. Originally, I thought we might learn how to teleport and just go all over. But what do you think about bringing your shop with you? Maybe we could make it mobile, or have it transform... there's also dimensional storage or expansion magic where the space is bigger on the inside."
20:09 <•Kotono> Sanda doesn't respond right away. Then, with a fond smile, "Maybe. That might be nice. You, me, Devar, Rina. We could go on the road like that." Before you can say anything, "Before you make a smart comment, I'm not expecting Anne to travel much more. She has her obligations here."
20:10 <Skaya> "I wasn't going to. She'll naturally join once we can teleport casually!"
20:14 <•Kotono> "Oh no, my teleportation magic can't transport more than four people. What are the odds of that, statistically speaking?" Sanda doesn't push it further, but instead, "Fine, I know we need her to heal our wounds.But maybe we could trade her in for a quiet, demure lady of Ilmater who also knows how to cook."
20:15 <Skaya> "Maybe we should just hire a maid. One that can cook and likes to travel and to see the world."
20:18 <•Kotono> "If we actually make a roving shop, why not? We'd need employees then," Sanda comments, "Maybe I can talk to Spine about the idea."
20:19 <Skaya> "We could settle down for a week or two in all sorts of places. Ah, I could work at your shop, too!"
20:23 <•Kotono> With a content smile, "You could, and I know that by the odds you'd be a great employee. All we have to do is solve this war, one way or another, and not hang or become hopelessly tangled in local politics."
20:24 <Skaya> "You won't hang. If it really comes down to that, I'll just fly away with you," Skaya promises Sanda.
20:29 <•Kotono> "I have no plans to, e ither," Sanda comments, "But I wouldn't put it past someone to do something sneaky and not give us a choice, or not let us ever wake up again." More seriously and sitting up, "If we're branded traitors, I imagine any restraint will vanish. I fully plan to relocate to Welland or to beneath the waves should that happen.
20:29 <•Kotono> ":
20:30 <•Kotono> A sniff afterwards, "Let any trouble drown trying to reach me."
20:31 <Skaya> "Traitors, huh. If you don't want someone to use your delegated power, don't delegate it." Skaya shrugs. "I've been pretty upfront about supporting Laremy but not being from Laremy, haven't I?"
20:33 <•Kotono> Sec.
20:33 <•Kotono> OOC Gah wrong roomed that.
20:41 <•Kotono> "I know that, but remember what happened to Rina." Sanda says, "People aren't always as logical as they should be. Mph."
20:43 <Skaya> "I really should've just acted-- geez, that girl! I came for her, you know? But she said she was fine so I didn't break her out. What's the use of forcing herself to endure if she gets trauma over it?"
20:46 <•Kotono> With a soft snort, "Skaya dear, besides me, you seem to only draw women around you who make extremely questionable choices."
20:46 <Skaya> "You say that like I'm dating them!"
20:47 <•Kotono> "You want to be, at least Anne." Sanda comments idly, "Maybe not Rina, but I didn't forget when Anne helped get through to you by offering to get dinner with you."
20:48 — Skaya laughs, shaking her head. "That was so mean! I actually thought she might be interested in me and figured why not, but it was all a stupid trick. Next time, you do it!"
20:57 <•Kotono> "Anne's surprisingly pragmatic when she needs to be and isn't blinded by her beliefs," Sanda's expression turns thoughtful, "Would it work if you know it's a trick, though?"
20:58 <Skaya> "It's okay. You can trick me! I'm giving you advance permission. Plus if I'm not in my right mind it'll work."
21:07 <•Kotono> Then, with a little smile, "Then again, maybe it isn't a trick." Sanda murmurs. "Or is it? Logically speaking the odds I like women is quite low, as that's rare. But unless you've decisively eliminated the possibility, low isn't zero, so you can't entirely eliminate it."
21:09 <Skaya> "Plus people change. Not just at the surface level," Skaya says, twitching her wings, "but inside as well. Experiences form our nature, and we're not some Inevitable that remains the same for eons."
21:23 <•Kotono> "Water stills and flows," Sanda agrees, "Or you're just hopeful your dear Anne will change her mind." Shifting her voice, closer to yours. "Ooooooh my dearest Anne, how I long for the sweetest of your touches."
21:25 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5A2D6D3A.2CDA848.18B9E01A.IP)
21:27 <Skaya> "Dearest Sanda, I'll have you know that Anne listing her interests was a massive turn off. We're far less compatible than I thought, so there's no pining whatsoever. Ah, but I'll still save her any day~" Skaya grins, reminiscing about their adventures. "And carrying her in her armor never got old. It even made sense considering all those slips and falls. If Anne stays behind, I might just be carrying Devar around!"
21:40 <•Kotono> That gets Sanda to laugh, warmly. "Ah Devar-" Sanda stops as she frowns, "Speaking of, I forgot what I came here to do in the first place. Well, one of the things. I need to see what little the soldiers left here. Feel like helping me a little?"
21:40 <Skaya> "Isn't that why I'm here?"
21:43 <•Kotono> With that Sanda gets up and...OOC: More. Both of you in #evil.