029.4 Alicia and Seira

[Corwin]

[19:44] <Kotono> The trip away from Balmuria is one in the late summer sun. Past farms preparing for the fall harvest, away from the growing city of Balmuria. Alicia and Seira make good time out in the countryside, hurrying along. Soon the hills begin, Pilltain's outer border approached. Tucked away in one of these hills is supposed to be an ancien thouse or castle, from ages past - from when the few humans in the area were scattered, when almost any man
[19:44] <Kotono> when almost any man could be a small king. (More)
[19:46] <Kotono> Between two one hundred foot hills lies a tiny valley. Between these two mounds of earth, you at last find it. What looks to be a small castle keep, utterly overgrown with plants, moss and ivey. It's just a forgettable lump as you see it from afar, no obvious entrance yet. The area is quiet in the early afternoon, just a few birds in the sky.
[19:47] <Alicia> "So, what exactly are we looking for down there?" Alicia asks, surveying the structure from a distance as their horses canter down towards it.
[19:50] <Seira> "Strange, old and forgotten creatures," Seira responds, looking cheerful. "I've always wanted to meet a few."
[19:50] <Alicia> "Forgotten, so no one knows what they are?" Alicia snorts. "Yes, this should be delightful."
[19:52] <Seira> "We need at least one alive, but that doesn't mean we have to do it at the cost of our safety," Seira says. "If things go our way, I'll trap one with a wall of gloom and we can catch it safely. If not...."
[19:53] <Alicia> "Do we at least know anything about the capabilities of these creatures?" Alicia asks.
[19:54] * Seira shrugs. "There is a reason this is a haunted area, so I suppose the mighty peasant warriors were no match for their evil?"
[19:57] <Alicia> Speaking of evil, Alicia keeps an eye out for it!
[20:04] <Kotono> Alicia does not detect any evil as they approach. It looks to be roughly square shaped and completely overground. A two story wall or so, clogged with trees, vines and the like. You can just tell this is an outer wall of something.
[20:05] * Alicia circles around in search of an entrance!
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC - Search check, Miss Adventure June 2006.
[20:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 I'll help search, can an entrance really be that hard to find?
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 I'll help search, can an entrance really be that hard to find? and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[20:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[20:09] <Kotono> The two search for a bit but fail to find anything likean entrance.
[20:09] <Alicia> "Looks like we'll have to climb over," Alicia shrugs, dismounting and tieing her horse to a nearby try. That done, she proceeds to scale the wall!
[20:10] * Seira awaits for Alicia to do that, before getting her help to scale the wall herself.
[20:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 climb~
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 climb~ and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[20:11] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54407ac2.wfd81b.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[20:11] * Hatbot was kicked by Alicia (thanks for reminding me)
[20:11] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[20:11] <Kotono> Alicia tries to climb up a fewtimes, but her efforts only give her a sore butt after she falls after climbing 2 feet. OW!
[20:12] <Alicia> "Ow!" Alicia groans, dusting off her rear and sighing before she tries again.
[20:12] <Seira> "Umm. I can always blast through this challenging wall," Seira offers.
[20:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
[20:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{14}
[20:13] <Kotono> Ow! Despite getting up a few feet this time, Alicia still falls back. There's plenty of handholds with theovergrowth, but she keeps messing upb efore she quite manages to get climbing.
[20:13] <Alicia> "It's a bit slippery... hold on a second, save your spells," Alicia tells Seira, digging in her pack for a moment before producing a grappling hook and some rope. Attaching both items together, she tosses the hook up over the wall!
[20:14] <Kotono> With a good throw the rope clears the two story wall, landing somewhere past it in all the underbrush.
[20:14] * Alicia pulls on the rope until the hook catches, making sure it's secure. That done, she proceeds to climb up!
[20:14] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 21
[20:15] <Kotono> With a rope as well, this climb goes without incident. Alicia reaches the top of the ancient wall - it's crumbling and weak, as much plants as rock holding it together. Over it, you can see an old courtyard,  choked with trees, sinkholes in the ground, a few real holes and finally a small keep building on the other side.
[20:16] <Alicia> "Lots of sinkholes, looks like. We'll have to be careful on the other side," Alicia observes as she straddles the wall and waits for Seira to follow her up.
[20:17] * Seira climbs slowly using the rope and Alicia's help.
[20:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 aid another
[20:17] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0aid another --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{16}
[20:21] <Kotono> Seira climbs up without incident.
[20:22] <Alicia> Once Seira's up, Alicia gathers up her rope and grappling hook. "Will you need help getting down the other side?" she asks, otherwise ready just to jump, herself.
[20:30] <Seira> "Better safe than sorry," Seira responds, intending to climb down with her own length of rope, and leave it there in case they need to leave in a hurry.
[20:31] * Alicia helps Seira before hopping down, herself.
[20:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 aid
[20:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0aid --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{25}
[20:32] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25 jump DC 15 to avoid damage laf
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+25 1,0jump DC 15 to avoid damage laf --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{36}
[20:32] <Kotono> Getting down goes without incident. The ground sinks slightly under your weights as you get down.
[20:35] * Alicia avoids the depressions in the ground, sticking close to trees where she can as she carefully makes her way to the keep building.
[20:35] <Seira> "I'll go first," Seira proposes, and sets out for the house, even as she keeps her eyes on the ground, using her bow to feel out the soil ahead of her.
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=57 ]4,0{57}
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=32 ]4,0{32}
[20:36] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia agrees, hanging back behind Seira.
[20:36] <Kotono> The ground often sinks and a few times feels shaky underneath your feet, but Seira crosses without incident. Ahead is the keep building, a gated door overgrown with vines here. However, it is ajar, a space to easily pass through.
[20:37] * Alicia follows Seira, sticking to the path she used.
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=39 ]4,0{39}
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=41 ]4,0{41}
[20:39] <Kotono> Alicia crosses without incident as well.
[20:39] <Seira> "Can you try to force the door open?" Seira requests.
[20:40] * Alicia casts shield on herself before advancing on the door. "It's already partly open, but no harm in pushing it all the way," Alicia agrees, taking a look through the gap first of all.
[20:40] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=22 ]4,0{22}
[20:41] <Kotono> Inside looks to be a room with a big, horribly dusty table. A few small statues are littered about - they look to be of small animals like mice, snakes, a few birds, and even a large beetle.
[20:41] * Sierra_Showertime is now known as Sierra_Lives
[20:41] * Alicia casts Detect Magic just on the off chance before she starts messing with the scenery.
[20:42] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=84 ]4,0{84}
[20:44] <Kotono> There is no magic in the room that Alicia can detect.
[20:44] <Alicia> Satisfied, Alicia proceeds to force the doors wide open!
[20:44] <Kotono> The door opens with a loud creak, vines snapping as you open it!
[20:45] <Kotono> The room ahead is overgrown, the floor having grasses grow up through it. There's a good foot or so of underbrush overmuch of the terrain, as well as the table and some knocked voer chairs. The statues are littered around absently, and there are a few decaying cloths on the wall. There's a door on the opposite side.
[20:46] * Alicia strides inside and looks around for any other doors. "Doesn't seem like anyone's lived here for decades... odd taste in decorations, though," she muses, idly nudging one of the statues with her foot.
[20:47] <Kotono> The statue is quite soild. There's only the one door that'simmediately visible, but mcuh of the walls are overgrown.
[20:49] * Seira lets Alicia take the lead, herself observing the surroundings.
[20:50] * Alicia moves over to the only door visible and opens it!
[20:50] <Kotono> The door looks to be rusted shut, hinges old. It'll take a bit of apush to open.
[20:51] * Alicia is not shy about providing such a push!
[20:51] <Kotono> OOC - STri check.
[20:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
[20:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{11}
[20:51] <Kotono> The door is budged some, a few inches. It's not hard, just irritatingly jammed. Another one will likely do it.
[20:52] <Alicia> Heave~
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
[20:52] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{12}
[20:52] <Kotono> Crack! This time the door is knocked open! Ahead is a hallway that branches off to the east and west, as well as a door straight ahead. Everything is still painfully overgrown and nasty, a few more statues littered around.
[20:53] <Alicia> "Any preference for which way we go, here?" Alicia asks, stepping into the hallway and casting Light on a copper coin to provide illumination as she looks around.
[20:53] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=28 ]4,0{28}
[20:53] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check, Alicia.
[20:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1
[20:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{13}
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC - You as well, elfgirl.
[20:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+1
[20:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{21}
[20:55] <Kotono> Both Alicia and Seira idly note the underbrush moving near the eastern hall. A segment of it, several feet long, rustling.
[20:56] <Alicia> Is it... evil?
[20:56] <Alicia> "Over there," Alicia whispers, before tossing her glowing coin towards the movement to hopefully shed more light on it.
[20:56] * Seira finds this an excellent time to cast Mirror Image.
[20:57] <Seira> roll 1d4+2
[20:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d4+2 --> 6,0[ 1d4=4 ]4,0{6}
[20:57] <Kotono> The light tossed gets sluggish movement as several doubles spring up around Seira! You can see...something ist here. SEveral feet long, perhaps five or six or seven feet? It looks like some kind of dull colored lizard offhand.
[20:58] * Seira attempts to identify it!
[20:58] <Alicia> "Is this the evil forgotten monster we're hunting?" Alicia asks, not seeming overly impressed.
[20:58] <Kotono> OOC: Knowledge: Arcana, Se-i-ra.
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 I have that, too!
[20:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0I have that, too! --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{18}
[20:59] <Seira> OOC: I'll take ten for 22, thanks
[21:00] <Seira> "Crazy lizard thing? Seems like a basilisk. Maybe. Let's hit it before it spotted us and not look at it directly afterwards?"
[21:01] <Kotono> OOC: If you're going to attack it, say so and we'll initiativerize.
[21:02] * Alicia nods, not questioning why she shouldn't directly look at it as she prepares to attack.
[21:02] <Seira> "I'll fireball it, and we'll take it on as it's weakened?" Seira proposes.
[21:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[21:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{24}
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[21:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{14}
[21:02] <Seira> roll 8d6 fire~
[21:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 8d6 1,0fire~ --> 6,0[ 8d6=39 ]4,0{39}
[21:03] <Alicia> OOC: don't you need to roll init first?
[21:03] <Seira> OOC: Sure thing!
[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 nerveskitter
[21:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0nerveskitter --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{31}
[21:03] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Alicia>Basilisk'
[21:04] * Seira tries her very best to set the beast on fire!
[21:04] <Kotono> OOC - Go for it.
[21:05] <Seira> OOC: The roll's above, 39
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{7}
[21:05] <Seira> OOC: The dc, so not that
[21:06] <Kotono> With a powerful burst fire erupts around the lizard! The underbrush quickly catches fire, the creature letting loose a wailing lizard's cry! It's burnt badly, body more visible now that much of what hid it is starting to sizzle! OOC - Alicia.
[21:06] * Alicia charges forward to smack the creature hard with the flat of her blade!
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 (+2 charge, -4 nonlethal)
[21:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0(+2 charge, -4 nonlethal) --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{21}
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d8+7
[21:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+7 --> 6,0[ 1d8=4 ]4,0{11}
[21:08] <Kotono> Clang! With a swift move Alicia knocks the basilisk's burnt body with the flat of her blade! It keels over, waylaid before it even has a real chance to do anything! Meanwhile, the brush where the fireball burst is burning and showing signs of starting to spread.
[21:08] <Alicia> "Well, is this it?" Alicia asks, picking up her glowing coin and surveying the ko'd beast, fully expecting Seira can deal with the fire she started.
[21:09] <Kotono> Alicia notes that with the fire burning it's going to be dangerous to be near the lizard in a round or so if that.
[21:09] <Seira> "Let's drag this thing out?" Seira suggests as she puts the fire out with summoned water. "If it even twitches wrong, smack it again."
[21:09] <Kotono> Summoning water, Seira begins to put out the fire. It takes a few rounds but she's able to quench it with some work.
[21:10] * Alicia grabs the beast by the tail and proceeds to laboriously drag it back out of the mansion. "We'll have trouble getting this over the wall," she grunts. "What is it, anyway?"
[21:10] <Seira> "Seems like we have what we need," Seira muses. "I could hasten us up, so that we would have an easier time of leaving here. And I could always blast a section of the wall open."
[21:11] <Seira> "Basilisks are exotic creatures that can turn you into stone with a glance," Seira responds to Alicia's question. "This sure looks like one."
[21:12] <Kotono> The beast is quite unconcious, being dragged along by Alicia quite easily. It's badly burnt, but it doesn't look like it's dying right this moment.
[21:12] <Alicia> "I... see," Alicia frowns. "And we're going to give this thing away to someone?"
[21:12] <Seira> "We can peck its eyes out or something, I figure," Seira muses.
[21:13] <Alicia> "I should hope we do something to stop it being used to terrorise people - who are we giving it to, anyway?" Alicia asks, stopping once they're out the main door. Dragging this over the sinkhole ridden ground seems a recipe for disaster.
[21:14] <Seira> "We'll use this exchange to track them down by magic," Seira responds, before stopping at the entrance to the house and throwing her hand in the direction of the wall, summoning Ice Storm over a section of it, far away from her rope.
[21:15] <Seira> roll 5d6
[21:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 5d6 --> 6,0[ 5d6=14 ]4,0{14}
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=42 ]4,0{42}
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=94 ]4,0{94}
[21:16] <Kotono> CRACK! The ice pounds the wall, making parts of it finally crumble away. There's a few holes, albiet still soemwhat vineclogged. The ground around the the wall groans as well, slightly lurching.
[21:16] * Seira glances at the wall, checking how much it needs to be damaged further before crumbling.
[21:16] <Alicia> Do the holes look big enough to drag a basilisk through?
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC -  Knowledge: Arch for the question, Seira.
[21:18] <Seira> OOC: Take ten for 22!
[21:19] <Seira> "We'll be able to collapse the rest once we're across," Seira comments, and then retraces her steps perfectly.
[21:20] <Alicia> "I really don't think the ground will support this thing's weight," Alicia tells Seira, not moving.
[21:21] <Seira> "Let's tie our ropes to it and then drag it over from the other side. Even if the ground collapses, we should be strong enough to pull it over, don't you think?"
[21:22] <Alicia> "Hopefully that won't kill it," Alicia shrugs, proceeding to tie her rope around its midsection before she heads back the way she came, unravelling the rope behind her as she goes.
[21:23] <Alicia> OOC: taking ten for 14 on use rope
[21:23] <Seira> "I'm good with ropes," Seira assures her.
[21:24] <Kotono> roll 1d100 for Alicia's crossing
[21:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 1,0for Alicia's crossing --> 6,0[ 1d100=28 ]4,0{28}
[21:24] <Kotono> roll 1d100 for Alicia's crossing
[21:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 1,0for Alicia's crossing --> 6,0[ 1d100=68 ]4,0{68}
[21:24] <Kotono> Alicia ties the beast up and crosses over without incident. It's stilll out cold, even if the ground lightly groans at her footsteps.
[21:26] * Alicia then walks around the wall to Seira's gap and starts to pull on the rope to drag the basilisk across.
[21:26] * Seira secures the rope on the side of the wall, making certain that Alicia would have an easy time of pulling the basilisk over.
[21:27] <Kotono> The rope...works! The basisilisk begins to be dragged over...
[21:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=61 ]4,0{61}
[21:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=97 ]4,0{97}
[21:28] <Kotono> At about twenty five feet there is an ominous crack! The ground shakes and quakes a moment, before...crash! The segment under the basilisk collaspes, about a five foot roughly circular radius plummeting! The stony lizard vanishes as it falls, the rope so bound whizzing by as it extends via gravity's pull!
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 3d6
[21:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 3d6 --> 6,0[ 3d6=10 ]4,0{10}
[21:29] <Kotono> A few moments later you hear splashes and thumps below.
[21:29] <Kotono> OOC - Okay wait, strike that part. Dur.
[21:30] <Kotono> OOC - What are you trying to do, 'licia?
[21:30] <Alicia> OOC: basically reel it in like a big fish?
[21:30] <Kotono> OOC - As it falls or after it falls?
[21:31] <Alicia> OOC: well, I'd be doing that before it falls. If it starts to fall I'd hold on and try to keep it from falling, but I'd totally let go if I felt I was going to be dragged off in the direction it's falling.
[21:32] <Kotono> OIOC: Okay, we'll resolvef rom there tomorrow. Workhell looms. I see what you're doing now, though.
[21:32] <Seira> OOC: Holding the rope against the wall to prevent it from moving!

[Corwin]

[19:22] <Kokokokoko> OOC: Okay, Alicia. You're basically trying to prevent the lizard from falling by yanking it along and keeping it taunt. Fortunately, the two of you have a killer setup to help your str check for it, so you get a total +8 bonus. It's still three hundred pounds of heavy lizard, though, so good luck.
[19:23] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-514f1fdf.l1.c3.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[19:23] * Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
[19:23] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13
[19:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+13 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{20}
[19:25] <Kokokokoko> Alicia's muscles burn and throb, even with support! THe wall the rope is tied to buckles and pebbles fly from it, rattling down! The ground greaks as a five foot circle collapses, splashing heard seconds later! However Alicia is able to harness the strain, and with an elemental cry lurch the lizard forward, to the very edge of soild ground!
[19:26] * Alicia breathes heavily, simply holding the lizard in place for a moment as she recovers from the strain of that effort. Once suitably refreshed, she resumes slowly dragging the lizard in.
[19:28] <Kokokokoko> roll 1d100
[19:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kokokokoko rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=50 ]4,0{50}
[19:30] <Kokokokoko> The ground shakes a few more times, but the lizard is brought. A few more splashes are heard, as you notice something. From the various other sinkholes, other things start to look out. Three of them - large beetles, sticking entirely too long heads out, about a foot long or so and with nasty teeth.
[19:31] <Seira> "I still have my mirror image spell on," Seira tells Alicia, "so break down the weakened wall while I hold them off." As she says that, she prepares to cast wall of gloom should them move on her direction.
[19:32] <Alicia> "Right," Alicia nods, winding the the rope to get rid of all the slack and then proceeding to drag the basilisk towards where Seira wrecked the wall, intending to drag it through and knock down any parts of the wall that get in her way if needed.
[19:34] <Kokokokoko> As Alicia gets to the wall and sees that some creative gardening will be needed to finish clearing a path through the wallholes, Seira prepares a spell! The large beetles pokes out a little more - they must be as long as a human is tall or longer...
[19:34] <Kokokokoko> roll 1d100
[19:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kokokokoko rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=44 ]4,0{44}
[19:34] <Kokokokoko> roll 1d100
[19:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kokokokoko rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=91 ]4,0{91}
[19:34] <Kokokokoko> roll 1d100
[19:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kokokokoko rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=3 ]4,0{3}
[19:34] * Alicia hacks through a few vines with her sword as needed before departing with her prize!
[19:34] <Kokokokoko> Most regretably, one of the sink holes creaks and gives way, one of the beetles vanishing in a mass of collapsing earth!
[19:35] <Kokokokoko> The other two look on, staring but not advancing at all.
[19:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[19:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+8 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{18}
[19:36] <Seira> "If they follow us as we go outside," Seira murmurs, stepping back towards the wall as she keeps her eyes on the beetles, "we'll get one of them, too.
[19:36] <Seira> "
[19:36] <Alicia> "Trying to get a whole menagerie? What are they?" Alicia asks as she cuts a path out through the ruined wall.
[19:37] <Seira> "Giant stag beetles, rare, bad for farming," Seira summarizes. "Hits on our demand, and we can certainly help the farmers in the area."
[19:39] <Kokokokoko> Alicia cuts a hole to escape, as the other two beetles survey. But they slowly retreat back, seeming to slink back into the unstable earth.
[19:40] <Alicia> "We'll probably need some sort of sled to drag this thing all the way back to Balmuria... or could maybe just wrap it up in a tent. What do you think?" Alicia asks Seira as she goes to collect the horses.
[19:41] <Seira> "There's a spell I could prepare in the morning," Seira responds. "We just have to make sure it is properly tied up, and its eyes are gone while it still draws breath."
[19:48] <Kokokokoko> So the basilisk is de eyed, healed, tied up, tented and disked back! The salutes you get at the gate are crisp and polite, the two familiar guards peering at the load. "Treasure, sirs?" Wedge asks, eyeing it. "Gold, jewels and magical items?"
[19:49] * Alicia raises an eyebrow but remains silent, letting Seira field this one.
[19:50] <Seira> "Official Balmuria business, need to know only," Seira tells him curtly, managing to look down at the man despite their relative heights.
[19:51] <Kokokokoko> Wedge salutes with respects, as Biggs just shakes his head. He mutters something quietly under his breath as the two pass.
[19:52] <Alicia> "So, where are we bringing this?" Alicia asks as they head into town, proper.
[19:53] * Seira returns the salute with equal respect, before heading further into the city. "I will arrange a meeting with our mysterious supplier of griffons, while I would like to ask you to keep an eye on our package in the meanwhile."
[19:53] * Sierra_Devourer is now known as El-Cideon
[19:53] <Alicia> "Ah... very well," Alicia nods, ready to give the basilisk a whack if it shows any signs of stirring.
[19:54] <Kokokokoko> The basiliskdoesn't need a wack - it's tied up, blind and generally tamed by pure abuse. Meanwhile, Seira goes to the high priest of Waukeen's temple. He pauses his scroll writing as Seira is ushered into his room. "Back? Did you find something worthwhile?"
[19:55] <Kokokokoko> *Seira and Alicia
[19:56] <Seira> "Yes," she tells him curtly. "And there is more where it came from, but we would like to make the delivery in person. That way, if the other side disagrees on the amount of flying steeds to trade us for it, we can negotiate rather than taking our business elsewhere."
[19:58] <Kokokokoko> "I'll send a message inquiring on the matter," The high priest so promises, steepling his hands together. "What did you find...and bring back?"
[19:58] <Seira> "A basilisk," Seira tells him. "I dare say it's not an easy find in these parts."
[19:59] <Kokokokoko> "Indeed it isn't. I assume you've taken all the precautious needed?" Standing at that, "I'll send word and wait on this person's reply."
[20:00] <Seira> "It's bound and had its eye taken out. If I had missed something, please inform me."
[20:02] <Kokokokoko> "I'll let you know as soon as word gets back," Grabbing a scroll, he begins ot scribble.
[20:03] <Seira> "How long do you expect the matter to take?" Seira asks him respectfully. "Hours? More?"
[20:04] <Kokokokoko> "With speed, not too long. I'll ask that word back comes quickly as possible," So agreeing, "I'll send a temple page as soon as this matter is done."
[20:05] <Seira> "My thanks. We will be at my home for the duration, then," Seira says, leaving.
[20:12] <Kokokokoko> A few hours pass until a page comes and disturbs the rousing game Seira and Alicia play. On reaching the high priests' study room again, "Sit down," he gestures to chairs, waiting.
[20:13] * Seira projects professionalism and confidence as she does so.
[20:13] * Alicia sits down serenely, content to let Seira handle the business side of things. This was all her idea, after all, Alicia was just muscle.
[20:17] <Kokokokoko> "The person in question would prefer to keep his or her identity private," The high priest begins, carefully. "However, this person questions the use of a basilisk without it's eyes."
[20:18] * Alicia frowns. "Exactly what use did they have in mind for it?" she asks.
[20:18] <Seira> "This is where negotiation comes into play," Seira responds smoothly. "If this person of myserious nature is powerful enough to protect his or herself from the basilisk's deadly gaze, then surely they are mighty enough to heal it back to shape."
[20:21] <Kokokokoko> "The exact words are 'I am not interested in damaged goods'," Stopping to smile a tiny bit, "This person may very well be. But regardless, this person's exact reasons are their own. Do you wish for another message?"
[20:21] <Seira> "The agreement specifically stated our side was to supply an exotic or rare beast," Seira states, frowning now. "It was to be delivered alive. There were no other stipulations as to its condition. My request for clarifications was rebuffed." Her frown deepens. "I have kept up my end of the bargain. Is the other party reneging on our contract?"
[20:23] <Kokokokoko> With a light shrug, "I'll pass that on - if you're willing to wait a little time, a repsonse should not be long in coming."
[20:24] * Seira nods, letting irritation show clearly.
[20:25] <Kokokokoko> Writing on a paper for a few minutes, the head priest goes to teh door and passes it to a waiting acolyte. "Just wait, it should not be long at all."
[20:30] <Kokokokoko> ABout a half hour passes until the return. Reading over the letter, "Hm," the high priest purses his lips. "I quote 'The spirit of the agreement is for strong creature(s) in exchange for these eggs. A crippled creature no more serves that than a dog off the street.'" Pausing a moment to glance up at Seira and Alicia, '"At most, a basilisk in this state is worth only 1 egg'."
[20:31] * Seira palms her forehead. "Are we down to haggling, now?" She sighs deeply. "Two eggs, no less, since there are two of us. And we need better instructions for next time, if we are to work again. How do giant stag beetles sound?"
[20:31] * Alicia looks faintly disgusted by this whole discussion, but holds her tongue.
[20:33] <Kokokokoko> "Scribbling again, the high priest goes and passes on another missive. After doing so, "At least I earn a commission for this service," he sniffs. "How did you find a basilisk, anyway?"
[20:34] <Seira> "I'm sorry for reducing you to this position of carrying notes back and forth," Seira tells the priest, honest regret mixing in with her anger. "However, please recall that I wished to dispense with the cloak and dagger."
[20:35] <Kokokokoko> With a shrug, "This is an easy service with a premium fee. It's good if boring business," he says dismissively. "This person values keeping their name out of this affair for Waukeen only knows reasons."
[20:35] <Seira> "Even from you?" she asks, raising her eyebrows in feigned surprise.
[20:39] <Kokokokoko> "The money is right and there are certain agreements between this person and myself in place," Crisply saying that as he sits and rests back down, "Now then, shall we wait?"
[20:40] * Seira shrugs.
[20:40] * Alicia resists the urge to sigh as she sits and waits...
[20:41] <Kokokokoko> Soon enough another message comes. The high priest reads it, whistling near the end. "...my."
[20:42] <Seira> "Was it a death threat? Because I get those a lot."
[20:44] <Kokokokoko> Carefully folding it up and putting the paper into a pocket in his robe, "No. To summarize the matter, two is acceptable on the condition of an additional 200 GP surcharge to compensate for the damage to the basilisk."
[20:45] * Seira tilts her head in consideration. "And the beetles fail to catch his interest?"
[20:47] <Kokokokoko> "There wasn't a comment about them directly - the writing was rather, ah, irritated," Delicately clearing his throat, "I believe both parties are now quite vexed with one another."
[20:48] <Seira> "I'll go for it," Seira tells the high priest. "Any chance of seeing the letter? I don't mind about a signature and what not, you could black out anything identifying your client. I just really enjoy seeing inventive people curse me out."
[20:50] <Kokokokoko> The high priest considers, before shrugging and passing over the letter. "There's nothing really about the actual missives needing to be read by myself," he allows.
[20:50] <Kokokokoko> There after, he starts writing another note.
[20:50] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira tells him brightly, and pours over the letter, committing it and the distinctive writing to memory.
[20:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{34}
[20:54] <Kokokokoko> 'Tell the irritating elf that I will accept a trade of two eggs in exchangef or an additional 200 GP surcharge for this irritation. Her service is inept and unacceptable; but I may as well collect now that the deed has been done.'
[20:55] * Seira winks at Alicia once the priest turns away briefly, and offers the note back to him. "Are you obligated to keep them?" she asks. "Because it's amusing. If possible, it could go into my collection of hate mail."
[20:55] <Kokokokoko> "No, I was going to burn it in the fireplace once it's use is done," Witha nother shrug, "Do what you wish with it,it's just writing."
[20:56] * Seira folds the note and places it away.
[20:56] * Alicia looks somewhat puzzled at the wink, but trusts Seira to explain once they're away from here. "So, are we making the exchange?" she asks.
[20:56] <Kokokokoko> "Well then, bring the basilisk and money here and I'll have the eggs ready for you on the 'morrow?" The high priest agrees.
[20:57] <Seira> "Most certainly," Seira agrees, and bids the priest a good day, leaving.
[20:57] * Alicia follows Seira outside!
[20:58] <Kokokokoko> Soon the two are outside of the temple, away from listening ears...
[20:58] <Seira> Once they are reasonably away, and she is certain no one is following them or in a position to overhear, Seira smiles widely. "My intuition was on the money this time. Mihail is our mysterious client." She smirks. "It pains me greatly that his newly-purchased basilisk cannot harm anyone."
[21:00] * Alicia frowns darkly. "Indeed, I don't think I'd forgive myself if I'd delivered such a dangerous creature into his hands. What on earth could he want it for?"
[21:02] <Seira> "Security, perhaps," Seira muses. "Shamal..." she pauses briefly, "often spoke of his superior attitude and desire to possess dangerous beasts. Though she put it in other words."
[21:04] <Alicia> "We have yet another reason to be wary of him, then... It's nerve wracking, living in the same town as someone like that, only able to wait for him to finally reveal his true colours and then hope you can stop him before anyone gets hurt," Alicia complains with a sharp and stressful exhalation.
[21:05] <Seira> "What are you talking about?" Seira asks, still smiling. "All I see is a great pretext for a search and seisure, pending on an anonimous tip to the Guard."
[21:06] * Seira looks happy. "It's not even entrapment because he hired us from the start."
[21:07] <Alicia> "Wait, there are laws against bringing such creatures into the city?" Alicia asks, pausing. "Doesn't that make us accessories?"
[21:07] <Seira> "Nor for us, but he must certainly get a license for something like a basilisk," Seira responds.
[21:08] <Alicia> "Oh... I really must brush up on the laws and statutes for the Baronies," Alicia deflates. "But lets deal with Mihail, first."
[21:09] <Seira> "Let's make the trade, then work on our case," Seira agrees. "After all, once trained, those flying steeds would serve our forces as scouts against Malmuth. It is crucial that we have advance warning of any massive troop movement."
[21:10] <Alicia> "Forewarned is forearmed," Alicia nods agreeably.

[Corwin]

[17:52] <Kotono> ---
[17:53] <Kotono> On checking in with the detail keeping an eye on Mihail, the guard leader managing the affair salutes respectfully as he enters the garrison room where Alicia and Seira await. "You wanted an update on what we've seen, ma'am," he addresses both of the two officers.
[17:54] * Seira nods, and lets him speak.
[17:54] <Alicia> "Please, don't leave anything out," Alicia nods briskly.
[17:55] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[17:56] <Kotono> "Well, the first thing is that it's hot. Hotter than the area around it most days." With a grimace, "We're using more men than desired because of heat related issues. It's not constant, but it's enough to be a problem for anyone that hangs around in the area. The foot traffic's never been very notable there anyway, but it's lessening moreso."
[17:58] <Alicia> "Any indication of what's causing the increase in traffic?" Alicia asks, wondering if there's a connection. And surely they can bring him up on some sort of health violation if he's messing with the weather that badly and consistently?
[17:58] <Kotono> "Increase? Ma'am, I meant a decrease. There's never been much of note there, but it's dropping off even more."
[18:00] <Alicia> "Oh, sorry," Alicia shakes her head, "I misunderstood. The reason for a decrease would be obvious, in that case. Carry on."
[18:03] <Kotono> With a thoughtful nod as he goes on, "Mihail himself goes out at times - sometimes for simple purchases of required things like food and cloth. Sometimes we believe he goes to relevant shops such as Countess Stronger's. Therein, there's nothing brazenly unusual about his trips out when he goes. He does not have many visitors - except for the last few days, when he's had what look sto be church acolytes come by."
[18:04] * Seira pauses the man, and describes Mia to him, before asking whether she was one of those visiting Mihail.
[18:07] <Kotono> A shake of his head. "Doesn't ring a bell, I can check with everyone to make sure, ma'am."
[18:09] <Seira> "I would like you to compile descriptions of all involved," Seira tells him. "Perhaps there is someone we could approach to gain more insight about Mihail and what he is working on amongst them."
[18:10] <Kotono> "Ma'am," The guard nods to that, "Shall I go on now, ma'am?"
[18:10] * Seira returns the nod.
[18:15] <Kotono> "We don't know if he's aware of us - it's impossible to tell with someone like him. All we have is that there are strange, hot things going on and that he keeps his own affairs quiet. The house stays peaceful enough, you wouldn't think anything of it if it wasn't for the heat and being ordered to watch it. For what goes inside, though?" Another shrug. "Staying outside hleps, but like hell if we're seeing anything really interesting. MA'am
[18:15] <Kotono> interesting. MA'am, the men are gossiping about it - what is going on in there that's making things hot. We don't have a clue from what we've seen, besides saying 'magic'."
[18:16] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[18:18] <Seira> "That would be a fair guess, given he is one of our most powerful resident mages," Seira allows, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Sargeant, I realize that what you and your men do might feel useless, but merely by your presence you have already achieved two goals -- allowing us to know all those who come and go mundanely, and kept up the pressure on Mihail."
[18:22] <Kotono> "Ma'am," With a polite bow to them, "I'll pass on your praise to the men. Is there anything else you wish to know about this?"
[18:25] * Seira frowns. "Can the increase in heat over time be... quantified in any way? I'm looking for an estimate of the rate by which it grows."
[18:26] <Kotono> Thinking a moment, "It's somewhat erratic - some days it fades and others it flares. However, it's been lax the last few days. But overall, it's been getting hotter when it's hot."
[18:28] <Seira> "We should continue the observation for the time being," Seira muses. "I just hope the higher ups would be able to come to a decision soon."
[18:30] <Kotono> "Ma'am," The seargant salutes both respectfully, waiting.
[18:31] <Alicia> "Dismissed," Alicia contributes, giving a salute in reply.
[18:31] * Seira salutes as well.
[18:31] <Kotono> The seargant goes off, leaving the two alone with this information.
[18:33] <Alicia> "Really, if it's got to the stage where he's disrupting the community, we should at least confront him to try and find out what he's doing," Alicia suggests. "Haven't there been any complaints from his neighbours?"
[18:33] <Seira> "I think we should give the matter a week," Seira tells Alicia. "If our friend had not registered his new pet by then, an anonymous tip could prompt an investigation of the grounds." At Alicia's question, she snorts. "A complaint against an evoker?"
[18:35] * Alicia shrugs. "It could happen. Do we actually know that he's an evoker? Or what schools he can't use? That could actually be useful to know, if worst comes to worst..."
[18:35] <Seira> "As far as the city and Countess Stronger know, he is," Seira affirms. "I have heard both refer to him as such."