033. The gears of diplomacy, Antenora and the jumped shark.

[Corwin]

[19:42] <Kotono> A few days after returning, the gears of diplomacy continue to turn. In the rising embers of summer, fall is born in coolness and turning over. Were the times more peaceful, you would hear talk of harvest festivals and thanksgivings, but not this time. IN light of a glorious, radiant day of sun and fair weather, the Crimson Guard gathers early in the morning. Commander Oberuth is sitting, drinking from a steamy mug. "Go ahead, sit down and at
[19:42] <Kotono> "Go ahead, sit down and at ease," he instructs, casting a wary gaze at Alicia's constant companion.
[19:43] * Alicia gives Antenora a slight nod as if to say 'yes, you can sit down as well,' before she lowers herself into a chair.
[19:43] * Demedais nods to the Commander and does so, purposefully not looking at 'Antenora'.
[19:44] <Kotono> Antenora smiles ever so slightly at Alicia, doing so as well.
[19:45] <Kotono> "While we wait for official word from Malmuth, we still have some preparations," Commander Oberuth begins, draining his cup in one heavy drink. "Lord Salman's instructed us to decide who will stay and who will go to the meeting with him."
[19:46] <Alicia> "Since I'd rather not leave my ward without supervision, and her presence could cause... misunderstandings, if anyone else knew of her nature, it's probably best if I bow out of this one," Alicia volunteers.
[19:46] * Seira opts not to speak, busy playing with her shades as she lets them drop to peek over them, before elevating them once again.
[19:47] * Demedais nods slightly to Alicia. "That is a point I hadn't been considering. Very well, then; I've no objections to that."
[19:49] <Kotono> "It makes sense," Oberuth agrees to that, "You'll have a few others here as well, just in case, as well as myself." With another long look at Antenora(Who returns it most innocently, getting Oberuth's scowl to morph into a less happy look), "We're expecting word back from Malmuth any time - if they're serious it would make sense to expediate it by any means, if they're not stalling again."
[19:51] <Demedais> "Indeed. Part of me still wonders if this is a move to throw us off-guard."
[19:51] <Alicia> "That's why it's a good idea for us to stay alert on the home front, in case the whole thing is just a diversion," Alicia agrees.
[19:52] <Kotono> "There's not much to do but wai-" Commander Oberuth's facial scowl gets another reason to grow, there's a quick, heavy pounding on the door. "Si-sir! Commander! Are you in there?"
[19:53] <Kotono> "Yeah," Oberuth calls out, "Come in."
[19:54] <Kotono> The door quickly opens, a half winded guard leaning on his spear. "Sir, at the docks - it's huge! It's tearing up the docks after it chased the elves onto the quay, sir!" The guard gasps out all at once. "I've never seen one that large!"
[19:55] <Alicia> Luckily Alicia wasn't here, and thus lacks any way to relate this to an almost identical scene of a few months ago when a dragon appeared at Balmuria's gates. Nonetheless, she shoots to her feet. "Seen what that large?" she demands.
[19:55] <Demedais> "Coherency would be appreciated, sir." Demedais says, standing and turning to the man. "What precisely are you talking about?"
[19:56] * Seira stands up suddenly. "Something huge and disruptive of the city? We must kill it!"
[19:56] <Kotono> "S-shark!" The guard reports back, breathing a few moments. "We were on patrol of the harbor when we heard splashing! These blue skinned creatures - Smoot said they were sea elves! - came on land and were hobbling away like crazy! There was this gigantic shark chasing them and it's going berserk!"
[19:58] <Seira> "Going to kill the shark, now, Sir," Seira reports, saluting at the Commander before departing for the harbor!
[19:59] * Demedais closes his eyes. "Not everything is a - sea elves? Gigantic shark? ...Right. Okay, yes." Demedais salutes Oberuth, a slight smile on his lips. "Permission to follow Seira?"
[19:59] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth shakes his head a moment, "Magnets," he mutters, "They're like magnets." He rises as well, "I'll be along momentarily as well. For the love of the Gods, get archers and the like ready1"
[20:00] <Alicia> "We'd better get down there," Alicia agrees, following Seira since she's the captain. And Antenora will of course be right with Alicia, if she knows what's good for her.
[20:00] <Kotono> Antenora smiles a little bit as she rises, "Finally. It was getting boring here," she observes.
[20:01] * Demedais nods to Oberuth and follows Seira, giving directions for some archers to assemble and come down as he moves out.
[20:03] <Kotono> So the three hurry to the harbor! As they do they find themselves as part of one of two waves. The bigger wave is of people moving well the hell away from the harbor, making very quick time and often with pale faces. A few others head towards the harbor, mostly guards at quite a run! As you approach...(More)
[20:05] <Kotono> The harbor is astir with activity! A few guards stand near the piers with long spears out, keeping a careful watch! Past them is a small gaggle of sea elves, including Tynave. They're looking around in complete confusion, shivering and huddling together. In the water, and with part of one of the docks falling apart, is indeed the biggest shark you've evern see! It most weigh tons and tons, swimming through the deep water! It's skin is a mottl
[20:05] <Kotono> It's skin is a mottled gray and black, like a sleek fighter. It's absolutely huge, making small waves crash onto the docks!
[20:06] * Seira swiftly makes her way over to Tynave, bow in hand. "Are you alright?" she asks the sea elf, looking her and the others over for injuries.
[20:07] * Anastasia (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[20:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
[20:09] * Alicia looks around to see if there's any large harpoons or anything she could throw - even if they'd be horribly unwieldy and oversized for most people, true strike solves a lot of problems. Otherwise she'll likely have to settle for plinking it with magic missiles.
[20:09] <Anastasia> They don't look overly injured. "It...it just came out of nowhere into the bay!" she coughs, as Alicia sees a few heavy harpoons about. Meanwhile, the shark continues to swim around, making waves!
[20:10] <Seira> "Right. Stay here, I'll set it on fire!"
[20:10] <Seira> But first, Seira will... shoot at it!
[20:13] * Demedais pulls out his bow, and readies an arrow, but doesn't seem as eager to shoot it. "Do we know why this thing's causing problems -now-?"
[20:15] <Anastasia> OOC - For sanity we'll do initiative if you guys are going to start plinking at it.
[20:15] <Anastasia> The sea elves cower together wand watch on in terror as the great shark rampages!
[20:15] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[20:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{5}
[20:15] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
[20:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Anastasia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{9}
[20:15] <Seira> OOC: It ate my harbor, I'm not talking to it  >_<
[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[20:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{25}
[20:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20 fine fine fine.
[20:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20 1,0fine fine fine. --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{9}
[20:15] * Anastasia changes topic to 'Seira>Deme=SHARK>Alicia'
[20:16] <Anastasia> Meanwhile, the few guards near the water are soaked and wary, as the shark continues to swim about!
[20:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[20:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{19}
[20:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[20:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{24}
[20:16] * Seira attempts to get the shark's attention!
[20:17] <Anastasia> OOC - Second hits.
[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d8+2+2d6
[20:17] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+2+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=4 2d6=7 ]4,0{13}
[20:17] <Anastasia> OOC - First hits flatfooted, too.
[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d8+2+2d6
[20:17] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d8+2+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d8=6 2d6=6 ]4,0{14}
[20:18] <Seira> "Clear the area of civilians!" Seira commands the wet guards. "We'll take care of lunch!"
[20:18] <Anastasia> The creature, while possessing marvelous dexterity for somethign the size of a house, is still a hard target tomiss! The real battle is getting those arrows to penetrate it's hard, rubbery skin! Seira success, two little arrows jutting out of the huge shark's body! "Yes, ma'am!" they call, gratefully breaking away and hurrying! OOC - Deme and shark are up.
[20:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[20:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{18}
[20:20] <Demedais> "Well, this is just lovely." Demedais mutters. As odd as the situation his, he's got no option but to shoot the thing - and so he tries, albeit not as well as his Captain!
[20:20] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9
[20:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{29}
[20:20] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4
[20:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{8}
[20:21] <Anastasia> OOC - Crit check.
[20:21] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 crit check
[20:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0crit check --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{18}
[20:21] <Anastasia> OOC - One hit.
[20:21] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1 yeah...
[20:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 1,0yeah... --> 6,0[ 1d8=6 ]4,0{7}
[20:21] <Seira> "Hey, Alicia, is it unnaturally evil?" Seira calls out, narrowing her eyes at the shark.
[20:24] * Anastasia (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.55=-)
[20:26] <Kotono> The great shark wheels about, before swimming a lap around! It seems perterbed, making more waves as it crashes into another pier! It buckles, part of it's underpinnings overrun! OOC - Alicia.
[20:27] * Alicia halts in her preparations to unleash arcane fury upon the shark and instead takes a moment to look and see if it's an evil shark. Because surely only an evil animal would go nuts and wreck a harbour, and if they know it's evil they can... something.
[20:29] <Alicia> "No it's not evil! It's a shark!" Alicia calls back.
[20:29] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Deme=SHARK>Alicia=Antenora'
[20:29] <Seira> "It's not a normal shark!"
[20:29] <Kotono> Antenora peers down at it, shaking her head. "At least it's not a bulette land shark," she muses with a bit of amusement as she watches on.
[20:30] <Kotono> Meanwhile, you hear feet pounding, a few soldiers with bows and arrows hurrying along to joint he fray!
[20:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{9}
[20:30] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Deme=SHARK=Archers>Alicia=Antenora'
[20:30] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[20:30] <Demedais> "Would the sea elves know, perhaps?" Demedais replies a bit irritably.
[20:31] * Seira summons a storm over the shark, stepping back towards relative safety. Aside from testing her suspicions, she'll avoid being swallowed by dumb sea-dwelling animals!
[20:31] <Seira> roll 5d6 ice storm
[20:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Seira rolled :6,0 5d6 1,0ice storm --> 6,0[ 5d6=16 ]4,0{16}
[20:32] <Kotono> The ice storm roars down, plunking the shark's long body with dozens of hailstones! The storm rages above, likt eh wrath of a cold Goddess! OOC - Deme and shark and archers are up.
[20:33] * Demedais grunts. "Okay, sure." With that he takes aim with two more arrows!
[20:33] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{22}
[20:33] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{12}
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC - One hit.
[20:34] <Demedais> roll 1d8+1
[20:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=3 ]4,0{4}
[20:35] <Kotono> Plink! The arrow embeds into the dire shark, another small wound! Meanwhile, the shark roars around a few times, before turning tale and swimming back into the harbor! As it does the archers all fire arrows at it!
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[20:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{8}
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[20:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{13}
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[20:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{11}
[20:35] <Kotono> None of them hit, a rain of arrows around the shark as it swims away!
[20:36] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia.
[20:37] <Alicia> OOC: is the shark swimming out to sea or just tooling around the harbour, still?
[20:38] <Kotono> OOC - Swimming outward. It's not really lingering.
[20:39] * Alicia decides to give the shark a little sting to help it remember that a harbour is a bad place to be, gesturing outwards and flinging five bolts of magical force after it!
[20:39] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=87 ]4,0{87}
[20:39] <Alicia> roll 5d4+5
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 5d4+5 --> 6,0[ 5d4=17 ]4,0{22}
[20:40] <Kotono> The magical missiles fly, stinging and wounding the fleeing shark, hitting it's rear side s it swims off! OOC - Seira.
[20:42] <Seira> "I'll see where it's headed, take care of debriefing our elf friends, alright?" Seira tells Demedais and Alicia, casting the spell of flight and taking off after the shark, careful to gain enough altitude that it can't snap its jaws at her.
[20:42] <Demedais> "Uh, okay." Demedais says, a bit bemused at this reaction.
[20:43] <Alicia> "Good luck," Alicia tells her, heading over towards the elves and looking to see if any are familiar from her boat trip.
[20:43] <Kotono> Meanwhile, as the shark flees, soldiers, elves and a few lingering spectators generally cheer. "That's right," one man calls, "That's the ticket!"
[20:44] <Kotono> Alicia heads over. Tynave looks familiar to her, as, ""Thank you," she offers first in fairly decent common. The others look like fish out of the water, clinging close.
[20:45] <Alicia> "You're welcome, but... what exactly happened to set that shark off like that?" Alicia asks. "Sahugin?"
[20:46] * Demedais turns to the elves and Alicia, and waves a bit, content to let her handle this.
[20:48] <Kotono> "I'm not sure," Tynave shakes her still dripping wet head. "It just came barreling in to the bay out of nowhere and chased us when we started to run! We had to keep dodging and running until we ran out of room...it was climb up or get eaten."
[20:49] <Alicia> "I'm not too familiar with the wildlife around here... are sharks like that common? The only time I ever saw one was on the way to Pallanth, far out too sea, and it was being goaded by Sahugin to attack our boat," Alicia goes on, before looking over the elves. "Do any of you require healing?"
[20:50] * Demedais looks more attentive at this note.
[20:52] <Kotono> "We're fine," Tynave looks amid her clan members before answering, "They're known of, but not particularly common," she goe son, "They're more out to the open sea."
[20:55] * Alicia nods. "Hopefully it won't be keen to return after that... but still," she winces and looks over the ruined docks, "What on earth could have driven it to act like that?" Sighing, she turns her attention back to the sea elves, "If you want to wait till it's definitely gone before returning to the sea, you're welcome to enjoy our hospitality," she offers. "You probably want to rest after that, anyway, right?"
[20:56] <Kotono> The elves nod gratefully, "Thank you," Tynave says again.
[21:00] <Alicia> "Okay, just a moment," Alicia nods, proceeding to commandeer whichever dockside tavern happens to be nicest and getting the proprieter to put up the elves, telling them that she'll cover any expenses, as well as stationing a couple of guards to ensure the elves don't get too crowded by curious onlookers, before she sets about getting people organised to clean up the mess the docks have become.
[21:01] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-244-18-19.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:02] <Kotono> This passes well enough. On getting them boarded up, Seira makes it back after her flying and then awlking trip
[21:02] <Kotono> .
[21:02] * Demedais keeps an eye on the elves as Alicia arranges housing for them.
[21:02] * Seira looks somewhat annoyed as she heads back to Tynave.
[21:04] <Kotono> Antenora follows along as well, watching the entire thing with faintly concealed amusement, but holds her tongue.
[21:05] <Kotono> Tynave is at the front of the inn, as Demedais watches and Alicia finishes her duty. Seira approaches, having returned. "Thank you," she repeats again.
[21:06] <Seira> "It ran off, and I don't think it's headed for your village," Seira tells the elf. "I could probably walk you back when you feel like it."
[21:08] <Alicia> "So, are you just getting off on the suffering, or do you have anything you'd like to say?" Alicia asks Antenora once the men are all off carrying out her orders to bring a semblance of order back to the docks in preparation for actual repairs to be done.
[21:09] <Kotono> "Thank you so much..." Tynave bows her head again, "I thought we were going to be eaten for sure. We didn't have time to even call for Oolu before we had to run!"
[21:10] <Seira> "Though it's not the circumstances I hoped for, want to use this chance ot see our city, now?"
[21:10] <Kotono> Antenora rolls her eyes a little bit, "I'm simply  interested," she banters. "Such vigor in defending part of your town."
[21:12] <Kotono> Tynave considers a few moments, before she hesitantly nods. "I'd like that...I'm not surethe others will, but I'd like it."
[21:12] <Alicia> "Trade is the lifeblood of a city, and the docks are where most of it comes in," Alicia lectures as they head over to join the sea elves and rest of the crimson guard.
[21:13] <Seira> "Let's go ask!" Seira tells Tynave, and with a swirl of her cloak approaches the other sea elves.
[21:18] <Kotono> Antenora pauses, before nodding agreement, "Yes, you're correct," she muses. "Paying the offerings to the lord of the river to cross, bringing contracted goods over for possible vast profit..."
[21:18] <Kotono> The other sea elves are sitting at a table, the owner of the bar keeping an eye on them. They look quite off balance as Seira and and Tynave approach.
[21:19] * Seira takes a seat at the same table, pressing her shades down as she peers at the gathered elves. "So, it seems you're stuck here for the time being, right? Recovering your strength, waiting the danger out, that kind of thing?"
[21:21] <Alicia> "Except instead of the Lord of the River, we have to worry about the Bitch Queen's tempestous moods. Still, the concept appears universal," Alicia notes, looking over to see how the elves are doing. "Everything okay here, Demedais?" she asks her fellow paladin.
[21:22] <Demedais> "Seems so." Demedais says, watching Seira talk to them animatedly.
[21:23] <Kotono> The elves nod in general. "We were just  midning our own business, then we got chased here. Say..." One breaths out, "Is it true that you're half gemstone?" one asks Seira suddenly.
[21:24] * Seira considers. Either her elven is bad, or-- "Gemstone?"
[21:28] <Kotono> As the paladins chat, "Oolu says that Seira...ategemstones, wasn't it?" Another fills in when the last leaves off, "Or was that the part about fighting the Great Golem?"
[21:28] <Seira> "They are surprisingly tasty!" Seira agrees. "If you find any, I'll be happy to buy them!"
[21:31] <Kotono> The elves nod agreeably to that, "Still, are all the stories true?"
[21:32] * Seira shrugs. "Probably! But only the good ones!" She smiles at the gathered elves. "And now you've appeared in one of them. With the danger over, now, and no one getting hurt in the process, doesn't the whole thing look exciting?"
[21:33] <Alicia> "There you go, Antenora," Alicia glances at the fiend. "There's your legendary tales, right there."
[21:36] <Kotono> "Not really..." The evels look amid one another, shaking their heads.
[21:37] <Seira> "Give it time," Seira tells them. "We learn from every experience and grow stronger and smarter and all the good stuff."

[Corwin]

[16:55] * Demedais utters a silent prayer to Helm over that statement.
[16:56] <Kotono> "Hmmm..." Antenora listens a bit, and then, "Gemstones?"
[16:56] <Kotono> The elves nod, seeming to slowly recover.
[16:57] <Seira> "And in that spirit of learning, wanna take a look around the city? See how humans live?" Seira offers, gesturing at the tavern. "I'm sure it's nice and quiet here, but do you really want to spend your precious time on the surface cooped up?"
[16:57] <Alicia> "Ancient gnomish lore. Seira appears to have consumed a vast quantity of them," Alicia nods quietly. "She maintains there have been no ill effects."
[16:58] <Kotono> "My..." Antenora licks her lips, eyes sparkling. "I didn't think she'd be the type..."
[16:59] <Alicia> "What's that supposed to mean?" Alicia asks suspiciously.
[16:59] <Kotono> The elves slowly nod at that, agreeing to it.
[17:00] <Kotono> Alicia gets a sideways look from that, "...aaah." she muses, "Would you like to know what devils can do with gemstones and magic, Mistress?"
[17:00] <Seira> "You may not know it, but you already have a few friends here!" Seira announces, standing up. "Elle's one of them, and her shop isn't too far away. It can be the first place for you to visit!"
[17:01] <Alicia> "Does it involve consuming specially prepared gemstones to gain spell-like abilities?"
[17:04] <Kotono> "Not that, Mistress," Antenora dissents lightly, "I can show you with simple, harmless image magic if you want."
[17:06] <Alicia> "Perhaps later," Alicia demurs. "It doesn't involve razor sharp gemstones and torture, does it?"
[17:16] <Kotono> "Only if you wish it to, Mistress," Antenora laughs a little bit, a mix of charm, amusement and dark intent. "But it scarecly involves the body."
[17:19] <Alicia> "I certainly do not wish it to," Alicia replies sharply. "Since you seem so eager to divulge, why don't you just tell me without any visual aids?"
[17:20] <Kotono> "I live to serve," Antenora purrs, stepping a little away from the others. She keeps her voice low, "Captured souls are at times imprisioned into gemstones."
[17:22] <Alicia> "Delightful," Alicia rolls her eyes. "I've heard of such necromancy, myself. It is hardly unique to your kind... and not something I can be proud of mortals for mastering."
[17:23] <Kotono> "A certain cult of devils is said to have learned how to consume those souls for power..." Antenora considers, "But perhaps they learned from another in some way?"
[17:27] <Alicia> "Perhaps," Alicia replies noncommittally. "Anyway, we should report what happened to the Commander, should we not?" she asks her colleagues.
[17:27] <Demedais> "That would be wise, yes." Demedais says. "The problem seems to be over for now, at least."
[17:27] <Seira> "We sent a giant shark fleeing," Seira responds, nodding. "I'm certain he will be most proud."

[Corwin]

[17:30] <Kotono> ---
[17:34] <Kotono> A few more days pass, with word coming from Pallanth and Malmuth. A site has been procured, elven rangers working to ensure this little segment of the borderlands will do. From Pallanth, all is ready and good. From Malmuth word takes another few days, but then it comes via scroll. They agree entirely and are preparing to journey as well. Thus, one fine evening, Lord Salman summons the group plus Commander Oberuth. "So word has come. With agre
[17:34] <Kotono>  With agreement, we shall leave within a few days."
[17:34] <Demedais> "Very well, sir." Demedais nods respectfully.
[17:34] * Seira nods. "We'll be sure to protect you, Sire."
[17:35] <Alicia> "And we'll keep Balmuria safe," Alicia promises earnestly.
[17:36] <Kotono> Antenora seems content as she often does to be quiet and alluring, not contributing to the conversation.
[17:36] <Kotono> "Then prepare. Are there any matters to be addressed or done beforehand?" Lord Salman asks.
[17:37] <Kotono> "The city's preparations aer as done as they're going to be," Commander Oberuth adds, "I'm confident we can last as long as possible."
[17:37] <Alicia> "Has there been any word on Febras?" Alicia asks curiously, not having heard anything since Seira's encounter outside the walls.
[17:38] <Demedais> "None that can not wait, in my situation. I'd appreciate a break from the extra training." Demedais grins slightly, cracking his neck a bit.
[17:38] * Seira intends to bring Donald along, but doesn't really consider it worth mentioning in this setting. And that's the only preparation left for her to do.
[17:38] <Kotono> "None that we have heard of," Lord Salman glances at Oberuth at that, who shakes his head as well. "Another reason I want one of you to be staying in Balmuria. If he becomes aware we are empty of defenses..."
[17:39] <Alicia> "Not while I'm here," Alicia swears.
[17:39] <Seira> "I find it more worriesome that he might decide to follow us, actually," Seira comments. "But if that happens, that's where we'll stop him."
[17:41] <Kotono> "So be it then," Lord Salman agrees to both of those, as Oberuth speaks up, "I'll be here as well. No overly unrotted corpse is going to do any harm to this city while you are gone, Lord."
[17:42] <Seira> "As long as the priests are vigilant about guarding the cemetaries and patrol the city with the proper detection spells, we would be all set. And if covering the entire city is impossible, checking on our mages and soldiers should suffice," Seira comments.
[17:43] <Kotono> "I do worry that even if we do that, there's still an entire forest of possible subjects, but there's nothing we can do about it," Commander OBeruth adds, shaking his head. "Regardless of worrying, I'm done and ready."
[17:44] * Demedais nods as well, neck re-limbered.
[17:44] <Kotono> "Then Demedais and Seira, prepare," Lord Salman agrees, and then with a momentary smile, "We assume your training has gone well in preparations for this?"
[17:45] <Demedais> "I believe so, yes." Demedais says.
[17:46] <Kotono> "Then dismissed. May the heavens look favorably on our venture," Lord Salman concludes.
[17:47] * Demedais nods and goes to prepare!
[17:47] * Seira salutes, before placing on her shades and turning to Demedais. "Let's make them regret any attempts at betrayal!"
[17:48] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais growls.

[Corwin]

[17:49] <Kotono> ----
[17:50] <Kotono> It is a optimistically sunny and pleasant day when Lord Salman's caravan leaves Balmuria. The streets are lined with well wishers, the 50 man honor guard wearing polished armor and with fine weapons at their side. At the head rides Lord Salman on a refined white charger, just behind him Demedais and Seira.  On these notes the group departs out...(More)
[17:52] <Kotono> Donald rides along as well, a bit further back adn with the common soldiers. The first few days of the trip are without incident besides a bit of rain.  But soon the group has entered the Barbarian Lands proper, beginning the trek towards the assigned meeting place. It will likely take at least a week if not more. (More)
[17:55] <Kotono> roll 1d4-2
[17:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d4-2 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{-1}
[17:55] <Kotono> roll 1d4-1
[17:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d4-1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{0}
[17:57] <Kotono> The first half of the week is quite sedate. A few goblins are seen, but they scurry away with haste on seeing the large number of armed men. Thus the first half passes without incident...(More)
[18:00] <Kotono> roll 1d4-1
[18:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d4-1 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 ]4,0{0}
[18:00] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[18:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d4 --> 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{2}
[18:01] <Kotono> The second half of the week also passes with little trouble. There is one incident of a troll being seen, but it lopes away before anyone can really react. Extra guards are posted that night; little of note occurs. In the middle of a tree shrouded, chilly day that speaks of the autumn that possesses the land, the caravan comes to a stop. Ahead of them is a cleared out section of forest, big enough where a few log cabins have been freshly made
[18:02] <Kotono> log cabins have been freshly made, even a few extra timbers still left on the side.
[18:04] <Kotono> "We hav earrived," Lord Salman speaks, his eyes taking in the place. "Set up tents around the left perimeter; Seira and Demedais, would you find if there is anyone aruond or in the cabins?"
[18:05] <Seira> Seira spends pretty much the entire trip looking smug and confident, cloak billowing up majestically behind her with an application of a cantrip. At the orders from Lord Salman, she responds, "Certainly, Sire," and leaps off her horse, leading it over to the cabins.
[18:05] <Demedais> "Very well, Sire." Demedais nods, moving towards one of the log cabins on Horse and dismounting once there to knock on the door.
[18:06] <Kotono> The two thus go to the cabins and knock! The door is opened right away from the one they chose, an elven warrior in chain opening it. When he sees Seira and then Demedais, his eyes light up a moment. "Aaah. You are the ones from the United Baronies?" he inquires, looking out past them.
[18:08] * Seira smirks. "In the flesh. Is everything ready? Do you need our help with anything?"
[18:08] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedias replies with a kinder smile than Seira's. "Anything we can do to assist here?"
[18:10] <Kotono> "His Majestyinstructed us personally to offer you anything you need," he bows, offering a hand out. "The construction is complete; supplies are in each cabin for food. While a small vanguard has arrived from Malmuth already, their main caravan will be another day or two."
[18:11] * Seira shakes the hand. "Let's make everything go smoothly, to have a lasting peace within our grasp."
[18:11] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods slightly as Seira and the elf shake hands. "We will notify our delegation, then. Thank you." This last part is said with a slight bow.
[18:12] <Kotono> He offers his hand out to Demedais after, "The Malmuthians already here are in that cabin," he points to the farthest one to the right. "A Lord Almand and a few soldiers."
[18:13] * Seira seems amused at that. "I'll take care of briefing Lord Salman, Demedais. Go say hi to our friends?"
[18:13] * Demedais shakes the elf's hand, before glancing at Seira. "...Very well." he says after a few moments. "Might as well get this over with."
[18:15] <Kotono> OOC - Terror, Deme. Suitable name.
[18:16] <Kotono> Seira goes back, finding most of the soldiers setting up tents on the perimeter. Lord Salman awaits in the meanwhile. "All is well?" he asks of Seira as she approaches.
[18:17] <Seira> "Their head spy slash diplomat is here, but the main delegation is expected to arrive only in a few days, Sire," Seira informs him. "Demedais went to greet them."
[18:19] <Kotono> "Ah, Almand," Lord Salmanmostly keeps the exasperation out of his voice, "I see."
[18:21] * Seira shrugs. "As long as we don't sign over the keys to the Baronies, we'll be fine, Sire."
[18:22] <Kotono> "Of course," Lord Salmana grees with the slightest smile, "Still..." he ponders, "Not to impunge on Demedais, but go join him. In case Almand's tongue is coated with more sweet venom thanusual, or in case you notice anything of interest."
[18:24] <Seira> It's one command Seira could do without, but she nods nonethesame. "It will be done, Sire," she agrees, and pushes her large shades all the way up the bridge of her nose, heading towards the cabin housing Almand.
[18:27] <Kotono> As Seira approaches, she can hear Demedais commenting on a matter, ...tent to wait," he finishes, and then Almand nods his head, "Be the matter as it may, we must be. And aaah, Seira as well?"
[18:28] * Demedais half-turns to regard Seira with an slight grin.
[18:28] <Seira> "A pleasure to meet you again, Lord Almand," she tells him with a wide smile. "I trust Berlioz is well?"
[18:31] <Kotono> "I hear he is," he says most nicely, "He has found a nice seaside town far to the southern reaches of Malmuth. If you miss him, perhaps I could arrainge a meeting after this peace agreement?"
[18:32] <Seira> "I have my own land now, and I have filled it with deadly traps of arcane magicks! Please give him the address when you see him next!" Seira agrees happily.
[18:35] <Kotono> "Of course," Almand's smile grows just a little more, as he nods to both, "If you excuse me, though, I have my own preparations."
[18:36] * Demedais nods his head slightly. "Very well, then."
[18:38] <Seira> "I'll take care of the preparations on our side, Demedais," Seira tells him. "Would you like to coordinate with our hosts?"
[18:38] <Demedais> "Sure." Demedais says with a slight nod.
[18:41] <Kotono> With a nod, Almand goes off. "Then come meet me in an hour," he invites as he goes.
[18:42] * Demedais nods and returns back to the Balmurian delegation to receive any further instructions on this Salman wants to give.
[18:42] <Kotono> On hearing of this, Lord Salman merely nods. "Very well, we'll prepare and wait then." he instructs, "Until Ferdi  gets here, we can do nothing but."
[18:42] * Seira makes certain every soldier knows what's expected of him to both protect their liege and not spark a diplomatic incident.
[18:43] * Demedais nods and waits the hour before returning.
[18:50] <Kotono> The next day passes in cautious waiting. On the afternoon, just past lunch...
[18:51] <Kotono> SEira, Demedais and Lord Salman wait ina  cabin. Conversation is occasionally had, but there is little to do at times but wait. But at last an elven guard comes to the door, knocking. "Sirs," he answers, "Two messages."
[18:52] <Seira> "Yes?" Seira asks, taking them for Lord Salman.
[18:52] <Kotono> "Go on," Lord Salman agrees.
[18:53] * Demedais looks up, willing to simply listen.
[18:53] <Kotono> "His Majesty, King Parthian has sent his wishes for a peaceful conclusion to your talks," he begins.
[18:56] <Kotono> After a moment, "Secondly, the Malmuthians have told me that they expect their King within the hour," he finishes.
[18:57] <Kotono> "Thank you," Lord Salman murmurs, standing up. "Well then, it is time to begin then."
[18:57] <Seira> "Once again, please relay our gratitude to Pallanth and its monarch for graciously allowing us to use their lands for this summit," Seira adds, following Lord Salman.
[18:57] <Kotono> The elven warrior nods once to Seira's words.
[18:58] * Demedais nods, inhaling slightly and nodding to the elven messenger as he follows Salman and Seira.
[19:04] <Kotono> So the group heads outside! Doing so, they find a vanguard of Malmuthian soldiers at attention, forming a path. Far ahead, just coming through the forest, you can see a group of soldiers coming, as well as a man on a perfect brown warhorse. You can't quite see him  yet, but the way he rides, the way his head is up, the way the soldiers around him ride...
[19:05] <Demedais> "Here we go." Demedais murmurs. "Fortune or fate..."
[19:06] <Seira> "There is no fate but what we forge with our own strength," Seira comments quietly from his side.
[19:07] <Demedais> "My thoughts precisely." Demedais grins.
[19:08] <Kotono> Lord Salman stiffens up, back straight and waiting..."Yes," he murmurs quietly, but holds his tongue otherwise.
[19:10] <Kotono> As they come closer, the heroes can begin to see better. As this happens, the soldiers of the Baronies begin to gather as well, respectful but on guard. Ahead...ahead you can begin to see, yes. A man in a brisk middle age of his life, temples touched with gray. Just a little, more like a crowning than a sign of age. His body is toned and well kept. He wears a breastplate, with beautiful engravings on it you can't make out.  His horse makes a
[19:11] <Kotono> His horse makes a fast pace, bringing him closer. (More)
[19:12] <Kotono> A sword is on his side, hilt bejeweled. He rides closer, an air about him. A natural air of command, a presence and force of will that strikes you without him speaking a word.  As his horse reaches teh edge of the clearing, the Malmuthian soldiers all bow. "Majesty!" they proclaim as one.
[19:14] <Kotono> Lord Salman awaits, proper and unbowed. The Baronies soldiers watch on, wary but waiting.
[19:16] <Kotono> King Ferdi rides to the end of the line of Malmuthian soldiers, a few others riding with him. A few paces back is a man the party knows well; Claris Brightsun nods discreetly to Seira and Demedais. Two others are with him, wearing hoods and cloaks. King Ferdi stops at teh end of the line, "Lord Salman," he speaks, a slight inclination of his head towards him.
[19:17] * Demedais returns Claris Brightsun's nod.
[19:17] * Seira waves at Claris in response, smiling.
[19:19] <Kotono> "King Ferdi," Lord Salman agrees solemnly. Thereafter, Ferdi dismounts, and once he does, the two rulers walk to each other. They meet in the center, a stiff shaking of hands. "It is Malmuth's hope we can come to a good understanding," King Ferdi states.
[19:19] <Kotono> Lord Salman returns the handshake, "We do have much to discuss, but our hopes are the same."
[19:20] <Kotono> As Claris Brightsun ever so slightly nods back to Seira's energetic wave, "Yes," Ferdi's eyes fall on Seira and Demedais, "Seira the half elf and Demedais the paladin?" he inquires. "The stories of your Crimson Guard have reached even my ears."
[19:21] <Seira> "We're honored, Sir!" Seira responds perkily.
[19:22] * Demedais gives a slightly sheepish nod to King Ferdi as well.
[19:22] <Kotono> "Our nation is blessed to have them," Lord Salman returns, glancing backwards. "I suggest that we retire to a cabin to begin talks immediately?"
[19:23] <Kotono> Ferdi's gaze stays on thet wo longer that it really needs to, but at last returns to Lord Salman. "This is agreeable," he states.
[19:25] <Kotono> With that, the two head to the center cabin solemnly. The troops of both sides watch them go inside, then begin staring at each other. During all of this, Claris approaches. "Your energy is...aaah...admirable," he murmurs to Seira. "We seem to be meeting in good circumstances this day.
[19:26] <Kotono> "
[19:26] <Seira> "Yes," she agrees readily. "No hostile dragons around, I checked."
[19:27] <Demedais> "No more dragons, please..." Demedais murmurs with a decently large grin, shaking his head.
[19:28] <Kotono> Claris returns that with his own faint chuckle, "Yes, yes," he agrees to both, "While our Lord talk statecraft..." Claris's voice narrows down, "There's a matter I wisht o discuss with the two of you."
[19:28] * Demedais looks up to Claris, suddenly serious. "What is it?"
[19:29] <Kotono> "Thank you, first of all," he nods to Seira, "The matter at hand is a damnable defiler of bodies and souls. I believe you know him, as you passed on word through Pallan."
[19:30] * Seira nods. "He's back to harrassing us, now. We're dealing with it, but any tips you can share from your own experiences would be appreciated."
[19:30] <Kotono> "Turning doesn't work," Claris nearly growls at that, a look of real anger passing over. "The normal banes for an undead do not work, and his body is extremely difficult to damage. Raw elemental damage can work, especially fire. But still..." Claris shakes his head, "He's strong."
[19:31] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[19:31] <Seira> "Yes, fire works really well!" Seira agrees, smiling nastily.
[19:32] * Taishyr (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[19:32] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[19:32] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[19:33] <Demedais> "I seem to have missed encountering this Febras every time he comes around." Demedais growls in irritation. "Once I do find him, though..."
[19:34] <Kotono> The look on Claris' face doesn't improve. "I encountered him a few times. The first time he brushed aside my attempt to banish him in the name of Lathander. The second time, my weapons came to little and only my strongest prayers and spells hade much effect. But even then..." Claris just shakes his head. "Do you know exactly what he is?"
[19:35] <Seira> Seira bites her lower lip, before nodding hesitantly. "I know some. He managed to master necromantic energies to transform himself and others, surpassing the usual limitations of undead while retaining most of their abilities, and then some. I have some of the theory he used to achieve that, from personal belongings captured as he fled."
[19:37] <Kotono> "If you ever do get a chance at him, don't give him any chance to take control or flee." Claris' warns Demedais, before nodding. "A true heretic then. Has those belongings aided you at all in battling him?"
[19:38] <Seira> "Only moderately," Seira admits. "There is more, but I'm not certain how much priveleged material you're allowed to reveal to us, and I can't really give away our own with nothing in return, you understand."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Of course. Informally?" Claris eyes Seira and Demedais, "We both want to see him destroyed and we can agree to work on that. Assuming our Lords go well, that is something I would like us to cooperate on."
[19:43] * Demedais inclines his head. "He's a threat to both countries at this rate; I'm in agreement with you. Seira?"
[19:44] * Seira nods herself. "I have reason to suspect he's using ancient gnomish lore, perhaps its forbidden parts, to enhance himself. That's about as much as I can say at this point, and it's entirely off the record, of course."
[19:53] <Kotono> Claris scowls even deeper, "The gnomes, yes, it would play..." he murmurs to himself, "But on matters we can freely talk of...I heard reports about Shamal. I'm sorry," he says regretfully.
[19:55] * Demedais bows his head in silence.
[19:57] <Seira> "Speaking of companions, I don't see those that came with you that other time," Seira says in a clear attempt to change the topic.
[19:58] <Kotono> Claris nods once more, "Pallan I have not seen in recent times, I believe he is assigned elseware. As for the General, I believe he's in Valandia."
[20:01] * Demedais nods slightly to Claris.
[20:01] <Seira> "What are your goals of this summit?" Seira asks Claris directly, then.
[20:02] <Kotono> Claris simply smiles at that, "I prayed to Lathander that we'll find peace of this. I savor a war no more than I savor Febras running around Malmuth."
[20:03] <Seira> "Clearly, we both want that, or neither would be here," Seira agrees with a curt nod. "But are there any terms to that peace? Can Malmuth accept our existence as an independant entity?"
[20:04] <Kotono> At this, Claris' smile seems to find better pastures, leaving his face. "That is in the will and mind of His Majesty and little else." Claris considers a moment, before looking to thet wo of them. "Unofficially, I'm willing to trade a little bit of information here for like information."
[20:05] <Seira> "I'm amenable to that. Would you mind starting, and I'll reciprocate in kind?"
[20:09] <Kotono> Claris considers, before a tactful nod. "Very well. I believe they'll come to an agreement; King Ferdi would not do this without a reason."
[20:11] * Demedais isn't at his fore in diplomatic relations, and thus stays silent, listening.
[20:11] * Seira smirks. "This was easy."
[20:11] * Demedais glances at Seira, mildly confused.
[20:12] <Seira> "Don't you feel like a load has been lifted off your chest?" she asks Demedais. "We've been worrying all this time, but really, Malmuth wants this to work just as much as we do!"
[20:13] <Demedais> "...indeed." Demedais says, still thrown off by Seira's mood change.
[20:13] <Kotono> Claris awaits with a slight smile, "I hopet hat is the case, yes," his agreement comes quickly. He looks to the cabin the two lords talk in, "That is my hope."
[20:14] <Demedais> "And mine as well..." Demedais muses.
[20:14] <Kotono> Claris nods once more, "I feel that I should pray to Lathander now that this is ture. I will see the two of you around as we wait?"
[20:15] <Seira> "Makes me wish I set up a bugging spell," Seira says wistfully, glancing towards the same cabin, before shaking her head. "Yes, let's do this again some time soon."
[20:16] <Kotono> "Be well, both of you," Claris so wishes, heading off and leaving the two alone. OOC - Ball's in your court if you want to chat or skip along.
[20:16] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods as Claris walks off.
[20:17] <Seira> "Want to mingle with Malmuth's soldiers?" Seira suggests. "It might be good for morale!"
[20:18] <Demedais> "May as well." Demedais assents.
[20:21] <Seira> Seira bravely leads the way, the fiery face dominating her cloak leering at the soldiers she passes by, animated by her movement. As she strides with purpose, Seira searches for a familiar face among the Malmuthian soldiers, though any would do for her task.
[20:22] <Kotono> Seira doesn't see anone that sticks out as familiar. Howere, the Malmuthians watch them, a mix of interest and professiona disdain. The Baronies soldiers watch and grina t this, a few cheering.
[20:23] * Seira heads for those that show interest, clearly snubbing the disdainful ones.
[20:24] * Demedais walks with her, partially interested and partially to keep her under control.
[20:27] <Kotono> A few soldiers are waiting together besides a pitched tent, eyeing Seira as she comes up. "Sonuvabitch," one notes, "I expected more fire and fury," he comments caustically.
[20:30] <Demedais> "Depends on which of us you're talking to and when, same as with anyone else." Demedais replies somewhat blithely.
[20:31] <Seira> "War is bad," Seira tells them, stopping and turning towards the soldiers in question. "It pays the bills, but so does adventuring."
[20:34] <Kotono> The soldier, a leatherfaced and stout man in armor, "Yeah, yeah." he drawls, "I heard you spit fire or some shit, though. Or cast it or whatever, a real terror. That and the damned dragon killer," A long look at Demedais. "'pecting something bigger."
[20:35] <Demedais> "Nah." Demedais shrugs with a slight grin. "Just have a steady blade and very good assistance. But if she can't spit fire now, she'll figure out how, knowing her..."
[20:35] <Seira> "That's what magic's for!" Seira tells him happily. "I have a spell for every occasion. Even to make rude people genuflect." She seems shifty, adding quietly, "Though it's not perfected, yet."
[20:36] * Demedais eyes Seira.
[20:36] <Seira> "Would you like me to make you larger, now?" she asks sweetly.
[20:36] <Kotono> ""Hahahahaha, you sound like a soldier, alright," The man eyes Seira, as another looks at Demedais with something approaching respect.
[20:38] <Demedais> "No need." Demedais says with a slight grin. "Nothing to do with it here, anyway." With that, he glances around at the soldiers calmly, shrugging a bit. "All I can do is say that luck was a big part of all that. On that note, I hate lightning now. Blasted dragonbreath..."
[20:39] <Kotono> As they talk, a soldier is called into the main cabin. He exits in a few moments, heading for Demedais and Seira.
[20:39] * Seira takes out a notebook, marking something on it. "Hating electricity, check."
[20:40] <Demedais> "What, that wasn't obvious with the shocker lizards, Seira? I'm shocked, you're slipping." Demedais banters back.
[20:40] <Seira> "It's all a ploy to make you lower your guard, naturally," she responds easily.
[20:41] <Demedais> "Ah, I see. I'll keep that in mind, then." Demedais is grinning as he glances over to the soldier moving toward them.
[20:46] <Kotono> As the soldier approaches, "Sirs Seira and Demedais," the Balmurian soldier calls.
[20:47] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais says, turning to the soldier completely.
[20:48] <Kotono> "Lord Salman and King Ferdi wish your presence," he bows to them.
[20:49] <Demedais> "Very well. A pleasure, gentlemen." Demedais nods to the soldiers before heading to the cabin with Seira.
[20:49] <Seira> "See you later," Seira tells the soldiers. "Let's talk more about magic next time."
[20:52] <Kotono> So Alicia and Seira head to the cabin. Inside they find a table and a few chairs, where the two leaders sit. Ferdi watches the door as they enter, Lord Salman speaking. "If you two would," e begins, "Ferdi wished to meet you personally."
[20:54] <Seira> "We're honored, Sire," Seira speaks, inclining her head as she steps forward.
[20:54] <Demedais> "Ah. Very well, then." Demedais says, rubbing the back of his head for a second before half-bowing to King Ferdi and stepping just behind and to the right of Seira. "It is our honor, Sire."
[20:59] <Kotono> "I've heard much of you," he smiles slightly to both of them, "Some better than others."
[21:00] <Seira> "Only the good things are true, I assure you, My Lord," Seira tells the king, responding with a bright smile of her own.
[21:02] * Demedais glances over at Seira with eyebrows slightly raised, before shaking his head quietly and meeting Ferdi's eyes.
[21:20] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 aww hell
[21:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Demedais rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0aww hell --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{20}
[21:21] <Kotono> His eyes meet Demedais' without hesitation. Demedais feels...stirred. "I've heard much of your tales and exploits, from the forests of the Barbarian Lands, to the elven cities to far away places."
[21:23] <Seira> "We get around," Seira agrees. "Is it your wish to draw on our experiences and have us help with the negotiations, Your Highness?" she asks King Ferdi.
[21:24] * Demedais says nothing, a bit numbed. So this was the effect he had on people...? Blood and ashes, no wonder... After a second, Demedais steels himself, though the awe lingers heavily, and listens to the conversation.
[21:26] <Kotono> "I wished to simply meet the illutrious Crimson Guard myself," Ferdi looks to both of them, "You are great players in the events that have swirled around our kingdoms, doubtlessly."
[21:28] <Seira> "And we hope to continue that trend," Seira tells the king, before throwing Lord Salman a questioning glance. "Is it alright if I made the offer now, My Lord, or is it too soon?" she asks him.
[21:28] <Demedais> "Ah. Even when we didn't intend to stir anything up, sadly, yes." Demedais nods slightly, before letting Seira take the lead.
[21:30] <Kotono> "Not yet," Lord Salman demurs that away, "There is much we must still discuss."
[21:30] <Kotono> Ferdi at that point speaks up, "There is one matter of discussion that I wish to broach with the Crimson Guard," he speaks up.
[21:31] <Seira> "Of course," Seira responds, awaiting said matter to be voiced.
[21:31] <Demedais> "And that would be...?" Demedais says, inclining his head respectfully.
[21:37] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
[21:38] <Kotono> "Certain matters of state," he begins, "We have been making efforts with the elves for some times, but it seems your efforts have slid in lieu of ours."
[21:39] <Seira> You win some, you lose some. Is he expecting an apology? Confused as she is, Seira opts to nod. "That seems to be the case, yes."
[21:42] <Kotono> "We would be interested in conferring with you on matters relating to that at some point in the near future," Ferdi goes on, quiet. "You would make an excellent arbitrator for all three sides."
[21:43] <Seira> "As my duties permit me, Your Highness," Seira responds, "I would be happy to serve the cause of peace for Balmuria and its friends."

[Corwin]

[15:07] <Demedais> "It was a joint effort on the part of all of Balmuria's soldiers, sir." Demedais replies.
[15:10] <Kotono> This gets a thoughtful look back, "Perhaps so, but could even a thousand archers be of any avail against a dragon's scales?" He lingers on this a few seconds, matching his eyes to Demedais.
[15:11] <Kotono> "Our soldiers in Balmuria are brave and dedicated," Lord Salman speaks up, "Demedais speaks the truth."
[15:13] <Demedais> "The Crimson Guard, taking on a dragon alone? We played an instrumental role, I will not deny - but I do not believe that without the City Guard's resources and time, we would have done so well - if we even managed victory." Demedais replied, thinking of the ballistae used to slow the dragon.
[15:16] <Kotono> "Perhaps so..." Ferdi observes, his eyes keen. His gaze travels to Seira for a short time, before, "Even so. But, ther eis much that we still need to discuss," he looks sidelong to Lord Salman.
[15:17] * Seira looks the very image of innocence!
[15:18] * Demedais looks between Salman and Ferdi. "Is there anything else you wish us to address?"
[15:20] <Kotono> King Ferdi shakes his head. "Frankly, I had only wished to meet the storied Crimson Guard face to face," he allows. Lord Salman nods slightly at that, "We do still have much to discuss indeed."
[15:21] * Demedais nods, with a slight smile upon his face. "My apologies if we disappointed, King Ferdi." With that, he turns and nods to Seira, before leaving.
[15:23] * Seira is quite happy to leave if she's been dismissed. Despite appearing quite regal, King Ferdi just doesn't measure up to demons and dragons.
[15:24] <Kotono> The two exit out without incident. Outside, you can see Claris working with the Malmuthian troops a moment, the Balmuria ones watching and waiting as well. OOC - Ball's in your court, if you want to do anything or wait.
[15:25] <Demedais> "Well, that was less dramatic than I had feared." Demedais said after a moment.
[15:25] * Seira shrugs. "Your expectations were probably set too high, then."
[15:26] <Demedais> "Probably." Demedais allows.
[15:28] * Seira seeks out Claris once more.
[15:28] * Demedais follows after a moment.
[15:29] <Kotono> Claris needs some time, soon coming away from the soldiers and walking with the Balmurians. He heads away, towards the edge of the forest, as you can see you have eyes on you from both camps. "Yes?" he enquires, "How did your meeting go?"
[15:30] <Demedais> "Less dramatically than I thought it might." Demedais says again, rubbing his neck.
[15:31] <Kotono> That gets Claris to chuckle, "Were you expecting a fire breathing demon?" he enquires, before a slight shake of his head. "His Majesty posesses strength and charisma, but he's not...say, a Febras." Despite the slight darkening of his features that this mention brings, Claris stays on.
[15:32] <Seira> "Yes, well-- how do you handle the magical education of the children in Malmuth?" Seira asks, changing the topic rapidly.
[15:33] * Demedais frowns a bit at Seira in confusion, but is content to listen.
[15:33] <Kotono> There's a slight pause on this, Claris quiet. "When a magical savant is found? If training is not possible due to station, the throne will usually intervene. It's only common sense. But what is it you wish to know by that curious question?"
[15:35] <Seira> "So it's all handled privately? Huh." Seira blinks. "Doesn't this pretty much mean that to succeed, a lot of self-study is involved?"
[15:37] <Kotono> "At times. There are not enough of us on the ground," Claris pauses, looking down. "Godsmen or wizards. As long as we serve, the Crown is usually content to allow cabals and groups develop magecrafts themselves." After a moment he looks up, "Is it the same in your kingdom?"
[15:38] <Seira> "We seem to have even less registered mages than you do, it seems," Seira responds. "It really is a shame we don't have any kind of exchange of ideas."
[15:40] <Kotono> "There would be had you were still a part of Malmuth," Claris corrects, with the slightest reproachful smile. But then he moves on from it, "I suppose the seperation has caused splintering in many ways." Into the forest you go, just a bit away from the others.
[15:42] * Seira snorts. "That's one thing I'm not to blame for."
[15:42] <Demedais> "A rarity, indeed." Demedais remarks.
[15:43] * Seira smirks. "Isn't it?"
[15:44] <Demedais> "It is." Demedais shakes his head, before nodding to Claris. "Hopefully this means better relations all around."
[15:44] <Kotono> "It is," Claris does laugh a little at that, "You're not quiet about the troubles you make. But yes...Lathander willing, we will find peace in our times."
[15:46] <Seira> "So how about starting some unofficial sharing of information going?" Seira asks Claris, peering at him over her lowered shades. "If it's successful enough, we'll turn it into fact."
[15:46] <Demedais> "I try not to be too loud about mine, but yes." Demedais rubs his head again, before chuckling. "Helm and Lathander willing."
[15:47] <Kotono> Claris slightly smiles, "Unofficially, I'd best hold my tongue until our Lords are done. If things go well, further discussion will be attainable on a far less strained basis."
[15:49] <Seira> "If they only agree to hold more talks, though, we still have our Febras situation back home," Seira reminds him. "In some cases, waiting might be counter productive."
[15:50] <Kotono> "As for Febras..." Claris' face turns dark once more, "My Divine Lord will surely understand, as will my more earthly one. On that matter, restrain is a nother matter unneeded.""
[15:51] <Seira> "Have you tried using artifact-level weapons on him?" Seira asks Claris.
[15:52] <Kotono> With a bit of a laugh, "If you show me one, I'll be glad to use it on him," he promises.
[15:53] <Seira> "That's surprising," Seira tells him, her face showing as much. "Knowledge of high level magical items in Malmuth's hands is hardly secret." She glances at Demedais. "What was it called, that sword of theirs...?"
[15:55] <Kotono> "Aaah, the Elysium Blade?" Claris goes on, "Such matters..." Claris just shakes his head, "Are something I should not discuss. If you excuse me then..." Claris looks to both with a proper nod, before turning and beginning to walk back.
[15:55] <Demedais> "Ah? I don't remember." Demedais shakes his head, before nodding to Claris. "Fare thee well, then."
[15:56] <Seira> "Disappointing," Seira mutters. "But I suppose we should try that, when we see him again."
[15:56] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods.
[15:59] <Kotono> The day passes quietly. THe two lords spend much time in discussion and break for the evening past dinner. The troops are a bit restless, but nothing occurs of note as everyone settles into rest. But that evening, the cabin Seira and Demedais stay in is disturbed by a knock.
[15:59] * Seira allows Demedais to answer it, playing with fire.
[16:00] * Demedais calls out to the door as he moves toward it, "Come in."
[16:00] <Kotono> A Balmurian soldier enters, the door open. "Claris Brightsun of Malmuth wants to meet with you," he says without fanfare.
[16:01] <Demedais> "Very well, then. Seira?" Demedais prompts.
[16:01] * Seira casually dismisses her necklace of multi-colored fire. "Let's go," she responds, standing up.
[16:02] <Kotono> "He said that he'll meet you in the forest that away," the soldier dutifully points to the darkened woods.
[16:02] <Demedais> "...very well, then." Demedais says after a moment. "Thank you, soldier."
[16:03] * Demedais waits for the soldier to leave before turning to Seira with a slight frown.
[16:03] <Kotono> The soldier salutes dutifully and leaves.
[16:03] * Seira catches Demedais's shoulder. "Why don't you grab a torch, and I'll inform one of our own troops where we're headed?" she tells him. "We should be prepared, just in case."
[16:03] <Demedais> "Trap?" Demedais asks bluntly, before nodding. "Got it."
[16:04] <Kotono> A torch is obtained without incident, and there are a few soldiers on watch to inform is Demedais wishes.
[16:04] * Seira goes to gather a few of their best men and put them on alert, to guard Lord Salman, and to send someone to look for her towards the woods if she's not back within a reasonable amount of time.
[16:05] * Demedais waits for Seira near the forest, torch in hand and just lit.
[16:06] <Kotono> The soldiers nod to the instructions, acting as so ordered.
[16:06] * Seira approaches Demedais, a spell of magic detection cast ahead of time.
[16:06] * Demedais nods and without preamble heads in the direction Claris said he'd be in.
[16:10] <Kotono> The forest thickens quickly, some effort needed to wade through. It takes about three minutes until you see a little halo of light in a small forset clearing. Claris holds a plain forest stick, radiating light as he looks around. He looks somewhat impatient on a glance.
[16:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+21
[16:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 26."12 [1d20=5]
[16:11] * Demedais sweeps out with Detect Chaos, not liking this situation much at present. "Hello, Claris Brightsun."
[16:14] * Seira gives him a friendly wave.
[16:14] <Kotono> "Good evening," he returns, stretching out and seeming to loosen slightly.
[16:15] <Seira> "We're all yours."
[16:15] <Kotono> Claris scowls at that, slightly stiffening, "I suppose, since you asked me to meet you here," he begins. "So I'm all yours as well, what is it?"
[16:15] * Demedais halts suddenly, squinting into the darkness near Claris.
[16:16] <Seira> "You called us here," Seira tells him flatly. "If it didn't come from you, then we must return at once. Come!" And she follows her own advice with haste.
[16:17] <Demedais> "Claris...!" Demedais growls, loosing his sword. "Toward us!"
[16:19] <Kotono> Claris begins to speak, before biting off a curse and starting to run! This barely has time to happen, however, as a few sparks race towards the heroes! Only good and quick reflexes saved them at all, as a great burst of fire erupts all around them! OOC - Since you reacted in time, I'll give you a +3 circumstance bonus to your reflex saves.
[16:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
[16:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 33."12 [1d20=19]
[16:20] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 ...god, this isn't gonna help.
[16:20] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 ...god, this isn't gonna help. and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[16:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 ref save suck
[16:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 ref save suck and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[16:20] <Kotono> roll 10d6
[16:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 37."12 [10d6=6, 2, 2, 6, 4, 1, 6, 2, 6, 2]
[16:22] <Kotono> Claris is able to shield his face and body with his sides, only taking some fire! Demedais is cooked good however, as you hear Claris snarl, "Tretchery!" As the forest around you sizzles and smokes, you can see something huge starting to race ahead! It pushes trees aside, rushing out of the shadows! OOC - Initiative here, I think.
[16:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 nerveskitter
[16:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 nerveskitter and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[16:23] <Demedais> roll 1d20 Why oh why must I have dragonlike DEX without dragonlike STR?
[16:23] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 Why oh why must I have dragonlike DEX without dragonlike STR? and gets 8."12 [1d20=8]
[16:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Claris
[16:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Claris and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
[16:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 ????
[16:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 ???? and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[16:23] * Kotono changes topic to '???>Seira>Deme>Claris'
[16:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[16:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 9."12 [1d20=9]
[16:26] * Kotono changes topic to '???>Seira>???2>Deme=>Claris'
[16:27] <Kotono> It comes from the forest! A great winged creature, horrid claws and withering wings! It rushes towards the party, an abomination ever unseen! It's mouth is not a mouth, but a bird's terrible beak, yet filled with teeth! It's coming up on the party, rushing through the forest an dalmost reaching them despite the wooded terrain! OOC - Seira.
[16:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[16:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
[16:29] <Seira> Calling upon haste to envelop their very being, Seira draws her bow, stepping away from Demedais enough to make another area attack by the beast's summoner an unlikely proposition.
[16:31] <Kotono> Potent magic envelops the party, speeding them up! AS it does, you can see something far away, perhaps one hundred feet away? Lighting crackles at an unseen source, coming forth and gushing right for Seira! OOC - Ref save.
[16:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[16:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 22."12 [1d20=10]
[16:33] <Kotono> Seira manages to just barely weave aside, the lighting dancing around her in a movement of death! OOC - Deme.
[16:34] * Demedais bellows in anger and closes with the demon, investing one heavenly strike before weaving a bit and letting lose two more slashes at its chest!
[16:35] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (+1 haste +4 CHA -4 PA)
[16:35] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (+1 haste +4 CHA -4 PA) and gets 33."12 [1d20=19]
[16:35] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (+1 haste +4 CHA -4 PA)
[16:35] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (+1 haste +4 CHA -4 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
[16:35] <Demedais> OOC: Sorry, second one's not a smite, but the roll is correct.
[16:35] <Kotono> So what's the total on it, 21 then?
[16:36] <Demedais> OOC: 25. I subtracted the 4 from the roll, but not from the description.
[16:36] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, make your last attack then?
[16:37] <Kotono> OOC - Aaanyway, confirm your crit?
[16:37] <Demedais> OOC: Scratch second roll, yeah.
[16:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 crit check
[16:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 crit check and gets 24."12 [1d20=10]
[16:37] <Kotono> OOC - Crit.
[16:38] <Demedais> roll 4d6+36
[16:38] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+36 and gets 47."12 [4d6=4, 2, 1, 4]
[16:41] <Kotono> Charging in, Demedais draws on the divine power granted to him by Helm! This brings a blow of the purest power onto the demon's body, cutting into it like a scythe through ripe wheat! It is strike by a slash that would cleave a mere minor demon into two, yet it remains fully alive and only somewhat injured! Claris closes his eyes am oment, reaching into his clothes and withdrawning a symbol held in his hands, glowing white. "Great Guiding Lat
[16:41] <Kotono> "Great Guiding Lathander, grand me the power to dispel this abomination!" With that, claris begins to glow a shimmering white. OOC - Creature is up.
[16:43] <Kotono> The creature roars it's eagerness, closing in with Demedais! The two begin to go back and forth, a savage brawl!
[16:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 17."12 [1d20=2]
[16:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 21."12 [1d20=6]
[16:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 16."12 [1d20=3]
[16:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 30."12 [1d20=17]
[16:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 29."12 [1d20=16]
[16:43] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[16:43] <Demedais> OOC: 28.
[16:43] <Kotono> roll 2d6+6
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+6 and gets 14."12 [2d6=2, 6]
[16:44] <Kotono> A flurry of blows, the Fifth Resort and Deme's magical armor serving him well! Only a few cruel talons rake into his skin, the wounds relatively minor! OOC - SEira.
[16:46] <Seira> Seira... turns invisible! And moves from her spot afterwards, headed swiftly towards the hidden source of the electrical attack on her.
[16:53] <Kotono> Seira vanishes from sight, running up the forest! She an see where the lighting came, but she can't see a target to attack! But she does hear words spoken ahead, "Devilish clouds of rolling poison, consume all that oppose me!" A deep, sonorous voice intones, as a horrible cloud of green gasses erupts around Demedais and Claris! The smell is unbearable, weakening their very being! OOC - Fort saves, you two.
[16:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 now these I can do fairly well
[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 now these I can do fairly well and gets 20."12 [1d20=5]
[16:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[16:54] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[16:55] <Kotono> The fog batters their very spirit, seeming to chip away at their primal vitality! OOC - Demedais.
[16:58] * Demedais grunts and focuses his full fury on the demon in front of him, with three more sweeping cuts focused on the beast's head and neck, the first one imbued with holy energy!
[16:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 haste +4 CHA -3 PA)
[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 (+1 haste +4 CHA -3 PA) and gets 26."12 [1d20=11]
[16:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (+1 haste -3 PA)
[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (+1 haste -3 PA) and gets 20."12 [1d20=9]
[16:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (+1 haste -3 PA)
[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (+1 haste -3 PA) and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[16:58] <Kotono> OOC - One hit.
[16:59] <Demedais> roll 2d6+19
[16:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+19 and gets 28."12 [2d6=3, 6]
[17:00] <Kotono> The creature's body is cut again, sliced into! As it is and Claris coughs in the mist, he approaches! "Creature of vile origins," he intones, reaching forward to touch it!
[17:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[17:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[17:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[17:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 14."12 [1d20=5]
[17:02] <Kotono> The creature roars in agony for a moment, but suddenly the glow around Claris vanishes entirely! "You will not resist long!" Claris calls back. As it does, the creature seems to concentrate...
[17:02] <Kotono> roll 1d4+4
[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+4 and gets 6."12 [1d4=2]
[17:02] <Kotono> Before one of him become seven of him, images bursting out! Meanwhile, from behind, you can hear rustling and oises, calls! OOC - Seira.
[17:04] * Seira continues approaching the creep that tried to take a shot at her!
[17:08] * Ebiris_ (WinNT@user-514d039d.l3.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[17:08] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514d039d.l3.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris_))
[17:08] * Ebiris_ is now known as Ebiris
[17:08] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[17:10] <Seira> Not seeing anyone, Seira decides to gain their attention by releasing a storm of ice on the area to clear it of vegetation, centering it around the magical auras she can perceive.
[17:10] <Seira> roll 5d6
[17:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d6 and gets 19."12 [5d6=4, 5, 6, 3, 1]
[17:11] <Kotono> Clunk! An ice storm erupts over head, getting a cry of, "You damned pestilence!" Irenes can be heard quite clearly, even as hailstones bounce off a figure unseen!
[17:12] * Seira uses the chance to hide herself with more mundane means, as he is occupied.
[17:13] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 33."12 [1d20=20]
[17:16] * Ko-Laggyswaffleshowdown (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[17:16] * Ko-Laggyswaffleshowdown is now known as Anastasia
[17:16] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
[17:19] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[17:25] <Anastasia> "You..." Irenes can be heard to hiss, hailstones bouncing slightly farther back, as, "* Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[17:25] <Anastasia> > Link me to ice storm?
[17:25] <Anastasia> OOC - Strike.
[17:25] <Anastasia> OOC - While I do this, make fort saving again, Deme?
[17:26] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 cha ne
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 cha ne and gets 27."12 [1d20=14]
[17:26] <Anastasia> "You..." Irenes can be heard to hiss, hailstones bouncing slightly farther back, as, "Zephyr of the forgotten winds, banished by the rage of the Gods. Come forth and travel with me, on the wings of etherial light!" Wind gusts and blows, seeming to engulf where Irenes stands!
[17:26] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+9 Claris
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+9 Claris and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
[17:26] <Anastasia> roll 1d4
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[17:28] <Anastasia> As Irenes winks away on the wind, Demedais resists the worst of the poison mists, but Claris looks ill!
[17:28] <Anastasia> OOC - Deme.
[17:30] * Demedais blinks as the demon turns into seven, before grinning slighty. "Hate to break it to you, demon, but this won't protect you for long!" With that, he lets loose a series of jabs at the Vrock and its images!
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (+1 haste)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (+1 haste) and gets 32."12 [1d20=18]
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (+1 haste)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (+1 haste) and gets 24."12 [1d20=10]
[17:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (+1 haste)
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (+1 haste) and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[17:31] <Demedais> OOC: Cleave work on hitting mirror images? ^_^
[17:32] <Anastasia> OOC - Sure. First, confirm the first hit critting?
[17:33] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 crit check
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 crit check and gets 20."12 [1d20=6]
[17:33] <Anastasia> OOC - Three normal hits. For the first, roll 1d7.
[17:33] <Demedais> roll 1d7
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d7 and gets 2."12 [1d7=2]
[17:33] <Anastasia> OOC - One image down. For the second, roll 1d6
[17:33] <Demedais> roll 1d6
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d6 and gets 4."12 [1d6=4]
[17:33] <Anastasia> OOC - Two down. 1d5 for the last.
[17:33] <Demedais> roll 1d5
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d5 and gets 2."12 [1d5=2]
[17:34] <Demedais> OOC: Do I get my cleave rolls?
[17:34] <Anastasia> OOC: Yeah, go for it.
[17:35] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 cleave illusion part 1!
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 cleave illusion part 1! and gets 18."12 [1d20=4]
[17:35] <Anastasia> OOC - See which you hit. THe Ac of the images=/=AC of the caster.
[17:35] <Anastasia> OOC - Roll 1d4
[17:35] <Demedais> roll 1d4 target?
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 target? and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[17:36] <Anastasia> OOC - Another image down. 1d3 after you roll the last attack.
[17:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 cleave illusion part 2
[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 cleave illusion part 2 and gets 28."12 [1d20=14]
[17:36] <Demedais> roll 1d3
[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[17:36] <Anastasia> OOC - Hit!
[17:36] <Demedais> roll 2d6+7
[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+7  and gets 16."12 [2d6=6, 3]
[17:37] <Anastasia> In a storm of gas and blades, Demedais whirls like the wind! His blows sever the images part, only leaving two and scoring another hit on the monster! But it still lives, as...
[17:39] <Anastasia> Claris falters in the gas, more coughs.  Hemoves slightly back, going to touch Demedais as a healing light engulfs him!
[17:39] <Anastasia> roll 4d8+9
[17:39] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 4d8+9 and gets 32."12 [4d8=3, 8, 4, 8]
[17:40] <Anastasia> Demedais finds his wo unds wiped away, , largely mended! At this, the horrible creature bears in, trying to ravage him asunder!
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+15
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+15
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 32."12 [1d20=17]
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 23."12 [1d20=10]
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 33."12 [1d20=20]
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 14."12 [1d20=1]
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13 crit check
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 crit check and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
[17:41] <Anastasia> OOC - AC?
[17:41] <Demedais> OOC: 28.
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 2d6+6
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 2d6+6
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6+6 and gets 12."12 [2d6=1, 5]
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6+6 and gets 13."12 [2d6=1, 6]
[17:41] <Anastasia> roll 1d6+3
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d6+3 and gets 4."12 [1d6=1]
[17:42] <Anastasia> The claws tear in, ripping Demedais before a talon follows up! Despite that, his guard is up welle nough to resist some of it, able to defend himself far too well for a warrior who fights two handed! OOC - Seira.
[17:43] <Seira> Annoyed at the unibrow freak running away again, Seira sends a fireball at the beastie molesting Demedais, taking care to avoid scorching the paladin.
[17:43] <Seira> roll 9d6
[17:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 9d6 and gets 23."12 [9d6=6, 1, 1, 2, 3, 1, 4, 3, 2]
[17:44] <Anastasia> OOC - Caster level check.
[17:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
[17:45] <Anastasia> Seira fires forth a ball of searing flame and hate, but the creature seems to shrug it off! OOC - Fort save, Deme.
[17:45] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+9
[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+9 and gets 15."12 [1d20=6]
[17:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 more of these? ;_;
[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 more of these? ;_; and gets 24."12 [1d20=11]
[17:46] <Anastasia> roll 1d4
[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[17:46] <Anastasia> OOC -You're up, Deme.
[17:47] <Demedais> "I grow tired of this." Demedais utters as the spell continues to weaken him, letting loose another volley of jabs and slices at the demon and his illusions!
[17:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (-2 PA)
[17:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (-2 PA) and gets 22."12 [1d20=10]
[17:47] <Demedais> roll 1d3
[17:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d3 and gets 3."12 [1d3=3]
[17:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (-2 PA)
[17:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (-2 PA) and gets 30."12 [1d20=18]
[17:48] <Anastasia> OOC - One image down. Next attack.
[17:48] <Anastasia> OOC - Crit confirm and see if you hit an image or the real one 1d2.
[17:48] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 crit check
[17:48] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 crit check and gets 15."12 [1d20=3]
[17:48] <Demedais> roll 1d2
[17:48] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d2 and gets 2."12 [1d2=2]
[17:48] <Anastasia> OOC - Images are gone.
[17:48] <Demedais> OOC: So two cleave hits and the final of my full attack?
[17:48] <Anastasia> OOC - Yeah.
[17:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 -2 PA full attack finisher
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 -2 PA full attack finisher and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[17:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (-2 PA) cleave 1
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (-2 PA) cleave 1 and gets 26."12 [1d20=14]
[17:49] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 (-2 PA) cleave 2
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 (-2 PA) cleave 2 and gets 16."12 [1d20=4]
[17:49] <Anastasia> OOC - Cleave 1 hit.
[17:49] <Demedais> roll 2d6+11
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+11 and gets 17."12 [2d6=2, 4]
[17:52] <Anastasia> The demonic creature is wounded again, lagging! AS Claris continues to hack, he draws out to touch Demedais again, "My last measure to you, I must withdraw," he looks pale and pained, touching Demedais! Magic flows into him, bolstering his vitality! OOC - +4 con.
[17:52] <Anastasia> After that, he falls back, hurrying out!
[17:52] <Demedais> "Understood. Go!" Demedais says, eyes still on the Vrock.
[17:53] <Anastasia> The horrible creature continues it's dance of terror, once again attempting to maul Demedais!
[17:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+15
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 26."12 [1d20=11]
[17:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+15
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
[17:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28."12 [1d20=15]
[17:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 23."12 [1d20=10]
[17:53] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+13
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[17:53] <Anastasia> roll 2d6+6
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6+6 and gets 13."12 [2d6=4, 3]
[17:54] <Anastasia> roll 1d8+3
[17:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d8+3 and gets 4."12 [1d8=1]
[17:54] <Anastasia> Wounded further, Demedais is nonetheless supported by the magic imbued to him, largely cancelling out the damage done!
[17:55] * Seira decides to head back, rejoining the battle from a much closer range once she's within range of her orb of acid spell!
[17:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 ranged touch
[17:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 ranged touch and gets 20."12 [1d20=6]
[17:56] <Seira> roll 5d8+1 acid
[17:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d8+1 acid and gets 26."12 [5d8=8, 6, 1, 3, 7]
[17:58] <Anastasia> With the acid from behind, Seira gets the bakc of the fell creature! It hisses in pain and partially resists it, but nonetheless gasps and collapses! OOC - Since the gas resolves before you, roll your fort save then you can act and flee or whatever.
[17:58] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 jajane.
[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 jajane. and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
[17:58] <Anastasia> roll 1d4
[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[17:58] * Demedais moves out of the area, seeing the beast down for the count!
[17:59] * Seira shoots at the creature as Demedais withdraws, to make sure its painful demise.
[17:59] * Demedais pauses once out of range of the miasma, and uses his spells of lesser restoration to try and recover some of what has been done to him.
[18:00] <Demedais> roll 1d4
[18:00] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[18:01] <Anastasia> Demedais flees into the forest, out of the slowly spreading mist and restoring his vitality! Claris is not far, restinga gainst a tree but looking less pained. "We should return to safety," he rasps out, coughing.
[18:01] <Seira> "Couldn't agree more, in case this is a diversion," Seira responds, heading back at full speed.
[18:01] * Demedais nods, moving to him and using up his remaining two spells to heal him. "Indeed we should." he nods, before following Seira as fast as he can!
[18:01] <Demedais> roll 2d4
[18:01] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d4 and gets 6."12 [2d4=4, 2]
[18:02] <Anastasia> Claris stops Demedais, shaking his head, "Only one is needed, I can undo the rest," he asserts.
[18:03] * Demedais nods slightly and withholds it for now.
[18:06] <Anastasia> The three hurry back! The encampment is buzzing, soldiers readying in a chaotic scene! Both sides are mobilizing, staring off at each other. The cabins where the rulers stay are particularly guarded.
[18:07] <Seira> "Have there been any signs of a unibrow loser lurking around?" Seira calls out loudly to the guards.
[18:07] <Anastasia> Seira gets looked at by both sides, but a Baronies soldier runs up, "No one has been sighted, just noises from the forest as you came back," he reports crisply.
[18:08] <Anastasia> Claris shakes his head, "Excuse me," he says, heading over to the Malmuthian soldiers. "Where is His Majesty? Secure his position and begin perimeter guarding - stay spaced out, fire is in play."
[18:08] * Seira nods curtly, glancing at Claris. "We'll protect Lord Salman. Call upon us if Irenes returns."
[18:09] * Demedais moves toward the cabin Lord Salman and King Ferdi are in, not wasting words when Seira and Claris are handling both sides quite well.
[18:11] <Demedais> OOC: Strike the King Ferdi part.
[18:11] <Anastasia> Demedais returns to Lord Salman's cabin. It's guarded by five men, very briefly saluting Demedais as he approaches, then Seira as well.
[18:11] * Seira intends to remain in the field, giving the soldiers instructions of what to do in case of a mage or monster attack, confident that Demedais would brief Lord Salman suitably.
[18:12] * Demedais raps at the door, waiting for a response before coming in.
[18:12] <Anastasia> "Come," Lord Salman calls, terse and ready.
[18:14] * Demedais enters and salutes crisply to Lord Salman. "A magic-using intruder was deterred in the forest. Claris Brightsun of Malmuth's group and Seira and I handled the threat, but fearing distraction, we returned here quickly. You are unharmed?"
[18:14] <Anastasia> On entering, Lord Salman awaits. He's awake and ready, sword drawn and resting against the side of his chair. "What's all the commotion?" he asks, right to the point. Listening, "We are unharmed, I was awoken by the movement of our troops and reactions."
[18:15] * Ebiris_ (WinNT@user-514d039d.l3.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[18:15] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514d039d.l3.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris_))
[18:15] * Ebiris_ is now known as Ebiris
[18:15] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[18:16] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods with not a little notable relief. "Seira went to intercept the mage, but based on the fact that she didn't drag whoever it was back with her, I believe the enemy mage fled. A shame, that."
[18:18] <Anastasia> A pause, "Who was the mage?" he asks, outright, "Was an identity confirmed?"
[18:20] * Demedais pauses for a second as well. "Seira said it was Irenes."
[18:20] <Anastasia> Lord Salman's face darkens, but he accepts those words quietly. "Thank you, Demedais. We will need to talk as soon as possible, the three of us."
[18:21] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods. "Alert me when you want me to bring Seira in."
[18:26] <Anastasia> "Do it as soon s the situation outside is calmed," Lord Salman replies.
[18:26] * Demedais nods and salutes again, before stepping out to go assist Seira.
[18:27] * Seira is twirling an arrow in agitation, hopeful that Irenes would try again.
[18:27] <Anastasia> On Seira's orders, the soldiers are readying nets and setting up a loose defensive perimeter. But despite that, it seems quiet right now...
[18:28] <Demedais> "Seira. If you have the time, Lord Salman would like to speak with us both." Demedais says, walking up to her.
[18:28] * Seira snaps the arrow's shaft in two, discarding the fragments. "There's plenty of time now," she responds, following Demedais back into the cabin.
[18:29] * Demedais nods slightly before leading Seira back in.
[18:30] <Anastasia> Lord Salman waits, and once Seira i in, "What is truly Irenes?" he questions outright.
[18:30] <Seira> "Or a pretty good impostor," Seira responds.
[18:31] * ConnectionIsHate (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[18:31] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by ConnectionIsHate))
[18:31] * ConnectionIsHate is now known as Demedais
[18:32] <Anastasia> "Then why?" Lord Salman asks aloud, shaking his head. "How did he know where we are, further?"
[18:32] * Anastasia sets mode: +o Demedais
[18:32] <Seira> "By scrying, possibly," Seira tells him. "He certainly knows us well enough to try that."
[18:33] <Demedais> "A spy in either camp? Magical detection? Random teleportation until he found us?" Demedais says with a frown, shaking his head.
[18:34] <Seira> "No, the latter is just stupid," Seira responds with a shake of her head. "And so was his trap. How pointless."
[18:34] <Anastasia> "It does make little sense. Explain exactly what the trap was?" Lord Salman ponders heavily.
[18:37] * ConnectionIsHate (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[18:37] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by ConnectionIsHate))
[18:37] * ConnectionIsHate is now known as Demedais
[18:37] <Seira> "Just the three of us getting called out into the woods, on the surface by the other party." Seira shrugs. "It was suspicious from the start, but we couldn't just ignore the invitation."
[18:38] <Anastasia> "How horribly transparent," Lord Salman agrees with a note of irritation, "Claris was attacked as well? Or was the third another?"
[18:38] * Anastasia sets mode: +o Demedais
[18:39] <Demedais> "Claris was attacked as well, yes." Demedais replies.
[18:40] <Anastasia> "Transparent indeed," Lord Salman thinks, his voice heavy with thought. "The three of you overcame his trap?"
[18:41] <Seira> "It could've been actually threatening if he stayed behind instead of running away as usual."
[18:42] <Demedais> "Fairly easily, yes. He had one magic that drained the endurance of Claris and I, but it did not prove completely effective on me. I fear Claris was more severely affected by it."
[18:42] <Anastasia> "Then why...?" Scowling, "Then, I ask of you - how did he finds this place? Why attack like this? Whya ttack a soldier of Malmuth as well, no less?"
[18:44] <Seira> "He clearly underestimated us. That is the only thing I can think of."
[18:45] <Demedais> "And as for Claris... perhaps he was an acceptable casualty, as cruel as it may sound. If all three of us had fallen, why would you think anything against Malmuth?" Demedais reasons, shaking his head.
[18:47] <Anastasia> "Mmmm." Lord Salman thinks several moments, "While one should not assign to malice what can be explained to incompetence..." He begins, drawing on that, "This incident disturbs me on many levels. Demedais, what do you mean it may have been an acceptable loss, then?"
[18:50] <Demedais> "Assuming he is a Malmuthian mage assassin. Then, if the two primary guards and famed members of the Crimson Guard can be downed, that is less Malmuth has to worry about, a blow to Balmuria's morale and something that Malmuth can use to discourage future meetings." Demedais replied.
[18:51] <Seira> "I don't think it's quite that," Seira says with a frown. "If the purpose had been merely to ambush us, there was no need to bring Claris along. Perhaps Irenes isn't working with them after all?"
[18:52] <Demedais> "As I said, assuming that he is a Malmuthian. Yes, losing one of their own is a strong blow against Malmuth as well... but if our knowledge about Ferdi is correct, perhaps he considers it an acceptable risk?"
[18:54] <Seira> "May we ask how the talks are progressing, Sire?" Seira questions Lord Salman. "Do you sense any deception from Malmuth?"
[18:55] <Anastasia> Listening well, Lord Salman nods to Seira's question. "The first discussion have been guarded and basic thus far. King Ferdi stated a desire for the iron trade to continue, we replied in kind that we are content with that as long as peace remains between our nations."
[18:57] * Seira is mildly disappointed. "Has the troop build up in Valandia been discussed at all?" she asks.
[18:58] <Anastasia> "
[18:59] <Anastasia> "No, that is the main matter tomorrow. This was only the first day and first round, there was much probing and digression." Lord Salman does stop at that, "We had a lengthy discourse about the Crimson Guard. King Ferdi spoke as well of you as could be expected from one in his station; he seemed geniunely interested. His motives aside, we did not go into details, of course."
[19:01] <Demedais> "Of course." Demedais echoes slightly.
[19:02] <Anastasia> "I do believe your exploits have garnered considerable attention, the subject of Kondrux came up more than once, as did your jaunt in Malmuth," A glance to Demedais, "Even if such was disguised by politeness and covered well."
[19:02] <Seira> "We'll be close, tomorrow, in case of another attack," Seira says, before suggesting, "Though, perhaps, it would be vise to discretely change the cabin being used for the discussions."
[19:02] <Anastasia> "Agreed," Lord Salman so nods to that, "I doubt there will be any problems with that."
[19:03] * Demedais rubs the back of his neck in mild embarrassment.
[19:04] <Anastasia> "The subject of...our mutual friend has not come up," he pauses, "I do not know if the matter will be broached directly."
[19:06] <Anastasia> "But for now," Lord Salman goes on, "Rest and prepare. Doubtless tonights' attack will be discussed tomorrow."
[19:07] <Demedais> "Very well, sir." Demedais nods.
[19:07] * NeremWorld (~Nerem@pool-71-164-207-22.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:07] * Seira nods, echoing Demedais.
[19:10] <Anastasia> The next morning dawns clear and cool. The camp is tenser now, awaiting. A few hours past dawn the two rulers meet, going to discuss matters again. Claris can be seen, sitting in a chair in the Malmuthian side, instructing the soldiers about. OOC - Skip along or do you want to do anything?
[19:10] * Seira approaches Claris once again!
[19:11] * Demedais follows at a leisurely pace.
[19:12] <Seira> "I've been thinking," she informs the Malmuthian cleric. "We were told by a soldier that you wanted to see us in the forest the previous night. How was the message delivered to you?"
[19:13] <Anastasia> Soldiers eye the two decently, as they come up. "By soldier as well," he reports, sitting up straighter. HIs color has returned, vigor in his body. "I already talked to the one who brought the message to me," he goes on, "I was going to summon for you once I finished resting."
[19:14] <Seira> "I haven't, yet," Seira responds. "I figured we could investigate together, in the interest of promoting relations and all that."
[19:17] <Anastasia> "Very well, it's in our interests," Claris nods his agreement, "He said he can't quite remember clearly, but a voice was heard that suggested he go do it, and he feltcompelled to. In essense, magic, or the most silver laden tongue in all the world."
[19:18] <Seira> "That wasn't me, so it must have been magic," Seira agrees, nodding. "Where did it happen?"
[19:18] * Demedais just listens, having little to say here.
[19:20] <Anastasia> "On the edge of the camp," Claris continue son, "He had just returned from a brief visit into the forest."
[19:21] <Seira> "That doesn't seem to get us far," Seira says with disappointment. "Any chance of you having a spell to pierce invisibility handy?"
[19:23] <Anastasia> "Regretabbly, that is not a spell I can muster," Claris demures to that, "Was our spell sending foe protected as such?"
[19:24] <Seira> "Pretty much," Seira responds. "You know about Irenes, right?"
[19:26] <Anastasia> "I have heard that name before, I believe." Claris notes, "Go on."
[19:27] <Seira> "He's this bastard mage that keeps on telling everyone about being on your payroll," Seira tells Claris matter of factly. "He's tried to attack us before, but he seems pretty cowardly."
[19:29] <Anastasia> "Yes...Ib elieve his Majesty will wish to dosomething about him now. Such a attack is nigh close to a personal insult to the Crown," Claris Brightsun agress, "To attack such a well protected and important meaning..."
[19:29] <Anastasia> *meeting
[19:31] <Demedais> "He has not been a threat to you before now?" Demedais inquires.
[19:32] <Anastasia> Shaking his head, "I fear that I must discuss this matter with Hist Majesty before going on," Claris quietly states. "May we remeet once there is a break in the discussions?
[19:33] * Seira considers. "Don't accept any requests for meetings that don't come in hardcopy with my personal seal, but other than that, sure."
[19:33] <Anastasia> "Of course," Claris smiles thinly, "I think that can be agreed on, as well as not going into the forest."
[19:33] * Demedais grins slightly at Seira, before shaking his head. "A wise precaution."
[19:35] <Anastasia> Lunch comes and passes with no break. Finally, at around 3 PM, the two rulers emerge. The two shake hands once, before returning to their respective side. Lord Salman comes past Demedais and Seira, and with a few words, "Come along with me," he speaks plainely.
[19:35] * Seira comes along!
[19:36] * Demedais follows.
[19:40] <Anastasia> Once in the cabin once more, "Ferdi seemed most unhappya bout the attack as well." He begins without preamble, "He has vowed to put out a reward for the head of Irenes when he returns, on the grounds of crimes against Malmuth."
[19:41] <Seira> "I won't pretend to be broken up over it," Seira comments.
[19:41] <Demedais> "I still do not discount the idea of Irenes really working for Malmuth, but that is a step against it, yes." Demedais nods.
[19:43] <Anastasia> A thoughtful nod as well, "On the matter of troops, Ferdi cited internal security - Febras being one reason - and claimed that war was not his aim." Going on from that, "But that as the new northern border and near the Barbarian Lands, a strong defense is needed."
[19:47] <Demedais> "Again, pardon me if I stay suspicious." Demedais shakes his head. "Still... who knows when we may be attacked from the Barbarian Lands ourselves? It logically follows that we should bolster our defenses as well. Just in case, of course."
[19:48] <Seira> "And mutually agreed-upon troop levels could be established in an agreement between our countries," Seira adds.
[19:49] * Demedais nods.
[19:53] <Anastasia> "Of course," Lord Salman smiles ever so slightly, "Of course again, it's difficult tod o anything about troop levels short of war. If we accept all this on face value, we may be close to a beneficial agreement. If."
[19:54] * Demedais nods a bit glumly.
[19:57] <Anastasia> "As we see it...we can agree and hope for the best, agree and work along...or see how far their goodwill truly goes," Lord Salman goes on. "In this game, we control more than a few chips. While we are much smaller than Malmuth, we are not defenseless or without recourse. Perhaps, if Malmuth is pliable, we use our recoveries to cement our position and gain information from Malmuth."
[19:59] <Demedais> "But we still must avoid treading on Malmuth's toes...."
[20:00] <Anastasia> "Yes. Our situation is a delicate, difficult one," Salman agrees to that, "And if Irenes is working for them after all...our position is perhaps close to unteneable without war or conflict."
[20:01] <Demedais> "So for now, we may as well presume he isn't. Irritating, that." Demedais fumes.
[20:04] <Anastasia> "But if it is..." Lord Salman begins to smile bitterly, "Unless we can assure a way to decisively win a war against a much, much larger foe, we have become hemmed into a very small position, have we not?"
[20:06] <Demedais> "And yet a position we've pretty much been in this entire time." Demedais replies after a moment. "And our position has done nothing but improve, in my opinion."
[20:07] <Anastasia> "The only question then is to how far to go along with it. Rejection is not an option here, then," Lord Salman agrees.
[20:08] <Demedais> "Seira? Deception is your specialty, not mine."
[20:10] * Olorin (~Khazad-du@207-118-51-122.dyn.centurytel.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:10] <Seira> Seira snorts. "First of all, they must be suspecting we have more than we've shown. The way we've taken down the dragon, the ruins we are certain to be exploring, and the somewhat sudden alliance with the elves. Second, winning the war isn't enough for Malmuth. For them to mention iron trade from the start likely means they want it pretty badly, and if we made it clear we'll leave nothing but scorched earth in any retreat, their victor
[20:10] <Seira> y would be quite hollow."
[20:14] <Anastasia> "Hmmm. Their intentions vs our discoveries and alliance. If war were the only objective, I find the thought of this meeting unlikely and unneeded, not to mention a risk hardly worth taking. Perhaps we have given them pause with our accomplisments, and they find themselves wondering if they are in the same position we are in? Further, if their needs for iron are truly that exhausted..."
[20:15] <Demedais> "I believe them to be, yes." Demedais nods. "But... same position we are in? Explain, sir?"
[20:17] <Anastasia> "Perhaps...perhaps all this is the action not of a foe entirely, but of a worried neighbor? Their coup of the elves failed while we swooped in to succeed, we defeated Kondrux without their best men helping, we possess the artifacts and continue to grow."
[20:19] <Seira> "So they're worried over the stick," Seira comments, nodding to herself. "Is now the time for the carrot, Sire?"
[20:21] <Anastasia> "Yes, I believe it may be," Lord Salman considers, "Perhaps a very controlled, limited amount of information or booty in good faith may be a justifiable risk now."
[20:26] <Anastasia> Pondering this a few more moments, "I believe I have what I need now." Standing, "We are to resume talks soon. Should these matters go in this direction, I will summon you."
[20:26] * Seira nods once more. "Of course, Sire."
[20:27] <Demedais> "Very well, sir." Demedais acquiesces.
[20:28] <Anastasia> OOC - Are you going to want to do anything or just wait?
[20:29] <Seira> OOC: Tell our mooks not to venture into THE WOODS alone
[20:29] <Anastasia> OOC: Shock! Okay.
[20:29] <Demedais> OOC: Wait other than that.
[20:29] <Anastasia> A few more hours pass. As the dinner hour and sundown loom, a soldier knocks. "Sirs, Lord Salman wishes fo ryou rpresensce now," he confesses.
[20:30] * Seira is tempted to ask him for a password, but suppresses her mean side.
[20:30] <Demedais> "Very well, then." Demedais nods, rising.
[20:35] <Anastasia> So the two head inside. The two rulers await, a ceremonial bottle of wine between the two of them. Each holds full, untouche dglass, awaiting.
[20:36] * Demedais bows to Lord Salman and King Ferdi again, before straightening and waiting.
[20:38] * Seira lets Demedais handle the pleasantries, staying in the background for now.
[20:39] <Anastasia> A few moments later, Claris Brightsun enters. He nods to each as well, and then, "Lord Salman and myself have come to certain arraigements," King Ferdi begins, "Listen well."
[20:40] * Demedais nods sharply.
[20:41] <Anastasia> Claris smiles slightly, at attention.
[20:42] <Anastasia> "First of all, it is in the interests of neither of our nations to be at such tension." Lord Salman speaks, "We have agreed to define better limits regarding our border situation and troop placements."
[20:43] * Seira looks interested, at that, but doesn't speak up.
[20:44] <Anastasia> "Secondly," King Ferdi goes on without a pause after Lord Salman finishes, "In light of our competeing interests in certain fields; while we may not cooperate at this time for various practical reasons, a few certain exchanges of information are desierable. We wish to offer a piece of information pertinent to your interests, in exchange for answering a like question."
[20:46] <Anastasia> After amoment to settle in, "You serve the God Helm, yes? Not only for you, Demedais, but on more...far reaching matters?" King Ferdi asks, blunt.
[20:47] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais replies just as bluntly.
[20:49] <Anastasia> "If you succeed in your farthest term goals...will you endevour to make something you and your nation would like, or something Helm would like," Ferdi continues on after that admission, while Claris begins to frown.
[20:52] <Demedais> "What I do, I do for Helm." Demedais replies. "So in answer to your question, the latter, though I do not believe the two are opposing forces. ...Is your question regarding Helm's desire for Malmuth and Balmuria?"
[20:54] <Anastasia> "For Balmuria, more, but you have answered my question," Ferdi agrees, eyeing Demedais critically. "There is a matter of information we have little interest inconcealing forever; circumstances are not entirely favorable to it and it is a matter of supreme interest to you and the Crimson Guard, I believe."
[20:55] <Demedais> "Very well, then. What would this be?"
[20:56] <Anastasia> "As you have been not entirely stealthy with your own gains in t his field..." King Ferdi stands, slowly withdrawing his sword by it's jewelled hilt. A beautiful weapon, of etherial steel and silvery metal. Yet it looks strangely barbed, the sword's metal subtly flowing. A diamond, a ruby and an emerald are set in the center of the blade, gleaming with light.
[20:58] * Demedais stares at the blade for a few seconds, before looking to King Ferdi again. "One of the Resorts...? Or something else?"
[21:01] <Anastasia> "The first one, I believe," King Ferdi holds the blade, the three gems sparkling. "With the two in possession of your kingdom, this makes three recovered."
[21:02] <Seira> "It is very pretty," Seira comments. "Might we ask where it was recovered?"
[21:03] * Demedais nods in acknowledgement. "Hm. Closer to pulling this off than anticipated, then."
[21:05] <Anastasia> Carefully putting the sword back into it's hilt, "For the moment, leave that aside. The fact of the matter is that with this, you are indeed close. Only two more of the Resorts lie sleeping under the Earth now? Such is a reasonable trade." Going back to sitting, "But in return as well, is there a question you wish to ask of us in exchange for information?"
[21:06] * Demedais looks to Lord Salman and Seira to see if they have anything they want to know.
[21:07] <Seira> "Would you know of any elven mages loitering about your capital, Your Lordship?" Seira asks curiously.
[21:08] <Anastasia> King Ferdi shakes his head, "No, I do not. There is a wizard in Malmuth that has part elven blood, Roseam, but no full elves."
[21:10] <Seira> "Would it be rude to ask about the ruins below the palace, now," Seira muses to herself, though apparently not bothering to keep her voice low.
[21:11] <Demedais> "You do realize you just said that out loud, right, Seira?" Demedais gives her an odd look.
[21:12] <Seira> "I suppose I'll ask, then," Seira says, nodding. "King Ferdi, can I ask about the ruins below your palace?"
[21:13] <Anastasia> King Ferdi's smile is slim and to the point, "I underesitmated your information net," he admits after a moment, "Then yes, there are certain ruins below there." Admitting that after, "I will not go farther than that."
[21:13] * Demedais buries his face in his hands for a second and shakes his head.
[21:14] <Seira> "If you ever need help with them, don't hesitate to call on us," Seira offers brightly. "Gaining knowledge is the only reward I seek!"
[21:15] <Anastasia> King Ferdi does not seem to reflec ton that, but instead goes on. "Then...does cold mist mean anything to you?"
[21:16] <Seira> "I've encountered a place with a cold mist, once," Seira admits.
[21:19] * Demedais blinks a bit, before nodding slowly. "... would a celestial guardian in such a context mean anything to you?" he asks after a second.
[21:21] <Anastasia> King Ferdi nods very slightly, "It may," he agrees. After a moment, "One of our kingdom's servants had dreams of such a place, of cold mist."
[21:23] <Seira> "Perhaps, an exchange could be arranged?" Seira suggests. "I don't believe that, allies or not, any of us would simply be allowed into certain guarded areas of the other's realm."
[21:25] <Anastasia> "It may be considered," King Ferdi speaks at last, "There are practical matters to see to first."
[21:26] * Demedais nods.

[Corwin]

[16:48] <Kotono> After a short pause, "I will send Almand to Balmuria within two weeks with further information and discussion of practical matters from this," Ferdi concludes.
[16:49] * Seira nods, unwilling to voice her reluctance to deal with the infamous spy.
[16:49] * Demedais hesitates before nodding slowly.
[16:51] <Kotono> "We stil have a few minor matters to finish," Lord Salman speaks up at this, "But with s uccess, we intend to finish within the eve."
[16:52] <Demedais> "Very well then. By your leave..."
[16:52] <Kotono> Lord Salman nods briefly. Claris nods to Ferdi, who makes a curt nod back. With that, he heads outside.
[16:53] * Seira follows Claris outside once protocol has been satisfied.
[16:53] * Demedais follows Claris and Seira.
[16:55] <Kotono> Once outside, Claris breathes out, "It seems our lords have come to agreeable choices," he notes.
[16:56] <Demedais> "Thankfully." Demedais nods in relief.
[16:57] * Seira nods once more. "Feel free to respectfully suggest to your monarch that he sends you for further discussions instead," she tells Claris casually.
[16:58] <Kotono> "Heh..." He smiles a little bit, "I understand why," he agrees very quietly. "But King Ferdi puts trust into Almand, and he is askilled diplomat." Yet he does make a bit of a face, "I'll bear that in mind to his Majesty."
[16:58] <Seira> "It's all I ask," Seira responds, sounding quite agreeable.
[17:01] <Kotono> Turning, Claris extends his hand out. "I should go and talk to Almand, on that note. He's been keeping a low profile the last few days."
[17:01] <Seira> "Best of luck," Seira offers, shaking it.
[17:02] <Demedais> "Indeed, friend Claris." Demedais grins. "This all bodes well for our countries, I believe."
[17:02] <Kotono> With a slight nod to that, Claris departs. OOC - Do you two want to do anything or just get moved along?
[17:03] <Seira> OOC: Not particularly, at this point
[17:04] <Demedais> OOC: Nothing right now. We made a gesture to the Malmuthian troops already, talked to Claris... yeah, I'm fine.
[17:07] <Kotono> A few hours pass. Finally, Lord Salman summons the two heroes once more. On reaching his cabin, you find your Lord alone. "It's about finished now," he begins tiredly. "While the exacts will need to be negotiated, the intents are agreed on and clear."
[17:07] <Seira> "Is the agreement something we can live with, then, Sire?" Seira asks him.
[17:09] <Kotono> "I believe so. Ferdi negotiated well, but was more agreeable that I would have ever expected," Lord Salman quieres.  "Of direct interest, he talked of a 25,000 gold reward for the head of Irenes. He seemed most...unhappy."
[17:10] * Demedais raises both eyebrows.
[17:10] * Seira perks up at the exciting mention of lots of money to kill someone she didn't like from the start.
[17:11] <Kotono> "I'm not sure what to think on the matter at the moment," Lord Salman goes on, "But regardless, we seem to have succeeded. We'll be leaving at noon tomorrow."
[17:12] <Demedais> "Very well, then." Demedais nods.
[17:12] <Seira> "It might be prudent to keep our guard elevated until we depart, in case Irenes or another party decide to meddle at this time," Seira comments.
[17:13] <Kotono> "Yes. Speaking of such, we're going to take a slightly roundabout trip back. Let us change our return route a bit more towards the north in case Irenes wishes trouble again."
[17:13] <Demedais> "Agreed. I can keep watch for most of the night, as usual. And this sounds wise, Lord Salman." Demedais nods.
[17:16] <Kotono> "Alright, go and get your rest when you can, then," Lord Salman finishes, "The trip back will be a wary one until we reach our own soil once more.
[17:16] <Kotono> "
[17:17] * Demedais nods.
[17:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 2."12 [1d20=2]
[17:21] <Kotono> The night passes without incident and the next day is uneventful until noon. At that point, both leaders hake hands once more, the troops pulling up tents. Returning to formation, readying themselves...
[17:24] <Kotono> With that, the troops begin to head home. Thus the trip is joined in earnest..
[17:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[17:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-1 and gets 14."12 [1d20=15]
[17:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20-4
[17:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-4 and gets 11."12 [1d20=15]
[17:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 19."12 [1d20=19]
[17:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[17:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
[17:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 87."12 [1d100=87]
[17:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 72."12 [1d100=72]
[17:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54."12 [1d100=54]
[17:28] <Kotono> The first several days pass without incident. You see a few goblins and a single troll, but again, they stay awayf rom alarge group of armed men. There's slight problems with foodstores being raided, but nothing serious and a bit of hunting can easily stretch rations out. (More)
[17:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 18."12 [1d20=18]
[17:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 and gets 15."12 [1d20=14]
[17:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[17:32] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 59."12 [1d100=59]
[17:38] <Kotono> The rest of the trip out of the Barbarian Lands, until the very border. The travelling troop comes on a scene - at the very edge of the forest, a sight. A wounded man lies against a tree, bloodied and beaten. A horrible is ripped down his side,  his breathing shallow. A broken short sword lies besides him. He's about middle aged and has the hearty look of a peasant farmer.
[17:40] <Seira> With her bow out, Seira directs the men to form a defensive perimeter around Lord Salman, covering a detachment that would check up on the wounded man.
[17:40] <Demedais> "Seira, stay near Lord Salman!" Demedais requests as he gallops up to the man to check up on him.
[17:43] <Kotono> As the troops quickly fan out, Demedais approaches the man. He groans heavily, "Help...?" he drawls out, sleepy voiced. "No...are you going to take me onward?" He slurrs those words, "Don't...still gotta see my kids grow up strong first..."
[17:43] <Demedais> "Not just yet, sir..." Demedais says strongly, pouring his healing energy into the injured man.
[17:44] <Kotono> The healing seals the man's wounds, his eyes clearing. "Guh..." he begins to straighten, rubbing his eyes. "Soldiers?" he asks, the sleepiness fading.
[17:46] <Demedais> "Balmurian. What happened here?" Demedais asks, looking the man over.
[17:47] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the troops look about, holding a taunt perimeter. But you don't see any disturbances right offhand. "Troll." He licks his lips, "Came to my farm a few miles away. Damnest thing, had this shiny battle axe with it. Started to raise hell, but I scared it off with fire. After that...did a sweep around, but I got stupid. Thing was waiting and it jumped me. Sword didn't even slow it down, and it got me with the axe."
[17:54] <Demedais> "I see." Demedais nods, frowning. "Please hold on a second, sir." With that, he rides back to Seira and Lord Salman. "The man reports a troll who attacked him with a battle ax. After we escort you back to safety, Lord Salman, perhaps we should handle this threat to our people?"
[17:54] <Seira> "Donald should be sufficient to lead the guards," Seira muses.
[17:55] * Demedais glances to Seira, but doesn't reply, instead looking back to Salman.
[17:59] <Kotono> "If the two of you wish," Lord Salman nods after a moment, "Be cautious."
[18:00] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods. "Take care on the way home. Donald will do fine in that regard."  With that, he moves back to the man, motioning for Seira to follow. "Do you know which way the troll went?"
[18:01] <Seira> "And when exactly did you see him last," Seira adds, following.
[18:02] <Kotono> "I think it wasn't long...I think. I blakced out for a time," The man picks himself up, "He went deeper into the forest, I believe."
[18:03] * Seira assesses the capabilities of their soldiers briefly, and whether they have anyone dabbling in scouting or tracking of any kind.
[18:04] <Kotono> Seira notes there are a few trained in scouting with the group.
[18:05] * Seira recruits the efforts of a pair of them, preferably two that work well together, and assigns to them the job of tracking down the rampaging troll.
[18:05] <Demedais> "Very well. We'll go to try and handle this quickly, sir." Demedais nods.
[18:07] <Kotono> The two soldiers salute dutifully and get to work!
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 11."12 [1d20=7]
[18:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 23."12 [1d20=19]
[18:07] <Kotono> As the two soldiers stay, the rest resumetheir journey. It's not long until one calls out, "Sirs, I have the trail!"
[18:09] <Seira> "If we get the troll early enough, we'll rejoin the others easily," Seira muses to herself. "Alright, lead the way. Report if there's evidence of other monsters or sentients in the area."
[18:15] * Taishyr (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
[18:15] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[18:17] <Kotono> The two scouts lead the way. It seems to curve sharply into the forest, to the northeast. After about a half hour of following, one of the scouts looks up, "The trail's not changing," he reports back, "But the quarry was moving damned fast."
[18:18] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:19] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[18:20] <Seira> "Are we gaining on it?"
[18:21] <Kotono> "Can't tell," The scout reports back laconically, and then, "It's not in visual range, si it?"
[18:21] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[18:21] <Kotono> "Can't tell," The scout reports back laconically, and then, "It's not in visual range, si it?" Glancing upward, as if to see for himself, "If it is n't, we can't tell beyond that the trail's recen.t"
[18:22] <Seira> "How old is the trail, then?" Seira asks. "And would observing from above help any?"
[18:22] <Kotono> "Fresh." The answer is returned, "I can't tell beyond that it's been made very recently. Froma bove?" Glancing up at the forest, " Wouldn't the trees get in the way?"
[18:23] * Seira connects them all via Message, in any case, and shrugs. "Let's proceed as we are, then."
[18:26] * Demedais just nods slightly.
[18:26] <Kotono> So the group continues on...
[18:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 16."12 [1d20=12]
[18:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 16."12 [1d20=12]
[18:28] <Kotono> Another half hour passes, leading you into the deeper forest once more. Finally, one of the scouts stops, then another. There's not much of note here, just forest. "Direction just abruptly changed," he announces, pointing to the northwest.
[18:30] <Seira> "There's nothing we can do but follow and hope it wasn't a trap to draw us away," Seira tells them.
[18:32] <Kotono> "Yes, ma'am," the two scouts continue their work, leading you along. It's not so much to the north after a bit as the west, the trail following back. After about an hour your each the edge fo the forest,e perhaps a half mile north of where you came out of it before and found the farmer. "Trail's leading west still," the scout reports, face turning grim.
[18:33] <Seira> "Let's pick up the pace," Seira commands, bow in hand.
[18:36] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5442df48.lns2-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[18:37] <Kotono> With that, the party travels onward, faster! Within a few miles, you see a small, tidy farmstead in the distance. However, it's chimney is fireless, the farm animals milling around and bleating in a stable.
[18:38] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[18:39] * Seira leads the way towards it, taking to the air at the cost of a few words in Draconic once she is near it.
[18:39] * Demedais blinks at Seira's move, but matches her fairly closely on the ground.
[18:43] <Kotono> The scouts trail along as well, and as you get closer there are several things to be seen. The farm animals sound not hungry, but scared. Restless, the stable unsettled. The front door is ajar, the area strangely quiet except for thumping noises in side of the house. A pitcher of water lies near the side of the door, spilt to the ground.
[18:44] * Demedais sweeps outward quickly with detect chaos, on the off chance that he can spot the brute before it attacks.
[18:45] * Seira waves the others towards the side of the house thumping is being heard from, before looking for a suitable window to glance inside and assess the situation within.
[18:47] * Demedais motions the two toward where Seira gestured them two, but moves instead around the door about twenty to thirty feet away, trying to get a glimpse of whatever's inside.
[18:48] <Kotono> It's the rights ide of the house where the thumping is coming from at the moment. There's a window there, half curtained. The scouts approach...
[18:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 24."12 [1d20=20]
[18:49] <Kotono> The latter one, having already gotten the trail first, quickly ducks in and peeks! He waves his arm a moment later, a thumbs up shook about. A few more thumps inside, then none.
[18:50] * Demedais quickly moves in, sword out and ready as he glances about quickly.
[18:51] <Kotono> With a little peeking, Seira can also easily see the window that the scouts ooked in. She can just see what looks to be a nasty, green skinned creature heading outo f the room, a heavy weapon in hand. An axe of some sort? Meanwhile, Demedais heads inside! The front room is a simple square, where cloaks and boots are stored. Past that is a horizontal hallway, heavy footsteps lurching down it!
[18:52] <Demedais> "He's heading down a hallway. You have spells that won't cause area damage here, Seira?" Demedais whispers.
[18:54] <Seira> Floating next to the window, Seira forces it open and sends a globe of acid at the creature's back as a response for Demedais!
[18:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 ranged touch
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 ranged touch and gets 33."12 [1d20=19]
[18:55] <Kotono> OOC: It's a long shot since it's heading down the hall, bu-nevermind, you rolled so well it hardly matters. Do damage then we'll slip into initiative.
[18:55] <Seira> roll 5d8+1+2d6
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d8+1+2d6 and gets 30."12 [5d8=6, 2, 6, 8, 4][2d6=2, 1]
[18:56] <Kotono> The globe of acid is fired, slamming into it's back with a sickening smouldering! The troll roars in it's acidic agony, whirling around! OOC - Initiative.
[18:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 nerveskitter'd init
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 nerveskitter'd init and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[18:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 and gets 2."12 [1d20=2]
[18:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12."12 [1d20=9]
[18:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 scouts
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 scouts and gets 3."12 [1d20=1]
[18:57] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>>>Troll>Scouts>DemedaislovesHatbot'
[18:58] <Seira> "Liked that one? Have another," Seira tells the troll brightly, as another green orb materializes above her palm. She tosses it at the creature, and without waiting for the results flies straight up.
[18:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27."12 [1d20=13]
[18:58] <Seira> roll 5d8+1+2d6
[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5d8+1+2d6 and gets 39."12 [5d8=6, 8, 4, 6, 6][2d6=2, 6]
[18:59] <Kotono> The troll is staggered again, it's back half eaten away by acid! But it's a testament to it's vitality that it remains living! It does the logical thing, running down the hall and to the front door! BUt this leads it right to Demedais! It's surprise is written large on it's face, but it nonetheless holds it's axe and lets loose a massive slash!
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 30."12 [1d20=18]
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 2d6+6+2d8
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+6+2d8 and gets 26."12 [2d6=3, 1][2d8=8, 8]
[19:01] <Kotono> The blow slams into Demedais and his side, echoing with resonant force! THe awesome blow staggers the paladin, slamming him hard into the wall like he's a ball on the demented bat of a foul fiend! The wall buckles with the force, cracks running up and down the length! OOC - Deme.
[19:03] <Demedais> "Tch...!" Demedais grunts, before returning the favor with a charging lunge into the beast's chest!
[19:05] <Demedais> OOC: Scratch, misread.
[19:06] <Demedais> "Tch...!" Demedais grunts, before returning the favor with three smashing crosses across the brute's chest, the first one powered by his boots and boosted by holy power!
[19:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (+1 Haste, +4 Smite, -4 PA)
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (+1 Haste, +4 Smite, -4 PA) and gets 20."12 [1d20=6]
[19:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (+1 Haste, -4 PA)
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (+1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[19:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+5 (+1 Haste, -4 PA)
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+5 (+1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
[19:07] <Kotono> OOC - OOC - First two hit.
[19:08] <Demedais> roll 4d6+15+15+6
[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+15+15+6 and gets 55."12 [4d6=3, 5, 5, 6]
[19:10] <Kotono> The first cross leaves the troll's chest ripped open, the second tearing deeper in! It stumbles onto it's knees, half keeled over and it's axe falling out of it's hand! It's half leaning against the wall, downed!
[19:10] <Kotono> OOC - Since it's unable to act at the moment, free actions.
[19:10] * Demedais kicks the axe away from its hand and glances it over to see if it's the one he ran into with Engan.
[19:11] * Seira flies into the house through the front door, and snorts at the downed troll. "Let's set it on fire outside?" she suggests to Demedais.
[19:11] <Demedais> "Sure." Demedais nods as he begins to drag it outside.
[19:12] * Seira designates an area where her fireball won't damage anything important, and after the troll is dumped there and everyone retreats, she starts a lovely bonfire!
[19:12] <Seira> roll 9d6
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 9d6 and gets 40."12 [9d6=4, 6, 5, 4, 2, 6, 5, 6, 2]
[19:13] <Kotono> The troll doesn'te ven scream as it's dragged out and set afire, burning merrily! As the scent of scorched troll fills the air, the two scouts watch in wander. "GodDAMN," one mutters aloud, wide eyed.
[19:14] * Seira seems pleased, and reenters the house, this time to search for its previous owners, announcing her presence and affiliation loudly.
[19:15] <Demedais> "They hate fire and heat, the only thing that kills them. As even more gruesome as it seems." Demedais says, before returning to assist Seira.
[19:15] <Seira> "And acid," Seira adds. "Can't say the like that."
[19:15] <Kotono> The house's bedrooms are wrecked, as is the kitchen. No signs of the inhabitants, living or dead. "It's not that...I've heard about trolls. You don't just kill a troll that quickly," the scout observes.
[19:16] <Seira> "Certainly not if you go at it with that attitude," Seira scoffs.
[19:16] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:17] <Demedais> "Mmm." Demedais grunts non-committally, instead choosing to look around for any clues as to the survivor's locations.
[19:17] <Seira> "Anyone?" Seira tries again. "Balmurian soldiers here! Troll's dead and stuff!"
[19:17] <Kotono> No responses or sign of the inhabitants. None whatsoever.
[19:18] <Demedais> "Well, perhaps they'll come back. Let me leave a note." Demedais says, pulling out paper and pen as he does so.
[19:18] <Seira> "Search the house and the grounds," she tells their scouts. "I'll take a look around." There are still several minutes left on her spell, plenty of time to fly over the area in a spiral and look for any signs of the inhabitants.
[19:19] <Kotono> Seira does some looking around as Demedais leaves a note. A few miles away, Seira can distantly see another small farmstead. There's smoke coming from that chimney.
[19:20] * Seira heads there at top speed!
[19:22] <Kotono> Seira makes it there before the spell ends. There, she finds another little farmstead, but the door opens as she approaches. "Halt!" Stepping out is a burly man with a heavy pickaxe, "You ain't a troll, but...what do ya want?"
[19:27] * Seira floats in the air, cloak billowing behind her dramatically. She glances at the farmer over her shades, saying, "I'm Captain Seira of Balmuria, and I need to ask you a few questions."
[19:28] <Kotono> Glaring up, "Yeah? Whaddya want?" He stares, "Damnation, you're...what the HELL are you? You look like an elf and a lizard got drunk together, ya?"
[19:29] <Seira> "There is another farmstead a few miles away," Seira says, indicating the direction as she ignores the man's rudeness. "Can you tell me who owns it?"
[19:30] <Kotono> "Yeah, Brockson." He slightly relaxes at that, "They're inside, runnin' from a troll. 'apprently it's been after them all day."
[19:31] <Seira> "It won't bother them any longer, though they still have to take care of its corpse's disposal on their own," Seira tells him. "Are you plagued by anything else in these parts? We might as well take care of it while we're in the area."
[19:32] <Kotono> Looking on in a mix of distrust and interest, "Goblins flare up every now and again," he notes, "We get aid from Balmuria every once 'n awhile. Ain't been too bad in awhile, though."
[19:34] <Seira> "I'll take care of setting up patrols to deal with the goblin situation," Seira says, before reaching into her pocket. "Mind calling Brockson out for a moment?"
[19:34] <Kotono> A grunt, "Hey, Brockson! Get out here! Someone says your troll problem's gone!"
[19:36] <Kotono> The man from before comes out, wearing a cloak over his torn clothes. "Oh!" His face lights up a bit when he sees Seira. "You got the troll?"
[19:37] * Seira nods. "Is everyone else uninjured?"
[19:38] <Kotono> "We're fine - we got away before it got to us," Brockson calls back, "Thank you."
[19:39] <Seira> "Just doing our job," Seira responds as she floats down to leave a few gold coins in his palm, for reconstruction efforts, before saluting and flying off to regroup with Demedais.
[19:41] <Kotono> This goes without incident, the farmstead being secured now.
[19:42] <Demedais> "Seira, mind glancing at that ax and telling me if it's magical?" Demedais mentions as an aside.
[19:43] * Seira snaps her fingers. "Done!"
[19:44] * Demedais goes to pick up the ax for the use of the Guard.
[19:44] * Seira glances at it to see if she can estimate the metal it's made from.
[19:45] <Kotono> OOC - Do you have any ranks in appraisal or anything rleated to metals?
[19:46] <Seira> OOC: I have alchemy, I'm really smart and I've encountered all the special metals already?
[19:46] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[19:46] <Kotono> OOc - Int check.
[19:47] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 27."12 [1d20=18]
[19:48] <Seira> "It's probably worth a couple thousand, we'll sell it," Seira decides. "The scouts should get something, too."
[19:50] * Demedais nods in complete agreement.
[20:00] <Kotono> So with some effort, Seira and Demedais catch up to Lord Salman's troop. Thus, after camping, the morning brings a return to Balmuria. As the sun rises high into the sky and the air is cool with a sea tang, the group returns. At the gate is Commander Oberuth and Alicia, the former saluting. "Welcome back, Lord Salman," he notes respectfully.
[20:01] * Alicia echoes the salute to the soldiery and gives Lord Salman a respectful bow upon his return.
[20:01] * Seira seems pretty happy to be back, keeping herself to the background.
[20:02] * Demedais is near Seira, willing to just go with what happens.
[20:02] <Kotono> "Thank you. We return with good tidings," he answers, "Let us ascond to discuss the events that have transpired."
[20:06] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth nods briskly, turning back. The streets have people watching as the weary normal guards follow to the garrison grounds, where htey are at last dismissed. Into the garrison you, to a meeting room. On sitting, Lord Salman begins. "We came to reasonable agreements with the Malmuthians," he opens forthright. "Further, matters become more entangled as Irenes attempted to disrupt the affair."
[20:07] * Alicia scowls at the mention of that wizard. "I am glad to see you are unharmed, my Lord," she volunteers. "What happened with him?"
[20:08] <Seira> "He ran away. He does that a lot."
[20:09] <Kotono> "As I understand it," Lord Salman does press on, "He sent guards to have Claris Brightsun meet Demedais and Seira in the forest and vice versa. Once there, he unleashed a magical ambush on all three."
[20:10] <Seira> "It wasn't a very successful one," Seira adds. "But it's the thought that counts."
[20:10] <Alicia> "I'm glad of that, at least," Alicia smiles faintly.
[20:11] <Kotono> "King Ferdi seemed...unamused  by it, and has taken it as a personal insult," Lord Salman continues on, "With this and the surprisingly agreeable succeesses of negotiation, I find our position looking well if things are as they appear."
[20:13] <Alicia> "Really? The negotiations went that well?"
[20:13] <Kotono> Oberuth raises an eyebrow, but listens.
[20:14] <Kotono> "Yes. King Ferdi claims to want peace and was...surprisingly so commited to it, if his words are true," Lord Salman does pause on that, voice ponderous and slow. "However...Privately, we are somewhat worried. How did Irenes find us, and why did he try to kill both Baronies and Malmuthian heroes? Is he truly working alone, or..." A shake of his head.
[20:16] <Seira> "As long as we don't relax our guard and maintain our military strength while keeping up with the training, I don't foresee a problem," Seira volunteers.
[20:17] <Alicia> "Speaking of troublesome enemies, you'll be pleased to know that Febras is no more," Alicia adds. "He exacted a heavy toll from our guardsmen, but the Commander and I were able to kill him."
[20:17] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth nods after a few moments, "Yes. I don't see time worsening our position much, unless unforeseen circumstances get us. Still..." Leaning back, "Every report we got before this screamed that war was coming."
[20:18] * Seira conceals her true reaction quite well, instead offering, "Congratulations," to the Commander and Alicia.
[20:19] <Demedais> "Excellent." Demedais grins. "One threat to the town down."
[20:19] <Kotono> Oberuth nods, briefly, "It was a horrible and draining fight, but Alicia was able to damage his ring after he invoked it to attack us. The aftermath left Febras turnt to ash and in possession of his ring and rapier. The former of which is of interest to us."
[20:22] <Alicia> "Well... I don't know how interesting it is," Alicia shrugs. "It defies divination, but from her identify spell, Countess Stronger only got that it cannot be worn by any that live. From his death throes, Febras appeared to be vampire, so it seemingly protected him from the Sun, and he used it to unleash a blight attack on us. Whether it does anything useful, I couldn't say."
[20:23] <Seira> "Sounds familiar," Seira muses. "And entirely useless to us, at present, except to keep it out of enemy hands."
[20:23] * Alicia nods.
[20:23] <Demedais> "Doesn't sound like it'd be useful to us, then." Demedais shakes his head.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Still, this is indeed excellent," Lord Salman begins to grin, "Then well done." After amoment, "But then, assuming that matteres are settled for the time being, do the three of you have any plans or actions?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "Oh yes, speaking of, before we go on." Lord Salman clears his throat, "There is one matter we neglected to mention."
[20:26] <Kotono> "In our negotiations, as a trade off for other information, Ferdi revealed that he possessed one of the gnomish Resorts. A jewelled sword." Lord SAlman advises, "Misfortune, yet at least we know where it rests now."
[20:27] <Alicia> "Hmm... So we have two, Malmuth has one, and Pallanth has another. That just leaves one unaccounted, doesn't it?" Alicia asks, glancing at Seira and Demedais for confirmation.
[20:28] <Seira> "I would bet half my fortune that it is in the desert fiefdoms," Seira voices. "In their ruins, in fact."
[20:29] <Kotono> "They do seem to be spread out, so yes, that would make sense," Commander Oberuth agrees, "Of course, getting it will probably be another matter altogether."
[20:31] <Seira> "I've made inquiries," Seira informs him. "It might not take too long to get permission for a small team to investigate their ruins."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Then let's work on making those numbers more in our favor," Lord Salman instructs, "Alright. I aim to send a letter of thanks to Pallanth for services rendered tomorrow, I can include inquiries on that matter as well if your aims are there?"
[20:34] <Seira> "If the elves would be willing to part with their artifact, even temporarily, it will open new doors for us," Seira says thoughtfully. "Quite literally, in fact."
[20:35] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais chuckles.
[20:40] <Seira> "Speaking of putting artifacts to better use, if we could find a way to borrow the Colonel's dagger without hurting his feelings..." Seira comments innocently, trailing off.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Do you need it?" Lord Salman asks outright.
[20:44] <Seira> "It would be very helpful!" Seira chirps.
[20:45] <Kotono> "I'll discuss the matter with him," Lord Salman agrees gravely.
[20:45] * Seira looks quite happy at the prospect.
[20:47] <Alicia> "He could even come with us to the ruins, if he doesn't want to be parted from it," Alicia suggests as a compromise, if necessary.
[17:03] <Demedais> "That's a good idea, yes. Seira? Any comments?"
[17:03] <Seira> "Pass on another trip with Khardon, once was enough."